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Volkswagen plans a North America factory to build EVs
Volkswagen is planning a new factory in North America to build electric vehicles for the market, and the automaker is exploring potential sites. Scott Keogh, the new Volkswagen Group of America CEO, said at the LA Auto Show that VW's existing plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee could fit the bill, as there's enough space, but the company won't necessarily pick that location.
BMW reveals its gorgeous convertible 8 Series
It's been nearly 20 years since the American market has had access to one of BMW's Grand Touring 8-series, but that wait is now nearly over. At the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday, BMW finally lifted the veil (quite literally) on the new convertible iteration of the 850i xDrive.
BMW considers electric-only mode for hybrids in zero-emissions areas
BMW has a problem: with cities planning to either create zero-emissions zones or even ban gas-powered cars entirely, how does it keep its vehicles on the road? By turning them into ad hoc electric cars, apparently. In a conversation at the LA Auto Show, board member Klaus Froehlich told Reuters that BMW could make its hybrid cars run in an electric-only mode in polluted city centers where EVs might become the only option. The machines would use their connected technology and navigation to "automatically" disable conventional engines in these areas, Froehlich said.
Up close with Kia's 2020 Niro and Soul EVs
Kia was not messing around at its LA Auto Show press conference on Wednesday, rolling out vehicle updates and new models left and right.
Audi’s pure electric E-Tron GT is beautiful and fast
Audi's electrified E-Tron lineup just got a bit more crowded. The automaker's new impressive-looking E-Tron GT is sure to become an instant favorite for not only Audi fans but also anyone who's interested in a sporty coupe that just happens to look amazing.
BMW officially unveils its Vision iNext concept SAV
Remember BMW's vision of the future that we previewed this past September at an SFO airfield? Well, now everybody knows about it, because BMW revealed the Vision iNext to the world on Tuesday, ahead of the official start of the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Airstream’s smart home away from home
When you think Airstream, the picture in your mind is of the Classic silver trailer. The iconic aluminum tube design has been relatively unchanged since the Airstream Clipper was introduced way back in 1936. But the interior has evolved over the years and in the latest top-of-the-line trailer, app-powered technology has found a home.
Toyota's 2019 Prius will offer electric all-wheel drive
As efficient as it is, the Prius probably isn't your first pick if you need a car that can navigate a snowy backroad. You might have to rethink your assumptions, though. Toyota is introducing the 2019 Prius with an option for an electric all-wheel drive system (AWD-e in Toyota-speak). Choose the option and you'll get a sedan that can muster a combined 50MPG without losing its footing quite so quickly as front wheel drive cars. The system revolves around an independent electric motor that will always power the rear wheels up to 6MPH, and can continue up to 43MPH when necessary. It doesn't need a center differential or front-to-rear driveshaft, either, and it won't intrude into cargo space.
VW wants to ensure EVs are delivering your packages
Typically at auto shows, the focus is on vehicles that consumers can buy in the future. Or at least in the case of concepts, ideas that'll trickle down into cars you can purchase in about five years. Volkswagen decided to show off a variant of its ID Buzz vehicle that's for deliveries. Oh, and an electric cargo bike.
Porsche's latest 911 knows when it's on a wet road
Porsche may pitch the 911 as a pure driver's car, but that doesn't mean it will turn down technological assistants that could get you out of a jam. The company has unveiled the eighth-generation 911 as a 2020 model, and one of its most conspicuous upgrades is a "world first" Wet mode that detects water on the road, prepares control systems and alerts the driver to the slippery conditions. You don't have to tone the car down (say, if you're on a track and expect to slide around), but you only need to push a button to configure the car for safety. The feature will come standard, Porsche said.
Up close with Rivian’s R1T electric adventure truck
After nine years of design and development, automotive startup Rivian unveiled not one but two new electric vehicles (each with Level 3 autonomy, no less) on Tuesday at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. The R1T is a pickup built specifically for off-road adventuring while the swanky R1S is competing with Range Rover's line of upscale SUVs in both looks and amenities.
Lincoln's 2020 Aviator SUV kneels to greet its driver
The Lincoln Motor Company is making its presence known at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, unveiling the latest iteration of its popular Aviator line of SUVs along with its upgraded version, dubbed the Grand Touring.
Automotive startup Rivian unveils an electric truck and SUV
Electrified SUVs are popping up everywhere. So it's no surprise that automotive startup Rivian has unveiled one of its own, the R1S. More exciting is the company's electron-powered pickup truck, the R1T.
Volvo (deliberately) won’t have any cars at the LA auto show
Automakers love making a big splash at auto shows, usually with swirling lights, loud dance music and a car that appears out of a smoke-filled cave. Whether it's a highly anticipated production vehicle or a concept car no one will ever get to drive, it's what these companies do. Not Volvo. Not this year, at least.
