The 2020 Ford Explorer fights flat tires with self-sealing tech from Michelin
The 2020 Ford Explorer will be the first SUV equipped with Michelin Selfseal tires, which Ford and Michelin claim can seal 90 percent of tread puncture up to a quarter of an inch in diameter. The 2020 Ford Explorer goes on sale this summer, with the Selfseal tires available on higher trim levels.
Out of gas? Mitsubishi’s Engelberg Tourer concept can recharge with solar panels
The Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer concept is a plug-in hybrid that comes with a set of solar panels for recharging its onboard battery pack. It can also serve as an emergency energy source during power outages. But like many Mitsubishi concepts, it's unlikely that the Engelberg Tourer will see production.
Boutique carmaker Karma Automotive, legendary design firm Pininfarina team up
Karma Automotive is partnering with legendary Italian design firm Pininfarina on future luxury cars. The first product of that partnership will be a concept car set to be unveiled at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. Karma Automotive was built from the remains of bankrupt Fisker Automotive.
Alfa Romeo Tonale concept is a plug-in hybrid, Italian style
Debuting at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the Alfa Romeo Tonale concept previews an upcoming plug-in hybrid crossover from the Italian automaker. It will be Alfa's first-ever plug-in hybrid model. The Tonale is smaller than the current Stelvio, but shares a familial resemblance to other Alfa Romeo models.
Volvo to impose a 112-mph speed limit on its cars in the name of safety
Beginning in 2020, all new Volvo cars will be limited to a maximum speed of 112 mph. While other automakers have used speed limiters before, Volvo is the first to do so specifically to promote safety. Volvo may also use geofencing to limit speeds around schools and hospitals in the future.
Kia Niro hybrid and Niro plug-in hybrid get face-lift, infotainment upgrade
The Kia Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid models debut a handful of updates at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, including upgraded infotainment systems and styling cues from the new Niro EV model. U.S.-spec versions are likely to get the same updates as the European-market models shown in Geneva.
Bugatti celebrates its 110th anniversary with special-edition Chiron supercar
This Bugatti Chiron is a tribute not only to Bugatti's 110th anniversary, but to the automaker's home country. The French flag figures prominently in the design, from the rear spoiler to the seats. The Chiron itself is still among the fastest cars in the world, with a governed top speed of 261 mph.
2019 Ram 1500 takes aim at GMC Sierra with new ‘multifunction’ tailgate
The 2019 Ram 1500 gets a reconfigurable tailgate to counter one of its competitors, the GMC Sierra 1500, which has a Multi-Pro tailgate. Ram's version can open like a conventional tailgate, or split into individual doors. The Ram 1500 multifunction tailgate debuts at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show.
Audi celebrates 20 years of the TT by bringing back ‘baseball’ interior
The Audi TT is turning 20, so Audi put together a special-edition model to celebrate. The TT 20th Anniversary Edition features interior and exterior design elements that reference the groundbreaking TTS Roadster concept and early production models. The car will be available as a coupe or convertible.
Cadillac is finally ready to take on Tesla with its own electric car
At the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, Cadillac announced plans for its first electric car. The unnamed model will be a crossover, based on a new platform to be shared with other General Motors brands. Cadillac will be GM's lead brand for electric cars going forward, taking the fight to Tesla.
Porsche overhauls a Carrera GT supercar, complete with silver-coated wheels
The Porsche Carrera GT went out of production about 15 years ago, and one customer wanted to give the supercar a refresh. So Porsche completely disassembled the rare Carrera GT and rebuilt or upgraded virtually every part. That included coating the outer rims of the magnesium wheels in silver.
Land Rover cancels the most stately (and expensive) Range Rover to date
The Land Rover Range Rover SV Coupe is a limited-edition model built to celebrate the company's 70th anniversary. Priced at nearly $300,000, it should have gone into limited production in 2019 but Land Rover has canceled the model to cut costs. The SV Coupe displayed in Geneva will remain a one-off.
Ford designers use virtual reality tech to draw cars around themselves
Ford designers are experimenting with Gravity Sketch, a program that lets them virtually sketch new cars in three dimensions. Ford claims this will help improve new-car designs, and make the design process more efficient. Designers at all five of Ford's global studios are using Gravity Sketch.
Hyundai’s Veloster N hot hatchback will prove its mettle on the track
The Hyundai Veloster N will go racing to prove the credibility of Hyundai's new N performance division. Unveiled at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, the Veloster N race car will compete in a class with other small cars. It hits the track for the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge race at Daytona January 25.
This Chevy Silverado pickup truck is made from more than 300,000 Lego bricks
To promote The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part" Lego and Chevrolet teamed up on a life-size replica of the automaker's Silverado pickup truck made from over 300,000 plastic bricks. The Lego truck is based on the Silverado LT Trail Boss off-road model, and will be displayed at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show.