If you are thinking of getting your hands on the wheel of a supercar, keep in mind that there will always be things that you don’t know about these powerful vehicles until you own or drive one. But let’s change that. Let’s take a look at some of the things they don’t tell you about owning a supercar:

Supercars are hard to drive

Unlike regular cars, supercars are rarely used to just get you from point A to B, like running errands, for instance. You might use them to stop somewhere and continue your schedule quickly, but most of the time, supercars are used as a toy you can play with. You take it for a drive from point A to Point A. Especially since you cannot transport more than one person in it.

Enjoying the ride is a challenge

Another sad fact is that you will never be able to drive a supercar as you wish to. Speed limits and bumpy roads are constant roadblocks that will never let you enjoy your supercar to the fullest.

There are some streets, in Germany, for example, where you can push the supercar to the maximum speed. However, it is prohibited to use these cars at their best capacities in most countries since you have to respect speed limits on highways. So before you commit to buying a beast, know that you will primarily use it to show it off and drive it carefully.

Car maintenance is expensive

This is not quite a secret. As you might already know owning a supercar comes with high maintenance costs. But what you may not know is that the maintenance is not just high, but extremely expensive.

So don’t be surprised if you leave a service department spending thousands of dollars in one go. It can get costly to upkeep the car because of the difficulty of replacing the parts, let alone fixing them.

Manufacturers try to keep this part “hidden” when you buy a supercar. However, as with all expensive things that you buy, maintaining them will also be expensive.

Limited space

While all supercars might look super comfortable and spacious in the photos, the reality is quite different.

The majority of supercars have limited headspace (or height space) and legs pace. We’re looking at you, Lamborghini.

Jokes aside, limited space does not mean tall people cannot drive supercars. However, if you are tall, you will feel the lack of space even more, and the driving experience will not be as relaxing.

If it makes you feel better, keep in mind that all supercar owners have this challenge — some more than others. But one problem is consistent: you cannot enter into a supercar as gracefully as you might wish.

Supercars draw a lot of attention

We bet you already know this. We also bet this fact is one of the main reasons why you are deciding to buy a supercar in the first place.

However, if you are the type of person who does not want to attract a lot of attention, driving a supercar will make that goal almost impossible. Moreover, with lots of attention comes higher risk.

As a supercar owner, you will have to pay extra attention to people trying to steal your car or steal any parts from it.

If you plan to buy a supercar, don’t let these facts or things stop you from fulfilling this dream. Every dream or goal has its own challenges. The important thing is to know about these challenges as soon as possible so that you are aware and make an informed decision.

These are just some of the things they do not tell you about owning a supercar. Do you know any other things or “hidden” facts about owning this type of car? Share with us know in the comments below. Let’s talk!

The post What are the things they don’t tell you about owning a supercar?  appeared first on Altered Steel.

Why do cheap cars matter?

Before getting to the core of it, let us first understand why we should even worry about this trend. If consumers are ok with buying expensive cars, then where is the issue? The simple answer to this goes back to the reason why cheap cars were produced in the first place.

At the beginning of automobile history, not everyone could afford a car. However, mass production would bring economies of scale and significantly lower the costs of vehicle manufacturing. Therefore, cars needed to sell in volumes and nudge customers of all categories.

This is when Ford introduced the first moving assembly line for automobile mass production. And then Volkswagen came up with the concept of the people’s car. People could finally afford cars and soon, they became loyal to these brands. They would keep buying new cars for themselves and their children, too.

Nowadays, cheap cars may seem not profitable in the short term. However, in the long run, they may bring in additional customers. Small compact cars such as Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic can seem appealing to the youth or first-time car buyers. Who wants to spend a ton of money on their first car?

However, if new drivers end up liking a particular brand, they become regular customers. Thus, cheap cars can bring a way of nudging younger targets, who, when wealthier, will buy into their more expensive vehicles.

Why are cheap cars becoming extinct?

Supply and demand

The economics of producing cheap cars needs large volumes to cover factory fixed costs. This comes with the risk of not being able to sell so many cheap cars in the market.

Usually, budget vehicles are smaller, and consumers in the U.S. prefer more passenger room and cargo space, especially those with big families. This, in turn, can bring the profit margins down for car producers.

Even though automakers may optimize and use parts made for cheap cars in their more expensive models, the opportunities for higher profit are slim.

