Important Innovations

  Jeep's CJ Surge Concept                                                  Source:  Jeep Big, New Electromod - Retromod Trend An important and growing trend in the automotive industry is called "electromod" or "retromod", which essentially entails taking a classic, retro car and modernizing it with new visual upgrades and new technologies, particularly an electric powertrain.  A hot, new example is Jeep's fully electric, classic, upgraded Wrangler off-roader called the CJ Surge.  This new concept is being unveiled this week at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Automotive experts say the electric technology behind the vehicle could trigger a revival of classic American muscle cars.  CJ Surge also provides a new look and fresh perspective on the future of classic off-roading. Retromod CJ Surge is a substantive restoration of a late model Jeep CJ7.  It's been modernized with an electric motor and full battery electric propulsion system along with extensive v

  Bob Has Off-Road Power and Looks                                             Source:  Jeep's Bob Jeep Bob Concept At its 2022 Jeep Easter Safari event, Jeep introduced a concept, off-road vehicle that has power and off-roading good looks .  They call it the Jeep Bob Concept or Bob for short.  The vehicle is diesel powered and is said to be able to climb just about any incline or rock challenge in the off-road environment.  Using the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon as a base, Jeep designers cut off a foot in length, removed the doors and added a canvas roof over the top of the protective roll cage to maximize the vehicle performance off-road.  They positioned the vehicle on a set of 40-inch off-roading tires, gave it a 3-inch lift, steel bumpers, a vented carbon hood, big LED fog lights and a great paint job.  This vehicle is winning great automotive reviews for its looks, power and ruggedness, even though it is not electric. Tech Specs Bob is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged Eco-Diesel

  Off-Roading in Harmony with Nature                                             Source:  Lexus Two New Concept Vehicles - 1st Hydrogen Vehicle At the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 show, Lexus introduced two, new off-roading concepts.  The NX PHEV offroad concept SUV is a rugged, large crossover that has a plug-in powertrain. with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Lexus, which is Toyota's luxury brand, also officially unveiled its hydrogen powered ROV.  These side-by-side vehicles are designed for adventurous off-roaders who enjoy travelling the road less traveled with zero or very low emissions. NX PHEV Concept Lexus says these two new concepts are representative of its goals to expand travel choices for customers and simultaneously work toward a carbon free society with zero emissions driving. The NX PHEV offers both BEV (battery electric vehicle) and PHEV (plug-in hybrid vehicle) modes.  It is built on a new platform, making it wider, taller and longer than the first generation NX.  It

  New French, Hybrid VTOL "ATEA"                              Source:  Ascendance Flight Technologies Ascendance Flight Technologies' New Green Aviation French aviation startup Ascendance Flight Technologies has invented a new, hybrid, vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (VTOL) for intracity and regional aircraft commuting.  The 5-seat ATEA uses two forward facing propellers and 8 fan engines in its wings.  The eight electric powered fan engines enable vertical takeoffs and landings.  The diesel fuel powered forward facing propellers enable forward flight.  The unique VTOL has a range of 250 miles.  Its hybrid powertrain uses jet fuel and electricity as power sources.  The company says the combination cuts carbon emissions by 80%.  Importantly, AETA can be reconfigured to use green fuels, including hydrogen fuel cells, biofuels and sustainable aviation fuels to further cut down on emissions. Tech Specs The hybrid electric and jet fuel systems work independently of each o

  750 Horsepower of Power and Energy Source:  BMW XM SUV Concept BMW's Concept Will Go into Production To celebrate BMW M model's 50th anniversary, BMW has unveiled a striking and powerful, plug-in hybrid electric SUV with 750 horsepower, the XM SUV concept.  It becomes the second M after the M1.  The XM is a performance vehicle that BMW is putting into production.  The boldly designed vehicle is striking with very angular lines, a huge front grill and extended hood.  It is like an artistic geometrical design in motion.  All of which is highlighted and enhanced by a sharply thin line of LED lighting. Tech Specs The XM concept is loaded with state-of-the-art technology designed for high performance.  The hybrid powertrain consists of a twin turbocharged, 4.4 liter V8 engine combined with an electric engine.  The electric motor has a 50-mile range on its own.  The combination pumps out 750 hp and 737 ft lbs. of torque.  The new concept is more powerful than Porsche's Cayenne

