Motor News
MotorWeek tracks auto industry news, focusing on crash tests, safety ratings, new advances in technology and the latest from auto shows around the world.
Artificial Intelligence 2.15.2018
We hear a lot about a future where cars will drive themselves. But, even before that, researchers envision autos doing more of the thinking through Artificial Intelligence. Nissan is working on B-to-V, or “Brain-to-Vehicle” technology. Here, a driver wears a device that monitors brain waves. By tapping into the brain’s signals, their system can predict what the… Read More
2018 North American International Auto Show 2.01.2018
For most people, Detroit, Michigan in the dead of winter, would be the last place they’d want to go. But, we’re not most people. we are fanatics of all things automotive. And everyone knows, come January, Motown is the place to be for the scoop on the hottest of the new cars heading our way. Don’t want to go out in the cold? Don’t worry; sit back and relax,… Read More
2018 IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus 1.04.2018
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has a long track record of selecting the safest cars on the road. And, for 2018, only 15 vehicles earned their TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS award. That status is now tougher than ever to achieve. For the first time, the IIHS has added front passenger-side crash ratings to the criteria. Top rating also requires a “good” headlight… Read More
2017 LA Auto Show 12.21.2017
In a city full of stars… our attention was drawn to the cars at the 2017 Automobility L.A. Or, once you get past all the hoopla of press days, the 2017 LA Auto Show! More Porsches are sold in California than any other state, so, fittingly, at the LA convention center they introduced a new 718 Boxster GTS, and the 718 Cayman GTS. Among the highlights, horsepower… Read More
Passenger Side Crash Tests 12.06.2017
We pay a lot of attention to what happens to the driver when metal meets metal on the road. But now a new study focuses—instead--on the person sitting next to the driver --in a crash. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently put 13 midsize cars through a "passenger-side" small overlap front test. It’s similar to the crash tests where the driver’s side… Read More
2017 Tokyo Motor Show 11.02.2017
The bi-annual Tokyo Motor Show is best known for its sometimes wild and creative concept cars, and this year was no exception. Mazda’s sleek view of the future includes the VISION COUPE. But, surprise, they’ve actually packed 4-doors into the elegant coupe shape. Mazda also publicly revealed their KAI CONCEPT. The compact hatchback will feature Mazda’s… Read More
2017 Frankfurt Motor Show 10.05.2017
Internal combustion engines still rule the road, but at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, electrics are getting ready for a more commanding role. The show’s star was the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE. This plug-in hybrid Hyper-Car concept combines a racing V6 with no less than 4 electric motors for over 1,000 horsepower. More practical is the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQA. A… Read More
Compression Ignition & Seatbelts in the Back 9.13.2017
While most automakers are feverishly pursuing electric drive technologies…One manufacturer has announced what may be a breakthrough for traditional gasoline engines. Mazda says they’re ready to mass produce a “gasoline” engine using compression ignition. Pure compression ignition does not need spark plugs. Instead, the piston compresses the fuel and air mixture… Read More
Mercedes-Benz X-Class Premium Truck / Ford in Asia 8.09.2017
At a time when there seems to be an insatiable appetite for truck and SUV’s in the U.S., Mercedes has its eye on the global demand for vehicles that move more than just people. The company says it will build the X-Class mid-size pick-up truck. We first saw the concept in Sweden last year. Mercedes is working with the renown Nissan alliance to produce the premium… Read More
Mid-Size SUV Headlights 7.06.2017
Midsize SUV’s have now surpassed mid-size sedans in popularity—and two of them are shining brighter than the rest. The 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2017 Volvo XC60 are the only models to receive “good” ratings for headlights in the most recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The IIHS looked at 37 midsize SUV’s with a total of 79 headlight… Read More