Tesla Model 3 Starting September 2020, electric vehicles sold in the U.S. will be required to make an artificial noise while traveling under 30 km/h, for the safety of pedestrians who may otherwise not hear the near-silent vehicles.While most car companies will probably fit their EVs with some kind of whirring or fake engine noise, its well-noted Tesla CEO Elon Musk thinks normal is just a setting on a washing machine.That explains why Musk said in a Tweet that Tesla vehicles will be able to make much more fun noises, like coconuts being used to imitate horse clip-clops; goat bleats; and, er farts.đ¨ đ sounds too (also, of course) Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 6, 2019The coconuts mention is a reference Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail; in the dry British comedy, King Arthurs servant clicks two coconut half-shells together in lieu of Arthur riding a real horse. As for the farts, were not sure theres a real impetus for their inclusion, other than the fact theyre hilarious, as are goats bleating.The feature was added to the Model 3 last month, and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently proposed new rules that would allow the customization of the sounds used. On top of these heads-up noises, Tesla car horn sounds may similarly be made customizable, The Verge reports. Laws vary state to state, but most suggest as long as the horn can be heard from 200 feet away and arent an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle, youre okay.That theoretically means you can make your car fart constantly or on command win-win!While everybody is having fun in North America, it seems like the Europeans will have to do with much more boring options, as usual. While their rules will come into place in 2021, they state electric vehicles should sound similar to the sound of a vehicle of the same category equipped with an internal combustion engine, prompting us to make a fart of a different
Origin: Incoming U.S. regulations mean Teslas could fart at you
Car Review: 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 4Matic Coupe
2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 4Matic CoupeJil McIntosh OVERVIEW A sleek-looking coupe with performance to match PROSSuperb engine and transmission, sharp handling CONSOdd brake pedal feel, and some awkward controls VALUE FOR MONEYLots of performance for the price WHAT TO CHANGE?Give it a simpler, touch-activated infotainment system HOW TO SPEC IT?Add the Premium Pack Heres the scoop on the Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe, the first E-Class coupe to wear the brands performance badge: If youre expecting the same fire-breathing, bat-out-of-hell brawn that usually comes out of an AMG, youre going to be disappointed. But if you like smooth yet thrilling acceleration, served with a large side of luxury and some fuel efficiency to boot, youre definitely going to want this car.Its the first E-Class Coupe to come under the AMG designation, which usually means eight cylinders have been stuffed under the hood. Instead, the E53 gets a new, turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine that uses both an exhaust gas turbocharger and an auxiliary electric compressor. Theres also an electric starter-alternator unit sandwiched between the engine and the nine-speed automatic transmission, and a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system (that doesnt need to be plugged in).The engine makes 429 horsepower and 384 lb.-ft. of torque. When you want extra acceleration, that electric unit, dubbed EQ Boost, can briefly kick in an additional 21 horses and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. Power goes to all four wheels, with torque distributed between the front or rear axle, depending on driving conditions. The E53 starts at $86,000, but theres a lot that can be added on top of that. My tester had a full score, adding a very long list of options including a premium sound system, active safety assists, a head-up display, and even a perfume scent dispenser, all for $102,250 before freight and taxes.Hybridization originally arrived in mainstream vehicles to cut back on fuel and emissions. Many premium automakers are now joining gas and electricity together to significantly increase power without going to a bigger engine. For all its grunt, the E53 is rated at a very decent 10.6 L/100 kilometres in combined driving, and in a week of having fun with it, I came in at 10.8.The beauty of this powerplant is evident as soon as you put your foot down. The electric compressor boosts the engine right away without any lag, while the EQ Boost tosses in its extra strength. By then, the exhaust gas turbo is on board, and its just torque, torque, and more torque all the way up the tach but even then, its smooth as silk. The electric motor starts the engine, including the auto-stop at idle, which is unobtrusive but can be turned off if you prefer. In Comfort mode, the E53 is a grand tourer with a pliable ride that will take you across the country, but keep you relaxed and refreshed. Switch to the Sport modes and you can feel the car tighten up, with quicker throttle response, sharper steering, and stiffer shocks that keep the car tight in the corners. The sport exhaust rumbles beautifully and it blips when the transmission shifts, and it just adds to the fun. You can sequentially shift between gears using the wheel-mounted paddles, which are cheekily labelled up and down.This coupe is a good-looking car, especially with its pillarless styling that turns it into a hardtop when all the windows are down. The interior is equally lovely, especially with my testers optional woven-metal trim. The metal switchgear feels substantial, the dash is leather-wrapped, and its all put together flawlessly as it should be, of course, at