Motor News

• A new study shows a significant reduction in rear-end collisions for vehicles equipped with forward collision warning together with automatic emergency braking.• Other advanced driver-assistance systems had less dramatic but still notable real-world results.• The study looked at vehicles from the 2015 through 2020 model years.You’re half as likely to get hit from behind if the car following you is equipped with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. That’s the major takeaway from a new study whose results were recently announced. Forward collision warning (FCW) combined with automated emergency braking (AEB) reduced the incidence of rear-end collisions by 49 percent. It’s not just low-speed crashes that are prevented—the technology reduced serious injury crashes of this type by 42 percent.From the C/D Archive The auto industry has been enthusiastic about adopting these safety systems already. In 2016, 20 automakers issued a statement vowing to make AEB standard on all vehicles, and the current study was conducted by PARTS (Partnership for Analytics Research in Traffic Safety), described as a data-sharing partnership between the U.S. Department of Transportation and eight automakers. The study also looked at other advanced driver-assist systems, and there the results were less dramatic. Vehicles equipped with lane-departure warning (LDW) and lane-keeping assist (LKA) were less likely to be involved in single-car collisions where the vehicle stuck an object alongside the road, but the reduction was only 8 percent. Adding lane centering marginally increased the effectiveness, bringing the drop to 9 percent.The study also looked at pedestrian-detection systems and their ability to reduce incidents of vehicles hitting pedestrians, but the data were inconclusive, possibly due to the small number of vehicles so equipped.The study used police-reported crash data from 13 states, for crashes that occurred between January 2016 and August 2021. More recently, earlier this fall AAA cautioned that the safety systems can’t completely protect vehicles from rear-end crashes, particularly those that happen at higher speeds in the 40-mph range and up, so this technology doesn’t mean you’ll never be rear-ended again. This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

A study conducted by utility company National Grid suggests that highway truck stops setting up for EVs in the next two decades could require the same amount of power as a small town might use.Based on current traffic patterns, the study found, many highway charging sites (the equivalent to a highway gas station) will require 20 or more fast-chargers to meet EV demand.The study focused on 71 highway sites in New York and Massachusetts with an eye toward finding solutions to “future proof” U.S. highways for the EV era.There are a lot of hurdles to clear between where our infrastructure sits now and the seemingly inevitable future of widespread electric-vehicle use. A new study from utility company National Grid is showing just how tall some of those hurdles may be. More on EV ChargingThe study examined traffic patterns and projected charger use at 71 highway sites throughout New York and Massachusetts and considered relevant EV sales goals/mandates, based on a scenario in which all light-duty vehicles sold in the U.S. are electric by 2035 and all medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sold are EVs by 2045. Think of the highway sites as being equivalent to a highway truck stop or gas station. According to the study, in the next 10 years more than a quarter of the sites studied will require 20 or more fast-chargers, or the equivalent power of a sports stadium, to meet demand during peak hours. National Grid’s analysis of EV charging capacity changes in the Northeast.National GridAs things stand now, fast-charging along American highways is still in the embryonic stage. To find 20 chargers in one spot, at least outside California and outside the Tesla Supercharger network, is nowhere near the norm. Sometimes, finding an open charger is only half the battle; finding a fast-charger in working order becomes even harder. Gas stations may be able to get by with only four or six pumps, but charging most EVs takes considerably longer than pumping a tank of gas, meaning there will be more time for potential overlap at the charger.According to the findings, in 10 years more than a quarter of sites studied will require the same amount of power as an outdoor sports stadium to meet charging demand, with some requiring the same power as a small town within the next two decades. The study suggests plugging into the existing high-voltage electrical grid to “future-proof” high traffic areas on the highway. Conveniently, the study notes, these transmission lines already tend to mirror highway routes. Equivalent to a Small TownSites acting as electrified truck stops could require the same amount of energy needed to power a small town. Size and weight are especially important for electric vehicles. Take the nearly 10,000-pound GMC Hummer EV, with its 2923-pound battery, which took an hour and 49 minutes to get from 10 to 90 percent state of charge. On the other hand, the 4800-pound Taycan, which accepts a lower peak power input than the Hummer, is able to charge from 5 to 80 percent state of charge in a claimed 23 minutes. It’s not hard to think about how a parking lot full of electric semi-trucks, all towing roughly 40 tons, would require a huge power output.”No Regrets”Transitioning our highway infrastructure will not, and can not effectively switch overnight. Of the $5 billion the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law from last year promised, the first $900 million or so has been approved for EV chargers to cover 53,000 miles of highway throughout the country.In its summary of the study, National Grid says a goal is to figure out how to do “no regrets” upgrades at “no-regrets” sites—”so we can build grid infrastructure once, and build it right.” In what seems like an understatement, the power company says upgrading and building high-voltage interconnections along highways “can take years,” which is the points of its study urging the industry to plan ahead for it now. One thing is for certain: the highway landscape is going to look different—and much more electrified—10 and 20 years into the future.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

