Mercedes-Benz will move its S-Class flagship saloon to a new generation next year, and prototypes are beginning to drop disguise in new shots. Latest images show more of the BMW 7 Series rival’s overall profile, and we can see that the brand isn’t ditching the curvy surfacing of the outgoing model. It will have, however, a redesigned front end with lights inspired by the latest-generation CLS. A spy photographer previously managed to point their lens inside of a prototype, revealing Mercedes has totally redesigned the cabin around a large, portrait-oriented central touchscreen. The Tesla-style display is significantly larger than any screen Mercedes has offered in previous models, and detail shots show the bottom half of it is dedicated to the limo’s climate control functions, with touch-capacitive shortcut buttons below. It’s likely further updates to the brand’s already new MBUX user interface will boost features and usability, while the brand’s trademark digital dials are also visible. The seventh-generation S-Class looks set to regain its place at the forefront of the brand’s technical knowhow, with a range of new electrified powertrains and advanced driver assist features. Comfort and technology levels will take a boost with the target of lifting it beyond rivals such as the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series. The new Mercedes flagship, which is due in UK showrooms next year, has been developed to support two distinctly different saloon models for the first time. While standard versions are set to receive a range of plug-in hybrid drivetrains, the German car maker also plans to introduce an aerodynamically optimised pure-electric version that insiders say will serve as the flagship model for its new EQ electric vehicle sub-brand. Badged EQ S, the new model will offer a claimed range in excess of 310 miles on the latest WLTP test cycle when it goes on sale in 2022. Plug-in hybrid versions of the S-Class will feature part-time zero-emission capability for distances of up to 62 miles, together with the option of a newly developed 4Matic four-wheel-drive system with fully variable apportioning of drive between the front and rear axles. The EQ S forms part of Mercedes’ £9 billion programme to introduce more than 10 dedicated electric vehicles to the UK market within the next six years. In a further change, it is believed that Mercedes-Benz has decided to do away with its long tradition of offering the standard S-Class, which goes under the internal codename W223, with two different wheelbases. Nothing is official at this stage, but it is understood that the growth of the E-Class to a length of 4920mm is behind a decision to produce the new S-Class exclusively in long-wheelbase guise, with the car measuring around 5280mm in length. However, while the standard S-Class sits on the MRA platform, the more technically advanced four-wheel drive EQ S will be the first Mercedes-Benz model to be based on the new modular electric architecture (MEA) platform. Unlike the structures being developed to underpin smaller EQ models, it is not based on an existing platform but has been developed as dedicated EV architecture with a flat floor to house batteries. The drivelines set to power hybrid versions of the new S-Class are based around Mercedes’ latest 3.0-litre and 2.9-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines and the AMG-developed 4.0-litre V8, all of which operate in combination with a disc-shaped electric motor housed within the automatic gearbox and a lithium ion battery located in the boot floor. The pure-electric EQ S is set to receive two electric motors – one acting on the front axle and the other driving the rear – providing permanent four-wheel drive in all variants. In the upcoming EQ C, this set-up delivers more than 400bhp and some 516lb ft, although engineers involved on the development of the EQ S suggest it will offer even greater levels of power and torque, with a planned AMG performance model earmarked to produce more than 600bhp. Despite the differing platforms, both the standard S-Class and the EQ S are set to share the same active suspension system. A development of the existing S-Class’s AirMatic+ system, it works in combination with a 48V electrical architecture and a stereo camera that scans the road ahead to adjust the spring and damper action on each wheel, allowing it to not only counteract body lean in corners but also to better control pitch. Stylistically, the new S-Class is claimed to break new ground with a lineage that Mercedes-Benz design studio sources say will influence a whole new generation of models. Recent prototype spy shots preview a design that will feature distinctive tri-band LED multibeam headlights, a new interpretation of the classic Mercedes-Benz grille and door handles that retract back into the bodywork to help improve aerodynamic properties. It is understood that the EQ S will adopt its own distinct styling. Reflecting the
Origin: 2020 Mercedes S-Class seen testing with less disguise
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General Motors patents a slightly less annoying start-stop system
