Toyota leads $1 billion investment in Uber’s self-driving tech division
In a move that has been a long time coming, Uber filed its S-1 documents, which sets the stage for the company to finally go public with an initial public offering. Despite still losing more than $1 billion last year, the company is looking to sell stock while being valued at up to $100 billion.
From rugged wagons to hot sports cars, the 2019 NY Auto Show brought it all
From city cars to supercars, anything goes at the New York Auto Show. Automakers from all over the globe traveled to the 2019 show to unveil their newest concept cars and production models, and Digital Trends was live in Manhattan to cover it all. Here are the most significant cars we saw under the bright lights.
The VR goggles you wear to shoot alien ships is helping Magna design car parts
Canadian automotive supplier Magna has started using virtual reality in its research and development department. The technology helps engineers see what they're working on without making (and, sometimes destroying) a prototype, so it saves time and money. VR also brings international teams closer together.
21 charged in Chicago carsharing heist; 100+ cars stolen, many still missing
This isn't how car sharing services are supposed to work. More than 100 Mercedes-Benz vehicles belonging to carsharing service Car2Go were stolen in Chicago. Police are still working to recover all of the cars, which are equipped with GPS, and 21 people are now facing charges.
Nikola previews $80K NZT off-road EV speedster with 590 horsepower
Nikola Motor is accepting reservations for the NZT, a high-performance, all-electric off-highway vehicle (OHV). NZT pricing starts at $80,000 with deliveries in 2021. If the $80,000 price seems high, consider these numbers: 590 horsepower, 775 foot-pounds of torque, and zero-to-60 miles per hour in 4 seconds.
The 2020 Nissan GT-R Nismo sheds weight, uses racing tricks to stay sharp
The 2020 Nissan GT-R Nismo isn't dramatically different from the 2019 model, but Nissan made changes where it counts. The updated GT-R Nismo is lighter and offers better aerodynamic performance, according to Nissan. It was unveiled at the 2019 New York Auto Show.
Sick of civilization? Volkswagen’s Atlas Basecamp concept lets you get away
Volkswagen revealed the Atlas Basecamp concept ahead of its debut at the 2019 New York Auto Show. Built for overlanding, this family-hauler was upgraded jointly by Volkswagen and aftermarket manufacturers. It received a lift kit, fatter tires, a roof rack for mountain bikes, and it tows a camper trailer.
Would you buy the Tarok compact pickup truck? Volkswagen wants to know
The Volkswagen Tarok pickup truck concept will make its United States debut at the 2019 New York Auto Show. The truck first appeared at the 2018 Sao Paulo Auto Show, and VW wants to see what U.S. buyers think of it. Volkswagen has been teasing a U.S.-market pickup truck for awhile.
More tech and more space make the Mercedes-Benz GLS the S-Class of the SUV world
Mercedes-Benz introduced the second-generation GLS at the 2019 New York Auto Show. The company's biggest and most luxurious SUV gains more tech features in its quest to become the S-Class of the SUV world. It's offered with mild hybrid powertrains, seven real seats, and a cutting-edge suspension system.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC coupe gets a tech upgrade, keeps quirky styling
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC coupe debuts at the 2019 New York Auto Show with an upgraded infotainment system that incorporates Mercedes' digital assistant. The SUV launches later this year with turbocharged four-cylinder power. Mercedes-Benz will also roll out an updated GLC around the same time.
Kia’s HabaNiro concept is an autonomous electric car that knows when you’re sad
Debuting at the 2019 New York Auto Show, the Kia HabaNiro concept is supposed to preview the future of the everyday car. That future will include artificial intelligence tech that can read the driver's emotions, according to Kia. The HabaNiro's electric powertrain also provides 300 miles of range, Kia says.
Technology trickles down from above to make the new 2019 Audi Q3 smarter
Audi's unprecedented product offensive continues with the launch of the brand-new, second-gen Q3. The firm's smallest SUV gets tech features like a virtual cockpit and a single screen variant of MMI Touch Response from bigger models. It offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and all-wheel drive.
With drift mode, Kia’s Stinger GTS lets you unleash your inner hooligan
Debuting at the 2019 New York Auto Show, the limited-edition Kia Stinger GTS gets a trick all-wheel drive system that should enable plenty of sideways action. But don't get your hopes up; only 800 buyers will get to try it. Kia will also offer the Stinger GTS in regular rear-wheel drive form.
2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition is an ordinary sedan built in a supercar factory
What's so special about the 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition? It's built at the Acura Performance Manufacturing Center, the Ohio factory that makes the NSX supercar. The TLX PMC Edition debuts at the 2019 New York Auto Show. Acura is also planning a PMC Edition of the MDX crossover.
Drywall or kayaks? The 2020 Toyota Highlander is ready for your weekend plans
Toyota introduced the 2020 Highlander ahead of its public debut at the 2019 New York Auto Show. The fourth-generation Highlander is bigger than its predecessor, and it comes with more tech features, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. It will begin arriving in showrooms in December 2019.
The 2020 Toyota Yaris offers big car tech in a small, Mazda-flavored package
Toyota resurrected the Yaris nameplate with a little bit of help from Mazda. Closely related to the Mazda2 sold overseas, the hatchback now stands out with a sharper design than before, and tech features normally found on bigger, more expensive cars. The 2020 Toyota Yaris will go on sale by the end of 2019.
