Michael Kahn

Articles by Michael Kahn

The Smartest Highway in the United States Starts in Detroit, Michigan

Michigan, a state historically synonymous with automotive innovation, is pioneering yet another groundbreaking project: the world’s first dedicated autonomous vehicle (AV) corridor on Interstate 94. This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by Cavnue in partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation, aims to create a 25-mile stretch of “smart” highway between Detroit and Ann Arbor. This corridor represents a significant leap forward in the integration of connected and automated vehicle technology, potentially revolutionizing transportation infrastructure in the region. The Vision for the AV Corridor The corridor, once completed, will facilitate the deployment and integration of AVs by incorporating advanced infrastructure designed to support vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. This technology allows vehicles to interact with each other and the surrounding infrastructure, enhancing safety and

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Uber Will Pay You to Stop Driving For a Month

Uber has announced a bold new initiative aimed at reducing car ownership in cities worldwide. Dubbed the “One Less Car” challenge, this program encourages residents in select cities to ditch their personal vehicles for a month, opting instead for public transportation, ridesharing, biking, and walking. The challenge is designed to demonstrate the feasibility of living car-free and to promote sustainable urban mobility. The Challenge Details Uber’s “One Less Car” challenge targets participants in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and London. Over the course of 30 days, Uber will provide various incentives and resources to support participants in their transition away from personal vehicle use. Key components of the challenge include: The $1000 stipend breaks down into three parts. $500

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Electric DeLorean Conversion Brings Icon Back to the Future

The DeLorean DMC-12, immortalized by the “Back to the Future” trilogy, is making a dramatic return—not through time travel, but with a state-of-the-art electric conversion. UK-based Electrogenic, a company celebrated for its adept conversions of classic cars, has revitalized the DeLorean, seamlessly blending its iconic design with contemporary electric vehicle technology. From 1981 to Present Day The DeLorean DMC-12, brainchild of automotive executive John DeLorean, is a car steeped in history and intrigue. Introduced in 1981, the DMC-12 was the only model ever produced by the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC). Its development was ambitious, marked by DeLorean’s vision to create a car that would break the mold of contemporary automotive design. The car’s stainless steel body panels, designed by Italian

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Rivian Unveils Second-Generation R1S and R1T: Elevating Electric Adventure

In a significant stride forward for the electric vehicle industry, Rivian has announced the release of its highly anticipated second-generation R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck. This bold move underscores Rivian‘s commitment to innovation and excellence in the EV market, as it continues to challenge traditional automakers with its unique blend of adventure-ready capability and sustainable technology. Enhanced Performance and Cutting-Edge Technology The new R1S and R1T models are set to deliver improved performance, greater efficiency, and enhanced technology. Rivian‘s second-generation vehicles boast upgraded powertrains and advanced battery systems, promising not only increased range but also superior power and torque. This leap in performance is expected to solidify Rivian’s position as a leader in the electric off-road vehicle segment. Both

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VinFast VF 8 Dominates ASEAN NCAP Safety Awards, Showcases Cutting-Edge Electric SUV Capabilities

In a significant win for VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker’s VF 8 SUV has captured five major safety accolades at the ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards in Bangkok, held on May 28, 2024. This recognition places the all-electric VF 8 at the forefront of vehicle safety in Southeast Asia. The VF 8 distinguished itself among contenders from over 15 global automakers, securing top honors in “Best Child Occupant Protection,” “Best Safety Assist,” “Best Overall,” “Best Motorcyclist Safety,” and “Best SUV.” These awards highlight VinFast‘s commitment to safety and its successful integration of advanced protective technologies in its vehicles. The SUV earned perfect scores in the rigorous frontal and side impact tests, leading to its win in the “Best Child Occupant Protection”

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Behind the Scenes of the 2024 Kia EV9 Super Bowl Commercial

This Super Bowl season, Kia is set to enchant viewers with a 60-second commercial for the all-new 2024 Kia EV9. The commercial is designed to showcase the EV9 as a beacon of hope and a source of power to illuminate the lives around us. To examine the making of the commercial, Michael Kahn, Publisher at The Weekly Driver conducted an exclusive telephone interview with Russell Wager, Vice President of Marketing at Kia America. Wager shared behind-the-scenes insights, revealing the creative process and strategic thinking that went into the making of the “Perfect 10” commercial. Featuring the collaborative track “Wish I Was Here” by Cat Power and Coldplay, the ad tells the heartwarming tale of a young figure skater, her father,

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All-Electric 2024 Porsche Macan SUV Takes On Bold New Direction

A decade after its initial launch, Porsche‘s Macan is taking a bold leap into the future with its 2024 all-electric model. This new chapter in the Macan’s story is marked by a blend of progressive design, Porsche‘s signature performance, and everyday practicality. The Macan 4 and Macan Turbo are set to meet and exceed the expectations of SUV enthusiasts, according to Jörg Kerner, Vice President of the Macan Product Line. The 2024 Macan models are powered by the latest generation of permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM) on both axles, a move that ensures high efficiency and consistent power delivery. The Macan 4, with its 300 kW (402 hp) output, and the Macan Turbo, boasting 470 kW (630 hp), set new

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The Apple Car: From Vision to Reality in 2028

In 2028, the automotive world is poised for a monumental shift with the launch of the Apple Car, Apple Inc.’s highly anticipated foray into the electric vehicle (EV) market. Dubbed Project Titan, this venture represents Apple’s bold step into an entirely new product category, blending their renowned innovation in technology with the dynamics of automotive design. As the countdown to 2028 continues, the Apple Car is generating buzz for its promise to redefine autonomous driving with its Level 2+ system, a pivot from its initial vision of full autonomy. From its conception to its upcoming launch, the Apple Car is set to be not just a vehicle, but a symbol of futuristic design and cutting-edge technology, poised to reshape our

