Cruise, the self-driving subsidiary of General Motors, revealed its first vehicle to operate without a human driver, the Cruise Origin. The vehicle, which lacks a steering wheel and pedals, is designed to be more spacious and passenger-friendly than typical self-driving cars. Cruise says the electric vehicle will be deployed as part of a ride-hailing service, but declined to say when that might be.
Tag Archives: Cars
Technology Podcasts: Experts Discuss Vehicle Innovations At CES 2020
We’ve talked about the latest in vehicle tech all year, but at CES 2020, we got to show you. On the show floor, vehicle and automotive companies demonstrated the innovations driving the consumer tech industry forward more safely and effectively.
Media experts share their experiences from the show floor. Guests Anthony Elio, Associate Editor, Innovation & Tech Today Dana Wollman, Editor in Chief, Engadget Matt Swider, Managing Editor, Tech Radar.
Classic Cars: “1968 Ford Falcon Futura Wagon”
From Wikipedia:
In late 1965, Ford launched the third generation Falcon, based on a shortened Fairlane platform with revised styling. At the top of the line was the highly-trimmed Futura Sports Coupe, which featured chrome side window frames, giving this two-door sedan the look of a hardtop. It also featured a premium all-vinyl interior. Large “Sports Coupe” script on the “C” pillar was borrowed from the 1964–1965 Fairlane Sports Coupe.
The heater-defroster became standard.[22] Brakes were 9-in for six-cylinder Falcons, and 10-in for V8s.[23] The two-door hardtop and convertible were dropped, while the station wagon and Ranchero were moved to a larger platform shared with the contemporary Fairlane. The Ranchero left the Falcon line and adopted the Fairlane’s front sheet metal for 1967. The 1966 Falcon was used in the Trans-Am series. The 1967 models were mostly the same as the 1966 models, but more Federally-mandated safety equipment was added, including a dual-circuit brake system, energy-absorbing steering wheel with a large, padded center hub, 4-way flashers, soft interior panels, and mountings for front shoulder belts (which were available as an option). A reminder light was added for the seatbelts;[24] 1968 was the first model year for the square tail lights.[25]
1968 and 1969 Falcons got new side marker lights or reflectors, front outboard shoulder belts, and headrests for cars built after January 1, 1969. The basic body and mechanical specifications remained the same as 1966–1967 models.
Classic Car Nostalgia: The “1965 ASA 1000 GT” Was A “Ferrarina” (Little Ferrari)
From Wikipedia:
The ASA 1000 GT originated in a late 1950s experimental project by Ferrari engineers to create a less expensive, compact alternative to existing Ferrari GT cars. This project was designated “854” by the factory (for 850cc, 4 cylinders), however it was commonly but unofficially named “Ferrarina,” meaning “Little Ferrari.”[3]
ASA (Autocostruzioni Società per Azioni) was an Italian automobile manufacturer active from 1961 to 1969, who is known for manufacturing the ASA 1000 GT. This car was developed by Ferrari engineers in the late 1950s as a less expensive, compact alternative to existing Ferrari GT cars. ASA used inline-four and straight-six engines derived from the “250” 3-litre V12 designed by Gioacchino Colombo. The chassis was developed Giotto Bizzarrini, and derived from the tubular frame of the 250 GTO.
The prototype that would become the ASA 1000 GT was first presented by Carrozzeria Bertone (Geneva 1961) under the name “Mille”. Following this debut in late 1961, Enzo Ferrari decided to not sell the new car as a Ferrari and entrusted production to a close friend, Oronzio de Nora. The car was manufactured in Milan by a newly formed company called ASA (owned by the De Nora Electrochemical Group) from 1964 to 1969. The 1000 GT model was officially introduced in 1962, but due to production difficulties series production did not begin until 1964.[1][2]
Photos from Classic Driver: https://www.classicdriver.com/en/car/asa/1000-gt/1965/725030
Electric Cars: “Why Ford Is Risking Mustang To Take On Tesla” (CNBC Video)
Ford is introducing a new, eco-friendly electric four-door crossover. The Mustang Mach-E is making waves in the electric car community and will compete with Tesla for satisfied drivers. Some car enthusiasts challenge Ford’s decision to replace Mustang’s namesake 8 cylinder engine. But others argue a Mustang is a Mustang.
