US President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as he departs the White House, in Washington, DC, on June 2, 2019.Jim Watson / Getty Images China on Friday announced tariff hikes on US$75 billion of U.S. products in retaliation for President Donald Trumps latest planned increase, deepening a conflict over trade and technology that threatens to tip a weakening global economy into recession.China also will increase import duties on U.S.-made autos and auto parts, the Finance Ministry announced.Tariffs of 10 per cent and 5 per cent will take effect on two batches of goods on September 1 and December 15, the ministry said in a statement. It gave no details of what goods would be affected but the timing matches Trumps planned duty hikes.A separate statement said tariffs of 25 per cent and 5 per cent would be imposed on U.S.-made autos and auto parts on December 15. Beijing announced that increase last year but suspended it after Trump and his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, agreed at a meeting in December in Argentina to put off further trade action while they negotiated.Trump and Xi agreed in June to resume negotiations. But talks in Shanghai in July ended with no indication of progress. Negotiators talked by phone this month and are due to meet again in Washington next month. BMW, Tesla, Ford and Mercedes-Benz are likely to be the hardest hit by the Chinese auto tariffs. In 2018, BMW exported about 87,000 luxury SUVs to China from a plant near Spartanburg, South Carolina. It exports more vehicles to China than any other U.S. auto plant.Together, Ford, BMW, Mercedes and others exported about 164,000 vehicles to China from the U.S. in 2018, according to the Center for Automotive Research, a think tank in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Most of them are luxury cars and SUVs with higher profit margins that can cover higher U.S. wages. The exports are down from about 262,000 in 2017.Tesla, which is building a plant in China, last year got about 12 per cent of its revenue by exporting about 14,300 electric cars and SUVs from California to China, according to Barclays. Most of Fords exports are from the Lincoln luxury brand, but most of the vehicles it sells in China are made in joint-venture
Origin: China tariffs will add 25 per cent to cars imported from U.S.
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Porsche’s new Taycan EV will beat Tesla to a full vegan interior
Porsche could beat Tesla to a fully vegan vehicle cockpit by implementing an animal-products-free interior in its new Taycan EV.The German automaker revealed the much-anticipated sedans cabin late August, ahead of a full reveal September 4, and explained thered be two interior options available for the car, a natural olive-leaf-tanned Club Leather; as well as a fully leather-free vegan option with Race-Tex microfiber, made out of recycled polyester.Now, that fully vegan part does come with an asterisk, because there are still other parts of the vehicle that use animal by-products, such as the tires and various fluids and adhesives. Still, its a step in the right direction.Besides the materials announcement, the reveal showed off the Taycans classic five-gauge instrument cluster, which reminds us of vintage 911s except, yknow, now theyre completely digital and can be configured into different layouts. To the right of the floating glass pod is the 10.9-inch infotainment screen, and a touchscreen for the passenger. The centre console also has screens for a battery level gauge, handwriting inputs and climate controls. Apparently, the system is so powerful it can show a map on every screen without lagging. The screens can also all be turned off for a driver-focused cockpit.Teslas interior is almost fully vegan, with the steering wheel being the only piece that still puts real cow to use. Elon Musk has said the only reason Tesla steering wheels havent been wrapped in synthetic material yet is because its been difficult to find something durable enough that can handle a heating element, but synthetic will be happening
Origin: Porsche’s new Taycan EV will beat Tesla to a full vegan interior
This speed shop will fit your new Toyota Supra with a manual
2020 Toyota SupraHandout / Toyota Disciples at the Church of Supra cried out in collective anguish when they learned the 2020 version of the Toyota sports car would not be available with a manual transmission.Never mind that most modern boxes can shift gears faster than most humans, it was the loss of driver interaction that was mourned.Toyota knows this and, back at the North American Inernational Auto Show last January, chief engineer Tetsuya Tada told assembled media he was open to the idea of adding a stick (though he’s since gone back against that prospect).One performance outlet in Texas apparently couldnt wait anyway, and decided to engineer its own solution. First reported on at CarBuzz, a Texan outfit called European Auto Group is now taking customer deposits for a 2020 Toyota Supra manual swap.This is the same crew that stuck a gated six-speed manual in a Ferrari 430 Scuderia, so chances are good they know what theyre doing. Theyre also working on a stickshift 458 Italia, by the way.In a Canadian connection, the crew at EAG have tag-teamed with the Canucks at ProTuning Freaks in Ontario for help in offering a power boost in addition to the manual swap. Yes, that ProTuning, the one that works on BMWs. After all, at heart, a Supra shares much with a Z4. According to the report, EAG will source all its parts from BMW, meaning the greasy bits will likely come from Munich. But the madman behind it all says he would enjoy deploying a shift lever like the one found in Toyotas own GR HV Sports Concept, the one shown back in 2017. That would keep its interior appearance all in the family, at least.Cost? Figure on a bill somewhere in the $12,000 range, and to be without your Supra for about a
Origin: This speed shop will fit your new Toyota Supra with a manual
Toyota Supra will see higher-performance trims
