Vehicles: Page 106
-
BMW i Vision Dynamics Third Model in i Brand Lineup
Due to reach showrooms in 2021, the production version of the i Vision Dynamics is to take the i5 name, bridging a gap in the i brand lineup between the smaller electric-powered i3 and the i8 gasoline-electric-hybrid.
By Greg Kable • Sept. 13, 2017 -
USDOT Lightens Autonomous-Vehicles Guidelines
The guidance clears the way for automakers and suppliers to test autonomous systems on the open road without obtaining regulatory permission and clarifies the role of federal and state bodies.
By James M. Amend • Sept. 12, 2017 -
Elantra GT Marriage of Athleticism and Utility
The hot-hatch sector gains a new entrant in the form of Hyundai’s Elantra GT Sport. But does it stack up to the competition?
Sept. 12, 2017 -
Mainstream Brands Rule Wards 10 Best UX List
“We started this competition one year ago, and in that short time we’ve seen tremendous progress on the part of automakers. These are small steps toward the world of autonomous vehicles,” says Drew Winter, senior content director at WardsAuto.
Sept. 11, 2017 -
JLR Says All Models to Have Electric Variant By 2020
“Every new Jaguar Land Rover model line will be electrified from 2020, giving our customers even more choice,” CEO Ralf Speth says. “We will introduce a portfolio of electrified products across our model range, embracing fully electric, plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid vehicles.”
By Paul Myles • Sept. 7, 2017 -
Concept Expands BMW’s Ambitious Electrified Lineup
The i5 is among four new all-electric models to be confirmed by BMW at the Frankfurt show. Others include the first series-production electric-powered Mini, an electric-powered version of the X3 and a separate i-brand model with the working title iNext.
By Greg Kable • Sept. 7, 2017 -
GM Sees EVs Going Mainstream, But Federal Credits Drying Up
“We are near the tipping point for mainstream adoption,” says Darin Gesse, product manager for the Chevrolet Bolt battery-electric vehicle.
By James M. Amend • Sept. 7, 2017 -
New Leaf Right Package at Right Price, Nissan Exec Says
Reed is convinced 150 miles of range meets 90% of the usage requirements for Leaf customers. A more-powerful 60-kWh battery coming later is expected to extend range well over 200 miles (322 km).
Sept. 6, 2017 -
F1 Racing’s Williams Engineering Unveils EV Concept
The engineering house says its FW-EVX suggests a future with lighter, safer, greener EVs with longer range and better performance.
By Paul Myles • Sept. 6, 2017 -
BMW Transforms Steyr Plant for Modular Engines
Even as Volkswagen’s emissions scandal hurts demand for diesel engines, BMW’s retooled plant in Steyr, Austria, is flexible enough to respond by quickly ramping up production of modular gasoline engines with little disruption.
Sept. 6, 2017 -
EV Start-Up Featured at Low-Emissions-Vehicles Event
Richie Frost, company director and chief technical officer, says Detroit Electric will use the show to announce its plans to launch a range of all-electric passenger vehicles after the recent receipt of $1.8 billion from a joint venture agreement.
By Alan Harman • Sept. 6, 2017 -
Alcraft Turns to Crowd-Funding for High-Output EV
The Alcraft GT is promised to be a practical sports car boasting a 2+2 shooting-brake body style with 17.7 cu.-ft. of luggage space and a 300-mile (483-km) range between charges.
By Paul Myles • Sept. 5, 2017 -
General Motors’ Michigan Plant Model of Flexibility
Two line workers attach the battery or gas tank – depending on model, Bolt or Sonic – comes to their zone, with 10 fasteners. Further down the line, another two workers attach the driveline, this time with 12 fasteners, engaging in virtually the same process whether it’s a Sonic or a Bolt.
By Roger Schreffler • Sept. 5, 2017 -
Gen II Chevy Volt Propulsion System Shockingly Good
“The key was to be better in every measurable way,” says GM Global Vehicle Chief Engineer Barry Walkup.
By Gary Witzenburg • Aug. 30, 2017 -
Mini Cracks Open Mobility Window With Concept EV
The concept combines many of the classic Mini design elements and proportions used by the third-generation Cooper, together with newly developed cues conceived around the 4-seater’s electric driveline and optimization of its aerodynamics.
By Greg Kable • Aug. 29, 2017 -
Fusing User Experience and Ecosystem Thinking
Engineers, scientists, designers, artists and others must work as a team, immersing themselves in customers’ lives before diving deep into features and functions.
By Kimberly Clavin • Aug. 29, 2017 -
Younger U.K. Drivers Turning on to Electric Vehicles
Results of the Populus polling firm’s survey will come as welcome news to the U.K. government following its announcement it intends to eliminate sales of internal-combustion-engine-powered cars by 2040.
By Paul Myles • Aug. 29, 2017 -
’18 Infiniti Q50 Shows How Far Vehicle Engineering Has Come
In addition to being stuffed with the latest technology, the sports sedan from Nissan’s luxury brand looks great.
By Steve Finlay • Aug. 29, 2017 -
U.K. Postal Service Testing Electric Delivery Trucks
Nine BEVs with ranges of up to 100 miles (161 km) and of varying sizes and payloads are part of the trials to distribute mail from the central London depot.
By Paul Myles • Aug. 28, 2017 -
Oz Government Bankrolling CV Electric Conversions
SEA Electric integrates and assembles electric-vehicle drive systems into a basic chassis and framework, including the cab, battery pack and electric motor. It also fits the electronic infrastructure of the vehicle.
By Alan Harman • Aug. 28, 2017 -
Delphi Touts 48V/DSF System as Inexpensive Diesel Alternative
The supplier’s combination of a super-smart cylinder deactivation system with advanced mild-hybrid technology works seamlessly in a 1.8L Volkswagen Passat test vehicle and promises big gains in fuel-economy ratings and emissions reduction.
By David Zoia Editor • Aug. 25, 2017 -
Gearing Up: Chevy’s Latest Traverse Adds Space, Power, Efficiency
Chevrolet’s new-look Traverse 3-row CUV shares styling with its bigger, brawnier Tahoe and Suburban SUV siblings, gains interior cargo space, loses weight and adds powertrain options geared toward increasing fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
By Bob Gritzinger • Aug. 25, 2017 -
Low-Voltage EV Proves Durability in Zurich Testing
NanoFlowcell is running real-world trials of its Quantino 48V to showcase the technology as a cleaner, greener and less-costly alternative to lithium-ion-powered battery-electric vehicles.
By Paul Myles • Aug. 25, 2017 -
Autonomous Ride-Sharing: Key to Consumer Adoption of Driverless Cars
Author predicts most consumers will satisfy their curiosity through driverless ride-sharing vehicles, form educated opinions on whether the technology is suitable for them and gradually become more familiar and at ease with autonomous technology.
By Pavan Mathew • Aug. 24, 2017 -
Bosch Mulls Battery Cell Production, Seeks Electrified Future
Stuttgart, Germany-based Bosch already supplies battery systems, including motors and inverters, to more than 30 projects by global vehicle manufacturers such as Porsche and Fiat.
By James M. Amend • Aug. 24, 2017