The Chevrolet Corvette may be an American performance icon today, but back in the mid-1950s, its future was far from secure. Chevrolet’s fiberglass two-seater looked sensational, yet it still needed to prove it was more than a stylish boulevard cruiser wearing a sports-car costume. That is where a tiny group of factory-built Corvettes entered the picture. These machines helped drag the ’Vette out of the country club parking lot and into the wonderfully loud, oily world of motorsports. One of those historically important cars has survived, complete with an incredible ownership story and the sort of documentation that makes serious collectors start rearranging their garages. Now, this exceptionally rare 1956 Corvette is preparing to cross the auction block. This Is One Of Only Two Surviving SR-1 Corvettes Chevrolet produced just six SR-optioned Corvettes in June 1956, making them considerably rarer than most headline-grabbing limited-production supercars. This particular example is reportedly one of only two known survivors, so calling it rare feels like a serious understatement. You have better odds of seeing a modern hypercar parked outside a coffee shop than finding another one of these at your local Corvette meet. Importantly, this was not one of the competition cars that raced at the 1956 12 Hours of Sebring. Instead, it was one of six production Corvettes assembled in St. Louis with 13 special SR-1 options. The package grew from Chevrolet’s early racing efforts and helped establish the hardware later offered through the RPO 684 and 687 competition packages between 1957 and 1962. The SR program added the serious stuff early Corvettes needed for competition, including upgraded brakes, cooling hardware, suspension components and other performance-focused equipment. Racing had already demonstrated the Corvette’s potential, with John Fitch and Walt Hansgen taking a specially prepared example to ninth overall and first in its
Aug 15, 2026 · via hotcars.com
Mahindra has launched a Formula E Freedom Edition for the rejigged and rebranded BE 6 Sporteq line-up. Two variants of the BE 6 Sporteq Formula E Freedom Edition are on sale, namely FE and FE Four, which are priced at Rs 24.45 lakh and Rs 26.95 lakh, respectively. This Formula E Freedom Edition debuts less than a year after the prior BE 6 Formula E edition went on sale, and notably eschews its more aggressive styling cues in favour of the standard BE 6’s design, along with a few unique touches. The previous BE 6 Formula E Edition has also been removed from Mahindra's website. Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq Formula E Freedom Edition exterior and interior As noted previously, the BE 6 Sporteq Formula E Freedom Edition no longer sports the previous version’s slim front and rear DRLs, circular LED headlamps, and chunkier bumpers. Instead, it looks quite similar to the standard BE 6 Sporteq, with C-shaped front and rear DRLs and sleeker bumpers. That said, the Freedom edition retains ‘Formula E’ badging on the front fenders, and additionally gets a new Rosso Impulso colour option and tri-colour decals peppered across the bodywork. Inside, the BE 6 Sporteq Formula E Freedom Edition features no changes to the overall layout, but gets special touches like a Firestorm Orange colour scheme, leatherette and suede upholstery, a 'Formula E Freedom Edition' plaque, Formula E decals on the panoramic glass roof, unique virtual engine sounds, and more. Notably, the Formula E Freedom Edition sports the halo-like loop on the dashboard that separates the driver and co-driver, instead of the flatter, more conventional layout seen in most BE 6 Sporteq variants. That also means the BE 6 Sporteq Formula E Freedom Edition can be had with dual 12.3-inch screens only, not a triple-display setup. Coming
Aug 15, 2026 · via autocarindia.com
Gov. DeSantis talks 'flying cars,' Cory Mills, at Daytona stop DAYTONA BEACH — His days as Florida governor are running short, but Ron DeSantis was at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Aug. 14 to talk about the future − before weighing in on a present-day political question for many Volusia County voters. DeSantis − who formerly represented Volusia and Flagler counties in the U.S. House of Representatives − ended his press conference with a short response to a question about U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, a Republican who represents the 7th District in southern Volusia and Seminole counties. "I have not endorsed Cory Mills, and I do not support Cory Mills," DeSantis said. Clyde Morris Boulevard improvements announced DeSantis also announced the acceleration of a $56 million corridor improvement project that passes Embry-Riddle. The project will resurface 3 miles of Clyde Morris Boulevard from Mason Avenue south, past Halifax Health, across International Speedway Boulevard and past Mainland High School and ERAU to Beville Road. The project will also involve raised medians, upgraded traffic signals, lighting and drainage, construction of a pedestrian tunnel near the entrance to ERAU, and the addition of a 14-foot-wide multi-use path on the west side of Clyde Morris. And the governor dove into a future where people can cross wide swaths of Florida by air without having to fly a plane or helicopter. 