Mercedes-Benz is teasing the next-generation GLA with a design sketch, just a day or so before the official release of the 2021 model.According to Mercedes-Benz, the new vehicle will be 10 centimetres taller than the previous model to give it more of a crossover appearance.It will also be 15 millimetres shorter, although Mercedes says legroom will not be impacted, since the length will be taken off the overhang.In fact, there will actually be more room, because the wheelbase has been lengthened.As far as styling goes, the sketch reveals, mostly, what weve come to expect of Benz crossovers. Were sure the pedestrian looks wont stop Mercedes-Benz from packing the vehicle full of tech, including the excellent MBUX infotainment system. At the very least, we know the rear bench seat will be unique, and feature a forward- or backward-sliding function, as well as 40/20/40-split capability.The wheels are huge, at least on the teaser drawing, in ironically stark contrast to recent reports Audi predicts 23-inch wheels should be about the largest fitted to production cars. Clearly, Mercedes stands with GM in forecasting 26-inch rims in the near-future.On top of the regular model, AMG 35 and 45/45S models are expected to be available, as well as a 250e plug-in hybrid model.The GLA will be revealed to the world online exclusively on December 11; the first auto show to feature it in the metal will be Genevas, in March of
Origin: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA teased in design sketch just ahead of reveal
Jaguar software update may net better range for I-Pace SUV
Christmas is coming early for Jaguar customers, with a complimentary software update to its I-Pace SUV likely to bring more range to the already impressive luxury EV.The earliest buyers of the I-Pace have logged more than 80 million kilometres in their utility vehicles, and the automakers logged tonnes of data from those trips. Its also taken in data gleaned from the I-Pace racing series, such as battery management, thermal systems and all-wheel-drive torque improvements.The result is a software update that should offer 20 more kilometres of range, for a total of 470 in real-world driving.The Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY has generated a huge amount of data for us to analyse and those marginal gains, derived from competition on the track, are now being applied to customers cars to further enhance their driving experience, says I-Pace vehicle engineer Stephen Boulter.The new software updates optimise the powertrain control systems to improve efficiency and allow I-PACE drivers to travel even further on a single charge without any hardware changes it really is a case of the vehicle getting better with age.Instead of an over-the-air update like a Tesla, however, youll actually have to take your I-Pace into a dealership to have it installed. However, the software that will be installed at the dealership will allow future updates to be made
Origin: Jaguar software update may net better range for I-Pace SUV
These 5 electric vehicles look old-school but are all-new
New EVs are ugly. Its a fact, deal with it. Another fact is most new cars are ugly, but thats another story altogether.Whatever it is about electric cars, theres something about their design and save the world mission statement that automakers interpret as futuristic.This leads them to deduce the vehicles must look like theyre straight out of Star Trek.Unfortunately, theyre wrong, and when you have the technology to make a vehicle look like anything, you should make it look old.These vehicles imagine what would have happened if the electric cars of the 19th century received half as much attention as gasoline-powered vehicles, and shaped the world into the electric future we dare to call retro.In short, here are five retro EVs.Morris Commercial JEMade to resemble the brands J-Type van of the 1940s, the Morris JE is a modern interpretation of the classic panel van, with little to no styling updates. Good.With a range of 200 miles (320 km) and a price tag of $75,000, the JE isnt going to win over any Tesla buyers, but that doesnt matter, because its already won our hearts. Its also available in a few different configurations, including cargo, passenger and pickup.Microlino microcarConventional wisdom suggests it aint a good idea, locking yourself in a fridge, but we immediately decided to make an exception to that rule when we took one look at the Microlino, styled after the BMW Isetta microcar of the 1950s.When the BMW Isetta was introduced in the 1950s, BMW was a struggling car brand, crippled by the woes of post-war Germany. The small, affordable vehicle brought some much needed money back to the brand, and saved it from