BMW makes Apple CarPlay free across its entire range of models
BMW makes Apple CarPlay free across its entire range of models
BMW is no longer charging buyers of its vehicles an annual $80 subscription to use CarPlay. It was the only company in the industry that did this, and it admirably chose to give up a source of revenue in the name of connectivity. Current BMW owners paying for a subscription will get free CarPlay, too.
Here’s how Porsche plans to give electric SUVs snow-conquering grip
Here’s how Porsche plans to give electric SUVs snow-conquering grip
The Porsche Taycan may have just launched, but the German automaker is already thinking ahead to future electric models. Porsche has devised a new all-wheel drive system for electric SUVs that will use four motors. This system could be used in an electric Macan, but Porsche hasn't confirmed anything.
McDonald’s is sending Ford its garbage in the name of sustainability
McDonald’s is sending Ford its garbage in the name of sustainability
Ford isn't breaking into the waste disposal business; its researchers found an innovative way to replace plastic with a natural byproduct of the coffee-roasting process. McDonald's will start sending Ford a significant amount of coffee waste, which will be used to make headlight housings for the Ranger.
There’s a new ‘Cannonball Run’ record for driving across the USA
There’s a new ‘Cannonball Run’ record for driving across the USA
Three intrepid men took on the challenge of breaking the transcontinental record for traveling from New York to California at very high rates of speed to claim the quickest time ever recorded.
This Lotus-based submarine helped Tesla make the Cybertruck aerodynamic
This Lotus-based submarine helped Tesla make the Cybertruck aerodynamic
There's at least one vintage car in Musk's garage: a 1976 Lotus Esprit converted into an electric submarine for the 1977 James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me. The wedge-shaped coupe partly influenced the Cybertruck's design, according to the executive. It's a silhouette that's far more aerodynamic than it might seem.
Tesla proposes dirt-busting lasers to clean grime off windshields
Tesla proposes dirt-busting lasers to clean grime off windshields
Forget using wipers to clean your windshield. Tesla thinks you should be able to destroy the dirt with laser beams. The idea, which showed up in a recently published patent, sounds perfect for Tesla’s futuristic Cybertruck, though the company says the technology could be used to clean solar panels, too.
Tesla’s Model Y could hit the road much earlier than expected
Tesla’s Model Y could hit the road much earlier than expected
The last time we heard, Tesla's all-electric Model Y crossover was heading for a summer 2020 launch, but reports from its Taiwan-based suppliers suggest it could hit the road even sooner, possibly in the next three months. For a company known for missing its deadlines, that would certainly be marked down as a win.
Mobileye maps 28K miles of roads a day to prep for autonomous cars
Mobileye maps 28K miles of roads a day to prep for autonomous cars
Mobileye has struck a deal with the city of Barcelona to equip local vehicles with driver-assist tech. These vehicles are building a library of data to help improve safety. The data will also help lay the foundation for self-driving cars, which need detailed digital maps to navigate.
The CyberScooter Edition electric scooter is designed to replace your car
The CyberScooter Edition electric scooter is designed to replace your car
Australia's e-scooter startup Raine is readying a premium personal mobility alternative for urban dwellers and commuters. The Raine One CyberScooter Edition represents the founders' focus on electric-powered transportation that balances performance, range, comfort, and safety.
Digital Trends Live: Spying TVs, Pablo Escobar’s brother’s folding smartphone
Digital Trends Live: Spying TVs, Pablo Escobar’s brother’s folding smartphone
On this episode of Digital Trends Live, we discuss the biggest trending topics of the day, including Putin’s Russian app law, the FBI warns about spying TVs, TikTok in hot water, airport facial scanning, Pablo Escobar’s brother makes a folding smart phone, police get access to Ring, and more.
Top Gear America is coming back with Dax Shepard and Rob Corddry
Top Gear America is coming back with Dax Shepard and Rob Corddry
Is the third time the charm for an American version of the worldwide phenomenon known as Top Gear? MotorTrend will host the show's latest incarnation on its streaming app, with hosts Dax Shepard, Rob Corddry, and Jethro Bovingdon taking on the wildly challenging circumstances that Top Gear producers will put them in.
Here’s why BMW’s go-fast M division hasn’t released an electric car yet
Here’s why BMW’s go-fast M division hasn’t released an electric car yet
Weight is the enemy of sports cars, and electrification adds a lot of it. BMW M is waiting for the weight of battery-powered drivetrains to come down before it stuffs one in its cars. The company predicts it will continue making gasoline-powered cars for quite some time, but it's keeping a close eye on the technology.