'Flying cars' or 'air taxis' could be testing in Florida within months DeSantis said Florida will begin testing these vehicles by the end of 2026. He had also spoken about the development at the SunTrax Testing Grounds in Auburndale earlier in the week. "By the end of this year, Florida will be actively testing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, while SunTrax Air Ground is actively testing and supporting the deployment of autonomous and connected vehicles,"
Aug 15, 2026 · via news-journalonline.com
As originally sung by Fergie and then sampled by Jack Harlow: “first class, up in the sky.” But this time, we aren’t talking about airplanes. Earlier this week in Auburndale, Gov. Ron DeSantis showcased “SunTrax,” Florida’s groundbreaking, nation-leading facility for the research and development of emerging transportation technologies. Nestled along the I-4 corridor in Polk County, the 775-acre SunTrax campus was built to test connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technologies but is now looking to the sky. It has expanded into aviation technology to help safely advance the development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology, also known as “flying cars.” With this in Florida’s back pocket, state officials expect to host a series of AAM test flights by the end of the year to let the world know what we are up to. “Great to be at the SunTrax Testing Grounds in Auburndale today to highlight Florida’s leadership in the future of transportation. By the end of this year, Florida will be actively testing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, while SunTrax Air Ground is actively testing and supporting the deployment of autonomous and connected vehicles,” DeSantis said. “I was also proud to announce that FDOT is partnering with Embry-Riddle and Polk State to help Florida students prepare for exciting career opportunities in the next generation of transportation. Florida has the innovation-friendly policies, the universities and research institutions, the infrastructure and forthcoming infrastructure investments, and the talent needed to become the premier location for emerging transportation technology.” Home to the nation’s first dedicated AAM Aerial Test Track, SunTrax will actively test eVTOL aircraft throughout the Central Florida aerospace region by the end of the year using its controlled environment. SunTrax provides companies with the privacy to thoroughly test aircraft and new communication technologies under real-world conditions. Additional tenant hangars
Aug 15, 2026 · via floridapolitics.com
A few weeks ago, I finally pulled the trigger on Kia's 2026 K4 Hatchback after countless hours of research. I looked into everything from gas mileage to interior quality, and even the reliability of the car's Android Auto and CarPlay connectivity. However, one key feature never crossed my mind: the speed of its USB-C and Qi wireless charging. Thankfully, I remembered 12V USB cigarette lighter adapters are a thing, and picked up a relatively cheap one from Amazon. I've owned an Ioniq 5 EV for a few years now, and the K4 is actually my family's second vehicle. As far as my Ioniq 5's three USB-A ports are concerned, I've never felt I could really rely on them to charge my phone, given they only output roughly 10.5W of power (yes, even though the car is a 2022, somehow it only features painfully slow USB-A ports). This problem gets even worse when using Android Auto or CarPlay. It sort of just maintained my Pixel 10 Pro's or iPhone 17 Pro's charge while running Android Auto/CarPlay, using apps like Waze and Spotify, and connected over 5G data. In most cases, my phones would get warm really quickly, and their batteries would hover at roughly whatever percentage I plugged them in at. I eventually resorted to just making sure my phone was adequately charged before heading out of the house. It's important to note that this is just my experience with a specific Kia car model, the 2026 K4 Hatchback. If your in-car USB ports charge your phone adequately, that's great. Generally, newer vehicles are more likely to feature USB-C ports capable of delivering higher wattage, while older cars are more likely to struggle. Car USB ports often offer lackluster charging speeds My K4's USB port charges my phone, just very slowly.