ruin.The new version costs $18,000, and is good for 125 miles (200 km) on a charge. Hopefully the Isetta moves on from saving companies to saving the planet.Nobe 100How many wheels do you need? Three is plenty, especially when you look as good as this retro EV. We mean, cmon, the Nobe 100 looks like it was ripped straight out of Raymond Loewys sketchbook.This car could be made available, and by that, we mean its development is being crowdfunded, so whether it makes production will depend on demand from consumers which we hope will be massive. After all, 136 miles (220 km) per charge and an MSRP of $45,000 should guarantee brisk sales.Renault e-Plein AirIs a Fiat Jolly too mainstream to you? Consider this French alternative! Putting the passengers right out in the open, the Renault e-Plein Air is an open-top version of the Renault 4 of the 1960s. Under the stylish skin is the tech from the brands Twizy vehicle.No pricing as of yet, as its still just a concept, but hopefully this one becomes a reality. Were sure the Pope would love one as a gift.Honda EOK, so maybe this one is not as retro as the others the Honda E’s looks are based on a car thats not too old to begin with, the Honda Civic. But do we care? Not one bit.The fabulous styling of the Honda E makes some of us remember our high school days, or maybe your dads high school days. We think 136 miles (220 km) of range should be perfect to get you around the city and back, and for just $42,000.LISTEN: Electric vehicle clubs have been around for decades, and up until just recently their memberships consisted of backyard tinkerers converting gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. Now that most global automakers are producing Evs, where does that leave these clubs? In this weeks episode of Plugged In we talk with Bruce Stout of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association about that and much more.
Origin: These 5 electric vehicles look old-school but are all-new
New Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe 4Matic on sale from £72,530 in UK
Mercedes-Benz has announced UK pricing and specifications for the second generation of its GLE Coupé, ahead of the model’s arrival in dealerships in spring 2020. Prices for the re-engineered BMW X6 rival start from £72,530 for the entry-level GLE 400 d 4Matic equipped with the AMG Line Premium Plus package, and rise to £80,615 for the AMG-tuned GLE 53 4Matic+ performance model. First customer deliveries are expected in summer 2020, with additional trim packages expected to be available nearer the time. The standard car is equipped with a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel motor producing 325bhp and 516lb ft, with the firm’s EQ Boost hybrid technology allowing for temporary boosts of 22bhp and 184lb ft. Fuel economy is quoted at up to 37.6mpg combined, with a certified emissions rating of 193g/km. The SUV can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 149mph. As standard, AMG Line Premium Plus trim brings a pair of 12.3in digital infortainment displays, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Burmester surround sound system, 22in alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof and a range of advanced driver assistance programmes. An optional towing package – allowing for a towing capacity of 3500kg – is available for an additional £1150. The top-rung AMG model’s straight-six engine is petrol-powered, bumping power up to 429bhp for a 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds and top speed of 155mph. Additional equipment over the standard car includes AMG’s active ride control technology, AMG steering wheel controls and a smartphone app which analyses journey and performance data. The newcomer raises the number of Mercedes SUV models to eight, indicating the significance to the brand of a sector that accounts for a third of its global sales. The GLE Coupé joins an ever-growing segment of style-focused variants of traditional high-riding models and can also count the Porsche Cayenne Coupé, Audi Q8 and Range Rover Velar as competitors. Despite sharing its underpinnings with the standard GLE, the GLE Coupé is 15mm longer and a substantial 63mm wider. Its wheelbase is 20mm longer than the previous version’s but is still 60mm shorter than the GLE’s. Mercedes claims this benefits handling and visual proportions. The roof height is 1722mm, 56mm lower than that of the standard model. Mercedes says aerodynamic efficiency has improved by 9% compared with its predecessor. From the bottom of the A-pillar forwards, the GLE Coupé looks nearly identical to the GLE, but from there back, it’s entirely different, with a steeper windscreen and rear window rake to account for that sloping