In a growing line-up of electrified options, the 2018 BMW i3s still somehow stands out. Much has been made of the i3's divisive external design, and in many ways the new 2018 i3s only exaggerates that: bigger wheels, more aggressive bumpers, and gloss-black trim. As I found behind the wheel, though, the i3's key charm remains what's inside.
Now that production of the new Model 3 is starting to stabilize, and with more and more hitting the roads in the US, Tesla has starting rolling out one of its most anticipated new software updates. Yesterday the car company released the new Track Mode feature for Model 3 Performance versions, allowing drivers to take their EV to the racetrack and really let loose with some aggressive driving.
VW is targeting an aggressively low price for its new all-electric car, significantly undercutting Tesla in the process, and accelerating attention away from the so-called "dieselgate" scandal. The automaker has a lengthy roadmap of electric vehicles, all using its MEB platform, that will span different segments and offer a variety of ranges.
Harley-Davidson (HD) has been talking up the motorcycle that it hopes will reach out to generations of younger riders and save the brand from a downward spiral as traditional riders hang up their helmets. That motorcycle is an electric offering called the LiveWire that is derived from Project LiveWire unveiled years ago. The bike made its official European debut recently at the EICMA show in Milan, and at that debut came more details on LiveWire.
Electric motorcycle startup Arc wants to do for two wheels what Tesla did for four, and it's not being coy with its new Vector bike. Billed as "the most premium and individual of EVs," the all-electric super bike won't only be very fast, but very much in-tune with its rider, not to mention - no surprise - very expensive, too.
General Motors has announced plans to create its own electric bicycle, one that will be offered in two portability options: folding and compact. The company doesn't have a name for the eBike yet, and for good reason -- it's asking the public to help it name the new model. The chosen winner will receive a $10,000 award and nine finalists will each get $1,000.
Icon is a company that makes some very cool cars, typically these are restorations of old 4x4's like the sweet Icon BR we talked about before. At SEMA 2018 Icon is on hand and the company has rolled out something very different. Icon is famous for its "derelicts" collection which are cars that look as if they need restoration on the outside with perfect insides and powertrain.
Hyundai and Kia plan to integrate solar roofs and hoods into their cars, taking advantage of free sunshine energy to maximize efficiency in more than just EVs. The scheme will see Hyundai Motor Group develop three types of its own solar roof systems, including a semi-transparent panel which won't force drivers to sacrifice a sunroof.
Drag racing usually involves clouds of burnt hydrocarbons in with the burning rubber, but Chevrolet's all-electric eCOPO Camaro Concept does away with that. Designed for SEMA 2018, and to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the original COPO Camaro special order models, the EV Camaro isn't just a vague show-car special, either.
Early this month, Tesla released its Software Version 9.0 with a new Dash Cam feature, new navigation options, and classic arcade games that can be played when the car is parked. The biggest feature, Navigate on Autopilot, had to be delayed, unfortunately, but the car company has announced that it's now rolling out to US owners.
Electrification is in fashion now, but there’s still plenty of room for EVs to catch up with their gas-burning brethren. While Tesla may have led the charge in electric luxury, while Nissan, Chevrolet, and others have focused on the entry-level, the pickings are still rich for vehicles taking advantage of electric motors’ instantaneous torque, zero emissions, and design flexibility.
The McLaren Speedtail has been officially revealed, and if you were hoping for a 250 mph hybrid with mutating carbon-fiber bodywork and a lavish leather interior, you'll be mighty pleased with this new British beast. Dubbed the automaker's first "Hyper-GT" it's designed with two things in mind: going incredibly fast, without sacrificing any luxury. Turns out, when you have some very deep-pocketed customers, and some very talented engineers, you can produce a car that's frankly astonishing.