Ferrari has revealed a new 612bhp V8 front-engined coupé called the Roma. While it shares some underpinnings with the Portofino drop-top, the new machine features bold new styling and is described by the Italian firm as an all-new model. The fifth new model Ferrari has launched in 2019, the Roma is termed a “2+” coupé, which Ferrari says features “refined proportions and timeless design”, while offering “unparalleled performance and handling.” The two-door Roma, which is set to rival the Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT, features a bold grille at the end of its elongated front bonnet, with sharp lines over the bold wheel arches. The back features a sloping rear window, distinctive narrow lights and quad exhausts. An active rear spoiler integrated into the rear screen deploys automatically at high speeds for optimal downforce. The Roma is powered by a revamped version of the 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 engine used in the Portofino drop-top and elsewhere in Ferrari’s line-up, albeit using the eight-speed DCT gearbox that was introduced on the SF90 Stradale. In the Roma, the unit delivers 612bhp between 5750 and 7500rpm, with 591lb ft of torque between 3000 and 5750rpm, up from 592bhp and 561lb ft in the Portofino. The version of this powerplant used in the recently launched F8 Tributo produces 710bhp. Ferrari claims a 0-62mph time of 3.4secs, and a top speed of more than 199mph. Ferrari also says it has ‘completely redesigned’ the exhaust system to incorporate petrol particulate filter technology and enhance its sound. Notably, the Roma has a dry weight of just 1472kg with lightweight options fitted, around 80kg less than the Portofino’s dry weight. The eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox alone weighs six kilograms less than the seven-speed unit in the Portofino, and is claimed to offer reduced fuel consumption, faster shifts and enhanced comfort in urban driving situations. The new model measures 4656mm long and is 1974mm wide, making it marginally shorter and narrower than the Portofino, while both models feature a wheelbase of 2670mm. Inside, the driver is separated from the front-seat passenger by a central divider, in what Ferrari calls “an evolution of the dual cockpit concept that embraces the entire cabin rather than just the dashboard as was previously the case”. The steering wheel is an all-new design, and hosts all the main driver settings to ensure constant focus on the road ahead. The traditional analogue speed and rev counter dials have been replaced by a 16in screen mounted behind the steering wheel, while a centrally mounted, vertically oriented 8.4in unit displays infotainment functions. A boot capacity of 345 litres is roughly equal to that of the Roma’s AMG GT and Aston Martin Vantage rivals. According to Ferrari, the Roma was named after the Italian capital – where it was revealed at a launch event – because it “is a contemporary representation of the carefree, pleasurable way of life that characterised Rome in the 1950s and ’60s.” That implies that the machine will focus more on everyday usability and relaxed driving than being intended as a long-distance grand tourer. The decision to introduce a new nameplate, rather than just producing a hard-top version of the Portofino, has likely been taken to target the car at a new audience. By turning the car into a “2+” coupé, it can likely broaden its offering at the entry level of its range. Earlier this year, Ferrari’s marketing chief, Enrico Galliera, told Autocar that the firm would become “less predictable” and said that at least one car it would reveal this year would be “in a new segment”. Ferrari’s current focus is on increasing revenues rather than strictly increasing
Origin: Updated: More details on new 612bhp V8-powered Ferrari Roma
Hyundai’s Active Noise Control tech is a world-first
Noise cancellation is a pretty nifty science, even if it has been around for awhile. By projecting sound waves at an inverted frequency to those coming in, systems are able to decrease the overall noise heard. In a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, this means music untainted by the sounds of whatever noisy thing is nearby. In a car, it means a quiet cabin mostly free of the unwanted sounds coming from the engine and road. Hyundai Motor Group recently announced its new Road Active Noise Control (RANC), which improves on old tech (ANC) to reduce road noise by up to an additional 3dB, giving the Korean automaker an industry-best interior noise cancellation system. Old systems relied on insulation and dampers to passively kill sound, which ultimately