Automotive Technology

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Technology, Police/Emergency, Diesel

So much for Carbon Motors. The would-be police pursuit vehicle manufacturer has officially filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy (read: liquidation) according to the Indianapolis Business Journal. The company officially lists its liabilities at $21.7 million and its assets at a mere $18,976, including one prototype, a few bits of furniture, books and the company's intellectual property. Some of the largest debtors are investors and suppliers, including BMW. The German automaker claims Carbon Motors owes them some $3 million.

Carbon Motors built a business model around for its diesel-powered E7 police car by securing a Department of Energy loan through its Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program for $310 million, but the US Government denied the company's application in March of 2012. From that point, it was evidently only a matter of time before the company caved in on itself. The warning signs were already thick on the ground when it was revealed that the company had quietly pulled out of its Connerville, Indiana plant back in April.

Bankruptcy protection shields Carbon Motors from lawsuits against the manufacturer. That's good news, considering three former executives have already filed a lawsuit against the company earlier this year for $600,000 in deferred wages.

Carbon Motors officially files for bankruptcy, lawsuits follow originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Safety, Technology, Russia

While mobile navigation for cars has evolved into a staple, in-cabin feature, motorcyclists have been stuck with paper maps and aftermarket solutions for years. A new Russian company is out to change that with a helmet that boasts integrated nav. LiveMap uses a microphone, light sensor, ear phone and micro display to convey pertinent travel information in full color that the rider can control using voice commands. The system works just like the heads up display found in modern fighter jets.

The system projects directions in the center of the rider's visor rather than in the upper right hand corner as with Google Glass. The team behind the development says this actually safer since the light sensor keeps the directions transparent no matter what the time of day. It also allows the rider to stay focused on what's ahead of the bike. An integrated gyroscope and digital compass keeps the projection oriented correctly even as the user tilts his head or leans the bike. Very cool.

The LiveMap helmet is supposed to offer up to a day's worth of use thanks to a pair of lithium-ion batteries, though a USB charge plug can provide extra juice when necessary. Right now, LiveMap is sourcing funding through Indiegogo. The company is looking to raise $150,000 to create a working prototype. After that, production models could cost around $2,000. That's steep, but hopefully the cost could come down over additional generations. Check out the introductory video below for more information.

Continue reading LiveMap develops augmented reality motorcycle helmet

LiveMap develops augmented reality motorcycle helmet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Technology, Ford, Lincoln, Infotainment

Ford deserves credit for being a front-runner in offering advanced infotainment technology with its Sync and MyFord Touch systems, but continued consumer complaints over its confusing touchscreen interface and capacitive controls has made the automaker relent. The Wall Street Journal reports that physical buttons and knobs for controlling tuning and volume will be coming back to Ford vehicles equipped with the controversial infotainment system.

The 2013 F-150 with MyFord Touch gives us a glimpse of what the new layout with buttons and knobs might look like, as Ford says a similar balance of touch screen capability and buttons/knobs are what's being planned for future models. And, while capacitive controls have no fans in the halls of Autoblog, many of Ford's models with MyFord Touch do have a large physical knob for adjusting volume with integrated buttons for tuning and advancing tracks, though most of those are models with the optional upgraded Sony Audio system. Lincoln models with MyLincoln Touch, however, feature only capacitive controls for all stereo and climate functions.

Despite receiving enough complaints to throw buttons and knobs back into the mix (a move that reminds us of BMW's iDrive trajectory, among others), Ford reports that Sync and MyFord Touch have still been sold on 79 percent of its 2013 model year vehicles, a number it claims is double the rate that Honda and Toyota are getting for their infotainment systems. Ford also states that owners who do opt for the duo of technologies are more satisfied with overall vehicle quality than those who don't have it.

