Hasta La Gadget!

Too good for the Jitney? Uber has a special one-time offer that might be up your diamond-strewn alley. From 12PM to 8PM this Wednesday, Uber will be providing $3,000 helicopter rides to the Hamptons to promote its new summertime service in the exclusive Long Island enclave. If you’re located in New York City, an SUV will whisk you to the most conveniently located helipad, where your flying chariot will await. Once you land, another SUV will be at the ready to complete your journey. If you miss out on the extremely limited-time offer, fear not. Uber’s new service, also launching on Wednesday, will provide $300 one way trips between NYC and the Hamptons. And when you get there, don’t forget to send Jay Gatsby our regards.

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Via: The Verge

WaterCar’s Panther is the world’s fastest amphibious vehicle.

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With 156 turns over its 12.42-mile (19.99 km) course and elevation changes ranging from 4,720 ft (1,440 m) to 14,110 ft (4,300 m), Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is one of the most grueling races in the world for both humans and machines. It’s particularly challenging for gas-powered vehicles, since the air contains less oxygen at higher altitudes. As a result, electric cars and motorcycles have gained popularity at the event in recent years. In fact, 2013 marks the first time an electric bike’s beaten its gas-powered rivals, with Carlin Dunne and Lightning Motorcycles finishing the race in 10 minutes and 0.694 seconds — ahead of Bruno Langlois who managed 10 minutes and 21.323 seconds on a Ducati Multistrada 1200 S. While electric vehicles are expected to dominate Pikes Peak in the near future, it’s going to take a few more years before autonomous cars win the event.

[Image Credit: Jensen Beeler / Asphalt & Rubber]

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Source: Asphalt & Rubber

Tesla Motors continues to buck the odds, celebrating a major victory in the North Carolina Senate this week. The North Carolina Automobile Dealers — concerned about competition — set its sights on the green car company last month when it endorsed a bill that would’ve significantly curtailed Tesla’s ability to sell vehicles in the state. The legislation, supported by the Senate’s Commerce Committee, targeted direct-to-consumer sales which eliminate the need for dealerships. But Elon Musk and friends proved that it wouldn’t be quite so easy to squeeze them out of NCAD’s territory — Tesla took both North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory and House Speaker Thom Tillis on test drives to show off the car’s capabilities. Musk’s strategy seems to have paid off, as the North Carolina House of Representatives struck down the bill on Tuesday. With another victory under its belt, Tesla’s upward momentum shows few signs of slowing down anytime soon.

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Via: Autoblog Green

Source: News & Observer

Nissan’s ZEOD RC may sound fast at 186MPH, but it’s a slow poke next to Drayson Racing’s B12/69EV. The modified Le Mans car just broke the FIA’s land speed record, hitting 204.2MPH on a course at the former RAF Elvington base in Yorkshire. While Drayson is quick to admit that the 850HP racer is unusual, it sees the project as groundwork for both a 2015 Formula E car and technologies that could filter down to regular vehicles. The speed record also gives electric racing more credibility at a crucial moment — when EVs are just starting to rival gas-powered counterparts on the track, any leap in performance can help.

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Via: Pocket-lint

Source: BBC, Drayson Racing Technologies