Tag Archives: cars
4 Self-Driving Cars We Expect To See At The Geneva Auto Show
Whether they’re merely concepts for now or in planned production, the Geneva Auto Show will be home to some of the most fantastic innovations of modern time—self-driving cars.
Here is a list of the top 4 self-driving cars we are anticipating at the show:
1. Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion
The I.D. Vizzion is fourth on Volkswagen’s futuristic I.D lineup of concepts. The Vizzion is a long, low sedan with no steering wheel or pedals. Much like the other I.D. concepts—the Buzz bus, the Crozz crossover, and the original I.D.—the Vizzion will be quick and powerful. It will pack a 111kWh battery car that can go 413 miles on a single charge. It will have dual motors with an output of 302 horsepower and a top speed of 112mph.
2. Rinspeed Snap
The Snap is Rinspeed’s latest concept vehicle that first debuted at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show. As promised, the Snap is more than just a self-driving car, but it’s a “mobility ecosystem” that is pieced together. The Snap has a skateboard for the mechanicals and technology components and a pod where the riders sit. The idea is for the skateboard piece to be able to retire without necessarily diminishing the whole function of the vehicle. The pod will be able to survive even without the skateboard.
3. Renault Self-Driving Concept Car
Still unnamed at this point, the latest self-driving concept car from Renault was spotted being filmed in Barcelona ahead of its debut at the Geneva Auto Show. The pod-like vehicle is a testament to Renault’s “vision for shared urban mobility.” It is also designed for ride-hailing services like Uber.
4. Icona Nucleus
Italian design house Icona will attend the Geneva Auto Show for the first time with its self-driving car concept called the Nucleus. Icona calls it “the ultimate self-driving living room” because it focuses more on the cabin and how to make the interior functional.
Top 7 Most Anticipated Cars and SUVs at the 2018 Detroit Motor Show
The year 2018 is here and there are many things for us to get excited about in the automotive world. Major global events hitting us this January will be the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) or simply known as the Detroit Motor Show. But in this article, we will only focus on the Detroit Motor Show.
Here is a quick look at the top 7 new vehicles that we are looking forward to see in the show:
1. Infiniti Concept Car
Inifiti recently teased what appears to be a snout of a new concept sedan. Based on sources, the car will likely be powered by a hybrid powertrain or it might be an all-electric Q series model.
2. Mercedes-AMG 53 Models
A new line of AMG models will be introduced in Detroit. The cars will bear the 53 moniker. The output of the AMG 53s will be higher than the 43s. The E-Class and the CLS range were confirmed to carry the 53 line.
AMG CEO Tobias Moers said in an interview that the CLS will no longer have the 63 model. Instead, the range-topper of the CLS family will be the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53.
3. BMW i8 Coupe
The BMW i8 Coupe takes many cues from the i8 Roadster, except of course the hard top of the coupe. However, the coupe will get an 11.6 kWh battery and 105 kW electric motor. It will keep its 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine. The total output of the car is at 275 kW with a zero to 100 km/h acceleration of 4.4 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h.
4. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The iconic G-Class in the SUV range of Mercedes is getting an overhaul. So far, the German automaker has released official photos of the vehicle’s interior, which suggest that it will probably be wider than its predecessor. As for its design, Mercedes might stick with the classic boxy body of the SUV that has been its signature trait since it was introduced to consumers decades ago.
5. Hyundai Veloster
Hyundai will be debuting a new generation model of the Veloster. The car is expected to use a variant of the 2018 Elantra’s platform. Then, it will be benefiting from the different engine options offered by the i30, including a high-performance “N” trim.
6. Lexus LF-1 Limitless
Lexus just teased some exterior elements of the LF-1 crossover last month. From the images revealed by its maker, the car will be slightly inspired by the LC 500h. The auto is expected to be marketed as the flagship SUV of Lexus.
What is very interesting about the vehicle though is its “LF” name. It should be noted that the letterings were once applied to a supercar of Lexus called the LFA. So does that mean that the LF-1 will have a top-of-the-line performance in the Lexus hierarchy?