On the other hand, drivers have shown high demand for bigger vehicles such as SUVs, which now sell at a more affordable price than before. Thus, consumers are still paying above $20,000, but they feel like they are getting a great deal and value for money. They prefer the flexibility SUVs offer, higher ground clearance, bigger space, and overall comfort. This is reflected in the higher willingness to pay for such cars.

Another price premium consumers are willing to pay is related to all car tech features, such as infotainment systems, in-car phone connectivity, or voice recognition, among others. The new generation is highly digitalized. Younger drivers also want their cars to have smart options and would not compromise for a simpler-looking interior, even if the latter would be cheaper.

Regulatory factors

As the country is going towards decarbonization, there are increasing regulatory restrictions regarding the type of cars that one can buy. Thus, vehicles that are highly polluting or older than a certain year are not allowed to be sold. The era of diesel may be coming to an end. Electric vehicles and low-emissions cars are becoming increasingly popular. They also carry a heftier price tag, as they embed technological innovations and car designs improvements.

Financial factors

Last but not least, it has become easy nowadays to get loans and purchase or lease cars, even accounting for inflation. This can make even more expensive cars more accessible for lower-income buyers. Leasing can even be cheaper, allowing one to simply swap cars for new models every couple of years or so.

And if one can utilize these resources and get the car of their dreams, then why compromise for a cheaper and less sophisticated car?

Having all these factors in mind, the cheap car extinction trend makes a bit more sense. If the incentives for expensive cars are there, and consumers use them, then the outlook for cheaper cars is definitely not bright.

What is your stance on this trend? Would you prefer a cheap car, or are you into premium vehicles? Let’s start a conversation.

The post Cheap cars are about to become extinct. Why? appeared first on Altered Steel.

What was the ancient nomadic life like?

Hunting animals and gathering plants were the main activities of hunter and gatherer societies around 11,00 to 12,000 years ago. They created a community of equals, where responsibilities were well-divided and everyone knew their role. Though there were not any modern means of organizing or researching the next best place to settle, people in this culture did a great job arranging all the travels. Quite amazing in terms of logistics, especially considering they mainly traveled by foot.

There were no fancy tools, no need for money, and no sense of individual ownership. The common property was what prevailed, as nature did not belong to anyone.

There seem to be no place for greed. The people hunted just enough to eat for a short period of time, without exceeding their limits. For a practical reason, this made sense, as they wanted to have less to carry with them.

There was no need for money either, as the barter economy allowed for simple transactions. Was it an isolating lifestyle? Maybe. But although we oftentimes think of it as primitive, we should keep in mind that we still cherish many of these lifestyle traits.

Nomadic lifestyle: the past and the present.

Regardless of the number of years that pass, the value system of a nomadic lifestyle has stayed unchanged for the most part. Connecting with nature, exploration, and adventure still remain at the center of it. Respect for nature is vital, and each nomad creates a special relationship with the trees, the woods, flowers, and all parts of the ecosystem.

What has changed with modern nomads is highly related to their additional motives for choosing the #vanlife and the logistics of it. Many modern nomads want to escape from a stressful life and to even get off the grid for some time. Restoring the energy while enjoying the feeling of independence, is oftentimes the best cure for stress. However, there are also those who are not escaping from anything. They just want to get back to their roots instead. Fascinated by their ancestral past, they try to keep their legacy alive.

Moreover, technological developments and social progress have equipped modern nomads with some of the best means of living sustainably and yet comfortably. People can choose this lifestyle. This was not always the case with ancient societies. Therefore, in modern days, being a nomad is not for everyone. Especially not for those who prefer comfort, indoor showers, or abundant wardrobes.

Are nomadic feelings innate in humans?

Although the word “migrant” is nowadays loaded with mixed meanings, which are not always pleasant, it seems that there is a common pattern across times and places. People have always liked moving and exploring, engaged in curiosity, and succumbed to wanderlust. Felix Marquardt calls these feelings “ancestral, essential and instinctive” in his book “The New Nomads: How the Migration Movement is Making the World a Better Place”.

The challenges of walking long distances, keeping social equality, or struggling to get food seem trivial to the modern convenient arrangements of renting or buying an RV, working remotely from a laptop, or buying food from local stores.