The first images and bits of information about the 2023 Toyota Prius are here.This is the Japan-spec model, which offers a reworked hybrid drivetrain with 193 hp for the standard hybrid and 220 hp for the plug-in hybrid.Details about the U.S.-spec 2023 Prius are coming tomorrow, so stay tuned.Toyota has taken the cover off the new 2023 Prius, as the first images and details about the Japan-spec car have arrived. While it’s instantly recognizable as a Prius thanks to its teardrop shape, the lower stance, far sleeker side profile, and interesting-looking headlights and taillights take it to an entirely new realm in terms of design.Open GalleryThe new fifth-gen Prius is also significantly more powerful than before, with Toyota claiming that the reworked hybrid system produces 193 hp in standard form and 220 hp in the plug-in-hybrid model. A 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine replaces the old 1.8-liter unit. The U.S. version may have slightly different specs, but it’s clear that there will be lots more grunt on offer than the current model, which has a combined output of just 121 hp.ToyotaThe single image of the interior shows a large horizontally oriented touchscreen, a digital gauge cluster on a tablet-style screen behind the steering wheel, and a row of buttons on the dash for the climate controls. The chunky steering wheel is similar to what’s in the bZ4X EV, and the shifter on the center console appears similar to the joystick-style unit we’re familiar with from the old Prius.Toyota will be releasing more details on the U.S.-spec Prius soon, so check back here in the evening of November 16 to learn all about this new generation of the hybrid hatchback.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

Genesis has revealed the X Convertible concept ahead of the Los Angeles auto show.The concept builds on the previous X show cars with a folding hardtop convertible setup.The X Convertible will sadly likely never become a reality. The 2021 Genesis X concept showed off the Korean luxury brand’s assertive and crisp design language, while the X Speedium Coupe concept from this summer built on that look with a longer, gracefully sloping roofline and a new lighting signature to indicate the car’s electric powertrain. Today, Genesis continued the series by unveiling the X Convertible concept at an event ahead of the Los Angeles auto show. Unsurprisingly, the X Convertible is a strikingly beautiful design, thanks to strong proportions and clean but defined lines. The concept has a long wheelbase with a short front overhang, with miles of hood stretching out in front of the windshield. Powerful creases over the incredibly intricate and large wheels provide a dynamic stance. The distinctive headlights that form the triangular “grille” shape are carried over from the X Speedium, while the convertible ends in a ducktail spoiler. The X Convertible’s folding-hardtop roof includes integrated transparent moonroofs.The interior retains the same design as the previous two concepts, with the digital dash and infotainment screen sharing an L-shaped piece of glass angled toward the driver. The wool fabric throughout the cabin is recyclable, and the seats are wrapped in leather. The interior color combo, Giwa Navy and Dancheong Orange, is “inspired in part by traditional Korean roof architecture”—Genesis informs us that Giwa are the roof tiles on Korean houses and Dancheong is the “traditional decorative colorings on traditional Korean wooden buildings.” You learn something new every day.More about GenesisGenesis revealed no technical details about the X Convertible, simply stating that it uses the same electric powertrain and architecture as the previous two X concepts. The X Convertible has two doors but can seat four passengers, although we’d imagine the rear seats are a bit cramped like most sports cars. Like the other two X concepts, the X Convertible will probably never reach production, but we’re hoping the eye-catching design is a harbinger of good things to come for the future of the Genesis brand.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

