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Articles by Stanislav Nachev
Hyundai patents a new type of airbag
Panoramic sunroofs might provide a great view of the sky, but in a rollover, a large pane of glass won’t provide much head protection. That’s where Hyundai‘s newly-patented airbag comes in. The automaker calls the special airbag “a convenience feature,” which may be understatement considering its importance in an accident. The airbag resembles a curtain overlapping the large pane of glass of the sunroof.
Porsche releases official power outputs for Mission E concept
Porsche might release up to three different versions of the all-electric Mission E – and the most powerful is rumoured to do the zero-to-100 km/h sprint within three seconds.
Nissan spices up the Leaf with Grand Touring concept
Nissan will reveal a new variant of the Leaf, called the Grand Touring concept, at the Tokyo Auto Salon next month. It is a variant of the latest EV by the Japanese automaker. Apart from the two-tone black-and-silver paintwork and the aggressive body kit, Nissan hasn’t revealed much else about this concept. But the word is that it will be equipped with the latest aftermarket parts offered through Autech Japan, a Nissan sub-brand focused on tuning the automaker’s vehicles.
Alfa Romeo planning larger, more powerful Stelvio-based SUV
Alfa Romeo has hinted it’s looking to expand its lineup with a new, full-size SUV with a hybrid powertrain. According to AutoExpress, the still-unnamed SUV will reportedly be based on the same platform as the Giulia and Stelvio. Alfa Romeo technical boss Roberto Fedeli says the SUV will likely use a 48-volt hybrid system, along with a 2.0-litre turbo engine producing between 350 and 400 horsepower. “We have to marry the new car with the right level of electrification,” Fedeli said.
Watch Koenigsegg crash-test Regera in the name of safety
We hate seeing smashed-up supercars, but all automakers need to crash certain amount of cars each year in the name of safety – even Koenigsegg. Turns out, the boutique Swedish automaker has crash-tested multiple Regeras, its hypercar made up of a carbon fibre tub and shell, making it extremely stiff and quite crash-resistant – all in the name of protecting its customers.
Mini changes the way it customizes cars with 3D printing
Mini is no stranger to customization – previously, customers could adorn their vehicles with an array of custom parts. But now, the automaker is looking to 3D printing to provide even more options. So far, the 3D-printed pieces are limited to inlays integrated into the front fenders and interior trim pieces – specifically, the trim on the passenger side of the dashboard.
Volkswage Arteon set for North American debut next February
Volkswagen‘s Arteon will be making its North American debut at the Chicago Auto Show next February, before going on sale later in the year. Based on the same platform as the Atlas and Golf, the Arteon is set to replace the CC. The European-spec Arteon is powered by a handful of gasoline and diesel engines, but the one most likely to come here is a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder delivering 276 horsepower, paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Hyundai teases 2019 Veloster in new video
Hyundai just released a video of the latest Veloster and if you haven’t already guessed it, the automaker is aiming this model at younger consumers. Based on the video, Hyundai is set on making the new Veloster sportier than the outgoing model. Although the car is camouflaged, the exhaust is louder and rumours suggest there’s even a hotter, N-tuned Veloster in the works. As for the new Veloster’s look, Hyundai seems to have done away with the over-designed front fascia on the outgoing model.
Next-gen Acura RDX prototype headed to Detroit
Keen on keeping it up-to-date and relevant, Acura has teased a redesigned RDX prototype ahead of its debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. The best-seller will be extensively redesigned from when it was first introduced a decade ago, built on an all-new platform and incorporating design elements from the Acura Precision Concept from almost two years ago.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class coming to North America in 2018
Starting next year, Mercedes-Benz will sell the A-Class in North America. Previously, the A-Class has been offered primarily in Europe as a hatchback. However, when it crosses the Atlantic next year, it will be sold alongside the CLA as a sedan targeting younger buyers. “It’s a very attractive car for younger people,” Britta Segger, Mercedes’ global sales chief, told Automotive News.
