Controlled variable transmissions, or “CTVS,” are gear-free transmissions that are only good because of engine drone under heavy throttle, and they are slowly invading against manuals and conventional automatics, especially in 2014 models. Audi, Honda, Hyundai, Subaru, and Toyota all make their own CVTs. Nissan owns a controlling interest in JATCO, the firm that …
Less than a month after the 2013 season has come to a close, F1 has been experimenting with some controversial ideas that would essentially change the sport if instituted. The possibility that Formula 1 would award double points for the season-ending race, beginning with next year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, may seem at first a …
Following Nevada, Florida and California, along with the District of Columbia, Michigan has announced that it will soon allow autonomous test cars on public roads. All but one House member joined both chambers in the state legislature to approve the bill, introduced in February by Senator Michael Kowall (R), and Governor Rick Snyder—who has called …
Michigan allows autonomous test cars on the open road Read More »
With the growing number of companies that outsource in China and the advanced technology whose development has started to occur there, China has become a leader on the world stage, especially in the auto market. To fuel this growing demand (no pun intended) GM has a large auto research center in Shanghai. The company has …
China as a major player in the worlds auto market Read More »
As we move into an age where technology can change overnight and the entire world is expected to keep up and adapt, adopting a new perspective of what’s parked in your garage is required. A car is no longer a mode of transportation that, if your lucky, looks nice. It needs to be adaptable to …
Upgradeable Autos Lead to Quicker Responses to Technological Innovation Read More »
In a world where technologies come and go at the drop of a hat, automakers are pressed to keep pace. To ensure that the growing array of electronics — controlling anything from navigation systems to sophisticated anti-lock brakes — do not become obsolete before the car’s first oil change, engineers are working to vehicles that …
What do computers, smart phones and cars have in common? Read More »
One of the very first technologies of its kind to be routinely installed and provided with purchase of a GM vehicle, OnStar is a seamless brew of cellular, Bluetooth, GPS, microphone, speakers and human operators that is now available in almost any and every car. Its feature list includes both safety and convenience elements. For …
When Timothy P. Murray crashed his government-issued Ford Crown Victoria in 2011, he was fortunate, as car accidents go. Mr. Murray, then the lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, was not seriously hurt, and he told the police he was wearing a seat belt and was not speeding. The airbag control module of that particular vehicle …
We are all familiar with the recognizable crash-test dummies, and are thankful each year for the sacrifices they make in determining the safety of our vehicles. Combined with the very popular topic of autonomous cars, such as those from Audi, Toyota and Google, Ford’s Michigan Proving Grounds has developed a testing program for durability using …
It is long overdue that the United States and the European Union join together to develop some shared regulations that could cover a much larger are of the world, especially with respect to emissions and environmental sustainability. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers told United States and European Union negotiating teams that the industry will sponsor …