The Lucid Gravity SUV will be a spacious two- or three-row SUV that is intended to represent a second flagship for the company, alongside the Air sedan.Lucid claims the Gravity will offer “supercar levels of performance” and more range than any other electric vehicle on the market—except for Lucid’s own Air, of course.More detailed product details and specifications will become available when the order books open in early 2023, and deliveries are scheduled for 2024.The fact that Lucid has plans to make an SUV is no surprise, and the name Gravity was announced some time ago. But now a more definitive timeline has been announced, along with a smattering of new details. The EV startup has also released these images that show that the Gravity will share its front design language with the Air sedan.Lucid MotorsGravity will be offered in two- and three-row configurations, accommodating five, six, or seven adults. Concept drawings shown to us featured a six-passenger configuration with loungelike middle seats that lay nearly flat. A version of the Air’s signature Glass Canopy roof will also be available on the Gravity, and that should make an interesting combination with the reclining middle seats. Lucid has also confirmed that the interior of the Gravity will feature next-generation iterations of its Glass Cockpit high-res displays and Lucid UX software interface.Lucid MotorsThe Gravity is said to build on Lucid’s “core DNA of luxury, spaciousness, performance, and efficiency,” which suggests we can expect it to be powered by the same compact 670-horsepower electric motor assemblies and 22-module underfloor battery pack. These compact and efficient components should give the Gravity design team an enormous amount of space to work with, especially considering the higher roofline that is expected in any SUV. Lucid is also promising “supercar performance” which strongly suggests we they will offer near 1,000 horsepower dual-motor versions, and perhaps even an SUV version of the recently announced 1200-plus-hp tri-motor Air Sapphire sedan. While these claims make it very likely that the Gravity will share the Air’s larger 112.0-kWh battery pack, the need for the smaller, 92.0-kWh version is less certain—especially given the SUV’s inevitably larger size and greater weight. It’s also likely that all Gravity SUVs will have all-wheel drive in a segment where rear-wheel drive will almost certainly be less popular with buyers. Lucid has not confirmed either of these details.Lucid MotorsLucid does claim that the Gravity will offer more range than any other EV except its own Air, which suggests that a range in the low- to-mid 400s is possible. What’s more, the higher seating position found in EVs means that the larger 22-module 112.0-kWh battery pack will not have the negative impact on rear foot room that it has on Air sedans with the larger pack.Lucid MotorsIronically, the Lucid Air does not have air suspension, instead utilizing coil springs exclusively. Expect that to change for the Gravity, which will need air springs at each corner for the height adjustability and load-levelling that gives an SUV the utility it needs. Representatives tell us that the Gravity configurator will open in early 2023, at which time more specification and configuration details will be revealed. They went on to say that production will begin in 2024, in concert with the ongoing expansion of their AMP-1 plant in Casa Grande, Arizona, where the Gravity SUV will be built alongside the Air sedan.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is getting a new off-road-oriented package known as the Black Diamond package.Available for $1295, the package is available for Big Bend and Outer Banks trims, and it increases the Bronco Sports chops as an off-roader by adding steel bash plates for added underbody protection. Ford is also expanding the Bronco Off-Roadeo experience to include all 2023 Bronco Sport order holders. Ford is now offering a happy medium for buyers who are interested in taking their Bronco Sport off-road but don’t want to spring for the robustly equipped Badlands edition. For $1295, the Bronco Sport Black Diamond package bridges the gap by giving customers a slew of new graphics, and more importantly, adds protection for the Bronco Sport’s vitals. More on the Bronco Sport and Black DiamondFour steel skid plates bring added protection to the underbody, including the fuel tank, as well as a front skid plate to protect the car from particularly angular rocks. New 17-inch wheels are wrapped in a set of 225/65R17 all-terrain tires. As a bonus, the package comes with graphics on the hood, lower body, and doors. The new package is limited to the Big Bend and Outer Banks trim levels, but the well-equipped Badlands wouldn’t really benefit as it already receives AT tires and skid plates to protect the powertrain and fuel tank. FordFord also announced that it would be expanding the Bronco Off-Roadeo program for buyers of 2023 Bronco Sports. The program is available at four locations around the country and teaches new owners about the capabilities and perhaps more important, the limits of their vehicles. According to Ford, 90 percent of Bronco Sport customers who attend the Off-Roadeo program are likely to go off-roading again, while 97 percent feel more confident about off-roading. FordThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