2019 Audi TT RS gets subtle cosmetic surgery ahead of its trip to the Big Apple
The 2019 Audi TT RS gets a minor face-lift, but it keeps its signature turbocharged inline-five engine. The updated TT RS makes its United States debut at the 2019 New York Auto Show. The Audi TT is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, with a special-edition version also hitting showrooms.
The 2020 Subaru Outback wants to take you to (and teach you about) the outdoors
The Outback is one of Subaru's most significant models, so the Japanese firm couldn't afford to make a mistake when it did an overhaul. The sixth-generation Outback stands out with all-wheel drive and a rugged design, but it becomes a more user-friendly station wagon thanks to improved tech features.
Ford Mustang EcoBoost upgrade pulls serious performance from 4 cylinders
The 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost gets a new "High Performance Package" that boosts output from the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to 330 horsepower, and adds suspension and brake upgrades. The performance package will be available this fall.
2020 Ford Escape gets sleeker styling, greener powertrains, more tech
The 2020 Ford Escape gets redesigned for the first time since the 2013 model year. Ford brought back the hybrid powertrain, and is adding a plug-in hybrid option for the first time. The 2020 Ford Escape also gets an available head-up display and digital instrument cluster.
Genesis’ all-electric Mint concept proves small cars can still be stylish
Unveiled ahead of the 2019 New York Auto Show, the Genesis Mint concept is a future electric city car with scissor doors in place of a traditional hatchback. Genesis likely won't put it into production, however. The luxury brand's next model will likely be an SUV.
2020 Lincoln Corsair crossover is small in size, but big on luxury
The 2020 Lincoln Corsair made its public debut at the 2019 New York Auto Show. It replaces the MKC as the smallest crossover in Lincoln's lineup and shares underpinnings with the 2020 Ford Escape. Lincoln gave the Corsair features from the Aviator and Navigator for an upscale feel.
Karma Automotive unveils two head-turning concept cars, quicker 2020 Revero GT
Karma Automotive brought three new cars to the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show, including a long overdue redesigned version of its Revero plug-in hybrid and an all-electric concept car. Karma Automotive is the former Fisker Automotive, reconstituted from bankruptcy in 2014.
Your electric, 610-hp Aston Martin sport sedan has arrived, Mr. Bond
The Aston Martin Rapide E will be the legendary British automaker's first production electric car. Based on the current Rapide four-door, it will be capable of 0 to 60 mph in under 4.0 seconds, with a range of at least 200 miles, Aston says. Production will be limited to 155 cars.
The Audi AI:me concept shows how a self-driving city car can fight boredom
Audi unveiled a concept car named AI:me at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. It explores what an electric, autonomous, and connected city car could look like. It fights boredom with an on-board VR set while taking Audi's tech-savvy interiors to new heights. The concept could preview a follow-up to the A2 city car.
Volkswagen ID Roomzz concept has rear lights you can customize with an app
Volkswagen unveiled the ID Roomzz concept at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. It takes the form of an Atlas-sized SUV with a high-tech, lounge-like interior and an electric powertrain. The Roomzz will enter series production in 2021, and it will go on sale in China shortly after. U.S. sales haven't been confirmed yet.
Entry-level Tesla Model 3 now available only as a special order model
Tesla has deleted the entry-level, $35,000 Model 3 from its online store. The version remains available but buyers need to place a special order by calling the company or visiting one of its stores. Tesla also made Autopilot standard, which increases the cost of its cars, and announced a leasing program.
Dodge gets patriotic with Stars & Stripes Editions of Challenger and Charger
Dodge is waving the flag with military-themed special editions of the Challenger and Charger. The Stars & Stripes Editions debut at the 2019 New York Auto Show and will be available to order in May. Dodge will offer the package on GT, R/T, and Scat Pack Challenger and Charger models.
Supercar tech makes the 2019 GMC Sierra pickup lighter and stronger
The number of V8-powered vehicles that rely on carbon fiber to save weight just grew by one, but the newest member of this expanding club is not what you'd expect. While supercar manufacturers like Lamborghini have used carbon fiber for decades, GMC is bringing the material into the pickup segment with the Sierra.
2020 Audi S6 and S7 aim to boost performance without sacrificing fuel economy
The 2020 Audi S6 and S7 are sportier versions of the Audi A6 sedan and A7 fastback, respectively. Both cars use a mild-hybrid powertrain, which generates 450 horsepower in U.S. spec. U.S. cars get a gasoline engine, but other markets will get a diesel instead.
Infiniti Qs Inspiration concept is yet another tease of future electrified cars
The Infiniti Qs Inspiration sports sedan concept will debut at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. Infiniti said it was designed for electrified powertrains, meaning hybrid or all-electric. The sedan is the latest in a series of Infiniti concepts previewing future electrified models.
Voitures Extravert is converting vintage Porsche 911s into all-electric cars
Voitures Extravert is a Dutch company that takes old Porsche 911 sports cars and updates them with electric powertrains.
J.D. Power finds voice assistants are becoming important for new car buyers
What matters most when buying a new car? For some car buyers, it is increasingly becoming the inclusion of a voice assistant. A new study conducted by J.D. Power found that car buyers — especially younger ones — are increasingly interested in having a familiar voice assistant inside their vehicle.
Acura will take the green flag in IndyCar, but just for one race
Acura will slap its logo onto an IndyCar racer for the first time since 1994. An Acura-liveried car will race in the NTT IndyCar Series Grand Prix of Long Beach. But the livery will be the only different thing about the car. Acura is making this one-off return to highlight its sponsorship of the race.