September 2018

Volvo concept calls for safety standard for autonomous car communication

(September 11, 2018) With its new 360c autonomous concept, Volvo Cars tackles one of the main challenges around the introduction of autonomous technology and calls for a new, global standard in how autonomous vehicles can safely communicate with all other road users. Autonomous drive and safety are closely linked and the technology has the potential to deliver the most significant improvement in traffic safety since Volvo Cars invented the three-point safety belt in 1959.

2018 Audi Q7 — The Armani of expertly crafted utility vehicles

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(September 11, 2018) Last year, for 2017, Audi completely redesigned its Q7 luxury flagship SUV. This is its first redo since being introduced for 2007. As we would expect, the 2018 Q7 is a carryover from that redesign and remains virtually unchanged, other than a few upgrades. These include Audi’s proximity-sensing Advance Key with passive entry, memory features, and push-button start, now standard on all Q7 trim levels.

Mercedes-Benz passes worldwide sales of 1.5 million in first eight months

(September 10, 2018)STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz delivered 1,512,268 vehicles to customers worldwide in the first eight months of this year, setting a new record. Never before in the company’s history were sales of 1.5 million vehicles achieved earlier in the year. Mercedes-Benz sold 155,918 vehicles worldwide in August, the 30th consecutive month with global sales of more than 150,000 units.

Hertz celebrates 100th anniversary with special edition Corvette Z06

(September 10, 2018) ESTERO, Fla. — One of the most iconic car rental brands in the world is celebrating its centennial anniversary by teaming up with Chevrolet to offer the Hertz 100th Anniversary Edition Corvette Z06. One hundred high-performance Hertz 100th Anniversary Edition Corvette Z06s will be available to rent exclusively at select U.S. Hertz locations.

2019 Range Rover Sport adds plug-in hybrid to lineup

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(September 10, 2018) Land Rover recently announced 2019 Model Year updates to the Range Rover Sport model line-up. These include a new Wade Sensing feature, new Advanced Driver Assistance System functionality and the introduction of an all-new Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain option.

High performance BMW X3 M and X4 M warm up on the Nürburgring

(September 9, 2018) MUNICH, Germany — The BMW M GmbH is extending its range of high performance models in the segment of Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupes (SAC). The high-performance character so typical of BMW automobiles will be passed on to two further BMW X models, the series development of which has already been kicked off.

New BMW X5 plug-in hybrid will have 50-mile electric range, 394 horsepower

(September 8, 2018) MUNICH, Germany —  Efficiency meets supremacy — the drive portfolio of the new BMW X5 will be extended during 2019 with the addition of a new plug-in hybrid system. The new BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance combines a model-specific in-line 6-cylinder gas engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology with the very latest BMW eDrive technology.

Jaguar Land Rover Classic brings modern infotainment to classic cars

(September 8, 2018) Jaguar Land Rover Classic has introduced a new infotainment system to its growing range of genuine parts and accessories, bringing modern functionality to classic vehicles in an authentic-looking, classically-styled, head unit. 

Designed to suit most classic vehicles running on negative earth electrics, single DIN-sized Classic Infotainment System units incorporate customizable satellite navigation in up to 32 languages, smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity and dual DAB/DAB+ digital radio, as well as FM and AM analog reception.

Ford recalls about 2 million F-150 trucks for seat belt issue

(September 7, 2018) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is issuing a recall for approximately 2 million select 2015-18 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles in North America for driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners.

Ford’s investigation found that some front seat belt pretensioners can generate excessive sparks when they deploy. When sufficient sparks are present, gases exhausted inside the lower portion of the B-pillar by the pretensioners may ignite. If this gas ignites, components behind the B-pillar such as insulation and carpet may subsequently catch fire.