The Ford F-150 gets the Raptor’s power (but not its swagger) for 2019
For the 2019 model year, the Ford F-150 Limited receives the twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter V6 engine from the Raptor model. The 450-horsepower engine comes without the Raptor's bloodthirsty looks or off-road chops. Limited models also get Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system and adaptive cruise control.
Audi will soon begin taking reservations for its electric e-tron Quattro SUV
Connected and loaded with tech features, the Audi e-tron Quattro will be slightly bigger than a Q5 and it will be "very, very competitive" in terms of range. Audi promises it will bring the model to the market with available cameras in lieu of mirrors but the technology is illegal in the United States -- for now.
Beeline Moto minimalist motorcycle navigation simplifies route planning
Beeline Moto navigation and route planning for motorcycles features the same easy-to-follow interface for motorized two-wheel transportation that the company launched on Kickstarter with Beeline Bicycle three years ago. Beeline Moto's single purpose is a distraction-free display to keep riders' eyes on the road.
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ sets Nürburgring lap record ahead of public reveal
It hasn't been revealed to the public yet, but the Lamborghini Aventadord SVJ has already set a new Nürburgring lap record for production cars, beating the previous record by more than two seconds. The SVJ will make its public debut during California's Monterey Car Week next month.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan brings Stuttgart luxury to the masses
Making its debut in North America is the world’s first-ever Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan as the model enters its fourth-generation. At launch, it will be available as the A 220 and the A 220 4MATIC, making the choice of either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive the only model differentiator for now.
Royal Enfield updates its classic motorcycles for U.S. bikers
You'll have to look more than twice to see them, but the 2018 Royal Enfield Classic 500 mid-size motorcyle has been updated with select modern-ish features. There are plenty of vintage details for purists from thigh pads, mudguards, and a spring-supported seat to a kickstarter for riders who eschew push buttons.
Ford’s self-driving vehicle division is set to go — autonomous
Ford is getting serious about its self-driving car unit, and has spun out its autonomous car division into its own company. Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC now encompasses "all aspects of its self-driving vehicle business operations, to accelerate its AV business and capitalize on market opportunities."
Uber has completed 10 billion trips since 2010 despite persistent controversy
As of last month, Uber has completed over 10 billion trips. And given that the company only got its start in 2010, that's a pretty impressive milestone. Uber reached that mark despite being embroiled in a series of controversies, including a leadership shake-up, during the past year.
Autonomous cars: Waymo and Walmart partner on a grocery pickup service
Selected Walmart customers who shop for groceries online will be able to grab a free lift in one of Waymo’s autonomous cars to collect their order. To encourage shoppers in Phoenix, Arizona, to use the trial service, the retail giant will offer discounts on their orders.
Former Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne dies at 66
Sergio Marchionne, 66, has died from complications after surgery to remove a tumor from his right shoulder. The influential, outspoken executive was scheduled to retire in 2019. Mike Manley, who previously ran the Jeep and Ram divisions, replaced Marchionne as the top official for the automaker.
Bosch will roll out cloud-based cloud-detecting technology in 2020
Bosch and Foreca have joined forces to design a technology that gives autonomous cars weather information. Starting in 2020, cars equipped with this feature will know when they're about to enter a snowstorm and when it's safe to speed up again. The technology will initially rely on weather data stored in the cloud.
2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition plays catch-up to its Subaru sibling
The 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition adds performance upgrades and a little exclusivity, similar to what Subaru has already done with the tS version of the 86's BRZ sibling. But the Toyota doesn't get an increase in power. Is that enough to make the TRD a truly special edition?
BMW M joins the hybrid gas-electric movement with its future cars
It seems everyone’s catching on to electrifying performance models with hybrid technology. Word on the street is that BMW’s renowned M Division will be hopping on the hybrid electrification bandwagon with its performance cars. That means that cars like the M3 and M5 will get gas-electric propulsion.
As Tesla asks for money back from suppliers, investors go running
Tesla may be ramping up its production schedule for the Model 3, but it's apparently coming with pretty serious costs. As per a Wall Street Journal report, Elon Musk's car company asked suppliers for cash back. Tesla sent a memo to a supplier that requested a "meaningful amount of money" to be returned.
Detroit Auto Show finally caves to CES, will move to June in 2020
Seeing a steady decrease in eyeballs and attention as CES grows and sucks up everything in its path, the organizers of the Detroit Auto Show (officially called NAIAS) have moved the show's dates from January to June starting in 2020 -- and plan to rethink the show entirely.
Waymo self-driving cars are now covering 25,000 miles a day
Waymo's test fleet of self-driving cars has covered 8 million miles on public roads, and is now driving 25,000 miles a day, according to CEO John Krafcik. Waymo plans to launch an autonomous ridesharing service in Arizona later this year. It's also ordering tens of thousands of new cars.
Uber drivers could soon be considered Uber employees, and that could get expensive
Uber drivers may finally be recognized as official Uber employees. Officials in New York have ultimately ruled in favor of three former Uber drivers who filed a federal complaint against the transportation giant when their unemployment insurance claim was not accepted and approved. This led to a two-year standoff.
