Vehicles: Page
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Courtesy of WardsAuto
2019 Winner: Lexus UX 250h 2.0L Atkinson DOHC 4-Cyl./HEV
Toyota understands a world-class hybrid needs first-rate technologies for both combustion and electrification. So it should come as no surprise that since 2001, Toyota has earned more 10 Best Engines trophies for hybrids (six) than any other automaker.
Jan. 15, 2019 -
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Ram HD Trucks Cross 1,000 Lb.-Ft. Torque Threshold
“Simply stated, the Ram heavy duty will out-power, out-tow and out-haul every other heavy-duty pickup truck on the market,” Reid Bigland says.
Jan. 15, 2019 -
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2019 Winner: Infiniti QX50 2.0L DOHC VC-Turbo 4-Cyl.
Infiniti takes a major technological leap forward with its variable-compression turbo 4-cyl. – and we can’t help but smile every time we stomp the accelerator.
By Bob Gritzinger • Jan. 14, 2019 -
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2019 Winner: Hyundai Kona Electric 150-kW Propulsion System
The longest-range non-Tesla BEV in the U.S. lands on our 2019 Wards 10 Best Engines list boasting gobs of torque, eager acceleration and a relatively fast Level 3 charge time.
Jan. 11, 2019 -
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2019 Winner: Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell/Electric Propulsion System
The Nexo is a zero-emissions EV that offers the same range, performance and refueling time as a conventional ICE powertrain right now, not five years from now. It must be recognized.
Jan. 10, 2019 -
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What? An Autonomous Motorcycle?
Karl Viktor Schaller, head of engineering for BMW Motorrad, explains the motivation for making an autonomous motorcycle, and how the engineers made it work.
Jan. 9, 2019 -
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Visteon’s Vision: Powerful Computers to Control Cockpit, Autonomous Drive Tech
The supplier sees its two sophisticated domain controllers working together in future battery-electric and self-piloting vehicles to improve performance and offer a better user experience for drivers and passengers.
By David Zoia Editor • Jan. 9, 2019 -
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2019 Winner: Honda Accord Hybrid 2.0L Atkinson i-VTEC 4-Cyl./HEV
This powertrain is one smooth operator, delivering power and torque in such seamless fashion that it may have you asking, “Is this really a hybrid?”
By David Zoia Editor • Jan. 9, 2019 -
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Telenav Advances In-Car Commerce, Adds Alexa Integration
Demonstrating what it calls the first version of its commerce experience, Telenav foresees a way for automakers to tap into the estimated $212 billion U.S. commuters spend while driving.
Jan. 9, 2019 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Bio-Hybrid Concept Could Solve Huge Mobility Problem
“Our vision is to launch the iPhone in the field of pedelecs,” says Tim Hosenfeldt, Senior Vice President Technology Strategy and Innovation at Schaeffler. Pedelecs are a special category of electrified bicycles.
Jan. 8, 2019 -
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STEM and Literacy Driving Auto Industry’s Future
STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math) has proved successful in exciting students about careers in STEM fields. Adding the arts/design to this mix of skills has resulted in even more well-rounded students, creating a STEAM movement.
By Pamela Good • Jan. 8, 2019 -
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2019 Winner: Ford F-150 3.0L DOHC Turbodiesel V-6
What clinches it for the Wards judges is the 26 mpg we observed while logging about 800 miles in an F-150 SuperCrew 4x2. That’s the best fuel economy we’ve ever seen in a fullsize pickup.
Jan. 8, 2019 -
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EV Startup Byton Unveils Spectacular Production-Ready Interior at CES
The first Byton M-Byte Concept is a premium midsize battery-electric SUV expected to go on sale in China by the end of 2019 and in the U.S. and Europe in late 2020. Starting price will be about $45,000.
Jan. 7, 2019 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
2019 Wards 10 Best Engines Quick Hits
A pro-and-con summation of all 34 powertrains evaluated in the 2019 competition. Many comments come directly from editor scoresheets. (Winners in red.)
Jan. 7, 2019 -
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2019 Winner: Ford Mustang GT/Bullitt 5.0L DOHC V-8
Before the big V-8s disappear into the dustbin of history, let’s enjoy one more blast from the Mustang’s canon of 5.0L excellence.
By Bob Gritzinger • Jan. 7, 2019 -
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2019 Winner: Ram 1500 3.6L Pentastar eTorque V-6
The 3.6L gasoline V-6 comes with a 48V mild-hybrid system that boosts power and improves fuel economy.
By Steven Finlay • Jan. 4, 2019 -
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2019 Ford Ranger Ideal Mix of Capability, Comfort
The long-awaited return of Ford’s smallest pickup finds the Ranger offering something different than the competition, namely the segment-leading Tacoma. And that’s a good thing.
Jan. 3, 2019 -
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2019 Winner: Chevy Silverado 6.2L OHV V-8 with DFM
The engine uses Dynamic Fuel Management to achieve a 1 mpg increase in fuel economy in the EPA city cycle and 2 mpg real world but retains its monstrous output of 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. (623 Nm) of torque.
By James M. Amend • Jan. 3, 2019 -
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Scottish Authorities Sheepish About Testing Autonomy
“I can’t think of a more challenging environment than rural roads in Scotland,” the country’s transport secretary tells The Scotsman newspaper.
By Alan Harman • Jan. 2, 2019 -
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Wards 10 Best Engines Achieves 25-Year Milestone
Honoring the finest powertrains was the goal of former Wards Technical Editor Bill Visnic, who recognized in the mid-1990s that certain new engines were so good, they were capable of sealing the deal once a potential customer took a test drive. (Scroll down for full list of 2019 10 Best Engines nominees.)
Jan. 2, 2019 -
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2019 Winner: BMW X5 3.0L (B58) Turbocharged DOHC I-6
This engine’s so good, BMW expects 90% of X5 volume in the U.S. to carry the improved B58. It strikes the ideal balance between power and efficiency, propelling the generously proportioned X5 to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds.
Jan. 2, 2019 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Purdue Researching New Ways to Develop Shale Gas
CISTAR researchers and industry partners aim to convert light hydrocarbons from the shale gas deposits into chemicals and transportation fuels in work that could inject up to $20 billion annually into the U.S. economy.
By Alan Harman • Dec. 28, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
ICE Alternatives Gain Traction in Australia
Pollster Roy Morgan says overall consideration for electrified vehicles – hybrid or fully electric – has reached 56.1%, an increase from 52.4% last year and well ahead of diesel, the nearest alternative to gasoline, at 45.5%.
By Alan Harman • Dec. 28, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
AI Gets Emotional, Finds Its Way Into Car Dealerships
AI “is not futuristic, not scary, and already real,” says Joe Chura, CEO of Dealer Inspire, a technology and website provider. “It will change the world faster. At dealerships, it can do everyday tasks.”
By Steven Finlay • Dec. 20, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Hoofin’ It: 2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Beastly
If there’s a message in the hubris of its blacked-out grille emblazoned with large “Chevrolet” script in all caps, cold steel bumpers and 31-in. off-road tires it is this: Get in or get out of the way.
By James M. Amend • Dec. 20, 2018
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