this price.The configurable instrument cluster and infotainment system are combined into a single glass panel. Its not a touchscreen and Ive never been fond of Mercedes control system for it, which uses a joystick and trackpad to wade through menus that arent always intuitive. That said, I did like the tiny touchpad on the steering wheel that lets you switch between functions, screens and radio stations when you swipe it. As well, the voice control has been expanded and now includes some vehicle functions such as the climate settings. Taking the luxury a step beyond, my car had mood settings for relaxing or energizing. Select one and it automatically changes the ventilation flow, turns on the massage, selects a scent, and even turns on either soothing or upbeat music although you can switch back to your preferred station while everything else continues to coddle you.Typically for a coupe, the front seats are spacious, while the two rear seats let your friends know you didnt buy this car to cart their butts around. Even so, its relatively easy to get into those rear chairs, since the front ones slide forward and back electrically. The trunk is also fairly tight in keeping with the cars configuration, but theres a bin under the cargo floor, along with a very handy pop-up tote box.A lot of automakers
Origin: Car Review: 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 4Matic Coupe
Ricardo unveils military-spec Ford Ranger pick-up
British engineering firm Ricardo has unveiled a military-spec version of the Ford Ranger pick-up, developed in collaboration with specialist vehicle manufacturer Polaris.  Ricardo, which specialises in developing engines and transmissions but has also developed the Land Rover Wolf and Foxhound armoured personnel carriers, has equipped the Ranger with a range of features aimed at improving safety, fuel economy and durability. The most obvious visual difference over the standard model is the addition of an optional external roll cage, which, as with the firmâs military Land Rover, incorporates a circular cut-out at the rear for the mounting of firearms. Underneath, the Ranger gains an armoured ballistic underfloor, rock sliders and improved waterproofing, while armoured glass and strengthened front and rear bumpers further improve safety in the event of an impact or explosion. Modifications inside include the addition of four-point harnesses for all the seats, while upgrades have been made to the truckâs 24V electrical system to better cope with the demands of military use. The model is powered by Ford’s twin-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox that’s said to enhance fuel economy. Optional suspension, brake system and tyre upgrades are offered as a means of raising ride height and towing capacity. Ricardoâs special vehicles director, Paul Tarry, said: âThe adaptation of existing and well-proven automotive platforms for defence roles provides an opportunity to deliver a robust, fit-for-purpose and highly cost-effective package that is easy to maintain, benefiting as it does from an established international supply chain of parts and service. âHowever, it is also crucial in such adaptations to engineer a solution that meets the exacting requirements of the intended applications; even the most robust of commercially available vehicles is unlikely to meet this threshold without careful, role-specific adaptation of the type that Ricardo is ideally placed to provide.â Although the firm claims its new Ranger-based model demonstrates that it is well suited for military applications, it has not yet been confirmed that it will enter
Origin: Ricardo unveils military-spec Ford Ranger pick-up
Electric Volvo XC40 gets bespoke Android infotainment
Volvo has detailed the infotainment system in its upcoming electric XC40 ahead of the car’s unveiling next week. The firm claims the system, designed in partnership with Google and powered by Android, offers “unprecedented personalisation” and “improved levels of intuitiveness”, courtesy of inbuilt Google features. The internet giant’s Maps, Assistant and Play Store functions are included. The electric small SUV is also the first Volvo model to be capable of wireless software updates. The system is compatible with voice control, while Google’s mapping software will offer live traffic updates and alternative route and charging station suggestions. The software will also improve the capabilities of the car’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) by providing live speed limit and hazard warnings. Volvo’s chief technology officer, Henrik Green, said: “We’re finally giving you the same experience in your car that youâre used to on your phone, but adapted for safe interaction while driving. “And by introducing over-the-air updates for everything from maintenance to completely new features, the car can stay as fresh as your other digital products, always with the latest and greatest features.” Volvo recently released the first teaser sketches of the electric XC40, which is the first step in a plan for more than 50% of the firm’s sales volume to be fully electric by 2025. It’s focused on producing electric versions of its existing models, rather than developing bespoke EVs like rivals such as Volkswagen. Despite that, Volvo has said the electric XC40 will feature a number of design changes to differentiate itself from combustion-engined versions, partly due to the electric powertrain not requiring a large grille to cool the engine. A sketch of the front of the car shows that, as with other EVs, the grille will be replaced by a covered front fascia, which Volvo says will be used to package the sensors for the ADAS. A rear sketch shows that, as with the plug-in hybrid XC40, the charging point will be located on the rear pillar where the fuel filler would normally be. Robin Page, Volvoâs design boss, said the electric XC40’s design would be âeven sleeker and more modernâ than that of the regular model. He added: âWithout the need for a grille, we have created an even cleaner and more modern face, while the absence of tailpipes does the same at the rear. âThis is the approach we will explore more and more as we continue down the road of electrification.