Learning to Innovate: How Automotive Design Classes Are Shaping Future Cars

Automotive design classes are the future because they shape how we move through the world. If you believe that it’s nothing more than just sketching sleek car exteriors, think again. These studies are where creativity meets cutting-edge technology to make you reconsider the very concept of transportation. But what exactly do they bring to the table right now, as we enter 2025? Let’s find out. Applying Sustainable Design Principles Environmental concerns are more relevant than ever before, so it’s no wonder that automotive design has evolved to reflect that. Innovation means nothing if it doesn’t come with responsibility. You can

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Solid-State Batteries vs. Lithium-Ion in 2025: The Future of EV Sustainability

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are at the center of the most significant technological leap in electric vehicle (EV) energy storage as of 2025, promising to overcome the limitations of today’s lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with breakthroughs in range, charging speed, and safety. As of 2025, this is the current state of SSB science, global supply chain dynamics, and the environmental implications of sourcing critical materials like lithium and sulfur-a pivotal shift as the industry prioritizes Scope 2 and 3 emission reductions. Unlike conventional LIBs, which use flammable liquid electrolytes, SSBs employ solid ceramic or polymer electrolytes, enabling much higher energy density, rapid

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Kia Rondo, 2008: The Weekly Driver Car Review

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One of the tangible, unwritten tests of a new vehicle is its initial comfort. Does a car suit a driver without a lengthy technological learning curve? There’s something to be said for an efficient, straightforward, no-nonsense car that doesn’t require intense reading to operate. Welcome the 2008 Kia Rondo. It’s nothing new that a good share of drivers still scoff at car manufacturers from Korea. But all of misgivings should now be considered history. Kia offers affordable, safe vehicles with the car industry’s best warranty. I recently drove the Kia Rondo for a week while visiting Missouri, logging more than

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Volkswagen Touareg 2, 2008: Weidel On Wheels

Volkswagen has obviously enjoyed a longer existence than Hitler. The German manufacturer has remained successful mostly through the production of economical vehicles that appeal to the masses. Despite the reputation for building reasonably priced automobiles, Volkswagen in recent years has strayed from its original formula. Consider the Touareg. It’s a sport utility vehicle that shares a lot with the upscale Porsche Cayenne and also shares qualities with a distant cousin, the Audi Q7. The Touareg and the Cayenne were co-developed by Volkswagen and Porsche, and their shared chassis are built at the same plant. Although sometimes identified as the same

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Toyota, Lexus, Scion announce 2011 price increases

Toyota has announced manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) increases today for most 2011 Toyota, Scion and Lexus models. Price increases on Toyota models range from $200 (Yaris Liftback) to $900 (Land Cruiser, Sequoia), Lexus models range from $600 (GX 460) to $900 (IS F, LS and 450h sedans, LX 570 SUV) and for Scion model $65 (xD five-door luxury utility). The MSRP for the 2011 Toyota Tacoma compact pickup truck, Yaris sedan, Scion tC sports coupe, Scion xB urban utility vehicle, the Lexus CT 200h hybrid premium compact and 2012 LFA supercar remain unchanged. The new prices for North American-produced

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2014 Lexus LX570: Comfort, style, luxury

Some folks just gotta have a big, roomy vehicle. The 2014 Lexus LX570 SUV is a big fella, with room for eight in a luxurious cabin and all-terrain mobility. It’s plenty rugged, being based on the durable, upscale, go-anywhere Toyota Land Cruiser. Car-based crossover vehicles are capturing much of the old traditional SUV market, but the big, handsome four-wheel-drive LX570 is a reminder that some folks want–or need–a big vehicle with lots of room. With this Lexus, they get 8-passenger seating and typical Lexus luxury. A large SUV such as the four-door LX570 lets occupants sit high, with good all-around

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Episode 30, The strange case of death by Uber in Arizona

Nearly two weeks after a woman was killed by an autonomous Uber vehicle while walking her bicycle across the street at night and outside of a crosswalk in Tempe, Ariz., much is still unknown about the accident. What is known is that the Governor of Arizona has ended the state’s autonomous vehicle testing program. The auto-parts maker that supplied the radar and camera on the Volvo SUV that killed the woman has stated they had disabled the standard collision-avoidance technology in the vehicle. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have been investigating the

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Land Rover Defender, Ford Bronco as mini-RVs

