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Ford's 2020 Explorer Hybrid adds range without losing storage capacity
While Ford already revealed its redesigned Explorer SUV, today at the Detroit Auto Show we're learning more about the new Hybrid version. Ford claims that this year it's introducing a whole slew of hybrid vehicles that combine performance and extended range via their efficiency, and this one is just the first. While we don't have all the details on its powertrain yet, the 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid has a 3.3-liter V6 that's part of a hybrid system producing 318 HP (no word on torque -- yet), while pulling more than 500 miles of range from its 19.3 gallon gas tank. Beyond making life a little greener for SUV owners, Explorer chief engineer Bill Gubing points out that "Reduced cargo space in hybrids is a thing of the past for Ford customers." Unlike other Ford hybrid vehicles that sacrificed space for big, awkwardly-placed battery packs, this one slides its specially designed liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery into the chassis beneath the second row seats so owners don't have to give up legroom or cargo space. At 4,969 pounds it's even lighter than the 400 HP ST version Ford is also showing off today. Still, we'll want to see its storage capabilities for ourselves -- as well as the optional 10.1-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen -- and hear more about how much it tows before hooking up the boat and taking a trip up north. Update: Ford mentioned it's capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, and the model I saw here on the show floor looked like any other SUV with three rows of seating. The battery pack is tucked somewhere under that second row and while you won't be shoving anything under those seats, there's nothing awkwardly poking out to block other parts of the cabin.
Lamborghini's Urus SUV still packs supercar power
To some, the idea of a Lamborghini SUV is tantamount to high treason. Over the past six decades the automaker has introduced the iconic Countach, Diablo and P400 Miura. Those cars inspired lust in our hearts and dug holes out of the bank accounts of the rich. How could the company chase a market with a vehicle you use to pick up your kids at school?
Hyundai will sell a car that can be unlocked with a fingerprint
Hyundai has unveiled a new car system that lets drivers unlock and start a vehicle using their fingerprints. The tech is built in to the door handle and ignition button of the new 2019 Santa Fe SUV, showcased at an auto show in China last week.
Nio unveils lower-cost ES6 electric SUV
Nio is already preparing to launch its second electric SUV mere months after releasing its first. The Chinese automaker has unveiled the ES6, a lower-priced SUV that will start at the equivalent of $52,000 -- a sizeable $14,000 less than the ES8. While Nio didn't outline all the differences, the new model won't exactly be a slouch. The starting model can reach 62MPH in a brisk 5.6 seconds, and should have a range of 255 miles on Europe's NEDC testing cycle thanks to a 70kWh battery (there's also an 84kWh option with a 298-mile range). Move up to the higher-end trims and you'll hit that 62MPH mark in 4.7 seconds, with ranges between 267 miles and 317 miles depending on your battery choice.
Audi’s E-Tron blends luxury with cutting-edge tech
We've already seen the first pure-electric Audi in teaser images, under QR-code camoflauge and even unveiled under a barrage of lights accompanied by a DJ set from Diplo. But no amount of pomp and circumstance, sly marketing or famous DJs matter until you get behind the wheel. Good news then, that I finally had the chance to drive the Audi E-Tron in a barren desert, about as far as you can get from a well-orchestrated launch party.
Mercedes’ GLE sports impressive suspension technology
Starting an auto launch event with a dancing car is... odd. Apparently, the new 2020 Mercedes GLE is a slave to the rhythm. But the tech behind the groovin' GLE revealed in front of a San Antonio hotel has real-world uses that don't involve entertainment.
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.
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.
Range Rover's 2020 Evoque blends style with sustainability
For the last decade or so, Range Rover has built vehicles more akin to posh living rooms that occasionally go off-roading than the rough and tumble Land Rover Defender 90s of yesteryear. That trend continues with the 2020 Evoque, albeit with a number of innovations that will minimize its environmental impact when you decide to literally go over the fields and through the woods to Grandma's house this holiday.
Audi delays E-Tron SUV by a month over software updates
Audi's E-Tron SUV has seemingly been in development for ages, but you're going to have to wait longer still to see it on the road. The automaker has delayed the electric SUV's arrival by four weeks due a "software development issue," a spokesman told Reuters. Changes to an unnamed piece of software required that Audi ask for new security clearance. It's not a dramatic delay given that the E-Tron wasn't supposed to hit dealerships until the second quarter of 2019, but it's not doing any favors to Audi or early adopters. However, it could have been worse.
Hyundai's Nexo fuel cell SUV hits California dealers by end of 2018
Hyundai's second-generation hydrogen fuel cell car will soon be more than just a trade show darling. The automaker has formally introduced the 2019 Nexo SUV ahead of its late 2018 launch in the US, complete with details on its trim levels and availability at dealerships. The vehicle is only confirmed to be coming to two southern California dealerships by the end of 2018 (Van Nuys' Keyes Hyundai as well as Tustin Hyundai), with San Jose's Capitol Hyundai due in early 2019. The upshot? You might get more car than you were expecting.