It is because of all these modern inventions that sometimes we forget that in essence, we still carry many of the inner traits of the ancient nomads. One of the most forgotten ones seems to be the drive to preserve nature without taking from it more than we can replace. Hopefully, modern nomads will bring this trait back to life as they explore different natural habitats and raise awareness.

How do you feel about modern nomads? What other common qualities with ancient nomads do you see? Let’s start a conversation – share your thoughts with us.

The post Ancient roots of the modern nomads appeared first on Altered Steel.

Technology has also helped us immensely when it comes to ease of communication as well. Who would have imagined centuries ago that we would have the means to communicate with anyone anywhere in the world in real-time?

Who would have imagined that technology would make it possible for people to switch to working online? Or celebrating the birthday of a loved one in real-time despite living on different continents?

So to connect? Or to not disconnect? Is technology making us more or less social? Researchers have been debating this question for quite some time now. Let’s delve into the up- and downsides of modern tech.

The upsides of technology

Technology is helping us be and feel more social. Compared to decades ago, we now can communicate with hundreds of people every day. It doesn’t matter if we know everyone we interact with or not. And that’s the beauty of technology: it gives us the opportunity to see and explore different and often contrasting viewpoints. It makes us more open to a conversation with people we do not know and welcome change in different areas of our lives.

Social networks also may help us be more proactive and take action. Various political, social, and climate strike movements were made possible and gained exposure and popularity thanks to technology and the power of social media.

The downsides of technology

Nevertheless, there are several downsides to any advances in technology. Remember the discussion on the pros and cons of autonomous cars?

Since social media started gaining popularity in the last decade, discussions on its positive and negative effects are still ongoing. As social networking apps pop up every day, borderline addiction to these networks, as with any type of addiction, is becoming more and more harmful.

While we might be mindful that social media is wasting our precious time, at the same time, it may be hard to stop the infinite scrolling. We’ve all been there. Sometimes even on auto mode without even paying attention to what we are looking at.

Technology has the power to draw us back in and “force” us to pay less attention to our real, physical world and the real people in front of us.

Have you ever asked yourself if it is more important to reply and socialize with the person or people next to you, in real-time, or respond to that message, to that email, or that sweet comment on your Instagram feed? Are the people sitting at the same table with you more important than anonymous social media followers or strangers on the internet? To whom do you pay attention first? Who and what gets the priority in your life?

Finding the golden middle

Being responsive on social media at all times is tempting. Checking your notifications is tempting. However, it is essential to be mindful of these actions and limit online time as much as possible. It is the only way to make space for real-life interactions. Enjoying nature, exploring new places, connecting with fellow human beings, making plans and creating projects, and completely forgetting about checking our handheld devices are also important for our wellbeing.

Yes, technology is enriching our social relationships. We are being more social than we ever were before. But at the same time, we are being less social and communicating less with people we know and meet in person.

Taking a break from our devices from time to time is also recommended. It might be refreshing and give you the chance to come back with a new perspective and take back control of how you spend your valuable time on a day-to-day basis.

The post Is technology making us more or less social? appeared first on Altered Steel.

Change is inevitable. So is the choice. But the best decisions are made responsibly. Being responsible is good. Whether you buy a zero-emissions vehicle for the sake of the environment or a safer environment comes as a bonus, the important thing here is tapping into your own motivation that drives you to want to do something. And most humans want to feel they are contributing to something bigger than themselves anyways.

Best decisions are also informed decisions. So when it gets to EVs, you should be able to look at them with a critical eye – not only appreciate their advantages but accept the shortcomings as well. We often tend to exaggerate the virtues of EVs, turning a blind eye to their flaws.

Let’s open our minds and look beyond what’s comfortable; embrace the change, give constructive critique – inspire that perfect EV fleet. Let’s have an honest conversation about issues with EVs.

The charging station conundrum

Right now you are used to pulling up to a gas station and being out in a matter of 10 minutes or less. Even if there’s a line – the wait is still acceptable given the number of available fueling pumps.

Now, imagine having to charge your electric ride. The fastest charge would take you about 15 minutes. And what if there’s a line? How much of your valuable time are you willing to spend just waiting for your car to fill up on electricity?

The most obvious solution to this challenge is building more charging stations and optimizing charging time. It may be a valid option, we just need to be patient and wait for the infrastructure to grow and develop.

