Modern Mechanics 24

Explore latest robotics, tech & mechanical innovations

Transportation

Joby Aviation

US Joby Aviation Flies First FAA-Conforming Electric Air Taxi

Joby Aviation flew its first FAA-conforming electric air taxi in California, starting final certification testing. The company builds most components in-house and plans to double production to four aircraft monthly by 2027. A new U.S. program allows early operations in ten states, accelerating the path to commercial passenger flights.

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Silver Tesla Cybertruck parked in front of modern building with glass facade and blue sky

Northeastern University Study Finds Tesla Cars Vulnerable to Wireless Hacks

Northeastern University researchers found they could track Tesla Model 3 and Cybertruck vehicles and disrupt their communications using fake cell towers. The vulnerabilities stem from cellular modem components made by Qualcomm and Quectel that are used in most modern cars. Researchers say owners cannot monitor or disable these always-on connections, highlighting broader security risks across the auto industry.

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Red Lamborghini Countach supercar with angular bodywork parked on rural road with trees in background

Lamborghini, Mini and Jaguar Built Classic Cars With Two Fuel Tanks

Lamborghini, Mini and Jaguar built classic cars with two fuel tanks to extend driving range and improve weight distribution. The Countach and Espada used dual tanks to feed their thirsty V12 engines on long journeys, while the Mini Cooper S benefited from better balance for rally success. Modern fuel efficiency has made the feature largely redundant today.

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England’s Royal Enfield Engineer Stephen Wallis Sets 234mph RC World Record with Homebuilt ‘The Beast’

Royal Enfield engineer Stephen Wallis, 43, built The Beast—a £2,000, 234.71mph RC car powered by four BEAST‑class drone motors—in his Rugby garage with his 13‑year‑old son Rory. Verified by Guinness World Records after a September 2025 run at Llanbedr Airfield, it outruns a McLaren F1. Rival James McCoy has since gone 238mph unofficially; Wallis now targets 250mph.

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