Thursday 14 December 2017

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New Audi A8 Becomes A Tad Sportier With Fresh Optional Bits

Posted: 14 Dec 2017 04:30 AM PST


While Audi enthusiasts continue to wait for the new S8 to arrive, the Ingolstadt-based car manufacturer has launched a new exterior sport package for their flagship saloon.

Priced at €1,950 ($2,294) on the A8 50 TDI and available across Europe from the end of January 2018, it adds an aluminum clip to the grille, and clear contours around the air inlets, which also get honeycomb grilles and vertical struts.

Slightly wider side sills and a tweaked rear bumper with a rhombus-grille insert and contrasting diffuser are also available, as is an aluminum strip on the body's lower edging.

The seats have been revised as well, with what the automaker calls "optically integrated headrests" that feature electric height adjustment, in addition to the pneumatic seat and backrest side bolster adjustment. The latter are said to be approximately 15mm (0.6in) more deeply contoured than before.

Customers that just need to have these seats, which are compatible with all engine versions and both wheelbase lengths, will have to pay €4,520 ($5,318) for them, although before signing their name on the dotted line, they will also have to choose from five basic colors for the interior.

PHOTO GALLERY

Our Eyes Already Wish Lotus Would Come Back To Formula One

Posted: 14 Dec 2017 04:04 AM PST


It's only been two years now since Renault bought its F1 team back and rebranded it again as its own. But we already miss it, and looking at these renderings, it's not hard to see why.

In five years on the grid – first as Lotus Renault GP, then as Lotus F1 – the team performed respectably, though not impressively. It won all of two grands prix, and finished no higher than fourth.

That's a far cry from the world championships the same Enstone-based team (under Benetton and Renault ownership) won with Michael Schumacher in the mid-90s and Fernando Alonso in 2005-06. But what it lacked in substance, it made up for in style.

When Genii Capital acquired the team, it also secured the rights to use the Lotus name (after a protracted battle with the team that would later become known as Caterham). And with it, the Lotus team brought back the iconic black and gold livery of the John Player Special days – one of the most beautiful color schemes, to our eyes, ever put on a racing car.

Now that Renault's back in control, the black and gold have been replaced by yellow and black. And that's Renault's right, of course, footing the considerable bill as it does for the team's budget. But looking at this livery, laid over a modern chassis by specialist designer Sean Bull, we can't help but wish that Lotus would come back. Maybe it will, now that Geely is in control... but we're not going to be holding our breath over here.

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Renault Zoe Star Wars Edition Is French For The Millennium Falcon

Posted: 14 Dec 2017 03:35 AM PST


If the idea of an entirely electric vehicle still seems like science fiction to you, wait 'till you get a look at this.

It's the new Renault Zoe Star Wars edition, and it takes the little French EV to a galaxy far, far away.

Stemming out of the same partnership that yielded all those Nissan show cars in LA, this special-edition Zoe is being released in the spring to coincide with the debut of the forthcoming Han Solo movie.

It features special decals patterned after the Millennium Falcon on the hood, roof, and tailgate. There's special badges as well, and the inside features special purple trim on the dashboard, air vents, speakers, gearshift, and floor mats.

The special edition is based on the Intens trim and comes standard with Bose audio, in-car wi-fi, reversing camera, and 17-inch wheels. Buyers will be able to choose between two shades of white as well as grey or black.

Only 1,000 examples will be made available exclusively in France. Pre-reservations start tonight before the order books open in March and the new movie debuts in May.

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There's A Yellow LaFerrari Up For Grabs With Only 317 Miles

Posted: 14 Dec 2017 02:52 AM PST


With 500 made and 120 delivered to the United States, finding a LaFerrari on the open market may not be all that difficult. Finding one in nearly new condition, however, is another matter entirely, but that's just what we have here.

Set to headline Mecum's forthcoming auction in Kissimmee, Florida, next month is a yellow example of Maranello's hybrid hypercar with just 317 miles on the clock.

Unlike most LaFerraris that left the factory in "resale red," this 2015 example was ordered in Giallo Modena, complete with yellow brake calipers, a black and yellow leather interior, and loads of optional carbon-fiber trim.

Like any other of its breed, it packs a 6.3-liter V12 hybrid powertrain unleashing 949 horsepower for a 0-62 time quoted at 2.4 seconds and a top speed in excess of 217 mph – making it one of the fastest, most capable performance machines ever devised.