Besides, an average range today will allow you a trip of 200 miles on a single charge – we rarely drive more than that in a single day. So when we compare EVs with traditional, gasoline-powered cars, the difference is strictly psychological, according to some researchers. But should we really be justifying the slow adoption of electric vehicles based on the imperfections of human nature? Yes, the human species have a hard time parting with something familiar, something that gives at least an illusion of stability.

But curiosity and exploration are also intrinsic to humans. How about those of us who like to go on adventure trips, getting lost among the rugged terrains? Would we be willing to “contaminate” the virgin landscapes with charging stations? Because it’s not like we can just carry a jerry can filled with electricity around.

While this is still far off in the future, and we first need to get more EVs on our streets, this challenge will eventually catch up to us. We might as well start planning early and solve the charging time and battery capacity conundrums first.

The charging time conundrum

Let’s say the new improved charging stations will be able to supercharge your car in 15 minutes or less. Here’s the thing, though, – the faster you charge your battery, the more you reduce its life, and increase the possibility of fire. A flaming EV battery seems like something you wouldn’t want to experience.

So, there is a good reason why you usually trickle charge your batteries – as you do with your lawnmower or vacuum cleaner, or any battery gadget you have at home. But here’s the thing – you are at home and there’s usually no urgency. With EVs, we don’t have patience or time to wait for a slow charging battery to replenish.

I’ll charge my EV at home, overnight, you’ll say. Well, this leads us to the next conundrum.

The electricity supply conundrum

EV advocates have been dodging the attacks of EV skeptics on this front. To begin with, the latter claim that all EVs together will bring the electricity supply grid. Somehow they even got the CEO of Toyota on board, who has also expressed doubts about electrical grid capacity. Unless that’s a marketing trick to steer the attention towards hydrogen-fueled cars.

To counteract this claim, the Department of Energy produced a report that assures concerned citizens that mass adoption of EVs “will not pose significantly greater challenges than past evolutions of the U.S. electric power system.” And some automakers are feeling positive about EVs being able to even add stability to the electric grid.

Another concern hits closer to home. You can’t use your 120V plug to charge your electric vehicle. Or technically, you can – but prepare to stay home for days waiting for your battery to replenish because your standard plug only adds a few miles of range per hour! And I know you are not buying your EV only to stare at it in your garage for days. So you will need a 240-volt charging system at home, which adds a hefty number to the cost of owning an electric vehicle. And not all homeowners are prepared to assume it right away.

A survey at UC Davis found out that 21 percent of California drivers gave up on their plug-in vehicle after driving it for some time. 71 percent of these drivers didn’t have a 240-volt plug at home.

It seems that some EV enthusiasts are, well, being too enthusiastic, deeming the biggest challenge with EVs is actually getting people to try them. They claim that once you try an EV you are most likely going to stick with it. They say it’s fun to drive and joining the ranks of green-minded individuals should not be the last reason either.

But the reality paints a different picture – retaining drivers is paramount for our bright green future.

Will electric cars be just cars someday?

It’s hard to predict the future exactly as it will be. We can speculate, make projections, and set goals. EVs come with a lot of questions, concerns, and confusion, but also a great deal of curiosity and motivation to solve all the unknowns.

For electric vehicles to become part of our everyday life it will take a shifting mindset to learn to love them. But not just for the end consumer. Automakers, government regulators, scientists, regular drivers, and of course, the Big Oil companies would all need to come together and gear up for the challenge of bringing safe and efficient vehicles to our roads.

The post Issues with EVs we (don’t) talk about appeared first on Altered Steel.

What data does your car gather about you?

Try to remember your actions the last time you were in your car. Did you connect your phone to make and receive calls, or listen to music and news? Did you use the different temperature options or navigation system?

Probably, now that I am asking these questions, you are realizing how much your car might know about you. And by your car, I mean the auto manufacturers and possibly other entities as well. They have information on your interaction with other people, your music taste, regular routes you take, and even health conditions.

Now imagine driving an autonomous vehicle. Yes, it may be convenient not to worry about the actual act of driving. But the price you pay is giving up terabytes of personal data. Autonomous vehicles need more devices that capture information on the inside and outside of the car in order to operate smoothly without a driver.

