2017 Honda CR-V crossover: more standard safety features, turbo engine

2017 Honda CR-VThe 2017 Honda CR-V compact crossover utility vehicle was unveiled today, featuring more fuel-efficient powertrains, evolutionary styling ... and a volume knob for the radio. That latter detail may seem minor, but widespread complaining about the lack of such a knob was one of the few criticisms of the otherwise well-received new Honda Civic last...

How Formula E electric-car series could make road cars better

2016/2017 Formula E Hong Kong ePrixThe adage "racing improves the breed" is often used to justify automakers' participation in motorsports. The implication is that technology developed for racing, and tested under the harsh conditions of competition, can eventually be applied to production cars. Indeed, items that many of today's drivers take advantage of—from the rear-view...

2016-17 Toyota Prius hybrids recalled for emergency-brake issue

2016 Toyota Prius Two EcoThe latest generation of Toyota Prius hybrid cars is being recalled to address an issue with their emergency brakes. The Prius was redesigned for the 2016 model year and is now also being sold as a 2017 model. The recall—which encompasses 92,000 vehicles—includes cars from both model years. DON'T MISS: Toyota Prius design, popular in...

Hydrogen cars celebrate half a century; have they made a difference?

GM Electrovan fuel-cell prototype, 1966Electric cars are virtually as old as the auto industry, but hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are not. In fact, exactly fifty years ago this month, GM showed off the first one, which it called the Electrovan. This remarkable and innovative prototype for a zero-emission vehicle used the body of an adapted GMC Handi-Van, containing the first fuel cell...

Does Tesla have plant, permits to build 500,000 electric cars a year?

Tesla Model 3 design prototype  -  reveal event  -  March 2016The 2017 Chevy Bolt EV is due at dealers within a couple of months, and little is known about the next Nissan Leaf. That leaves the Tesla Model 3 as the biggest question mark among electric cars. We know what the car is, since Tesla unveiled prototypes this spring. It's whether the company can get the Model 3 into production on schedule. DON'T...

Lexus hybrids ‘always charged,’ says slogan (unlike electric cars)

2016 Lexus ES 300hToyota has made it abundantly clear that it believes its hybrids and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are a better path to the future than battery-electric cars. The Japanese automaker believes hybrid cars—a segment it dominates—are the more practical choice for reducing fuel consumption, and that fuel-cell cars will eventually surpass...

Electric Mini officially confirmed by BMW CEO, also electric BMW X3

2016 MINI Cooper S Convertible  -  First DriveIt's increasingly evident that BMW will offer all-electric versions of existing models, departing from its previous strategy of building dedicated plug-in models under the "i" sub-brand. The carmaker has said it would add all-electric versions of the next-generation X3 crossover, as well as an unspecified Mini model. The move comes as BMW seeks to...

Chevy confirms diesel Cruze, looks to capitalize on VW’s loss

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback DetroitGeneral Motors chief in North America confirmed that Chevrolet will bring its diesel compact car to the U.S. and "seize" on ground that VW has lost. "People who drive diesels, love diesels. And so there is a customer base there that wants to drive this type of vehicle and have this type of performance. What we're doing is providing that option,"...