With such low mileage, this one's anticipated to sell for a good $3.6 million (give or take the price of a 488 or Portofino) when the gavel drops during the nine-day extravaganza running from January 5-14, 2018.

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Hyundai Thinks Electric Vehicle Prices Will Level Off By 2020

Posted: 14 Dec 2017 01:33 AM PST


Hyundai expects the prices of electric vehicles to plateau by 2020 due to supply restraints.

In recent years, the costs of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles have decreased rapidly, especially for the batteries themselves. The South Korean carmaker doesn't believe this trend will continue for much longer.

"Not a single ingredient is going in a positive direction in terms of pricing," Hyundai Motor senior vice president Lee Ki-sang told Reuters.

"So far battery prices have been declining at a rapid pace, but the pace will moderate significantly or maintain the status quo by 2020."

In the five years to 2016, lithium-ion battery cell prices have decreased by roughly 60 per cent. However, as more and more carmakers begin to produce EVs, demand for minerals including nickel, cobalt, and lithium required for batteries will rapidly rise. Consequently, supplies of these key ingredients could be stretched.

Yesterday, Hyundai said it and Kia will release 38 green models by 2025.

PHOTO GALLERY

Insiders Claim Faraday Future Is On The Verge Of Bankruptcy

Posted: 14 Dec 2017 12:02 AM PST


The financial difficulties of Faraday Future are well known and in a new investigative report, The Verge has uncovered the full breadth of issues facing the electric carmaker.

The publication has spoken with 10 former employees of Faraday Future and one person close to the company. These unnamed sources, most of whom have left the startup in the last 15 months, claim the business has been brought to a halt, predominately due to the behavior and business practices of its chief investor, Jia Yueting.

Four high-level ex-employees with intimate knowledge of Faraday's finances claim the company only has enough funds to keep its payroll afloat through to the end of the year, unless a new injection of cash can be found. One of these former employees claims that Yueting is still searching for new investors and may have secured a new round of funding.

The Verge further reports that Yueting has insisted on keeping money, intellectual property, and employees flowing freely between Faraday Future and the electric car effort of LeEco he is pursuing in China. Worryingly, it is claimed that the vice president of administration, Chaoying Deng, has been left in charge of the money, despite limited experience with running the accounting of such a large company.

According to one former employee, Faraday Future has consistently told its employees that more money is coming but has failed to deliver on its promises.

"It was always, 'Don't worry, the money's coming next month, the money's coming next month, keep going, keep going, keep going," the former employee said.

Beyond the lack of money, it appears as if morale among employees has reached a tipping point, with many refusing to come to work. In fact, it is claimed that on November 20th, there were so few staff at the company's California headquarters that when Yueting arrived for an investor's meeting, Faraday's head of go-to market strategy was forced to send an email to employees reminding them of company work hours.

"During my time at Faraday, the company lacked an empowered CEO and COO," said Syed Rahman, a former employee in the financial planning and analysis department.

"This, combined with a lack of understanding of Western business practices, fact-based decision making, and compliance issues, exacerbated the problems. The automotive business is highly capital-intensive with low margins, and [with] a lack of effective leadership, success in this arena is not possible," Rahman said.

If you have a spare 30-minutes, check out the full story in the link above.

PHOTO GALLERY

Alibaba Is Creating Cat-Shaped Car Vending Machines

Posted: 14 Dec 2017 04:20 AM PST


Just when you though the concept of a car vending machine couldn't be made any stranger, Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has previewed the cat-shaped car vending machines it will soon open in Nanjing and Shanghai.

To use the upcoming car vending machines, interested customers must first have a score of over 700 with China's Zhima Credit system. Additionally, they must be an accredited Alibaba Super Member.

From here, customers will be able to download a dedicated smartphone app that will allow them to select one of the vehicles from the vending machine to take on a three-day test drive or to buy it out-right. Upon being verified by either facial recognition or a log-in code, the vehicle will be delivered to the ground floor of the vending machine.

Users will be restricted to one test drive of each vehicle and allowed no more than five test drives in the first two months of the program, CNET reports. The likes of Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Volvo will all participate.

"Our thinking behind the Car Vending Machine is focused on helping users solve certain problems they face in the car-buying process," said marketing director of Tmall's automotive division (operated by Alibaba) Huan Lu.

