2019 Tokyo motor show preview – one week to go

Every edition of the biennial Tokyo motor show explores a different facet of Japan’s unique automotive industry. Some put an unabashed focus on performance while others place technology front and centre. What never changes is that the event is dominated by Japanese carmakers, you won’t hear much from European, American and other Asian brands, and the companies that display cars in Japan’s capital are on a bold quest to show their wild side. This is their chance to shine on their home turf. The 2019 Tokyo motor show opening its doors on October 24 will, somewhat unsurprisingly, highlight electrification. Most of the production and concept cars scheduled to break cover during the event will incorporate some degree of electrification, whether it’s mild hybrid technology or a battery-powered drivetrain. Here are the cars we expect to see in the Big Sight convention centre, though keep in mind carmakers often announce new models days, hours and minutes before the start of the show. Honda 2020 Jazz The next-generation Honda Jazz (known as the Fit in some markets) will exclusively be available with petrol-electric hybrid powertrains. Honda previously explained it developed a more compact version of the twin-motor i-MMD hybrid technology that equips the CR-V to use in smaller cars. While additional details remain few and far between, spy shots show a front end that falls in line with Honda’s current design language and familiar proportions. Jazz sales will begin in early 2020. Although it has historically lagged behind its rivals, it’s a hugely important model because it’s Honda’s best-seller in the UK. Lexus Electric car concept The concept Lexus will introduce in Tokyo will take it into the electric car segment for the first time. It’s a small, city-friendly model with a tall roof that clears up a generous amount of cabin space. Screens positioned on either side of the steering wheel display the infotainment system and the model relies on innovative in-wheel electric motors for power. While it will be presented as a simple design study, Lexus strongly hinted at least some parts of it will reach production in the coming years. “We feel that our future could resemble this design,” Lexus vice-president Koji Sato told Autocar. Mazda 2020 production EV Mazda’s Wankel rotary engine will make a long-awaited comeback in Tokyo but don’t look for a follow-up to the RX-8 on the show floor. It will perform range-extending duties in the company’s first series-produced electric car. We haven’t seen it yet, the test mules are all disguised as CX-30s, but we know it will arrive as a standalone model rather than as a battery-powered variant of an existing nameplate. It will be an SUV with a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack that zaps a 140bhp motor into motion. Mitsubishi MI-Tech Concept Mitsubishi’s Tokyo-bound concept will primarily serve as a preview of its next plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which swaps the traditional combustion engine for a gas turbine generator. The company pointed out it made the powertrain smaller and lighter than the one currently found in the Outlander in order to electrify more compact models like the Eclipse Cross. A selection of preview images show the technology will be showcased in a futuristic-looking SUV with externally-mounted speakers and carbonfibre inserts. Expect the powertrain, not the concept, to reach showrooms in the coming years. Nissan IMk concept As with most Japanese kei cars, Nissan’s new IMk concept is tall, boxy and geared towards urban mobility, but, in a break from convention, sits atop an all-new EV platform and showcases the firm’s plans for the future of small cars. The concept builds upon Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility programme with a lounge-style interior and lack of physical controls, and early suggestions are that it could be sold globally. Subaru 2020 Levorg The next generation of Subaru’s Levorg estate will arrive with a more streamlined design and an array of electronic driving aids. The company’s teaser video noted we’re “in an era where autonomous driving technology is widely spreading” so it’s reasonable to assume the scope of its EyeSight suite of driver assistance features will be expanded. At the other end of the spectrum, Subaru will send off the 20-year old EJ20 flat-four engine with a commemorative WRX STI limited to 555 examples. Suzuki Waku Suzuki’s big themes for Tokyo are mobility and personality, as embodied by its retro-styled show star – the Waku. An ultra compact plug-in hybrid, the Waku features a number of design elements that can be swapped out according to personal preference, and is intended for families to “share fun and excitement”. Hanare The Hanare, taking its name from the Japanese for a small dwelling attached to a house, is Suzuki’s take on the autonomous shuttle. As with the Waku, it blends futuristic technology with 1960s-style design elements, and is said to be fully
Origin: 2019 Tokyo motor show preview – one week to go

Updated: 2019 Tokyo motor show preview – the star cars

Motor Mouth: Will Porsche’s Taycan challenge Tesla’s EV hegemony?

