Bosch to showcase innovation-laden concept car at CES 2017

Bosch will be showcasing a broad range of innovations in its new concept car.

How will driving of the future look? Connected mobility is fast turning the car into a personal assistant if one can go by the innovations German component and technology services supplier Bosch will present at CES 2017 in the form of a new concept car. 

Alongside home and work, connectivity is turning the car into the third living space. With the help of personalised communication between the car and the driver, increasingly high performance and comprehensive services will be safe to operate in the future as well. In addition, automated driving will soon give drivers more time to dedicate to other tasks. For instance, drivers and passengers will be able to use time spent in the car to write emails, or entertain themselves with streamed music or videos.

In the new concept car, Bosch will be presenting a broad range of innovations, including:

Face recognition and intelligent personalisation: The Driver Monitor Camera makes quick face recognition and personalisation possible from the moment the driver is in the car. For instance, the car sets the steering wheel, mirrors, interior temperature, and radio station according to the driver's personal preferences. While on the move, driver drowsiness detection helps enhance safety: if the driver risks falling asleep or is very distracted, the car issues a warning and helps prevent critical situations.

Gesture control with Ultra Haptics: The concept car also includes the first-ever gesture control with haptic feedback. Developed with Ultra Haptics, a start-up from Bristol in the UK, the technology uses ultrasound sensors that sense whether the driver's hand is in the correct place, and then provides feedback on the gesture being executed.

Haptic feedback with neoSense: Thanks to the touchscreen with haptic feedback, the buttons that appear on the touchscreen feel like real buttons. In many instances, this makes it possible to operate the infotainment system without looking. Drivers can thus keep their eyes on the road, and this improves safety. This technology bagged a CES Innovation Award in 2016 and has since taken major strides toward series production.

A crystal-clear OLED-driven display: With the concept vehicle, OLED (organic light-emitting diode) displays have been integrated into the car's cockpit for the first time. These enable a crystal-clear display.

Digital exterior mirrors, now also in the car: The Mirror Cam System is a camera-based solution that replaces both exterior mirrors. The video sensors can be integrated into the vehicle interior, and images are shown on displays close to the A-pillars on the right and left sides of the car. Moreover, the digital technology enables a context-specific display. When a car is on the highway, for instance, the view is concentrated mainly behind the car. In contrast, in city driving, a broader view helps improve safety. Good contrast improves the view when driving at night.

Communication between the car and the driver: In the future, the human machine interface (HMI) will play an increasingly important role in the car – especially when it comes to automated driving. For instance, it lets the driver know whether automated driving is possible on a specific route. To hand over responsibility for driving to the car, the driver must then press two buttons on the steering wheel for several seconds. During the automated drive, the HMI shows the driver what the car's environmental sensors detect and how much time is left until the driver needs to start driving again.

Communication between the car and the home: With automated driving, drivers have a greater number of infotainment functions at their disposal via the vehicle's central display than when they are driving themselves. Thanks to the internet connection, drivers can now review upcoming appointments or plan shopping trips, for instance. The smart home app also makes it possible for drivers to operate the awnings or adjust the heating at home. Furthermore, he can check whether there is enough food in the refrigerator. At the touch of a button, the app can transmit the shopping list to the delivery service.

Communication between the car and the bicycle: Thanks to vehicle-to-vehicle-communication, the cars of the future will be informed of other road users long before they are in view. Bicycles in particular are easily overlooked in road traffic because they are hidden by buses or trucks. At CES, Bosch is showing a communication link between the new concept car and a bicycle. With it, vehicles can constantly exchange information about their location and direction of travel. This reduces the risk of collision.

Bosch Integrated Payment Solutions: Bosch developed this ePayment solution, which offers new services via the IoT ecosystem, including a standardised payment function. To enable this, the required agreements have already been signed with many payment systems, including PayPal.

