Articles tagged with "vehicle-design"
Photos: This 1,100 hp Genesis concept car beats extreme terrains, environments
Genesis has unveiled the X Skorpio Concept, a powerful off-road vehicle engineered to tackle extreme terrains like the Rub’ al Khali desert in the UAE. Marking Genesis’s first foray into off-road vehicles, the X Skorpio combines durability with advanced technical performance. It is powered by a V8 engine delivering 1,100 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque, paired with 18-inch beadlock wheels, 40-inch off-road tires, and Brembo Motorsport brakes. The vehicle’s short wheelbase, high ground clearance, and tubular frame with a full roll cage—borrowed from off-road endurance racing—enhance its capability to navigate dunes and irregular surfaces while maintaining structural integrity through lightweight materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, and Kevlar. The X Skorpio’s design emphasizes both rugged functionality and luxury. Its segmented exterior panels allow for quick repairs, and aerodynamic features ensure stability during high-speed desert maneuvers. Inside, the cabin focuses on ergonomics and driver
materialsautomotive-materialscarbon-fiberKevlaroff-road-vehiclevehicle-designhigh-performance-engineYou Can’t Buy This, America (Unless You’re Tearing It Down): Xiaomi YU7 Max - CleanTechnica
At CES, the largest US technology show, Chinese automakers showcased a strong presence with advanced electric vehicles (EVs), including the Xiaomi YU7 Max, exhibited by Caresoft. The YU7 Max stands out for its combination of sporty design and functional engineering, achieving an impressive aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.235. Its design draws comparisons to luxury models like the Porsche Cayenne and Ferrari Purosangue but offers similar performance at a significantly lower price. The vehicle features high-quality interior materials, spacious seating with zero-gravity reclining seats that include heating, ventilation, and massage functions, as well as practical amenities like an onboard refrigerator and underseat storage. Xiaomi’s strength lies particularly in its infotainment technology, with a wide, clear display positioned at the base of the windshield that reduces eye strain, a sharp and responsive center control screen, and a removable rear passenger screen. The car supports magnetic mounting points for customizable accessories and offers alternative physical controls for those who prefer buttons over
energyelectric-vehiclesautomotive-technologyXiaomiinfotainment-systemsaerodynamicsvehicle-designWill The Tesla Cybercab Be Another Cybertruck Disaster? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses skepticism surrounding Elon Musk’s announcement that Tesla will begin production of the Cybercab later this year. The Cybercab is described as a sleek, two-passenger coupe featuring scissor doors reminiscent of the 1974 Lamborghini Countach. However, the vehicle reportedly will eliminate traditional controls such as the steering wheel, accelerator, brake pedal, and turn signals, relying instead on autonomous driving technology. A recent photo showed a Cybercab with a human driver holding a steering wheel, highlighting a potential disconnect between the concept and current reality. Critics question the feasibility of Musk’s ambitious production target of two million Cybercabs annually, doubting there is sufficient market demand to justify such numbers. The article also highlights Tesla’s legal troubles related to the Cybercab’s promotional materials, specifically a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Alcon Entertainment over unauthorized use of imagery similar to the movie Blade Runner 2049. Practical concerns about the Cybercab’s design are raised, including the functionality of sc
energyelectric-vehiclesTesla-Cybercabautomotive-technologysustainable-transportationelectric-mobilityvehicle-designChina bans retractable car door handles after deadly crash concerns
China plans to ban electrically powered retractable car door handles starting January 1, 2027, following fatal crashes linked to these designs. The new safety regulation, proposed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, mandates that all passenger vehicles under 3.5 tons must have mechanical interior and exterior door handles with emergency release functions that operate even if the vehicle loses power or suffers severe crash damage. This move responds to incidents where rescuers struggled to access trapped occupants due to power failures disabling electronic handles, notably after fatal crashes involving the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra and other vehicles. The ban challenges popular flush door handle designs favored for aerodynamic and aesthetic reasons, which critics argue offer minimal efficiency gains but pose significant safety risks. Consumer complaints about retractable handles, including failures in cold weather and injuries, have surged in 2024. Industry leaders, such as Great Wall Motors’ chairman Wei Jianjun, have voiced concerns that concealed handles neglect user safety without meaningful benefits. The regulation could influence global EV design,
energyelectric-vehiclesautomotive-safetymechanical-door-handlespower-failurevehicle-designChina-regulationsPhotos: Hyundai’s new extraterrestrial-looking vehicle to explore uncharted terrain
Hyundai unveiled the CRATER Concept, a compact off-road SUV designed to explore uncharted terrain, at AutoMobility LA 2025. Developed at the Hyundai America Technical Center, the vehicle embodies ruggedness and adventure, drawing inspiration from extreme environments and Hyundai’s existing XRT models like the IONIQ 5 XRT and SANTA CRUZ XRT. The exterior design follows Hyundai’s "Art of Steel" philosophy, featuring chiseled bodysides, skid plates, and steep approach and departure angles to enhance off-road capability. The CRATER Concept rides on 18-inch hexagonal wheels with 33-inch off-road tires and includes extensive underbody protection, emphasizing durability and traction. Inside, the CRATER Concept prioritizes function and flexibility with a durable interior, a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) system for digital content, and a full-width Head-Up Display that integrates a rearview camera mirror feed. Structural elements like a functional roll cage and supportive seating with a four