The Rimac Nevera reached 258 mph at the Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany.This claimed top speed makes it the fastest production electric car in the world, with customer deliveries getting underway in August of this year.While customer cars are limited to 219 mph, Rimac will unlock the Nevera’s full potential at special events under the supervision of the company’s technicians.Rimac has made waves with its enormously powerful electric powertrains, attracting investment from Porsche and absorbing the storied Bugatti brand as part of a joint venture last year. Now, Rimac has announced that its Nevera hypercar has set a new top speed record for electric production vehicles, reaching a claimed 258 mph. RimacThe feat was accomplished at the Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany, an oval circuit with two straights, each measuring about 2.5 miles long, just enough space for the Nevera to rocket to its top speed. The Nevera was piloted by Miro Zrnčević, the company’s chief test and development driver, and the car was, of course, set in its top speed mode that reduces drag while maintaining enough downforce to remain stable at high speeds. A Michelin technician also verified the condition of the road-legal Michelin Cup 2R tires before the Nevera set off. The record attempt was measured with a Racelogic V-Box data recorder, and the Nevera matched the target speed originally set by Rimac when the car was first shown at the 2018 Geneva auto show as the C_Two. Unlike the top speed runs by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport in 2010 (267 mph) or the Koenigsegg Agera RS in 2017 (277 mph), which used a two-way average to account for differences in wind and other environmental conditions, the Rimac Nevera’s record was calculated with just one run, similar to the 304-mph record set by the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ in 2019.RimacRegardless, 258 mph is mightily impressive for an EV, since cars powered by electrons typically have lower top speeds. For customers, the Nevera is limited to a top speed of 219 mph—still absurdly fast—but Rimac says that at special events, with the support of the Rimac team, customers will be able to unlock the Nevera’s 258-mph maximum. Customers won’t need assistance, however, to attempt to replicate the 8.582-second quarter-mile run that the Nevera set in 2021 to become the world’s quickest accelerating production car. More on RimacThe Nevera is currently built at Rimac’s headquarters near Zagreb, Croatia, with the first unit being delivered back in August to 2016 Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg. With Bugatti now under the control of Rimac, the Nevera’s record attempt shows Bugattis will still be able to reach insane top speeds as they transition to electric power, although it will be interesting to see how the Bugatti and Rimac brands handle the internal competition over high-speed record-setting attempts.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

Customer deliveries of the 2023 Lucid Air Touring begin today, with all-wheel-drive versions of the Lucid Air Pure following in early December.The official EPA range rating of the 480-hp Pure with all-wheel drive is 410 miles, while the 620-hp Touring is rated at 425 miles—each when fitted with the 19-inch aero wheels. For comparison, the more expensive Air Grand Touring Performance model offers 518 miles of range.Recent changes that came out of Touring and Pure final development have lowered the Air’s drag coefficient to just 0.197 with the 19-inch aero wheels, a production-car best.With deliveries imminent, Lucid has released definitive performance and range information for their entry-level Lucid Air Pure and midlevel Lucid Air Touring. Both range figures are higher than the 406-mile estimates we’ve seen to date. The Touring comes standard with all-wheel drive, but it’s a $5500 option on the Pure. All initial builds of the Pure will be fitted with AWD, with rear-drive examples slated to emerge during the second quarter of 2023. Moving Forward QuicklyThe official EPA range of the Touring, which starts at $109,050, is 425 miles with the 19-inch aero wheels and all-season tires, which are a no-cost option that replaces the Touring’s standard 20-inch setup. Lucid now confirms that the Touring packs 620 horsepower, and has clarified that it will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. It comes standard with a solid aluminum roof, with the glass canopy roof that’s been standard on all Airs we’ve seen to this point a $4500 option here.The all-wheel-drive Pure is rated at 410 miles of range on its standard 19-inch aero wheels and all-season tires. Its dual-motor drive system generates 480 horsepower, and that’s enough to propel the sleek sedan from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The solid aluminum roof is the only offering on the Pure, which starts at $94,550 for the all-wheel-drive version that is being built now. The rear-drive Pure that starts at $89,050 will be EPA certified later as the delivery date approaches.The Air and Touring have less range than the Grand Touring and Dream editions we’ve seen before because their underfloor battery packs are built from 18 modules instead of 22, resulting in a smaller 92.0-kWh pack. The four absent modules are from the area under the rear passengers’ feet, but the effect is far more expansive and normal-looking than the Porsche Taycan’s so-called rear “foot garage.” The result is a much lower and expansive rear floor that gives the Pure and Touring a far more natural and comfortable rear seating position, an effect that’s augmented by a reduced seat cushion rake angle that takes advantage of the lower foot position.After sampling both, we can say the absent cell modules make the back seats of the Lucid Air Pure and Touring feel even more spacious than the higher-priced extreme long-range versions that have been sold to date. And for our money, 400-plus miles of range is still mighty impressive in any EV, especially one that has Lucid’s impressive 900-volt battery and power electronics. After all is said and done, the less expensive Pure and Touring can still take on as much as 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes—at a suitable 350 kW DC fast-charge station, of course.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More