Mercedes-Benz wants to know what you expect from a ride in a self-driving car
Mercedes-Benz wants to know what you expect from a ride in a self-driving car
Mercedes-Benz admitted it took a reality check when it comes to autonomous technology, but it's nonetheless moving forward with its plan to deploy self-driving cars, according to insiders. The company has started testing about 30 prototypes in California to learn more about what users expect from a ride in a robotaxi.
First Drive: I was wrong about the Harley-Davidson Livewire
First Drive: I was wrong about the Harley-Davidson Livewire
With the announcement of the Livewire, and the subsequent slow drip of specs and details I thought that the electric bike was Harley’s sole hope for resurrection. I was wrong about that, and I was wrong about a lot with the Livewire.
2021 Jaguar F-Type sports car gets a new face and more tech
2021 Jaguar F-Type sports car gets a new face and more tech
The 2021 Jaguar F-Type sports car gets a few notable changes to keep it fresh, including a face-lift and a significant tech upgrade. The V8-powered F-Type R also gets a boost in power. Jaguar launched the F-Type in 2013 (as a 2014 model), so the sports car was due for an update.
The Ford Mustang could ditch its V8 and eventually go fully electric
The Ford Mustang could ditch its V8 and eventually go fully electric
As Ford develops a hybrid variant of the Mustang, it's looking ahead to what future generations of the car could look like, and it sees a huge battery pack. One of the company's high-ranking engineers called an electric Mustang a when, not an if. It's not around the corner, but the hybrid will arrive in 2020.
Best Buy slashes prices on car electronics and GPS devices for Cyber Monday
Best Buy slashes prices on car electronics and GPS devices for Cyber Monday
There's no need to invest in a new car to benefit from tech features like a GPS, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. Best Buyer's Cyber Monday 2019 deals make upgrading an older car with the latest technology even more affordable. From GPS systems to multi-tasking car chargers, here are the best deals available.
Is your car on the list of the 10 most-stolen cars in America?
Is your car on the list of the 10 most-stolen cars in America?
The most stolen car in the United States in 2018 was a 19-year-old Honda Civic. It's a reasonably simple car that's common and low-key, so thieves love it. The 1997 Honda Accord finished second, while the 2006 Ford F-Series was in third place. Driving an older car isn't necessarily a good way to fool thieves, though.
Chevrolet could make the mid-engined, eighth-generation Corvette a hybrid
Chevrolet could make the mid-engined, eighth-generation Corvette a hybrid
Chevrolet will reportedly offer two variants of the hybrid, all-wheel-drive Corvette, including one with about 900 horsepower. The powertrain will consist of an electric motor over the front axle, and a battery pack sandwiched into the transmission tunnel. The company hasn't commented on the report yet.
A.I. camera system launches in Australia to catch drivers on phones
A.I. camera system launches in Australia to catch drivers on phones
Anyone checking their phone while driving in the Australian state of New South Wales now runs the risk of being caught by a new A.I.-powered system, said to be the first of its kind in the world. Officials said the automated system could be carrying out as many as 135M vehicle checks on state roads annually by 2023.
Fiat 500 hatchbacks recalled for issue that could cause a rollaway
Fiat 500 hatchbacks recalled for issue that could cause a rollaway
Tens of thousands of Fiat 500 hatchbacks have been recalled to deal with a transmission issue that could cause the vehicle to roll away in some situations. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said it will notify affected owners, adding that the fix will be provided free of charge.
The BMW Group has some stunners in its 2020 lineup, and we drove them all
The BMW Group has some stunners in its 2020 lineup, and we drove them all
We got behind the wheel of BMW Group’s latest hardware at their Spartanburg, South Carolina test facility an put their 2020 wares to the test. The biggest standouts were the M8, an Alpina, the Mini JCW Clubman, and a very dark Rolls Royce. Here's our complete rundown.
Amazon slashes TomTom GPS prices ahead of Cyber Monday
Amazon slashes TomTom GPS prices ahead of Cyber Monday
Follow the road to unbeatable savings this Cyber Monday and save up to 35% on selected TomTom GPS navigation devices only at Amazon. Whether you're looking for a lifetime subscription to live map data or integration with your existing devices, there's a TomTom for you.