resulted in extra weight and a faint, low-frequency buzz seeping through. The ANC system, on the other hand, uses software and components like controllers and microphones to measure and reduce noise. It’s like this: the mics pick up a sound, the software analyses it, and then the speakers spit out the inverse waves, thus cancelling it altogether. But that process was limited by the software, which struggled to get the cancellation done in the 0.009 seconds it takes for road or engine noise to reach the ears of passengers, says Hyundai. The new RANC will do the deed in just 0.002 seconds. “Using an acceleration sensor, RANC calculates the vibration from the road to the car and the control computer analyzes road noise,” the brand explains in a release. “As its computation and signal transfer speeds are optimized, it only takes 0.002 second to analyze the noise and produce an inverted soundwave, generated by the DSP (Digital Signal Processor).” “The microphone constantly monitors the road noise cancellation status, and sends the information to the DSP. RANC is able to conduct accurate noise analysis and rapid computation to combat road noise for the driver’s seat, the passenger seat and rear seats separately.”Hyundai anticipates the system working particularly well within the cabins of electric vehicles which, without combustion engines beneath them, will be particularly susceptible to road noise more than engine noise. The RANC system will debut in an unnamed upcoming Genesis
Origin: Hyundai’s Active Noise Control tech is a world-first
Updated: 2019 Los Angeles motor show preview
This year’s motor show calendar is in full swing, with Frankfurt’s IAA event bringing us pivotal new models from countless mainstream manufacturers, and last month’s Tokyo motor show demonstrating that, for many firms, creativity is key in today’s challenging market environment. Now though, it’s time to look ahead to the Los Angeles Auto Show, at which we’re expecting a huge variety of important US and Europe-focussed models to appear in the metal for the first time. Last year’s edition saw the debut of Porsche’s acclaimed 992-generation 911, the striking Audi E-tron GT concept and Mazda’s reinvented 3 hatchback to mention but a few, and 2019 is already shaping up to be just as significant. Take a look at everything we’re expecting to see here: Audi E-tron sportback Shown in camouflaged prototype form at March’s Geneva motor show, the rakishly styled Sportback variant of Audi’s E-tron electric SUV has since lost its disguise in the run-up to its LA reveal. The standard E-tron’s 402bhp twin-motor powertrain is carried over unmodified, meaning the Sportback will be capable of 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, a range of around 248 miles and 150kW rapid charging. Changes look to be limited to the reshaped roofline and a subtly restyled rear end, which includes an LED brake light bar similar to that of the A8 luxury saloon. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé The largest model in BMW’s 2 Series line-up will make its public debut at LA, following a reveal in October. The firm’s first small four-door coupe sits atop the same front-wheel-drive platform as the smaller 1 Series, and shares that model’s range of petrol and diesel powerplants. The range-topping M235i xDrive, however, gains all-wheel drive and will take on the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35, with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol unit pumping out 302bhp and 332lb ft. M8 Gran Coupe At the other end of BMW’s performance saloon range is this, the fearsome M8 Gran Coupe. Going up against the Porsche Panamera with up to 616bhp from its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the five-door version of the firm’s new M8 is priced from £120,935, with deliveries due to take place at the start of next year. Bollinger B1 and B2 Newly established American firm Bollinger will showcase prototype versions of its B1 and B2 electric SUVs. The rugged-looking off-roaders sit atop a skateboard-style chassis and have been engineered to meet road-legal requirements around the world. In spite of their aerodynamically unfriendly design and imposing size, the boxy models will hit 60mph from rest in just 4.5 seconds, thanks to a pair of electric motors that combine to produce 614bhp. Ford ‘Mach E’ electric SUV Ford will kickstart its electrification strategy with a sleek SUV-shaped model inspired by the Mustang sports car, showing the model for the first time at LA. Due to go on sale in 2020 as a rival to Tesla’s new Model Y, the model has been confirmed to offer a range of 370 miles on