Autos

Mercedes-Benz is stepping up its EV game as much as possible as it works towards its goal to go all-electric by 2030. The German automaker recently announced in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that it has plans to launch its own high-powered EV charging network by the end of this year. Starting in North America, Mercedes-Benz is moving forward with this portion of its all-electric strategy by ensuring effortless and rapid charging for its current and future EV car owners. The plan is to establish more than 10,000 high-power charging stations across the globe, spanning from North America, Europe, China and other main markets. According to a press release, Mercedes-Benz is offering pre-booking options for a charging station straight from their cars. Mercedes-Benz is also foc...

After a number of car owners complained about difficulties in getting used to the yoke butterfly steering wheel, Tesla has now quietly introduced an option for a standard round steering wheel for its Model X and Model S cars. Problems voiced by some in the community regarding the yoke include an awkward feeling at the wheel and difficulty in regaining control after slips on the road. As with Tesla’s original rectangular yoke wheels, functions such as honking, turn signals, and windshield wipers will still be controlled via buttons on the new steering wheel. However, another traditional element of the driving experience, the stalk, will still be excluded in Tesla vehicles. The horn is especially controversial, with many owners finding issues with the small size and offset positioning....

At CES 2023, Chrysler announced the debut of its Synthesis demonstrator, offering a glimpse into the future of the brand’s car interiors. While most concepts often show flashy car exteriors first, Chrysler takes a different approach this time around, demonstrating the possibilities of the cabin experience. The smart cockpit learns to adapt to the driver over time and is equipped with Level 3 autonomous driving allowing for a completely hands-free, eyes-off experience on the road. Stepping into the conceptual two-seater, the design is elegant and futuristic, made with premium, responsibly-sourced materials. A virtual personal assistant greets the driver automatically via biometric recognition and synthesizes multiple aspects of the customer experience including calendars, charge statu...

Automaker Stellantis, the parent company of Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, and more, recently unveiled its Ram 1500 Revolution BEV concept. The EV concept is the latest part of the company’s Dare Forward 2030 initiative to reduce its carbon footprint. By the end of the decade, Stellantis plans to have 100 percent of its European sales and half of its United States sales to be of fully-electric vehicles. Set to be available in the year 2024 alongside a Jeep EV, the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV concept shared at CES 2023 is described as “brutiful,” or “brutal yet beautiful.” The car features “grand saloon style” doors, aerodynamic 3D-printed side view mirrors, and a digital “RAM” grille. Raised ...

With their first EV set for pre-order in 2023, Sony and Honda shared the concept for their first model at CES 2023. The electronics and automobile union of Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) unveiled the Afeela prototype EV, revealing a minimalist sedan-like design in a futuristic gray paint. Maintaining an aerodynamic shape, the vehicle expresses a seamless design with simplified front and rear lights. Between the headlights is also a “Media Bar” which can be personalized and provide information. Moving into the interior, Sony stepped in to provide a plethora of screens that will be powered by a partnership with Epic Games that will provide entertainment options. Honda took care of the 45 cameras and sensors that make up the safety system that works in unison with the Qualcomm computer...

Japanese automotive brand INFINITI brings its flagship QX80 SUV to six Middle Eastern countries — arriving with exclusive detailing and an upgraded entertainment system. Imagining the latest edition in the metropolis of Dubai, the brand teams up with UAE-based photographer Creations of LA to bring the luxury SUV to some of its most picturesque hotspots. Produced in three iterations: SENSORY, ProACTIVE and Black Edition (the regional exclusive) — the vehicles all boast a refined center console that includes a single InTouch™ 12.3-inch HD display with Apple CarPlay® and USB-based Android Auto™ compatibility as well as a Bose® Premium Sound system. With the QX80 maintaining its seven-seat, three-row arrangement, the interior features leather or semi-aniline appointed...

During this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, BMW unveiled its new color-changing concept car, the BMW i Vision Dee. Stepping into the future, the one-of-a-kind mid-size sedan fuses fun and forward-thinking design. As “Dee” stands for Digital Emotional Experience, the automaker’s goal with the hi-tech vehicle is to take a closer look at how drivers connect with their vehicles. Specifically, as society continues to move into a new digital age, our vehicles and subsequent experiences are sure to evolve. The car’s standout feature is its ability to change into 32 different shades. But alongside this focal feature, another standout of BMW i Vision Dee is its mixed reality slider, which serves as the car’s central operating system and head-...

Building on its 70 percent sustainable prototype tire unveiled last year, at CES 2023 this year, Goodyear returned with an improved design. The new creation is constructed with 90 percent sustainable materials and has already passed Department of Transportation testing, meaning they can already be used on the road. The environmentally friendly mix features organic and inorganic sources like soybean oil, rice husk silica, post-consumer polyester, and bio-renewable pine tar resins. Coming together, the tires offer lower rolling resistance than traditional tires on the market now for both better gas mileage and longer electric vehicle ranges. “Last January, we announced a 70% sustainable-material tire, and while we celebrated this accomplishment, we knew it set the foundation for us to ...

RM Sotheby’s is bringing forth yet another exceptional vehicle to auction, adding to its robust catalog. This time, a 1995 Ferarri F512 M is taking the stage. The Ferrari model made its debut in 1994 and served as the last iteration of the Italian automaker’s Testarossa. The vehicle up for grabs is number 16 out of 75 models created for the US market. On top of that, it is one of two examples that was completed in Canna di Fucile Metallizzato over Beige/Castro. Additionally, the car only has just over 14,000 miles. Specifications of the car include a 12-cylinder engine with 440 horsepower, titanium connecting rods, a stainless steel exhaust, a Bosch antilock braking system and three-piece alloy Speedline wheels. The car has also undergone slight interior changes which include a...

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down offices across the world in March 2020, many white-collar workers adjusted to working from home and some loved being away from the office so much that they became “digital nomads,” people who, per Wikipedia, “travel freely while working remotely using technology and the internet.” Now, Mitsubishi has created the ultimate vehicle for these digital nomads through its Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation: the NOMADPro Canter Truck. A concept van that’s a mobile office and living space all in one, the NOMADPro offers workers who refuse to be tethered to one location a chance to make anywhere in the world their office — and their home. The design’s base is Mitsubishi’s widely used 2WD Canter truck, with a standard driving ...

Each year, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) sees the world’s leading companies in innovation present the future of technology. Following a six year break, Volkswagen is making its return to the annual trade show by revealing the fully-electric ID.7 sedan, the sixth model in its EV family. The company has kept a steady focus on EVs with a commitment to launching ten models by 2026, offering suitable products to as many consumers as possible. In this first appearance of the model, the ID.7 has been equipped with a smart digital camouflage that creates electroluminescent light effects. Its digital design utilizes over 40 layers of paint with its unique structure that lights up the car’s exterior interactively. 22 areas of the vehicle are controllable and electrified to allow fo...

Taking to its official Instagram, Hoonigan announced the shocking death of Ken Block. According to the post, the prolific 55-year-old professional rally driver and Hoonigan co-founder was killed in a tragic snowmobile accident on Monday. “It’s with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today,” Hoonigan said in the statement. “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer, and an icon. And most importantly, a father and a husband.” After selling his co-founding share of DC Shoes, Block shifted his focus to Hoonigan Industries, an apparel brand for auto detailing enthusiasts. Aside from serving as the “Head Hoonigan In Charge” (HHIC) at the company, Block participated as a rally driver for the Hoonigan Horse Rac...