It just debuted two days ago, but Porsche has already taken some 30,000 deposits for its new Taycan. Not exactly Tesla numbers, but impressive nonetheless. Closer to home, more than 1,000 Canadians have plunked down $2,500 hoping to secure one of the first electrified Porsche four-doors to hit the street. Again, neither number rivals the multitudes that offered up deposits on Teslas Model 3, but Taycan does play in an entirely different snack bracket.A more appropriate context, then, might be to note that said deposits are roughly equal to the number of 911s that Porsche Canada sells in its best of years. In other words, September 4s worldwide launch of the Taycan was a very good day at the office for Porsche Canadas president and CEO, Marc Ouayoun.Now, never mind that a few of those chomping at the bit may well be put off by the Taycans price the base Turbo starts at $173,900 and the Turbo S is a wallet-stretching $213,900. If that means Porsche has finally brought profitability to the electric vehicle segment, so much the better.More important is that the company is depending on the Taycan to be successful, Detlev von Platen, Porsches executive board member for sales and marketing, telling the launch event attendees the company will be investing over US$6 billion in battery power over the next few years and expects more than 50 per cent of the companys cars to be electrified within the next decade. In other words, Porsche needs the Taycan to be successful.And more important than that is that the automotive industry needs the Taycan to be successful. So far, the electric vehicle segment has been all Tesla, the Silicon Valley upstart the only truly successful purveyor of battery power. Yes, I know Nissans Leaf remains the best-selling EV of all time, but, while semi-plentiful, its actually selling well below barely 10 per cent of initial projections what was predicted when it was introduced ten years ago.What the Tesla faithful don’t realize is their devotion is counter-productive to the propagation of EVsTesla, meanwhile, has become the poster child for planet-friendly motoring, Elon Musks decision whether it was brilliant insight or bulls%^t luck really doesnt matter to focus on the luxury segment proving to be providential. Whither goes Tesla, it now seems, goes the entire electric vehicle industry.The problem is that Mr. Musks influence and the cult-like devotion it has engendered is not good for anyone except Tesla shareholders.Whether youre a fan of long-range plug-ins or prefer fuel cells, it is not so much that Tesla is winning, but that Mr. Musk so dominates the conversation surrounding EVs that it stifles discussion into what a truly multi-platform zero-emissions future might look like.Now, to be certain, the company and man for they are one and the same deserve all the accolades they have received for a) creating the luxury EV segment where none existed and b) legitimizing the concept of the battery-powered car in the eyes of a formerly skeptical audience. For that, Mr. Musk will undoubtedly be lauded in history books as the founder of a movement.Um @Porsche, this word Turbo does not mean what you think it does Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 5, 2019The problem is that said worship has gone too far, creating disciples for whom any dissent, any mention of competitive brands is seen as traitorous. In my 35 years in this biz, I have see nothing not the Ford-versus-Chevy wars, not Jeep Wrangler aficionados, not even one-per-centers devoted to their Hogs to match the cult-like allegiance Tesla enjoys amongst its minions.Unfortunately, that deference is stifling competition. Despite the deception that traditional automakers are dragging their heels on electrification, nothing could be further from the truth. The problem they all face is that, any time they introduce a (costly-to-develop) EV, they are met with the mildest of mehs.Initially, they were decried as too ugly (Chevys Bolt), too slow (the Kia Soul) or lacking in panache (pretty much everyone). But, then Jaguar came out with the I-Pace, offering both pedigree and panache. Yet they too were greeted with another giant yawn. Too slow, said the disciples, ignoring the fact theres more to a sporty automobile than Ludicrous acceleration. So I-Pace sales have crashed. Audis e-tron? Better, but hardly all-conquering, especially considering that the Model X with which it competes is the weakest model in Teslas lineup.And thats why the Taycan is so important. It meets every single objection even the most devoted of Teslarati could dream up. Brand image? None is stronger than Porsches. Build quality? Ditto. Beauty? The Taycan is the four-door 911 that Porsche always promised the Panamera would be. Ludicrously fast? My Lord, yes. Toss in handling that is all but a match for the best of supercars and you have a car that is markedly superior to the Tesla Model S it ostensibly competes with.Oh, the haters will no doubt point to its price
Origin: Motor Mouth: Will Porsche’s Taycan challenge Tesla’s EV hegemony?