The Ford Edge 2019 gets better tech and minor facelift
Ford sells a lot of Edge SUVs. It unloaded 142,603 in 2017 alone. The reason is that it's a solid sport utility vehicle with ample storage space. It's a big vehicle so it's not particularly fast or agile, but it gets the job done. With the 2019 refresh (starting at $29,995), the automaker sticks with what works while creating a slightly more aggressive-looking vehicle and updating its driver-assistance features.
Mercedes' latest GLE melds tech with a super-smooth ride
The EQC isn't Mercedes' only tech-heavy SUV launching in the near future. The brand has taken the wraps off a new version of the GLE where the technology matters as much with what you don't notice as what you do. It's billed as the first vehicle to combine a "fully networked," 48-volt active suspension with air suspension, giving it the unique ability to control damping and spring forces at each wheel. It'll not only counteract body roll, but pitching and squat motions. Your passengers should be that less likely to spill their drinks after a bump.
Mercedes teases production electric SUV ahead of September 4th reveal
Mercedes is nearly done with showing off concepts and prototypes for the EQC. The automaker has teased the production version of the electric SUV in a video that promises a full reveal at its September 4th event in Stockholm. While it's only the briefest peek, the clip makes clear that this won't be quite as futuristic as the concept you saw in t2016. The one-piece front section has been replaced with a more conventional arrangement that includes a grille -- unnecessary on an electric car, but likely there to appeal to a customer base that's likely looking for conventional styling cues.
The redesigned Lincoln Navigator is ready for regular folks
The Lincoln Navigator luxury SUV (starting at $72,555) is unapologetically huge. That could create a bit of an existential crisis for some. Here are some of the issues I thought about while driving the Navigator: Where do you park something this huge? Do I have enough friends to fill it up? This is a nice SUV; should kids be allowed in it? Does this mean I'm a chauffeur now? I suppose if my life goes sideways, I could live in here. I wonder how many dinosaurs are being used to fill the tank.
Audi to unveil the 2019 e-tron on September 17th
Audi's first all-electric car, the 2019 e-tron, will make its global debut on September 17th in San Francisco. The automaker will also reveal the price and specifications, and US customers will be able to place a $1,000 deposit to reserve and configure a vehicle from Audi's website on the same day. The new reservation system is a big part of the launch, with Audi creating a Tesla-like process for customers to place and track orders online or with a dealer. The e-tron is expected to arrive in showrooms in the first part of 2019, said Audi.
VW will build its electric microbus and crossover in the US
Volkswagen is pushing its EV strategy hard in Europe and China, and now intends to continue its momentum in the US, where it plans to produce its upcoming all-electric microbus and crossover SUV. Confirmed to Autocar this week, VW says it'll produce the I.D. BUZZ electric microbus and I.D. CROZZ Concept in the States, ready for launch in 2022. According to Hinrich Woebcken, head of VW in North America, "For strong product momentum, they need to be produced in the USA. It's not possible to come into a high-volume scenario with imported cars. We want to localize electric mobility in the US."
Audi shows off its electric SUV's screen-filled interior
Audi has been more than happy to show off its e-tron Quattro prototype's outside, but what will it be like if you're taking it for a drive? Wonder no more: the automaker has offered a proper look at the electric SUV's interior. In many ways, it's even more of a technology hub than Audi's modern vehicles. The driver is effectively surrounded by screens -- there's the familiar digital instrument column, but you'll also see two touchscreens in the center stack. This also gives you a good sense of how cameras will substitute for mirrors on some models, as 7-inch OLED displays tucked above the door handles will give you a peek at what's behind you.
Audi delays e-tron launch in the wake of CEO's arrest
Audi's electric SUV, the e-tron Quattro crossover, notable for its optional aerodynamic side cameras and super-fast charging abilities, was supposed to be revealed at the end of August. Just last week, however, the car maker's CEO was arrested over his alleged role in Dieselgate, the scandal over Audi owner Volkswagen's cheats on emissions testing. It's not surprising then that, according to a report at Autoblog, Audi has decided to delay the planned launch of the SUV for an undetermined later date.
Kia Niro EV comes to Korea with 236-mile range
Kia is done teasing the all-electric version of its Niro crossover. The automaker has formally unveiled the production Niro EV, and it largely lines up with what you'd expect... although that's mostly a good thing. The finished design is now known to include a 204HP motor (similar to that in the electric Kona) and options for either a modest 39.2kWh battery good for 149 miles of range or a 64kWh pack capable of 236 miles. None of those figures are spectacular, but they promise a vehicle that's genuinely usable for everyday people-hauling while offering a significant amount of pep -- it can hit 62MPH in 7.8 seconds, and the floor-mounted battery gives it a low center of gravity you might not expect in a crossover.
