If you don’t want to wait until 2021 to get your I.D. Buzz Cargo electric van from Volkswagen, the folks from ABT Sportsline might have a solution. Audi’s Formula E team partner and official Volkswagen Group tuner has unveiled two interesting electric conversions at the IAA Hannover commercial vehicle show. They are based on the Caddy and Transporter vans, and can be had both in cargo van or passenger configurations. ABT e-Caddy Starting off with the Caddy-based conversion, it’s called e-Caddy and it will go into production by mid-2019. Based on the Caddy Maxi long-wheelbase model, it’s showcased in Hannover as a taxi, given its roomy cabin that can accommodate five passengers and their luggage. However, it can also be built as a cargo van. Instead of the regular model’s diesel or gasoline engines, it’s powered by an electric motor that produces 82 kW (111 PS/110 hp) and 200 Nm (147 lb-ft). A 37.3-kWh lithium-ion battery feeds the motor and ensures a … [Read more...] about ABT’s e-Caddy And e-Transporter Electric Conversions Deliver Up To 400Km Of Range
BMW and Daimler Planning to Locate Mobility Joint-Venture HQ in Berlin
Earlier this year the BMW Group and Daimler AG announced they are planning to launch a joint mobility services company in the EU. The details of this interesting move would be revealed later on and today the two companies announced that their headquarters will be located in Berlin. The location was basically chosen because it’s not either Munich, where BMW’s HQ is located, or Stuttgart where Daimler has its own HQ as well. Together, the BMW Group and Daimler AG aim to grow this new business model sustainably to enable rapid global scaling of services. The two companies took a further step towards forming their joint venture by officially filing the transaction with the European Commission. Both automotive manufacturers aim to shape the mobility of the future, by offering customers a new, sustainable urban mobility alternative. In filing the application with the European Union, the partners are now addressing the joint venture’s most important market. The … [Read more...] about BMW and Daimler Planning to Locate Mobility Joint-Venture HQ in Berlin
Hyundai Preparing AR Windscreen After Invest in WayRay
Hyundai Motor Company today announced a new strategic investment into Swiss deep-tech startup WayRay AG to expedite the development of holographic augmented reality (AR) navigation system for future vehicles, aiming to implement it to its mass-produced vehicles as early as 2020. This partnership will help Hyundai achieve its vision for future mobility, whilst providing drivers with a brand-new value, merging state-of-the-art visual technology and in-vehicle infotainment systems. “WayRay has remarkable expertise in both hardware and software development for holographic AR display systems. The Hyundai-WayRay collaboration will help us establish a brand new eco-system that harnesses AR technology to enhance not only navigation systems, but also establish an AR platform for smart city and smart mobility, which are Hyundai Motor Group’s new business interests which will provide innovative customer experiences,” said Dr. Youngcho Chi, Chief Innovation Officer and Executive … [Read more...] about Hyundai Preparing AR Windscreen After Invest in WayRay
F1 journalist Mark Hughes comments on Ferrari’s tyre strategy in Singapore
Ferrari’s early tyre change in Singapore was one of the major topics after the 2018 Singapore Grand Prix, which took place last weekend. Formula 1 journalist Mark Hughes provides the answers: Ferrari’s tyre strategy in Singapore Hence he couldn’t just unleash its greater grip – that would have just brought him onto the tail of Verstappen with nowhere to pass and then forced him into a second stop later. The ultra was purely to try to get the undercut (as it would have been faster initially), not because it was faster over the remaining number of laps. Track position was especially dominant at Singapore. Regarding why Hamilton could pull away, everyone was driving whole phases of the race up to 3s off their potential pace – so it was relatively easy to do a sudden sprint MUCH faster than you were going before, as Hamilton did at one point to get himself out of undercut range. It wasn’t really to do with an engine advantage, just tyre behaviour and … [Read more...] about F1 journalist Mark Hughes comments on Ferrari’s tyre strategy in Singapore
Audi’s R8 LMP Le Mans Winner Sounds Ridiculous
Audi's R8 LMP race car was nearly unbeatable at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Out of the six years it competed 2000-2005, it won five times, losing only to the Bentley Speed 8 (another Volkswagen conglomerate product) in 2003. Its engine was a mid-engine twin-turbo V8 making over 500 horsepower. Despite having turbos, the sound isn't muffled at all—in fact, it's the opposite. There are more pops and bangs coming out of this car's exhaust than we can keep track of. Listen to yourself. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Welcome to Better Than Coffee, your daily dose of car sounds designed to help you kick that caffeine habit. … [Read more...] about Audi’s R8 LMP Le Mans Winner Sounds Ridiculous