Audi Q8 will warn drivers when there are construction workers on the highway
Qualcomm technology and the Audi Q8's digital, driver-configurable instrument cluster make the feature possible. Audi identified construction zone as an important use case because the men and women working on the nation's highways put their lives at risk daily. Other areas of implementation are around the corner.
Thomas Built Buses on track to deliver Virginia’s first electric school buses
Lawmakers initially plan to replace 1,050 diesel-powered school buses with Thomas Built's electric model. This 21st-century spin on an American classic features state-of-the-art electric technology that gives it 134 miles of range while carrying up to 81 students. It doubles as a mobile power supply.
NHTSA looking into whether 500,000 Teslas have unintended acceleration problem
The reports of sudden unintended acceleration are varied, and they don't follow a set pattern. Some motorists claim their car accelerated while parking, while others claim they couldn't slow it down on the highway. The NHTSA is looking into the reports, but it hasn't opened a formal investigation yet.
Tesla is recruiting designers in China to create its first city car
Tesla thinks it would be "super cool" to design a vehicle in China for the global market, and it has started laying the groundwork for an engineering center in the world's largest electric car market. It released a sketch that suggests the model might take the form of a city car positioned below the Model 3.
Volvo joins forces with China Unicom to develop 5G for its cars
Volvo aims to release in-car 5G in the early 2020s, though it hasn't provided a more specific timeframe. It predicts quicker connection speeds will allow cars to talk to the infrastructure in real-time, so they'll be able to detect traffic or find a parking spot, for example. BMW is also developing in-car 5G.
Audi is leveraging technology to turn your car into a third living space
"We cannot continue looking at the car as a closed ecosystem," stressed Audi's sales and marketing boss. She adds that the firm is open to starting partnerships in a bid to bring more technology and entertainment into the car, like VR gaming and video streaming. A.I. is on her radar, too.
Tesla is teaching its cars to talk to pedestrians in a British accent
"Well, don't just stand there, hop in," a red Model 3 tells a pedestrian during a demonstration filmed by Elon Musk. The feature sounds frivolous, but it's useful in ride-hailing applications, and it will help autonomous cars communicate with other road users. There's no word yet on when Tesla will roll it out.
Here’s what Bosch hopes to learn from deploying autonomous cars in San Jose
While software-based simulations are more accurate than ever, Bosch's Kay Stepper argues there's no replacement for real-world testing. The company is running a fleet of autonomous taxis in San Jose, California, as it prepares to deploy the technology globally. Challenges persist, however.
Nissan Leaf gains more driver-assistance features, new infotainment tech for 2020
The 2020 Nissan Leaf is more expensive than the 2019 model due to the addition of extra equipment. As a trade-off, all variants come standard with more electronic safety features (like emergency braking), and many trim levels benefit from a bigger touchscreen for the infotainment system.
Fisker delays EMotion sedan to focus on Ocean, develop new battery tech
The EMotion concept introduced at CES 2018 remains on track for production, but it's now scheduled to arrive after the Ocean shown at CES 2020. Fisker wants to focus on cheaper, more volume-oriented models first, and it's also waiting until solid-state battery tech is ready for production.
Faraday Future plans shuttle service between Los Angeles and Las Vegas
Faraday Future argues driving between the two cities takes about as much time as flying via LAX, and it's far more pleasant. The FF91 would let passengers travel first class without the security lines and annoying kids. The FF91 has enough range to make the trip without stopping for electricity.
200-mph Lamborghini Huracan Evo gets full Amazon Alexa integration
Lamborghini stitched Amazon's voice assistant directly into the Huracan Evo's infotainment system to achieve seamless integration. The driver can change the radio station, turn up the climate control, turn the heated seats off, or dim the living room lights, among other functions, by speaking a simple sentence.
EV maker Byton reveals apps that will fill 48 inches of touchscreen real estate
Byton calls the M-Byte, its first production car, a connected device on wheels, and it backed up this claim by forming partnerships with big names in the tech world. ViacomCBS is one of the apps that will be available in its infotainment system. Software developers are encouraged to create their own apps.
Airflow Vision concept previews Chrysler’s quad-screen infotainment system
Chrysler's newest concept links the 1930s to the 2020s by putting a futuristic spin on one of the brand's most forward-thinking classic models. The Airflow Vision is very likely electric, and it features a customizable, four-screen infotainment system. Its tech will seep into production models in the 2020s.
Bosch’s sharp-sighted lidar rounds out its suite of self-driving technology
Bosch's lidar technology can detect a motorcycle coming the other way, while a radar might not see it because it's too narrow, and a camera can be blinded by a flash of light. All three sensor types are required to build safe, reliable self-driving cars, according to the firm. It will show its lidar at CES 2020.
More states will levy extra registration fees on electric car owners in 2020
The taxes levied on gasoline and diesel help states maintain roads, and legislators argue motorists who drive an electric vehicle are using the infrastructure for free. While some states collect a flat annual fee, Utah and Oregon are giving drivers the option of paying for every mile they drive.
Tesla owners will soon be able to watch Disney+ on their car’s touchscreen
Company co-founder and CEO Elon Musk announced on Twitter that the feature is coming soon, though he didn't give more specific details. Owners of compatible Tesla models willing to pay a monthly fee will be able to access Disney+ while parked, and those who regularly stop at charging stations will love the feature.
Ford could build its next Mustang-inspired electric car on Volkswagen bones
Ford is already thinking about how to keep the Mach-E's momentum going, and it's in the early stages of planning a follow-up model that will be cheaper and smaller. Company executives hinted the model will ride on Volkswagen's MEB platform, which will underpin dozens of models due out in the early 2020s.