While Ford's own numbers may show high rates of satisfaction, other surveys, specifically the J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Study, have taken a hit in recent years on account of new owners reacting to MyFord Touch and its buttonless capacitive controls. Ford's ranking in the IQS plummeted to below average in 2011 after the system's debut, which prompted a significant update for MyFord Touch the following year that fixed bugs, improved the user interface and improved the voice recognition. Nevertheless, Ford still ranked below average in the 2012 IQS survey, and today's news of physical buttons and knobs returning to the center stack comes just two days before the release of results for J.D. Power's 2013 IQS. Another system update will be released the summer, and Ford has increased warranties for all models equipped with the system.

Continue reading MyFord Touch getting buttons and knobs back to counter criticisms

MyFord Touch getting buttons and knobs back to counter criticisms originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Safety, Technology, Mercedes-Benz

Although Mercedes-Benz isn't the first automaker to develop a Car-to-X system, it sounds like it will be the first to get this automated safety technology into a production vehicle. Car-to-X allows a car to transmit and receive data in order to warn the driver of impending danger or traffic problems.

Using a mobile communication platform, the car would be sent alerts for approaching concerns including a broken down car, dangerous weather conditions or a car being driven the wrong way. In addition to automatic alerts, this system will have the ability to allow users to warn other motorists of road dangers, such as animals or debris on the road.

Mercedes says that it will not only have this technology as a standard feature in its vehicles by year's end, but will also offer a kit that can be retrofitted to older models. It sounds like this technology will likely be limited to Germany or Europe for now, and the automaker it is also working with other automakers to get such a system implemented quicker. Scroll down for a press release.

Continue reading Mercedes ready to offer Car-to-X communications by end of year

Mercedes ready to offer Car-to-X communications by end of year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Government/Legal, Technology

If we were cynical marketers, we might suggest this as a tag line for the upcoming smartphone app called SpotSquad: "Rat out your friends and neighbors for a few lousy bucks!"

That's right, belying the stereotype of the unfailingly polite Canadian, Winnipeg-based SpotSquad is creating an app that will allow you to report parking violations to authorities, and get paid for it. The application asks that you take a photo of the violation in question, which is then forwarded to local parking enforcement authorities.

Though not a going concern yet, SpotSquad plans to demo the app in some private Winnipeg parking lots this summer, before loosing the hellish software on the innocent Canadian public. According to a report by CTV News, members of the public surveyed are split on whether or not SpotSquad is a clever idea, or a grim tattle-teller. Scroll down below to have a brief look at a how the app might work, and remember to do unto others as you'd have... never mind.

Continue reading SpotSquad app will let you snitch on illegal parkers [w/video]

SpotSquad app will let you snitch on illegal parkers [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Minivan/Van, Safety, Technology, Work, Ford

In testing the durability of its upcoming fullsize Transit vans, Ford has begun using autonomous robotic technology to pilot vehicles through the punishing courses of its Michigan Proving Grounds test facility. The autonomous tech allows Ford to run more durability tests in a single day than it could with human drivers, as well as create even more challenging tests that wouldn't be safe to run with a human behind the wheel.

The technology being used was developed by Utah-based Autonomous Solutions, and isn't quite like the totally autonomous vehicles being developed by companies like Google and Audi for use out in the real world. Rather, Ford's autonomous test vehicles follow a pre-programmed course and their position is tracked via GPS and cameras that are being monitored from a central control room. Though the route is predetermined, the robotic control module operates the steering, acceleration and braking to keep the vehicle on course as it drives over broken concrete, cobblestones, metal grates, rough gravel, mud pits and oversize speed bumps.

Scroll down to watch the robotic drivers in action, though be warned that you're headed for disappointment if you expect to see a Centurion behind the wheel (nerd alert!). The setup looks more like a Mythbusters experiment than a scene from Battlestar Galactica.

Continue reading Ford using robot drivers to test durability [w/video]

Ford using robot drivers to test durability [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Safety, Technology

Technology has become so mobile that we bring it everywhere we go, including behind the wheel of our cars. Thus, the cell phone in our pocket has become the main target of anti-distracted driving advocates, as making and taking phone calls while driving, as well as texting, have arisen as legitimate distractions from the task of driving.

One solution automakers have been developing over time would have us using your voice to control technologies in the car, the assumption being that you're much safer performing a task in the car if yours hands are on the wheel and your eyes on the road. That assumption, however, might not be true according to a recent study by the American Automobile Association, aka AAA.

