Just as the eighth generation defines the Corvette formula, so does its steering wheel with its leather-wrapped, squared-off shape to enhance visibility and comfort.Chevrolet Chevrolet confirmed July 15 that the 2020 next-gen Corvette will continue to wear the Stingray badge first reintroduced on the C7, and also showed off the upcoming cars new two-spoke steering wheel.The C8-generation Corvette bows in just three more days, on July 18, and with anticipation running high, the automaker has been teasing some final bits and pieces of the cars to build hype to a crescendo.Besides its own efforts, a handful of leaked images of the new car have been stoking conversations, too. As was expected, the C8 Corvette seems to have inspired some divisiveness among enthusiasts, even just from those blurry photos and subtle teasers.Some fans, for example, took to criticizing the functionality and design of the new steering wheel as soon as Chevrolet showed it off last week and implied itd already soured them on the rest of the car. Others pushed back, noting two-spoke wheels are not uncommon in motorsports.At least the cars use of the Stingray name shouldnt prove too controversial. Sting Ray first showed up on the second-gen C2 Corvette, in 1963, then became one word Stingray when stuck to the fenders of the C3 in 1968. The badge was dropped in 1976, before the C3 generation saw its end in 1982.Chevrolet said July 8 the Corvette C8s full reveal on July 18 in Orange County, California will be livestreamed online, at 10:30 EDT (7:30 PDT). Following the reveal and through to early 2020, the new Corvette will go on a tour of some 125 U.S. dealerships on the East and West
Origin: 2020 Corvette confirmed to wear ‘Stingray’ badge, steering wheel teased
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Fiat Chrysler faces lawsuit over Jeep steering wobble
2018 Jeep Wrangler RubiconJeep Fiat Chrysler’s lawyers have been having a good year, financially speaking. The latest overtime they’re taking on comes thanks to a New Jersey resident who’s behind a new class-action lawsuit recently filed against the international automaker. The suit claims Fiat Chrysler Automobiles defectively designed and/or manufactured front axle and damping system,” which, when triggered, can cause the steering of Jeep Wranglers made from 2015 to 2018 to shake while travelling over certain speeds or terrain, and that it didn’t warn drivers about the flaw. The Wrangler’s solid front axle allegedly can’t handle the road the same way the suspension can, occasionally causing the front axle and steering to fall out of line and begin oscillating at highway speeds, reports the Detroit Free Press. The automaker acknowledges the issue exists, but claims it’s due to faulty aftermarket equipment, damaged steering components and/or improper tire pressure, not bad building. No fatalities or injuries have been reported, but the suit takes aim at the fact FCA has neglected to declare the issue a safety hazard, and doesn’t warn potential buyers of the problem. “Rather than address it – or disclose its possibility and/or warn drivers at the point of sale – FCA simply claims in a news article that the Death Wobble’ is not a safety issue’ and that it can happen with any vehicle that has a solid front axle (rather than an independent front suspension), such as the Wrangler,’” reads the lawsuit. The class-action litigation is seeking to force FCA to offer a buy-back program to affected drivers, along with punitive damages.
Origin: Fiat Chrysler faces lawsuit over Jeep steering wobble
New Flying Spur will be first Bentley with all-wheel steering
The third-generation Bentley Flying Spur will be the first model from the marque to receive all-wheel steering, as the car maker seeks to make its four-door luxury saloon the most dynamic yet. Alongside this, it will also feature active all-wheel drive and Bentley’s Dynamic ride system, as found on sibling model, the Continental GT. Bentley said the trio of systems promises “unparalleled agility in the segment,” which includes the Rolls Royce Ghost and Mercedes-Maybach S 600. It added that the introduction of all-wheel steering will “enhance both stability at highway speeds and manoeuvrability around town”. The last two generations of Flying Spur used all-wheel drive, but the new model’s active system means drive is sent to the rear wheels in normal road conditions for a sportier feel. This latest image and video (below) shows the model undergoing final testing at Nardo test track. Bentley has also shown an image (above) of the door card which features three-dimensional, textured leather upholstery, a claimed world-first. The final clue Bentley has shown ahead of the Flying Spur’s full reveal is a video (below) of the car’s bonnet and Flying B emblem, which appears to have illuminated wings. The Crewe-based firm hopes that the upcoming Flying Spur, which will be unveiled on June 11, will appeal to a new generation of Bentley buyers. It will also aims to better distinguish the model from its two-door sibling, the Continental GT by having a more distinctive design with more defined surfaces. It is, however, based on the same MSB platform as its sibling, and uses familiar Bentley engines, including the 6.0-litre W12 and V8. It’s also expected to be the next Bentley to receive a V6-powered plug-in hybrid. An electrified version will be crucial to bolster Bentley sales in China, among other markets. Bentley said: “Both sports sedan and luxury limousine, Bentley’s all-new Flying Spur owes only its historic name to the preceding model and will deliver an unparalleled touring experience for the driver and passengers alike.” It added that the model is “ground up development that pushes the boundaries of both technology and craftsmanship to deliver segment-defining levels of performance and refinement”. Following the launch of the Flying Spur, the firm will turn its focus to what Autocar understands will be a next step in its design, promising a more radical change to something more fresh and modern. It is Bentley’s centenary year, and a host of celebrations in July will include a concept reveal showcasing “the future of grand touring”. Bentley, under the tenure of boss Adrian Hallmark, who joined last year from Jaguar Land Rover, is finalising its broader model strategy for the next few years, which is expected to focus on grand touring models and SUVs rather than sports
Origin: New Flying Spur will be first Bentley with all-wheel steering