â Volvo has also revealed the EV will feature a “brand new driver interface” that has been developed for its electric cars. It will also be offered with two new 19in and 20in wheel options and in eight paint colours. The interior will feature new “sporty styling details” and carpets made from recycled materials. The electric XC40 will also feature a small, 30-litre front storage space â also known as a âfrunkâ â under the bonnet in the space freed up by the absence of a combustion engine. The XC40 is one of Volvo’s most popular models, and the electric version will be revealed on 16 October. While few technical details of the model have been given, it will follow the EV trend, with motors mounted at the front and rear and the battery located under the floor. Volvo has said it aims to maintain its established reputation for safety with the new model, with safety boss Malin Ekholm saying: âRegardless of what drives a car forward, be it an electric motor or combustion engine, a Volvo must be safe.â The front structure of the XC40, which is built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, has been redesigned to account for the absence of an engine. Volvo has also developed a âuniqueâ new safety structure: a safety cage around the battery made from aluminium and embedded in the body structure. Volvo says this creates a built-in crumple zone around the battery and lowers the carâs centre of gravity. The car has also been reinforced at the rear through the integration of the electric powertrain into the body structure, with the intent to shift any forces caused in a collision away from the passenger area. The electric XC40 will also be the first model fitted with Volvo’s new Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) sensor platform, which is designed for expanded autonomous capabilities in the future. While no details have been given about the electric powertrain, it’s likely to be similar to that used by sister brand Polestar’s 2, which was revealed earlier this year and is also built on the CMA platform. That car uses a 27-module, 78kWh battery pack. The powertrain in the performance-focused Polestar 2 is claimed to produce 402bhp and 487lb ft, with a âtargetâ range of 311 miles on the WLTP cycle. The electric XC40 is unlikely to offer as much power or torque, due to the differing goals and target markets of Volvo and Polestar. The electric XC40 will be the second electrified version of the model, joining the XC40 T5 Twin Engine plug-in
Origin: Electric Volvo XC40 gets bespoke Android infotainment
Peugeot 208 falls short of maximum Euro NCAP score
The new Peugeot 208 has missed out on a maximum score in the latest Euro NCAP safety ratings, with testers awarding it four stars. The French hatch missed out on top marks due to what Euro NCAP testers said was âpoorâ whiplash protection for rear passengers. The Jeep Cherokee was also awarded four stars in the latest tests, and they are the only two cars tested so far in 2019 that have failed to achieve five stars. Matthew Avery, director of research at Thatcham Research, which conducts Euro NCAP tests, called the 208âs score ârespectableâ, but added it was ânot a good choice if youâre carrying adults in the back, with its âpoorâ whiplash protection for rear passengers. Protecting both front and rear occupants is especially important as families continue to downsize from larger vehicles.â The Cherokee lost marks for both adult occupant protection and child occupant protection, and was criticised for offering limited whiplash protection. Avery called the result an improvement on the Jeep Wrangler, which scored one star when tested last year, but added: âThereâs still a long way to go before Jeep can get back to producing five-star cars like the 2017 Compass.â Two BMW models excelled when they were tested, with the 1 Series and 3 Series both scoring the maximum five stars. The 3 Series achieved a 97% score for adult occupant protection, one of the highest scores in
Origin: Peugeot 208 falls short of maximum Euro NCAP score
Orders open for four Peugeot PHEVs
Orders open for four Peugeot PHEVs PHEV power for the 3008 and 508 ranges Peugeot has opened its order books for four new plug-in hybrids, as it pushes electrification acros its core line-up. Customers can now place reservations for the 3008 Hybrid, 3008 GT Hybrid4, 508 Hybrid, and 508 SW Hybrid. The 508 Fastback and SW plug-in hybrids are capable of covering up to 39 miles on a single charge, while the 3008 GT Hybrid4 offers 40 miles on electric-only power. The latter is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 300hp (220kW). Performance for the flagship PHEV is good, with the 0-62mph time covered in just 5.9 seconds. The 40 mile electric range is possible thanks to a 13.2 kWh battery, which helps return CO2 emissions of 28 g/km. The 3008 Hybrid and 508 PHEVs are backed by an 11.2 kWh battery, which powers a single electric motor. Combined with a 1.6 litre petrol engine, the combined power output is 225hp (165kW). All four models can be charged in less than two hours on a 7 kW charge point, and with a good electric range for PHEV models, they benefit from BIK rates for company car drivers. Peugeot’s four plug-in hybrids come as the pure-electric e-208 is due for launch, and the French manufacturer has confirmed an e-2008 crossover is due in the near future. The Hybrid PHEVs are able to be ordered now, with deliveries starting in January 2020.
