April 2018

Designworks helps create prototype design for Dubai hyperloop capsule

(April 27, 2018) NEWBURY PARK, Calif. — Working with Virgin Hyperloop One, and the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai (RTA), Designworks helped create a prototype design for the Dubai hyperloop capsule. The design recently made its global debut at City Walk Dubai as part of UAE Innovation Month. This is the first time a physical, full-scale hyperloop prototype has been shown to a broad public audience.

2018 Audi SQ5 — One of the best gets better

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 26, 2018) A popular suburban mainstay of crossover utility vehicles, the Audi Q5 luxury SUV first came on the scene following its North American debut in 2009. The Q5 received a refresh in 2012 and now, for 2018, comes the second-generation with a complete revamp that includes more technology, advanced driver assistance systems, a redeveloped powertrain, and modest exterior design treatments. So modest, in fact, only those with an educated eye will spot the difference.

Aston Martin celebrates 70 years of the DB bloodline

(April 26, 2018) Aston Martin is celebrating 70 years of its world-famous DB bloodline, as the luxury British marque unveiled its latest DB family of sports cars for the first time at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show — the V12 and V8-powered DB11 coupe and DB11 Volante.

The famous letters stand for David Brown, referring to the legendary British industrialist David Brown who bought the company in 1947.

Jaguar refines XE SV Project 8 ahead of summer production

(April 26, 2018) MAHWAH, N.J. — Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations has announced engineering fine-tuning on the world’s fastest road-going sedan has almost finished, ahead of production starting in June. Since its public debut at last July’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 has undergone numerous enhancements to ensure it remains the fastest and most thrilling of all road-legal four-door sedans.

“The fastest high-performance sedan in the world just keeps getting better,” said John Edwards, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations Managing Director.

Lexus introduces seventh-generation ES sedan for 2019

(April 26, 2018) BEIJING — After six generations of success in the entry-luxury sedan category, the next-generation Lexus ES is forging a new, more ambitious path. Long known for its comfort, refinement and luxury appointments, the seventh-generation ES builds on its strengths with an all-new chassis that allows for a more dynamic exterior design and the introduction of the first ES F SPORT.

BMW shows off full-electric iX3 concept crossover in China

(April 25, 2018) MUNICH, Germany — The BMW Group is pushing ahead with its electrification strategy by extending the reach of its all-electric mobility offering to the company’s core brands. The BMW Concept iX3 — presented for the first time at the Auto China 2018 show in Beijing — offers a look ahead to the expansion of the model line-up in this area.

The first model from the BMW brand to be driven purely by electric power will be a fully-fledged Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) — and without compromises when it comes to functionality and comfort.

Polestar 1 final pricing confirmed at China auto show

(April 25, 2018) The Polestar 1 has debuted at Auto China 2018 in Beijing, marking the return of Polestar to China. Following its media launch in Shanghai in October 2017, and recent European launch at the Geneva Motor Show, this is the first time the Chinese public has the chance to see the Polestar 1, the first car from the new electric performance brand, Polestar.

Strong Nissan Leaf sales drive global EV momentum

(April 25, 2018) YOKOHAMA, Japan — Nissan's global electric vehicle sales jumped 10 percent last fiscal year, driven by growing customer demand for the zero-emission  Nissan Leaf, the world's best-selling EV.The 100 percent electric car posted robust growth across all the major electric-vehicle markets — Japan, Europe and the U.S. — in the fiscal year that ended March 31.

2018 Mazda3 combines sporty performance, high safety ratings

By Peter Hubbard
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 24, 2018) The Mazda3 arrived in 2003 as a 2004 model, and with apologies to Dale Carnegie … has been winning friends and influencing people ever since. It replaced the company’s previous compact, the Mazda 323/Protege.