The researchers behind the study, which is titled Measuring Cognitive Distraction in the Automobile, developed a standard metric by which they could rate and compare the level of cognitive distraction while performing certain tasks while driving. The results showed that while talking to a passenger, using a hand-held phone and making a hands-free phone call all created similar levels of cognitive distraction, using a text-to-speech system to send a text or email actually ranked higher on the scale. Indeed, the text-to-speech task ranked high enough to be classified as a Category-3 level of distraction, whereas the others were all classified Category-2.

The researchers remarked, "The assumption that if the eyes were on the road and the hands were on the steering wheel then voice-based interactions would be safe appears to be unwarranted. Simply put, hands-free does not mean risk-free." They go on to warn their findings apply equally to any voice-based interaction with a vehicle, not just speech-to-text systems. So behaviors we've already become accustomed to, like asking SYNC to play an artist or iDrive to set the navigation's destination to home, could be more distracting than holding our smartphones up to our ears.

Study suggests voice-controlled technology in the car is less safe than thought originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Technology, Crossover, Buick, GM

Let's get the most pressing bits of this story out of the way right off the bat: What we see here appears to be a new compact crossover from Buick. According to the spy photographer, this machine may be a little bit smaller on the outside than the current Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain 'utes, which makes sense since recent rumors suggest GM's small crossovers will migrate to a new platform that will mark a convergence between the automaker's Delta (Chevy Cruze, Buick Verano) and Theta (Equinox, Terrain) platforms. This Buick would likely use this new D2UX platform.

We've been expecting Buick to unleash a crossover to slot between the very small Encore and the very large Enclave, and various rumors have indicated that the model may be known as either the Anthem or Envision. It's worth mentioning that Buick had planned, back in 2009, to release a vehicle in the compact CUV market, but abandoned those plans after a particularly poor reception.

And now for something completely different... Take another look at the spy shots above, and pay special attention to the cylindrical device mounted to the vehicle's roof. We can't say for sure what it is, but our spy photographer opines that it looks quite a bit like the 360-degree Lidar camera equipment used by Google for its autonomous cars. Is General Motors working with Google on autonomous car technology? We don't know, but you can definitely consider us intrigued.

Buick version of Equinox/Terrain CUV spied testing... with autonomous gear? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Safety, Technology

Today's automotive windshields are commonly made with two layers of tempered glass sandwiching a sheet of optically clear polyvinyl butyral (PVB), a plastic layer that holds everything in place even when the glass is broken. While the basic design works very well (credit Henry Ford with introducing laminated glass in 1919), scratches and chips in the glass weaken the material to the point where it may eventually crack and require replacement.

But those headaches may disappear if Corning's Gorilla Glass becomes an industry standard. Gorilla Glass is the registered name for the durable and scratch resistant glass that covers the face of more than 1.5 billion consumer electronic devices. Whether the maker of your smartphone, tablet or PDA admits it or not, chances are good that you've got the material close at hand.

Having a windshield that is scratch and chip resistant is a big improvement, but there are other advantages to Gorilla Glass, says Corning. The company's senior vice president, Jeffrey Evenson, told MIT Technology Review that the glass is lighter than what is used today, and it provides a better acoustic barrier from outside noise.

As is often the case with innovative technologies, Gorilla Glass doesn't come cheap. Even so, Evenson predicts that at least one unnamed high-end automaker will introduce a vehicle with Gorilla Glass within the year. Any guesses on whom it will be?

Automakers to use scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass in the very near future originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Technology, BMW, Mini

While watching Apple introduce iOS in the Car during its WWDC keynote on Monday, we wondered how automakers, even the 14 who've already signed up to integrate this new in-car functionality of iOS 7, will feel about having the Cupertino company's mobile operating system supplant their own in-car systems. After all, some OEMs like Ford, General Motors and many luxury automakers have sunk millions of dollars into developing their own advanced infotainment, navigation and communication platforms like MyFord Touch, CUE and older systems like iDrive.