2020 Toyota SupraHandout / Toyota The Toyota Supra hasnt even reached its final form, according to Tetsuya Tada, the boss behind the sports cars revival, with several higher-performance trims planned for the model.In an interview with Autoblog, Tada talked about the development of the Supra, and the steps planned to make it an even more formidable force in the sports car world.In the early stages of the project, BMWs then-CEO Herbert Diess, now head of Volkswagen, wanted to create an i8 successor, but Tada wanted a real sports car. Talks resumed with BMW wanting to build a lazy and comfortable cruiser out of the Z4, but Tada urged the Germans to push the joint effort into serious sports car territory.The BMW is still the lazier driving vehicle of the two, even with 382 horsepower at the disposal of your right foot. According to Tada, the Supra was always devised as a serious sports car, and hell do everything he can to make it as good as it can be.He also confirmed 335 horsepower wont be the end of the road. With a sports car, the promise is to offer more performance with each additional version, Tada said, adding we can expect to see a new additional version almost every year.Unfortunately there will still be no manual transmission option, with Tada saying Customers who want a manual should choose the Toyota 86. Again, this is likely due to development costs, and with the small sports car market already being fairly niche, its hard for even the largest automakers to offer a manual transmission in such a low volume
Origin: Toyota Supra will see higher-performance trims
Karma SC1 Vision Concept will make first public debut at Pebble Beach Concours
Karma Automobile is bringing its brand-new SC1 Vision Concept to life and is prepared to show it at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance, set to be the first public showing of the futuristic-looking vehicle.The SC1 Vision Concept is Karmas vision for the future of motoring, and if the future looks anything like the SC1, were in.The SC1 is a signpost to Karmas future, says Karma CEO Dr. Lance Zhou.Designed and engineered in less than 12 months, SC1 is a full battery-electric vehicle that explores the brands striking design language and the innovative technology integration possible through our collaborative Open Platform strategy.The most important thing about this vehicle is the tech: its been future-proofed to accept full self-driving when it becomes available. Eight radars, six lidar sensors and half a dozen external cameras help the car see what humans see. Almost. The infotainment system also has a humanized communication system with touch, voice, eye and graphical interfaces and a camera-based eye-tracking system that is capable of biometric identification. That all sounds like something out of Blade Runner, but we like it.As for power, we dont really know whats motivating it yet, but we think its safe to say this vehicle will be more on the sporty side of electric, rather than economical.The SC1 Vision Concept will be displayed on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance on Sunday, August 18. The 2020 Karma Revero GT will also make be on display next to the Karma GT during Monterey Car
Origin: Karma SC1 Vision Concept will make first public debut at Pebble Beach Concours
New Corvette C8 will ditch the chrome wheels
The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8Chevrolet The Corvette is no stranger to criticism, but among all the gripes, the wheels have never really been one. Until now.While perusing the C8 Corvette configurator on Chevrolets website, Car and Driver noticed one glaring omission: an option for chrome wheels. At first thought to be a glitch, the automaker, specifically Corvette head engineer Tadge Juechter, confirmed to the outlet that the super-shiny rims were intentionally left out.The decision was deliberately made to attract younger buyers to the Corvette brand, ones who might find the chrome tasteless, and to distance the new mid-engined Corvette from its traditionally Jurassic-aged drivers, even if they are completely loyal to the brand.Their loyaltys likely to run out about now anyway, what with news the C8 would not be offered with a manual transmission; would have the engine behind the driver; and wouldnt come with four round taillights. Add on the lack of chrome wheels a polished rim is as close as it gets and more and more older buyers are liable to step away from the C8. Corvettes have, unfortunately, always been the stuff of dreams for retirees and Dads whose kids have finally finished college and gotten a real job. While theres nothing really wrong with following your dreams of owning the sports car you worked your whole life to enjoy, the owner stereotype of a guy in jorts, New Balance shoes and a ball cap with Corvette wings on it doesnt exactly scream serious driving machine to the general public.So if youre feeling discriminated against, just remember the C8 still fits a set of golf clubs in the back, take a big deep breath, and everything will be
Origin: New Corvette C8 will ditch the chrome wheels
The redesigned Genesis G90 will start at $90,000 in Canada
The Genesis G90 has been redesigned for the 2020 model year, taking a bold turn in styling thats soon to be present on every Genesis model.Only one trim is available, but it includes everything — all safety features, all technology and destination and delivery fees for $89,750 in Canada, the automaker said early August.That price also includes Genesis at Home concierge service, complimentary scheduled maintenance, Genesis Connected Services, map updates and more, for five years or 100,000 km.The standard engine for Canadian G90s is now a 5.0-litre V8 that produces 420 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. The 3.3-litre turbocharged V6 is also available through special order; it makes 365 horsepower and 376 lb.-ft. of torque, and drops the price to $86,750.Both engines send the power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. That all-wheel-drive system is smart, too; the electronic transfer case can vary the torque from front to rear in response to driving demands.As for the styling, the flagship sedan will debut the latest generation of Genesis Athletic Elegance design language, featuring new Quad Lamp styling and a more prominent diamond grille with G-MATRIX crosshatch pattern. The technology we talked about encompasses a 12.3-inch central display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Lane Follow Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist and Rear Safe Exit Assist are all standard on the G90, as are 10 airbags.The rest of the interior is obviously luxurious, with touches of copper and black all over. Quilted Nappa leather seating, leather-wrapped dashboard with contrast piping, leather-wrapped centre console and natural wood trim with exposed grain texture also add to the luxurious