robotautomotive-technologyoff-road-vehicleconnected-vehicleadvanced-materialsvehicle-designautomotive-innovationFirst Drive of the Polestar 4! - CleanTechnica
The article provides an early driving impression of the Polestar 4, a new electric crossover being introduced to the U.S. market. Externally, the Polestar 4 resembles the Polestar 2 but features a distinctive rear design that eliminates the traditional rear window to improve rear passenger headroom. This design choice was enabled by pushing the rear overhead support further back, allowing for a larger panoramic glass roof that extends behind the rear seats. This glass is electrochromatic, meaning it can switch from clear to opaque at the touch of a button, enhancing passenger comfort and privacy. Inside, the Polestar 4 offers a modern, minimalist interior with a “robotic” design aesthetic, avoiding natural materials in favor of soft-touch fabrics with a planetary-themed color palette. The cockpit features a large 15.4-inch landscape-oriented center display and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, both designed with blocky tiles for ease of use and minimal distraction. Rear passengers have the option of
energyautomotive-technologyelectrochromatic-glasselectric-vehiclessmart-displaysvehicle-designPolestar-4The Dangerous Door Handle Dilemma Leads To More Lawsuits Against Tesla - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights growing legal challenges Tesla faces due to the design of its electric door handles, which have been implicated in fatal accidents. A recent lawsuit filed by the family of Krysta Tsukahara centers on a Cybertruck crash in November 2024, where the vehicle struck a tree, caught fire, and trapped four passengers inside, resulting in three deaths. The suit alleges that the Cybertruck’s door handle design—specifically the reliance on electrically operated handles with a manual release cable hidden beneath a door panel—prevented escape when power was lost. Rescue workers also struggled to access the vehicle due to the flush, locked doors. Tesla’s chief designer has acknowledged the issue and is reportedly working on integrating electronic and manual door release mechanisms to improve emergency usability. Tesla’s electric door handles, a signature feature praised for their sleekness, have come under scrutiny for safety concerns, including investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Critics argue that Tesla was aware of the entrapment
robotenergyelectric-vehiclesTeslaautomotive-safetyelectric-door-handlesvehicle-designChina To Ban Hidden Door Handles - CleanTechnica
China is moving to ban hidden (flush) door handles on vehicles, a design popularized by Tesla and now common among electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide due to their aerodynamic benefits, which can add 5–10 kilometers of driving range. However, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has raised safety concerns, noting that these door handles can malfunction during accidents, fires, or power outages, potentially trapping occupants inside and hindering emergency rescues. In response, China has published a draft national standard requiring all car doors (except tailgates) to have exterior handles with a specified hand-operable space and a mechanical release function, aiming to improve vehicle safety and protect lives. The draft standard is open for public comment, with new vehicle models required to comply within seven months and existing approved models given 19 months to adapt. Major automakers, including Toyota, Geely, and Leapmotor, are already preparing technical solutions to meet the new rules, such as mechanical backups inside hidden handles.
energyelectric-vehiclesautomotive-safetyChina-regulationsdoor-handle-technologyvehicle-designelectric-mobilityTesla is redesigning its door handles following safety probe, Bloomberg investigation
Tesla is redesigning its door handles to reduce the risk of occupants being trapped inside its vehicles, following a safety probe initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Chief designer Franz von Holzhausen revealed the company is working on combining the electronic and manual door release mechanisms into a single, more accessible button. This redesign effort comes shortly after Bloomberg News published an investigation highlighting multiple incidents where Tesla owners or passengers were stuck inside their cars after crashes, and just one day after NHTSA opened an official investigation based on nine complaints about door handle failures. The main issues with Tesla’s current door handles stem from their reliance on electronic locks that can fail if the car’s battery system loses power, and the difficulty in locating and using the manual release mechanisms. Although Tesla’s owner manuals include instructions for using an external power source to unlock dead electronic locks, affected owners reportedly did not receive low-voltage battery warnings, leaving them unaware of the problem. The safety concerns have also drawn attention internationally, with
energyelectric-vehiclesTeslaautomotive-safetyelectronic-locksbattery-systemsvehicle-designAudi's all-electric Concept C marries heritage, ‘shy tech’ to advance