For example, Tesla has already received criticism about the potential usage of the amount of data it is gathering from the in-vehicle camera monitoring services. These cameras are running even when the autopilot is off, gathering information on driving habits and even the frequent charging places used. This is quite an extensive range of personal information that Tesla collects. Being aware of this fact is only the first step towards addressing the issue.

How can your car be a surveillance tool?

The classic issue with collecting private data circles around the entities that own it and the way they use it. Continuing with the case of Tesla, how the company uses the collected data is still unclear.

On the one hand, the automaker can be using the data to improve the existing tech. But on the other hand, the company may even be sharing it with other interested parties.

All can happen, as long as there is no current federal law that can regulate this type of data usage. The legislative loophole implies that the data can be shared with insurance companies, telecommunication companies, or even the police.

The next time you apply for car insurance, you might get a higher premium because you have driven faster than usual a couple of times, or because your blood pressure was up during the last week. This may sound dystopian, but it is increasingly becoming more realistic and probable.

The surveillance concern has gone beyond the individual level, to the point when it is a matter of national security. The most recent case is with China banning Tesla vehicles from entering its military facilities due to concern about the vehicles’ built-in cameras. Even though Tesla has stated that the data from cameras overseas are not collected by the company, the scrutiny remains at high levels.

What is the ethical concern about the use of AI in the auto industry?

The function of the car has changed dramatically during the last couple of decades. Before it was perceived simply as a transportation means to take people from point A to B. However, with technological progress, the concept of a car has shifted to a set of offered services, where transportation is just one of them. You may think that you have privacy in your car but as we have shown in this article, the privacy line is blurry.

Does it have to be this way, though? Do we have to sacrifice our privacy for the sake of progress or is there a more ethical way to balance both? I think that the key to managing this issue lies in establishing stricter laws on disclosure of data collection and usage. These laws should be strictly enforced and followed by penalties when violated.

After all, information, like any other tool, can be very useful or can become a weapon in the wrong hands. If there is an already existing legislature on confidentiality in traditional business settings, why not raise awareness and push for high standards in information security in the automobile sector? What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to initiate a conversation below.

The post Could you car be a tool for surveillance? appeared first on Altered Steel.

Living off-grid, off-road is highly becoming more popular in the US. More than 1 million Americans were living in RVs by the end of 2018. This number could be significantly higher today. Shifting away from traditional stability and fixed location, people are giving a new meaning to the American dream – Nomadic. Let us dive into the perks and challenges of being a nomad.

Why is the nomadic life becoming so appealing?

“No, I’m not homeless. I’m just houseless. Not the same thing, right?” – says Fern in “Nomaland” – the winner of the Best Picture at the 93rd Academy Awards. Establishing the difference between a home and a house might be a logical first step towards choosing a nomadic life.

The feeling of self-sufficiency and liberation from the need to live in a traditional house grants independence and freedom. Living in a van, while working a dream job and not having to pay monthly rent, sounds like a great value proposition.

Who are these modern-day wandering souls? If you look around, you’ll notice that there is no typical profile for a nomad. People in their late teens, divorced women, older men, and even families with small children are joining the nomad club.

Their stories and reasons to join are different. Some are just trying to avoid homelessness after losing their jobs and as a way to preserve dignity. Others see the nomadic life as a means to save more money and live more carefree, while also reducing their carbon footprint. Then there’re wealthy nomads who are there for the sake of freedom and flexibility with a touch of luxury. Everyone has a story to tell.

Among nomads, these differences do not matter as everyone becomes part of a community that goes through similar challenges. So perhaps, the off-grid, off-road path can serve as a social equalizer, defying capitalism.

What challenges do nomads face in modern America?

Being a nomad may seem exciting at first, but probably not everyone can easily adjust to it. After all, having to use public showers, frequently change parking places, or live with the minimal amount of clothes and other personal items is not a lifestyle that fits all. This is why many people who choose vanlife, first try to test if they like it, by renting RVs for a short period of time.

Another challenge is related to adjusting legal paperwork regarding taxes, driver’s license, voting, etc, which in traditional scenarios require a fixed address. Thankfully, during the last years, community networking groups such as Diversity Vanlife, National African American RVer’s Association, or Escapees RV Club have been created to facilitate some of these transactions and to enhance the sense of community. They also provide consulting services and organize webinars and workshops guiding nomads on these issues: for example, how to establish a permanent address. As more services have been moving online, it became easier to file paperwork and ultimately stay connected.