roof, plus a bespoke rear-end shape. Wheels come in sizes from 19in to 22in, depending on the car’s spec. The interior of the GLE Coupé shares almost everything with its sibling, too, with the same dashboard layout dominated by two 12.3in screens and a raised centre console with integral grab handles. However, sports seats and a nappa leather sports steering wheel are standard fitments in the Coupé. Amazon Music streaming will also be available at launch. Mercedes claims the new car offers “tangibly more room” and a “significantly better sense of spaciousness” than its predecessor, thanks to the longer wheelbase and larger door openings. Storage capacity has increased, too. In seats-up form, the boot is only five litres larger than the old car’s, but with the 40/20/40 split folding rear bench down, that increase rises to 70 litres. The loading sill is lower than before, too, and the air suspension can drop the rear by a further 50mm at the press of a button. The chassis of the GLE Coupé is said to feature different tuning from its sibling, which is aimed at offering a “sportier and tauter” driving experience, with the air suspension fitted as standard on UK cars. The same 48V E-Active Body Control system is also available, which includes the ability to individually control spring and damper forces at each
Origin: New Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe 4Matic on sale from £72,530 in UK
McLaren releases road-going version of its GT4 race car, the 620R
McLaren has revealed itll market a road-going version of its 570S GT4 race car which itself is a race version of its street cars called the 620R.Powered by the same 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine as the GT4, the 620R makes 610 horsepower and 457 lb.-ft. of torque, which helps it get up to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, then on to a top speed of 322 km/h.That power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed gearbox, which is not borrowed from the race car.What is borrowed from the race car is the aerodynamics, chief among which is the rear wing which helps develop 185 kilograms of down force at 250 km/h. That stickiness is only aided by real slick tires, which offer an eight-per-cent larger contact patch. The entire car has been lightened as well a total 1,282 kilograms dry means its 31 kilograms lighter than the standard 570S. Carbon-fibre racing seats with five-point harnesses helped with that weight loss, as did the lightweight brakes with carbon-ceramic discs.Only 350 examples of the special-edition vehicle will be built, in three exclusive colours: McLaren Orange, Silica White and Onyx Black with McLaren racing livery. A Senna GTR livery will also be available. If you want different colours, MSO will be happy to oblige to your wildest imaginations. Deliveries will start February 2020. The price?
Origin: McLaren releases road-going version of its GT4 race car, the 620R
First Drive: 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic
There will be just 60 2020 Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Editions available to Canadian buyers, making this special luxury sport SUV one of the most exclusive Range Rovers ever.Andrew McCredie MALIBU, CA. Look up the word rare in the Merriam-Webster dictionary and youll find the words uncommon and distinctive. Those certainly apply to the 2020 Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic, of which just 60 will be for sale in Canada. Throw in powerful, advanced, luxurious, and cushy and youve pretty much covered all the bases of this very rare and refined vehicle.How refined? Engineers with Range Rover Special Vehicle Operationsthe mad scientists behind this uber-Velardesigned the engine so that at startup the valves are closed, meaning that instead of that distinctive bark of a supercharged, 5.0-litre V8, the engine note emits a lower note. Of course, put it in gear and step on it and those gleaming quad exhaust pipes let all the dog outs, to the tune of a 4.5 second zero to 100 km/h sprint. That 550 horsepower is some 170 ponies better than the next most powerful Velar, powered by a supercharged, 3.0-litre V6 and a ridiculously pedestrian zero to 100 km/h time of 5.3 seconds (if youve still got the dictionary handy, look up sarcasm). That refinement continues into the Velar SVAs bespoke chassis, which includes special damper tuning to help keep that 45 per cent increase in power in check. Those engineers also worked their magic on the eight-speed Quickshift transmission with high-performance SV calibration, which also makes its way into the all-wheel-drive system, the active rear locking differential, the steering and the air suspension. Theres also torque vectoring by