"To do that, we are building a physical, experiential store that offers staffless car pickup through facial-recognition, three-day 'deep' test drives and a one-stop shop that displays [cars from] all mainstream brands at once."

Alibaba intends on opening up dozens of other car vending machines across China in the coming 12 months.

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Corvette Will Be The Last Chevy To Adopt Autonomous Features

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 08:06 PM PST


Like Porsche, Chevrolet is in no rush to offer semi-autonomous driving systems to its performance cars, namely the Corvette.

Speaking to GM Authority at the recent LA Auto Show, Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter said the Corvette will probably be the last Chevrolet vehicle to adopt self-driving technologies. After all, it is a car designed around the driver.

"The whole purpose of the Corvette is to enjoy driving it. So, (Corvette) will probably be the last to adopt the autonomous technologies. In fact, we don't even have adaptive cruise on the car… we try to lean down the content to just what's necessary for driving, and we expect the person driving it to want to drive it.

"So between that, and adding all of the additional content (for adaptive cruise)… it requires the sensors to be in front end, which can block airflow. We don't have a lot of spare airflow, so all of these choices come down to a balance of attributes across the whole car," Juechter said.

However, Chevrolet seems aware of the inevitability of such technologies eventually finding their way into the Corvette. According to Juechter, this could come in the form of a system that teaches a driver the fastest line around a racetrack, much like Porsche's recently-discussed 'Mark Webber' mode that could be used by future generations of the 911.

"There could someday be use for some of these autonomous features. One of my favorite is a 'track learn'… a setting where you could dial an assistance, like a driving instructor in the passenger seat.

"If you're driving off the line, they'll reach over to the wheel and tug you back… I can imagine using some of these features as a track learn. Everything from giving you a nudge when you're not in the right place, to a hands-off, show-me-the-line as fast as the car will go," he said.

Although Juechter failed to give a timeframe for when such a system could see the light of day, it inevitably won't be implemented into the existing seventh-generation Corvette. Instead, self-driving tech could make an appearance roughly half-way through the production run of the eighth-generation, mid-engine Corvette.

PHOTO GALLERY

Volvo Starts Delivering Self-Driving Prototypes To Swedish Families

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 07:33 PM PST


Volvo has started delivering autonomous prototypes to select families throughout Sweden as the carmaker looks to further develop its self-driving technologies.

Earlier this year, the company revealed that roughly 100 people will receive self-driving Volvos as part of the Drive Me program. The first two families to take delivery of their specially-equipped XC90s were the Hains and the Simonovskis, both residing in Gothenburg.

During their ownership, the families will be required to keep their hands on the steering wheel and monitor the SUV at all times. Over time, Volvo will introduce more advanced assisted driving functionalities and the drivers will receive special training. Initially, these tests of the more advanced XC90s will take place in controlled environments.

Beyond the obvious benefit of increasing the number of miles Volvo's fleet of autonomous prototypes have accrued, the program will provide engineers with invaluable data about how the families interact with their cars.

"Drive Me is an important research project for Volvo Cars. We expect to learn a lot from engaging these families and will use their experiences to shape the development of our autonomous driving technology, so that by 2021 we can offer our customers a fully autonomous car," senior vice president of Volvo R&D Henrik Green said.

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Honda, Nissan, Toyota, And More Sign Agreement For Japanese Hydrogen Charging Station Network

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 07:01 PM PST


Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and eight other companies have finalized an agreement to construct a network of hydrogen charging stations throughout Japan.

Details of the plan were first announced in May with the signing of a memorandum of understanding. Other companies involved include Nippon Oil & Energy, Idemitsu Kosan, Iwatani, Tokyo Gas, Toho Gas, Air Liquide Japan, Toyota Tsusho, and the Development Bank of Japan.

In the first four years of the project, the companies intend on constructing 80 new hydrogen stations across the country and to have 40,000 hydrogen vehicles on local streets by 2020.

Beyond the construction of the new stations, the new company will promote hydrogen technologies, make charging more convenient, and ensure that charging equipment is standardized across companies.

Although many carmakers are hedging their bets entirely on battery-electric vehicles, this agreement shows that there are also a host of companies that believe hydrogen-powered vehicles will serve an important role in future vehicles.

PHOTO GALLERY

Half A Million Hyundai And Kia Models Recalled Over Brake Light Issue

Posted: 14 Dec 2017 02:44 AM PST


Over half a million Hyundai and Kia models are being recalled in the United States due to faulty brake lights.