the WLTP cycle, but the company is withholding additional details pertaining to the model’s performance, pricing and design until its unveiling. Hyundai PHEV concept Hyundai’s ‘ground-breaking’ new SUV concept takes inspiration from 2018’s Le Fil Rouge show car, and looks to preview a futuristic plug-in hybrid production model to sit below the Santa Fe seven-seater. Technical details remain scarce, but a preview image shows off a sleek, rakish roofline, squared-off wheel arches and a bespoke grille design with integrated cooling flaps. Mercedes Maybach GLS Conceived as a rival to the Range Rover SVAutobiography, Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Maybach GLS is an ultra-luxurious reworking of Mercedes’ GLS flagship SUV. The standard model’s silhouette is retained, but spy shots show that the Maybach version will feature bespoke design elements inspired by 2016’s Maybach 6 coupe concept. There are suggestions that the top-of-the-line GLS could also offer improved rear legroom, courtesy of an extended wheelbase. Mini John Cooper Works GP Mini’s fastest model yet, the 300bhp JCW GP, has been teetering on the edge of an unveiling for a while, with prototypes making public appearances at high-profile events like the Nurburgring 24 Hours and Goodwood Festival of Speed, but now the wraps are finally coming off. Confirmed details include a £34,995 starting price and sub-eight minute Nordschleife laptime, but we’ll have to wait to see just how Oxford’s answer to the Mercedes-AMG A35 will differentiate itself style-wise from the standard Cooper JCW. Porsche 911 manual Not a new car, but almost as exciting, is the news that Porsche is adding a seven-speed manual option to its 911 sports car. The option is rolling out at no extra cost to buyers in the US, with a UK launch expected in the new year. It’s likely that Porsche will show the manual 911 at LA. Taycan 4S Launched as the entry point into Porsche’s new Taycan electric super-saloon range,
Origin: Updated: 2019 Los Angeles motor show preview
Morris Commercial reveals JE electric van
Morris Commercial reveals JE electric van The retro JE has a range of 200 miles on a charge Morris Commercial has launched the JE van, a retro-inspired pure-electric LCV with a range of 200 miles on a single charge. Due to go into production in 2021, the new Morris JE will cost around £60,000 (exc. grant), and although it’s styling looks to the past, it’s construction is far more modern. Wrapping around the electric powertrain is a carbon-fibre body. The benefit of using lightweight materials in construction is that range is maximised. Attention has been paid to key LCV attributes too, with a 1 tonne payload and large carrying capacity; that’s despite sitting in the 2.5 tonne segment. The revived Morris Commercial name is based in Worcestershire, with manufacturing set to be in the UK – though at an as yet undisclosed site. Additional models are set to be launched in the future, based on the same platform and powertrain.
Origin: Morris Commercial reveals JE electric van
The 2021 Kia Optima will look pretty slick, if this K5 is any indication
Kia showed off its Korean-market-only 2021 K5, at the same time giving North Americans our best look yet at the car that will be known as the Optima once it arrives on Western shores. The K5 midsize sedan goes on sale in South Korea very soon, and while Kia hasn’t officially given us a reveal date for the 2021 Optima, it’s expected to look a lot like (if not identical to) this admittedly pretty gorgeous four-door.The 2021 K5 sedan employs the latest iteration of Kia’s corporate design language, which it characterizes as “sporty, modern and bold.”The K5/Optima also boasts a fastback silhouette, giving it a more powerful and athletic look, accentuated by a long, flowing bodyside crease and chrome highlights running above the windows. The new ‘Tiger Nose Evolution’ face brings a more three-dimensional design to the front end, and now encompasses the headlights – which feature a ‘heartbeat’ daytime running light pattern – and matrix-style grille. On the back end, there’s also a new light setup that spans the width of the car. Performance specs haven’t been released, but the sedan is known to be longer, lower and wider than the last gen. The 2021 Optima has been stretched by 50 mm in length, 25 mm in width and dropped by 20 mm. It comes fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels standard, but upgrades to 17-, 18- or 19-inch rims are available. The only look at the inside we’ve had comes from renderings, but Kia is set to release the K5 in South Korea in December, so that, too, shall be revealed soon.
