Around the Industry – 4WD187 – Part 2

Around the Industry 187 – Part 2

NIKOLA ELECTRIC UTV BECOMING REALITY

Remember that 520 hp electric powered UTV we told you about a couple issues ago? Well, we now know that the folks over at Nikola Motors are for real as they officially launched the all-electric Zero utility vehicle. The Zero makes use of four electric motors (one connected to each wheel) and a massive 72-kWh battery pack that they say will be good for a range of 160 to 320 km. Acceleration is said to be from 0-100 kmh in 3.0-seconds and will sell for $37,500 USD ($49,465 CAD at time of writing) and is now taking $750 refundable deposits. Nikola described the Zero in the launch, "Less slip, less breakdowns, instant power, better performance, faster response, incredible regenerative stopping power, and true Nikola power any time, anywhere ... even underwater." Of course, the company also says that, "With IP67 ratings on all parts, you can submerge your UTV in water and drive out. Although we do not condone this activity and strictly prohibit it for safety reasons, being waterproof gives you peace of mind when going through wet terrain."

BRYCE MENZIES JUMPS PRO 2 RACER INTO THE RECORD BOOKS

While it may not have unfolded in a perfect manner, after six months of preparation, Bryce Menzies made history by jumping his Pro 2 off-road racing truck 115 m (379.4 feet) over a frontier ghost town located in New Mexico to set a new truck distance record. The record setting jump soaring past the official Guinness World Records distance record of 92 m (301 feet) as well as the unofficial record of 101m (332 feet). An adjudicator for Guinness World Records was on-site to verify the distance and authenticate the new record.

Upon completing the record jump, Menzies and his crew continued to train as they decided to try and beat their own record live on Red Bull TV. Unfortunately, Menzies experienced a crash during one of the final training jumps, preventing him from moving forward with Saturday’s live event. While the truck sustained severe damage, the extensive safety precautions employed in the landing ramp, Menzies’ gear and the truck itself allowed him to walk away with only a broken shoulder. He was taken to a local hospital, assessed, and released the same day.