It’s easy to forget, but even an average car is now packed with advanced tech
It’s easy to forget, but even an average car is now packed with advanced tech
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat shows just how far automotive tech has come. The Passat doesn't push the boundaries of tech, but it still feels like a spaceship compared to its 1970s ancestor. Digital Trends drove a 2020 Passat back to back with a 1977 Volkswagen Dasher to highlight the evolution.
At $60,000, the 2020 Corvette Stingray may be losing money for GM
At $60,000, the 2020 Corvette Stingray may be losing money for GM
The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was treated to a redesign, but the price didn't go up dramatically. As a result, GM is losing money on every Corvette sold at the base price, according to a new report. Corvettes start at $59,996, but GM reportedly only makes money on more expensive models.
Can you imagine a Miata with a plug? Mazda says it’s possible
Can you imagine a Miata with a plug? Mazda says it’s possible
The Mazda Miata has always been small and nimble, but that doesn't make incompatible with electrification. The company's engineers, designers, and executives are debating whether to make the next-generation roadster electrified. It would either go hybrid or get an electric drivetrain, but nothing is set in stone yet.
One version of the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E is already sold out
One version of the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E is already sold out
The First Edition that will begin rolling off the assembly line in late 2020 is sold out. Ford hasn't revealed how many units it allocated to the U.S., however. With that version out of the picture, the Mach-E range is down to four trim levels priced between $43,895 and $60,500. Deliveries will start in late 2020.
Here’s how Audi increased the electric E-Tron’s driving range
Here’s how Audi increased the electric E-Tron’s driving range
Software and hardware changes allowed Audi's engineering team to squeeze 15 additional miles of range from the E-Tron's battery pack. Its cooling system is more efficient, it has offers a more aggressive regeneration mode, among other updates. Audi hasn't revealed if the changes will apply to the American-spec model.
Ford Bronco breaks down in Baja, and SCG Boot nabs a class win first time out
Ford Bronco breaks down in Baja, and SCG Boot nabs a class win first time out
The Ford Bronco R and SCG Baja Boot showed up at the 2019 Baja 1000 to reenacted an epic racing battle from 50 years ago. But while the Boot took a class win, the Bronco R didn't even finish. The trials and tribulations of both Ford and SCG show why the Baja 1000 is one of the world's toughest races.
The Ford F-150 vs. Tesla Cybertruck tug-of-war rematch may not happen after all
The Ford F-150 vs. Tesla Cybertruck tug-of-war rematch may not happen after all
The battle of the pickups is heating up. Ford executive Sunny Madra didn’t much like it when he saw Tesla’s new Cybertruck beat an F-150 in a tug-of-war ... that was set up by Tesla. Madra has since challenged Tesla boss Elon Musk to a rematch, to which Musk responded: “Bring it on.”
Dubai plans to turn a Tesla Cybertruck into a tourist-friendly police car
Dubai plans to turn a Tesla Cybertruck into a tourist-friendly police car
Don't expect to see a fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks patrolling Dubai. It sounds like only a single model will be purchased, and it will join the city's fleet of high-profile patrol cars, which also includes a Bugatti Veyron. These Instagram-friendly cars are deployed in the most tourist-filled areas.
Lexus unveils its first electric car, but it’s unlikely to be sold in the U.S.
Lexus unveils its first electric car, but it’s unlikely to be sold in the U.S.
The Lexus UX 300e is the first battery-powered production car from Toyota's luxury brand. But while Lexus has confirmed plans to sell the UX 300e in China, Europe, and Japan, it hasn't said anything about the United States. Lexus and parent Toyota have been hostile to electric cars in the past.
2020 Cadillac CTS-V has reduced performance, but also a lower price
2020 Cadillac CTS-V has reduced performance, but also a lower price
The 2020 Cadillac CT5-V and CT4-V sedans are the latest additions to the General Motors luxury brand's V-Series performance lineup. But will they be worthy of the Cadillac V-Series badge? So far, CT5-V and CT4-V look a bit lukewarm compared to previous Cadillac V-Series models.
Lincoln could tap into Rivian’s expertise to build an electric off-roader
Lincoln could tap into Rivian’s expertise to build an electric off-roader
Tentatively due out in 2022, the rumored Lincoln SUV would be the first model to benefit from Ford's $500 million investment in Rivian. It's unclear whether it will join the Navigator family, or if it will be a stand-alone model. The yet-unnamed SUV is one of at least three EVs Lincoln is believed to be working on.