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GehoCab has taken its current expertise in off-load motorhome conversion in the Volkswagen Amarok into a far larger market for RVs. The German-based company has announced it’s reconfiguring its carbon-shelled, chassis-mount campers for installation in the Land Rover Defender, Ford Bronco and other popular off-road SUVs. The company’s goal is to create the lightest available off-road 4×4 campers. Gehocab makes carbon fiber modules for RVs Unlike typical bed-top and chassis-mount truck campers, GehoCab’s original Kora camper has a sleek, glossy carbon fiber construction. It has wide-stretched windows, flush integration with the base truck and color-matched paint. Now, GehoCab is designing

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Toyota Announces New Strategies Including New U.S. Prius Plant

Toyota is responding to changes in consumer demand and improving the production efficiency and stability of its North American operations by adjusting production mix at three plants. The changes include the addition of the Prius hybrid sedan to its North American lineup. The changes include: * Prius will be built at a plant under construction in Blue Springs, Miss. Production is scheduled to begin in late 2010. Prius, which will join the Kentucky-built Camry Hybrid as the second Toyota hybrid built in North America, enables Toyota to better respond to increased consumer demand for hybrid vehicles. * The Highlander mid-size

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Toyota recalls more than 300,000 RAV4, Highlanders

Toyota has announced a voluntary safety recall involving more than 300,000 RAV4 sport utility vehicles model years 2007 and 2008 and 2008 Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles sold in the United States to replace the airbag sensor assembly. The recall will involve approximately 214,000 RAV4 vehicles and approximately 94,000 Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles. In the roll sensing curtain shield airbag system of the subject vehicles, two sensors in the airbag sensor assembly designed to detect vehicle roll angle. If one of these sensors malfunctions, the airbag warning light (malfunction indicator light) will illuminate and the roll detection system will

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Recall madness: Corolla, Camry among 6.5 million repealed (VIDEO)

The seemingly never-ending saga of Toyota recalls has expanded with the recent of announcement of the carmaker recalling 6.5 million cars globally, including the Corolla and Camry, to fix power window switches that can short circuit and catch fire. The driver’s side switches on some models have been found to malfunction if they did not receive enough grease during the manufacturing process. The recall includes 2.7 million cars in North America, 1.2 million in Europe and 600,000 in Japan. Toyota recall worries continue, this time Camry The affected cars were produced between 2005 and 2010, and include Toyota’s Yaris, Corolla,

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2027 Subaru Getaway and Forester Wilderness Hybrid Debut at New York Auto Show

Subaru unveiled the 420-hp all-electric Getaway three-row SUV and the first-ever Forester Wilderness Hybrid at the 2026 New York Auto Show.

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Best Minivans for 2026: Sienna vs. Carnival vs. Odyssey vs. Pacifica Compared

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Every 2026 minivan compared head-to-head. Toyota Sienna, Kia Carnival, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica specs, pricing, fuel economy, and our verdict.

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Best Three-Row Hybrid SUV 2026: Palisade vs. Telluride vs. Grand Highlander vs. Sorento

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Four three-row hybrid SUVs compared. 2026 Palisade, 2027 Telluride, Grand Highlander, and Sorento specs, pricing, fuel economy, cargo, towing, and a five-year ownership math breakdown.

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2027 Toyota Highlander Goes EV-Only, Kills the Gas and Hybrid Engine for Good

Toyota eliminated gas and hybrid options from the 2027 Highlander. The all-electric three-row SUV makes 338 hp with up to 320 miles of range.

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Consumer Reports Selects Its Worst-10 Vehicles For 2008

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Here’s the list of 10-worst (actually 11) vehicles. That is, the vehicles with the 11 lowest scores (out of 100 points) and Consumer Report testers’ highs and lows comments: 1. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Score: 17; Highs: Off-road ability; Lows: Ride, handling, braking, noise, fuel economy, fit and finish, visibility, front seat comfort, access, reliability. 2. Hummer H3 (5 Cylinder) Score: 27; Highs: Off-road ability, turning circle; Lows: Acceleration, fuel economy, access, visibility, ride, heavy tailgate, emergency handling, reliability. 3. Jeep Liberty Sport, Score: 27; Highs: Off-road ability; Lows: Fuel economy, noise, agility, fit and finish. 4. Chevrolet Aveo5, Score: 32;

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