Is the nomadic lifestyle here to stay?

Living in a van is more than just adapting to logistics limitations. It is about keeping the true nomadic spirit alive. The phenomenon of hipsters traveling across the country, or even across the world, is not new. However, the fact that people from all walks of life are now joining this community is a novel trend.

This raises the question of whether being a nomad is also a form of escapism, which will end as one gets bored or improves his or her financial situation. Downsizing to a van can reduce so much of the “regular” life stress, but will it be enough?

After all, some of this stress will still persist for digital nomads who work and learn remotely. Constant traveling and relocating can also be exhausting, and people might get a call back to fixed-location stability.

What does all this mean for the American dream? Is this dream nomadic, risky, stable, or balanced? I think there is no single answer to this.

However, I believe there is one thing that is inherent to the American dream: and that is pursuing happiness. The path towards happiness varies across people, and for some, it is being a nomad.

What is your take on the new American dream? Is it nomadic? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below.

The post Off-grid, off-road: Is the new American dream nomadic?  appeared first on Altered Steel.

What is the story behind this man who self-describes as “Doctor Frankenstein of Teslas”? Join us in this post, as we explore his work that, no doubt, serves as an inspiration for seasoned and novice mechanics alike. 

What is the story behind Rich Benoit’s passion for rebuilding cars?

Rich Benoit, a father of three, had been working in the IT sector until very recently. However, his transfer from IT to the automobile world is not coincidental. Ever since he was a child, he loved deconstructing and then rebuilding fake Rolexes that his father, an electrical engineer used to bring him. His curiosity and patience while putting all the pieces back together were remarkable.

He gained the confidence that he could truly fix things and was willing to ride along self-learning curves. He wouldn’t use manuals or consult with other experts, just intuition and trial and error approach instead. Little did he know that his passion would eventually bring him on the path of reverse-engineering.

Interestingly, he did not interfere much with his first car: a 2004 Dodge SRT-4. However, soon enough, he would come across damaged second-hand motorcycles and cars. This triggered his ambition to go bigger with his rebuilds. Thus, another more challenging phase would begin for him, as he would figure out a lot of mechanics knowledge on his own.

How did Rich Benoit come across Teslas?

Even though rebuilding gadgets or wrecked automobiles was a genuine passion, focusing on Teslas was more of a coincidence. In 2014, one of his friends calls him and tells him about his latest car: a Tesla Model S. Rich was eager to test it. But, the moment he sat behind that steering wheel and drove the car, he fell in love with it. Probably it was something related to the specific EV engine, or its quietness, which impressed him. He had to have that car!

Once Benoit found out the six-digit price of the car though, he was shocked. Therefore, he started brainstorming for cheaper ways to get his Tesla. He was able to find an old Tesla, which needed parts to be fixed. However, at that time, Tesla refused to sell him any parts, due to its strict repair policy.

However, Rich Benoit was determined to rebuild his Tesla, one way or another. Soon enough, he figured that he could use the parts of another Tesla to do that. Thus, after spending more than 500 hours in his garage, he reached his goal, deciding to call his first rebuilt Tesla, Dolores. He documented the entire process and began posting videos on a random forum, eventually moving to YouTube. This is how his journey as a vlogger began.

What are the dynamics between Tesla and ‘Rich Rebuilds’?

Rich Rebuilds is the name of Benoit’s YouTube channel, a medium that has triggered a lot of debate around him, but which has ultimately contributed to some of his videos going viral. No doubt he is an interesting, snarky, and humorous character, who is not afraid to come across as goofy. His videos are watched by car enthusiasts, as well as by amateurs.

The first controversy came to light when by accident his hand appeared in one of the uploads, and viewers realized that he was black. The racist comments flooded, but that did not stop him. In fact, he would pin the most racist comments and eventually realize that this strategy would actually decrease such comments by 80%.

The next range of polemics had to do with Tesla. For a long time now, Tesla has been very strict about not letting any information regarding its auto pieces or diagnostic tools become publicly available. The idea of having someone documenting this information publicly did not resonate well with the automaker. As a result, YouTube has removed a couple of his videos, and Tesla has canceled Rich’s referral account. It even refused to provide him with service manuals. As you can imagine, this has not stopped Benoit either. On the contrary, he kept expanding his audience and business operations.