Why General Motors won’t be showing its next electric car at CES
The four-week-long strike that paralyzed General Motors earlier in 2019 has delayed its latest concept car, which is expected to be both electric and autonomous. It's now scheduled to debut during the first half of 2020. It might preview Cadillac's upcoming electric crossover, or it could be an electric pickup.
Chevrolet could make the mid-engined, eighth-generation Corvette a hybrid
Chevrolet will reportedly offer two variants of the hybrid, all-wheel-drive Corvette, including one with about 900 horsepower. The powertrain will consist of an electric motor over the front axle, and a battery pack sandwiched into the transmission tunnel. The company hasn't commented on the report yet.
One version of the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E is already sold out
The First Edition that will begin rolling off the assembly line in late 2020 is sold out. Ford hasn't revealed how many units it allocated to the U.S., however. With that version out of the picture, the Mach-E range is down to four trim levels priced between $43,895 and $60,500. Deliveries will start in late 2020.
The cutest cars from all around the world
The cutest car released during the 2010s doesn't come from an established automaker, and it's not part of the Cars franchise. Can you guess which one we're talking about? We've picked five of the cutest cars sold currently or recently around the world.
Check out the electric Ford Mustang Mach E before you’re supposed to see it
Leaked documents erroneously published on Ford's official website have given us an early look at the Mustang Mach E, an electric crossover whose styling draws inspiration from the emblematic pony car. It will make its official debut during an event scheduled for November 17, and deliveries will start in late 2020.
Automakers are one step closer to offering door-mounted cameras in the U.S.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into whether door-mounted cameras are a safe alternative to door-mounted mirrors. The agency will begin carrying out tests in the near future. The technology has already been approved in Europe and in Japan, but it remains illegal in the United States.
The five key things we learned during the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette’s unveiling
Chevrolet has re-invented the Corvette as a mid-engined, V8-powered supercar with Ferrari-like performance and a Porsche 718-esque price tag. Digital Trends attended the model's unveiling in Los Angeles, and these five points stood out to us after seeing the car in person, and chatting with the people who designed it.
Playing Forza inspired this gamer to 3D-print a Lamborghini for his son
Lamborghini charges about $400,000 for an Aventador S, so Colorado physicist Sterling Backus decided to make one in his garage for $20,000. Working with his son, he is painstakingly 3D-printing the supercar's body panels and fixing them on a chassis he designed himself. The engine comes from a 2003 Corvette.
The 2019 Geneva Auto Show, where electrification, tech, and performance collide
Automakers are increasingly turning their backs on the traditional auto show, but the Geneva Auto Show remains one of the most significant dates on the calendar. In 2019, performance and tech collided in a spectacular display of creativity, electrification, and connectivity. Here are the highlights from the event.
Kia’s bionic-looking electric concept car packs a 21-screen infotainment system
Kia revealed a concept car named Imagine at the 2019 Geneva Auto Show. The design study is entirely electric, and it intentionally blurs the lines that separate market segments. Time will tell whether it's a design-led concept car built to turn heads at auto shows, or a preview of an upcoming production model.
2020 Lamborghini Huracán Evo review
The 2020 Lamborghini Huracán Evo looks a lot like its predecessor, but the changes turn it into a smarter, sharper, and more focused machine. It boasts a 640-horsepower, 5.2-liter V10 engine, a brand-new infotainment system, and chassis tech developed to read the driver's mind and predict the next move.
What is Uconnect? Here’s everything you need to know about the popular system
Uconnect equips a wide selection of cars, ranging from the Fiat 500 to the Dodge Challenger. Here's everything you need to know about this infotainment system.
2019 Lincoln Continental review
With the 2019 Continental, Lincoln is on a mission to rekindle ties with its glamorous past. The firm's flagship sedan is short on tech, but it's comfortable, spacious, and smooth -- just like a Lincoln should be. And, with the 400-horsepower engine and all-wheel drive, it's seriously quick off the line.
The 2020 Lexus RC F goes on a diet to run faster and hit harder
The Lexus RC F has been one of the heavier cars in its competitive set since its introduction. The Japanese firm's engineers set out to shed weight as they gave the model a mid-cycle update. It keeps its naturally aspirated, 5.0-liter V8 engine but it gains electronic launch control and a Track Edition model.
Muscle cars, trucks, and EVs roared into the subdued 2019 Detroit Auto Show
The 2019 Detroit Auto Show was the quietest edition of the event in recent memory, but that doesn't mean nothing significant happened inside the Cobo Center. From V8-powered, 700-horsepower muscle cars to futuristic electric concepts, here are the new production cars and concepts we saw during the event.
Google and Volvo helped Polestar craft its answer to the Tesla Model 3
Volvo sister company Polestar has introduced the 2, its second model. It's a tall sedan with a fastback-like design that's aimed right at the Tesla Model 3. It comes with a 400-horsepower, all-wheel drive electric powertrain, and its battery pack delivers up to 275 miles of range. Production will begin in China in 2020.
Self-driving, electric, and connected, the cars of CES 2019 hint at the future
Car companies remained surprisingly quiet during CES 2018. But they spoke up in 2019. From EVs you can buy this year to super-futuristic mood-detecting technology, here are the major announcements from the event. Autonomy and electrification reign supreme, but the show put a huge focus on connectivity.
Mercedes-AMG teaches the tech-savvy 2020 CLA 45 how to breathe fire
Mercedes-Benz introduced the second-generation CLA during CES 2019, and it expanded the lineup with a 382-horsepower model called CLA 45. Bigger than before, the design-led member of Mercedes' compact car family receives an A.I.-powered MBUX infotainment system and cutting-edge convenience features.