Startup inks ‘world’s largest deal’ for driverless grocery deliveries
An increasing number of companies are exploring the possibility of delivery services using autonomous vehicles. California-based startup Udelv already has experience of running a trial in San Francisco, with Oklahoma City all set to become its next destination for a grocery delivery service.
Uber has decided to leave its broadly derided current logo ‘behind’
Rideshare giant Uber adds a new brand image to the list of changes the company has made in the past 18 months. Not only does the company have a new CEO, it also has a new logo. Uber's previous brand icon, a circular graphic, was derided as a symbol that walked away from a clear brand identity.
An elevator in your garage? Boring Company gets OK to test Loop Lift from tunnel
The Hawthorn (California) City Council gave Elon Musk's Boring Company the go-ahead to construct a Loop Lift prototype. The lift will connect the company's existing underground Hyperloop to a residential garage. The project is a proof of concept for Musk's proposed solution to Los Angeles traffic congestion.
Photos of the BMW Vision iNEXT Concept leak onto the web despite embargo
Earlier this week, Digital Trends was invited to preview BMW’s all-new Vision iNEXT Concept as it travels around the world to various cities for showcasing. Although we were all under an embargo, somehow the photos of the concept leaked onto the web before the embargo lifted.
Lexus digitizes side-view mirrors with cameras for Japan’s 2019 ES sedan
It seems Lexus is fed up with having to look at a piece of reflective glass and plastic to know what’s in your side rear view. That’s so 2017. So the company decided to introduce a new way to look behind you and to the sides with the all-new 2019 Lexus ES sedan in Japan.
Volkswagen finally squashes the Beetle with 2019 Final Edition
2019 Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition marks the end of the line for VW's most iconic nameplate. Volkswagen has no immediate plans to replace the Beetle after production ends next year. The 2019 Beetle Final Edition is available as a coupe or convertible in SE or SEL trim levels.
Tesla extends battery capacity to help owners of the older Model S flee Florence
Over 10 million people are being affected by the pending doom that is Hurricane Florence in North and South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia. Tesla Motors decided to lend a helping hand for owners of its vehicles who seek to escape its path as rampant electricity outages are expected.
Tesla’s latest update reportedly breaks Autopilot rather than improving it
A recent over-the-air (OTA) update meant to improve Autopilot functions for Tesla vehicles went awry recently, crippling the system rather than adding new features. Elon Musk personally tweeted to say he's aware of the issue and made it a priority for Tesla engineers.
Audi’s new e-tron dispenses with physical toll tags via its Integrated Toll Module
Audi will debut a new way to manage and pay for roadway tolls in its up and coming e-tron all-electric crossover SUV next week. It's the brand's first car featuring technology that allows drivers to manage toll authority accounts straight from the car itself and without the need for a physical tag.
Watching BMW’s autonomous motorcycle is equal parts awesome and creepy
BMW's motorcycle-building division has developed a self-riding R 1200 GS but ghost bikes aren't hitting the road anytime soon. The one-off prototype will help BMW learn about vehicle dynamics and rider behavior in order to build smarter bikes capable of detecting and avoiding accidents as cars can.
BMW USA’s stance on diesels still up in the air despite discontinuation claims
Despite various outlets quoting a BMW USA representative about focusing on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, another BMW USA spokesperson released another statement to correct that the company's official decision on diesels in the U.S. market is still undecided and pending.
Would an electric SUV make a good race car? Jaguar thinks so
The Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy is a race series built around the Jaguar I-Pace electric SUV. The first race is scheduled for December 15, 2018, in Ad Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, with nine more rounds to follow.
Tesla trims its color palette in bid to leave production hell behind
Tesla will stop offering two colors -- obsidian black metallic and silver metallic -- to simplify its production process. Reducing the number of available configurations will make the Model 3 easier to build. Both colors remain available but customers need to special order them and pay extra.
Don’t be duped by fake rideshare drivers, safety campaign urges
"Make sure you get in the right car!" That's the message to rideshare passengers from a new safety ad urging them to check the details of the car and driver to ensure they're genuine. Cases have emerged where passengers have been assaulted after getting in a car with someone posing as a rideshare driver.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE is ready for another Jurassic Park adventure
Mercedes-Benz has released the all-new 2020 GLE. The SUV traces its roots to the original ML that starred in the 1997 Jurassic Park film The Lost World. It boasts sharp looks, available third-row seating, a mild hybrid powertrain, and an impressive arsenal of technology features like gesture control.
Researchers hack and steal a Model S; Tesla says vulnerability now fixed
Security researchers in Belgium discovered an encryption flaw that let them hack into and steal a Tesla Model S without setting off the alarm. The problem involves the key fob and affects cars built before June 2018. Tesla fixed the problem, but the researchers warn other cars could be affected, too.
Aston Martin gears up to build electric cars at new Wales factory
Aston Martin will build electric cars alongside internal-combustion models at a new factory situated on a former air force base. Production of Aston's first electric car begins in 2019. That will be followed by all-electric models from the revived Lagonda brand in 2021.
Watch lesser-known Porsches plow around the track in Laguna Seca tractor race
The first race open only to Porsche-branded tractors will take place in September 2018 on the Laguna Seca raceway in California. Participants will need to sprint across the track before speeding off in their diesel-powered tractors. Reaching turn five could take up to 15 minutes.