Communication between the car and the workshop: At CES 2017, Bosch is also showing how the connected workshop works in the interplay with web-based services and augmented reality applications. In the future, drivers and workshop operators will be able to plan visits to the workshop more easily, and this will improve work processes when it comes to service.

Retrofittable emergency call service for the car: Bosch is presenting the Retrofit eCall at CES, a retrofittable adapter for the eCall emergency call service. It can easily be placed directly into the cigarette lighter and offers real benefits: An acceleration sensor detects the collision and triggers an emergency call. Via a smartphone app, data on details such as the car's position are transmitted. The severity of the impact is also analysed, and corresponding measures are automatically initiated. If the collision is only of moderate severity, the control center calls to speak to the driver directly and determine whether a service vehicle or ambulance is required. If the driver fails to answer, an ambulance is alerted immediately.

Firmware updates 'over the air' (FOTA): Connected functions and especially highly automated driving call for consistently reliable functioning throughout the vehicle's entire life cycle. This requires software updates that can be carried out via the cloud. Bosch offers the appropriate communication control units and the central gateway computer, while ETAS and ESCRYPT (both parts of the Bosch Group) provide the necessary transmission and encryption technologies. These ensure functional safety and data security.

Perfectly keyless: With an encrypted digital key on the phone the vehicle can be entered and started without any interaction. When approaching the vehicle, Perfectly keyless will automatically identify the secret key on the phone and perform a distance measurement. Within a specified range to the car, access is allowed. In a similar way starting of the car is only permitted if Perfectly keyless localises the mobile device inside the car. By using a digital key on the user's mobile device, Perfectly keyless improves personalised car settings and simplifies sharing of car keys with family and friends.

The top 10 concept cars of 2016

Automakers use concept cars not only to preview the automotive designs and technologies of the future, but also to test the public's reaction to both style and tech. It's an old-fashioned way of testing the waters, and despite the millions automakers spend on focus groups a lukewarm reception of a concept car at a major auto show can still make or break a design. Likewise, positive reactions to concepts have led automakers astray a number of times in the recent past -- the Pontiac Aztek concept was well received at the time -- and polarized reactions to certain design directions have at times been ignored by automakers intent on pushing ahead with a particular look.

With a few exceptions 2016 has continued the trend of risk aversion among automakers: Designs that could be seen as controversial or polarizing are largely being avoided altogether with major automakers continuing to field safe, evolutionary designs that preview vehicles a year or two away from production.

Without further ado, here are our 10 favorite concept cars of 2016:

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Lowest-rated cars of 2016, China fines GM, Jannarelly Design-1: What’s New @ The Car Connection

Not bad meaning good: The lowest-rated cars of 2016

As far as technological achievements measured only between today and 1940 go, there are no bad cars on the road. When you start measuring modern cars against each other, things start to look a little different.

China fines General Motors $29 million for price-fixing

Here in America, the president-elect has spent plenty of time talking about his plans for de-regulation. Across the Pacific, however, there's no sign that China has any such intention of scaling back government oversight. In fact, Beijing regulators are now gearing up to fine General Motors 201 million yuan ($29 million) for price-fixing.

2007-2009 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan investigated for brake failure

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation of 2007, 2008, and 2009 models of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. According to an agency bulletin, 141 owners of those vehicles have complained about problems with their brakes.

From Motor Authority:

Jannarelly teases hard-top option for Design-1 sports car

Sports car startup Jannarelly is bowing to popular demand for an enclosed version of its Design-1 roadster, with the company teasing the design in a pair of computer-generated images.

Ford ready to start testing 'next-generation' self-driving car

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Subaru to debut BRZ STI Sport concept at 2017 Tokyo Auto Salon

Subaru and its official performance arm STI have an interesting concept based on the BRZ due for a reveal at the upcoming 2017 Tokyo Auto Salon.

2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell at Hyundai headquarters, Fountain Valley, CA

Enlarge Photo

From Green Car Reports:

Next Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell to have 30 percent more range

The current Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell was the first of the recent crop of hydrogen fuel-cell cars to go on sale; its first U.S. deliveries started back in June 2014. Since then, The Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity Fuel Cell sedans have also become available in the U.S., though all three makers limit sales to specific regions of California.

