April 2020

A new look for the iconic Volkswagen logo

(April 10, 2020) Last year, some 6.2 million vehicles were built worldwide with a “VW” on their grilles. Those two letters have been melded together for decades and have come to represent one of the most recognizable brands on Earth.  So, how do you update an icon? Through one of the largest rebranding campaigns in the world, Volkswagen has debuted a refreshed and digitally friendly re-imagination of its signature logo, now rolling out to the U.S. market.

An automotive legend — Bugatti Type 41 La Royale

(April 10, 2020) MOLSHEIM, France — With the Type 41 Royale, in 1926, Bugatti presented the strongest, largest and most luxurious automobile in the world, characterized by unimaginable power and opulent equipment. For Ettore Bugatti, the Royale was the culmination of his creation. A vehicle that knew no competitors in terms of performance, quality and image. A vehicle for emperors, kings and queens. Simply put, “Royale” — the royal.

Karma debuts all-new Level 4 autonomous van E-Flex platform

(April 10, 2020) IRVINE, Calif.  — Karma Automotive has announced the arrival of its SAE Level 4 autonomous van with a battery electric vehicle (BEV) architecture, one of five platforms designed to offer new electric mobility solutions through highly versatile EREV (extended range electric vehicle) and BEV chassis systems.

Mini confirms latest 2021 models to be offered with manual transmissions

(April 9, 2020) Woodcliff Lake, N.J. — MINI USA has confirmed the latest range of Mini models to be offered with the choice of a standard manual transmission. As of March, production has resumed for Mini Hardtop and Convertible models equipped with manual transmissions.

Electrify America, Kia Motors offer DC fast charging plan for Niro EV drivers

(April 9, 2020) RESTON, Va. — Electrify America today announced an agreement with Kia Motors America to offer "Kia Select," a new charging program with optimized pricing for the Kia Niro electric vehicle (EV) model on Electrify America’s direct current (DC) fast charging network.

The "Kia Select" program offers a flat rate of 35 cents per-minute charging for current Kia Niro EV drivers, designed specifically for the unique DC charging characteristics of the model. The program also waives session fees and has no subscription fees for participants.

Lexus has sharpened up its 2021 LC 500 performance coupe

(April 9, 2020) PLANO, Texas — The Lexus LC 500, like every vehicle in the Lexus family, is in a constant state of evolution. Engineers are consistently exploring ways to hone and enhance every detail. Headlining a complete lineup of Lexus sedans with a harmonious blend of emotional design and high performance, the LC coupe receives key refinements in 2021 to further cement the connection between driver and machine.

The Dodge boys



Tailfins were all the rage at Chrysler in the late '50s and early '60s and the Dodge division was not short-changed. Here are two examples from a Texas scrapyard — a 1959 Dodge Custom Royal (top) and a 1960 Dodge Phoenix (bottom). The Phoenix, built by Chrysler Australia, was all-new for 1960. The Custom Royal was produced from 1955 through 1959. (Photos by Peter Hubbard)

Ford issues safety recall some Rangers, F-150s and Expeditions

(April 8, 2020) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is issuing a safety recall for select 2020 vehicles. They include 2020 Ford Ranger and 2020 F-150 vehicles with 10-speed automatic transmission and 2020 Expedition vehicles with the police package and 10-speed automatic transmission. Units equipped with a rotary gearshift dial are not affected.

DTE Systems launches PowerControl X for the Mercedes-Benz C 43 AMG.

(April 8, 2020) RECKLINGHAUSEN, Germany — The C 43 AMG 3.0 Mercedes is proof that estate cars don’t need to be boring at all. Powerful 390 hp and 384 lb ft. The sound resembles a lion’s roar and with an acceleration of 0 to 62mph within 4.8 sec the driver becomes one with the top-class sports seat. Is there still room for improvement? That’s a clear “yes“ for Detlef Strube, head of Development at DTE Systems chip tuning.

Bentley's in-house metrology team under the microscope

(April 8, 2020) CREWE, England — Deep in the heart of the Bentley factory in Crewe is a large, airy and air-conditioned workshop that visitors, even out of a government lockdown, will never see. It’s packed with the kind of precision instruments you’d expect to find in a space agency facility or university science lab. It’s here that Head of Metrology Michael Stockdale and his 25 colleagues measure every part of a Bentley to the highest standards of precision.