One of the many double-edged new features in vehicles is the modern start/stop system. Designed to save a few teaspoonfuls of fuel by shutting down a cars engine under certain conditions while its at rest, this invention amuses and annoys in equal measure.On one hand, it is saving fuel; on the other, it can kill power steering on some cars, and roar back to life with a rude judder in others.GM thinks it may have a way around some of these annoyances. At present, a start/stop system looks for a number of criteria before shutting down an engine, including road speed and accessory load. According to a new patent filed by The General, the addition of a camera and slick AI programming could make the systems that much more bearable. Using the cars onboard GPS to help determine location and situation, GMs patent will allow a start/stop system to recognize the difference between being in a parking lot or on the 401 during rush hour. Combined with machine learning, it would theoretically be able to deactivate the start/stop during parking lot maneuvers, or when pulling into a driveway.Few things in this life are more irritating than a car shutting off the instant one stops outside their home only for it to fire again when the driver moves their foot off the brake. If the driver is not quick enough to clue into whats going on raises hand theres a good chance theyll stab a finger at the ignition button to turn off the car but, because the system has already turned the car off, such action results in the engine re-firing for no reason. It can be infuriating.Technically, the system could also read traffic data from the cloud in an attempt to prepare itself for start/stop duty when it might not otherwise be needed. If ones commute is generally light on traffic, such knowledge harvested from the cloud would allow the car to recognize upcoming congestion and permit the start/stop system to operate once thrust into that environment. Since the car is monitoring its whereabouts, Luddites will surely carp about privacy.Its an intriguing solution to a wholly self-created problem. Well keep our ears to the ground for more
Origin: General Motors patents a slightly less annoying start-stop system
New Jaguar F-Type: 2020 restyling shown with less disguise
Jaguar is in the process of testing an updated F-Type due for reveal next year, and new shots give us the closest look yet at the external and internal changes for the new model. The photographs, taken near Jaguar Land Rover’s Gaydon technical HQ, show two prototypes are shedding camouflage as testing ramps up. We can now see the restyled front end more clearly, with a new clamshell bonnet, slim, angular LED headlights mounted lower down the nose and a more prominent grille. A look at the rear shows it retains the same vertical bootlid, but with new wraparound tail-lights and a reshaped bumper. A quick glimpse at the cabin doesn’t reveal much, but it looks like the infotainment has moved on a generation, while the rotary dial climate display remains. It’s expected that much of the more advanced technology and infotainment features from the I-Pace and the 2019 XE will make its way into the F-Type. That means new digital dials, a larger and more feature-laden touchscreen, and substantial upgrades to the materials. Jaguar Land Rover is now phasing out its long-running supercharged V6 in favour of a new turbocharged and hybridised straight six, and the F-Type will benefit from this more efficient powertrain. The turbocharged four-cylinder and supercharged V8 engines should be carried over to the new car with limited changes, however. Indeed, this prototype registers as a 5.0-litre V8, putting paid to rumours JLR would bring in a BMW-sourced 4.4-litre unit. What remains unclear is whether the new F-Type will retain a manual gearbox option. The current V6 is still offered with one in the UK, although it has reportedly been removed from sale in the US. Regardless, manuals account for a tiny fraction of overall F-Type sales. Jaguar’s priorities for 2019 are the roll-out of the new XE and the launch of a similarly updated XF and F-Pace. However, we could see the revised F-Type early on in 2020, with an on-sale date not soon after
Origin: New Jaguar F-Type: 2020 restyling shown with less disguise
Pedestrian avoidance technology much less effective at higher speeds: study
Clip from a AAA video of a pedestrian detection emergency braking system testAAA Cars equipped with pedestrian avoidance technology are a step in the right direction, but much more development is needed for them to be truly effective, a new AAA study, covered by Consumer Reports, shows.The systems in the four cars the group tested struggled, and ultimately failed, to find pedestrians at night, or upon executing right-hand turns at low speed. They also failed to avert disaster when at speeds of 48 km/h or higher.It’s a signal to manufacturers, and a reminder to consumers, that while technology to reduce pedestrian deaths is needed and being implemented, it has some severe limitations. You cannot hand over control of your car and disengage from the complex task of driving, no matter how many systems are being touted. Pedestrian detection is used in combination with automatic emergency braking systems; if the car detects a pedestrian the driver doesn’t, it will alert the driver and start to take action to slow or stop the car. It uses cameras, radar and sensors that allow the car to “see” a pedestrian, and should be very effective in urban areas at speed limits of up to 30 km/h. The AAA study is alarming because the four different vehicles they tested – Tesla Model 3, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Chevrolet Malibu – delivered underwhelming results.In daylight, at 32 km/h, the cars hit an adult pedestrian 60 per cent of the time. Even worse, “none of the test vehicles avoided a collision (or even mitigated the impact speed) with a pedestrian crossing the road immediately after the test vehicle, traveling at 15 mph (24 km/h), made a right-hand turn.”If you’re a little one, forget it: “If the test vehicles came across a child darting into traffic from in between two cars, with the test vehicle traveling at 20 mph (32 km/h), a collision occurred 89 per cent of the time; at 30 mph (48 km/h), none of the test vehicles avoided a collision.”Are we there yet? Nope. Don’t take your eyes from the road, be aware of your surroundings and don’t count on your car to save those around you — just
Origin: Pedestrian avoidance technology much less effective at higher speeds: study
The Toyota C-HR finally looks a little less wild for 2020