Frankfurt motor show 2019: Live blog, updates and pictures

Welcome to Autocar’s extended coverage of the Frankfurt motor show, one of Europe’s major motoring events and the place to see an extensive list of new cars make their debut. Traditionally the world’s largest motor show, Frankfurt sees the automotive industry descend on the city every two years to see new metal for the first time. This year is no exception, with game-changing unveilings from, Volkswagen, Land Rover and more. Electric cars promise to be big news at this year’s show, with the Volkswagen ID 3 having made its global debut, along with the Honda E, Porsche Taycan, Peugeot e-2008 and more all making an appearance. That said, there will no doubt still be quite a crowd gathered around conventionally fuelled new cars – especially the reborn Land Rover Defender, which is almost certain to dominate proceedings. We’re on site in Frankfurt to bring you every single reveal, so be sure to follow along with our live blog, and on our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channels for up-to-the-minute news and images. Frankfurt motor show 2019: Live blog 07:15 Tuesday 10th September First announcement of the morning comes from Hyundai, with the 1970’s-inspired 45 Concept. Expected to eventually enter production, the electric crossover uses strong angles and lots of LEDs to make a visual statement while the interior hints at an autonomous future. Even before last night’s big ID 3 reveal, it was clear this year’s Frankfurt show was going to heavily feature electrification. With tough new emissions targets about to be introduced, car firms are having to push EVs and alternative powertrains like never before, argues Hilton Holloway. Environmental protestors have pledged to picket the show for weeks now, and it appears Greenpeace are leading the way this morning at the event entrance in Frankfurt. Further demos have been pledged throughout the day, with more disruptive protesters having hinted at picketing some of the press conferences. Kudos then to VW Group boss Herbert Diess, who went head to head with one of the protest group leaders in a live web debate on the subject, outlining why he believed a world without personal transport was unviable, how cars like the ID3 can be part of the environmental solution. 07:00 Tuesday 10th September Welcome back to our Frankfurt coverage. The show floor officially opens this morning, and we’ll be there to see all the new reveals. Overnight saw Audi announce the redesigned RS7 Sportback, which shares its 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 and 48v mild hybrid powertrain with the RS6 Avant. In the RS7, it results in a 0-62mph time of 3.6 seconds and 189mph top speed if you opt for the derestricted Dynamic Plus pack. “The beauty and the beast” is how Audi Sport managing director Oliver Hoffmann descries the new RS6 and RS7. Which one’s which, you ask? Anything and everything appears to be on the cards for Audi Sport as part of its expansion plans – even an RS8. “We have the S8, but there’s no decision yet on an RS8,” said Oliver Hoffmann. Nothing has been ruled out at Audi Sport for now. 21:00 Monday 9th September With all the covers at VW’s Group night now removed and all the cars on display, we’re nearing the end of the first day at Frankfurt – but there’s plenty more to come. Make sure to set your alarms as tomorrow morning sees new metal from BMW, Audi and Hyundai. It’s Land Rover that’s almost certain to steal all the attention, though. It is set to reveal the all-new Defender at 9am BST. We’ll have all the details here on the site, and you can watch the livestream right here: 20:30 Monday 9th September News editor Lawrence Allan says he is “certainly impressed by the cabin tech of the ID 3”, but thinks the material quality (traditionally a VW hallmark) doesn’t seem up to Golf standards: “There’s more hard plastics and plain surfaces than I expected – but maybe that’s the price to pay for an EV offering of relative value. Hey, it’s worked for Tesla…”. 20:15 Monday 9th September The Volkswagen ID 3 was the big star of the traditional pre-show VW Group Night, but once the new EV had its starring moment, those in attendance got to glimpse some of the other new machines from the group’s various brands. They included the new Porsche Taycan, which was revealed last week but is making its public debut in Frankfurt. Also on display was the new Audi Sport RS7, which hasn’t actually been officially revealed yet. So while we can show you a picture, we can’t give you full details yet (we suggest you keep an eye on autocar.co.uk for full details soon. 20:00 Monday 9th September Hybrid and electric car customers typically need more support from retailers before they commit to a purchase, according to Mercedes-Benz’s head of sales and marketing Britta Seeger. “While many are very well informed, we take the time to identify if the car really suits their needs,” she said. “These are big changes, and it is right that customers take their
Origin: Frankfurt motor show 2019: Live blog, updates and pictures

