Uber’s autonomous vehicle unit has just received a $1-billion investment from a coalition of investors comprised of SoftBank Group Corp ($333-million) and Toyota / Denso ($667-million) ahead of its public stock offering, valuing the division at $7.25-billion. “This investment and our strong partnership with the Toyota Group are a testament to the incredible work of our ATG team to date, and the exciting future ahead for this important project, alongside great partners. The development of automated driving technology will transform transportation as we know it, making our streets safer and our cities more livable. Today’s announcement, along with our ongoing OEM and supplier relationships, will help maintain Uber’s position at the forefront of that transformation,” said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. Read more for another video of Uber’s self-driving car technology and additional information.
The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO made its world debut today at the 2019 New York Auto Show, and it boasts a slew of race car-inspired upgrades and tuning improvements to maximize its performance both on and off the track. To start things off, many of the stock components were replaced with carbon fiber versions, including the front / rear bumpers, front fenders, hood, roof, side sill covers, trunk and rear spoiler, which have resulted in a total weight savings of 23 pounds, in addition to nearly 44 pounds of reductions from other upgrades. Plus, its exclusive 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum wheels are lighter than before and incorporate a nine-spoke design that enhances their rigidity. Read more for an unveiling video from New York, additional pictures and information.
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 and GLC 63 S Coupe have been revealed ahead of the NY Auto Show, both sporting new headlight / taillight designs, an AMG grille, an updated sports exhaust, a matte gray paint option, as well as a fresh set of optional 21-inch wheels. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged V-8 in the GLC 63 that generates 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, while the S gets 503 hp and 516 lb-ft, mated to a nine-speed automatic, meaning 0–60 mph times of 3.8 seconds and 3.6 seconds, respectively. Read more for an in-depth video, additional pictures and information.
Industrial designer and motorcycle enthusiast Tom Hylton wanted those who have lost a limb to enjoy one of his passions. So, he designed a bionic arm system for trans-humeral and trans-radial amputees. The prosthetic arm is attached to the shoulder and then plugs directly into the superbike’s handlebar. Best of all, it features a brain computer interface that sends based on the rider’s intentions. Read more for additional pictures and information.
What could make the BMW i8 Roadster look even more futuristic? When tuning shop EVE.RYN gets their hands on it and transforms it into the “i8 Roadster E.N.ARMY EDITION,” complete with carbon fiber air intakes, flared wheel arches, a set of gold wheels, a modified hood, and of course, the military-inspired paint job. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the engine has not been touched, so it’s still pushing an ample 369 hp. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Aston Martin’s Rapide E, the company’s first all-electric vehicle, has been officially unveiled at 2019 Auto Shanghai. It’s powered by 800V, 65 kWh battery encased in carbon fiber and Kevlar, complete with over 5600 ltihium-ion 18650 format cylindrical cells, that generates 601 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to hit 60 mph in just 4-seconds. You can expect a driving range of over 200 miles on a full charge, and the high power AC on-board charger can fully power the battery in just 3-hours at the standard 185 miles per hour through a common 400V 50kW charger or fast charging at 310 miles per hour. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
If you’ve always wanted to own a real 2011 Acura MDX used during the filming of The Avengers, then now is your chance, but for a hefty price. One of ten custom vehicles has just been put up for sale at $75,000 on Facebook, and it was featured in the first Avengers film as well as the pilot episodes of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Featuring a matte black paint job, flared wheel arches, a bull bar with lights, roof-mounted light bar, steel side steps, custom wheels, and various decals. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Photo credit: Alex Choi
Alex Choi is no stranger to the supercar scene, but this 19-year-old didn’t want to stick with the typical mods you see all over the place. So, he decided to create Unicorn V3, or to be more specific, a twin-turbo Lamborghini Huracan rally car. He first upgraded the engine with Sheepey Race bolt-on twin-turbo kit, and then to make things safer, a hand-crafted chromoly and stainless steel cage that surrounds the entire car, inspired by the Flip Car from Fast & Furious 6. Read more for a video and additional information.
Limited to just 150-units worldwide, the stunning Pininfarina Battista is powered by a 120 kWh battery pack supplied by Rimac Automobili with four individual motors located in each wheel, which produce a combined power output of 1,877 hp and 1,696 lb⋅ft of torque, enabling it to hit 60 mph in a mere 2-seconds. Featuring a lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque chassis with aluminium crash absorbers at the front and the rear and 21-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires. Its adjustable suspension system is tuned for maximum road comfort, while offering five driving modes that alter the power generated by the powertrain. Read more for the Top Gear video and additional information.
Built by designer Mart Atkinson, creator of the BMW Alpha (above video), the Racer-X is his latest project, and it’s an electric motorcycle designed to look like the letter “X”. Featuring an aluminum tube structure covered in carbon fiber paneling, an open source software-controlled servomotor, an offset steering axis, and a Nissan Leaf-sourced 38 kW battery system. Read more for more fascinating images from around the web.