One automaker has now spoken up. A BMW spokeperson was interviewed by someone in the news department of British auto dealer group Arnold Clark and confirmed that the company would not be getting in line to integrate iOS in the Car anytime soon. The reason, as we suspected, is that BMW believes its own products developed over the last decade are both plenty good and already so deeply integrated with other systems of the car that, as told to Arnold Clark, "it would not be that straightforward to start changing all of the architecture of a car as has been implied [by Apple]."

While BMW isn't interested in spending more money to integrate Apple's services and functionality over its own, it has spent a good bit already to integrate iPhone functionality in its cars, including the relatively rare ability to support iPod Out and display Apple's own interface on Mini models with the optional Mini Connected feature, as well as committing to integrate Siri 'Eyes Free' functionality.

The BMW spokesperson also told Arnold Clark that the company would be surprised if such a system as Apple's became ubiquitous in the industry considering how much time and money automakers invest in their own media, navigation and communication solutions, but that such a system could become popular with those manufacturers who haven't made those same investments. While certainly possible, iOS in the Car, according to what we know at this point, will still rely on there being a 3G/4G-equipped iOS device present and connected to the car's system. Unless automakers want to give out free iPhones, or Apple begins licensing the user interface to automakers directly for use without an iOS device, iOS in the Car won't be an automaker's sole offering in this regard anytime soon.

UPDATE: BMW has contacted Autoblog to clarify its position. The company says it's in close contact with Apple and currently investigating the technical challenges required to integrate iOS in the Car, but since a final decision had not been made, it was not a part of Apple's announcement. Thus, according to BMW, integration of iOS in the Car in its cars has not been ruled out at all.

Why BMW doesn't plan to integrate Apple's iOS in the Car [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Technology, Videos

South Carolina may soon lead the way into the future with electronic license plates for cars and trucks. Using so-called electronic paper, technology similar to what is seen on digital readers like the Amazon Kindle, these new license plates would be capable of dynamically changing from normal numbers and letters to a word like SUSPENDED, UNINSURED or STOLEN.

Both passing motorists and police would be able to read the plate's message, and the designers say warning messages could be in bright red or made to flash. Each digital license plate would be linked to the DMV using a cellular connection, and power for the display would be generated either by the vibrations of an automobile or by a solar film over the plate. Power would only be required to change the plate's display - no power is required to keep the current display in place, and its creators say the DMV would not be able to track the plate.

At present, a proposal is in the works that would see state-owned vehicles in South Carolina use these electronic plates in a pilot program. If successful, and if cost can be brought to manageable levels, electronic plates could replace the simple stamped metal plates currently in use across the country. We have to wonder, though, how the general population would react to digital license plates that are connected wireless to an agency like the DMV. Why not voice your opinion in our completely unscientific poll, but not before watching the video report below.

View Poll

Continue reading SC investigating changeable electronic license plates [w/poll]

SC investigating changeable electronic license plates [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Technology, Jeep, Toyota, Infotainment

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #336 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #336

• Jeep rear-mounted fuel tank controversy
• 2014 Toyota Corolla
• Apple iOS for cars

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #336 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Technology, Videos, Infotainment

Today at Apple's 2013 Worldwide Developer's Conference, the House That Jobs built debuted iOS in the Car, an upcoming feature for iOS devices that mirrors what your iPhone can do on your car's in-dash screen. A perfect port of your iPhone's screen wouldn't work, since its dimensions don't match those of most in-dash screens, so what you'll see, according to the demos shown by Apple on stage, is something like an auto-optimized version of the iPhone's new operating system, iOS 7.

Apple says that 95 percent of vehicles sold today are already able to work directly with iOS devices for music and playback control, but iOS in the Car will expand that functionality to also include phone calls, maps/directions, and sending and receiving iMessages using your vehicle's screen or eyes- and hands-free using Siri. It's basically Apple making a move to replace the built-in hardware and software that came with your car, and makes us wonder how automakers will react to all those iPhone users circumventing the OEM's own full-featured infotainment and navigation systems in favor of mirroring Apple's.