What is next for Rich Benoit?

In late 2019, Rich Benoit partnered with Chris Salvo and Chad Hrencecin to open “The Electrified Garage” in Seabrook, New Hampshire. This garage would be solely dedicated to repairing electric vehicles. He then expanded to Florida in late 2020.

Considering the high demand, he plans to get bigger. In fact, he has even announced that he might go back to rebuilding gas cars, which again has raised a lot of controversy among his followers. Probably, someday, we will see him restoring classic cars too. As he says, “Remember: I’m a car enthusiast, not an EV enthusiast”

The right to repair is one of the main causes that stands behind his determination to grow his business. Benoit believes that it is not fair that car manufacturers make it difficult for customers to fix their own cars. Capable auto mechanics should be allowed to get into business and repair different brands too.

Despite changes in the MA legislation, this is an ongoing effort. The story of Rich Benoit though is definitely unique. It shows how someone who is self-taught can accomplish so much and attempt at demonopolizing areas of the auto industry.

The post Rich Benoit – A man with a knack for rebuilding Teslas appeared first on Altered Steel.

Now, if we trust Hollywood, reindeer power does not translate directly into horsepower, so our comparisons may fall short. Several propaganda movies have been made to show how old school reindeer just get the job done better than an engine, for example. But come on – you and I both know that Santa loves his tech. After all, he keeps on leaving brand new smartphones for kids all over the world.

With that in mind, today we are taking a look at some of Santa’s sleigh upgrades throughout the years. He might keep showing his reindeer off, but let’s see what he is driving when no one is looking!

Santa loves luxury

The bearded jolly old man may like to give children toys and gifts, but he treats himself as well. And no, I am not talking just about those cookies and milk next to a Christmas tree. He just likes having a comfortable ride in a reliable vehicle. Which is why he has a Lexus in his arsenal!

With that said, I would not call his Lexus sleigh exactly imaginative. I mean, for a luxury brand you would expect more attention to detail. Instead, they just slapped on a red LED for a nose and added some rails to call their LC model a sleigh.

Still, I have to give it to the automaker in terms of power – with 800 reindeer power and a hybrid engine, this thing travels fast. Plus, it shows they care about the polar ice caps, which Santa also adores. So while in terms of design Toyota (and Lexus) do fall a bit short, they make up for it in all the other important aspects!

Santa’s daily workhorse – A trusty pickup truck

Before Santa had the resources to go into luxury cars, he had to make do with cheap, but trusty alternatives. And what better to replace a sleigh than a pickup truck?

Truth be told, I cannot just give you a single model, because Santa has a few of them. He understands pickup truck classes and likely has one of each to fit his needs. From the smallest half-ton Chevrolet of the ’40s to the heavy-duty GMC Sierra, Father Christmas knows what to choose for his yearly hauling needs!

In my opinion, if Santa has to ever bet on a single vehicle, a pickup would be the obvious go-to. Though he might want to consider something with a bit more presence. Perhaps the F-350 Raptor?

Honorable mentions

Prior to revealing my all-time favorite Santa machine, we should also note some other vehicles in the (in)famous North Pole garage.

• Jaguar F-Type (and F-Sleigh)

Naturally, many companies want to get on Santa’s “nice” list. Because of this, they make up prototypes for him to try out (though I am sure bribery counts as “naughty”). Of all the prototypes though, Jaguar F-Sleigh actually takes a different route. They made it out of ice! So, yes, not exactly operable, but props to Jaguar for thinking outside the box.

• Mercedes GLK (or GLSleigh)

For all we can tell, Saint Nicholas looks like a humble person. That being said, sometimes people judge your presence by the type of car you drive. Thus, for occasions where looks matter, Mercedes-Benz has gifted Santa with a proper luxury off-road machine. Not sure if he brags about it, but it doesn’t hurt to have it just in case!

• Ford Fusion/Mondeo Sleigh

Since Ford knows it cannot compete on the luxury level, the carmaker has chosen a different strategy. Its version of Santa’s sleigh bets on practicality. Over the years Ford has offered Kringle several versions of its affordable sedan, but whether Santa actually drives any of them… no one knows.