  Near Zero Emissions Off-Highway Adventures                                                   Source:  Lexus Combustion Engine Powered by Hydrogen Lexus has developed an especially cool, hydrogen powered recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV) concept.  The Lexus ROV is a piece of unique automotive technology.  The powertrain is breakthrough.  It has a 1.0-liter combustion engine that is fueled by compressed hydrogen.  Lexus says it operates just like a gas- powered combustion engine with one exception: there are near zero emissions. New Technology The hydrogen combustion engine is a look into the future of greener, cleaner driving.  The compressed hydrogen is stored in a high- pressure tank in the rear of the vehicle.  Lexus says the hydrogen fuel is pumped into the engine by what Lexus calls a "direct hydrogen injection".  The vehicle produces near zero emissions. There is only a tiny amount of engine oil that burns during operation. Next Steps to an Epic Ride Lexus is cont

  New ID Life Concept Just Unveiled in Munich                                                  Source:  VW Zero Emissions Driving At an Inexpensive Price At the IAA Mobility 2021 show in Munich, Volkswagen unveiled its ID Life concept electric vehicle.  VW says the concept is a preview of its upcoming, inexpensive $24,000 electric car. The Germany based automaker is in head-to-head competition with US based Tesla to bring the first, affordable, EVs to the global market in the $24,000 to $30,000 range.  The vehicles are fully electric with zero emissions.  Tesla CEO Elon Musk has a goal of bringing a small, electric car with his new battery system to market at a price starting at $25,000 in 2023.  VW is targeting a launch for its small, $24,000 electric car in 2025.  But those timeframes could radically change as this global race heats up. Speed and Power The ID Life is a concept show car.  The exterior resembles a squared VW Beetle or a Mini.  It is made of recycled materials.  The veh

  Concept Designed by Buick & Shanghai based SAIC-GM                                                                                         Source:  Buick Range of 410 Miles on a Charge Buick just unveiled in China the new Buick Electra EV, an electric crossover concept car designed by Buick and its Shanghai-based partner SAIC-GM.  The vehicle has an advanced Ultium battery with a range of 410 miles on a single charge. The dual powertrain delivers 583 horsepower.  Automotive experts say the concept vehicle signals Buick's new design direction. Space Age Inspired With Unique Technology Buick says the vehicle's design is inspired by a space capsule.  It has four butterfly doors and a hidden floating skateboard under the rear bumper that provides another alternative green way to travel. What's Next For Electra? Buick says the Electra concept represents its goal to bring together zero emissions, beautiful styling and intelligent connectivity.  It's not clear if or when

Vector Concept That's Electric, Autonomous & Urban Source:  Jaguar Land Rover Vector Designed for Urban Mobility & Destination Zero Jaguar Land Rover just unveiled a brand new concept electric vehicle, Project Vector, that CEO Ralf Speth says is "autonomous ready". This EV is designed for private, shared and commercial use in urban areas. It looks more like a shuttle van than a traditional car.  But, it's very important to Jaguar Land Rover.  They are collaborating with what they call "the brightest minds in academia" at the UK's National Automotive Innovation Center at the University of Warwick, supply chains and digital services to create a connected, integrated mobility system to get to "Destination Zero".  That's a destination that has zero accidents, zero emissions and zero congestion. Future of Driving The design of the Vector is a form that's becoming very popular with

One of Most Striking Vehicles at NY International Auto Show Source:  Kia HabaNiroAdd caption Butterfly Folding Doors The vehicle is called the HabaNiro.  It's an electric crossover concept created by Kia.  The South Korean automaker says the futuristic car is the automotive equivalent of a Swiss Army knife , versatile and for just about everyone. The Everyone, Everything Vehicle Kia says they've designed this for city dwellers, off-roaders, drivers concerned about the environment and driving enthusiasts. It can even serve as a self-driving vehicle.  They call it the "Everything Car Electric Vehicle" with the design, engineering and technology people want to move around in, in the near future. Compact SUV with Unusual Doors HabaNiro is a 4-seater, high riding hatchback, compact SUV.  What really stands out are the double, butterfly door openings.  Also, the fighter pilot-like steering wheel and the instrument panel that spans across the front dashboard.

