Motorists in wealthier countries are more likely to go electric, study finds
Motorists who live in Europe's wealthier countries are more likely to buy an electric car, according to a study. Conversely, those who live in poorer nations are less likely to give up gasoline. The study reflects the fact that EVs remain more expensive to build -- consequently, to buy -- than gasoline-powered models.
Elantra, is that you? Hyundai’s compact sedan gets a nose job and more brains
Hyundai has given the 2019 Elantra an update no one saw coming. The changes include a sharper-looking design from the base of the windshield to the tip of the front bumper and a new infotainment powered by an upgraded processor. The 2019 Hyundai Elantra will go on sale before the end of 2018.
This is the ultra-desirable Porsche race car you’d happily sell a kidney for
Porsche has unveiled a modern version of the monstrous 935 race car from the 1970s. Based on the 911 GT2 RS, it gets a sleeker body made from carbon fiber and a 700-hp flat-six engine. Production is limited to 77 examples and each one costs over $800,000. The 935 was developed for track use and it's not street-legal.
Audi kicks off the TT’s 20th birthday bash with more performance and tech
The Audi TT gains updates inside, outside, and under the hood for its 20th anniversary. Stylists chose not to make significant changes to the design but the 2019 TT gains luxury and technology features plus an important mechanical upgrade. Audi will also release a limited-edition model named TT 20 Years.
Aston Martin shows us its true colors with the 715-hp DBS Superleggera
Aston Martin has introduced a new flagship model named DBS Superleggera. Designed to replace the Vanquish at the top of its lineup, the muscular-looking coupe comes with a 715-horsepower evolution of the mighty turbocharged V12 found in the firm's other cars. The DBS Superleggera will take on Ferrari's 812 Superfast.
Aston Martin flying concept brings style and luxury to the skies
Aston Martin has joined the list of companies racing to deploy flying taxis above the world's most crowded cities. Envisioned for ultra-wealthy commuters, the Volante Vision concept previews a hybrid aircraft with vertical take-off and landing capability. It could become a reality in the near future.
Sexy at 70: Porsche’s limited-edition 911 Speedster gets green light for 2019
The gorgeous 911 Speedster concept Porsche introduced in June has received the green light for production. The 500hp, GT3-powered model will be available in 2019 as a limited-edition model. Porsche will stop production after it makes 1,948 examples, a number chosen because the company was born in 1948.
Can electric cars be S3XY? Tesla says yes with the new Model Y crossover
Tesla introduced a new crossover named Model Y at its design studio in Los Angeles. It's a more spacious alternative to the Model 3, and a smaller sibling to the Model X. All-electric, the Model Y is on-sale now through a reservation system, and the first deliveries are tentatively scheduled for 2020.
Apple sheds 200 employees from its mysterious self-driving car program
Apple has dismissed 200 employees from Project Titan, its self-driving car program. We don't know whether the workers who got moved or laid off were engineers, designers, or something else. Apple may never build a car, but a spokesperson for the company reaffirmed its commitment to autonomous technology.
Room to roam: The supersized X7 is unlike any BMW you’ve ever seen
The first-ever BMW X7 is the 7 Series of the SUV world in terms of size, price, and image. Its supersized body has enough room for seven adult passengers and enough tech to impress even the most cutting-edge buyers. Deliveries will begin in March, but buyers can reserve the X7 online -- a first for a BMW.
Can BMW’s rebooted 3 Series regain gold standard for sport sedans?
The BMW 3 Series lost its way in 2012; once the gold standard in the sport sedan segment, it disappointed journalists and buyers by not living up to BMW's promise of delivering the ultimate driving machine. The brand-new model scheduled to make its debut as a 2020 model aims to climb back on top of the podium.
Siemens’ autonomous 1965 Ford Mustang is a horse that can’t be tamed
Siemens has turned a 1965 Ford Mustang into a self-driving race car. It keeps the carbureted, 4.7-liter V8 engine but gains sensors and powerful onboard computers that will help it race up a hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed without human input -- in theory, but not necessarily in application.
Lamborghini’s 770-hp Aventador SVJ is not for the faint of heart
Lamborghini introduced a more extreme evolution of the Aventador S named SVJ during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Built for handling, it receives trick aerodynamic technology called ALA that alternates between providing downforce and reducing drag. Lamborghini plans on building 900 examples.
For 2020, Toyota is finally fixing the Prius Prime’s two biggest downsides
The Toyota Prius is our favorite hybrid car, but it's not perfect by any means. For the 2020 model year, Toyota is fixing two of its biggest downsides by adding a fifth seat, and by making Apple CarPlay standard. There are no mechanical or visual changes to report, so the polarizing Prius still has a 640-mile range.
Hyundai just made the Ioniq Electric better in Europe. Will the U.S. get it?