Aug 15, 2026 · via xda-developers.com
runchyroll Starts In-Car Anime Streaming with Appning by FORVIA Crunchyroll Expands Into Connected Cars With FORVIA Deal The anime platform’s partnership with Appning by FORVIA brings streaming to select connected vehicles, broadening its distribution strategy. Highlights - Crunchyroll is partnering with FORVIA’s Appning to bring anime streaming to select connected vehicles. - The in-car anime service will offer more than 50K episodes across roughly 25K hours of content. - Video playback will be restricted on moving vehicles for safety. Crunchyroll is extending its streaming platform beyond traditional screens with a new partnership with Appning by FORVIA, enabling subscribers to stream anime in select connected vehicles. Announced on Aug 12, the deal integrates Crunchyroll into over 40 automotive brands, starting with BMW and MINI. The rollout will first expand across the wider BMW Group, then expand into additional brands, including Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Lotus, and SAIC. The service will reach drivers in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, India, and Australia, giving Crunchyroll access to markets where BMW Group vehicles already ship with Appning’s app store built into the infotainment system. Inside BMW vehicles specifically, Appning runs the underlying app marketplace while TiVo handles content recommendations for Crunchyroll subscribers. Crunchyroll Brings More Than 50K Anime Episodes in Cars With FORVIA Deal With the Appning deal, Crunchyroll brings more than 50K anime episodes, totaling roughly 25K hours of content, to a new viewing surface beyond phones, tablets and TVs. Brian McGarvey, Crunchyroll’s senior vice president of global distribution and business development, said the company wants entertainment available wherever fans are, “including in their vehicle.” “Through this collaboration with Appning, we're glad to provide another way for this passionate, global fan community to enjoy their favorite anime,” he further stated. FORVIA has confirmed that Crunchyroll will follow the same safety restrictions applied to other
Aug 15, 2026 · via respawn.outlookindia.com
Tackling Rising Costs: Why Fleets are Turning to Embedded Telematics Inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Two-Track Telematics Strategy With 20,000 vehicles and two fundamentally different driver populations, the Church faced a fleet management problem that a single telematics program couldn't solve. How it responded offers a replicable framework for any fleet where one size doesn't fit every driver. Editor's note: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints uses Motorq to consolidate connected-vehicle data across multiple automakers. Mechanics don’t use the same tool for every job. Mark Dibb doesn't use the same telematics program for every driver, either. As global fleet planning & acquisition manager at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he helps oversee roughly 20,000 vehicles across its global operations. One side of the fleet consists of missionary vehicles, which are driven by 18- to 22-year-olds, many of whom are new drivers. The other is employee vehicles driven by facilities managers, education coordinators, and operational staff. These populations don't create the same fleet management problem, so the Church built two programs. The Missionary Fleet: Where Safety Came First For the missionary fleet in the United States, the Church uses windshield-mounted cameras with active in-cab coaching. The business case was straightforward. "These are 18- to 22-year-olds, out on their own, many of them behind the wheel regularly for the first time in their lives,” said Dibb. “For a population with that little driving experience, we knew we needed to be proactive.” The real-time feedback model produced substantial reductions in speeding and aggressive driving violations over time and, by the Church’s account, has helped to reduce accidents and save lives. For a young driver population with limited experience behind the wheel, the investment justified the additional hardware, installation, and ongoing program management requirements. The
Aug 14, 2026 · via automotive-fleet.com