Faraday Future falls further: two execs depart, CES car still due

Faraday Future has promised to unveil its first production electric car at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January. But the Chinese-backed startup may end up limping to the finish line.

This is the best week of the year to buy a green car

If you're thinking about buying a green car—or any car, for that matter—now is a good time. The week between the day after Christmas and the beginning of the new year is the busiest one for car sales, and a great time to find a deal.

2017 Volkswagen I.D. Concept Van

Caught red handed cheating on emissions tests, Volkswagen is still struggling to obtain settlements in the "Dieselgate" scandal. However, the German firm is also looking to create a more sustainable future for itself by embracing electrification. Having announced a plan to launch several EVs over the next few years, Volkswagen is unveiling an increasing number of concept cars that feature electric motors instead of standard gasoline or diesel mills. One such vehicle is the I.D., which made its official debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Only two months have passed since then, and VW will unveil a new electric concept, this time around at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.

Described as a "multi-functional vehicle for a new era," the car in question doesn't have a name yet, but Volkswagen confirmed that it will be part of the I.D. family. This means it will also be based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) that Volkswagen wants to launch in the future, as well as gain many of the features seen the first I.D. concept.

Volkswagen also mentioned that the new concept vehicle "forges links between the legendary origins of the Volkswagen brand and its electrifying future" and that "it combines ample space for travel with a long electric driving range, to usher a new feeling of freedom — with zero emissions — and a new era of mobility."

There's no word as to when this concept will move into production, but given that the first I.D. is set to hit dealerships by 2020, the van shown here should follow soon after that. Stay tuned for updates on this car from the Detroit Auto Show.

Continue reading to learn more about the Volkswagen I.D. Concept Van.

Exterior

Volkswagen had nothing to say about the car's exterior and we only have a couple of teasers to run by, but the few features showcased in these pictures provide quite a few details about the concept. First up, it's quite obvious that it's based on the previous I.D. concept. The headlamps have the same design with U-shaped clusters flanked by thin LED strips above and below, while the taillights are equally slim.

It's quite obvious that it's based on the previous I.D. concept.

Second, and more importantly, this I.D. concept appears to be a van. And not just any van, but one that pays homage the original Type 2 (also known as the Transporter, Kombi or Microbus), which Volkswagen built between 1950 and 1979 in Europe and the U.S. and until 2013 in Brazil. The I.D. van borrows many features from the classic model, including the big "VW" on the center front fascia and the swoopy side character lines that meet at the front to form a V. The vehicle also appears to have squared off windows just like the model that inspired it.

When it comes to features that set it apart from the I.D. concept we saw at the Paris Motor Show, the decorative trim that defines the cars beltline right under the windows includes an LED strip and separates the yellow/gold bottom from the white-painted top. The two-tone scheme is also borrowed from the original Microbus. It's worth noting that this is the second Type 2-inspired concept Volkswagen has showcased in recent years and this gives rise to new rumors that the German brand could launch a successor to the iconic hauler in the United States.

Interior

Details as to what we will see inside the concept are also scant, but chances are it is based on the I.D. concept from the Paris Motor Show. The only teaser shot that shows part of the dashboard and the area behind the steering also confirm this scenario, as both surfaces are clean and devoid of any buttons and switches. Pretty much a dashboard with four bucket seats, the "new spatial experience with open space" concept in the first I.D. vehicle might have made it in the van too, so expect the layout to be different compared to a conventional production car.

Note: Volkswagen I.D. Concept interior shown here.

Volkswagen did mention that the steering wheel is electrically retractable and disappears into the dashboard.

On the flipside, the van doesn't appear to have the screen seen in the first I.D. concept, which makes me wonder as to where the car's vital data will be displayed. A heads-up display is obviously a possibility, but the concept could have a different feature that we can't see in the teaser photo.