According to The Detroit News, 390,000 Hyundai Elantras built between 2013 and 2014, and over 134,000 Kia Fortes from 2012 through 2014, have been recalled as the brake lights may not go out when the pedal is released.

Government documents reveal that the polymer stopper pad between the brake pedal arm and the light switch can deteriorate, thus allowing the switch to stay on even when the pedal isn't depressed. This fault also means the driver can shift out of Park without applying the brakes.

To fix the issue, dealerships will replace the brake stopper pad. Kia's recall will commence on January 30 while Hyundai's will kick off on February 8.

PHOTO GALLERY

Ford May Shift Fusion And Mondeo Production To China In 2020

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 06:04 PM PST


Ford will reportedly move production of the Fusion and Mondeo sedans to China in 2020.

Three unnamed sources told Reuters of the plan, suggesting that the Fusion will no longer be built in Hermosillo, Mexico and that construction of the Mondeo will shift from Valencia, Spain.

Initially, it was reported that the American automaker would export the Chinese-built Fusion to North America and the Mondeo to Europe. However, Ford has since released a statement to the press indicating that there are no such plans.

"We have no plans to export the next-generation Fusion / Mondeo from China to North America and Europe. Fusion / Mondeo are an important part of the Ford car lineup. We will have more information to share about the next Fusion / Mondeo at a later date," a Ford spokesperson said.

This year, U.S. sales of the Fusion have dropped by 22 per cent and Mondeo sales are down 21 per cent in Europe over 2016.

In June, Ford confirmed that it will shift some Fiesta production from Mexico to China. Additionally, the brand recently announced that it will build a future EV in Cuatitlan, Mexico, rather than in Michigan as originally planned.

PHOTO GALLERY

Lamborghini Urus Gets Rendered In All Shapes And Sizes [42 Images]

Posted: 14 Dec 2017 04:20 AM PST


It appears that the web can't get enough of the new Lamborghini Urus, hence the countless renderings that we come by almost on a daily basis.

One digital artist stands out in particular - Aksyonov Nikita, who's responsible for imagining the Italian super SUV in various body styles, from the extravagant four-door Convertible to the Aventador-inspired SuperVeloce.

Most of them, such as the ever-present pickup truck, Tron versions and the one influenced by the Centenario, have absolutely no chance whatsoever of making it into production, but an enthusiastic owner might paint or wrap his/her Urus in Gulf or Martini liveries, and Lamborghini itself could make an 'S' version at some point in the future, although with 641HP on tap, its super SUV doesn't exactly lack for power.

As is the case most of the times, these renderings are just for kicks, including the murdered out example with a gigantic rear wing and the off-roader one with a large bulbar at the front, a roof rack and chunky rubber.

Nevertheless, if, say, we lived in a parallel universe where Lambo would even consider making one of these utterly unfeasible renderings, which would you have them build?

PHOTO GALLERY

Armytrix Exhaust Makes BMW 530i's Four-Pot Sound Like A V8

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 05:00 PM PST


The problem, if you can call it that, with four-cylinder engines is that they generally sound rather ho-hum, even in cars that far from under-powered, like the 252 PS (248 HP) all-new BMW 530i.

If you want to talk performance, this premium saloon in rear-wheel drive configuration (there's an xDrive AWD, too) will get you from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.2 seconds. It will also max out at 250 km/h (155 mph), which, for most people, is more than enough. But even with that performance, the sound is nothing to write home about.

That's where custom exhaust manufacturers like Armytrix come into play. They can help a "lowly" 2.0-liter four sound throaty, providing plenty of crackles and bangs, as you'd expect to hear in something with a lot more power and, probably, a higher cylinder count.

As we've seen before, the tuner's Valvetronic exhaust helps the driver decide when the car should sound more aggressive via a smartphone app, so you can blend in with the crowd when you feel like it and make a statement when you're in the mood. Sounds like the best of both worlds, right?

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PepsiCo Places An Order For 100 All-Electric Tesla Semis

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 04:30 PM PST


Get ready to see PepsiCo-branded Tesla Semis on the roads of North America in the near future, as the multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation has placed an order for 100 units.

Elon Musk's company has declined to comment on the topic, reports Reuters, but it's been said that Tesla's semis should help PepsiCo's goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions of their supply chain by at least 20 percent until 2030.