AFS Client Sues Polestar, Drawing National Media Attention The Wall Street Journal, Automotive News The lawsuit filed by ArentFox Schiff on behalf of client Prestige Imports against electric-vehicle maker Polestar has drawn coverage this week from both The Wall Street Journal and Automotive News. We are sharing highlights of that coverage below. What the Press Has Reported The Wall Street Journal reported that Prestige Imports of East Hanover, New Jersey alleges that Polestar “orchestrated” its recent ban by the US government as “cover” for its desire to leave the US market. According to the Journal, the complaint contends that Polestar’s decision to exit the United States effectively and wrongfully terminates the dealer’s state franchise agreement, with the dealership claiming at least $25 million in damages. The Journal noted that Polestar announced in June that it would stop selling new vehicles beginning with the 2027 model year after the US Department of Commerce denied its waiver request under the new “Connected Vehicles” rule, and that the Commerce Department had approved a waiver roughly a month earlier for Volvo Cars, which shares common Chinese ownership and other links to Polestar. Polestar declined to comment on the litigation. Automotive News reported that the suit seeks a declaration that Polestar violated New Jersey’s Franchise Practices Act, payment of the franchise’s fair market value, and five years of continued parts and warranty support. As reported, the complaint alleges that Polestar planned its US exit for two years and “maneuvered the [government] into a ban,” and that a July “force majeure” letter amounted to a constructive termination without the required 60-day notice or good cause. The article also reported allegations that Polestar continued urging US dealers to invest — including endorsing a multiyear Bergen County expansion as recently as February 2026 — while preparing to leave
Aug 14, 2026 · via afslaw.com
I don't drive every day. Instead, I love taking a long drive every weekend to enjoy relaxed highway driving. Since I drive for a specific reason, which is more to do with enjoyment than necessity, I don't compromise on what makes it fun. That's one major reason why I never use my car display as a basic navigation screen. It can mean different things to different people, but for me, it is about striking a balance between entertainment and utility. I don't shy away from admitting that I spent days researching and finding the right tools for my Android Auto, but what I regret the most is ignoring the most important part of the setup: one that establishes the connection. However, I couldn't ignore the problem any longer. That's why I took a major decision last week. I permanently abandoned wireless Android Auto in favor of a simple USB cable. Android Auto trivia The ultimate challenge From launch day to the latest features — how well do you really know Google's in-car platform? In what year was Android Auto first announced by Google? Which car manufacturer was the first to ship a production vehicle with built-in Android Auto support? What is the name of the feature that allows Android Auto to work without a physical cable connection to the car? Which of the following navigation apps was NOT officially supported on Android Auto at launch in 2015? What is the minimum Android version required to run Android Auto on a phone as of its standalone app era? Which messaging app was among the first third-party apps to be supported on Android Auto at launch? What major redesign did Android Auto receive in 2022 that changed its visual layout significantly? Google discontinued the phone-screen version of Android Auto in 2023, replacing
Aug 14, 2026 · via androidpolice.com
At a time when the radio industry is fighting to keep its hold in the dashboard, TuneIn is offering another pipe to drivers. Now the Stingray-owned streaming platform is extending its reach through a deal with iM Media Labs whose content hub is primarily accessed via AT&T Connected Car. The integration will allow drivers to access TuneIn’s live radio, sports, news, and music content, as well as podcasts, through a native, OEM-branded in-vehicle experience, without requiring phone projection. “Automotive is a key growth area for TuneIn, and this partnership is another step in making our content available wherever drivers choose to listen,” TuneIn CEO Rich Stern says. “iM Media Labs shares our vision for delivering exceptional in-vehicle audio experiences, and together we’re making it easier for listeners to discover and enjoy live audio content on the road.” The iM Media Hub, as its name implies, brings together various audio options with what it says is “hyper-personalized” one-to-one listening experience. Powered by agentic AI, near real-time data, and state-of-the-art speech synthesis, the Hub is intended to create an audio experience unique to user preferences, with features that may include curated playlists, AI-DJs, and local news, weather, sports, and information. The platform supports voice and glance-based interactions designed to reduce manual inputs by the driver so they can keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. With the TuneIn integration, the companies say existing TuneIn listeners will be able to access their “Favorites” and “Recently Played” content directly through the Hub, making it easy to pick up where they left off as they move between devices. “Media Hub is built to give drivers one intuitive place to access the entertainment they enjoy most,” says John Jasper, President and COO of iM Media Labs. “Adding TuneIn significantly expands that choice,
Aug 14, 2026 · via podcastnewsdaily.com