Frankfurt motor show 2019 preview: one week to go

The Frankfurt motor show is traditionally one of the biggest events on the motoring calendar, and this year is no exception, with game-changing unveilings expected from Porsche, Volkswagen, Land Rover and more. Especially notable this year is a heightened emphasis on new electric cars. As well as the Volkswagen ID 3, we’ll also get a look at the Honda E, Porsche Taycan, Peugeot e-2008 and others as manufacturers hit the ground running with plans for universal electrification. That being said, there will no doubt be quite a crowd gathered around conventionally fuelled new cars like the Land Rover Defender, Audi RS7 and BMW X6. We’ve been getting ready for the show, and have compiled a list of all the important models we’re expecting to see when the doors open on 12 September. We’ll be updating it as we learn more, so keep an eye on our complete rundown to ensure you don’t miss a thing: Alpina B3 Biturbo We’ve still got a while to wait until BMW takes the wraps off the G20-gen M3, but tuning specialist Alpina is ready to unveil its M340i-based B3 Biturbo. Expected to make its debut in estate form, the B3 will fill the gap between the regular 3 Series and hot M3 with a 400bhp-plus 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six. Audi RS Q3 The wraps came off Audi’s new Q3 Sportback last month, and now Audi Sport’s RS-badged reworking is set to break cover at Frankfurt. The Mercedes-AMG GLB 45 rival has been driving around with minimal camouflage ahead of its arrival, and is expected to pack a 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine pumping out around 400bhp. RS6 Audi Sport’s flagship wagon retains its twin-turbo 4.0-litre petrol V8 as it moves into a fourth generation for 2020, with power upgraded to 591bhp to take on the Mercedes-AMG E63 S and BMW M5. Visual differences over the standard A6 include trademark chunkier wheel arches, larger air intakes and bigger wheels. RS7 Sportback The new RS7 Sportback will be the hero car for Audi Sport’s range of performance models, sharing a 600bhp-plus V8 with the RS6. As with the outgoing variant, power will be sent to all four wheels by way of an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while an 80kg weight loss should bring subtle performance gains. A3 Audi will introduce the fourth generation of its popular A3 in 2020 and is expected to show off the Volkswagen Golf rival at Frankfurt. Its launch has been pushed back due to Audi’s struggles with WLTP emissions testing and a heightened focus on EV development, but the company promises the new A3 will be the most advanced car in its segment and set new standards of refinement. S8, SQ8 and Q7 facelift We’ll also get our first in-the-metal look at the S8 performance saloon, one of only two models in Audi’s S range to retain a petrol powerplant, as well as the new SQ8 hot SUV and facelifted Q7 seven-seater. BMW X6 The recently revealed third-generation X6 will make its public debut in Frankfurt before it enters UK showrooms, priced from around £63,000. The coupé-style high-rider’s looks have been brought into line with the brand’s current design language, and a refreshed range of powertrain options is headed up by a 523bhp 4.4-litre petrol V8 yielding a claimed 0-62mph time of 4.3sec and a limited 155mph top speed. Vision M Next The Vision M concept is BMW’s idea of what a comeback for the M1 supercar of 1978 might look like. Previewing a production sports car tipped to arrive before 2025, the Vision M packs a 591bhp petrol-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain that’s also destined to appear in more mainstream BMW M performance models further down the line. Cupra Tavascan Seat’s newly hived-off performance brand Cupra will show off the Tavascan as a concept version of its first EV, which takes the form of a coupé-style SUV based on the Volkswagen Group’s universal MEB architecture. Its rakish roofline, angular front end and distinctive headlight design imply the production model will be a performance-oriented reworking of the Seat el-Born electric hatchback. Honda The Honda E electric city car was first revealed in 95%-production-ready prototype guise at the Geneva motor show in March, but it’s finally ready to emerge in its final form before customer deliveries begin next year. Expect little to change in the way of styling, with more than 6000 UK buyers alone having already expressed interest in buying an E. Hyundai Electric racer Frankfurt will see the unveiling of Hyundai’s first all-electric race car, which has been developed in Germany and previewed in a series of videos posted to the firm’s Twitter feed. Details remain scarce, but the new model is likely to be based on the existing i30 N TCR customer racer. Last year, rival firm Cupra revealed early details of the 670bhp Seat Leon-based e-Racer, to enter an upcoming electric touring car race series, which Hyundai is also expected to support. Electric concept car Hyundai will also show off its new ’45’
Origin: Frankfurt motor show 2019 preview: one week to go