Muscle and looks – The best sleigh in Santa’s collection

If you have been following our blog for a while now, you know the love we have for muscle cars like Ford Mustang. That being said, Santa prefers Dodge. More specifically, he likes to ride around in a Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye Express.

Let me tell you, this beast blows away all of Santa’s reindeer and then some! With its 786 hp, the car-sleigh is almost 100 times as fast. Okay, I get it, those reindeer might be getting some special juice to bump their power-up, but even so, they are no match. The only drawback to the Hellcat version of the sleigh? Santa gets so pumped up about it that he actually forgets to do his job on Christmas Eve. So, reluctantly, he leaves this one in the garage for the time being!

With all that said, considering how many sleighs Father Christmas has, that toy manufacturing business turns out to be raking quite the profit. Who knew! But which of the engine-powered sleighs in this article do you like the most? Or would you rather Santa stick to his trusty old reindeer?

The post Santa’s sleigh reimagined appeared first on Altered Steel.

When was the last time you actually used a printed map to find a destination in a new place? What about using not just a regular map, but a map that tells a story of the place or its people. The whole experience would be more colorful.

This is what Hysterical Maps do. They inspire your travel ideas by allowing you to imagine what it would be like living like a local. So how did these maps become a source of inspiration for many an explorer? Join me in this post, and let’s dive together into the fantastic world of Hysterical Maps.

Where did Hysterical Maps come from?

Yes, it is not a typo and you have read it correctly: Hysterical Maps. What is so hysterical about them? Let’s start from the beginning.

Back in the 1930s, during the Great Depression, two Spokane brothers, Jolly and Ott Lindgren, wanted to bring back smiles on people’s faces by showing them that the world around them was not as gloomy as it might have seemed. Jolly, the artist, decided to draw an entertaining map of Spokane. Little did he know he was about to invent something very special.

The map came out very entertaining and lively, adding flavor to Spokane, filled with jokes, puns, and quotes. For example, one of the descriptions on the map would say: “Up this way lies Moran Prairie … but who cares.” Hence, you get the name now: not just historical, but “hysterical”. These maps were immediately commercialized and replicated for other places. They would sell well with calendars and other souvenirs. In fact, Hysterical Maps were among the pioneer souvenir items in the area.

Every map tells a story

Hysterical Maps are truly magical. For instance, each time I look at one of these pictorial maps, the Marauder’s map immediately comes to mind. All the Harry Potter fans out there should be familiar with this map of magic and mysteries. Similarly, Hysterical Maps have been awakening curiosity through the magic of their own from the very inception.

Through witty comments, fun facts, and colorful pictures, the map creators would infect us with the travel bug, inspiring us to start packing.

Indeed, Hysterical Maps show major attractions, the whole architectural layout, and even physical geography, in an original way. For example, imagine getting hold of the Hysterical map of Oregon. Studying the state on the quirky pictorial map will most likely inspire you to visit or even move to Oregon.

Now, let me paint another picture for you. Imagine comfortably sitting on your couch at home, exploring the map of California, and then another one of Yellowstone. And all of a sudden, you find yourself daydreaming about taking a road trip to visit these places in person. Hysterical Maps are speaking to you enticing you to see what these places are all about.

Which are 5 famous US hysterical maps?

Because of their popularity and originality, Hysterical Maps have been replicated for different places. In addition to the original Spokane map, other popular versions include:

• Lake Tahoe Wild and Woolly Nevada: We dare you to spot the “legal gambling” or the “Hangover factories” on this one.
• A Hysterical Map of Utah, which includes Zion Bryce, Canyon Cedar breaks, and stinking springs: Yes! All of it is the actual name of the map. And it all fits well on it along with the legend and the compass that says ‘This actually proves it’s a map!’.
• A Hysterical Map of the Yellowstone Park with Apologies to the Park: This map apologizes to the park, but I actually think it does justice to it, as it is very well-made.
• The Hysterical Map of the Mother Lode where California was born – This map offers some hope for all gold seekers out there.
• A Hysterical Map of Yosemite National Park: This one does quite a good job of presenting nature very lively through original drawings.

What do you think of Hysterical Maps? On a scale from 1 to 10 how… hysterical do they seem to you? Itchy feet anyone?

The post Hysterical Maps: Travel inspiration before social media appeared first on Altered Steel.