braking, something you wont feel in that aforementioned straight-line sprint, but during a run up and down the many great canyon roads in the hills above Malibu had the large SUV handling more like the roadsters and sports cars that have made these roads famous for over 50 years. Put the transmission in Sport setting and engage the bespoke Dynamic modewhich allows you to personalize things like shift times, throttle and steering inputs and damping controlsand the driving experience underscores the fact that youre driving a full-size luxury SUV that is as good as cornering as chauffeuring. Oh, and braking. The 395mm front and 396mm rear brake discs feature a two-piece construction to optimize weight and are designed to dissipate heat more effectively to cope with the higher braking forces generated during high performance driving. The stopping power is remarkable.As much as the performance attributes of this special vehicle are impressive, the cabin updates over the already luxe Velar model line-up put this SUV into very rarefied territory. The double-stitched, perforated and quilted Windsor leather is unique to the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and comes in four colour combinations (Ebony, Cirrus, Vintage Tan and Pimento). The front seats are 20-way adjustable, heated and cooled and with memory and massage functions as standard. Theres a unique sports steering wheel, which features a contoured rim and tactile aluminum gear shift paddles, and the rotary gear selector and circular control dials for the infotainment system all feature a sophisticated knurled finish. Theres also an optional carbon fibre pack for the interior. The exterior gets the Special Vehicle Operations treatment too, including a new front bumper with larger air intakes to cool the bigger engine cool the uprated braking system. Theres also a new grille up front, lower side moldings and a revised rear bumper featuring integrated those four exhaust pipes. And one change you cant see: a transmission tunnel under tray designed to smooth airflow under the vehicle.And then there is the selection of forged aluminum wheels. The standard lightweight 21-inch wheels weigh the same as the 20-inch wheels on the base model, but to really make a statement, theres the optional 22-inch rims with a Silver Sparkle finish and diamond-turned edging. On the subject of wheels, it was a bit of a shock to lift the rear cargo floor and discover the spare has a bright orange rim. A whimsical bit of English humour perhaps.When it debuted a couple of years ago, the Range Rover Velar took the storied brand in a bit of a different direction, one that while still offering the renowned off-road capabilities put more of an emphasis on luxury and style, both inside and out.The 2020 Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic takes that statement to the next level, one that 60 very fortunate owners in this country will enjoy for themselves very
Origin: First Drive: 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic
Tesla driver distracted by dog in car blames Autopilot after smashing into police
A Tesla Model 3 driver was checking on his dog in the back seat when his car, on Autopilot mode, smashed into two parked cars, according to a police report out of Connecticut.The incident happened on the states I-95 highway early morning Saturday, December 7.According to a post by the Connecticut State Police department, one of the vehicles the Tesla struck was a police car pulled over to the side of the road, assisting a separate vehicle accident.Both of the patrol cars assisting with the other accident had their lights flashing, and a flare was set up, so it should have been pretty easy for somebody to see them. Unless, of course, youre relying on your car to drive itself while youre turned around checking on your dog in the back seat, which is exactly what happened.The driver of the Model 3 was issued a misdemeanor summons for Reckless Driving and Reckless Endangerment, but luckily nobody nor any animal was seriously injured in the accident.The CSP issued a warning to remind motorists that although a number of vehicles have some automated capabilities, there are no vehicles currently on sale that are fully automated or self-driving.Tesla has not commented on the incident, and the investigation has not revealed whether or not the Model 3s brakes were applied prior to the collision, by either the driver or
Origin: Tesla driver distracted by dog in car blames Autopilot after smashing into police
Canadian gov’t will charge VW with violating environment law via emissions tests
