In the tests of the “Car of the Year 2025” applicants taking place at the Bukiškiau Autodrome of the Vilnius School of Automechanics and Business, the second scenario seems much more beautiful to the photographer, but on the real road, such a dance of an apparatus weighing almost two tons can be deadly.
Constantly improving electronic stability control systems help to control the car, but sometimes they also become powerless, and the situation must be saved by the knowledge and skills of the driver.
Fortunately, the real road rarely experiences such sudden and extreme changes as the constantly watered section of slippery surface on the autodrome test track with a moving plate that throws the rear axle of the car and provokes a slide.
There is also no traditional 6-cone twist or steeply descending right turn covered with a special slippery surface, at the apex of which all auxiliary stability and traction control systems work in overload mode, and the car still aims to slide on all four wheels. However, hail, snow, unexpected obstacles, sudden braking or a cyclist without reflectors do happen, so the skills acquired in extreme conditions can become the most important system for safe driving in a car.
This was confirmed by the commission’s newcomers – blogger and publicist Paulius Mikolaitis (Paul de Miko) and VILNIUS TECH teacher, assistant professor Saugirdas Pukalskas, who were helped to adapt to their new role by well-known safe driving specialists Artūras Pakėnas and Andrejs Savčenka.
“I’ve driven on such a track, so the moving plate didn’t scare me. Instead, a steep and sudden turn, covered with a slippery surface, reminded me of the worst winter horror, when the car begins to slide with its entire body.
The instructor reminded that the driver must work together with the driving safety systems, so there is no need to be afraid of hard braking, steering wheel corrections and the accelerator pedal. I felt safe enough in all the cars I tested, but one of them disappointed me a bit, maybe because of too high expectations, and the other one surprised me with its confidence and control precision, despite the large mass and dimensions. Subjectively, my mother could use it to overcome the autodrome track without any problems”, – P. Mikolaitis was not lacking in irony.
S. Pukalskas, Doctor of Technological Sciences, also emphasized the importance of auxiliary systems for driving safety: “Frankly speaking, electronic assistants were the biggest surprise of these tests. I think that even a decade ago, only a car driven by a real master could overcome a section of the track with a skid plate without problems, today all candidates did it confidently, almost regardless of the driver’s skill.
Technology is moving forward and I’m happy about that, but don’t forget that the driver, in most cases, is the one who makes the technology work after assessing the situation. Therefore, start with what the safe driving instructor started the lesson for me – the position of the seat, the distance, the angle of the backrests, the position of the mirrors. It is part of the overall security system.”
The members of the commission are restrained and do not award medals to anyone at this stage of the “Car of the Year 2025”, fully understanding that these tests reveal not so much the capabilities of a specific car, but the relationship between a specific car and a specific member of the commission. Different experience and skills, driving style, reaction speed on one side and the totality of the car’s control systems on the other – all this leads to a unique result of communication between the car and its driver. It cannot be expressed in measurable indicators, but the commission derives the common denominator of a car that is safe to drive every time and mentally writes the evaluations for each applicant.
Which ones? Patience. Today, the motor sports masters who help select the Sportiest car of the year will continue the tests at the Bukiški autodrome, and the 4×4 car of the year election will also begin. The category finalists will be announced on November 21, and the “Car of the Year 2025” will be revealed on November 29.
The car of the year will be three contenders competing in classes up to 40,000, 60,000 euros and more than 60,000 euros. euros. Electric car of the Year, Autoplius Innovation of the Year, Bitės Internet Car of the Year, Transeksta Safest Car of the Year, Balcia 4×4, Sportiest of the Year, Steering Wheel of the Year, Junior Steering Wheel of the Year and Nation’s Car will be selected as well. tv3.lt readers.
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#Car #Year #contenders #dance #Bukiski #Autodrome #Business
**Interview with Paulius Mikolaitis and Saugirdas Pukalskas on “Car of the Year 2025″ Testing**
**Editor:** Welcome, Paulius and Saugirdas! Thank you for joining us today to share your insights on the “Car of the Year 2025” testing at the Bukiškiau Autodrome. Let’s dive into the experience. Paulius, you mentioned feeling safe during the tests, but there were surprises as well. Can you elaborate on that?
**Paulius Mikolaitis:** Absolutely! Driving on the autodrome with a moving plate was exhilarating. I felt confident in most of the cars, which speaks to the advancements in technology. However, I did have one car that didn’t meet my expectations, and another that really impressed me with its stability and control—despite its size. It was almost comical to think my mother could tackle the track in it seamlessly!
**Editor:** That’s quite a testament to the progress in car design! Saugirdas, you highlighted the importance of auxiliary driving systems. How do you see their role evolving with the technology trends in the automotive industry?
**Saugirdas Pukalskas:** Technology is advancing at an impressive rate. Ten years ago, only skilled drivers could navigate difficult conditions like the skid plate test with confidence. Today, electronic assistants help even novice drivers. However, it’s crucial to remember that the human element remains vital. Drivers must understand how to work with these systems to maximize their effectiveness, starting with basic adjustments like seat position and mirror angles.
**Editor:** It sounds like a driving instructor’s advice remains foundational. Did your experiences on the track alter your perspective on driver education, especially given the complexities of modern cars?
**Paulius Mikolaitis:** Definitely! It reinforced that while technology can assist, a driver’s fundamental skills and understanding of their vehicle are what truly keep them safe. It’s not about putting complete faith in technology but knowing how to use it wisely when unexpected situations arise.
**Saugirdas Pukalskas:** I agree. The balance between embracing technology and honing driver skills is essential. Each test reveals not only a car’s capabilities but also how a driver’s experience impacts their interaction with the vehicle.
**Editor:** A thought-provoking insight! As you both approached these tests as newcomers to the commission while being guided by seasoned instructors, what was that dynamic like?
**Paulius Mikolaitis:** It was a great learning experience! Having experts like Artūras Pakėnas and Andrejs Savčenka guiding us helped us adapt quickly to our roles. They emphasized the synergy between drivers and the vehicles, which was beneficial as we navigated the challenges of the course.
**Saugirdas Pukalskas:** It also fostered a sense of camaraderie as we shared our evaluations. Each member’s unique experience and driving style offered diverse perspectives on the candidate cars, enriching the overall assessment process.
**Editor:** Thank you both for sharing your thoughts. It’s evident that the intersection of technology and driver skills plays a pivotal role in modern car performance. We look forward to seeing the final evaluations for the “Car of the Year 2025.”