VW's New Concept Dune Buggy VW's All Electric, Off-Road ID Buggy VW just unveiled its concept dune buggy at the New York International Auto Show.  It's all electric, all-terrain, with no doors, side windows and top.  It accelerates up to 99 mph.  For a great news blog with details, go to Important Innovations Collection: VW Concept Dune Buggy : Volkswagon ID Buggy Source:  VW Electric Vehicle in the Sand VW's ID Buggy concept is one of the most fun new vehicles on displa...

Genesis Concept Car: Luxurious, Small, Electric Source:  Genesis The Genesis Mint Korean luxury automaker Genesis unveiled its newest concept car at the New York International Auto Show that opened today.  It's called the Genesis Mint.  It's a 2 door electric car, that's getting rave reviews from attendees and the press.  It's a small, luxurious, 2-seater that is battery electric powered.  It's designed for city driving. Sporty and Futuristic The Mint is the size of a Fiat with a range of 200 miles and has a quick recharge.  It's futuristic looking, sporty with a minimalist interior.  The driver and passenger share a leather bench between the two front seats.  No word on price or plans for production.  But in this case, a picture is worth a thousand words.  Genesis was spun off from Hyundai three years ago.  It currently has three luxury sedans available for sale in the US that are targeted at customers interested in Mercedes, BMW and Audi.

Infiniti QX Inspiration Concept - Future of Electric Crossovers Source:  Infiniti QX Inspiration Concept Going to Market in 2021 It's an electric, luxury crossover SUV concept that Nissan designers have nicknamed "Baby FX", after their famous original FX.  It's wide bodied, sleek and sports a large interior with a Japanese style living room.  For a great news blog on this, go to Important Innovations Collection: Look at the Future of Driving : Infiniti QX Inspiration Concept Source:  Infiniti QX Inspiration Future of Electric Crossovers Nissan designers call this concept ...

Vision INEXT Concept Car BMW's Concept Car Vision INEXT Intersection of Driver, Car and Digital World This concept car is a unique vision from BMW on the future of driving.  Their concept car BMW Vision INEXT explores intelligent connectivity as a key part of personal mobility.  This concept vehicle is a great example of how a driver, vehicle and the digital world can connect and enjoy breakthrough innovation. Connected Beauty on Wheels BMW's vision that it is developing is an autonomous, intelligent vehicle with a "living space on wheels". You might think of it as your favorite space or living room on wheels in an autonomous vehicle so intelligent you don't need to think about the driving.  There's an intelligent driving system that becomes visible if you want it to. Intelligent Personal Assistant A big component of BMW's vision is their Intelligent Personal Assistant.  This is an interactive, mixed reality VR experience set for 2025.  Thi

Concept to Push Safety and Autonomous Bike Driving Source:  BMW Rider-less Bike Future of  Mobility BMW has unveiled a motorcycle that doesn't need a rider.  The self-driving bike is called the BMW R 1200 GS. Why would BMW create such a bike?   It's an important strive by BMW for safety and mobility system innovation for motorcycles and their drivers. Remote Controlled Bike The bike is a prototype that is remotely controlled by technicians. It just debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show 2019 in Las Vegas. It can take off, accelerate, go around loops and corners, slow down and stop without falling or crashing. BMW Autonomous Mobility Research This bike is another example of BMW exploring the world of autonomous mobility.  BMW says the rider-less bike helps them make future motorcycles and mobility systems safer and less user controlled and user intensive.  BMW believes this technology will help them create future bikes with a higher level of connectivity in the