Origin: Orders open for four Peugeot PHEVs
First Drive: 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport
BARCELONA, Spain While I have driven countless SUVs from a multitude of manufacturers over the years, products made by Land Rover have somehow eluded me. The British automaker specializes in SUVs there are no pickups or sedans or coupes in its lineup and prides itself on building some of the most luxurious and capable vehicles in the world. I therefore looked forward to my first opportunity to drive a Land Rover, at the world press introduction of the 2020 Discovery Sport, held in Barcelona. Sadly, I left Spain feeling somewhat indifferent.The Discovery Sport saw its most recent generational redesign in 2016, so as 2020 rolls around, so does the Sports mid-term upgrade. This revision brings a few exterior changes, like new LED head- and taillights, grille and bumpers, as well as a new interior. Four variations are available in Canada, two standard Discovery Sport models, and two higher-spec R-Dynamic variations. Prices range from $47,400 for the Discovery Sport S, to $58,700 for the R-Dynamic HSE.According to Land Rover, the Discovery Sport is a compact SUV designed to cater to adventurous middle-class couples, most of which have yet to procreate so, young, childless cohabitees who are often away on weekends. If that sounds like you, the Discovery Sport just might fit the bill: Its styling is understated yet sporty; it offers off-road capability for adventurous weekend outings; it boasts up to 1,575 litres of interior storage; and if you do eventually decide to perpetuate the family bloodline, it features seating for up to seven.While Land Rovers marketing spiel expounds the merits of being the only compact SUV to offer a third row of seats, they are actually jump seats for small kids. The good news is that they are optional, so you dont have to pay for them unless you have a copious brood or really dont like somebody. Youll also get the maximum storage space without them. The interior has been completely refreshed, including a big reduction in hard plastic surfaces. The dashboard is all new, and quite attractive. I really like the cleanliness of the cockpit, which gives the Sport an airy feel. All buttons and dials except for two of each on the centre stack have been eliminated and replaced by touchscreens. When the ignition is off, the dashboard is just an array of glossy black surfaces. Push the start button and the black surfaces come to life with images and icons that serve to control the various functions. There are six USB and three 12-volt ports available throughout the interior, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.The large dials operate the climate controls, while the one on the right also serves as the drive mode selector. There are seven drive modes that tailor drive settings to get you over anything from dry pavement to snow to mud and ruts. An extensive off-road course along our drive revealed Land Rovers raison dtre: The Discovery Sport is easily capable of handling anything an urban dweller might encounter on the way to the remote weekend cabin in the woods.The 12-inch high-definition instrument panel is highly configurable, with a multitude of attractive display options. The only downside is that you have to scroll through various menus to call up different functions, and then have to back out to reach your default display. While all of this streamlining is visually appealing, it does make certain functions tedious. The absence of dedicated buttons for the drive modes, for example, means that any change in settings requires multiple steps. And we also experienced the first of a pair of minor vehicle glitches with the new touchscreens, when we had to set up the drive modes for a difficult uphill climb and the display froze, refusing to accept our selections until we backed out and went back into the desired menu. The two Dynamic Sport models and R-Dynamic SE come standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four that claims 246 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. New for 2020 is a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain thats optional in the R-Dynamic SE and standard in the HSE. It still uses the 2.0-litre turbocharged four, but a belt-driven electric motor bumps peak output to 286 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. The only transmission is a ZF nine-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive is standard.In the hybrid, the engine shuts off at speeds below 17 km/h to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. It does this anytime the vehicle slows, acting much like a regular start-stop function, but one that doesnt wait for the vehicle to come to a complete stop before shutting off the engine. Its quite seamless in operation. Canadian fuel consumption numbers are not yet available, but European specs claim as low as 6.9 L/100 km for the mild hybrid.Unfortunately, the only vehicle available for testing was a Euro-spec Discovery Sport mild hybrid, and its spec sheet claimed a zero to 100 km/h time of 9.2 seconds. And it felt as slow, making passing a tedious,
Origin: First Drive: 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport
James Bond to drive 4 different Aston Martins in new film