Kia’s new EV3 is among the most affordable electric vehicles in the US, starting at just $29,890. In Canada, it’s the lowest-priced EV. Kia EV3 prices and range in the US and Canada The EV3 is finally coming to North America. In the US, the 2027 Kia EV3 starts at $29,890, making it not only Kia’s most affordable EV, but one of the cheapest in America. Kia’s entry-level electric SUV is available in five trims: Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT. The lowest-priced EV3 Light FWD model uses a 58.3 kWh battery, providing an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 221 miles. The Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT are powered by a larger 81.4 kWh battery that delivers up to 321 miles of range on a single charge. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) models have a single electric motor producing 201 horsepower. Upgrading to all-wheel drive (AWD) costs an extra $3,200 and adds a rear motor for a combined output of 261 horsepower. The GT variant adds a bit more power with up to 288 horsepower. | 2027 Kia EV3 Trim | Prices (US) – Starting MSRP* | EPA-estimated Range | | Kia EV3 Light FWD | $29,890 | 221 miles | | Kia EV3 Wind FWD | $34,990 | 321 miles | | Kia EV3 Wind AWD | $38,690 | 280 miles | | Kia EV3 Land FWD | $38,490 | 321 miles | | Kia EV3 Land AWD | $41,690 | 280 miles | | Kia EV3 GT-Line AWD | $43,490 | 280 miles | | Kia EV3 GT AWD | $45,890 | 280 miles | All EV3 variants come with a native NACS port, so drivers can charge at Tesla Superchargers without a separate adapter. The 58.3 kWh battery can charge from 10% to 80% in 29 minutes using a
Aug 14, 2026 · via electrek.co
Dive Brief: - Ford Motor Co. said it will phase out Lincoln brand vehicle imports from China to the U.S. as part of efforts to reduce tariff exposure. - China-built Lincoln models include the midsize Nautilus SUV, which is currently assembled exclusively in China by Changan Ford, a 50/50 joint venture between Ford and Changan Automobile. Vehicle imports from China currently face a tariff rate of 52.5%. - The automaker also plans to boost U.S. production of the luxury brand vehicles beginning in 2030. The company expects the move will generate thousands of direct and indirect U.S. jobs. Dive Insight: Ford is adjusting its import strategy to navigate U.S. trade regulations, including tariffs, and support its domestic manufacturing ambitions. The automaker and Changan Automobile launched the Changan-Ford JV in 2012. The JV produces both Ford and Lincoln brand vehicles for the China market. The JV factory in Hangzhou, which opened in 2015, currently builds the Lincoln Nautilus, Aviator and Ford Explorer and Edge L SUVs, according to Ford’s website. The Lincoln Navigator and Aviator SUVs are built in the U.S. and currently exported to global markets, including Canada, Mexico and the Middle East. The Navigator is currently built at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, and the Aviator is assembled at the automaker’s Chicago Assembly Plant. Ford says it assembled over 2 million vehicles in the U.S. last year, more than any other OEM. “Lincoln is a quintessentially American brand, and Ford is America’s automaker. This wasn’t necessarily the easiest path. In fact, it’s a path most of our competitors aren’t choosing to take, Ford CEO and President Jim Farley said in a statement. “But Ford builds in America because we believe in America, and we’re betting on that belief again.” Another factor for Ford phasing out Lincoln production in
Aug 14, 2026 · via supplychaindive.com
A state of play on AAM’s legislative priorities as the August recess begins. The U.S. Congress has left Washington for the August recess, and lawmakers have made important progress on several manufacturing priorities. The biggest tests, however, lie ahead. When Congress returns this fall, it will face a crowded agenda that will help determine whether the United States continues rebuilding its industrial base or falls further behind global competitors. The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) is tracking a number of legislative proposals that could be part of that program. Let’s start with a bright spot: The Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 (S. 4429), introduced by Sens. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) along with companion legislation in the House (H.R. 8730) from Reps. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.). The Senate bill cleared the Commerce Committee in July, signaling growing bipartisan concern about the national security risks posed by imported connected vehicles. Today’s automobiles are rolling computers that collect reams of data and rely on sophisticated software, sensors and communications technologies. The legislation would prohibit from the United States connected vehicles and related hardware and software linked to foreign adversaries. Congress has also begun addressing another major strategic vulnerability: shipbuilding. The House included key provisions of the SHIPS for America Act in its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), creating momentum for long-overdue efforts to rebuild America’s maritime industrial base. China’s shipbuilding industry did not rise to global dominance through market competition alone; it was built through decades of aggressive state support, subsidies, preferential financing, state-directed investment and industrial policies designed to capture global market share and displace foreign competitors. As a result, China now accounts for a dominant share of global shipbuilding while U.S. capacity has declined to a precarious position. Revitalizing American shipyards,