Autonomous Mercedes concept shape-shifts from cargo van to rideshare vehicle
The Mercedes-Benz Vision Urbanetic concept can switch bodies to become either a cargo van or a 12-passenger vehicle for ridesharing services. The concept vehicle is fully autonomous and uses an all-electric powertrain. It's unclear if anything like this will ever enter production, however.
Jaguar Land Rover offers modern infotainment systems for classic cars
Jaguar Land Rover is offering new infotainment systems that can be retrofitted to vintage cars. DIN-sized head units add Bluetooth, navigation, improved sound quality, and a 3.5-inch touchscreen. The systems are available to order online and can be installed at certain dealers.
2020 Kia Telluride SUV breaks cover at New York Fashion Week
The 2020 Kia Telluride is a burly eight-passenger SUV built for a segment dominated by U.S. brands. Four months ahead of its official debut in Detroit, Kia offered a sneak peek at New York Fashion Week. The Telluride goes on sale early next year, and will likely spawn a Hyundai twin.
BMW M strays further from its heritage with X3 M and X4 M crossovers
Camouflaged prototypes of the BMW X3 M and X4 M appeared at a race at Germany's Nürburgring, with a full public reveal to follow at a later date. BMW M has built some great cars, but will these crossovers dilute the brand? They certainly won't do BMW any favors with enthusiasts.
BMW teases its Vision iNEXT Concept ahead of global debut next week
We’re just a few days away from attending the reveal event for BMW’s all-new Vision iNEXT Concept, a car rumored to be another precursor to a future all-electric model. And to build up anticipation, the company released a few teasers. We will be attending the New York reveal next week, so stay tuned.
Hit the high seas in style with Lexus’ upcoming LY 650 luxury yacht
Lexus is expanding its repertoire beyond luxury cars, to luxury boats. The Lexus LY 650 is a 65-foot luxury yacht scheduled to make its public debut in 2019 as an ocean-going counterpart to the automaker's luxury cars. Details on the new boat are scarce for now, however.
Armormax’s AWD Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat may be the ultimate cop car
A fully optioned Armormax AWD Charger SRT Hellcat may be the ultimate law enforcement vehicle. Putting over 700 horsepower in a four-wheel drive armored four-door sedan with optional run-flat tires, bomb blanket, bulletproof glass, and smoke screen system creates a cop car few bad actors would try to outrun.
Ford recalls 2 million of its popular F-150 trucks due to fire risk
Ford is recalling 2 million of its popular F-150 trucks after a fault was found in the seat belt pretensioner system. The automaker said it knew of 17 "smoke or fire" incidents in the U.S. and six in Canada, but added that to its knowledge, no accidents or injuries have occurred as a result of the issue.
Ford gives a peek at rear-end of its new, all-electric Mustang-inspired performance SUV
Ford recently teased its highly anticipated, all-electric performance SUV with a quick photo rendering. The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker was known to be working on a more affordable Tesla Model X competitor after making the announcement at this year’s Detroit Auto Show in January.
Hybrid-like 2019 Ram 1500 eTorque steps up its predecessor’s fuel economy
The EPA revealed the 2019 Ram 1500 eTorque's official fuel economy ratings, with either the V6 or V8 engine equipped with the company's innovative 48-volt electrical system. As predicted, the Ram 1500 eTorque sips less gas than its predecessor thanks to its hybrid-like capabilities.
Continuous wave Doppler lidar instantly detects the speed of other vehicles
After more than a decade of testing with the U.S. military and now backed by BMW i Ventures and Toyota AI Ventures, Blackmore's frequency-modulated continuous wave Doppler lidar detection and real-time velocity sensing system may make autonomous cars much safer than radar or pulsed lidar systems.
Chevy’s toughened, armored Colorado ZR2 Bison is ready to tackle any trail
The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 pickup truck was already a great off-roader, but Chevy turned to aftermarket manufacturer American Expedition Vehicles to try to make it better. The result is the ZR2 Bison, which features AEV-designed stamped-steel front and rear bumpers, and much more.
BMW revs up its own ‘Intelligent Personal Assistant’ voice tech
BMW is readying a digital voice assistant that is familiar with your car's operations and can learn your preferences. Slated to be compatible with existing major voice assistants, BMW's Intelligent Personal Assistant will be available for cars using the manufacturer's new OS, BMW Operating System 7.0.
FCA drops $30 million on Michigan autonomous-driving research facility
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will spend $30 million on an addition to its Chelsea Proving Grounds dedicated to testing autonomous cars and driver-assist tech. The facility will include a simulated highway and other testing areas. FCA currently supplies vehicles to Waymo.
Mercedes opens U.S. factory to build Sprinter vans, Amazon is first in line
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans are getting a big dose of tech, and they'll be built at a new factory in North Charleston, South Carolina. Amazon has already ordered 20,000 for its Delivery Service Partner program. The new Sprinter marks the third generation of Mercedes' big van.
Volvo’s vision for the future puts you in this private first-class transport pod
Volvo unveiled a concept named 360c that shows how we'll be able to travel in the medium-term future. The box-like car is autonomous and electric. It offers a spacious cabin users can configure as a living room, a bedroom, or a meeting room. The Swedish firm says it's an attractive alternative to flying.