We'll find out soon enough, as Apple already has a pretty big list of automakers on board to integrate iOS into their cars by 2014. The list includes Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Ferrari, Chevy, Infiniti, Kia, Hyundai, Volvo, Acura, Opel and Jaguar. To see what iOS in the Car looks like in action, scroll below to watch a clip from today's WWDC keynote.

Continue reading Apple unveils iOS for the Car

Apple unveils iOS for the Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Hyundai, Electric

California's stringent automotive emissions mandates, which require that all automakers include some form of Zero-Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) in the lineup, may be forcing the hand of Hyundai, suggests The Detroit Bureau after a recent tweet from John Krafcik, HMA Chief Executive. Up until now, the Korean automaker has been attempting to meet future regulations with fuel-cell vehicles like the modified ix35/Tuscon models (the technology uses hydrogen to generate electricity), but consumers have been slow to warm to hydrogen citing an immature and undeveloped refueling infrastructure.

While battery-powered EVs are far from perfect, they appeal to consumers who have short commutes and owners who find it convenient to recharge at home. If Hyundai were to get into the EV game in short order, one solution could be the BlueOn battery car (shown above) that is sold in the automaker's domestic market. In its current state, the BlueOn offers a 16.4-kWh lithium polymer battery, which provides a range of just over 85 miles and a lethargic 0-60 time of 13.1 seconds.

To be competitive, Hyundai would have to boost performance or seek another more expensive solution. We'll have to wait for official word, or another tweet from Krafcik, to see which way the company is heading.

Hyundai planning EV for US market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Technology, Audi

To help its customers through the nightmare of finding urban parking spots, Audi has rolled out Inrix Park services as a standard no-cost feature bundled into its subscriber-based Audi Connect services. Accessed through the automaker's MMI navigation system, Inrix provides a way to check space availability, garage hours, compare rates and gauge proximity to more than 18,000 participating parking locations in the US.

"Helping to ease the challenges that Audi drivers face in their daily drives is the core mission of the Audi Connect suite of connected car services," said Filip Brabec, Director of Product Management, Audi of America. "By offering the ability to easily navigate to the best parking spot available for their vehicle, Audi has further simplified and improved the ownership experience."

The technology was announced at the Telematics Detroit 2013 conference this week, with Audi saying the integrated service should be easier to use than a smartphone - we gave it a whirl and it appeared intuitive and quick to respond. Based on the number of Audi models on the road, the automaker estimates that more than 100,000 of its US customers will be able to use the service with thousands of new owners joining them each month. For more information, check out the full press release below.

Continue reading Audi adding search for parking functionality to all connected models

Audi adding search for parking functionality to all connected models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Jun 2013 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Safety, Technology, Videos

After three years of research, Breakfast Products has introduced Points - self-touted as the most advanced sign on earth. While we cannot substantiate that particular claim, the three-arm directional display is an interesting and innovative approach when it comes to delivering information to those within its immediate vicinity.

In a nutshell, Points utilizes an Internet connection to update a five-segment interface menu that is located at user height on its pole. Using digital data (compiled from Twitter, Foursquare, RRS feeds, etc.) and onboard sensors, the motorized directional arms swing to display information about cities, sporting events, transit, etc... all of which is easily read by those nearby (watch the video, and it will all make sense).

Physically speaking, the Points sign is nine feet tall, six feet wide and primarily constructed of lightweight and corrosion-resistant aluminum. Mechanically speaking, the arms utilize micro transmissions (with 11 gears and multiple motors) and rotary electrical interfaces (removing the issue of tangled wires) to smoothly swing 360-degrees around the pole regardless of weather or temperature. Electronically speaking, more than 16,000 LED lights ensure that the displays are bright and readable. Lastly, the processor has been designed to keep its chipset cool and minimize power drain.

We can think of countless applications for Points (airport terminals and car shows would be a perfect fit), assuming it all works as advertised. Larger versions with even more swinging arms would work well for those behind the wheel. Rest assured, this is just the tip of this digital information iceberg. Check out Points by scrolling below to see the video, then head on over to Breakfast Products' website to try it out remotely via Twitter.

