It was supposed to provide a high-speed alternative to air travel, but Elon Musk is quietly shutting down his once-promising hyperloop company at the end of this year. Its assets are being sold off to a Dubai-based shipping company, though it’s far from clear that will ever bring the maglev system into real-world operation. Get details at Headlight.News.
More than 500 automakers, auto suppliers and other “mobility” manufacturers will be on hand for this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, including Mercedes-Benz. The German luxury brand plans to introduce a “hyper-personalized” version of its MBUX infotainment system, using AI to deliver a more “natural, human-like interaction.” Headlight.News looks at what Mercedes, BMW, Honda and other automakers have in store for CES 2024.
Cruise LLC, GM’s autonomous vehicle arm, continues to feel the impact of an October 2 crash that nearly killed a pedestrian in San Francisco. The robotaxi company will eliminate a quarter of its workforce in a bid to move onto “a more deliberate path with safety as the north star.” That includes nine senior executives cited in an ongoing safety investigation.”
Even as it prepares to launch its first long-range EV for the U.S. market, Honda said it will introduce an all-new “series” of global battery-electric vehicles during next month’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The even will mark the launch of the first models developed internally by Honda, rather than as part of a partnership with General Motors.
While there are no final specs, we’re betting you’ll hit 60 before you can pronounce the name of this exotic new hypercar, the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept. We know you want it. And you may even get to drive it. If you play the Gran Turismo video game, anyway. It made its debut at the Gran Turismo World Series World Finals in Barcelona, Spain over the weekend and will be available to anyone playing the game come January. Headlight.News checks out the virtual exotic.
They’re just concept vehicles. For now, at least, but Headlight.News has confirmed that Kia is all but certain to put into production the two prototypes it revealed at the LA Auto Show, the EV3 crossover and EV4 sedan. Both will help the South Korean carmaker appeal to a more budget-constrained mainstream audience than the current Kia EV6 SUV. More from Headlight.News
Polestar hopes to become the first automaker to adopt a unique new battery design that will address one of the biggest concerns about EVs: their long charging times. Developed by start-up StoreDot, the technology is capable of adding 100 miles of range in just five minutes. And, unlike existing chemistry, StoreDot and Polestar claim repeated fast-charging won’t degrade battery life.
Headlight.News brings you the best automaker concepts and news from the 2023 Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.
Like its parent, Toyota, luxury brand Lexus has been slow to embrace EV technology. But that may be set to change, at least based on the LF-ZC and LF-ZL EV concepts unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show. The Lexus LF-ZC could be in production by 2026, with the LF-ZL hinting at an all-electric flagship that may follow. Both introduce next-gen battery technology capable of delivering over 600 miles range.
Sports cars seem to be getting a lot of play at the Japan Mobility Show this year with several other automakers offering up sporty concepts. Mazda certainly got the memo, showing off the Mazda Iconic SP, which is clearly inspired by the company’s past and present. Get details at Headlight.News.
Toyota rolled out an all-electric pickup concept during the Japan Mobility Show. Sized slightly smaller than the automaker’s current, midsize Tacoma model, it offers a number of unique features, including a pass-through bed. Toyota hasn’t confirmed production plans but is widely expected to add an EV pickup as it ramps up its electrification program. Get details at Headlight.News.
It’s four years since the last Tokyo Motor Show took place, and even then, it was fading into obscurity. Organizers hope to give it a boost of adrenaline in an updated form — and with a new name. While foreign brands are largely absent, again, there’ll be lots happening at the new Japan Mobility Show as the nation’s automakers charge in with an assortment of all-electric concepts and production models.