Tag Archives: steering

News

2024 Mercedes-AMG GT plug-in hybrid expected to have 800bhp

The upcoming GT model from Mercedes-AMG will feature an AMG Performance steering wheel and stylish front sport seats with integrated headrests. These seats also have optional ventilation and automatically adjust their side bolsters in different driving modes, such as Sport, Sport+, and Race.

The rear seats in the new GT are designed for children and offer limited leg and headroom. However, they can be folded down to increase the boot space from 321 litres to a maximum of 675 litres. To give you some context, the previous GT model had 285 litres of boot space, and the SL model offers 213 litres.

Mercedes-AMG has introduced new aluminum double-wishbone AMG Active Ride Control suspension for the GT. This suspension system uses continuously adjustable electronic damping, steel coil springs, and active roll stabilization with hydraulic elements instead of traditional anti-roll bars. Customers can also opt for a lift system that provides an extra 30mm of ground clearance.

The new coupe comes standard with four-wheel steering, allowing the rear wheels to turn up to 2.5 degrees. The braking system consists of 390mm steel discs with six-piston aluminum calipers at the front and 360mm steel discs with single-piston floating aluminum calipers at the rear.

There is a new AMG Dynamic Select controller that offers six driving modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Race. Additionally, the AMG Dynamics ESC system allows drivers to adjust the level of intervention across three different settings.

Mercedes-AMG GT First Ride

Mercedes-AMG promises that the new GT will embody the essence of an old-school AMG, remaining true to the brand’s core values and appealing to enthusiasts. Speculation has been growing ever since AMG announced that the new C192-generation model would share many aspects with the latest SL.

To find out whether the 2023 car will be larger and heavier, have its performance and character limited by stricter emissions regulations, or possibly become less focused than the original model, Autocar joined AMG’s new CEO, Michael Schiebe, for a ride in a nearly completed prototype.

“Before you ask, we’re only going to produce it as a coupe,” he immediately clarified.

News

First drive: 2024 Volkswagen ID 4

The 2024 Volkswagen ID 4 has undergone some improvements to its dynamics and interior, making it a more powerful, comfortable, and user-friendly electric SUV.

The steering now offers better feedback and self-centring, enhancing the car’s overall handling. Additionally, the optional Dynamic Chassis Control system has been refined with new software mapping and additional sensors, resulting in a smoother and more controlled ride on various road surfaces.

Inside the ID 4, changes have been made to address previous criticisms. The controls, mainly located on the new 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, now feature simpler menus and an advanced conversational voice control system. The center console also provides improved storage space. However, the perceived quality and solidity of the interior still fall short compared to some rivals.

More details regarding the ID 4’s performance, range, and pricing are yet to be released by Volkswagen. However, based on the experience with this early car, it seems that the ID 4’s potential has been better fulfilled than ever before. It offers more power, a more engaging driving experience, increased comfort, and an improved user interface, making it easier to live with.

Volkswagen ID 4 Pro Performance

Rating: 4 Stars

Now notably more powerful, refined, and efficient, but its interior could still be improved

Price £45,000 (est) Engine Permanent magnet synchronous motor Power 282bhp Torque 402lb ft Gearbox 1-spd reduction gear, RWD Kerb weight 2100kg (est) 0-62mph 6.8sec (est) Top speed 112mph Battery 77.0kWh Range 330 miles Economy 3.9mpkWh (est) CO2, tax band 0g/km, 2% Rivals Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla Model Y

Cars

Toyota’s Mega Cruiser: Challenging the Hummer in Size and Capability

The Mega Cruiser, with its oversized dimensions and rear-wheel steering, holds its own against AM General’s SUV, the Hummer. Both vehicles share similar features, such as an engine mounted farther back in the chassis, portal axles for increased ground clearance, an onboard tire inflation/deflation system, and full-time all-wheel drive.

To achieve its impressive ground clearance, the Mega Cruiser elevates its drivetrain, resulting in a substantial transmission tunnel that divides the passengers. Unlike the Hummer, the Mega Cruiser’s transmission hump ends before the rear seat, allowing for a spacious four-across bench seat.

Beneath the Mega Cruiser’s expansive hood, we discover an interesting engine choice: a 4.1-liter four-cylinder turbocharged diesel. While the engine’s displacement is relatively large for a four-cylinder, it still falls short in terms of power for such a massive and heavy vehicle. With a horsepower rating of 153 and a torque rating of 282 pound-feet, it is understandably underpowered.

Just how underpowered is it? According to a test conducted by Road & Track, the Mega Cruiser took a whopping 20.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH. In a recent altitude test in the Colorado Rockies, a Mega Cruiser struggled to even reach 60 MPH, maxing out at 50 MPH with the throttle wide open.

On the bright side, the compact diesel engine managed to achieve a combined city/highway fuel economy of 13 MPG, which, considering the size and weight of the vehicle, is not terrible. However, it doesn’t quite reach the fuel efficiency levels of a Prius, as stated by Slashgear.

[Featured image by Hunini via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 4.0]

Featured

BMW Introduces i5 M60 in North America at Legends of the Autobahn 2023

BMW is showcasing its commitment to a greener future by unveiling the 2024 BMW i5 M60 xDrive and the hydrogen fuel cell-powered iX5 Hydrogen at Legends of the Autobahn 2023 in Pacific Grove, California. These new electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles demonstrate BMW’s dedication to sustainable transportation.

The 2024 BMW i5 M60 xDrive is a powerful addition to BMW’s M Performance collection, featuring a 590-horsepower electric drivetrain. With impressive acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph, this electric sedan is a fierce competitor in the electric car market. It also offers advanced features like the optional Driving Assistance Professional with eye activation and in-car gaming. The 2024 BMW i5 M60 xDrive will be available for purchase in Q4 2023, starting at a base MSRP of $81,400 plus $995 for destination and handling.

BMW’s iX5 Hydrogen is a prototype that combines electric driving with the convenience of refueling. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about six seconds, thanks to its powerful fuel cell system that generates up to 396 horsepower. This vehicle represents an important step in showcasing the potential of hydrogen as part of BMW’s broader electrification strategy.

In addition to these eco-friendly vehicles, BMW is also showcasing its renowned M products, such as the M3 CS, M2, XM, X5 M Competition, and X6 M Competition. These high-performance models exemplify BMW’s commitment to driving excellence with their powerful engines, elegant design, and precise handling. The limited-edition 2024 BMW M3 CS is particularly impressive, offering 543 horsepower and an MSRP of $118,700.

The BMW XM is BMW M’s first electrified high-performance offering. Priced at $159,000, this groundbreaking model combines a 483-horsepower V8 engine with a 194-horsepower electric motor, resulting in a maximum system output of 644 horsepower. It offers both luxury and eco-friendliness.

Completing the lineup are the updated 2024 BMW X5 M and X6 M Competition models, which feature a new V8 engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology, delivering 617 horsepower. These models showcase sleek exterior design updates and the latest-generation iDrive system, embodying modern luxury.

BMW’s impressive showcase at Legends of the Autobahn and BMW Championship in Olympia Fields, IL, demonstrates its commitment to a bright and innovative future for automotive enthusiasts. Through a combination of electric, hydrogen, and performance-driven models, BMW is driving towards a future that embraces sustainable mobility while honoring its Motorsport heritage. From exhilarating performances to groundbreaking hydrogen technology, BMW’s latest offerings prove that the future of driving is not only promising but also exhilarating.

View All BMWs For Sale

Cars, News

Tesla Under Investigation by NHTSA for Steering Issues

Tesla is once again facing scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this time for steering issues. According to the NHTSA’s investigation overview, drivers have been receiving messages indicating reduced or disabled power steering assist. Complaints have included incidents where restarting the car only partially restored steering capability, or drivers needed to make multiple attempts. One complaint even reported a situation where the steering felt stuck, causing the car to slide off the road and crash into a tree. Additionally, Tesla’s lane assistance and emergency features were said to have malfunctioned in this particular incident. Other cases described the steering wheel becoming overly stiff or completely locked.

While some Tesla owners have been able to regain full or partial steering functionality through restarts or multiple on-off attempts, many are concerned about the risk of being stranded in a sensitive traffic or highway situation. This poses not only a safety concern for themselves, but also for other vehicles around them. This is not the first time Tesla has faced steering-related issues with their electric SUV. In June 2023, a batch of Model Y cars were recalled due to steering wheel problems. Three months prior to that, the NHTSA launched an investigation into reports of steering wheels actually falling off while driving, affecting approximately 120,000 Model Y cars from the 2023 cycle.

News

Triumph TR2 returns as a lightweight electric sports car

The Triumph TR2, a classic sports car from the 1950s, is making a comeback in the form of a lightweight electric version called the TR25. The design of the steering wheel pays homage to the original spoked steering wheels of Triumph cars from the 1950s, with a single dial in its hub. The central binnacle features three additional dials that show speed, charge level, and range.

The TR25 boasts impressive specifications, including an estimated weight of 1095kg, which is 200kg lighter than the i3 S. It also has a projected acceleration time of 5.2 seconds for the 0-62mph sprint and a top speed of 115mph. The lighter weight of the TR25 contributes to an estimated touring range of 190 miles.

The original TR2 broke records in its time, achieving a speed of 124.889mph, surpassing its rival, the Sunbeam Alpine, which had set a mark of 120mph. The TR2 is now on display at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, after being purchased for £250,000 with funding from the National Heritage Memorial Fund in 2020.

While the TR25 may signify a revival for Triumph cars, it is unlikely to enter mass production. Instead, it is expected to help Ani and Makkina, the builders of the TR25, progress their business into a new phase. Nevertheless, the TR25 achieves its creators’ goal of creating a small, desirable EV roadster reminiscent of classic roadsters.

Motorsport

Perseverance Rover Lego Kit Debuts For You To Explore Mars From Your Desk

Lego has announced a new model of the NASA Mars Perseverance Rover, which comes with advanced features. The kit includes 360-degree steering, a fully articulated suspension, and a movable arm. It will be available for purchase on August 1, 2023, for $99.99.

With a total of 1,132 pieces, this Lego model is recommended for builders aged 10 and above. Once completed, the model measures 12.5 inches long, 9 inches wide, and 9 inches tall. It includes various replicated features of the rover such as the power unit, antennae, cameras, and scientific instruments. Additionally, the kit also includes a miniature version of the Ingenuity flying drone.


Motorsport

New Mercedes S-Class Could Feature Yoke Steering Wheel and Physical Buttons

The upcoming iteration of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is rumored to do away with the current steering wheel design that incorporates capacitive-touch buttons. Instead, the company plans to reintroduce physical switches in the vehicle, albeit in a different form. According to a report from Handelsblatt, the automaker is set to replace the conventional wheel with a rectangular yoke, a trend that other car manufacturers are also embracing.

The design of the new yoke is said to draw inspiration from the rectangular controller found in the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven concept. The report, which stems from insider sources, explains that Mercedes-Benz believes the flattened shape of the yoke will provide an unobstructed view of the road and the driver’s display.


Cars

2024 Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance First Drive: Electrifying Tradition

Chassis settings, along with engine and transmission response, steering weight, and sound, are keyed to seven drive modes. These include Electric, Battery Hold, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, and Individual. Electric activates all-electric driving, Battery Hold saves the charge for later, Slippery is for white-knuckle situations, and Individual allows you to mix and match settings. That leaves Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ as the modes that reveal this car’s true character.

Comfort mode provides the full S-Class land yacht experience. The engine is on but not fully awake, so ambient noise remains fairly low. The ride is at its plushest. Motoring down California’s Pacific Coast Highway, our test car’s carbon-fiber interior trim and AMG badging were the only indicators that we were in an AMG model.

Switch to Sport mode, and you get a subtle burble to remind you that there is in fact a V8 under the hood. As with many other performance cars with programmable drive modes, the steering becomes unnecessarily heavy, but still allows for a fine level of control—which you’ll definitely need to aim a car of this size down a twisty road.

In Sport mode, the S63 no longer feels like an ordinary S-Class. Nor does it just feel like a big car with a powerful engine. It has the confidence-inspiring poise of a true sports sedan, one that impresses not only with its ability to move its considerable girth around corners, but also makes the experience enjoyable. Cars that rely this heavily on tech to overcome the laws of physics can be quite dull, but this is definitely one that makes you want to take the long way home. And that’s before shifting to Sport+ mode, which offers more of everything without making the car too uncomfortable for long stints.

Mazda

Statement on Safety Recall 5923F

Suspension and Steering Insufficiently Tightened or Missing Bolts on Certain 2024MY CX-90s

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has reported a safety defect to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding certain 2024MY CX-90 vehicles. The defect pertains to bolts for the steering intermediate shaft, front ABS wheel speed sensor harnesses, or front upper control arms that may not have been sufficiently tightened or may be missing. If left unaddressed, these components can loosen or detach while driving, potentially leading to a loss of vehicle control and an increased risk of a crash.

This defect does not come with any prior warning signs, and there have been no reports of accidents or injuries caused by it. However, approximately 18 vehicles in the US are affected by this recall.

All affected owners will be notified through U.S. Mail. Updates on the recall can be found at mazdarecallinfo.com or nhtsa.gov.

Mazda North American Operations is based in Irvine, California and oversees Mazda vehicle sales, marketing, parts, and customer service support in the United States, Canada, and Mexico through its network of approximately 780 dealers. Mazda Canada Inc. manages operations in Canada, while Mazda Motor de Mexico manages operations in Mexico. Mazda de Colombia handles operations in Colombia.

For more information on Mazda vehicles, including media resources such as photography and B-roll, visit InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Stay updated with MNAO on social media by following their Twitter and Instagram accounts @MazdaUSA and their Facebook page at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.

Contact:

Tamara Mlynarczyk, Mazda North American Operations, media@mazdausa.com
Drew Cary, Mazda North American Operations, media@mazdausa.com