Infiniti teases new concept ahead of 2018 Detroit auto show
Infiniti just released a teaser of a new concept, set to be revealed at next month’s Detroit auto show. There are not a lot of details about the car, apart from the styling. It’s typical of Infiniti, down to the signature grille and flowing lines. Infiniti says it will be a sedan and hasn’t revealed the concept’s official name, but it will represent a “shift towards smarter, more compact and less intrusive powertrains,” according to Infiniti executive design director Karim Habib.
BMW teases near production-ready X7 SUV
It hasn’t been long since BMW first showed the upcoming X7 in concept form. Now, BMW is dropping a few teasers on the production-ready version. Before it hits production, BMW will conduct a few tests – including endurance tests in extreme weather conditions – with a handful of pre-production examples built alongside the X5 and X6 in the company’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant.
Hyundai wants to launch 38 new electrified vehicles by 2025
Hyundai plans to launch 38 new electric vehicles by 2025, ranging from traditional EVs, plug-in hybrids and fuel-cell cars, according to president Lee Ki-sang. The 38-vehicle lineup sure sounds ambitious, but that might be what Hyundai needs to stay in competition with the rest of the EV market. That number likely includes a redesign of some existing vehicles and electrifying them.
Next-generation Subaru WRX might not have a Boxer engine
The next Subaru WRX might not have a boxer engine, as hinted by a Subaru exec. In Europe, high emissions and an appetite for fuel put the future of the legendary Boxer engine in jeopardy. In fact, Subaru recently discontinued the WRX STI for the U.K. market. And for those who think a Boxer engine is a Subaru core, think again. The powerplant in the upcoming WRX might not be of such importance, as all customers care about is all-wheel-drive – at least, according to Subaru design boss Mamoru Ishii.
Audi E-Tron GT electric sports car rumoured for 2022
Audi is planning on developing an all-electric sports car with the technology borrowed from the Porsche Mission E. According to German publication Auto Motor und Sport, the new model is set to be unveiled by 2022 and will be called the E-Tron GT. Based on Porsche’s Mission E, the E-Tron GT will reportedly be a four-door coupe with design cues resembling the E-Tron Sportback concept.
Electric, three-wheel Morgan going into production next year
Morgan, the company that produces three-wheeled automotive oddities, has finally decided to put its electric, three-wheeler into production. Shown as a prototype in 2015 and again at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, this 1930s-inspired car is the final, pre-production version. It will weigh just 500 kilograms and have a range of about 240 kilometres, which should be plenty for city driving.
Honda Insight returning as a premium hybrid sedan
After being discontinued in 2013, Honda is bring back the Insight hybrid – not as a hatchback, but as a large, premium four-door sedan. By returning the Insight to the mass market, Honda is looking to capitalize on the recent, increasing popularity of hybrids and EVs. According to Honda, the Insight is an “upscale, stylish five-passenger sedan positioned above the Civic.” Admittedly, though, the new Insight resembles an Accord more than the Civic.
2019 Jeep Cherokee revealed ahead of Detroit debut
Jeep has previewed the new Cherokee ahead of the Detroit auto show, showing off a new face inspired by its Grand Cherokee big brother. The Jeep formula, an inheritance of 75 years of building off-road capable vehicles, is still there. The front fascia has been reworked to follow with the family lineage – gone are the awkward, squinty LED daytime running lights, and the lower grille and bumper have been cleaned up to reflect a more sophisticated look.
Polestar 1 supercar coming to North America in 2019
Polestar, which recently became a standalone brand rather than just Volvo‘s performance division, is coming to North America in a couple of years. Polestar Spaces, the brand’s term for dealerships, are set to open in U.S., China and several other European countries, in the middle of 2019. The Polestar 1 supercar will be the first model offered, and will also offer a car care subscription service as well. It will draw on the help of Volvo experts, similarly to the Care by Volvo program.
Toyota teases Gazoo Racing’s first concept car ahead of launch
Toyota sub-brand Gazoo Racing will launch its first concept, the GR Super Sport, at the Tokyo Auto Salon tuning show next month. The new vehicle will inherit all the latest motorsport technologies from Toyota’s racing programs, influenced by its TS050 Le Mans racer and WRC program. A twin-turbocharged V8 engine will power the GR Super Sport, paired to two electric motors – one up front, and the other at the rear axle.