Volkswagen to reveal new logo at Frankfurt motor show

Volkswagen will unveil a redesigned logo as part of a major rebranding at this year’s Frankfurt motor show, coinciding with the launch of the new ID 3 electric hatchback. Called New Volkswagen, it has been developed to make the brand appear “significantly younger, more digital and more modern”. It has been in development for more than three years and has its roots in the changes the firm has made following the Dieselgate emissions cheating scandal. The rebranding will coincide with the launch of the ID 3, the first production vehicle based on the Volkswagen Group’s fully electric MEB platform. But the first vehicle to go on sale bearing the new logo will be the eighth-generation Golf, which is due to be launched later this year before going on sale in early 2020. Volkswagen’s current logo has been in use since 2010. The new one maintains the letters V and W in a circle but is a simpler, two-dimensional design, with the letters no longer touching. It will be presented on cars in gloss white on a black background, although this can be changed; future GTI models will feature a red version of the logo. It was developed entirely in-house by the firm. Volkswagen marketing boss Jochen Sengpiehl said that the current ‘3D’ logo had “become a bit heavy, somewhat immobile, especially in today’s digital era”. He added: “The new logo has been reduced to its essential components. It’s flat, open, full of contrast and clearly perceived. The new logo is not just a logo but an icon.” Sengpiehl added that a particular focus had been placed on how the logo would appear in digital form. The rebranding will also include a new typeface and the addition of light blue alongside white and dark blue as Volkswagen’s official brand colours. Volkswagen’s chief operating officer, Ralf Brandstätter, said the new logo is the “logical consequence” of changes the firm has undergone in the wake of Dieselgate, including a heavy focus on electrification and reducing its CO2 emissions. Volkswagen has also simplified its product range, introduced greater regional focus and reduced the number of parts used in production. “What began as a fundamental crisis turned out to be a catalyst for the transformation of Volkswagen,” said Brandstätter. “Now it’s time to boldly move forward. We plan to be the world market leader in electric mobility by 2025, which means selling one million EVs per year by then.” He added: “Volkswagen is on its way to emissions-free mobility for all. It’s our mindset, not a claim in advertising. We want to make mobility emissions-free for everyone. It’s not going to happen overnight.” As part of the company restructuring, Volkswagen is also rethinking how it works with dealers. It has renegotiated contracts with European dealers so that it can deal with them more directly, and there will be greater use of digital platforms. The new logo will be shown in public at the Frankfurt motor show, when it will also be installed at the firm’s headquarters in Wolfsburg. Over the next two years, it will be rolled out across more than 10,000 dealers in 171 markets, with the firm estimating that a total of 70,000 logos will be
Origin: Volkswagen to reveal new logo at Frankfurt motor show

2019 British Columbia Historic Motor Races

An eclectic mix of vintage race cars led by Karlo Flores in his Bugeye Sprite (#59) during last years B.C. Historic Motor Race weekend in Mission.Brent Martin VANCOUVER This weekend marks the annual jump in the way back machine for local motorsport fans as the Vintage Racing Club of British Columbia hosts the 32nd running of the British Columbia Historic Motor Races.Western Canadas biggest vintage motorsport event hits the Mission Raceway Park Road Course tomorrow and Sunday, and will feature 100 or so vintage and historic racing cars being driven hard to the delight of several thousand spectators. For 2019, the BCHMR plans to again feature the Hagerty Formula Festival for the very quick open-wheel racing cars, the very popular combined races for the vintage sedans and sports cars that many fans remember from their younger days, as well as a third edition of the one-hour Enduro.Also returning for is the very popular Ride in a Real Racing Car, where for a nominal contribution to a local charity, the Mission Hospice Society, fans can go for a ride on the track with a racing driver in one of the days cars during the lunch break of each of the two race days.In addition, there will be a 120-car display, dubbed the Field of Dreams, in a special spectator area, along with sponsors booths offering everything fromAutomobile and artwork, to automotive product displays. The food concessions, informative trackside commentary and excellent grandstand viewing, all make this an entertaining weekend for families as well as long time motorsports enthusiasts.For more details visit vrcbc.ca or
Origin: 2019 British Columbia Historic Motor Races

