Vehicles: Page 95
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2018 Wards 10 Best Interiors: Going Soft
The right cushioning or microfiber in key interior locations makes all the difference when it comes to weighing an interior’s softer touches. (Scroll down for 10 Best Interiors video.)
By Bob Gritzinger • June 5, 2018 -
Making the Ride as Important as Getting There
Peering into the automotive interiors of the future, technologists foresee a wide range of possibilities designed to enhance getting from Point A to B.
By Bob Gritzinger • June 5, 2018 -
Autonomous Vehicles and the In-Cabin Experience
Passengers in autonomous cars can elect to be productive, entertained or even to zone out. The environment of the cabin can be used as an office, library or living room. But to achieve those options, there must be an upgraded interface between the car and the people inside.
By Gil Dotan • June 5, 2018 -
Smart Interior Materials for Smart Cars
Autonomous vehicles will require new interior surfaces to cope with heavy usage from dozens of occupants. Industry experts see a host of innovative materials that are stylish, lightweight, soft and compatible with airbags, touchscreens and sound systems.
June 4, 2018 -
FCA Brand Plans Include Broader Lineups, Bigger Emphasis on Electrification
The automaker is focused on covering more market segments with its key Jeep, Ram, Maserati and Alfa brands and increasing transaction prices and volumes. It no longer is resisting the electrification movement, with a long list of plug-in hybrids and full battery-electrics planned.
By David Zoia Editor • June 1, 2018 -
FCA Makes Big Commitment to Electrification
With the automaker’s focus on premium brands comes a broad emphasis on electrification, including four full battery electrics by 2022.
By David Zoia Editor • June 1, 2018 -
GM: Design Studios Must Diversify for Future Mobility
“As the world of an interior designer becomes less and less traditional, we need diverse thinking in this area and that will only come from a more diverse talent pool,” says Sharon Gauci, the automaker's industrial design chief.
By James M. Amend • June 1, 2018 -
Parts Makers Careful to Keep Focus on Craftsmanship
Magna may be able to supply Lincoln with 30-way power front seats for the Continental, but the supplier’s engineering expertise is compromised if the seating material isn’t wrinkle-free, says Frank Eupizi, director of engineering-consumer interface products.
June 1, 2018 -
FCA, Waymo, Announce Huge Autonomous Minivan Growth Plan
Close on the heels of GM’s announcement of a $3.35 billion investment in autonomous vehicles, FCA and Waymo say they’ll increase their self-driving fleet 100-fold starting late this year.
By Bob Gritzinger • May 31, 2018 -
FCA’s Benjamin Talks Wrangler Heritage, Why AVs Will Elevate Interiors
Elements of the earliest generations of the Wrangler can be found in the new ’18 model, including the trapezoidal surfacing of the 1954 CJ.
May 31, 2018 -
Changing Priorities, Autonomy, Computerization to Shift User Experience
As billions of dollars are being poured into creating autonomous vehicles, consumers wonder if they need to own a vehicle anymore.
May 30, 2018 -
Auto Industry Developing Safety Systems to Protect Sleepers
In the event of an accident, how will the auto industry protect autonomous vehicle occupants who instead of driving are taking naps or otherwise resting in various positions.
By Steven Finlay • May 30, 2018 -
Auto Interior Challenges: Less Weight, More Filling, Reduced Costs
Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.DETROIT – When automakers and their suppliers would discuss vehicle weight reduction, the dialogue typically centered on “how many dollars i...
By Steven Finlay • May 30, 2018 -
2018 Wards 10 Best Interiors Quick Hits
A summation of all 40 interiors evaluated in the 2018 competition. Many of these comments are taken directly from score sheets submitted by WardsAuto editors. Prices listed are sticker. Winners in red.
By Tom Murphy, Christie Schweinberg • May 29, 2018 -
Incremental Improvements to Leaf Helpful
The car falls short of the Chevy Bolt on range and infotainment, but has a lovely interior with above-average materials and does well in suburbia.
May 29, 2018 -
Will EVs Be Ready for Ultra-Fast Charging?
Electric-vehicle chargers on the way promise to replenish spent batteries in minutes, but auto industry insiders still are debating if ultra-fast charging is practical, affordable and even necessary.
By David Zoia Editor • May 29, 2018 -
EVs Easing Into Toyota’s Mostly-Hybrid Portfolio
Toyota has mapped out an electrification plan that is not overly dependent on subsidies or creative accounting. By focusing on hybrids – gasoline cars that run in part on battery power – the automaker is sticking to a formula that has generated profits for more than a decade.
May 25, 2018 -
’18 Toyota Camry Interior Gets Delightfully Daring
An artistic approach, an eye to detail, high levels of functionality and onboard technology aplenty land the Camry on the 2018 Wards 10 Best Interiors list. (Scroll down for 10 Best Interiors video profile.)
By Steve Finlay • May 25, 2018 -
Auto Supplier Auria Targets Sounds of Silence
The parts aren’t pretty, but eliminating new types of annoying sounds in electric and autonomous vehicles promises to become big business for new soft trim supplier.
May 25, 2018 -
Range Rover Velar Shines With Ever-Changing Dials
The Velar interior finds itself in the winners’ circle for sleek elegance, its Touch Pro Duo capacitive touchscreens and two large multi-function dials that change purpose quicker than a chameleon changes its colors. (Scroll to bottom for 10 Best Interiors video profile.)
May 24, 2018 -
Clever Features, Attention to Detail Hallmarks of Winning Ram 1500 Limited
Ram’s flagship model is filled with the type of materials, design flourishes and clever functional touches generally reserved for high-end luxury cars. And it comes with a variety of interiors designed to fit any taste and purpose. (Scroll down for 10 Best Interiors video profile.)
By David Zoia Editor • May 23, 2018 -
Panamera Redefines Porsche’s Interior Experience
The second-generation Panamera benefits from a completely new interior design and user experience that makes Porsche so much more than a fast-car company. (Scroll down for 10 Best Interiors video profile.)
May 22, 2018 -
Dana’s E-Axle Enters Production for China
The new electric-drive system, targeted at Class 3-6 commercial vehicles, is said to be the first on the market that integrates an electric motor with a rigid axle in a single package.
By David Zoia Editor • May 22, 2018 -
Navigator Shows the Way to Luxury Perfection
Ford’s premium Lincoln brand lands its second consecutive 10 Best Interiors award with the all-new Navigator, a luxurious “country club on wheels.” Have a cigar, Lincoln. (Scroll down for 10 Best Interiors video profile.)
By Bob Gritzinger • May 21, 2018 -
Kia Stinger Brings Something New to Sedan Segment
The distinctive design vocabulary, striking colors and shocking practicality of a hatchback design make the Stinger stand out in an ocean of highly competent but predictable sedans. (Scroll down for 10 Best Interiors video profile.)
May 17, 2018