The upcoming No Time to Die is historic in that it marks the 25th James Bond film in the franchise. To mark the special occasion, no fewer than four Aston Martin vehicles will be used in the movie, the automaker announced on James Bond Day, October 5.Aston Martin has been synonymous with the film series ever since a DB5 was used as Bonds primary mode of transportation in Goldfinger, and, following a short stint or two where the spy piloted Lotus and BMW vehicles, has cemented itself as the brand of choice for the worlds suavest secret agent.The lineup breaks down like this: First, we have the one and only DB5. A staple of James Bond history, it needs no introduction, and neither does 007.As another nod to the past, No Time will feature a V8 Vantage like the one Timothy Dalton used in the 80s-era films.Past, present and future.To mark the 25th Bond film, #NoTimeToDie, four of our cars will be featured in the film.From the classic DB5 and V8 Vantage, to the new DBS Superleggera and Aston Martin Valhalla, there is something for every Bond fan.#JamesBondDay@007 pic.twitter.com/cmKvswriHo Aston Martin (@astonmartin) October 5, 2019A surprise addition to the film is the DBS Superleggera its role on-screen was announced October 5. (Wed already known about the other star cars.) Totally befitting of Bond, the gorgeous GT car is powered by a twin-turbo V-12, and has all the amenities of a comfy grand tourer.Finally thereâs the Valhalla. Were not sure how Bond is going to get himself into a situation that requires a low-slung supercar, but as per our interview with CEO Andy Palmer, we understand the vehicle will also have a few tricks up its sleeve, as per 007 traditions. (That means gadgets!)How do you like the first images of a new @astonmartin Vantage Roadster, in engineering pre-production form, ahead of its launch in the coming months? pic.twitter.com/5Ccm6STvbQ Dr. Andy Palmer (@AndyatAston) October 7, 2019On top of the smorgasbord of Astons that Bond will drive, the brand itself revealed yet another car October 7, albeit one based off one of its already popular models. The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster will be revealed soon, Palmer tweeted out, with images of a prototype stylish drop-top that will surely blow your hair
Origin: James Bond to drive 4 different Aston Martins in new film
2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel officially rated at 7.3 L/100 km highway
2020 Ram 1500 EcoDieselDerek McNaughton / Driving Rams 2020 1500 EcoDiesel 44 offers highway fuel economy on par with the best diesel 44 full-size pickups, the truckmaker claims, with an officially rated return of 8.0 L/100 km (35 mpg) highway and 11.1 L/100 km (25 mpg) city.When the turbocharged 3.0-litre V-6 EcoDiesel is backed up with a 42 drivetrain, those numbers get even better: 7.3 L/100 km (39 mpg) highway and 10.5 L/100 km (27 mpg) city.The truckmaker said early October that the all-new engine also boasts best-in-class torque for half-ton diesels, at 480 lb.-ft.; and best diesel towing capability, at 5,697 kg (12,560 lbs).When optioned with the 125-litre fuel tank, the trucks best-in-segment driving range exceeds 1,600 km. Moving up to the EcoDiesel will add a premium of $5,800 in Canada if youre equipping it instead of the standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 on the Tradesman and Big Horn trims; and costs $3,900 over the 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 standard in the rest of the Ram 1500 range.Yes, that means you can get the EcoDiesel in every trim in the 1500 line including the Rebel. The most affordable option, the Tradesman Quad Cab 2WD, starts at $49,395
Origin: 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel officially rated at 7.3 L/100 km highway
BMW i1 will be the first in a lineup of new electric vehicles
BMW plans to kick off an electric car revolution with a brand-new i1, with a more conventional appearance than the space-age i3, says a new report.According to Auto Express, 12 fully electric cars and 13 plug-in hybrids will be making their way to BMW showrooms within the next four years. The first of the breed will be the i1, followed by the iX3 SUV and the fully electric i4.Robert Irlinger, head of BMWs i Division, says the electric platform that underpins its front-wheel-drive cars can be adapted to almost any vehicle the customer wants. Whatever they demand, they can get a plug-in hybrid X3, a fully-electric 4 Series, too. Thats a big step and a big change in our strategy.This means that essentially any BMW could be made electric, and in configurations such as front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive with electric front assist (so, all-wheel drive) as well as obviously fully electric and hybrid. To give you an idea of the styling on the i1, Auto Express suggests itll likely look like a 1 Series with the kidney grilles censored by that, we mean BMWll put a honking black rectangle across the front of them. Presumably, itll fit some piece of safety tech or a bumper there or something. The rest of the vehicle should look like a conventional hatch, which should make it a hit with buyers.Expect to see this electric 1 Series within two years, with the other models to follow
Origin: BMW i1 will be the first in a lineup of new electric vehicles
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