Classic Car Nostalgia: “1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster” (Classic Driver)
The 300 SL celebrated its premiere at the? International Motor Sports Show? in New York, which took place from February 6th to 14th, 1954. Mercedes-Benz experienced an enormously positive response from visitors to the 300 SL at the Motor Show, so series production began in August 1954 at the Sindelfingen plant.
A total of 1,858 units of the Mercedes 300 SL Roadster were produced between 1957 and 1963.
This 300 SL Roadster was delivered in Germany on September 22, 1960. In the mid-1980s, the car came into the possession of an experienced Mercedes specialist. The roadster underwent extensive restoration under his direction. According to the available documentation, the body was separated from the chassis and completely overhauled. Since then, the car has only been moved about 28,000 km and serviced regularly. A few years ago, the vehicle changed hands within Germany to a businessman and classic car enthusiast who used the roadster for nice trips and events.
To read more: https://www.classicdriver.com/en/car/mercedes-benz/300-sl/1960/724393
Classic Car Nostalgia: “1964 Studebaker Avanti” (Classic Driver)
From a Classic Driver magazine online listing:
Described as “one of the more significant milestones of the postwar industry”, the car offered combined safety and high-speed performance. Subsequent to Studebaker’s discontinuation of the model, a series of five owner arrangements continued manufacture and marketing of the Avanti model.
The Studebaker Avanti was manufactured and marketed between June 1962 and December 1963. The automaker marketed the Avanti as “America’s only four-passenger high-performance personal car.”
The Avanti was developed at the direction of Studebaker president, Sherwood Agbert. “The car’s design theme is the result of sketches Egbert “doodled” on a jet-plane flight west from Chicago 37 days after becoming president of Studebaker in February 1961.” Designed by Raymond Loewy’s team, the Avanti featured a radical fiberglass body mounted on a modified studebaker Lark Daytona 109-inch convertible chassis and powered by a modified 289 Hawk engine. APaxton supercharger was offered as an option.
To read and see more: https://www.classicdriver.com/en/car/studebaker/avanti/1964/724178
Innovation In The 60’s: The “1969 Mercedes-Benz C 111” Was Mid-Engine, Gullwing & Glass Fiber Light
Future Of Mobility: BMW Design Chief Talks About Brand’s “Vision M NEXT” Car Technology (Video)
‘we believe in the power of choice,’ begins domagoj dukec. as cars embrace new technologies such as autonomous systems, BMW and their designers are ensuring customers are still offered their own ultimate driving experience. in fact, they are actually integrating technology into the background of their designs, from the powertrains to the adaptable furniture and interior fabrics, creating mobility spaces that adapt to your needs. the innovations are there to help and enhance the experience but are free to the user to choose when, where and how it affects their journey. this power of choice is exemplified by BMW‘s two driving modes and vision cars: EASE and BOOST, and the Vision iNEXT and Vision M NEXT.
Nostalgia: “1961 AC Ace” Convertible Roadster (Classic Driver)
From Wikipedia:
In 1961 a new 2.6-litre (2,553 cc (155.8 cu in)) straight-six ‘Ruddspeed’ option was available, adapted by Ken Rudd from the unit used in the Ford Zephyr. It used three Weber or SU carburettors and either a ‘Mays’ or an iron cast head. This setup boosted the car’s performance further, with some versions tuned to 170 bhp (127 kW), providing a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h) and 0–60 mph (0–100 km/h) in 8.1 seconds. However, it was not long before Carroll Shelby drew AC’s attention to the Cobra, so only 37 of the 2.6 models were made. These Ford engined models had a smaller grille which was carried over to the Cobra.
AC came back to the market after the Second World War with the 2-Litre range of cars in 1947, but it was with the Ace sports car of 1953 that the company really made its reputation in the post war years. Casting around for a replacement for the ageing 2-Litre, AC took up a design by John Tojeiro that used a light ladder type tubular frame, all independent transverse leaf spring suspension, and an open two seater alloy body made using English wheeling machines, possibly inspired by the Ferrari Barchetta of the day.
Photos from Classic Driver website: https://www.classicdriver.com/en/car/ac/ace/1961/703263?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Classic%20Driver%20Daily%203342019&utm_content=Classic%20Driver%20Daily%203342019+CID_08b403976196024a8806d6851989b77c&utm_source=newsletter
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