Motor Mouth: More ignorant grandstanding about motorcycling

In this file photo, one person was taken to hospital with critical injuries after a motorcycle collided with a van on Portage Avenue in Winnipeg on Saturday, June 2, 2018.Chris Procaylo / Winnipeg Sun I dont know Liz Braun. Despite the fact she works for Postmedia, as do I, our paths have never crossed. According to her company bio, though, she is the Suns film critic. Thats her official title. Unofficially, I take it shes also their general curmudgeon. That is all I know about Liz Braun.Oh, and maybe one last thing: She really has her head up her you-know-what when it comes to motorcycles and the people who ride them. That, it seems, did not stop her from writing the most salacious of screeds: Put your motorcycle in the garage and never take it out again, essentially a lecture on the dangers of motorcycling that denigrates both motorcyclists and motorcyclingIts always difficult to know where to start in debunking myths surrounding motorcycling, but the first thing that stands out about this article is trying to determine what exactly Ms. Brauns motivations were other than venting of spleen in writing Just leave the bike at home. Everyone who loves you will be grateful. One assumes (hopes?) that her quoting motorcycle fatality statistics might be some public service message to warn off unsuspecting souls unaware that riding a motorcycle is dangerous. But, heres a tip for Ms. Braun or, in fact, anyone looking to warn us bikers to the dangers of motorcycling: Our mothers beat you to it. Quite some time ago, in fact. Nothing you wrote or could write could match the talk we had when our dear mothers discovered we were hiding Cycle World under our beds or sneaking rides on cousin Bobs Honda Z50. We know motorcycling is dangerous, Liz. Just like boxing, no sentient being can don protective headgear and climb into the ring or onto the saddle without some understanding that the activity they are about to engage might have dire consequences. We understand the risks, accept the dangers, and most importantly, welcome the responsibility. Motorcyclists relish the fact that balancing on two wheels requires more skill than driving a cager. Its part of the reason we ride.More interesting, however, is that Ms. Braun introduces her entire rant by acknowledging that motorcyclists are not at fault in many of their, lets call them interactions with automobiles: In the off-chance you hadnt noticed, people dont stop at red lights any more, rarely signal lane changes fail to check their blind spot, tailgate, speed, drive under the influence and use their phones while operating their vehicle. In other words, the worse people drive, the bigger your risk.Now and this, as the kids say, Liz, is where the st just got real Im pretty sure that victim blaming is a bad thing. In fact, from what I read in the papers, it might be a really bad thing. I am neither, as many will note, a sensitive man, nor, as even more will attest, the brightest bulb in the socket, but even I know that were you to blame victims of assault for the clothes they wore, the professions they chose or, yes, even how much alcohol they had consumed, youd be ridden out of town on a rail. Actually, more like a razor blade. Seriously, Liz, you want us to stop our behaviour because males oops, that just slipped out drivers cant behave properly? Thats really your solution?I’m pretty sure that victim blaming is a bad thingMs. Braun does go on to provide a few tips from soon-to-be-retired Toronto Police Services Alex Crews on how to ride safe. Unfortunately, they fall into the been there, done that category of admonishments wear bright clothing, drive defensively, etc. that pretty much every motorcyclist already knows. (Note: the one good bit of advice Ms. Braun does quote is to pay attention at intersections; motorists are forever turning left in front of motorcyclists they didnt see.)If Ms. Braun had done just a little more homework by the way, Liz, motorcyclists are 13.5 times more likely to die than an occupant of a car, still egregious but not the 27 times you cite she might have had a few more effective tips to even out her diatribe. According to the Canada Safety Council, for instance, mandatory motorcycle training can reduce rider fatalities by as much as 46 per cent. Motorcycles with ABS are 37 per cent less likely to be in a fatal collision than those without. Indeed, I wrote my engineering thesis on the potential benefits (at the time, no bikes were so-equipped) of anti-lock brakes for motorcycles and came to the conclusion that ABS would be the single most effective safety technology for motorcycles. I guess not much has changed in 37 years.And what about a quick word, Liz, on the fact alcohol has an even greater effect on motorcyclists than car drivers that whole walk in a straight line balance thing and so reduces a riders care and control at comparatively minuscule blood/alcohol levels. In Ontario, for instance, 25 per cent of
Origin: Motor Mouth: More ignorant grandstanding about motorcycling