Mike O-Connell, Senior Director of PepsiCo's subsidiary Frito-Lay, has revealed that the multinational, which operates over 10,000 trucks, is currently trying to find suitable routes for Tesla's electric trucks. They also have to figure out whether they are more convenient for hauling shorter shipments of heavy beverages, or lighter loads such as snacks on longer routes.

It's unknown at this time how much PepsiCo has paid Tesla Motors to reserve the 100 zero-emission Semis, but the manufacturer initially asked for $5,000 per unit for pre-orders, a sum that has risen to $20,000. Pricing should start at $150,000 for the model with the 300-mile (480km) range, and $180,000 for the 500-mile (800km) one.

PepsiCo's order is believed to have added up to an already impressive number of more than 1,200 reservations for the electric truck, with customers including more than a dozen companies such as Wal-Mart, Sysco, Anheuser-Busch and J.B. Hunt.

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750PS BMW X5 M Wants To Show Lambo's Urus Who's Boss

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 04:00 PM PST


There are plenty of options to choose from if you want to tune your BMW X5 M, but G-Power's is perhaps one of the most interesting out there.

In Stage 1, they use their Bi-Tronik 2 V1 engine software optimization or, as an alternative, the external Bi-Tronik 5 V1 power module, to raise the output of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the stock unit's 575PS (567hp) and 750Nm (533lb-ft) of torque to a Lamborghini Urus-matching 650PS (641hp) and 850Nm (627lb-ft).

Stage 2 extracts even more power, namely 700PS (690hp) and 905Nm (667lb-ft) of torque, but the ultimate upgrade is what interests us, as it brings an impressive 750PS (739hp) and 980Nm (723lb-ft) of torque, which, combined with other tweaks make it, according to the tuner, the perfect choice for extroverted X5 M drivers who want to make a stand.

G-Power also offers sports exhaust systems, fender flares and a carbon Venturi hood, along with a forged wheel set, 11.23-inch in size, with five double spokes. It would be interesting to see how it fares against the Urus, wouldn't it?

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I'll Be Back, Maybe: GM Open To Returning To Europe

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 03:31 PM PST


General Motors has a long and tumultuous history in Europe as the company announced plans to phase out the Chevrolet brand in 2013. The company then focused on Opel and Vauxhall but those brands were sold to Groupe PSA earlier this year.

Given its track record of huge and consistent losses, many felt the sale of Opel and Vauxhall sealed the fate of General Motors in Europe. However, GM CEO Mary Barra has revealed that isn't the case.

Speaking to Detroit Automotive Press Association, Barra said GM would "absolutely" consider returning to Europe and noted "Nothing keeps us from going back." A return isn't likely to happen anytime soon as Barra suggested the company would need "transformative products" such as autonomous and electrified vehicles to seize any opportunity that presents itself.

The Detroit Bureau also noted Barra wasn't shy about suggesting the automaker could leave additional markets besides India and South Africa. As she explained, "We need to generate an appropriate return. If we don't see a path to generate appropriate returns we're going to invest where we see better opportunities."

Besides talking about international markets, Barra said hopes the United States government keeps its $7,500 rebate for electric vehicles. Even if the tax credits are phased out, Barra confirmed the company is committed to launching at least 20 new electric vehicles by 2023.

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2018 Jeep Wrangler Pricing Starts At $28,190

Posted: 14 Dec 2017 04:20 AM PST


Jeep recently unveiled the 2018 Wrangler JL at the Los Angeles Auto Show and now we're learning how much it will cost to get behind the wheel.

Car and Driver reports the entry-level Wrangler Sport will carry a base price of $28,190 which is an increase of $3,100 over the 2017 model. The four-door Wrangler Sport also sees a significant price jump as the model starts at $31,690.

Both models come equipped a Sunrider soft top, full metal doors, and 17-inch steel wheels. The Wranglers also have a push-button ignition, LED interior lighting, and an eight-speaker audio system.

Power is provided by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 285 hp (212 kW) and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque. It is paired to a six-speed manual transmission and a Command-Trac four-wheel drive system.

Moving up to the Wrangler Sport S adds convenience features such as power windows / locks, power heated mirrors, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Other additions include air conditioning and a remote keyless entry system. Pricing starts at $31,390 for the two-door variant and $34,890 for the four-door model.