Volkswagen did mention that the steering wheel is electrically retractable and disappears into the dashboard as soon as the driver presses the "Volkswagen" logo in front of him. As you might have already guessed, this is possible because the I.D. van is autonomous (or it's supposed to become a self-driving vehicle in the near future). Once the steering wheel is hidden in the dashboard, the vehicle will use laser scanners, ultrasonic and radar sensors, and cameras to monitor other road users and the surroundings.

Drivetrain

It's safe to assume that the van will share its electric motor(s) with the first I.D. concept.

Drivetrain details aren't available yet, but given that it is based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) platform, it's safe to assume that the van will share its electric motor(s) with the first I.D. concept. The latter uses a 125-kW motor rated at a rather unimpressive 167 horsepower, but it is said to boast a range of anywhere between 248 and 372 miles on a single charge. However, we there's still a lot to learn about this concept and I'm sure a lot will change until it goes into production. With some recent concept cars being able to run for more than 300 miles with more than 300 horsepower at its disposal, Volkswagen should be able to offer a more powerful drivetrain in the future. Also, it's not yet known whether the van uses one or two electric motors, which makes a huge difference no matter how you look at it. Also, because it is larger than the hatchback-style I.D., the van could also use a significantly larger battery. I guess we will find out more when the vehicle makes its public debut at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.

Conclusion

Volkswagen has taken a big hit with the "Dieselgate" scandal in 2015 and it will take many years to fix its public image and pay all the penalties and settlements that have and will result from this misconduct. Thankfully, the German brand is doing the right thing. On one hand it's struggling to fix the cars involved and pay compensation to customers and governments, but it's also investing a lot of money into electrification instead of fighting the death of the diesel (at least in the U.S.). Granted, most of EVs that the German firm has unveiled recently are only concepts for the time being, but this should change in around five years, when Volkswagen will have a full lineup of battery-powered vehicles. Should it include a van that pays tribute to the original Microbus, it will be that much better.

LOVE IT

Pays homage to original Bus van

State-of-the-art technology

Previews a production model

LEAVE IT

Not much is known at this point

Autonomous drive could take all the fun away

Press Release

At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS, 8 to 22 January) in Detroit, Volkswagen will present a new I.D. family model – a multi-functional vehicle for a new era. The concept vehicle forges links between the legendary origins of the Volkswagen brand and its electrifying future. Like the I.D., this concept is also based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB), and so it shows the potential and bandwidth of the MEB.

Since the presentation of the I.D. at the Paris International Motor Show in September of this year, these initials have stood for a new generation of fully connected, all-electric vehicles from Volkswagen. The I.D. also stands for purity in design language, form, and character as well as typical Volkswagen attention to detail and ideal use of interior space.

This I.D. concept vehicle will also be able to drive fully autonomously in the future. Press lightly on the Volkswagen logo, and the electrically retractable steering wheel disappears into the dashboard. While the driver relaxes, laser scanners, ultrasonic and radar sensors and cameras monitor other road users and the surroundings.

The I.D. concept vehicle in Detroit forges links between the legendary origins of the Volkswagen brand and its electrifying future. Its overall concept is revolutionary. It combines ample space for travel with a long electric driving range, to usher a new feeling of freedom – with zero emissions – and a new era of mobility.

Hyundai Motor’s vision for future mobility

Hyundai Motor will showcase its vision for future mobility at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next month. At the company's booth, visitors will be able to have a glimpse of the future with a host of innovative technologies that focus on intelligent autonomous driving and advanced, hyper-connectivity solutions that will link cars to customer's lives.

Autonomous IONIQ models will operate on test routes in the boulevards around the venue, while inside visitors can experience a driverless journey via immersive Virtual Reality simulators. The IONIQ Hybrid on display will reveal enhancements to further its reputation as one of the world's most fuel-efficient cars, and a new Micro Mobility concept, integrated with the IONIQ Electric, will showcase the future of first and last-mile mobility.

