Important Innovations Collection

 Called a "Compelling" Small Crossover                                                                                     Source:  Dodge Affordably Priced Hybrid Car The Dodge Hornet is the automaker's first electrified performance vehicle.  It's being called by automotive experts a "compelling" small crossover and it is certainly affordably priced at a starting price of $30,000.  Interestingly, parent company Stellantis is building it in Italy alongside the new Stellantis Alfa Romeo Tonale.  The two vehicles have a number of similarities but are targeted at different customer bases.  The Tonale is for a slightly more well-heeled audience and the Hornet is more of a classic muscle car. Tech Specs Dodge has buil...

Big Electrification Push by 2030                                          Source:  Nissan New Concepts 4 New Electric Concept Cars Unveiled  Nissan is greatly accelerating its electrification program by 2030 with the launch of 23 new hybrid and electric models, including 15 fully electric vehicles.  As part of the electrification program, Nissan just unveiled 4 new, electric concept cars that are industry standouts.  They're called Chill-Out, Max-Out, Hang-Out and Surf-Out.  These concepts are decidedly different from current vehicles.  They are lifestyle vehicles, specifically designed to cater to the preferences and interests of specific customer and demographic groups. Breaking Conventional Automotive Modes The Hang-Out is a rugged crossover, specifically aimed at the needs and adventures of young families.  The Surf-Out is an...

Powerful New SUV from Great Britain                                             Source:  Land Rover Hybrid Electric or V8 Great Britain-based Land Rover has unveiled a new Range Rover Sport SUV that is sporty, rugged and "stealth-like" according to the company.  The vehicle is the automaker's most popular model in the US, with 1 in 3 cars being sold in New York City, Los Angeles and Miami. In fact, since 2006, one-third of all Range Rover Sport models have been sold in the US. The new, revamped, 5th Generation 2023 Range Rover Sport does not disappoint.  It has sleek, smooth, sporty and muscular styling, is slightly more budget friendly and has a smaller, "modernist" design.  And it certainly is ruggedly "off-road" capable as pictured going through significant flooding. Aerodynamically Designed Range Rover claims that the new Sport is sign...

 AeroMobil's AM NEXT                                                                                                Source:  AeroMobil Brand New Form of Regional Commuting Slovakia's AeroMobil has unveiled its second breakthrough flying car - the 4-seat AM NEXT.  The vehicle is a world first for driving and flying.  The company says the AM NEXT leverages the innovative technologies and engineering of its first flying car - the AM4.0 which is the world's first flying car to go into production.  The AM4.0 is a combination light plane and supercar.  It's a two-seat luxury vehicle priced at nearly $1.5 million that quickly shifts from driving to flying.  The AM4.0 will be deli...

XTurismo Limited Edition                                                                                     Source:  A.L.I. Technologies Highly Advanced Hoverbike From Japan The new XTurismo Limited Edition Hoverbike is straight out of science fiction.  Japan's A.L. I. Technologies has invented and is taking deposits on a hoverbike very similar to the one that Luke Skywalker rode in the Return of the Jedi, except this one is the real deal.  There are 200 limited editions being produced of this awesome hoverbike.  It is composed of carbon fiber and is priced at $777,000.  This is being called the world's first commercial hoverbike. Tech Specs The XTurismo Limited is unique.  There are two large rotors in the cen...

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 fur...

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 ne...

From Japan, Hybrid Hoverbike for an Above Traffic Commute                                                                               Source:  A.L.I Technologies A.L.I. Technologies New Iconic Form of Commuting This is one of the new pieces of travel technology that has been under development for years that many have all been waiting for.  It has just arrived!  From A.L.I Technologies of Japan, a hybrid hoverbike that can soar over traffic at speeds up to 62 miles per hour.  It is called XTurismo and the company called is the "icon of mobility".  This breakthrough piece of flying technology isn't under development in a back street garage.  It is for sale for a whopping $680,000. Buyers can pre-book it for delivery in 2022. T...

Powerful Vehicle But With Less Emissions Source:  GM & Corvette E-Ray Expected to Debut in 2023 GM's iconic sports car, the Corvette, is about to roll out its first, electrified model.  GM is working on a plug-in hybrid version of the C8 Vette called the E-Ray.  The next-G Vette has a radical design shift with a mid-engine layout.  Automotive reports indicate the hybrid powertrain will generate a powerful punch of 650 horsepower.  The EV is expected to debut in 2023. Tech Specs & More Firsts The new Vette pairs a 6.2 liter LT2 V-8 engine with an e-booster electric motor on the front axle.  The e-Ray won't produce any emissions until it is travelling over 35 mph.  For the first time in Corvette's history, the vehicle will have four-wheel drive.  Automotive experts say that the ability to send power to both axles should improve the car's performance even further.  Interestingly, GM is making no comment about this greatly anticipated new...