The two-door Wrangler eschews the Sahara variant but it costs $38,540 on the four-door model. It features automatic headlights, a unique grille, body color fender flares, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Drivers will also find an automatic dual-zone climate control system, LED ambient interior lighting, a universal garage door opener, and a Uconnect infotainment system with a 5-inch display.

Last but not least, the Wrangler Rubicon starts at $38,190 and climbs to $41,690 for the four-door variant. The off-road focused models have an electronic front sway bar disconnect system as well as remote locking Tru-Lok differentials. The models also have a Rock-Trac transfer case, heavy duty Dana 44 axles, and 17-inch wheels with off-road tires.

An assortment of different options will be available and we can expect to learn more about their pricing closer to launch.

Note: Prices include a $1,195 destination charge

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2018 Kia Ray Facelift Unveiled In South Korea

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 02:32 PM PST


Following a preview earlier this month, Kia has officially unveiled the updated Ray in South Korea.

Looking instantly recognizable, the facelifted model has a new front fascia with a revised grille, circular fog lights, and restyled headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. The Ray has also been equipped with a modified rear bumper, updated taillights, and new 15-inch alloy wheels. A variety of customization options will be available including contrasting colors for the roof, grille, mirror caps, and tailgate appliqué.

The interior largely carries over but drivers will find a new three-spoke steering wheel, a revised gear knob, and additional metallic accents. The Ray also offers a seven-inch infotainment system as well as an assortment of options such as mood lighting and color contrasting floor mats.

Speaking of options, the Ray will be available with a pet-friendly package that includes a removable cage, a rear seat cover, and a "fence" that separates the first and second row. Customers can also order a new "trendy" trim which adds faux leather seats with a heated front row.

Kia declined to give detailed performance specifications but the car can be ordered with an improved 1.0-liter petrol engine that produces up to 78 PS (57 kW).

Pricing starts at 13.15 million won ($12,098) while a van variant will also be available for as little as 12.1 million won ($11,132).

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Ford Was The Most Googled Automotive Brand In The U.S. This Year

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 02:01 PM PST


2017 is coming to a close and Google is marking the occasion by revealing its annual Year in Search report.

According to the web giant, Ford was the most Googled automotive brand in the United States this year. The automaker saw lots of interest in its home state of Michigan as well as places such as West Virginia and the Dakotas. The most popular searches saw customers looking for more information about the F-150, Explorer, and Fusion.

Luxury brand Lexus came in second place as consumers from California, Florida, and Georgia were interested in learning about the company's latest vehicles. Unsurprisingly, a number of people were excited about the LC and the all-new LS. Searchers were also fond of the IS and RX crossover.

Kia made a podium finish as the 2018 Stinger was a huge hit with Google users. However, the most popular searches were for the Optima, Sorento, and Soul.

Toyota came in fourth place as the company saw lots of interest in the 2018 Camry and Tacoma. Honda wasn't far behind as it was the fifth most Googled automotive brand in the United States with fans researching the Accord, Pilot, and Civic.

Rounding out the top ten spots are Buick, Acura, Tesla, Hyundai, and Dodge. The latter company saw a huge spike in interest following the debut of the Challenger SRT Demon in April.

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VW Confirms A Passat GT And Two New Crossovers For America

Posted: 14 Dec 2017 04:22 AM PST


Volkswagen of America CEO Hinrich Woebcken has revealed new details about the company's future product lineup.

Speaking to Autoblog, Woebcken confirmed the automaker will launch two new crossovers and one of them will have coupe-like styling. That's not much to go on but the other model will be an entry-level crossover which will slot beneath the Tiguan.

The models are expected to help increase sales in the United States but they're still several years off as the first model isn't expected to arrive until 2019 at the earliest.

Volkswagen is clearly focused on expanding its crossover lineup but the company isn't shying away from sedans as 2018 will see the launch of the all-new Jetta as well as the U.S. debut of the Arteon.

We can also expect to see the new Passat GT sometime next year. The model was previewed by a concept a few years ago and reports have suggested the model will come equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 280 hp (208 kW) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque.

Further down the road, we can expect a redesigned Passat to arrive sometime between 2019 and 2021. Volkswagen also has plans to launch at least two vehicles a year through 2021.