San Francisco is drowning in electric scooters. Will permits help?
We could soon see many more electric scooters on San Francisco streets. The city’s Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) looks to issue electric scooter permits by next month. Employees of the agency have been reviewing applications, with recommendations due soon.
Massive data breach exposes trade secrets from Tesla, Toyota, and others
Security researcher Chris Vickery found about 47,000 sensitive files posted on a backup server by a Canadian company that specializes in automation. The 157-gigabyte batch included sensitive documents that details how major companies like Ford, Tesla, and Volkswagen build cars. The information has been taken down.
Grab your helmet: Google Maps for motorcycles is coming
After testing in India in 2017, Google Maps for motorcycles has now rolled out in eight more countries in Eastern Asia. No news on when motorcycle travel routing will be an option in the U.S., but now that Google has released the feature in the largest bike markets, Europe and the Americas could be next.
The Ferrari from ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ heads to the auction block
One of two remaining cars built to replicate a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder and used for filming in the 1980s teen flick Ferris Bueller's Day Off will head to the Mecum Auction block in late August during Monterey Car Week.
Uber may soon turn into your personalized mini convenience store
Taking an Uber may soon be an all-inclusive experience. The transportation giant recently partnered up with Cargo, the startup that offers in-car shopping experiences to those on the move. With this new collaboration, Cargo will be offering Uber customers snacks, beverages, electronics, and even beauty products.
This tricked-out Hummer H1 is a leather-lined urban assault vehicle
Detroit-based Mil-Spec Automotive is upgrading old Hummer H1s to make them more civilized. This one may look like it rolled out of a Mad Max movie, but it's got a leather-lined interior and massaging seats. Mil-Spec conversions don't come cheap, starting at just under $220,000.
Hyundai unveils Kona Iron Man Edition, but would Tony Stark approve?
Would Tony Stark drive a Hyundai? The Korean automaker unveiled a Kona Iron Man Edition special edition at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con, and plans to put it on sale in 2019, with a limited production run. This little crossover certainly a good way to show off your Marvel fandom.
Lexus F performance models could go hybrid electric
Lexus' performance "F" brand is considering a move to hybridized gas-electric powertrains for its future models as the company seeks to better position itself as a true rival to the top automakers from Germany, both from a performance aspect, and in motorsports.
2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 is ready for the drag strip
The Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 borrows tech from the defunct Challenger Demon to make it a better drag racer. It may not have the Demon's 840-horsepower engine, but the 1320 has plenty of tricks up its sleeve, including drag radials and a racing-style transbrake.
First McLaren Senna to arrive in North America shines like an emerald
The first McLaren Senna to cross the pond was delivered to a customer in New York City. The buyer has a penchant for custom colors, choosing a special green hue for this 211-mph supercar. Just 500 Sennas will be built at a cost of around $1 million each. All are spoken for.
Audi kicks off the TT’s 20th birthday bash with more performance and tech
The Audi TT gains updates inside, outside, and under the hood for its 20th anniversary. Stylists chose not to make significant changes to the design but the 2019 TT gains luxury and technology features plus an important mechanical upgrade. Audi will also release a limited-edition model named TT 20 Years.
Tesla Model S logs over 400,000 miles in three years, still going strong
A Tesla Model S operated by California-based shuttle service Tesloop has covered over 400,000 miles in just three years. Tesloop said the electric car has been much cheaper to maintain than comparable internal-combustion models, although it has had a fair share of maintenance issues.
James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 from ‘Goldfinger’ may have been found
Some breaking news in the collector car world, as Auto Classics reports that James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5, one of two actual vehicles commissioned for use in the film, Goldfinger, might be on the path to recovery after being stolen back in 1997.
Lyft wants to partner with cities to add bike and scooter sharing
Lyft announced a multi-mode transportation plan to bring bike and scooter sharing to cities. Lyft wants to partner with cities to extend mobility in historically underserved communities. To kick off the new initiative Lyft will invest $1 million to help nonprofits establish income eligible transportation programs.
First self-driving shuttle coasts into New York’s Times Square
On July 17, Coast Autonomous, a new entry in the self-driving vehicle market, kicked off a day of demonstrations of its autonomous P-1 Shuttle on Broadway in New York’s crowded Times Square, a symbolic location meant to demonstrate the company’s confidence in its technology.
The 2019 Acura MDX can be yours for $44,300, with new A-Spec variant
The 2019 Acura MDX hits showrooms today, starting at $44,300 for the front-wheel drive model and $54,800 for the all-wheel drive version. Accompanying the updated MDX is the new MDX A-Spec from the NY Auto Show, featuring a sportier appearance and interior trimming upgrades.
Rolls-Royce wants to put you in a flying taxi come the early 2020s
Rolls-Royce wants to take you for a ride in the skies. The U.K.-based jet engine maker has unveiled a new concept for a propulsion system that would power a flying taxi. This would rival similar offerings from Airbus and Uber, and could make air travel far more common (and affordable) than ever before.