Continue reading Meet Points, the Internet-enabled future of street signs

Meet Points, the Internet-enabled future of street signs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Performance, Technology, Videos, BMW

There are a lot of questionable automotive apps that people put on their smartphones these days, but BMW has created what could be one of the most useful and integrated car apps ever. The new M Power App, which will be available this summer only for Apple iPhones, allows BMW owners a whole new way to record their performance on the street or on a track. During the launch of the recent BMW M6 Gran Coupe, BimmerPost was able to get a full demonstration of how this new app works.

Far more involved than the current M Power Meter, the M Power App records data from in-car sensors and acts as a telemetry tool to allow drivers to see how they did on a particular track. Aside from an overlay on a track map showing acceleration and braking applications as well as head-to-head comparisons, the app also shows a line graph of everything from brake and throttle inputs to g-force, fuel mileage and engine speed. A small visual on the screen also shows steering angle, and lap times and speeds can all be stored as well. The data can even be shared with others, whether for bragging rights or instruction purposes.

This app works on any newer BMW equipped with the BMW Apps option, but the phone must be tethered to the car and the data understandably cannot be viewed while driving. Scroll down for the video demonstration recorded recently at Austin's Circuit of the Americas.

Continue reading BMW readying impressive track-focused M Power App

BMW readying impressive track-focused M Power App originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Technology, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

As an evolution and improvement of its OnStar technology, General Motors has announced that it will be expanding the RemoteLink Mobile App on most 2014 model year Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles. The new, aptly named RemoteLink Key Fob Services will allow users to remotely operate all of the same systems as the car's key fob, including locking and unlocking the doors and remote starting (on vehicles equipped with a factory remote starter) using a smartphone.

These Key Fob Services will be free for five years - starting from the vehicle's delivery date - but the full suite of RemoteLink features will continue to be offered only with a subscription (trial or paid). These premium features include contacting a live adviser, getting turn-by-turn directions and remotely monitoring the vehicle's diagnostic systems.

Scroll down below for the complete press release with all the details.

Continue reading OnStar RemoteLink mobile app coming standard on all new GM vehicles

OnStar RemoteLink mobile app coming standard on all new GM vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Podcasts, Performance, Technology, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, Rumormill, Tesla, Electric

Porsche Macan, Rolls-Royce SUV, Tesla expands Superchargers, Mitsubishi Attrage, 2014 Toyota Corolla



Episode #335 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about the explosion of luxury SUVs and crossovers from the Porsche Macan to the rumored Rolls-Royce SUV, the expansion of the Tesla Supercharger network, the Mitsubishi Attrage and the teasers we've seen of the 2014 Toyota Corolla. We wrap up with your questions and comments, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. You can follow along after the jump with our Q&A. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #335:


Topics:

• Porsche Macan to debut at Los Angeles Auto Show
• Rolls-Royce SUV?
• Tesla expands Supercharger network nationwide
• Mitsubishi Attrage
• 2014 Toyota Corolla teaser

In the Autoblog Garage:

• 2014 Subaru Forester
• 2013 Lexus ES 350
• 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross

Runtime: 01:40:13 Get the podcast:
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #335

Autoblog Podcast #335 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Audi, Electric

Back in March, Volkswagen AG CEO Martin Winterkorn voiced his doubts about the cost and infrastructure associated with building hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, but according to Autocar, that isn't stopping Audi from developing a fuel-cell version of the Audi A7. While we're inclined to take this report with a grain of salt, this wouldn't be the first time a VW executive has made seemingly damning statements about electric powertrains that later proved to be incorrect.

After speaking with Audi technical chief Wolfgang Dürheimer, Autocar reports that Audi is building a fuel cell A7 that is expected to be ready for testing by August. Like the electric E-Tron and natural-gas-powered G-Tron models, the hydrogen fuel cell Audis could, if produced, carry their own "tron" nomenclature.

Audi planning A7 powered by fuel cell? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Jun 2013 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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