Updated: Frankfurt motor show 2019 preview

The Frankfurt motor show is traditionally one of the biggest events on the motoring calendar, and this year is no exception, with game-changing unveilings expected from Porsche, Volkswagen, Land Rover and more. Especially notable this year is a heightened emphasis on new electric cars. As well as the Volkswagen ID 3, we’ll also get a look at the Honda E, Porsche Taycan, Peugeot e-2008 and others as manufacturers hit the ground running with plans for universal electrification. That being said, there will no doubt be quite a crowd gathered around conventionally fuelled new cars like the Land Rover Defender, Audi RS7 and BMW X6. We’ve been getting ready for the show, and have compiled a list of all the important models we’re expecting to see when the doors open on 12 September. We’ll be updating it as we learn more, so keep an eye on our complete rundown to ensure you don’t miss a thing: Audi RS6 Audi Sport’s flagship wagon will retain its twin-turbo 4.0-litre petrol V8 as it moves into a fourth generation for 2020, with power upgraded to around 605bhp to take on the Mercedes-AMG E63 S and BMW M5. Expect visual differences over the standard A6 to include trademark chunkier wheel arches, larger air intakes and bigger wheels. RS7 Sportback The new RS7 Sportback will be the hero car for Audi Sport’s range of performance models, sharing a 600bhp-plus V8 with the RS6. As with the outgoing variant, power will be sent to all four wheels by way of an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while an 80kg weight loss should bring subtle performance gains. A3 Audi will introduce the fourth generation of its popular A3 in 2020 and is expected to show off the Volkswagen Golf rival at Frankfurt. Its launch has been pushed back due to Audi’s struggles with WLTP emissions testing and a heightened focus on EV development, but the company promises the new A3 will be the most advanced car in its segment and set new standards of refinement. S8, SQ8 and Q7 facelift We’ll also get our first in-the-metal look at the S8 performance saloon, one of only two models in Audi’s S range to retain a petrol powerplant, as well as the new SQ8 hot SUV and facelifted Q7 seven-seater. BMW X6 The recently revealed third-generation X6 will make its public debut in Frankfurt before it enters UK showrooms, priced from around £63,000. The coupé-style high-rider’s looks have been brought into line with the brand’s current design language, and a refreshed range of powertrain options is headed up by a 523bhp 4.4-litre petrol V8 yielding a claimed 0-62mph time of 4.3sec and a limited 155mph top speed. Vision M Next The Vision M concept is BMW’s idea of what a comeback for the M1 supercar of 1978 might look like. Previewing a production sports car tipped to arrive before 2025, the Vision M packs a 591bhp petrol-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain that’s also destined to appear in more mainstream BMW M performance models further down the line. Cupra Electric concept Seat’s newly hived-off performance brand Cupra will show off a concept version of its first EV, which will take the form of a coupé-style SUV based on the Volkswagen Group’s universal MEB architecture. Previews show a rakish roofline, angular front end and distinctive headlight design, implying it will be a performance-oriented reworking of the Seat el-Born electric hatchback. Honda The Honda E electric city car was first revealed in 95%-production-ready prototype guise at the Geneva motor show in March, but it’s finally ready to emerge in its final form before customer deliveries begin next year. Expect little to change in the way of styling, with more than 6000 UK buyers alone having already expressed interest in buying an E. Hyundai Electric racer Frankfurt will see the unveiling of Hyundai’s first all-electric race car, which has been developed in Germany and previewed in a series of videos posted to the firm’s Twitter feed. Details remain scarce, but the new model is likely to be based on the existing i30 N TCR customer racer. Last year, rival firm Cupra revealed early details of the 670bhp Seat Leon-based e-Racer, to enter an upcoming electric touring car race series, which Hyundai is also expected to support. i10 Heavily disguised prototypes of Hyundai’s new i10 supermini maintain the Volkswagen Up rival’s compact footprint and appear to show a subtle evolution of its design, rather than a radical overhaul. It’s not yet known whether Hyundai is bringing a production-ready model or a concept to Frankfurt, but we expect the new i10 to share a platform with the latest Kia Picanto and offer a range of small-capacity petrol engines. Lamborghini Hybrid hypercar Lamborghini is readying a replacement for its Aventador flagship for 2020, and reports suggest it will be previewed by a low-volume, £2 million hybridised hypercar being revealed at Frankfurt. Prospective buyers got a look at the new model last year,
Origin: Updated: Frankfurt motor show 2019 preview

Motor Mouth: Which of these EV pickup concepts have the best chance of reaching production?

