Category Archives: concept

Porsche Takes on Tesla EV with 600 Horsepower Mission E

German automakers whose entire reputations – especially in expensive segments – are built on technology are struggling to catch up with Toyota on hybrids, and have few EV entries thus far. Add in the emerging threats of Apple and Google in the auto business and it is clear that the Germans are playing defense. The well-known problems with initial German automaker forays into electronics – remember the BMW I-Drive fiasco – and even the defense needs bolstering in a business that centers on offense. Continue reading

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Continental Automated Driving Prototype adds Vision

Automated driving systems help the driver with many safety features, can remove human error, and – it is hoped – reduce vehicle accidents and personal injuries. Continue reading

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Delphi Record Try for Longest US Autonomous Drive

In an old-fashioned publicity stunt that includes some real prototype engineering, Delphi Automotive try to set a record by conducting the longest autonomous drive ever attempted in the U.S. Continue reading

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Goodyear Concept Tire Charges EV Batteries

BH-O3 generates electricity through the action of materials in the tire that capture and transform the energy created by heat when it flexes as it rolls during normal driving conditions. Continue reading

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Ford GT Returns. Le Mans Bound?

Ford would not confirm an endurance-racing program is underway, but it is virtually certain. Ford’s twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 raced to three wins in its first season of the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in 2014, including a win at the 12 Hours of Sebring, along with seven podiums and more than 15,000 endurance-racing miles. Continue reading

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Chevrolet Bolt EV Concept – A Tesla for Working People

Chevrolet today increased its concentration on the electrification of the automobile with the introduction of the Bolt EV concept, a long-range all-electric vehicle designed to offer more than 200 miles of range starting at around $30,000. Continue reading

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Scion iM Hatch, Unnamed Sedan Debut at New York Auto Show

Toyota confirms that the production version of the iM concept and its first-ever sedan will be introduced in April at the New York International Auto Show. The Japanese automaker says that the two vehicles represent two of the three new models Scion will bring to market in the next three years aimed at 18-34 year olds. Continue reading

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Nissan Shows Cummins Diesel Frontier Pickup at CAS

It looks as if Nissan will join the mid-size pickup diesel parade based on a concept truck created to gauge consumer interest in a next-generation Frontier with a Cummins diesel engine. First shown at the Chicago Auto Show, aka CAS, it is powered by a 2.8-liter Cummins turbo diesel with nearly 200 horsepower, and more than 350 lb.-ft. of torque. The estimated fuel economy increases 35% compared to the current Frontier V6. Continue reading

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Chevrolet at SEMA. Horsepower and/or Bling Overkill?

Most, but not all, have parts available from Chevrolet dealers, allowing customers to personalize their new performance car with factory-engineered and validated components that match the performance and quality of original equipment and often keep the warranty intact. Continue reading

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Honda Using ASIMO Robot to, well, Explain Itself

This emerging technology now allows ASIMO to make decisions required to behave in concert with the movements of surrounding people and to continue moving without being controlled by an operator. Continue reading

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Nissan to Return to Le Mans in 2014 as Garage 56 Entry

In 2012, a number 0 Nissan Delta Wing ran at the world’s most famous endurance race from the same unclassified Garage 56 spot. The real Japanese racers that were closely watched at Le Mans last year were a pair of Toyota hybrids, which ran in the fastest LMP1 class but lost to Audi. Continue reading

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Peugeot-Citroen Hybrid Air Most Significant Intro at Geneva?

Struggling PSA Peugeot Citroën showed a light duty version of so-called hybrid-air technology that will be in production by 2016 using the group’s new EMP2 platform that will make its debut on the new Citroen Picasso. It potentially a breakthrough that will help PSA sell more cars globally, reviving its sagging reputation in the process. Continue reading

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Kia Unveils Cross GT Concept, New Forte Hatchback at CAS

Kia unveiled its Cross GT concept vehicle at the Chicago Auto show that it said will eventually evolve into a production crossover utility larger than the current Sorento. Cross GT is built on the same platform as the Hyundai long-wheelbase Santa Fe that is coming to market in 2014. Continue reading

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Smart Jumps on the Tiny SUV Bandwagon, Maybe…

With tongue firmly in cheek, Smart showed a tiny SUV-like electric vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show dubbed ForStars, a reference to its all glass roof. With a 60-kilowatt electric motor, the two-door concept car has 100 lb.-ft. of torque and a top speed of, well, 80 mph. With its lithium-ion battery, the ForStars has a capacity of 17.6 kilowatt-hours of electric power. Continue reading

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Nissan Spins off Tiny Resonance SUV from Versa B-Car

Nissan today showed a Versa-derived Resonance SUV at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. Honda, Buick and Smart, among others, are also exploring the expanding “cute-ute” segment with the tiniest SUVs ever offered or contemplated in the U.S. market in an attempt to boost profits form what are traditionally thin-margin cars, as well as increase CAFE ratings. Continue reading

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