Automotive News

The Renault 17 Returns: A Look at Ora Ïto’s Restomod and Its 1970s Legacy

The Renault 17, a distinctive French coupe from the 1970s, may not be a household name, but it’s one that invokes nostalgia for a generation of auto enthusiasts. Born from a decade defined by daring designs, disco, and social change, the Renault 17 has been revived as a modern restomod by French designer Ora Ïto. This sleek reinterpretation blends retro charm with contemporary automotive advancements, giving new life to a car that helped define an era. The Renault 17: A Snapshot of 1970s Style and Culture Renault launched the 17 in 1971, aiming to carve a niche in the competitive European market for sporty coupes. The 1970s were a time when the auto industry was pivoting from pure muscle to

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Volkswagen and ORNL Break New Ground with 270 kW Wireless Charging for EVs

Volkswagen, in collaboration with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), has taken a significant step forward in the evolution of electric vehicle (EV) technology by achieving the first-ever 270 kW wireless power transfer. This landmark development represents a leap in wireless charging capabilities, setting the stage for faster and more efficient EV charging without the need for cumbersome plug-in systems. For drivers and the industry alike, this advancement could be a game-changer in how electric vehicles are charged, bringing us closer to a future where EVs can charge rapidly and seamlessly. The Breakthrough in Wireless Charging The 270 kW wireless charging system developed by Volkswagen and ORNL employs high-frequency magnetic fields to transfer energy between a transmitter and a receiver.

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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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2024 Lexus RX 450h+: versatile, luxurious SUV debuts in stellar lineup

The Lexus RX, the first and enduring luxury sport utility vehicle, has reached its mid-20s. It debuted as a compact crossover but is now considered midsized. It’s as versatile as any vehicle in the carmaker’s expanding SUV lineup. Lexus has three distinct SUVs, with the RX flanked by the smaller NX and the larger three-row LX and new TX models. The RX series has several options, including gasoline and hybrid systems. The 2024 Lexus RX 450h+, a plug-in hybrid, is new this year. It’s the upgraded version of the 350h and has 304 horsepower and a larger battery. Lexus estimates the 450h+ has a 37-mile electric-only range that can be recharged in 2 1/2 hours at 240 volts with the

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2024 Honda Odyssey: most versatile vehicle on the road?

The Honda Odyssey defies the stigma of minivan collections of automotive boredom on wheels. It may still be driven often by overprotective youth parents late for youth soccer practice or a swim meet. But the enduring Odyssey should be more fairly recognized. It’s among the industry’s most versatile vehicles. Largely unchanged since the current generation debuted in 2018, the Odyssey is ideal for a family of one seeking a high-sitting, confident vehicle with plenty of space for friends, work equipment or leisure stuff. The three-row van also drives like a car and has a cavernous interior for a large family or even a sizable youth team. Unveiled 30 years ago, the Odyssey is now in its fifth generation and is

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2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6: worthy EV underdog

The Hyundai Ioniq debuted in 2016 as a newcomer sedan with an odd name. The all-electric variant, the Ioniq 6, arrived last year. It joined an impressive lineup answering to the fusion of the words ion and unique. It’s also given the floundering sedan segment hope. Offered in SE Standard Range, SE, SEL and Limited trims, the 2024 Ioniq 6 throughout its lineup is the same as the vehicles’ debut models. The SE Standard Range is the value leader, with a 53-kWh battery pack and a single motor (149 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) driving the rear wheels. At its top end, the reviewed Limited edition is far less known, but the strongest challenger for a Tesla Model 3. It

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2024 Subaru Ascent SUV plays it safe

Subaru buyers rely on value, versatility and dependability. Its wagons and sport utility vehicles are geared toward active families with recreation equipment (and perhaps a dog) to tow. The Subaru Ascent expands the ability to haul stuff or animals. Unveiled in late 2018, the mid-sized crossover SUV is the carmaker’s only three-row vehicle. It continues with the brand’s reputation, including its standard all-wheel drive. Available in base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition Limited, Limited and Touring, all Ascents are equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. All variants also feature 260 horsepower matched with a continuously variable transmission. Gas mileage averages are 21 mpg in city driving, 25 mpg on the highway. The low tallies are the vehicle’s primary downfall

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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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2023 Mercedes-Benz EV SUV: new but not iconic carmaker’s best

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ is the new and least expensive electric sport utility vehicle in the German manufacturer’s lineup. It joins the EQB 300 4Matic EQB and 350 4Matic as the brand expands its EV focus. All of the models have Premium, Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels, opening the configurations to a wider audience, particularly with EQB 250 debut. It’s a financially attractive way to enter the EV market with the enduring carmaker. The EQB 250+ features 188 horsepower and is powered by a single, front-mounted electric motor. With its more powerful relatives, the EQB 250 uses a 70-kWh battery pack. The manufacturer promotes the battery charges from 10 to 80 percent in 32 minutes while using a DC

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Top-line 2024 BMW X5 SUV: too much of a good thing

Bavarian Motor Works (BMW) is a few years away from its centenary as an automaker. It introduced its first sports utility vehicle 25 years ago as the industry continued its dominating switch from family sedans to sport utility vehicles. The 2024 BMW X5 M Competition and its rivals take the SUV saturation to another level. It’s a luxury family hauler with track-level performance. It’s needed for the high speeds necessary when visiting the local nursery, hauling lumber and groceries or transporting youth soccer players. In other words, it’s a vehicle that defines automotive excess. Yes, the X5 M Competition is a descendant of the original. But it’s as far removed as feasible from Merriam-Webster’s original definition of an SUV: “a

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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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#281, Automotive legend: Ralph Teetor

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:00 — 73.2MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreA strong argument could be made that Ralph Teetor is responsible for what is now called autonomous driving. Blind since he was a young boy, Teetor invented cruise control in the 1940s. It was one of more than 40 patents granted to a native of Indiana who died in 1982. Teetor will be inducted posthumously into the National Inventors Hall of Fame on May 9 in Washington, D.C. Jack Teetor, the inventor’s great-nephew, is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with Teetor the family legacy and the fascinating life of his great-uncle. Teetor has

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2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 defines luxury SUV with a hefty price

Big and bold and wearing a front-grille badge the size of a serving platter, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 sport utility vehicle is all about luxury, power and excess all in no uncertain terms. The biggest SUV from the manufacturer’s high-performance subsidiary, the three-row family hauler does nothing subtle. It features a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with hybrid assistance and delivers 603 horsepower. It generates another 21 horsepower from the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). It’s a 48-volt auxiliary on-board motor that operates an electrical system giving a boost power to several systems. Operated via a nine nine-speed automatic transmission, the SUV advances from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds. The top speed is pegged at 174 miles per hour and the

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