This Lotus-based submarine helped Tesla make the Cybertruck aerodynamic
There's at least one vintage car in Musk's garage: a 1976 Lotus Esprit converted into an electric submarine for the 1977 James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me. The wedge-shaped coupe partly influenced the Cybertruck's design, according to the executive. It's a silhouette that's far more aerodynamic than it might seem.
Here’s why BMW’s go-fast M division hasn’t released an electric car yet
Weight is the enemy of sports cars, and electrification adds a lot of it. BMW M is waiting for the weight of battery-powered drivetrains to come down before it stuffs one in its cars. The company predicts it will continue making gasoline-powered cars for quite some time, but it's keeping a close eye on the technology.
Mercedes-Benz wants to know what you expect from a ride in a self-driving car
Mercedes-Benz admitted it took a reality check when it comes to autonomous technology, but it's nonetheless moving forward with its plan to deploy self-driving cars, according to insiders. The company has started testing about 30 prototypes in California to learn more about what users expect from a ride in a robotaxi.
The Ford Mustang could ditch its V8 and eventually go fully electric
As Ford develops a hybrid variant of the Mustang, it's looking ahead to what future generations of the car could look like, and it sees a huge battery pack. One of the company's high-ranking engineers called an electric Mustang a when, not an if. It's not around the corner, but the hybrid will arrive in 2020.
Is your car on the list of the 10 most-stolen cars in America?
The most stolen car in the United States in 2018 was a 19-year-old Honda Civic. It's a reasonably simple car that's common and low-key, so thieves love it. The 1997 Honda Accord finished second, while the 2006 Ford F-Series was in third place. Driving an older car isn't necessarily a good way to fool thieves, though.
Here’s how Audi increased the electric E-Tron’s driving range
Software and hardware changes allowed Audi's engineering team to squeeze 15 additional miles of range from the E-Tron's battery pack. Its cooling system is more efficient, it has offers a more aggressive regeneration mode, among other updates. Audi hasn't revealed if the changes will apply to the American-spec model.
Can you imagine a Miata with a plug? Mazda says it’s possible
The Mazda Miata has always been small and nimble, but that doesn't make incompatible with electrification. The company's engineers, designers, and executives are debating whether to make the next-generation roadster electrified. It would either go hybrid or get an electric drivetrain, but nothing is set in stone yet.
Dubai plans to turn a Tesla Cybertruck into a tourist-friendly police car
Don't expect to see a fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks patrolling Dubai. It sounds like only a single model will be purchased, and it will join the city's fleet of high-profile patrol cars, which also includes a Bugatti Veyron. These Instagram-friendly cars are deployed in the most tourist-filled areas.
Lincoln could tap into Rivian’s expertise to build an electric off-roader
Tentatively due out in 2022, the rumored Lincoln SUV would be the first model to benefit from Ford's $500 million investment in Rivian. It's unclear whether it will join the Navigator family, or if it will be a stand-alone model. The yet-unnamed SUV is one of at least three EVs Lincoln is believed to be working on.
Toyota points out demand for electric vehicles hasn’t picked up yet
Car buyers are far more interested in hybrids than in electric vehicles, according to one of Toyota's top executives. In America, battery-powered models made up about 2% of new car sales in 2018, while hybrids were much more popular. The company is keeping an eye on demand, and it's ready to launch an EV if needed.
The best car chase movies
We're not saying a good car chase makes a good movie, but it certainly helps. From Bullitt to Ronin, we've singled out some of the best car chases ever.
Lamborghini’s newest concept car is a gamer’s dream come true
This futuristic, fighter jet-inspired one-seater is based on the Sian FKP 37, so it's powered by an 819-horsepower hybrid powertrain. Lamborghini created it for Gran Turismo Sport, and gamers will be able to race it in early 2020. There's no word yet on whether it will spawn a production model like McLaren's rival car.
Maserati is balancing the past and the future to reinvent all of its cars
Electric powertrains? Check. Over-the-air software updates? Present. Cutting-edge infotainment systems? Yep. Maserati is making big investments to overhaul its product portfolio between 2020 and 2023. Digital Trends stepped inside the company's Innovation Lab to learn more.
2019 LA Auto Show: Highlights, headlines, and everything awesome
You'd think the LA Auto Show would focus solely on electric cars, but that's not the case. While we saw some pretty cool hybrid and electric cars, high-performance models were everywhere, and it's clear that buyers still love SUVs. We've singled out the most noteworthy cars unveiled during the event.
Survive the slippery, snowy streets with these winter driving tips
Winter is officially here, which means the roads are more dangerous than ever. Thankfully, we've compiled a selection of driving tips to help you stay safe under slippery conditions, whether you're planning to travel across the state or run a few errands around town.
Mercedes-Benz’s electric EQC is one of the most affordable cars in its segment
Mercedes-Benz is taking another shot at the electric car segment with a crossover named EQC. It's GLC-like in size, proportions, and design, but it's electric-only -- don't look for a V6 here. Sales begin nationwide in 2020. Will Mercedes-Benz catch up to Jaguar's sporty, segment-bending I-Pace crossover?
Would you guess that the 600-horsepower 2020 Audi RS Q8 is a hybrid?
The flagship of Audi's SUV range is also the latest addition to its growing portfolio of hybrids. Sure, the RS Q8 packs a 600-horsepower V8 engine, but it relies on a 48-volt mild hybrid system to keep fuel economy in check. It gains chassis upgrades, plus an RS-specific version of the standard Q8's technology.
