From the Earth to the Moon: New Mobility Offerings
MOVEMENT: TRACKING NOTABLE MOVEMENTS IN MOBILITY
GM debuts a Lunar rover concept and the GMC Canyon AT4X for Overlanding on Terra Firma.
Originally published: Septermber 22, 2022
Goodyear Lunar Wheel 2.0
It is great to see America making preparations to return to the moon. We plan to stay, or at least bivouac, this time for significantly extended periods. Goodyear is designing the wheels for Lockheed Martin’s lunar rover vehicle. Seeing how they apply today’s technology to the challenge will be interesting.
During the Apollo program, a screen and metal strip approach gave the first-generation lunar rovers the loft and traction needed to move about the moon's surface. Pneumatic tires requiring careful pressure management were ruled out early in the design process.
Engineers believe that lessons learned from developing a new generation of lunar vehicle wheels for NASA’s Artemis program will transfer to other mobility contexts. The work may inform and enhance how we move on other planets, including Mars or Earth.
GM and Lockheed Martin envision a family of lunar vehicles based on the same core electric platform. In their concept video, one car vehicle shapes the lunar surface while others carry cargo autonomously. Others reconfigure on the go from carrying loads to allowing for astronaut transport.
A key challenge for more extended lunar visits is abrasive fine lunar dust. Hopefully, the new Artemis lunar rover wheel solution will limit kicking up lunar dust. Check out the excellent segment from Real Engineering to learn more about why lunar dust poses such a challenge to future moon missions.
Electric Moto Hard Endurance Group Runs at Grueling Tennessee Knock-Out
Several electric dirt bikes entered the first-ever Red Bull TKO ECR eMoto hard endurance race. The race was part of events at the 2022 Red Bull Tennessee Knock Out (TKO). Over 30 electric dirt bike riders entered the race with many manufacturers represented, including Sur Ron X, Segway X260 andX160, Talaria Sting, Electric Motion Escape R, and more. As the market matures, it will be exciting to see how future events like this unfold.
Ride along with Tucker Neary from Electric Cycle Rider to see firsthand how tough the course was and how capable electric bikes (and Tucker and all the other entrants) are becoming.
Congratulations to Sam Bird, who raced an Electric Motion to win the inaugural ECR eMoto electric motorcycle class.
Learn more about the
Red Bull Tennessee Knock Out event.
2023 GM AT4X Canyon
Getting around here on earth will soon be easier with the upcoming release of the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X. The mid-sized pickup from General Motors is all new for 2023. Like the C8 Corvette, Cadillac Lyriq, Hummer EV, and upcoming BlazerEV, the new GMC Canyon (especially in AT4X Edition 1 form) demonstrates just how much GM has picked up its game in terms of offering outstanding performance capabilities, competitive in-cabin technology, and visually and emotionally appealing designs.
A drastic departure from the prior Canyon in exterior and interior design, the new truck is raising the bar for competitive offerings from Toyota, Ford, and Stellantis. GM has been working hard on the infotainment side of things as well. The Canyon has two large displays, and a class-first head-up display is also available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, and the interface appears far cleaner and more straightforward than past GM user interfaces.
On the technology side, up to 10 cameras, including underbody-mounted ones complete with lens washers are available.
The widely acclaimed Jeep Gladiator Rubicon will be facing tough competition from GM, Ford and Toyota in 2023.
The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon has enjoyed a top slot in off-road capability for several years. Ford is entering the segment with a Ranger Raptor. Toyota is also revising its mid-sized truck. With the competition heating up and seeing what GM has put together, the Gladiator’s days at the top of the hill may no longer be numbered. The AT4X First Edition brings 33-inch off-road tires, a factory bumper-mounted Come Up winch to the trail, and rocker protection. A novel tailgate storage solution allows for secure stowage of essentials and also has a drain plug should you prefer to load it up with drinks and ice for a tailgate event.
Just as there are a variety of lunar rovers envisioned by GM and Lockheed Martin, GM is offering several versions of the GMC Canyon. The AT4 nameplate continues for the entry-level offering. An upscale luxury version is available in Denali trim, and the most off-road capable version is the AT4X, as mentioned earlier.
While GMC has only one power plant, the available 2.7-liter turbo engine produces an estimated 310 HP and an impressive 430 lb-ft of torque.
The base Elevation model will start at around USD 40,000, while the AT4X Edition1 will begin at around USD 65,000 if you can find one. As of this writing, the Edition1 AT4X model seems to have already sold out.
Let’s hope this enthusiasm encourages GM to make more Edition 1’s available. Alternatively, perhaps GM will allow off-road enthusiasts to configure something close to an Edition1 model through the ordering process. Regardless, the designers at GMC already have a hit on their hands.
2023 GMC CANYON SPECIFICATIONS
Approach Angle
36.9 Degrees
[32.8 Degrees Edition 1 Package]
Ground Clearance
10.7"
Breakover Angle
24.5 Degrees
Departure Angle
25 Degrees
Track Width
66.3"
Engine & Power
2.7 Liter Turbo
430 LB-FT
310 HP (GM estimated)
Available Towing Capacity
7,700 LBS
5,500 lbs. as shown (Edition 1)
For more details visit GMC’s website.
Images credits: GM, Lockheed Martin