A staff member cleans the logo of a SUV VW Touareg on display ahead of the annual general meeting of German carmaker Volkswagen, in Berlin on May 3, 2018.Tobias Schwarz / Getty Images The federal government is charging Volkswagen for allegedly importing cars into Canada that company executives knew violated emissions standards.The German automaker faces 58 charges for violating the Canadian Environmental Protection Act for bringing 128,000 cars into Canada with illegal emissions between 2008 and 2015.The company faces another two charges for providing misleading information.Canadas case against Volkswagen comes more than four years after the company admitted to installing software on 11 million cars worldwide to trick emissions-testing equipment into concluding the cars ran more cleanly than they actually did.Volkswagen pleaded guilty to charges in the case in the United States in March 2017 and was fined more than $4.3 billion.The companys first court appearance on the Canadian charges is to take place
Origin: Canadian gov’t will charge VW with violating environment law via emissions tests
Audi designer suggests wheel size has peaked, but GM thinks 26-inchers coming
When it comes to vehicle wheels, bigger is almost certainly better. Better handling and better looks is a good enough reason for large-diameter wheels on almost any vehicle, but how big is too big? According to Audi, weve almost reached critical mass already.The latest Audi vehicles all come with huge wheels a set of gigantic 23-inch units, in fact, can be found on the RS Q8.The A6 has optional 21-inch rims, and the 2020 RS 6 Avant is available with 22-inch wheels as an option.But wheels larger than 23 inches make no sense, Audi design boss Marc Lichte told Motor Authority last week. Package wise, I would say this is definitely close to the limit.Ask GM, however, and itll say 23-inch wheels are just the start. Were headed towards 24- and 26-inch wheels, General Motors design boss Michael Simcoe predicted while speaking on the Brembo Red podcast. He also mentioned that 18- and 19-inch wheels are now considered small by modern standards.Concept cars are all drawn with almost comically large wheels in the first place, so it was only natural wed see them finally make it into the production versions.So who do you think will come out right in these forecasts? Will consumers heed the Germans logic, and stop wheel sizes at 23 inches; or will we take the donk route the American suggests and make Bigfoot-sized wheels commonplace?Take Our Poll
Origin: Audi designer suggests wheel size has peaked, but GM thinks 26-inchers coming
Watch: Tesla Cybertruck rolls into intersection, knocking over traffic sign
New video of the Tesla Cybertruck concept driving around L.A. Saturday night, reportedly with Elon Musk himself at the wheel, shows the prototype has quite a bit of body roll through corners, more than youd expect for a vehicle weighed down by a floor full of batteries. Maybe chalk it up to the suspension design on the demonstration vehicle not being quite finalized?The video, of Musk leaving high-end Japanese restaurant Nobu in the Cybertruck, was posted by celebrity blog TMZ, and ends with the truck clipping a pylon or traffic sign as it rolls through a red light.While many have speculated Musk either didnt hear the clunk of the strike, or didnt care, we figure its much more likely Musk did it on purpose as a faux PR gaffe to draw media attention to the truck, since nothing Musk does ever happens by accident.Whos driving @ElonMusk or the Auto-Pilot?$TSLA pic.twitter.com/xvmyHPG8Ol GuruLeaks (@Guruleaks1) December 8, 2019UPDATE: It’s being reported the truck did not technically run a red light, as there is no traffic signal specifically facing that restaurant exit; and that the sign the truck knocked over is a “Right turns only” warning sign.Later on in the night, the Cybertruck was also seen driving down a California highway.In video from YouTube user Roberto Cruz, the truck cruises down the 405 South, a main public highway. We mention the public highway part because, as a prototype, the vehicle and its manufacturer plates only technically clear its use for testing purposes, and were not quite sure a night out at Nobu and a drive back on the 405 counts, there.The Cybertrucks tires are wider than the body, something also not allowed for new vehicles. Plus it lacks physical rearview mirrors, as you couldve guessed from Musk hitting that pylon.So, a whole bunch of no-nos from the CEO and his wild Blade Runner truck. But, once again, it was likely done to make us journalists take notice, and write a bunch of articles about it. Pretty clever for a guy that breaks the windows of his own truck and knocks over traffic
Origin: Watch: Tesla Cybertruck rolls into intersection, knocking over traffic sign
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