Horsepower and 3D-printing collide in the hottest Mini hatchback to date
The Mini John Cooper Works GP concept first seen at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show will go into production in 2020, the firm has confirmed. The 300-plus-horsepower John Cooper Works GP is the ultimate performance version of the Mini Cooper hatch, and production will be limited to 3,000 examples worldwide.
Elon Musk sets aside rivalries to praise one of Tesla’s competitors
It's rare for an automotive industry executive to acknowledge a competitor's product, let alone praise it, so Elon Musk's comments surprised us. He congratulated Ford for making the Mustang Mach E, an electric crossover slated to enter production in 2020. The Mach E will compete directly against the Tesla Model Y.
Stylish and compact, Hyundai’s next concept is tailor-made for Los Angeles
The yet-unnamed concept car is the next step in Hyundai's design overhaul. It's powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, though technical details remain under wraps for the time being. It's unclear at this point whether the concept will reach production, or if it's a one-off design study built for the auto show circuit.
2021 Tesla Model Y vs. 2021 Ford Mustang Mach E
Ford drew inspiration from the Mustang to lock horns with Tesla; how's that for change? The Mustang Mach E (which shares nothing but a name with the actual Mustang) is aimed at the Tesla Model Y, and both are scheduled to enter production in late 2020. Here's how these two future rivals compare, and how they differ.
Ford Mustang vs. Ford Mustang Mach E
The Mach E is the first Mustang off-shoot, and it takes the nameplate in a new direction because it's electric, it has four doors, and it's available with all-wheel drive. It's Mustang-inspired, not Mustang-based, so the two models share no parts. Here is how they compare in terms of performance, tech, and pricing.
Volkswagen’s dapper 2020 Cross Sport may make its big brother jealous
New for 2020, the Atlas Cross Sport is not just a shrunken Atlas. The two models share a lot under the sheet metal, but the Cross Sport inaugurates several tech features and wears its own design. The five-seater model will be built in Tennessee, and it's scheduled to arrive in showrooms in early 2020.
Volkswagen previews a quick-charging mobile power bank for electric cars
Volkswagen will begin placing mobile charging stations for electric cars around its hometown of Wolfsburg, Germany, in early 2019. Developed in-house, these devices are like giant portable chargers that store enough electricity to charge about 15 electric cars. Series production will begin in 2020.
Volkswagen’s electric retro van could deliver your Amazon parcels in 2022
The Volkswagen I.D. Cargo concept is an electric, connected delivery van based on the I.D. Buzz concept from 2017. It boasts up to 350 miles of range and cool features like solar panels on the roof and a 230-volt outlet for power tools. It's not just a concept: production will begin around 2022.
Volkswagen plans more SUVs — and you might be able to subscribe to them
Volkswagen will add more SUVs to its lineup in the coming years. It's planning a five-seat version of the Atlas, and an entry-level crossover positioned below the Tiguan. The company isn't giving up on sedans, however. It's also evaluating the possibility of launching a subscription service in America.
Volkswagen’s hot-rodded T-Roc R is ready to shred its tires to confetti
Volkswagen has released a hot-rodded SUV named T-Roc R. Based on the T-Roc, a sub-Tiguan model sold in Europe, it receives a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine borrowed from the Golf R and tuned to make 300 horsepower. The result is a family-hauler which takes 4.9 seconds to reach 62 mph from a stop.
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI spices up the compact sedan segment
Volkswagen unveiled the 2019 Jetta GLI at the annual Chicago Auto Show. The hot-rodded model receives a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from the GTI plus an array of brake and suspension upgrades. It stays true to its heritage by being comfortable inside and relatively low-key on the outside.
Some of Volkswagen’s electric models will wear a ‘Made in the USA’ label
Confirming rumors, Volkswagen has announced it will build electric cars in its Chattanooga, Tennessee, factory. The facility currently produces the Passat and the Atlas. Scott Keogh, president of Volkswagen's American division, told Digital Trends that electric car production will begin around 2023.
The electric Volkswagen ID Buggy makes even Ferrari drivers stop and stare
Volkswagen traveled to the 2019 Geneva Auto Show to introduce an electric dune buggy named ID Buggy, and Digital Trends drove it in California. It's a modern-day tribute to the 1960s Meyers Manx, with an electric powertrain and state-of-the-art tech. If built, it could revive the dormant coachbuilding industry.
Volkswagen makes it easier for customers to talk to their car via their phone
Volkswagen improved its Car-Net infotainment system for 2020 by adding more features and making it quicker. Smartphone connectivity lets owners lock or unlock their door and check their fuel level, among other functions, by tapping their screen a few times. The company also wants to make in-car Wi-Fi cheaper.
Sharp and tech-savvy, the Volkswagen Golf gets a full digital reboot
The new, eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf receives significant tech updates, and it wears a more mature design. It's permanently connected to the internet and it receives a new infotainment system with a smartphone-like interface. Volkswagen hasn't decided whether to sell the car in America, however.
Ford’s 3D knitting tech ensures your seats won’t burst at the seams
3D knitting lets Ford make seats from one giant piece of fabric, instead of stitching together up to 40 individual bits. This technique saves time, reduces waste, and allows for more customization. It's not quite ready for prime time yet, but the Blue Oval calls 3D knitting the future of car upholstery.
Hyundai is gearing up to release an American-made pickup truck
Hyundai will invest $410 million into its 14-year-old Montgomery, Alabama, factory to build the Santa Cruz, a truck it's developing for the American market. Several key questions remain unanswered, like whether it will use unibody or body-on-frame construction. Production is scheduled to begin in 2021.