Origin: The 2021 Kia Optima will look pretty slick, if this K5 is any indication
Chevrolet’s finally building an EV crossover — but only for China
Theres hardly a car company on the planet that wont jump at the opportunity to add another crossover or SUV to its ranks. Even the mighty Aston Martin and Ferrari are getting in on the game.Given that, it shouldnt be much of a surprise to anyone the new vehicles being shown off by Chevrolet at an auto show in China are utilities.Called the Menlo and apparently built off the bones of a Bolt EV, this car is the first all-electric Bowtie-branded vehicle in China. The company is calling it a sedan for reasons unknown, but this new rig certainly takes the shape of a crossover or SUV.According to GM, the Menlo has a range of 410 kilometres when fully charged and measured under the New European Driving Cycle. Even if that system is slightly more generous than North American tests, it still suggests a driving range not far off that provided by the Bolt.If youve a set of eyes, its easy to tell the Menlo is part of the GM crossover family, with a pair of headlights bookending a thin strip of chrome and resting atop a very familiar bumper. Around back, the Menlo EV would fit exceedingly well in a parking lot full of Equinox and Blazer vehicles.Speaking of Blazer, Chevrolet also showed a three-row version of that trucklet at the same show in which it introduced the Menlo EV. Such a vehicle is not expected to make the jump to America, as it would have the propensity to cannibalize sales of other similarily-sized Chevy three-row rigs. Weve asked GM Canada about whether there are plans to bring either to dealerships here, and it told us the Menlo EV isnt going to be sold in Canada as we speak emphasis ours. Doesnt that sound like it leaves open a small window it might come here eventually?The company says it will have more details about the Menlo EV at this years Guangzhou Auto Show, a soire which runs from November 22 through December 1. Its expected the car will go on sale in China during the first half of calendar year
Origin: Chevrolet’s finally building an EV crossover — but only for China
First Drive: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Mercedes-Benz proudly says it invented the premium SUV segment, way back in 1997 with the ML. Now, four generations in, we have the fresh-from-the-ground-up 2020 GLE with an 80-millimetre wheelbase stretch over its predecessor, the GLE offers Raptors-grade rear leg room, and for the first time, an available third row of seats.Pricing starts at $64,000 for the GLE 350 that runs with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder, good for 255 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. Move up to the $72,000 GLE 450, and that goes down the road courtesy of Benzs new 3.0L turbocharged straight-six engine, kicking out a healthy 362 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. Yes, you read that right straight-six. It seems BMW was right all along. All GLEs get a nine-speed automatic gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel-drive.Benz has given its new mid-size SUV some sharp duds. The GLE looks squat, muscular, elegant, and nicely resolved. Twenty-inch wheels are standard, but all GLEs we evaluated wore optional 21s. The sport package ramps up the attitude with a diamond grille and racier body bits. Its a class act from any angle.Inside, the cabin is an absolute showpiece a huge step up from the previous model. Its rich, beautifully rendered, and dominated by a huge swath of digital real estate housing two 12.3-inch screens. The screen on the left is a configurable gauge cluster, while the right is your window into the automakers new Mercedes Benz User Experience infotainment system, or MBUX for short. Yes, its daunting at first, but take some time and MBUX starts to makes sense.There are many ways to interact with MBUX the touchscreen (a first for Mercedes), thumb pads on the steering wheel, a track pad on the centre console, programmable gesture controls, or the voice command which follows the mould of Siri, Google Alexa, etc. Say Hey Mercedes at any time and the pleasant voice in the dash replies, What can I help you with? Beware, though, you cant say Mercedes inside the cabin without MBUX jumping to attention.If you say Im freezing, Ms. Mercedes will turn up the heat. Ask for the nearest steak house with a five-star rating, and shell show you the way and read you the menu if such info is floating about the cloud. Ordering up a destination was simply a matter of saying Navigate to There was the occasional vocal hiccup, and the