Audi has introduced the all-electric Concept C, a two-seat sports car that embodies the brand’s new design philosophy centered on radical simplicity and solidity. The vehicle features a distinctive vertical frame at the front, inspired by the historic Auto Union Type C (1936) and the third-generation Audi A6 (2004), which serves as the focal point for the car’s overall volume. Audi’s design integrates a unique four-element horizontal light signature in both the headlights and taillights, establishing a new visual identity. The exterior color, "Titanium," reflects qualities of strength and precision, while the roof combines the benefits of a convertible with a monolithic body style. Technologically, the Concept C employs a "shy tech" approach, featuring a 10.4-inch foldable center display that presents information only when needed, complemented by haptic controls on the steering wheel and center console for intuitive user interaction. The interior emphasizes the driver with clear geometric forms, tactile anodized aluminum controls, and
energyelectric-vehicleautomotive-technologyAudi-Concept-Celectric-sports-carvehicle-designsustainable-transportationPhotos: Cadillac's new Elevated Velocity concept pushes EV boundaries
Cadillac unveiled its new Elevated Velocity concept during Monterey Car Week, presenting a high-riding, all-electric crossover that builds on last year’s Opulent Velocity prototype. This concept emphasizes a performance-oriented lifestyle, blending design cues from Cadillac’s V-Series with influences from the Lyriq and Optiq EVs. The Elevated Velocity features a streamlined exterior with smoother lines, a longer nose with a simplified trapezoidal grille, a pronounced roofline, and a raised ride height paired with 24-inch wheels, signaling a focus on both on-road excitement and off-road capability. Inside, the Elevated Velocity is designed for functionality and occupant well-being, using a mix of materials like leather, embossed grains, boucle fabric, and tinted acrylic in deep red tones accented with brushed metal. The vehicle offers multiple innovative modes: Welcome Mode activates lighting and opens gull-wing doors as the driver approaches; Elevate Mode enables autonomous driving with interior reconfiguration for recovery, including air filtration, extreme climatization, red light therapy,
energyelectric-vehicleEVautomotive-technologyautonomous-drivingvehicle-designair-purification-systemThe Creator Behind the Mibot is a Creator Infront of YouTube - CleanTechnica
The article highlights Kazunari Kusunoki, the founder of KG Motors and creator of the Mibot electric vehicle (EV), as an unconventional innovator in the automotive industry. Unlike traditional car makers who are typically seasoned engineers, Kusunoki comes from a background as a YouTube content creator and lacks formal automotive engineering training. Growing up in Higashihiroshima, Japan, Kusunoki was inspired by the challenges posed by large vehicles on narrow streets and the decline of public transportation in rural areas, especially affecting the elderly. This insight shaped the Mibot’s design philosophy, emphasizing compact, accessible personal mobility solutions tailored to Japan’s unique urban and rural environments. Kusunoki’s strength lies in visionary leadership and team-building, having recruited experienced professionals from major Japanese automotive firms to handle technical aspects like body development, suspension, safety, and EV control. His approach demonstrates how a clear market vision combined with expert collaboration can produce innovative products despite a non-traditional background. Additionally, Kus
energyelectric-vehiclesautomotive-innovationmobility-solutionssustainable-transportationelectric-mobilityvehicle-designWhy The Newly Unveiled Tesla Model Y L Is Like A Minivan, In A Good Way! - CleanTechnica
The newly unveiled Tesla Model Y L, revealed through information on China’s industry ministry website and Tesla China’s Weibo account, represents a significant redesign rather than just a stretched version of the current Model Y. This new model seats six passengers, weighs 4,605 lbs (209 lbs heavier than the current Model Y AWD), and measures approximately 196 inches in length with a wheelbase extended by 6 inches. The increased wheelbase and an additional 1.7 inches in height contribute to more spacious and comfortable seating across all three rows, addressing common complaints about cramped third-row seating in the standard Model Y. This design approach echoes the success of larger SUVs like Toyota’s Grand Highlander, catering to families and carpool needs by providing ample room for children in car seats and booster seats, as well as accommodating adults comfortably. The Model Y L’s interior space is optimized by encouraging more upright seating and potentially thinner, yet comfortable, seats—similar to innovations seen in the airline industry—resulting
energyelectric-vehiclesTesla-Model-Yautomotive-technologysustainable-transportationelectric-SUVvehicle-designDeepal EO7 — Versatile, Electric, Available - CleanTechnica
The Deepal EO7 is a versatile electric vehicle marketed as a “Multi Truck,” capable of transforming between an SUV, station wagon, and ute, offering remarkable adaptability for various uses such as carrying large loads or camping. Its innovative design includes a sliding rear glass roof that opens the ute bed and a glass partition to seal the cabin, enhancing functionality. The rear seats fold flat to increase cargo space, and the front seats recline fully for sleeping, making it suitable for family travel or outdoor adventures. Styled in Italy and built in China, the EO7 combines aesthetic appeal with practical features. Performance-wise, the EO7 is powered by a 90 kWh battery available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions, with fast charging capabilities (30–80% in 15 minutes) and impressive acceleration—0 to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds for the AWD model. The estimated driving range is 640 km for the RWD and
electric-vehiclesbattery-technologyelectric-SUVsfast-chargingautomotive-innovationall-wheel-drivevehicle-design