German gearbox and automotive parts manufacturer ZF has wheeled out a compact car prototype to showcase some of its innovative ideas for city mobility. Dubbed the Smart Urban Vehicle, it encompasses ideas that are all about making city-living easier. Parking is a cinch thanks to its very compact dimensions and […]
Technology
Local Motors one step closer to mass-producing 3D-printed cars
3D-printed mass-produced vehicles could become a reality thanks to Local Motors, with plans to introduce low-speed electric vehicles early in 2016. The Arizona start-up has ambitions to become a disruptive force in vehicle manufacturing by pioneering the use of 3D printing. Local Motors is an open source company which crowd-sources […]
Divergent Microfactories Blade, world’s first 3D printed supercar?
San Francisco-based Divergent Microfactories has shown a revolutionary 3D printed car called the Blade. It’s being dubbed as the world’s first 3D printed supercar. The Blade showcases an innovative and futuristic manufacturing process, the basis of which are 3D printed aluminium ‘Node’ joints, which connect printed carbon fibre tubes together […]
Mercedes & Bosch creating remote automated parking system
We all know that the autonomous car is on its way in the near future, but it seems they may arrive even sooner than first thought. Mercedes and Bosch have just unveiled their automated valet parking technology. The technology is set to be first implemented in car parks belonging to […]
Uni of Tokyo develops first wireless in-wheel electric motor
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have produced what they are claiming as the world’s first wireless in-wheel electric motor system. The technology is known as a ‘wheel hub motor’, which eliminates the need for a drive shaft as power is transferred from a power source like a battery, directly […]
Volvo On Call technology updated, now smartwatch compatible
Volvo, never shy about throwing some of Sweden’s finest technology into its cars, has just released an update for its ‘On Call’ system that now allows smartwatches to control functions of the car. No, you can’t drive purely from your watch. Owners of an Apple or Android smartwatch can now […]
Harman buys Bang & Olufsen Automotive audio brand
One of the best high-end car sound system producers, Bang & Olufsen Automotive, has been bought out by Harman Industrial Industries. Bang & Olufsen, in our opinion, sits as the pinnacle automotive audio system provider. The stereo units, usually only fitted to really high-end vehicles such as Aston Martin models, […]
Audi produces first batch of ‘e-benzin’ synthetic fuel
Oil producers, eat your heart out. Audi is well on its way to producing its own synthetic fuel it calls ‘e-benzin’, made from 100 per cent iso-octane. The German manufacturer has been collaborating with Global Bioenergies to develop sustainable synthetic fuels, and the useable fuel contains absolutely zero petroleum. The […]