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Electric Vehicle Winter Survival Guide

As winter’s chill grips the roads, electric vehicle (EV) owners face unique challenges. The impact of cold weather on EV performance and maintenance is of increasing importance for drivers. This electric vehicle winter survival guide delves into the crucial aspects of maintaining and optimizing EV performance during the colder months. From the recent surge in reports of range reduction and charging difficulties in frigid areas like Chicago and Texas, this guide is tailored to equip EV enthusiasts with essential tips and strategies for navigating the winter season. Stay ahead in the cold weather game with your EV by following expert advice and insights. The primary challenge for EVs in wintry weather is battery efficiency. In low temperatures, the movement of

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Hybrid Cars Make a Comeback Amidst Electric Vehicle Sales Slowdown

The battle between electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids represents more than just a trend; it’s a pivotal shift that heralds a new chapter in transportation. Competition between electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars is intensifying, presenting a complex array of challenges and opportunities that are reshaping the industry. As automakers like Ford, Kia, and Toyota adapt to shifting consumer preferences and navigate through political, economic, and infrastructural complexities, the nuances of the burgeoning EV market, along with an unexpected resurgence of hybrids, lead to strategic recalibrations being undertaken by automotive companies. Hybrids, once overshadowed by the allure of fully electric vehicles, are experiencing a renaissance. This shift is driven by consumers’ reluctance to fully commit to electric vehicles, deterred by

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Strike A Pose at the 2023 LA Auto Show

There are many ways to explore the new cars, reveals and concepts at the 2023 LA Auto Show, running from November 17 to 26. One way yet to be evaluated was how auto manufacturers would show off their best car pose. As the reader, you are requested to determine your favorites and leave a comment. I visited different manufacturers’ displays and asked for their best representative to give me a car pose. Some took it seriously, some embraced the weird and knew exactly how to show off their poses and the car. Asking someone to pose with the cars resulted in a whole new experience for the show. These photos were challenging to achieve, with people opening doors, getting in

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#275, An Interview with Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:36 — 67.7MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreCraig Jackson is the CEO of Barrett-Jackson, the country’s most well-known auction company, and he owns 108 vehicles — from muscle cars to sports cars and modern classics to resto-mods. Immersed in the automotive world since he was a boy, Jackson recently attended the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) annual gathering in Las Vegas. He was our special guest for the latest episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts James Raia and John Berg spoke with Jackson inside the Barrett-Jackson trailer on the showroom floor in one of several exhibit halls that housed the massive automotive showcase. Jackson, 63, discussed Barrett-Jackson’s legacy and details

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Voice-Control Your Smart Home with the Latest Mercedes MBUX Update

Mercedes-Benz has announced a sophisticated enhancement to its MBUX Voice Assistant—a seamless integration with smart home technologies. Effective immediately, this advanced feature facilitates users to orchestrate their domestic appliances and security apparatus via vocal commands from their vehicles. This refined iteration of the MBUX Voice Assistant is now congruent with an array of esteemed smart home brands, encompassing Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, TP-Link, and myQ by Chamberlain Group. The suite of controllable devices extends from intricate lighting systems and intelligent plugs to state-of-the-art thermostats, motion detection mechanisms, and automated garage doors. The system proffers a real-time diagnostic of various home apparatuses. An inquiry such as, “Hey Mercedes, is the domestic environment secure?” might elicit a response delineating, “All fenestrations are

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Tesla Gets Approval For Diner and Drive-in Movie Supercharger in Los Angeles

In a groundbreaking move that underscores Tesla‘s commitment to enhancing the EV charging experience, the company has secured the necessary permits to establish a unique Diner and Drive-In Supercharger in Los Angeles. This development, as confirmed by documents from the LA Department of Building and Safety, is a testament to Tesla‘s innovative approach to the EV infrastructure. Tesla‘s Supercharger Network, already the most comprehensive of any global automaker, is set to be further revolutionized. While advancements in charging technology have reduced wait times, the allure of a multifaceted experience at these stations remains. Enter Tesla’s latest venture: a combination of a diner and a drive-in movie theater, poised to redefine the charging stopover. For years, the electric vehicle giant has

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GM’s Vision for a Bidirectional Electric Future: Powering Homes, Vehicles, and Beyond

In a groundbreaking announcement, General Motors (GM) has declared that by the model year 2026, all its electric vehicles (EVs) will be equipped with bidirectional vehicle-to-home (V2H) charging capabilities. This transformative move is set to redefine the relationship between vehicles and homes, turning cars into potential power sources during grid outages and peak demand periods. The Dawn of Bidirectional Charging Bidirectional charging, as the name suggests, allows for a two-way flow of electricity. Traditional unidirectional EV chargers draw power from the grid to charge the vehicle. In contrast, bidirectional chargers enable not just the charging of the EV but also the potential to feed electricity back into the home or even the grid. This essentially transforms high-capacity lithium-ion batteries in

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CSAA Insurance Group Reunites Boy Band Legends for ‘Boys No More’ Musical Campaign

In an era where brands are constantly seeking innovative ways to connect with their audience, CSAA Insurance Group has taken a melodious leap into the past. Their latest campaign, “Boys No More,” is a harmonious blend of nostalgia and contemporary marketing techniques, bringing together iconic figures from the golden age of boy bands. The ensemble includes Joey Fatone of *NSYNC, Joey McIntyre of New Kids On The Block, Nick Lachey of 98 Degrees, and Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men. Together, they have crafted “Make It Right,” a song that is poised to dominate summer playlists which not only taps into the nostalgia of yesteryears but also resonates with the modern audience. The Melody Behind the Campaign Originating from Walnut

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