Its only a matter of time before pickup trucks become electrified.Brendan McAleer / Handout / Driving / GMC It was inevitable. Inescapable, really. Money, as they say, follows markets and there’s simply no market bigger right now than the gargantuan pickups that have, quite literally, taken over North America. Marry that predilection with the headlines surrounding pretty much anything electric and it’s amazing we’re not already awash in plug-in pickups. Actually, if Tesla’s biannual financial funk gets any deeper, Elon Musk may start taking deposits soon. Cynicism regarding Musk’s business practices aside, Tesla’s success has emboldened all manner of startups — Rivian, Atlis, and others — to build their own electric colossus, each vying to stuff more lithium-ions into their truck beds than the next. Even General Motors and Ford are leaping — OK, taking baby steps — into the segment themselves, worried the proverbial rock-and-hard-place that is consumer demand for ever more trucks versus increasingly stringent emissions standards may eventually limit how many profit-producing pickups they’ll be allowed to sell. So Motor Mouth decided to evaluate the major players in this burgeoning market; one eye trying to determine which ones will actually get produced, the other gauging their chances of success. And to measure each player’s chances, we have introduced a new rating system — the Motor Mouth Vapourware Index. Using our new VI index is easy: Our best score of zero represents an absolute certainty of success — a “dead cert,” if you will — while the maximum 10 denotes approximately the same probability of anyone actually driving, say, a Faraday Future vehicle. Tesla pickup — as inevitable as an inappropriate Elon Musk tweet A fan rendering of Tesla’s upcoming pickup truck Stephen William Mason There is little doubt Tesla will produce a pick-me-up sometime in the future. And, whatever its guise, it will likely be a grand success, loyal Teslarati likely to park one right beside the Range Rover that’s never seen a dirt road or the Ferrari that’s never been to a racetrack. Exactly what will power these “cyberpunk Blade Runners” — quite literally Musk’s description for his new pickup — remains speculation, but he has promised a range of 500 miles (800 kilometres), meaning — if the Model X is any indication — it eats up about 40 kWh every 160 kilometres of driving. We’re looking at about 200 kWh of lithium ion. That’s US$40,000 worth of battery, which means there will be precious little change from CDN$100,000. Nonetheless, look for them to be a plague at high-end craft meets. Motor Mouth VI: 0 Rivian R1T — the new darling of the plug-in set 2019 Rivian R1T Electric Truck Handout / Rivian Rivian is the one manufacturer threatening Tesla’s stranglehold on EV hype, its marketing just the right combination of exaggeration and outright hyperbole. Beyond the standard puffery — the R1T’s 180 kWh battery has inspired truly headline-grabbing embellishments — there’s some pretty nifty design, like the innovative ski pass-thru that reveals inventiveness beyond mere emissions reduction. Ford has invested heavily in Rivian, and R1T test mules were actually disguised as F-150s to prevent detection, which begs the question: Will Rivian produce electrified pickups under its own badge, or will the guppy get swallowed by the whale? Whatever the case, the R1T (or something using its technology) will hit streets. Motor Mouth VI: 4 as a standalone marque, 1 as a rebadged Ford Workhorse W-15 — perhaps a little too practical for its own good The Workhorse electric truck concept. Handout / Workhorse Workhorse is in negotiations to buy the shuttered Lordstown plant from General Motors, so one has to assume it intends to produce something that resembles its much-ballyhooed W-15. That said, the deal — contrary to Donald Trump’s recent tweet — is not final, rendering the promise of 2019 deliveries somewhat fanciful. Nonetheless, Workhorse stands out in this crowd with its decision to use a more practical plug-in hybrid powertrain. Oh, its 60-kWh battery does promise 80 miles (128 kilometres) of electric-only driving, but its BMW-supplied range extender allows 310 miles (500 kilometres) more gasoline-fueled range. The W-15 is set to start at about US$50,000 and will have the capacity to power your house in an emergency. Indeed, the only knock on the Workhorse may be that it is both practical and affordable, both qualities the EV crowd seems to find unappealing. Motor Mouth VI: Eventually 1, but a 7 going by the initial promise of this year Bollinger B2 — modest goals mean this “electrified Hummer” has an off chance to make it to market The Bollinger B2 electric truck Handout / Bollinger Unlike the rest of the plug-in pickups discussed here, the Bollinger is not looking to impress nouveau-riche dilettantes. It boasts but 200 miles (320 kilometres) of range despite carrying no less than a 120-kWh of Li-ion in its
Origin: Motor Mouth: Which of these EV pickup concepts have the best chance of reaching production?