7. Volkswagen Jetta
The next-gen Jetta is on its way. Teasers, concept arts and spy shots of the car hint that it will be sleeker than the current model. The interior of the auto appears to have a similar layout with the Mk VII Golf. The engine options will likely include a 1.4-liter turbo inline-four and a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four. The transmission will either be a six-speed or eight-speed automatic. The output of the vehicle should be higher than the existing model and a hybrid version of it is a possibility.
Reminder
It should be noted that some of the information here are based on predictions, insider scoops, official teasers and limited hints from automakers as most of them refuse to discuss models that haven’t had their official world premieres yet. Therefore, better take these with a grain of salt as we wait for the opening of the 2018 Detroit Motor Show.
Top 4 Signs Saying You Need to Fit Snow Chains in Your Cars
Snow chains are one of the most useful inventions introduced to driving. These devices help provide maximum traction to the tires of a vehicle when it is being driven through snow and ice. So what are the key signs that say when you should install these?
Check out these four helpful tips that will let you determine when to fit the snow chains to your cars:
1. Check Out Local Regulations
For the sake of public safety, there are laws or ordinances that indicate when to attach snow chains to your auto. Be sure to familiarize yourself with them to protect yourself, other motorists, properties and pedestrians. It will also keep you away from certain sanctions for non-compliance with the road regulations as stated by the law.
2. Mountain Climbs
Some national parks have signage or officers that will tell you when it is time to equip your snow chains. In the absence of such, if you see that the road ahead is covered in thick snow or you have noticed that your tires are having trouble getting a grip on the surface, it’s about time to chain up your ride.
3. Muddy Areas
While snow chains, as the name implies, is the best tool in gaining traction in snowy or icy roads, these come in handy too when driving through muddy terrain. Some might have noticed that a number of logging skidders operating in areas susceptible to heavy rains which eventually result to muddy grounds fit their tires with chains. Make sure though to get snow chains with plenty of cross links when choosing the product that can aid you in traversing muddy soil.
4. Grass or Grounds Covered by Dry Leaves
A nice hack when you are having trouble gaining a grip on areas covered in flora or dry leaves is by installing snow chains on your tires. Again, see to it that you are using snow chains with a lot of cross links to optimize your traction.
Dyson Electric Car Prepares to Challenge Tesla
A Dyson electric car is in the works. Last week, the company revealed its plan on rivaling major automakers in the electric vehicle (EV) market and poises itself as a challenger to the supremacy of Tesla in the segment.
Max Conze, the CEO of Dyson, revealed in an interview with Wired that they are gearing to enter into the car market. He said that they plan to launch their very first EV by 2020.
The move is a huge leap from the company that is known for producing home appliances, including the best vacuum cleaners in the market today. It could prove as a big challenge for them. However, Conze boldly stated that they are preparing to make their own auto all by themselves without the need for a partner.
Critics have expressed their concern over the decision of Dyson to tap the EV market, but the company claimed that they have the means to produce them. Then Conze added that making their own car platform will allow them to smoothly integrate their in-house technology with their vehicles.
Conze pointed out that through the utilization of their expertise with batteries, energy-efficient motors and air flow system to autos, they will significantly improve the existing electric range of EVs by 50 to 100 percent. It should be recalled that the Tesla Model S is capable of reaching 315 miles at full charge. The report noted that the company has hired 400 engineers for the project and has allotted £2 billion for the program.
Although Dyson already uses advanced artificial intelligence for their robot vacuums, they are not looking to make self-driving cars. Only basic semi-autonomous features like lane-keeping assistance will likely be installed in their future vehicles. Furthermore, Conze said they will not be focusing on building their own charging infrastructure as EVs with greater range don’t have to be recharged often.
Toyota Cars are Not Boring
Toyota cars are not boring. Well, that’s what the company’s CEO Akio Toyoda said in his recent speech.
In a report from USA Today, Toyoda admitted that there have been times when Toyota cars were referred to as boring and lacking in character. However, he reminded the audience that their autos have received favorable reviews from customers when it comes to driving dynamics and design. Then again, he stated that there’s still room for improvement in their vehicles.
The statement of Toyoda came as he announced the financial results of the company for the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2017.
It was during the event where it was revealed that Toyota’s revenue fell. According to the source, the company already relinquished its title as the world’s largest automaker by a slight margin to Volkswagen.
The revenue of the company went down 2.8 percent to $24.2 billion. On the other hand, its operating expenses slumped 30.1 percent to $17.5 billion.
