Electric Cars

Cars

Car Show

Car Maintenance

Racing

English

Cars

Electric Vehicles and Regenerative Braking in Winter Conditions

Slide 3
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 1

Driving rear-wheel-drive electric vehicles (EVs) in snowy or icy conditions presents unique challenges due to their regenerative braking systems. While all EVs use regenerative braking to recover energy, the concentration of this braking force on the rear axle in rear-drive models can significantly destabilize the vehicle on low-friction surfaces. This phenomenon, which can unexpectedly initiate a slide, has been a topic of discussion among drivers, particularly in regions experiencing harsh winter weather.

The core of the problem lies in how regenerative braking interacts with limited tire grip. When a driver lifts their foot off the accelerator in an EV, the electric motor acts as a generator, slowing the vehicle and recharging the battery. In rear-drive configurations, this braking effect is applied primarily to the rear wheels. On slippery surfaces like ice, even a gentle application of regenerative braking can overwhelm the rear tires' limited traction, causing them to slip. Although the vehicle's stability control systems react quickly to cut off the regenerative braking, the initial loss of traction can already initiate a slide, making it difficult for drivers to regain control. This effect is akin to abruptly engaging and disengaging a parking brake, a known method for inducing skids. Even high-quality winter tires, while improving overall grip, do not entirely eliminate this issue, as demonstrated by experiences with models like the Lucid Air Pure.

To counteract this hazardous effect, EV manufacturers, including Tesla, Lucid, and Volvo, explicitly advise drivers to reduce or deactivate regenerative braking in their owner's manuals when encountering snow or ice. Adjusting this setting to its lowest level or switching it off completely before driving on slick roads dramatically improves vehicle stability and prevents unintentional oversteer. While all-wheel-drive EVs can also experience traction issues in adverse conditions, their ability to distribute regenerative braking across both axles and vary torque distribution offers better control and reduces the likelihood of tail-first slides. This underscores the importance of understanding and utilizing vehicle-specific settings to enhance safety during winter commutes.

It is important for electric vehicle owners to be proactive in understanding and adjusting their vehicle's settings to ensure safety in all driving conditions. By taking the simple step of modifying regenerative braking settings for slippery roads, drivers can significantly mitigate risks, promoting safer travels for themselves and others.

Lowe's Offers Greenworks Electric Pressure Washer at 36% Discount
Cars

Lowe's Offers Greenworks Electric Pressure Washer at 36% Discount

Amazon's Wall-Mounted Power Tool Organizer: A Garage Essential at 50% Off
Cars

Amazon's Wall-Mounted Power Tool Organizer: A Garage Essential at 50% Off

Highlighting the Innovations at the Chicago Auto Show
Cars

Highlighting the Innovations at the Chicago Auto Show

Cars

The Highly Coveted 1991 Toyota Celica GT-Four RC: A Rally Homologation Special

Slide 5
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 1
This article explores the iconic 1991 Toyota Celica GT-Four RC, a rare rally homologation special that embodies a unique blend of performance and historical significance. We delve into its distinctive features, such as its enhanced engine, advanced cooling system, and rally-inspired design, highlighting why this model remains a coveted collector’s item. The piece also touches on the car’s journey to the U.S. and its appeal to automotive enthusiasts who appreciate its rich racing heritage and robust engineering.

Embrace the Legacy: Drive the Untamed Spirit of Rally History

The Resurgence of the Celica Nameplate: A Blast from the Past

When Toyota hinted at bringing back the Celica, many casual observers probably wondered what the fuss was about. For years, the Celica had been overshadowed by its more famous sibling, the Supra. However, true automotive aficionados understood that a reborn Celica could be something truly special, especially if it recaptured the essence of its performance-oriented predecessors.

A Glimpse into Rally Heritage: The 1991 Celica GT-Four RC

Currently available on Bring a Trailer, this 1991 Celica GT-Four RC offers a compelling answer to the question of the Celica's potential. This particular model is a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive homologation special, designed to meet the stringent requirements for rally racing. It harks back to an era when the thrill of navigating a Toyota through virtual gravel stages was a quarter-arcade fantasy.

From Dependable Coupe to Performance Icon: The Evolution of the Celica

The Celica initially emerged in the 1970s as a dependable coupe with a four-cylinder engine. However, by the late 1980s, it had transformed into a formidable performance machine. The 1987 Turbo All-Trac, with its 190-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, was produced in extremely limited numbers, establishing the Celica's reputation as a serious contender.

The Legacy Continues: GT-Four RC and its Rally Descendants

Internationally, the All-Trac was known as the GT-Four, a name that still resonates deeply in Japan, even appearing on the GR Corolla, a modern rally-inspired successor. This featured car is a second-generation GT-Four, specifically the ultra-special RC variant. This version included numerous enhancements, allowing Toyota’s World Rally Championship team to optimize their competitive vehicle.