It's the Most Fuel Efficient Pickup on the Market                                                  Source:  Ford Under $20,000 Starting Price & It's a Hybrid Ford has a very interesting new pickup just entering the market.   It's the new Maverick pickup.  Ford calls it their smallest and most fuel efficient pickup.  The vehicle has a hybrid powertrain that provides 40 mph and 37 mph combined, which makes it the most fuel efficient pickup on the market today.  The pickup has the capacity to haul 1,500 pounds and to tow 2,000 pounds.  The starting price is $19,995.00.  The range on a tank of gas is 500 miles. Unique Pickup with Interesting Features The pickup truck's rear loading bed is unique.  Ford calls it the All New Ford Maverick FLEXBED. For the owner, it is customizable to their needs. ...

Flying Car Ambulances                                            Source:  Urban Aeronautics Israel & USAF Developing Flying Car EMS Vehicles Israel and the US Air Force are separately developing flying cars to save lives.  Israel claims to have the first ever flying car ambulances in development.  Urban Aeronautics of Israel and Hatzolah Air of Queens, New York are partnering to develop a flying EMS ambulance vehicle.  It's called CityHawk and they expect to have it in operation within five years.  One of the most strategic applications for flying cars is to deploy first responders to accident scenes by flying them over traffic, gain access to difficult locations and get to the location more quickly to save lives. Plans for CityHawk CityHawk relies on hybrid propulsion and is designed for medical rescues particularly in urban area...

Luxury Electric Cars                                                           Source:  Bentley Bentley on an Electric Fast Track Bentley Motors' model lineup of cars will consist of only electric and plug-in hybrids by 2026.  The UK based luxury car maker will be fully electric by 2030.  This news from the company as the global automotive industry adjusts to much tougher emissions regulations in China and Europe.  Many global automakers are expanding their electric lineups.  100 Year Old Automaker Going Electric Bentley was founded 100 years ago and is now owned by Volkswagen.  It is accelerating the development of electric vehicles and will introduce two plug-in hybrids in 2021.  In a statement, Bentley CEO Adrian Hallmark said: "Bentley will transform from a 100 year old luxury...

20% New Energy Vehicles by 2025 Source:   China EV Charging Station Electric, Hybrids, Hydrogen New Vehicles To Hit Sales Records China is on a roll with new energy vehicles (NEV).  By 2025, 20% of new cars sold in China will be battery electric, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell powered.  China is the world's largest automotive market.  New energy cars now represent 5% of new car sales in China.  The forecast that brings that number to 20% by 2025 comes from China's State Council. What is Driving the Growth in China? According to the China State Council, new car sales in new energy vehicles are rising because the industry has improved its competitiveness and the technology is greatly improving.  The Chinese Society of Automotive Engineers says new energy vehicles will comprise 50% of the China market by 2035.  They add that by far the biggest component - 95% - of NEVs will be battery electric vehicles in 2035. Ramping Up Production Companies...

High Stakes Debut This Week Source:  Ford 2020 F-150 Competition is Fierce Ford has a lot riding on its new traditional and hybrid versions of the 2021 F-150 pick-up truck to be unveiled on Thursday night.  In fact, they're "betting the farm on it".  The F-150 is the top selling vehicle in the US and it is Ford's cash cow.  The F-150 equaled 37% of Ford's 2.4 million vehicles sold in 2019. Ford's Financial Strategy Ford is betting the new F-150 will help it profitably grow the commercial side of Ford's business to support its $11 billion restructuring plan and start paying off more than $20 billion in new debt from the coronavirus.  The new F-150 has new technologies like an integrated power generator to power tools and other equipment. Also, it's expected to contain Ford's new electric architecture or "brain" which enables Ford's advanced driver assist, called "Active Drive Assist", which is similar to Tesla...

Hyundai's Sonata Hybrid Source:  Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2020 Hybrid, Electric & Solar Panels on the Car Roof At the Chicago 2020 Auto Show, a new breed of hybrid, electric and solar powered car was unveiled.  It's Hyundai's 2020 Sonata Hybrid and it takes the popular Sonata to a whole new level.  What is so innovative and unique about the vehicle is the solar paneled roof.  The Sonata Hybrid with its combined electric and gas powered engines is much more fuel efficient.  But add to that the solar panels that can provide an extra 800 solar electric powered miles per year. It represents another milestone in the drive toward cleaner, greener driving. New Hybrid Platform Hyundai says it's building the new hybrid on a brand new platform that makes it lighter in weight and increases the vehicle's strength.  It's powered by a 2.0 liter 14 engine that provides 150 horsepower  and an electric motor that provides a supplemental 51 horsepower....

3 Global Automakers Tie-Up on Electric R&D Source:  Nissan electric vehicle LA Auto Show Showcases New EVs Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi just announced that they're intensifying their R&D alliance to develop advanced auto technology.  At the top of the list is a common platform for electric cars across the three brands.  Nissan's new CEO Makoto Uchida said today that the R&D alliance is the key to future growth.  They're setting up a separate company and will appoint a General Secretary to run the R&D innovation operation.  Nissan also announced that it's going to launch an all-electric SUV. LA Auto Show Electrified Meanwhile in Los Angeles, the annual LA Auto Show is underway and a number of new electric vehicles are being showcased. The big story is the number of high-end electric SUVs on display. Examples include the Audi E-Tron, Jaguar I-Pace, Mercedes EQC.  There are also several electric hyper-cars including the BM...