[The IONIQ Hybrid is also available in Malaysia. Click here to know more about it]

The IONIQ can be chosen with either hybrid, plug-in hybrid or 100% electric powerplants

Hyundai Motor will also present an interactive experience to demonstrate how its hyper-connected car platform, developed with IT company Cisco, will be central to making tomorrow's lifestyles even more convenient. Hyundai Motor's caring 'Mobility Vision' concept shows how Smart House and Connected Car technologies will blur the lines between mobility, and living and working spaces.

Other technologies at the booth represent Hyundai Motor's focus on the well-being of its customers. The Healthcare Cockpit connects car and driver to boost productivity or relaxation when travelling. Meanwhile the company's range of advanced wearable exoskeletons show its commitment to social responsibility, offering a new freedom of mobility to customers who require physical support for lifting or repetitive work, plus assisting members of society whose mobility is restricted.

Earlier in the month, the Korean carmaker also announced that it is accelerating development of its advanced ccOS (connected car Operating System), the core platform technology for its future connected cars. The highly sophisticated software will optimize the high-speed transmission and reception of data within the vehicle to support increasingly complex features that will lead the connected car market.

Installed at the heart of the vehicle, ccOS will control and operate the key aspects of connected car infrastructure; In-Vehicle Framework, Infotainment Framework and Connectivity Framework, to ensure connected cars can adapt to new innovations in safety, comfort, convenience and security.

The first ccOS-installed vehicles are set to be available in 2020 under the concept 'Hyper-connected Intelligent Car', after conducting substantial simulation tests to ensure compatibility.

As for the new ccOS-installed concept vehicle, Hyundai Motor is to explore a variety of applicable connected car services such as OTA (Over-The-Air) software update with which customers can wirelessly update their vehicle's infotainment system, without the need to visit a service centre in person.

Advancing its 'Open Innovation' plan, Hyundai Motor and Cisco are working to develop car network technology, another core platform requirement to enable the rapid development of connected cars. Hyundai Motor has also opened a new Big Data Centre in China to reinforce its venture toward connected car development. This series of advances boost Hyundai Motor's efforts to lead the connected car market in the fields of designated vehicle networks, cloud and big data technologies with the ultimate aim of enhancing its customers' lives.

Click here for other news and articles about Hyundai Motor.

[Chips Yap]

Tags: CES Hyundai Motor IONIQ

Self-driving cars to headline CES 2017

Over the last decade, CES has become as much about cars as it is about consumer electronics. But 2017 looks ready to blow up even harder with more automotive tech than ever before. The biggest trend will be self-driving cars, exhibited by both automakers and technology companies. Add to that concept cars intended to show what a self-driving car of the future might look like.

Along with the self-driving trend, we have a couple of production car reveals, for those automakers who want to get out there ahead of the following week's Detroit auto show. Other demonstrations will show off concept technology from BMW, equipment supplier Continental and many others that could find its way into producti on cars of the near future.

New electric cars

Faraday Future will unmask its first production vehicle, an electric car, at CES 2017.

Photo by Faraday Future

Upstart electric carmaker Faraday Future showed off a concept car at CES 2016, and leads up to the next CES with plenty of teases about its first production car. So far, Faraday has given us a few photos and videos of a camouflaged car conducting road tests and drag-racing against a Tesla, Ferrari and Bentley. The Faraday Future car looks like it might be a crossover, but we have no information on range or production timing.

Chrysler already revealed a plug-in hybrid version of its new Pacifica minivan, which boasts a fairly large 16 kilowatt-hour battery pack. A fully electric version of the Pacifica will reportedly be unveiled at CES. FCA, Chrysler's parent company, will hold a press conference on January 3 where the car would be revealed, although it might just be a concept.

Self-driving technology

Hyundai's autonomous Ioniq will be driving itself around Las Vegas during CES.

