New Hyundai digital key app lets drivers replace car keys with a smartphone
Hyundai is working to make key fobs a thing of the past. It is launching a smartphone app that allows owners to unlock their car doors and start the engine. This digital key will be available this fall on the 2020 Hyundai Sonata midsize sedan. Hyundai says the app will be useful for car sharing and in-car delivery.
Hellcat engine fits in the Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler, but there’s an issue
The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 Hellcat engine fits in the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, Jeep boss Tim Kuniskis confirmed in an interview with Australian media. But the fit would be too tight to pass federal crash tests, he said. That effectively nixes the idea of Jeep offering the Hellcat in either vehicle.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid review
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid stands out as the Japanese automaker's first production plug-in hybrid model. It borrows its powertrain technology from Toyota, but it manages to still feel like a true Subaru. Is this Subaru-Toyota team effort a good plug-in hybrid? Hop along for the ride as we find out.
2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 coupe first drive review
The 2019 E53 is part of new line of mild-hybrid models from Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division. It’s less aggressive than most other AMG models, but also more approachable. But can good road manners and better gas mileage live in harmony with the sporty character expected from a true Mercedes-AMG car?
Volkswagen puts self-driving cars to the test on the streets of German city
Volkswagen is testing prototype self-driving cars in Hamburg. The automaker claims this is the first test of autonomous cars on the streets of a major German city. Five self-driving cars operate with human safety drivers on board. VW is working with Hamburg's government on other tech initiatives.
415-hp Polestar-engineered powertrains coming to 2020 Volvo V60 and XC60
The Polestar Engineered upgrade originally offered on the 2019 Volvo S60 sedan will be available on the V60 wagon and XC60 crossover for the 2020 model year. Changes to the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain yield 415 horsepower. Volvo didn't discuss pricing or any other availability details.
Vive la France: Peugeot shifts its American comeback plans into high gear
French automaker Peugeot will return to the United States after more than two decades away. Parent company Groupe PSA previously discussed a U.S. return for one of its brands, but would not confirm which one until now. Peugeot planned to return to America by 2026, but it's moving much faster than expected.
2019 Subaru Forester Touring review
The 2019 Subaru Forester is the latest version of one of the most popular compact crossovers, boasting new technology, and riding on the same modular Subaru Global Platform as the Impreza, Crosstrek, and Ascent. But how does the Forester fare against hot-selling rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4?
2020 Jeep Gladiator first drive review
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator has generated lots of hype, but is a pickup truck based on the Wrangler a good idea? When designing the Gladiator, Jeep set out to make a vehicle that was more than just a Wrangler with an added pickup bed. It wanted to make a proper midsize truck. Ride with us as we put it through its paces.
Tesla ends scheduled servicing because electric cars need less maintenance
Tesla will longer offer scheduled maintenance plans, switching to an "as needed" model. This reflects the fact that electric cars need less regular maintenance than gasoline or diesel cars. Tesla is undertaking many policy changes as it looks to increase profitability while launching more vehicles.
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe teased way ahead of its November debut
The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is coming to the United States, eventually. The new compact BMW won't be unveiled until the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Unlike the 2 Series coupe and convertible, the Gran Coupe will be based on a front-wheel drive platform instead of rear-wheel drive.
This modified Land Rover Discovery is heading to Africa to help fight malaria
A Land Rover Discovery will be used by the Mobile Malaria Project for a nearly 4,000-mile trek across Africa to study malaria. The SUV is equipped with a mobile gene-sequencing laboratory, as well as everything necessary for serious off-roading. Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations division did the work.
2019 BMW X7 first drive review
The 2019 BMW X7 is the German automaker’s long-overdue entry into the full-size luxury SUV segment. It's bigger than any BMW SUV to date. Packing three rows of seats and plenty of driver-assist tech, can the new X7 take on the Mercedes-Benz GLS and Land Rover Range Rover? And is this massive family hauler a true BMW?
Bentley’s 542-horsepower Continental GT V8 is the best kind of downsizing
The Bentley Continental GT V8 has fewer cylinders than its W12 sibling, but Bentley expects it to offer better gas mileage and more agile handling. The V8's top speed of 198 mph is also pretty darn fast. Bentley will launch the Continental GT V8 in the U.S. first, followed by other markets.
Audi’s traffic light information system shows the challenges facing V2X tech
Audi’s traffic light information system is among the first commercial applications of potentially game-changing vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology. Based on a real-world experience of the system, which predicts when traffic lights will change, it looks like the technology is still a work in progress.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to recall 860K U.S. vehicles over emissions issues
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will recall 862,520 cars in the United States because they don't meet emissions standards, the EPA has announced. The affected vehicles span model years 2011 to 2016. Owners can continue driving their cars until they are notified to bring them into an FCA dealership for a fix.
Nissan uses 5G to test tech that lets motorists summon in-car 3D avatars
At CES 2019, Nissan demonstrated technology meant to merge the real world with a virtual one called the Metaverse. The Japanese automaker believes future cars could use this invisible-to-visible tech to provide drivers with relevant information. 5G allows Nissan to test the tech, but it's just experimental right now.
The 2020 Ford Explorer fights flat tires with self-sealing tech from Michelin
The 2020 Ford Explorer will be the first SUV equipped with Michelin Selfseal tires, which Ford and Michelin claim can seal 90 percent of tread puncture up to a quarter of an inch in diameter. The 2020 Ford Explorer goes on sale this summer, with the Selfseal tires available on higher trim levels.