console track pad is an ergonomic travesty. The old rotary controller was easier to use, and so much more precise for such things as the zoom function for navigation.On the plus side, MBUX is great for whiling away the time.Me: Tell me a joke.MBUX: Sorry. My engineers are German.Me: What do you think of BMW?MBUX: Theyre nice. I like seeing them through my rear-view mirrorMe: What do you think of Audi?MBUX: The same as you. Otherwise, you wouldnt be sitting here.Also available on the 2020 GLE is Benzs nifty augmented reality navigation display that layers street names, guiding arrows and house numbers onto a real-time video stream (courtesy of the front-facing camera) of upcoming intersections, etc. Mercedes offered three GLE builds to evaluate a GLE 350 optioned to $70,800, a GLE 450 checking in at $86,850 and another fully loaded 450 at $107,040. Jumping in the GLE 350s cabin, theres nary a hint youre in the base model. Its a sumptuous experience, resplendent here in standard Espresso Brown and Magna Grey Artico faux leather, and open-pore walnut wood trim.Its bumped up with the $2,900 Premium Package (adding active park assist, an integrated garage door opener, a Burmester Surround Sound system, a panoramic sunroof, a foot-activated hatch rear hatch, and a proximity key), along with the $1,200 Premium Plus (including rapid heating for the front seats and heated second-row seats, plus heated front armrests). The $2,400 third-row is tight at best, but fine for occasional usage. With that, you also get a power-adjustable second row and two additional USB ports back there for the kiddies.The turbo-four generally provides enough poke to move this heavy SUV, but at times feels strained and gravelly. Otherwise, its a pure premium experience ride quality on the standard steel-sprung suspension is good, and while youd never accuse the GLE 350 of being sporty, it handles well and proves to be a stable highway cruiser.Moving into the GLE 450 ramps up the urge, and while it doesnt feel worlds quicker, its considerably more relaxed in the way it goes down the road. The 362 horsepower turbocharged straight-six features a 48-volt mild hybrid system that can add 21 horsepower to the proceedings. Its a sweetheart of an engine not as eager or creamy-smooth as BMWs straight-six, but still a step up from the outgoing V6. Unlike the 4Matic system in the GLE 350 that runs with a default 50/50 torque split, the GLE 450s all-wheel-drive system operates primarily in the more sporty rear-drive mode, only bringing the front wheels into play when conditions dictate. With the $100,000+ GLE 450, Mercedes
Origin: First Drive: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
New Ferrari Roma is 200mph+ front-engined coupe
Ferrari has revealed a new 602bhp mid-front-engined coupé called the Roma; it’s effectively a fixed roof version of the Portofino with substantially reworked styling. The Italian firm described the machine as a “2+” coupé featuring “refined proportions and timeless design”, with the Italian firm also promising “unparalleled performance and handling.” The Roma gains a bold grille at the end of its elongated front, and sharp lines over the bold wheel arches. The Roma is powered by a revamped version of the 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 unit as in the Portofino drop-top, albeit using the eight-speed DCT gearbox that was introduced on the SF90 Stradale. In the Roma, the unit delivers 602bhp between 5750 and 7500rpm, with 591lb ft of torque between 3000 and 5750rpm. That output is up from 592bhp and 561lb ft in the Portofino. Ferrari claims a 0-62mph time of 3.4secs, and a top speed of more than 199mph. The version of this powerplant used in the recently launched F8 Tributo produces 710bhp. Notably, the Roma has a dry weight of just 1472kg with lightweight options fitted; that’s a little less than 200kg lighter than the Portofino. It measures 4656mm long and is 1974mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2670mm. So far, Ferrari has only released limited details of the Roma, along with a small number of images. The only interior shot so far shows a dramatically sculpted cockpit featuring a digital instrument display and a touchscreen mounted at the front of a large centre console. There is also no indication of what Ferrari means by a 2+ seater. The California, which preceded the Portofino, was orignially offered with the choice of two tiny rear seats or a bench, an option the Roma could re-introduce. According to Ferrari, the Roma was named after the Italian capital – where it was revealed at a launch event – because it “is a contemporary