Photo by Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

Hyundai gave Roadshow's Antuan Goodwin a preview ride in a self-driving version of its new Ioniq sedan, and will show off these research vehicles during CES. Of his driving experience, Goodwin wrote that the car was programmed to drive conservatively, making for a boring but safe experience. With this platform, Hyundai will show CES crowds that it is investing in the future.

Automotive technology supplier Delphi has also provided information about its self-driving demonstration for CES. The company has fitted an Audi SQ5 with sensors and self-driving capability, and will be showcasing its new partnership with Mobileye, a computer vision processing company. One highlight of Delphi's self-driving demonstration during CES will be how its car handles a tunnel, where its GPS signal fails.

Chipmakers will also be on hand to show off how their silicon can process the complex dance of sensor input and drive control output. Japanese chip company Renesas, which counts clients ranging from automotive to factories, will have a prototype self-driving car at the show. Likewise, NXP, which has focused on chips for the automotive indu stry, will be giving a self-driving car demonstration.

Concept cars

Although not conventionally attractive, the NeuV could be quite comfortable inside.

Photo by Honda

Honda explores a high-tech edge with the NeuV concept car it will show during CES. NeuV takes a look at what a commuter car of the near future might look like. The boxy shape suggests function over form, with a comfortable, computer-infused interior designed to react to occupants. Honda suggests that the NeuV would address traffic congestion, possibly through vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems.

Swiss firm Rinspeed, known for coming out with outlandish concept cars that push the technological envelope, will have its latest creation Oasis at the show, presented with partner Harman International. Oasis considers the question of what passengers will do when cars become self-driving. The cabin not only has a TV, but also a garden.

Other concept cars from the likes of Toyota, BlackBerry and even glass maker Corning will show off their sponsoring companies' areas of expertise.

In-car electronics

BMW looks at a futuristic concept for how we might interact with our cars.

Photo by BMW

The electronics focus of CES always means a wealth of concept technologies for the car of the future. BMW takes a lead here by showing off what it calls HoloActive Touch, a means of controlling the car's stereo, navigation and other systems through a combination of gesture control and head-up display. BMW already offers both of these technologies in its production cars, so the combination may not be as far-fetched as it might look at first glance.

Automotive equipment maker Continental also has some high-tech cabin gimmicks to show, these in the realm of biometrics. Taking a hint from phones and smart locks, Continental will bring a dashboard-ready fingerprint authentication system to the show. The company suggests cars could require a keyfob and a fingerprint, so help further stymie car thieves. It also will show a facial recognition system, that could recognize drivers and load their personalized settings, such as seat and mirror positions, all automatically.

Press preview days for CES run on January 3 and 4, while the show itself opens from January 5 to 8. Check back here for all of CNET's CES coverage.

Faraday Future Electric Car Can Beat Tesla Model S P100D? Watch Race Here

The Faraday Future electric car wants to show that the wait will be worth it. For that, the company has published a video where it puts a prototype of its electric vehicle running against other powerful cars like the Tesla Model X P100D, Bentley Bentayga and Ferrari 488 GTB. Now, its latest video shows a much powerful opponent, the Tesla Model S P100D.

Can the Faraday Future electric car beat the Tesla Model S P100D in an acceleration race? Watch the video below to find out who wins.

We have already seen the Faraday Future electric car face to face with the Tesla Model X where it beat the Tesla. Now it is willing to show it is not afraid of anything as it battles the Tesla Model S P100D, as seen in StockNewsUSA. In the following video you will see a preview of the drag race featuring these two vehicles.

For now, details about the Faraday Future electric car is still not confirmed. The only comparison that we can make is the time it takes both to complete the 0 to 100 km/h. While the Tesla Model S P100D takes 2.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill, the Faraday Future electric car is also said to be below 3 seconds. This might spell trouble for the powerful Tesla, according to CarScoops.

Even with the impressive video, the future of Faraday Future electric car is still bleak. Much has been said about Faraday Future and its ambitions to assert itself in the electric car market, especially in relation to Tesla by Elon Musk. With plans to unveil its car at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in two weeks time, the manufacturer will be going through a difficult time as it recently lost two top executives.