Mercedes-Benz CLS lineup will max out with AMG CLS 53 variant
Mercedes-Benz recently debuted the 2019 CLS at the LA Auto Show a few weeks ago. It now plans on making an AMG version, but it won’t be a CLS 63. Instead, Mercedes is going with the CLS 53 so as not to step on the toes of the upcoming, four-door Mercedes-AMG GT sedan. Like the rest of the lineup, the new CLS 53 will still be a four-door, but with coupe styling and based on the E-Class’ platform.
Ford Fusion future uncertain amidst SUV sales soar
The Ford Fusion is facing an uncertain future in North America. Throughout the year, the Fusion hasn’t enjoyed healthy sales numbers, despite being one of Ford’s most popular model otherwise. The slowing sales are due to growing popularity of SUVs and crossovers; this year, the Escape and Explorer are on track to beat the Fusion’s U.S. sales for the first time since 2006. As a result, it’s rumoured Fusion production in North America will end with the current-generation model.
VW teases 2019 Jetta ahead of Detroit auto show debut
Volkswagen just released sketches of the 2019 Jetta, ahead of its Detroit auto show debut next month. While these might be just drawings, they give us a pretty good look of what to expect from the final production car. The Jetta’s exterior has been spruced up from its usual boxy shape and straight angles, now featuring a front fascia that resembles the VW Arteon and certain Audi models.
Lexus rumoured to be working on a twin-turbo LC F
Lexus is moving on with the times and following the competition to turbochargers – at least, according to a company insider speaking about an upcoming, hotter version of the LC sports car. The insider suggests the Japanese automaker is working on an LC F, using a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine producing about 621 horsepower, as reported by Jalopnik via Lexus Enthusiast.
Project Panther is the modern De Tomaso Pantera of your dreams
Meet Project Panther, a homage to the iconic DeTomaso Pantera. It’s a concept designed by Ares Design, owned by none other than former Lotus CEO Dany Bahar. The styling is done by Romanian designer Mihai Panatescu. The car is reportedly in its final development stages and based on the Lamborghini Huracan. That might not be a surprise for many enthusiasts, as many custom and coach-built exotics are based on a Lamborghini platform of some sort.
Upcoming Ford Mustang GT500 could have a supercharged 5.2L V8
There’s no shortage of spy shots, rumours, speculation hinting at a new Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. The engine powering the new beast seems to be the question on everyone’s mind. Supposedly leaked documents indicate that the GT500 is a go, with an engine tastefully codenamed ‘Predator’.
Volkswagen may build its future EVs in the U.S.
Volkswagen will likely build its upcoming lineup of EVs – the production-spec the I.D. hatchback, plus the Crozz and Buzz variants, and a sedan – at its plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “Chattanooga is our first choice” to build its upcoming, North American-spec electric vehicles, but cautioned that the company hadn’t yet “taken a formal decision,” Herbert Diess told The Wall Street Journal.
General Motors looking at carbon fibre for pickup beds
While Ford went big on aluminum in the F-Series, General Motors could upgrade pickup beds to carbon fibre in order to save weight meet stringent fuel economy standards. “Carbon fibre, according to one source, is expected to be used as part of a mix of materials for the box of the pickups, including aluminum,” states Automotive News.
McLaren reveals its most extreme road car yet: the Senna
The McLaren supercar lineup of cars now has a new top rung, named after arguably the most famous racer to ever drive for the English brand. “Legalised for road use, but not sanitised to suit it,” is how McLaren describes the new Senna, powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 789 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Weighing in at just 1,198 kilograms, it’s the lightest car the brand has ever produced and also has the highest power-to-weight ratio at 659 hp per ton.
Jaguar I-Pace nearly ready for its 2018 debut
There is no better way to engineer and develop new vehicles than testing them out in the real world, and Jaguar is doing exactly that with the production-spec I-Pace. Having logged some 2.4 million kilometres across the globe thus far, Jaguar has taken to Los Angeles as part of the I-Pace’s testing before it hits production. But this time around, Jaguar did something a bit different.
