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.
Passenger Side Crash Tests
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
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
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
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
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
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
Flying Cars & Hands-Free Driving
At the Geneva Motor Show Italdesign and Airbus wowed the crowds with their futuristic Pop.Up concept for traveling by ground and air, avoiding traffic jams. But commuting like the Jetsons is closer than we think. An American company by the name of Kitty Hawk has already flown an all-electric personal aircraft that looks like a big drone. At this point it’s only… Read More
2017 New York International Auto Show
Spring time means many things to many people; but for us it means only one thing, it’s time for the New York International Auto Show. And while some would rather be outside enjoying the warmer weather and blooming flowers; we’re just fine being inside, breathing in the fumes of automotive excitement. So come along for a joy ride in the big apple. Indeed, there… Read More
Hands Free Driving
There’s been a lot of talk about autonomous cars in the news lately, but now we’re getting a better idea as to when the technology could end up in your driveway. Recently, Ford’s Vice-President of Research and Advanced Engineering, Ken Washington, spoke at the annual SAE International World Congress. The Detroit News reports him saying “private” car owners… Read More
Fuel Rules & Electric Cars
The auto industry is feeling the political shift in Washington, as future fuel economy standards are getting a second look. In January, the outgoing Obama administration confirmed CAFÉ…the fleetwide Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirement…at 54 1/2 mile per gallon for new vehicles in the 2025 model year. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers objected,… Read More