representation of the carefree, pleasurable way of life that characterised Rome in the 1950s and ’60s.” That implies that the machine will focus more on everyday usability and relaxed driving than being intended as a long-distance grand tourer. The decision to introduce a new nameplate, rather than just producing a hard-top version of the Portofino, has likely been taken to target the car at a new audience. By turning the car into a “2+” coupé, it can likely broaden its offering at the entry level of its range. Earlier this year, Ferrari’s marketing chief, Enrico Galliera, told Autocar that the firm would become “less predictable” and said that at least car it would reveal this year would be “in a new segment”. Ferrari’s current focus is on increasing revenues rather than strictly increasing sales. Ferrari is expected to reveal more information and details about the Roma tomorrow
Origin: New Ferrari Roma is 200mph+ front-engined coupe
Canadian university working on radar to detect kids forgotten in back seats
In the U.S., 751 children have died of heatstroke in cars since 1998.Getty Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Ontario have developed an inexpensive sensor that triggers an alarm when children or pets are left behind in vehicles.Some vehicles currently warn drivers to check the rear seat when they exit the vehicle the system is triggered when the rear doors are opened before driving, suggesting a child might be buckled into a seat but dont actually detect if anyones there.In the U.S., its estimated an average of 38 children die each year of heatstroke after they’ve been forgotten and left behind in a hot car. In 2018 the number was 51, the highest on record.The Waterloo project was partly funded by a major automotive parts manufacturer and could be on the market by the end of 2020. It uses radar technology combined with artificial intelligence, and its inventors say it can detect unattended children or animals with 100-per-cent accuracy.The tiny sensor is designed to mount in the ceiling or on the rearview mirror. It sends out radar signals that are reflected back by both live and inanimate objects in the vehicle, and can penetrate the seats to look for rear-facing child seats. The AI then analyzes the signals and looks for breathing movements. If a child or pet is detected, the system sounds an alarm and prevents the doors from locking. Graduate students Mostafa Alizadeh, left, and Hajar Abedi position a doll, modified to simulate breathing, in a minivan during testing of a new sensor. University of Waterloo It addresses a serious, worldwide problem, said George Shaker, an engineering professor at the university, who said the system is so affordable it could become standard equipment in all vehicles.Because the device determines how many people are in the vehicle and where they are sitting, the information could also potentially be used to qualify for carpool lanes or toll rates. The researchers are also exploring the ability to monitor the drivers vital signs to look for distraction, impairment, fatigue or
Origin: Canadian university working on radar to detect kids forgotten in back seats
Toyota uses wiper data to help forecast the weather
Ever complain the weatherman didnt get it right? Well, hes likely about to get a lot better at his job.Thats because in the future, just turning on your cars wipers could be enough to send out an accurate report its raining to your local news station.Toyota is working with weather information provider Weathernews Inc. in Japan to improve the accuracy of rain forecasts, using real-time data from cars with windshield wipers connected to the system.Weathernews has an observation network with 13,000 locations throughout Japan, and is testing a program that combines the networks data with information collected from Toyota vehicles through the Internet. Wipers that are on indicate precipitation, while their speed indicates how hard its raining. According to Kyodo News, Weathernews said its radar cant detect precipitation from clouds that are below a two-kilometre altitude, and that its on-ground observation tools are limited.Toyota has been focusing on weather information as one of its in-vehicle connected services. It recently launched the Crown and Corolla Sport with Internet access and plans to have nearly all of its cars sold in Japan equipped with connectivity, which it said can also provide drivers with real-time vehicle data, and information on restaurants, hospitals, or other points of
Origin: Toyota uses wiper data to help forecast the weather
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