Mazda pushing for all-wheel-drive on its next-gen cars
Mazda is looking into outfitting the Mazda3 and 6 with all-wheel-drive, but first, it has overcome some limitations. “I think we are not able to combine [all]-wheel drive and the 2.5-litre turbo,” Masahiro Moro, president and CEO of Mazda’s North America Operations, told CarAdvice at the L.A. Auto Show.
Lexus teases LF-1 Limitless Concept ahead of 2018 Detroit Auto Show
Lexus just revealed the new three-row RX L at the LA Auto Show. The LF-1 Limitless Concept will be revealed at the next big automotive show, the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. The LF-1 Limitless is set to be a flagship model for the brand and redefine the boundaries of luxury and performance. Since SUVs and crossovers are a hot topic on the market, Lexus plans to reflect “the next genre in luxury crossover vehicles” – according to the manufacturer.
Sir Stirling Moss’ Le Mans-winning Jaguar D-Type up for auction
Jaguar, with Sir Stirling Moss behind the wheel, saw victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in 1954 with its legendary D-Type. Now, you can own that very car. Up for grabs at RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction in January, this is the first time this victorious D-Type is being offered for public sale.
EVs a big part of Ford’s planned push into China market
Ford will debut 15 new electrified vehicles in China by 2025, part of a 50-new-model push in a country that is both in love with the SUV and also getting tough new laws favouring electric cars. Eight of these new vehicles will be SUVs, and all are falling under the Lincoln and Ford brands and will be built in China. It will be a joint venture with Anhui Zotye Automobile Co Ltd, Chinese automotive manufacturer.
New Kia Niro PHEV will have 41 kilometres of all-electric range
The new Niro Plug-in Hybrid is the latest vehicle introduced under the Kia Motors EcoDynamics sub-brand and, according to the company, represents an important step on the path to nearly tripling the brand’s global lineup of alternative fuel vehicles by 2020.
MOIA is Volkswagen’s all-electric answer to Uber, Lyft
The Volkswagen Group has stated it is focusing on electric cars for the future, and now it’s recently unveiled an all-electric van for its ride-sharing service. The MOIA Mobility company was created last year to solve the problem of empty vehicles causing traffic. MOIA Mobility is a ride-sharing service that picks up and drops off passengers across the city in all-electric vans, very much like Uber and Lyft operate.
Corvette ZR1 VIN 001 to be auctioned off for charity
General Motors just revealed the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 – the most powerful Corvette ever built – earlier this year in Dubai and, already, the very first car with VIN 001 is already set to be auctioned off for charity. The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation will receive the proceeds from the auction. The foundation is named after a New York City firefighter and first responder who died on September 11, 2001. The ZR1 to be auctioned off will be have the ZTK performance package.
Lamborghini debuts the Urus today from Italy
Lamborghini is unveiling its new SUV called the Urus today in a conference being broadcasted online on the Official Lamborghini YouTube channel. The event is being held at their groundbreaking Lamborghini Factory 4.0 in Sant’Agata Bolognese, which is a set of brand new facilities built specifically to expand production and make the new Urus SUV a reality.
Ford sues WWE star John Cena for flipping his Ford GT
John Cena is a WWE professional wrestler and sometimes film star, but he’s also a big car aficionado, with a collection of both vintage and modern muscle cars and supercars that would be the envy of any garage; he’s even got a blog on YouTube called John Cena: Auto Geek. But his love of cars has got him into hot water recently with Ford Motor Company surrounding its limited-edition Ford GT.
Lada will export new cars to Cuba again
The Russian automotive manufacturer AvtoVAZ will be exporting Lada vehicles to Cuba again. The brand had imported cars to the Communist country up to 2005, and these new versions will be sold to taxi and car rental companies, the brand said on its website. AvtoVAZ will ship 344 Lada Vesta Sedans and Lada Largus Cross, a “multi-purpose vehicle”, to Cuba for January 2018, as stated in an AvtoVAZ group press release.