Aug 14, 2026 · via americanmanufacturing.org
Ford To End China-Built Lincolns For US By 2030 Lincoln Nautilus moves from China to US production in 2030, raising fresh questions about which plants, models, and hybrid plans change next. THE BREAKDOWN - Ford will stop importing Chinese-built Lincoln vehicles to the U.S. starting in 2030 and expand U.S. production to replace them. - The redesigned Lincoln Nautilus is assembled in Hangzhou, China, then exported to U.S. dealers as Lincoln’s lone China-built import. - Ford has not named which US plants or investment amounts will add Lincoln production. Ford has committed to phasing out imports of Chinese-built Lincoln vehicles for the US market starting in 2030 and to expanding Lincoln production at US plants to cover that volume, a shift that lands in the middle of higher tariffs and new limits on Chinese-connected vehicle technology. The current redesigned Lincoln Nautilus is assembled in Hangzhou, China, then exported to American dealers as Lincoln’s lone China-built import, and it is currently subject to a 52.5 percent US tariff on entry that Ford views as a major headwind. The company has not spelled out which US factory will pick up the slack or how much money it plans to spend to add Lincoln volume. A new Ford assembly plant in Tennessee is scheduled to start production in 2029, and several reports point to it as a plausible, though unconfirmed, candidate to build future Lincolns alongside already-announced Ford trucks. Gallery: 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Models, Tariffs, And The Open Questions The Nautilus is the headline model because it is currently exported from Changan Ford’s plant in Hangzhou to US buyers. Ford’s plan means that whatever Lincoln crossovers it now imports from China will instead be built in the United States once the 2030 shift happens, avoiding those extra trade costs. Ford has not specifically
Aug 14, 2026 · via motor1.com
fazon - stock.adobe.com UK government unlocks further connected vehicle development funding Investment boost for projects exploring how autonomous vehicles could benefit businesses and communities across the UK as part of £150m Pathfinder programme An autonomous excavator, the expansion of a self-driving bus trial, and autonomous vehicles for airports, highways and city streets are among nine projects to have received funding from the UK government’s Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder programme showing how CAM technologies can be used to drive opportunities across a wide range of sectors. Running until 2030, the £150m programme is seen as key to realising the industry’s potential. It is aimed at addressing the challenges of bringing CAM vehicles to market, providing funding for projects that are intended to develop “world-first” technologies, products and services, ranging from “cutting-edge” software to smart transport services. It was announced in the government’s advanced manufacturing sector plan, which aims to grow the UK’s CAM industry – calculated to be worth £3.7bn. Projects funded by CAM Pathfinder must demonstrate that the cutting-edge technology or mobility services being developed can help industries become safer, sustainable, inclusive and more productive. By accelerating the development, deployment and adoption of such technologies and services, the objective is to support growth and investment, and unlock innovation across transport. The CAM Pathfinder programme is delivered by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV), supported by Zenzic and Innovate UK. CCAV is a joint policy unit of the Department for Transport and the Department for Business and Trade. Zenzic was created by the UK government and industry to champion the CAM ecosystem and lead the UK in accelerating the self-driving revolution, with the goal of ensuring a safer, more secure, sustainable and inclusive transport future. The UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders estimates that CAM could
Aug 14, 2026 · via computerweekly.com