Toyota has refreshed the C-HR for the 2020 model year, and, joy of joys, its decided to make the styling less, uh, controversial, even if only slightly.Around the rear, the styling hasnt changed much or really at all. However, it was never the rear that we had a problem with, it was always the front.Mercifully, the face has become a little more conventional and even bears a slight resemblance to the Corolla Hatchback, which we think looks quite good. The front of the vehicle also gains adaptive LED headlights on Limited trims. New wheel designs are available in 17 and 18 inches, and there are a few new colour options to go along with the two-tone combinations.Also long overdue at Toyota is the inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility as standard features. An eight-way adjustable power drivers seat is now available on Limited trims as well.A modern car mid-cycle update isnt complete without the addition of the latest safety tech, and the 2020 C-HR is no different (despite its looks). Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control all come standard.XLE trims add Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Limited trim models come with Emergency Assistance Button, Enhanced Roadside Assistance and Stolen Vehicle Locator.Canadian pricing has not been announced, but we expect it to be a little more expensive than the outgoing model year, due to its much more handsome appearance and wealth of
Origin: The Toyota C-HR finally looks a little less wild for 2020
BMW iNext: high-tech electric SUV seen with less disguise
BMW’s long-awaited rival to the Audi E-Tron and Mercedes EQC, the electric iNext SUV, has been caught in prototype form giving us a much better look at its exterior design. The disguised test mule, snapped on the back of a trailer outside one of the brand’s German facilities, can be seen to feature styling distinctly different from the brand’s conventionally-powered SUVs. It sits lower to the ground and has a more streamlined shape than its size equivalent, the X5, which is conveniently parked above the iNext prototype on the trailer. The less upright design will improve aerodynamic properties, allowing it to a achieve an EV range tipped to be up to 400 miles in top variants. BMW continued the gradual unveiling of the iNext, due in 2021, last week with the reveal of a range of images depicting the advanced model’s polygonal-shaped steering wheel. A new interior shot shows that wheel in the prototype, although much of the car’s cabin is still covered up. Described as the first BMW model in which the driver is no longer required to take care of the task of driving, the iNext is fitted with a newly designed steering wheel conceived to allow the driver to easily switch between highly automated driving and active driving modes. It is the second interior detail from the production version of the iNext to be revealed, following official images showing its curved instrument display earlier this year. Inspired by the steering wheels used in BMW race cars, the new steering wheel uses flattened upper and lower sections. They are designed to make it easier to recognise the steering angle than in a conventional round steering wheel. “The moment the driver re-takes control of the vehicle, they can detect the steering angle instantly – both visually and by means of touch,” said BMW. Together with the curved instrument display, the new polygonal-shaped steering wheel forms part of what BMW says will be a “pioneering interior design” for the iNext, which has been confirmed to go into production in 2021 as a “new technological flagship” model for the German car maker. The iNext is a similar size to the conventionally fuelled BMW X5 and will form an integral part of the brand’s electrification strategy. The SUV’s new platform has been conceived as a multi-purpose architecture that will go on to underpin ICE vehicles, hybrids and pure-electric models from the 3 Series upwards, in line with BMW’s plans to produce all future vehicles on one of two platforms. It’s expected to share its powertrain in some form with the BMW i4, due next year, itself claimed to be capable of up to 373 miles of range. Given the extra space for battery capacity in the iNext’s body, higher range variants are
Origin: BMW iNext: high-tech electric SUV seen with less disguise
Ford’s aluminum F-150 costs less to repair than you think
2018 Ford F-150Handout / Ford Ford got its fair share of flack from the competition when it decided to build its best-selling truck out of aluminum instead of steel. Many consumers were also worried it wouldn’t be as strong and would be costlier to repair, but Ford is proving naysayers wrong. According to Automotive News, Ford designed the aluminum body with repairs in mind from the get-go, creating a brand new modular architecture that’s much easier to repair compared to steel-bodied vehicles. Parts have also reduced in cost by 16 per cent overall, when compared with steel replacements on 2014 model-year pickups. The Highway Loss Data Institute (HDLI) found the prices for the hood and taillights have dropped 43 per cent, and front bumpers have decreased 37 per cent. Unfortunately, rear bumpers and bedsides are costlier, though. The combination of easier repairs and cheaper parts means it costs less to fix an F-150 with an aluminum body compared to a steel one. Ford also heavily invested in its dealer network, making sure that they received proper training in order to work on the new vehicles. This included the installation of new equipment that cost the dealers between US$30,000 and US$50,000, though they could get a US$10,000 rebate. All this has resulted in a truck with an insurance claim severity that is roughly 7 per cent lower than steel-bodied trucks. Ford took a gamble and
Origin: Ford’s aluminum F-150 costs less to repair than you think
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