Hyundai's European division has updated the Ioniq Electric with a bigger battery pack that delivers more range, a more powerful electric motor, design tweaks, and more tech inside. The updates have only been announced for the European-spec model, but American motorists could benefit from them sooner or later.
Ford designers are dropping their pencils and reaching for VR goggles instead
Ford teamed up with Gravity Sketch to bring virtual reality Co-Creation tech to the world of automotive design. The tool has the potential of speeding up the design process by letting designers on different continents work on the same project. The announcement illustrates an ongoing trend in the auto industry.
GM wants to make an electric pickup, but can it beat its rivals to the punch?
General Motors won't team up with startup Rivian, but it still wants a piece of the burgeoning electric pickup truck segment. Company CEO Mary Barra confirmed a battery-powered full-size truck is in the pipeline, though she stopped short of revealing when it will arrive, and which brand will sell it.
Google, Harman are helping Fiat-Chrysler overhaul its infotainment tech
Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has teamed up with Harman and Google to overhaul its connected-car and infotainment technologies. The automaker is planning a suite of new features that keeps users connected on the go. The next Uconnect platform will debut in late 2019 and it will be in all FCA cars by 2022.
It’s over: Smart confirms it’s leaving America after disastrous shift to EVs
Daimler announced its Smart brand will leave the United States after the 2019 model year. The company's annual American sales dropped by 58% to under 1,300 cars after it shifted to selling only electric vehicles. The Mercedes-Benz dealer network will continue to provide parts and service for Smart owners.
Jaguar’s Smart Wallet rewards drivers for reporting traffic jams and potholes
Jaguar-Land Rover wants to reward drivers who allow their car to share information about road conditions. Still in the pilot phase, its Smart Wallet technology gives motorists cryptocurrency if they agree to let their car send traffic information, weather information, and even the location of potholes.
Tesla posts $702M Q1 loss as deliveries fall sharply; Musk promises turnaround
Tesla lost $702 million during the first quarter of 2019 as deliveries fell sharply, and demand for the Model X and the Model S flattened. The company predicts it will again lose money in the second quarter, but it will return to profitability during the third. It also announced plans to enter the insurance business.
Ford is keeping hackers out of its cars by putting key fobs to sleep
Ford believes it found a way to stop thieves who try to hack their way into a car by duplicating its key fob. It developed a smart key fob that puts itself to sleep when it's idle for at least 40 seconds. It automatically wakes up when it senses someone picked it up. The technology isn't U.S.-bound yet.
The 2020 Subaru Outback wants to take you to (and teach you about) the outdoors
The Outback is one of Subaru's most significant models, so the Japanese firm couldn't afford to make a mistake when it did an overhaul. The sixth-generation Outback stands out with all-wheel drive and a rugged design, but it becomes a more user-friendly station wagon thanks to improved tech features.
Volkswagen prepares its electric ID R race car for its toughest challenge yet
The Volkswagen ID R electric race car will head to the Nürburgring to set a lap record. With Romain Dumas at the wheel, the ID R will try to become the fastest electric car around the grueling, 12.9-mile long track. The record attempt is taking place in the summer of 2019 with a car built specifically for the occasion.
Startup Smartcar accuses bigger rival Otonomo of stealing intellectual property
California-based startup Smartcar claims its intellectual property was stolen by a much bigger (and better-funded) rival named Otonomo. The company published screen shots of its API next to Otonomo's API and pointed out the similarities, including typos. Otonomo hasn't given its side of the story yet.
The Audi AI:me concept shows how a self-driving city car can fight boredom
Audi unveiled a concept car named AI:me at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. It explores what an electric, autonomous, and connected city car could look like. It fights boredom with an on-board VR set while taking Audi's tech-savvy interiors to new heights. The concept could preview a follow-up to the A2 city car.
From rugged wagons to hot sports cars, the 2019 NY Auto Show brought it all
From city cars to supercars, anything goes at the New York Auto Show. Automakers from all over the globe traveled to the 2019 show to unveil their newest concept cars and production models, and Digital Trends was live in Manhattan to cover it all. Here are the most significant cars we saw under the bright lights.
The VR goggles you wear to shoot alien ships is helping Magna design car parts
Canadian automotive supplier Magna has started using virtual reality in its research and development department. The technology helps engineers see what they're working on without making (and, sometimes destroying) a prototype, so it saves time and money. VR also brings international teams closer together.
Sick of civilization? Volkswagen’s Atlas Basecamp concept lets you get away
Volkswagen revealed the Atlas Basecamp concept ahead of its debut at the 2019 New York Auto Show. Built for overlanding, this family-hauler was upgraded jointly by Volkswagen and aftermarket manufacturers. It received a lift kit, fatter tires, a roof rack for mountain bikes, and it tows a camper trailer.