Engineered for Victory: Power and Performance Upgrades

The GT-Four RC shares its 2.0-liter inline-four engine with the standard GT-Four, but with a significant power boost to 231 horsepower. It also features a sophisticated water-to-air intercooler for superior charge cooling. The factory ECU mapping was more aggressive, and the bodywork was subtly refined for improved aerodynamics and engine cooling. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, complemented by a limited-slip differential at the rear.

Distinctive Design: Rally Aesthetics and Timeless Appeal

The car's exterior, finished in a understated metallic gray, is subtly enhanced by striking white 15-inch Oz Racing wheels, a nod to its WRC roots. Its organic styling and pop-up headlights are characteristic of early 1990s design, making it instantly recognizable to any rally enthusiast as a truly unique vehicle.

Interior Comfort and Modern Connectivity: A Blend of Eras

Inside, the cabin features supportive, comfortable seats and a classic Momo steering wheel, offering excellent tactile feedback. A Kenwood stereo with Bluetooth capability provides modern audio convenience, allowing for seamless streaming of music—perhaps even the 30th Anniversary Sega Rally soundtrack. Notably, the interior maintains a refreshing absence of distracting digital screens.

A Collector's Dream: Low Mileage and Enduring Appeal

With approximately 89,000 miles on the odometer, this Celica strikes an ideal balance: low enough to be desirable but not so pristine that it discourages regular driving. While its rally heritage suggests it could handle rough terrains, its current condition warrants careful treatment. Despite harsh winter conditions, it stands as a genuine classic for all seasons.

Important Considerations for U.S. Buyers: California Emissions

Prospective buyers should be aware that while this car has been in the U.S. since 2021, it has not passed California's emissions testing, which may affect its road registration in that state. Nevertheless, its history in the country adds to its appeal.

Seize the Opportunity: Owning a Piece of Automotive History

Many Toyota fans harbor fond memories of the spirited all-wheel-drive Celicas from this era, whether through personal ownership or virtual racing experiences. While a new performance Celica is anticipated, there's no need to wait. This auction, concluding on February 10, presents a rare chance to own a piece of this celebrated automotive legacy.

See More
Ram Dealers' Positive Reception to the New Dakota Midsize Truck
Cars

Ram Dealers' Positive Reception to the New Dakota Midsize Truck

2026 Mazda 3 S Premium Hatchback: A Refined Manual Driving Experience
Cars

2026 Mazda 3 S Premium Hatchback: A Refined Manual Driving Experience

2026 Mazda 3 Hatchback: A Refined Driving Experience
Cars

2026 Mazda 3 Hatchback: A Refined Driving Experience

Cars

Subaru's Electric SUV: A New Era of Performance and Adventure

Slide 10
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
Slide 6
Slide 7
Slide 8
Slide 9
Slide 10
Slide 1

Subaru introduces its first independently developed electric vehicle, the Trailseeker, setting a new benchmark as the brand's fastest production car, surpassing even its iconic WRX STI models. This all-electric SUV signifies Subaru's strategic shift towards in-house EV manufacturing, initially showcased at the Japan Mobility Show and now confirmed for the Australian market, where the EV segment is rapidly expanding.

Beneath its rugged exterior, the Trailseeker boasts impressive performance specifications. Generating 375 horsepower, it utilizes Subaru's renowned symmetrical all-wheel-drive system to achieve a rapid 0-60 mph acceleration in just 4.4 seconds. While speed is an inherent benefit of its electric powertrain, the vehicle is primarily engineered for genuine off-road exploration, featuring 8.3 inches of ground clearance, advanced dual-function X-MODE for challenging terrains, and a substantial towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. This mid-size electric SUV is larger and more practical than the Solterra, aligning it closely with the capabilities of an electrified Subaru Outback.

The Trailseeker, built at Subaru's Gunma plant in Japan, benefits from a collaborative effort with Toyota, sharing a modified version of the e-TNGA electric platform also found in the bZ4X and Lexus RZ. Powering this innovative SUV is a 74.7 kWh battery, offering an estimated range of 280 miles and capable of charging from zero to 80% in under 30 minutes. The interior is designed for modern convenience and comfort, featuring Subaru's largest 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a spacious flat-floor cabin. Entering the US market with a starting price of $39,995, the Trailseeker is set to rival electric SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E, with its arrival in the US scheduled for spring and in Australia a few months later.

Subaru's venture into the electric vehicle market with the Trailseeker is a testament to embracing innovation while honoring its heritage of robust, adventure-ready vehicles. This new offering, with its blend of speed, capability, and environmental consciousness, paves the way for a sustainable future in automotive engineering. It demonstrates that advanced technology and traditional brand values can coexist, driving forward with purpose and excitement, inspiring both drivers and the industry toward greater achievements.

See More