Alfa Romeo returns to Formula 1 racing
Alfa Romeo will return to motorsport next year by becoming an official partner with Sauber to form the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team. This will mark 33 years since the automotive manufacturer last left the sport. Alfa Romeo has a long history in Formula 1 from being the first team in the very first championship in 1950, then being engine supplier between 1961-1979, to racing as a works team again between 1979-1985.
McLaren will now sell you winter tires for your 570S
We here at Driving are vocal proponents of using winter tires for their benefits in traction and stopping ability when the weather turns cold. And now, should you so wish to commute through the snow with your $250,000 McLaren 570S supercar, you don’t have an excuse to go without. The engineers at McLaren collaborated with their Pirelli counterparts to develop the MC Sottozero 3 winter tire for the 570S.
Mazda planning a new mid-size SUV for 2021
Mazda is developing a new SUV that will reportedly slot in between the CX-5 and CX-9. The new, unnamed SUV will be unique to North America and will solidify Mazda sales in North America, per Mazda CEO Masamichi Kogai in an interview with Autoweek. “This is our declaration that we are going to grow our business in the U.S.,” Kogai said.
Nissan is making parts again for the R32 Skyline GT-R
You can now restore a Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R with OEM parts, available through Nissan’s NISMO division. There isn’t a full list just yet, but the parts include “hoses, emblems and other exterior components.” A link posted on Reddit leads to this Japanese website, with a video by Nissan announcing the heritage parts program will start with the R32 GT-R.
BMW preparing new battery technology centre for 2019
BMW is at the forefront of battery technology development. Their new battery centre, due to open in 2019, will be developing battery cells for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Over the span of four years, the automaker will invest over $300 million in its new battery research facility. The new technology will allow BMW to electrify its entire product lineup by the year 2025; most of those vehicles will be EVs, while others will be plug-in hybrids.
Infiniti unveils new QX50 SUV ahead of L.A Auto Show
If Christian Meunier, Infiniti’s global division vice president, says the all-new 2019 Infiniti QX50 is the company’s “most important vehicle we have ever launched,” then you know they made a real effort to capitalize on the hot luxury SUV segment. While it rides on an all-new platform and is more aerodynamic than the last version, the real innovation here is the VC-Turbo variable compression ratio engine, a world first.
Aria Group teases mysterious supercar concept ahead of L.A Auto Show
Aria Group, the company that made the mid-engined Corvette Concept you didn’t know wanted, will unveil its newest concept at the L.A Auto Show next week. The new concept car is dubbed the FXE, and so far we only have the teaser photo seen above. However, it seems promising by the looks of the slim LED tail lights and the glass engine cover. The bold wheel arches promise big tires. Aria’s first supercar a supercharged, 6.2-litre V8 out of a Corvette, making 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.
Honda wants to launch ultra fast-charging EVs by 2022
While Tesla aims to dominate EVs in North America, Honda has been making strides with its mass-market EV plan for Europe and Asia. According to a report in the Nikkei Asian Review, Honda plans on launching their new EVs between 2019 and 2022. The vehicles will have a range of 240 kilometres on a single 15-minute charge, when at best, certain EVs today take twice as long to get to 80 per cent.
Prius V discontinued in the U.S but stays in Canada
Toyota will be discontinuing its hybrid wagon, the Prius V, for the U.S and Puerto Rico. “After six years and nearly 160,000 units sold in the U.S., the decision was made to end Prius V production” Toyota’s East Coast communications manager Corey Proffitt told Green Car Reports. Canada, however, will see the Prius V as a 2018 model next year, a company representative has confirmed. The Prius V is a popular five-door variant of the iconic car by Toyota that started the hybrid craze.
Infiniti teases new QX50 ahead of L.A Auto Show
It’s very rare when the production version of a car looks similar to the concept, but the upcoming, redesigned Infiniti QX50 will retain much of the original concept’s design. The new QX50 will debut at the L.A Auto Show with Infiniti’s new, 2.0-litre VC-T four-cylinder engine, complete with a turbocharger and a variable compression ratio. The new engine will have 268 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque.
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