Origin: The redesigned Genesis G90 will start at $90,000 in Canada
Future sports cars sold in Canada will be quieter because of this new EU rule
2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R ProHandout / Mercedes-Benz Regulations that dictate the maximum volume of new sports cars in Europe will also result in quieter cars in North America and around the world, according to a Mercedes-AMG boss. In an interview with Australian publication Car Sales, Mercedes-AMG’s head of product planning, Basitian Bogenschutz, confirmed the upcoming AMG A 45 S and CLA 45 S will be the first AMG products to sing at the volume dictated by the European authorities. And that’s not just in Europe, either, as Bogenschutz explains that producing two separate exhaust systems with different sound outputs for different markets is simply too pricey. So, AMG for one will take the path of least resistance and produce the one quieter unit to be distributed to all markets. The tightening European sound restrictions will spell the end of the current CLA 45’s and A 45’s engine’s snaps, crackles and pops, replacing it instead with a system that communicates that hearty gurgle to those inside the cabin, but not outside. “So we added the AMG pure performance sound, where we take the real sound from the exhaust system, the pulsation of the real sound and move it inside the car,” Bogenshutz told Car Sales. “It works together with the exhaust system.” Mercedes-AMG is the first maker of loud cars to detail how the European regulations will impact the global driving community, but it likely won’t be the last. The rules are the rules, and fussing about them, no matter how loudly, won’t win any exceptions. The future is coming, but you’ve got to listen to hear it.
Origin: Future sports cars sold in Canada will be quieter because of this new EU rule
BMW boss confirms next M3, M4 will get a manual transmission
BMWs M division is sticking by manual transmissions and RWD – for now, at least.Handout / BMW BMW will give the people what they want a manual transmission in the hot versions of the next-generation 3 and 4 Series cars.In an interview with BMW Blog, BMW M head Markus Flasch explained although the next M3 and M4 will have optional all-wheel-drive, the company is still keeping driving enthusiasts in mind.Its a bit early to disclose all the details, but something I want to highlight is that we will have a manual stick shift, he said. Weve already disclosed we will have the option of four-wheel drive. Weve not decided which variant, which system, but everything thats on our current lineup think of the M5 can be made available. The M3 and M4, Ive driven the pre-production cars and theyre already fantastic. This is good news. BMW was once known for fantastic drivers cars, but these days, the general consensus is that the Bavarian brand has recently become muddied with the introduction of SUVs, not to mention building a car for almost every segment. Flasch even admits while manuals arent particularly fast, theyre still important.The manual stick shift is not a performance-bringer, because an automatic transmission is just faster, you can ask any race driver, he said. But it gives the vehicle character and I kind of compare it to people who love mechanical watches it isnt more precise and it doesnt have any advantage at all, but its a character feature. So is a stick shift.All this means if you want a manual, youll have to step up to the M3 or M4, instead of the lesser 3 or 4 Series. We dont really have a problem with that, though, because the manual transmission is more or less a device reserved for people who enjoy using it, rather than as a means to cut costs. The M3 and M4 are built for driving pleasure, and were glad BMW recognizes this doesnt always mean speed, but rather a connection to the car
Origin: BMW boss confirms next M3, M4 will get a manual transmission
The Corvette C8 will never get a manual because no one buys them: engineer
The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8Chevrolet The C8 Corvette is changing the game in a lot of ways for Chevrolet: it is, of course, the first mid-engined sports car its ever built. And weve now learned it is, unfortunately, the brands first sports car to forego a staple of the segment: the manual transmission.In a conversation with Motor Authority at the cars reveal, lead engineer Tadge Juechter simply said No when asked if the manual transmission would make an appearance in the C8.We couldnt find anybody honestly whod be willing to do it. Because just like the automatic, the DCT, it would have to be a bespoke manual, Juechter said.Its low volume, very expensive. The reason is its a low-volume industry. That industry is dying building manual transmissions.The numbers have changed vastly from when the Corvette first appeared on the scene, he said; now only 15 per cent of Corvette buyers choose the manual. Every year it goes down, down, down, down, Juechter lamented. Ouch. So not only will people not buy them, Chevrolet cant even get anybody to build them one at a decent cost, but it makes sense considering the requirements the C8 had for a transmission.According to Jeuchter, there isnt much room behind the driver to fit the engine, let alone the transmission, so it had to be compact. The engine is already dry-sumped to give it a small oil pan, and all the cooling devices associated with the engine also needed a place to go. Also, there had to be a place for the owners golf clubs, and thats more important than any performance options.Making the engine anything but an automatic posed too many problems for the team, so the manual was not even considered, marking the end of the row-your-own Corvette. Will you miss
Origin: The Corvette C8 will never get a manual because no one buys them: engineer
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