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Hyundai Motor Group Working On 38 Green Vehicles Including Seven All-New Models

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 12:59 PM PST


Hyundai Senior Vice President Lee Ki-sang has revealed the Hyundai Motor Group will launch a total of 38 "green cars" in the next eight years.

Bloomberg is reporting that Ki-sang confirmed the figure includes seven all-new vehicles which will be launched over the course of the next five years. Many of the upcoming models will feature an electric powertrain while the others will likely be hybrid, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.

While electric vehicles are a key part of the initiative, Ki-sang said the company is hedging its bets by investing in both fuel-cell vehicles and more traditional battery-electric models. As he explained, Hyundai sees fuel-cell vehicles as the best solution for future mobility but the company isn't putting all its eggs in one basket. Instead, Hyundai will "push for both" types.

Ki-sang was tight-lipped on specifics but the company has already announced plans for a Kona EV and a Genesis EV with a range of approximately 500 km (310 km). On the hydrogen front, there will be a new fuel-cell crossover that will go into production early next year.

In a separate report, Ki-sang told Reuters the company is developing a dedicated platform for electric vehicles but it is still years away from being launched. He went on to say Kia will launch an electric crossover next year - possibly the Niro EV - and it will have a range of more than 300 km (186 miles) on a single charge.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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Turns Out This IS America's New 2018 VW Jetta

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 12:32 PM PST


Remember a set of leaked images of a new VW sedan we showed you a while ago? After comparing them to the teaser drawings VW has been releasing lately, it's not hard to see that this was North America's new Jetta all along.

The Jetta is VW's best-selling model in the US and the new generation wants to re-ignite the momentum of the model with a sportier design and more engaging handling.

Reddit user HauntedHat posted the same images we showed you back in August, revealing pretty much everything. The exterior styling features sculpted surfaces, more prominent shoulder lines, a sportier roofline and a boot lid with an integrated spoiler lip.

The new model will ride on the latest version of VW's widely-used MQB platform, which is also used on models like the Atlas, Tiguan and of course Golf. Fuel-efficient petrol engines will include the 150hp 1.4-liter turbo unit, which will be now paired to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.

The new Jetta will also feature the latest in driver assistance systems, including automatic city braking and adaptive cruise control, as well as a digital instrument display and the latest infotainment systems featuring a complete range of connectivity options.

The seventh generation of the German brand's compact sedan will go on sale in mid-2018, with its public debut set for the Detroit Auto Show this January.

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How Nissan Is Using A Miniature Car Wash To Make Your Paint Better

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 12:02 PM PST


Nissan's process of testing its paint samples might sound unorthodox at first, but there's a method to the madness.

The company has a scaled-down car wash, about the size and shape of a popcorn machine, at its Technical Center in Michigan to test paint samples in order to make sure that their company's exterior paint jobs hold up to the demands of a modern automatic car wash.

Featuring a spinning brush with vibrant blue bristles, this specialized piece of test equipment sprays water and spins at 180rpm causing the bristles to harshly slap the paint sample, which also has special dirt called "Arizona test dirt" applied to it to replicate real-world grit.

Don't think though that Nissan is actually using scale models during testing, as the red miniature of the 370Z is there for illustrative purposes only.

Instead Nissan uses painted rectangular plates in actual testing, like the yellow sample upon which the scale model is sitting.

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VIDEO

Uber User Charged Over $14,000 For 20-Minute Ride In Toronto!

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 11:34 AM PST


If you've ever taken an Uber ride, there's a good chance that you've been left flabbergasted by the cost added to your bill when factoring in the surge pricing. However, you've probably never been as shocked as one Uber user in Toronto recently was.

On December 8, a local from Toronto took an Uber for the roughly five-mile journey between 12a Widmer Street and 30 The Queensway. Typically, an UberX journey between these two spots will cost roughly $15 CAD but instead, the final bill ended up being more than 1000 times that.

A friend of the Uber user in question took to Twitter to share a screenshot of the crazy ride that cost an eye-watering $18,515.80 CAD ($14,394.55).

The Comeback reports that when the rider raised his concerns with Uber, the controversial ride-hailing company refused to back down from the excessive fair. Fortunately, Uber has since changed its mind, admitting that it was a mistake and issued a full refund.

"There was an error and we have provided a full refund. We sincerely apologize to this rider for his experience.

"We have safeguards in place to help prevent something like this from happening and we are working to understand how this occurred," Uber said.




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