Toyota foresees a 2.5 percent fall in revenue and 18 percent decrease in net income for the current fiscal year, which ends in March 2018. In addition, the Japanese firm projected retail vehicle sales to remain flat at 10.25 million.
Among the factors blamed for the unfortunate performance of Toyota in 2016 were the tough currency rates. The company reflected a 20.8 percent drop in net income to 1.831 trillion yen or $16.1 billion in the present day’s rates.
Toyoda added that they should expect a paradigm shift in the industry too, which is slowly gearing towards self-driving vehicles. The CEO defended the unfavorable financial results of his company by saying it was only a proof that Toyota puts more priority in stabilizing and continuously improving their investments in the future, rather than concentrating on short-term profit.
Toyoda pointed out that to safeguard the future of the company, they have created an internal division called the Toyota Research Institute to work on futuristic technologies.
5 Most Powerful American Cars and SUVs Today
Earlier, we have discussed how automotive experts wanted the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon banned from the roads. They are worried that its ridiculously high output might trigger reckless drivers. That is subject for debate though.
For now, let us take a look at where the Dodge Demon falls under the 5 most powerful American cars and sport utility vehicles today based on an article from Fox News Auto.
1. 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
Unsurprisingly, the Demon falls into first place, thanks to its 6.2-liter V8 engine that can produce up to 808 hp. As if that’s not yet high enough, the source said that pumping the vehicle with 100 octane race gas can raise its output to 840 hp.
2. Dodge Challenger/Charger SRT Hellcat
The Hellcats each carry a 6.2-liter V8 unit. The engine packs 707 hp. The Challenger model is capable of getting a top speed of 199 mph while the more aerodynamically-built Charger can take up to 204 mph.
3. 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is considered as the most powerful in the SUV segment. The auto shares the same engine as the Hellcat, which is good for 707 hp. The vehicle only falls a bit short in the torque department compared to the Hellcat. The Trackhawk has 645 lb-ft of torque while the Hellcat has 650 lb-ft. The SUV also boasts an all-wheel drive system.
4. 2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 packs a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 engine. The output of the unit is 662 hp and it can reach up to 202 mph.
5. 2018 Chevrolet Camaro Z06/Camaron ZL1
Tying in the fifth place of this list are the Chevrolet Camaro Z06 and the Camaro ZL1. Each car is equipped with 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 650 hp. The ZL1 has faster shift times than the Z06 though as it has a 10-speed automatic gearbox compared to its sibling’s eight-speed unit.
Top 3 Mercedes-Benz Vehicles at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show
Mercedes-Benz wasted no time in making a statement at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. The three-pointed star marque immediately showcased its new cars and sport utility vehicles in the press conference of the event.
The luxury vehicle brand presented a lot of its products in Geneva, including new drivetrains of its existing GLA range and special edition versions of its cars, but let us take a look at the three new models that really stood out in the event:
1. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
The company focused on the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet during the show. The car gets the design of its coupe sibling, but it ditches the roof found in the coupe to give way to a retractable soft top. The featured model in Geneva was the Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet.
2. Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet
The Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet combines the off-road qualities of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the ultra-luxurious elements offered by the revived Maybach label.
The landaulet is based on the Mercedes-AMG G63 6×6 and the Mercedes-Benz G500 4×42. The SUV has a four-seating capacity and a convertible rear to allow open air ride to its passengers at the back. Massage and neck-leaving heating function were also added for extra level of comfort for its occupants. Moreover, the auto is powered by a V12 engine with an output of 630 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque.
3. Four-Door Mercedes-AMG GT Concept
The company previewed the early phase of the development of the four-door Mercedes-AMG GT Concept. The sports car is the response of the brand to the Porsche Panamera.
Details about the high-performance saloon is still scarce. It is expected to get the form of the Mercedes-AMG GT and its engine trims. However, look forward to a smoother exterior with reduced body lines in the four-door sports car compared to the two-door AMG GT. The enhanced styling is in line with the new “Aesthetics A” design language of the luxury car brand. Of course, there might be adjustments in the measurements of the four-door AMG GT due to its new interior layout.
Photos
Check out the official photos of Mercedes-Benz at the 87th Geneva Motor Show in the gallery below:
