Automotive

Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept: Drag Racing Goes Electric!

Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept: Drag Racing Goes Electric! Chevy partners with Hancock and Lane Racing for the eCOPO Camaro Concept.
The Chevy eCOPO Camaro is entirely electric and runs a quarter-mile in the single digits.
Testing is still underway although the concept made its debut recently at SEMA in Las Vegas.
Okay, calm down, calm down. This won’t be easy for some to hear. Chevrolet has just rolled out a COPO Camaro drag car, and it’s an electric vehicle. I know, I know. Given the torque produced by electric motors, this could be one of the coolest moves ever.
Or, it could be a sign of the apocalypse. “And the angel opened the fourth seal, and an electric Camaro came fourth.” I’m pretty sure I read that in the tech sheet about the head bolt torque specs on SBC crate engines. Either way, you know there’s some die-hard Camaro people taking this like a scene from Ghostbusters.
What’s next? Dogs and cats living together?
Torque Baby!
Personally, I have no problem being the heretic this time around and saying the Chevy eCOPO Camaro could be totally cool! Totally cool in two ways: One, racing improves the breed; and better electric race cars will mean better electric cars for us gearheads. And second: Torque Baby, Torque!
As is well known, electric motors put out all their torque from zero RPM on up. Meaning drag racing should be a perfect venue for messing with EVs to make them more fun.
You know there's some die-hard Camaro people taking this like a scene from Ghostbusters.Click To TweetBy The Numbers
Before we get into the nitty-gritty technical stuff here, let’s go over what a COPO is for those not in the know. The COPOs were Chevy’s answer to things like Super Stock Dodges back in the day; factory strippers with all the go fast drag parts thrown in so you could be king of the Saturday night digs. A few years ago, Chevy brought the COPOs back, and a fun time has been had by all as they squared off against Drag Pack Mustangs (thank you, Ford) and whatever beasts Mopar would let escape from the dungeons of Auburn Hills.
Now, this COPO, (or eCOPO) is just like its (literal) fire-breathing, pollution-gushing siblings. It’s not to be taken lightly. Based on the 2019 COPO Camaro, the eCOPO cranks out 700 plus horsepower and 600 lb-ft. of pavement-wrinkling torque. Chevy estimates it can run the quarter-mile in the nine-second range. Nine. Out of the box. That is . . . not bad at all! Nine!
I know guys that have worked all summer to hit single digits, let alone get a turn-key solution. Amazing!
Related: How the Camaro ZL1 became GM’s fastest track car.
The Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept takes inspiration from the original 1969 COPO Camaro. Photo: Chevrolet.
How The Chevy eCOPO Camaro Works
Well, it starts with an 800-volt battery pack and ends up with your head snapping back like Ali drilled you in the nose. Between the big, whompin’ battery packs and the ground sits a pair of BorgWarner HVH 250-150 motor assemblies, each generating 300 lb-ft. of torque. Things get real goofy at this point, with both electric motors mated to a “conventional racing-prepared Turbo 400 automatic transmission.”
Really? Isn’t that the same slush box Chevy puts in trucks and stuff?
This thing isn’t a rolling advertisement for the future of electric vehicles; it’s a testament to how tough a Turbo 400 automatic is. Sheesh! South of that, all the power gets channeled to the same solid rear axle used in the production COPO Camaro race cars.
Chevy says the 800-volt battery pack allows for more efficient power transfer to the electric motor, and supports faster recharging. This is important, given the limited amount of time between rounds in drag racing. Also – like I need to point this out – when we can figure out how to juice these things up quicker, the more viable they’ll be for day to day use.
SEMA attendees were able to see under the hood of the Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept.
This thing isn't a rolling advertisement for the future of electric vehicles; it's a testament to how tough a Turbo 400 automatic is.Click To TweetBattery Management System
This monitors all critical voltages and temperatures within the battery pack. It links into an inclusive safety system that constantly gauges all electrical components for proper function and safe operation. Makes total sense, because an electrical system voiding itself of that much power should be running as hot as a blast furnace from green light to checkered flag. The batteries of the eCOPO live in the trunk and are sealed off from the interior.
Also, you crew chiefs will already be thinking about those big, heavy batteries sitting way back. Yes, the eCOPO Camaro holds a 56 percent rear-weight bias, which, yes, helps launch the car like a golf ball off a tee.
And now, the three words that will make your week: Electric. Crate. Motors.
Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept. Photo: Chevrolet.
New Generation
The eCOPO Camaro’s electric motor uses the same bell house mounting pattern and crankshaft flange as the popular LS engines (hint) in Chevrolet’s crate engine portfolio (hint hint). That allows you to bolt it up to just about any GM transmission (hint hint hint). Also, the transmission, driveshaft, and other drivetrain components remain in the same locations as a gasoline-powered COPO Camaro. Meaning the electric motor simply bolts into the engine compartment in place of the gas engine in a direct swap.
And, if you can do it in a COPO, then you could do it with anything else you could fit an LS into. Again: You could do it with anything else you could fit an LS into.
“The possibilities are intriguing and suggest a whole new world for racers,” said Russ O’Blenes, Director, Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports, General Motors. “The eCOPO Concept is all about where we go in the future with electrification in the high performance space.”
To which I say, “Shut up and hand me that wrench, O’Blenes!”
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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2020 Nissan Murano Redesign, Release and Price

Many crossover SUV that will be present in the year 2020. You may have specified an option that will make you happy. One of the artificial crossover Nissan might be of your interest. Many of the features of Excel which will be available on this car. The redesign will probably happen to 2020 Nissan Murano. And whether this car will be available in a hybrid. It is not yet certain. But if indeed it happens this car really be great.

Interior and Exterior. What’s new

The new exterior is significantly to boast about due to the fact it received a total remodeling that is sports and assures speed and luxury on your way. The V-molded front grille is coupled with Nissan’s signature Directed and daytime working lighting. Within the shape of the boomerang, the head lighting is employed in sync using the facial lines to existing the automobile previously mentioned essential aerodynamics. The moonroof about the Nissan Murano redesign is extended and delivers the superb presence from the skies. Back and front seating vacationers can all go through the usual surroundings hardly ever situated modern crossover autos. An entire new exterior attribute within the 2020 Murano is the ‘floating roof’ placed on the back in the car. The floating roof allows the motor lighter facts that crosses as much as the inside in the auto.

The safety paperwork can also be about the increased degree, especially now, when the corporation has prepared it with more fundamental security programs. Nevertheless, its cargo residing space is a tad bit limited as a result it really is not that practical if you are looking to pull some substantial and more major factors. The 2020 Nissan Murano model yr is here while in the promotion with lots of distinct updates contemplating of technologies, just additional overall health and safety, and infotainment attributes. They comprise the new touchscreen using the navigation, Apple CarPlay connectivity, and Android mobile phone Car. As clearly, the Murano urgent circumstance braking and ahead accident alert are now normal on all trims.

Engine Performance

The 2020 Nissan Murano improve conveys a 3.5-liter V6 engine which produces 26000 hp. The driver is associated with having a CVT transmission. 2020 Nissan Murano is available steady just like an all-wheel push, although the most beneficial tire generates non-compulsory. Gas surveys in the new Nissan Murano are sensible making 21 miles for every gallon inside the city and 28 mpg out and about.

Release date and price are still rumors

For the release date of the car, there is no certainty. We recommend that you wait for the confirmation directly from Nissan about release date and price for this car. For that price, we also do not have information that is so uncertain. But our estimate of the price of this car can get on $45.030 to trim top rated as for the trim will be available in the upcoming 2020 include S, SV, SL, Platinum.

2015 Nissan Murano driver-side small overlap IIHS crash test

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2020 Kia Soul Release Date, Hybrid and Price

Another great Asian origin SUV will be ready in the year 2020. The latest generation of 2020 Kia Soul will come earlier in the year 2020. But it’s only limited to rumors. Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade will be rivals for this car. Yet much of the information circulating about how the redesign of this car and the release date and the price is also the same.

2020 Kia Soul

Kia will get a lot of competition for this crossover. But we think they have been very ready to face him. The hybrid machines will also be available for the year 2020. We’ll stay tuned together how this car will be in the release.

The Interior and Exterior. What’s new

Now, as far as the styling will go it absolutely features a good deal of souls it is styling. A lot of people call it dinky looking of amazing seeking or probably, to put it differently cute. About the increased trims, you may obtain rather superb seeking LED daytime functioning lights moreover to HID headlights while the fog lights are optional. It likewise has 16-inch aluminum wheels that have a pretty good look. The rear end is quite wonderful hunting in our judgment.

The supplies and establish top quality within of 2020 Kia Soul excellent using a substantial level of superior soft-touch resources mated with difficult plastic-type materials but with great training. The steering wheel layout language is wonderful within the new Kia Soul and it appears an excellent deal a lot more high-priced than it in fact is. Within the center dash, you’re going to get an optional touchscreen with an infotainment program installed on it. Typically, it has only a basic radio there. The seats are really secure all round they are surely not too shabby.

The perfect Engine. Hybrid will also be available

There is certainly also a 1.6-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine. This unit is ready to provide 200 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The FWD can be normal along with the engine is connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It is actually rated at 26 mpg inside the city and 31 mpg within the highway.

Additionally, the Soul will use an electric motor of 81.4 kWh as well as a battery of thirty kWh that means it truly is ready to supply 110 horsepower and the torque of 210 lb-ft. Its top pace might be constrained to 90 mph. It is going to give the variety of 111 miles on the total charge. As for the fuel economy, it gets 124 MPGe in the city and 93 MPGe around the highway. On the flip side, it is actually extremely likely that the newest 2020 Kia Soul may well get an all-wheel-drive program for your initially time, because of the new platform.

Release Date and Price

There are many rumors circulating about the price and the release date of 2020 Kia Soul, we strongly believe that this car will be in release in the middle of the year 2019. For the price will most likely be in the numbers needed to trim the highest $24.900. As for the trim will be available for the year 2020 is. Base, + and !.

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2018 Lexus RX 450h Review: Quiet & Comfortable

2018 Lexus RX 450h Review: Quiet & Comfortable People looking for a luxury SUV generally want a comfortable, quiet interior and a ride quality that smooths out the bumps. The 2018 Lexus RX 450h delivers in those key areas. Add in the impressive fuel economy with the hybrid powertrain, and you have a recipe for success.
We spent this week driving the 2018 Lexus RX 450h with all-wheel drive.
What’s New For 2018?
The 2018 Lexus RX 450h is less expensive than last year, but some features that were standard are now optional. These include the sunroof, roof rails, heated and ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, navigation system, and blind-spot monitoring. The new Premium package adds some of these features back in, while others are sold as stand-alone options.
Standard Features
The 2018 Lexus RX 450h ($45,695) comes standard with keyless ignition, 18-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting (headlights, foglights, taillights, and running lights), automatic high beams, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, a power liftgate, and rearview camera. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic braking, and lane departure warning and intervention.
Inside, the RX includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 40/20/40-split rear seat (reclines, slides and folds), and a cargo cover.
Tech features include the Remote Touch interface, an eight-inch color display, Safety Connect emergency communications, voice controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 12-speaker sound system with HD and satellite radio, plus two USB ports.

Premium Package & Additional Options
The Premium package ($1,100) adds power-folding mirrors, driver-seat memory settings, and leather upholstery. Other options on our tester included a color heads-up display, the panoramic sunroof, hands-free liftgate, Blind spot monitor, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
Total MSRP including destination: 54,715.
Related: The Lexus GX 460 has tons of features and is off-road ready!
Interior Highlights
The Lexus RX 450h gets top marks for luxury and comfort. The leather seats are extra comfy and come with contrast stitching. There’s abundant soft leather touches throughout the cabin that make it a comfortable place, front and back. The large display screen sits in the middle of the dash at eye level, making it easy to see.
The optional panoramic sunroof stretches all the way to the back for optimal outdoor viewing.
In the back, seats can accommodate passengers of nearly any size and there’s plenty of legroom. RX 450h riders sit about an inch higher, as the nickel-metal hydride battery goes under the back seat. The rear seats recline back for extra comfort and also slide back or forward to the desired position.
With the rear seats folded down, the Lexus RX 450h provides 55.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Lexus RX 450h uses a hybrid gas-electric powertrain making 308 total system horsepower and 247 lb-ft. of torque. The luxury SUV is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 coupled with a pair of front-mounted electric motors/generators. The all-wheel drive model has an additional motor powering the rear wheels.
The RX 450h hybrid uses a planetary drive system and is able to start off on battery power alone at lower speeds. It worked well this week navigating through parking lots and especially in stop-and-go traffic in Denver.
EPA-estimated fuel economy is 31/28 city/highway and 30 combined with all-wheel drive.
Driving Dynamics
When looking for a luxury crossover, you want a certain level of quiet and comfort. You want a vehicle that will leave you rested, even after a long trip. And this one will fulfill that need. The RX 450h is exceptionally comfortable and supremely quiet on the road. It smooths out the bumps and turns them into a mere blip on the radar.
Other than the distracting remote touch interface for the radio and climate control, we have few complaints. The ride and handling is not like a European sports crossover, but families will appreciate the RX 450h no less. Lexus softened the suspension somewhat and enhanced the steering feedback for a more pleasant driving experience.

Related: The 2018 Lexus ES 300h scores high marks during our summer test drive.
Conclusion
The 2018 Lexus RX 450h is more comfortable than ever and carries on the Lexus reputation for superb ride quality. The interior is a strong suite and with the extra upgrades, the cabin becomes an even more desirable place to spend time. We would have opted for the heated steering wheel and seats, however, which do not come standard on the 450h.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Lexus RX 450h Gallery

Lexus RX 450h Official Site
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Lights! Camera! . . . Ford Edge ST?

Lights! Camera! . . . Ford Edge ST? Dearborn is going Hollywood with the Ford Edge ST Camera Car.
Pursuit Systems helped modify the Edge ST for high-speed action footage.
Quick question: Say you need to film a car scene in a movie or a TV show, how do you do it? There’s a number of tricks Hollywood can pull, but if you want to shoot an actual car, driving down an actual road, you have to use something known as a “camera car.”
These are custom-built rigs that run all the way from simple to complex. However, this Ford Edge ST is, to my knowledge, the first camera car ever made by a major manufacturer.
The Weigh It Goes
Yes, I know, technically, this is a camera truck, and not a camera car, but that’s more of a generic term. Most of them are trucks. That’s because not only do you have to haul all the gear, but also the crew. And in a lot of situations, that means the camera operator, director of photography, crane operator, and other assistants.
The Ford Edge ST Camera Car has a huge gantry arm on top. This allows the camera to hang on the far end, being panned, tilted, and swung this way and that as called for in the script. Yes, having that much added extra weight is going to change how the thing handles. And that will only be compounded by actually moving the thing around during a shot.
Ergo, this is far from a normal Ford Edge.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Action Jackson
FoMoCo partnered with camera car company Pursuit Systems to modify the Edge ST for high-speed chase scenes and action footage. The benchmarks for a typical camera car are daunting. For one thing, you have to use an industry standard crane system. Those can weigh up to 1,000 lbs.!
Next, camera cars often travel more than 100 mph, being driven with a degree of precision, braking, and handling. All while tracking to precise marks as the camera is rolling.
So, Pursuit Systems traveled from their North Hollywood headquarters to Dearborn and said that immortal line: “Hey kid, wanna be in pictures?” And of course Ford said yes, cause this is America and everyone wants to be a star.
“We’ve never done anything like this before with an SUV because there’s never been an SUV like Edge ST in our showroom,” explained Mark Grueber, Ford SUV Marketing Manager. “It has the performance chops and utility to keep up with fast-paced movie making.”
Related: Best car movies to binge watch over the weekend.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
The Purge
Ford’s first contribution to this tweaked Edge was a specially-tuned, twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost. Next, they dialed up a performance braking system, added an eight-speed transmission with selectable traction controls, and still made room for the driver and film crew.
Ford also added lots of structural support to the roof to accommodate the nearly 1,000 lbs. “Pursuit Arm.” That’s a company-specific piece of kit, but generically these things are called jib arms. And any jib arm worth its salt has to have all manner of stuff attached to it: Gyro-stabilized remote-control cameras, boom extensions, light set ups, you name it.
Shoot, back in the old days they used to hang the operator out there in a tiny seat!
To compensate for the weight of the crane and film equipment, Ford added an individual-wheel air suspension and gutted the interior. A roll cage protects occupants because things can go very wrong on movie sets. All wires are wrapped in matte black vinyl so they don’t reflect and spoil the magical illusion that is Hollywood.
Related: 2019 Ford Edge employs artificial intelligence in the name of performance.
In addition to the Ford Edge ST, Pursuit Systems has converted BMW X5 Ms, Porsche Cayenne Turbos, and a Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG into camera cars. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
A roll cage protects occupants because things can go very wrong on movie sets. Click To TweetAll In A Day’s Work
One of the reasons I got into film and TV production (way back when) was, in addition to getting to make movies and stuff, I got to play with some really cool toys, like this 2019 Ford Edge ST. Sure, the hours are long, and you’re getting yelled at a lot of the time, but you get the satisfaction of saying, “Hey! See this Cheetos commercial? I did that!”
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Aston Martin DBS 59: Beautiful, Fast & Extremely Rare

Aston Martin DBS 59: Beautiful, Fast & Extremely Rare The Aston Martin DBS 59 pays homage to the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The DBS 59 is inspired by the DBR1 but based off the current DBS Superleggera.
In 1959, Aston Martin landed a monumental one-two finish during the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the DBR1. Despite hard competition from Ferrari, Porsche, and a team of Ecurie Ecosse Jaguars, the David Brown Racing Aston Martin DBR1 emerged victorious. Sir Stirling Moss – who helped win the 1959 World Sportscar Championship – called the DBR1 “the most important Aston Martin ever.”
Only five were built between 1956 and 1959. And when the last one went to auction at Monterey in 2017, it set a new record as the most valuable British-made car ever. Sale price? £17.5m or about $22.5 million.
Racing Green Treatments
In honor of the DBR1, Aston Martin Cambridge is producing a collection of 24 special DBS Superleggeras. With “24” representing each hour of the legendary endurance race it conquered in 1959, the DBS 59 is a rare and stunning specimen. Expect a hand-crafted interior and graphic elements similar to the original DBR1.
“When Aston Martin Cambridge expressed a desire to create a limited run of DBS Superleggeras inspired by the DBR1’s famous Le Mans victory we knew it had to be something special,” said Simon Sproule, Aston Martin Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer. “The soft metallic hue of the Aston Martin Racing Green paintwork is classy and timelessly beautiful.”
The Aston Martin DBS 59 is a rare and stunning specimen.Click To TweetGloss, Carbon Fiber & Bronze
Gloss carbon fiber treatments compliment the Racing Green paint. Obsidian Black and Chestnut Tan leather adorn the interior. The front grille surround, “Superleggera” bonnet script, rear Aston Martin script, and Q Fender Badge are each painted bronze.
“My favorite element on the DBS 59 are the seat backs that feature fabric inspired by the DBR1 seat material, but there are countless touches that will intrigue and delight,” Sproule said. “The level of thought and detailing is exceptional.”
Related: How Sir David Brown built a car for the “discerning owner driver.”
The DBS 59 collection includes just 24 models, each denoted by a small white roundel numbered one to 24 accordingly. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Helmets, Suits & Gloves Included
The Saddle Leather Helmet Pods (rear compartment) are for storing the special crash helmets, race suits, and gloves. The set includes period blue racing overalls, string-backed racing gloves modeled after those worn by 1959 Le Mans-winning driver Caroll Shelby, and a replica 1959 race helmet.
There is even a two-piece luggage set to match the interior trim, plus a Racing Green car cover.
Essential Foundations
The DBS 59 is based off Aston Martin’s fastest production car to date, the DBS Superleggera. With a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12, the DBS Superleggera hits 62 mph in 3.4 seconds, 100 mph in 6.4 seconds, and tops out at 211. The rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic uses a mechanical limited-slip differential with torque vectoring controls.
Availability
The DBS 59 – versions one through 24 – are available to order through Aston Martin Cambridge.
Aston Martin DBS 59 Gallery

Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.

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Kia Telluride Travels to the Dark Side In this Nightfall Edition Gallery

Kia Telluride Travels to the Dark Side In this Nightfall Edition Gallery The popular Kia Telluride will receive a new Nightfall Edition for the 2021 model year. The Nightfall Edition will be available on the Telluride EX AWD (with Premium package), SX AWD, and SX Prestige package. A Wolf Gray exterior color will also be exclusive to the Kia Telluride Nightfall Edition.

“The Telluride Nightfall Edition offers a new choice to our customers who prefer a more assertive and premium look to their family hauler or weekend adventurer,” said Sean Yoon, President & CEO, Kia Motors America. “Our biggest and boldest offering’s already lofty appeal elevates with the addition of this special package.”

Kia Telluride Nightfall Edition: What’s Included

Gloss black roof railsGloss black skid platesBody-color door handlesNewly designed black radiator grille Gloss black front bumper side air-duct garnishGloss black emblems, including unique “Kia” logosGloss black greenhouse trim/lower door side moldingUnique 20-inch wheels in black finish with black lug nuts and center capsLED headlamps and fog lamps with the black inner bezel (LED headlights already standard on SX and SX Prestige package. LED fog lamps not available on EX).Kia Telluride Nightfall Edition Availability

In addition to the Wolf Gray color, the Nightfall Edition Telluride comes in Snow White Pearl, Everlasting Silver, Gravity Gray, Ebony Black, Sangria, Black Copper, and Dark Moss. The 2021 Kia Telluride Nightfall Edition will arrive at dealers before the end of the year.

Kia Telluride Nightfall Edition Gallery

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Original article: Kia Telluride Travels to the Dark Side In this Nightfall Edition Gallery

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Solar Charging Technology For Cars? Hyundai & Kia Say It’s Viable

Solar Charging Technology For Cars? Hyundai & Kia Say It’s Viable Emerging technology can charge a car’s battery via body or roof-mounted solar panels.
The “translucent solar roof” is the first system of its kind for internal combustion engines.
Hyundai and Kia say the solar charging systems will help reduce harmful CO2 emissions.
Hyundai and Kia will implement solar charging technology on certain Hyundai vehicles as early as next year. The electricity-generating solar panels, on either the roof or hood, will provide additional electrical power to increase efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.
Hyundai are Kia are developing three types of solar roof charging systems, known as “generations.”
Generations One & Two
The first-generation solar roof system, applied to hybrids, includes roof-mounted silicon solar panels. The panels can charge 30 to 60 percent of the battery per day, depending on weather conditions and the environment.
By contrast, the second-generation “semi-transparent” roof system pairs with internal combustion engines. Unlike the first-generation system, the semi-transparent solar panels fit a panoramic sunroof. The idea is to maintain “transparency” while charging the battery. This way, drivers can still enjoy having the views a panoramic sunroof provides.
Hyundai and Kia say solar charging systems will help vehicles reduce CO2 emissions. Photo: Hyundai Motor Group.
Solar Lid
The third-generation, or “solar-lid” system, is undergoing a pilot study. Hence why Hyundai and Kia were slim on the details, noting only that it “mounts solar panels on the bonnet and roof in order to maximize energy output.”
“In the future, various types of electricity generating technologies, including the solar charging system, will be connected to vehicles,” explained Jeong-Gil Park, Executive Vice President, Engineering Design Division, Hyundai Motor Group. “This will enable them to develop from a passive device that consumes energy to a solution that actively generates energy.”
Related: Where are EVs most popular? The results of this study might surprise you?
Photo: Hyundai Motor Group.
How It Works
The charging systems have a solar panel, controller, and battery. Electricity is produced when sunlight hits the panel’s surface. A 100W solar panel – in 1 Sun standards (summer noon, 1000 W/m² intensity of radiation – produces 100Wh of energy per hour. In the controller, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), controls voltage and current to increase efficiency of the electricity in the solar panel.
The electricity is then transformed to the standard voltage by the controller and stored in the battery.
Hyundai will launch the first generation of this technology in 2019.
“The paradigm of the vehicle owner will shift from that of a consumer to an energy prosumer,” Gil Park said.
The Automoblog staff contributed to this report.

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Land Rover’s Limited Edition V8 Defender Caps Anniversary Celebration

Land Rover’s Limited Edition V8 Defender Caps Anniversary Celebration The Land Rover Defender, the boxy off-roader, post-war British thing that has been around for 70 years, just got a celebratory pat on the back thanks to the tried and true (American) gearhead answer of “just stuff a big V8 in it, it’ll be fine.” I’ve got to say that’s a rationale I agree with.
Indeed, the Land Rover Defender has been around for 70 years. A milestone worth observing. They are, in a number of ways, a very good British take on the American original. Yes, I know, there are Landy guys that will argue this production date or that bit of tech minutiae, but really, Jeep is the original, and Land Rover is a rather nice British copy, but a copy nonetheless.
Cheating Fate
The death of the Land Rover Defender has been hovering around on black bat wings for decades now, longer than the thing has been called the Defender, back to when they were all simply called “Land Rovers.” The gas crunch of the early 70s was going to kill it. Changing tastes in the mid-80s meant its days were numbered. Growing emissions regs preordained new Land Rovers weren’t going to be seen on the roads after 1991. Stuff like that.
But here we are, all these years later, and it’s still around. And Land Rover says this new engine is “all about celebrating the 70th anniversary,” but it really boils down to the fact someone within the company thought it sounded like a great way to pump more life into a War-era vintage carcass. At least that’s what I think. In most cases, I feel stuffing V8 engines where they don’t belong is usually a great idea. Then again, as a kid, I lived in a household where at one point there were three Sunbeam Tigers in the family’s possession.
Photo: Land Rover Classic.
Limited Run
Sadly, the new V8-equipped Defender will not just be a choice on an option box. The upcoming Land Rover Defender with a big V8 will be a limited-edition deal with only “up to” 150 examples being made to celebrate the marque’s 70th anniversary in 2018. Sad, but I understand where they’re coming from.
Noteworthy Nameplate
The Defender Works V8 (its official name) pays tribute to the early high-powered versions of the 1979 Series III Stage 1 V8 and the 50th Anniversary Edition in 1998. Which, if I’m remembering this right, were powered by the same small block alloy V8 that Rover actually bought from Buick (of all people) back in the 1960s. “Why would anyone want a small, light, fuel efficient V8,” Buick asked, and promptly sold the thing to the Brits. Next thing you know, that same engine was in Rover police cars and Triumph TR8s and not in Buicks when that aforementioned gas crunch hit in the early 70s. Oops.

Power & Performance
Anyway, let us not dwell on the mistakes of our Detroit-based forefathers. Landy says the Defender Works V8 is the most powerful and fastest Defender ever manufactured. The 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 cranks out 400 horsepower and 380 lb-ft. of torque versus the standard Defender’s 120 ponies and 265 lb-ft. of torque. All of those numbers are good enough for the Defender Works V8 to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, topping out at 106 mph. Which is frighteningly quick for something as tippy as a Land Rover, as well as comically slow on that top end. But given the thing has the aerodynamic grace of the crate it’s shipped in, it kinda follows, y’know?
The 150, specially-selected and re-engineered 70th Edition Defenders will have an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with a sport mode. The brakes are updated (thankfully); the handling kit consists of springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars, plus exclusive 18-inch diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels, with 265/65 R18 all-terrain tires. And all of that is good stuff, but you know these things are still going to handle like milk trucks, and it’s only a matter of time before a rich footballer from West Ipswichingham/ford-knoll-towne-on-Tyne barrel rolls one into a ditch.
Photo: Land Rover Classic.
Visual Treatments
The 70th Edition Defenders will come in eight unnamed body colors including two satin finishes. All of which will contrast nicely with the Santorini Black roof, wheel arches, and front grille. The door handles, fuel filler cap, and Defender bonnet lettering will be finished with machined aluminum (nice!). The comprehensive lighting upgrade includes bi-LED headlamps. Of course, full Windsor Leather covers the dashboard, door panels, headlining, and Recaro sports seats my dear fellow, and a Land Rover Classic Infotainment System is also fitted.
Pricing & Availability
Both 90 and 110 wheelbase Defender Works V8 versions will be available with prices starting from £150,000 for a 90 in the UK, which is around $210,000. The Defender Works V8 is available in the United Kingdom, and MENA markets on a personal import basis. European market availability is also on an individual import basis, subjected to rules on importation of vehicle conversions.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format.
Defender Works V8 Gallery

Photos & Source: Land Rover Classic.

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