Kia Syros EV Design: Familiar, but distinctly electric What makes the Kia Syros EV particularly interesting, though, isn’t any single number on the specification sheet. Having driven it, what stands out is the way Kia has brought together performance, range, space, technology and everyday usability in a package that feels remarkably well judged for the money. In fact, the Syros EV makes a very strong argument for itself against cars that are larger on paper, taking on the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara particularly convincingly. The basic proportions remain familiar. At 3,995 mm, the Syros sits right at the upper limit of the sub-four-metre category, but the tall body and 2,550 mm wheelbase give it a much more substantial presence than the dimensions suggest. The upright stance also serves a practical purpose, creating excellent visibility from the driver’s seat and allowing Kia to extract a surprising amount of space from a relatively small footprint. The EV gets its own styling cues, including a closed-off front treatment, revised bumpers and aerodynamic elements, but Kia hasn’t gone down the route of making it look dramatically different from the combustion-engined Syros. I think that is the right approach. There is enough differentiation to tell the two apart, but the EV doesn’t wear its electric identity like a badge of honour. It simply looks like a more contemporary version of the same compact SUV. A spacious cabin that defies its size Where the Syros continues to impress is inside. The cabin is one of the reasons the standard Syros made such an impression when it arrived, and the EV retains the same fundamental strengths. The driving position is comfortable, visibility is excellent and the sense of space is immediately apparent. More importantly, Kia has paid attention to the second row, which is often where compact
Aug 14, 2026 · via thehindu.com
The leap from software in vehicles to software-defined vehicles has been remarkably swift -- and this technological shift is hitting nearly every global market at once. Once a supporting actor, software has quickly become the main engine of modern vehicles. The leap from software in vehicles to software-defined vehicles has been remarkably swift -- and this technological shift is hitting nearly every global market at once. In various ways, vehicles around the world are becoming like mobile phones with integrated software that updates periodically. As a consequence, the consumer experience can be rapidly improved with software without changing the vehicle. Key Points - Software-defined vehicles are rapidly transforming cars into connected computing platforms capable of continuous updates and upgrades. - McKinsey expects automotive software and electronics to reach a $519 billion global market by 2035. - Level 2 or higher automated vehicles could represent nearly 70 per cent of global sales by 2035. - Connected vehicles face growing cybersecurity risks as cloud connectivity, AI and over-the-air updates expand attack surfaces. - Ransomware accounted for 44 per cent of documented automotive cyberattacks, more than doubling since 2024. Software-Defined Vehicles Rise The focus on software, including artificial intelligence (AI), has prompted a deep change in vehicle manufacturing. 'The automotive industry is undergoing its most challenging transformation in over a century,' says a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Vehicles are rapidly evolving into software-defined systems anchored by centralised compute, modular architectures, and continuous updates. This shift decouples hardware from software lifecycles, dramatically redistributing value among original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, and tech platforms. As control pivots from isolated components to integrated software stacks, traditional roles across the value chain are being thoroughly redefined, according to the WEF. Automotive Software Market Growth For years, automakers ran on fragmented software provided by different
Aug 14, 2026 · via m.rediff.com
On the Dash: - Polestar’s U.S. exit could create significant financial and operational uncertainty for its dealer network. - Prestige Imports alleges Polestar planned its U.S. departure before the government denied authorization for future vehicle sales. - Dealers could face additional exposure if automakers use regulatory restrictions to terminate franchise agreements. On Wednesday, a New Jersey-based Polestar retailer, Prestige Imports, filed a lawsuit against the automaker seeking at least $25 million, claiming that the automaker had been planning to exit the U.S. market for years, even before the U.S. Commerce Department denied authorization for the company to sell 2027-model-year vehicles and later models. The lawsuit challenges Polestar’s use of the federal restrictions as the reason for terminating its U.S. retail operations. On June 25, the automaker announced that it had failed to obtain authorization under the Connected Vehicle Rule, effectively ending new vehicle sales in the U.S. However, the automaker stated it would sell its remaining inventory and continue