Technology
Chinese Company Wins Auction for A123 Systems
A year riddled with controversy for electric cars is winding down, but not without at least one more flare up — Chinese firm Wanxiang Group won the bidding war for A123 Systems.
Black Box Mandate Expected From NHTSA Soon
Event Data Recorders (EDRs), commonly called “black boxes” are already installed in about 90 percent of new cars, but a new rule is expected from NHTSA making them mandatory for all cars and light trucks.
Stability Control Has Saved Over 2,200 Lives: NHTSA Report
According to a recent study released by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the federally-mandated electronic stability control (ESC) technology is saving an increasing number of lives each year.
Cadillac CUE Flawed, Not to Point of Failure: Consumer Reports
Generally regarded as an unbiased product information source, Consumer Reports criticized Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system in its critique of the new XTS sedan, which missed out on a “recommended” score, but why?
Honda Unveils 1.6L Diesel Engine for Euro Civic
Honda Civic buyers in Europe will benefit from a new 1.6-liter diesel engine — the first oil burner in the brand’s new “Earth Dreams” engine lineup.
Tesla Future Touchscreen Tech Hinted by Exec
What if you could have a 17-inch iPad built into your car? It’s almost a reality for one of the more than 250 folks who own a Tesla Model S, save a few key features.
Chrysler Commits to Smaller, More Efficient V6
Speaking at a media event in Detroit today Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed suspicions that there will be more versions of the company’s award-winning Pentastar V6.
Why Your Next Set of Tires May be Made from Weeds
When it comes to the auto industry, oil isn’t the only thing imported from foreign countries and subject to supply issues and price spikes. The same is true of the rubber in your car’s tires, though a solution could lie in a simple, resilient weed that grows freely across the American southwest.
Audi Promises Greater Differentiation in Model Designs
Audi, long an industry benchmark of style and craftsmanship is headed in a new design direction. Criticized for having nearly indistinguishable model designs as of late, in the future there will be greater differentiation between the German luxury automaker’s models.
New Backup Camera System Making Cars See-Through
Superman’s x-ray vision would make some things a whole lot easier like playing poker or parallel parking, and in some ways that technology is close at hand.
Toyota Prius Design May be on the Chopping Block
If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it, or so the old saying goes, but Toyota might be aiming to do just that.
Hyundai-Kia Developing Turbocharged V6 Engine
There’s a lot going on at Hyundai-Kia these days, especially in powertrain engineering. Never wanting to be behind the competition, the collaborative South Korean automakers have confirmed that they’re developing a new turbocharged V6.
Meet the LT1: GM’s Gen V Small Block V8
General Motors unveiled its latest V-8 engine at a media event this morning. Now in its fifth generation, the company’s venerable “mouse motor” features a raft of advanced technologies, but at its core it’s still a small block.
Tesla Retail Stores Defended by Brand CEO
Elon Musk, tech mogul and co-founder of Tesla is coming to the defense of his company as it faces a lawsuit from dealers in Massachusetts and New York.
Acura ZDX: Disliked and Discontinued
While Honda plays doctor with its unpopular Crosstour, Acura is taking on a different role for its 2013 ZDX crossover: Mortician.
Goodyear Self-Inflating Tire Tested Further in 2013
Drivers often neglect properly inflating their tires, which damages the rubber, delivers poorer fuel mileage and poses a rollover risk.
Infiniti M Line Gets Five-Star Rating from NHTSA
Testing is underway at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a host of 2013 models, the first of which is Infiniti’s M line.
BMW, Local Motors Launch Urban Driving Experience Challenge
The BMW Group and Local Motors have teamed up to launch a first-of-its-kind idea competition to promote the future of urban driving.
Next Porsche 911 Turbo to get Four-Wheel Steering
Apart from building powerful sports cars, Porsche cars are renowned for razor-sharp handling which is something Porsche hopes to boost further in the next generation 911 Turbo by adding four-wheel steering according to recent reports.
Why the iPhone 5 May Not Work in Your Car
For years now, owners of Apple’s mobile devices have had to invest money into accessories that incorporate the tech giant’s proprietary 30-pin connector. From docks to in-car connectivity, owners assumed their first investment would also be their last.
Ford Committed to Improving MyFordTouch
MyFordTouch has taken a beating from many media outlets, including Consumer Reports, but Ford says that they will stay committed to being a leader in the infotainment world.
Future Ford Consumer Reports Results Look Bleak
How much does an infotainment system weigh on a car’s overall evaluation? A lot if you’re Consumer Reports and the car in question came from Ford.
Ford Mustang Configurator for iOS, Android Available
Mustang fans armed with an Android or Apple mobile device can now take advantage of the Ford’s car configurator on the go, pitting them against other enthusiasts.
GM Hints at 100 Mile Electric Range Volt
Something might be amiss in the world when bringing battery technology up to par is considered a “game changer” as GM CEO Dan Akerson described it in an employee meeting, but then again maybe not.