servicing existing vehicles, noting that approximately 80% of its sales volume comes from Europe, which allows it to refocus its efforts on that market. However, Prestige claims that the automaker spent two years preparing to leave the U.S. and alleges it “maneuvered the [government] into a ban” to facilitate its departure, according to Automotive News. Additionally, the lawsuit asserts that Polestar declined to pursue the same authorization that Volvo obtained and chose not to appeal the government’s decision. Further, it claimed that the automaker continued to encourage U.S. retailers to invest in their businesses even as it prepared to leave the market. Retailer investment Following the finalization of the Connected Vehicle Rule in early 2025, Polestar’s CEO reportedly told retailers the brand was heading for a strong year. The lawsuit also highlights plans for the Polestar 7, including a multi-year expansion
Aug 14, 2026 · via cbtnews.com
Lucid Motors is giving its Gravity electric SUV a serious performance upgrade with the introduction of the new Gravity GT-S, a 1,070-horsepower three-row EV designed to combine sports-car acceleration with the practicality of a family-sized luxury SUV. Unveiled ahead of Monterey Car Week, the Lucid Gravity GT-S takes inspiration from the company’s Lucid Motors Air Sapphire performance sedan. But rather than turning the Gravity into a stripped-down performance machine, Lucid has focused on preserving the qualities that make the SUV useful every day: space, comfort, cargo capacity and seating for as many as seven adults. The result is an unusual combination. The Gravity GT-S can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds while retaining the three-row configuration and generous interior space expected from a large luxury SUV. 1,070 horsepower and a performance-focused chassis The centerpiece of the Gravity GT-S is its 1,070 horsepower output, making it, according to Lucid, America’s most powerful three-row SUV. Power is only part of the equation. The GT-S comes standard with Lucid’s Dynamic Handling Package, which is designed to give the large electric SUV sharper responses without sacrificing the ride comfort expected of a luxury vehicle. The package includes independent rear-wheel steering and an adaptive three-chamber air suspension. The suspension can also lower the vehicle at higher speeds, helping improve stability and aerodynamic efficiency. That combination gives the Gravity GT-S a broader performance envelope than a conventional large SUV. It is capable of delivering supercar-like acceleration but remains engineered around long-distance travel, passengers and everyday utility. A more distinctive Gravity Lucid has also given the GT-S visual cues intended to distinguish it from other Gravity models. Blue exterior accents and painted blue brake calipers provide subtle performance-oriented touches, while the cabin carries the theme considerably further. The Mojave PurLuxe Premium interior features
Aug 14, 2026 · via autoconnectedcar.com
NJ Dealer Claims Polestar Intentionally Quit The U.S. With Government Ban As Cover Up The dealer alleges that Polestar planned to leave the U.S. for two years and used the Connected Vehicle Rule as an excuse. Polestar recently announced its decision to leave the U.S. market due to the Connected Vehicle Rule that bans cars with software linked to countries such as China and Russia. However, the announcement seemed odd, considering that Volvo, Polestar's Geely-owned sister company recently received a special authorization from the Department of Commerce to continue selling connected cars stateside. That suspicion is now the basis of a lawsuit by New Jersey Polestar dealer Prestige Imports, who's claiming that Polestar had been planning its U.S. exit for two years and used the government ruling as a cover up. According to Automotive News, Prestige Imports is suing Polestar for violating New Jersey's Franchise Practices Act. The act claims that a company can terminate a franchise if the dealer breached any of its agreements or obligations. The lawsuit alleges that Polestar did not give its dealers the required 60-day notice or provide any "good cause." 2026 Polestar 3 (European specification) Polestar claims that the U.S. government forced its hand, as the Department of Commerce declined to renew the company's authorization to continue selling vehicles in the country. However, the lawsuit alleges that Polestar had similar opportunity as Volvo to continue selling cars here. Volvo had to jump through a bunch of hoops, and meet certain requirements, but it was apparently willing to comply. Prestige Imports is accusing Polestar of willfully declining to meet those requirements or jump through any hoops. "Polestar screwed Polestar, it wasn't screwed by the U.S. government," Bernie Moreno, Republican Senator from Ohio, told CBT News in July. "[there was] a very exhaustive and tough list
Aug 13, 2026 · via insideevs.com