The executives in question were Marco Mattiaci, head of business, and Joerg Sommer, Vice President of Product Marketing and Growth. While Mattiaci had previously been CEO of Ferrari's North American and Asian divisions, Sommer fills executive positions at Volskwagen, Daimler, Opel and Renault. These all just add up to the problems of the Faraday Future electric car.

Exits have not yet been confirmed by Faraday Future, but the decision may have resulted from the manufacturer's desire to cut spending, preferring to focus resources on the construction of the first Faraday Future electric car. We'll have to see in a few days now.

20 Top Concept Cars Of 1900s That We Are Not Driving Anymore

Many might wonder on hearing the term concept cars, as it might sound new to them. But certainly, each century technicians and manufacturers simply come with some amazing models of concept cars. The specialty of such cars is that even the manufacturers feel proud enough that those concept cars might open the doors of innovation for the future creativeness. Moreover, you might have witnessed such kind of Concept Cars of 1900s in many sci-fi movies that got released during the 20th century. Here you might come across such concept cars that certainly ruled the entire 20th century:

A Lancia Stratos HF car is simply named as Lancia Stratos, which are the rally and concept cars designed by Italian Car manufacturer. It was the successful rally car and it won World Rally Championship many times such as in 1974, 1975 & 1976.

A Bertone produced Concept Cars of 1900s called Lancia Stratos Zero and it is shown to the public in the year 1970. It shares somebody design little, but the mid-engine layout and name with Stratos HF version. This model had used the engine type 2418 Cm3 and it produced 182 HP, 185 PS for 136 KW.

The dimension of this car consists of 85 in of wheelbase, 146 in of length, 68 in of width, 43.7 in of height and 980 Kg of curb weight. It transfers power to the wheel via the five-speed manual transmission. It provides the top speed range of 144 MPH for 232 Km per hour and this Concept Cars of 1900s were marketed as Lancia Stratos HF (High Fidelity) Stradale.

In Stratos, the output power was nearly 275 HP for 205 KW for 12 valve version & 320 HP in 240 KW for 24 valve version.  Despite the fact, Stratos had been never intended as the race car, two group five racing cars were built along with 560 HP for 420 KW utilizing the single KKK turbocharger.

The Chevrolet Aerovette produced by Chevrolet and it had been the concept car since 1977. It had the mid-engine configuration utilizing the transverse mounting of V8 engine. It was manufactured with back wheel drive, a front located engine along with two door coupe style of body.

The Concept Cars of 1900s used the naturally aspirated petrol engine 5.7L with the Valve of 90 degrees of the V8 cylinder and it contains two valves per cylinder. It produces 220 BHP with 223 PS for 164 KW at 5200 RPM.

The maximum torque range was 353 N.M at 3600 RPM and the motor drives a wheel through four-speed manual transmission. The dimension of the consists of 98 in of wheelbase, 58.7 in of front, 185 in of rear, 185 in of length, 69 in of height and the curb weight of 1622 Kg.

In the year 1972, DeLorean had authorized the further work on XP-882 chassis and provided a new project code such as XP-895. In 1976, four rotor engine had been replaced by a 400 Cu Chevrolet V8 and the Concept Cars of 1900s named Aerovette & approved for the production in the year 1980.

The identical body was made of aluminum alloy, which resembled XP-895 was constructed, then became a Reynolds Aluminium Car.

The two-seater Golden Rocket model car was established by the Oldsmobile, especially for the general motor Motorama. The concept of radically styled fiberglass has been designed to the reassemble on a rocket wheel that was revised in several times and also displayed at the various auto shows.

This car has been featured in the promotional film of a design from dreaming across the rest of the general motor lineup. These Concept Cars of 1900s were four-door sedan type with the rear wheel drive. There was a three-speed manual gearbox in a petrol engine displacement of 370.7 cubic inches.

It can boost the power to 206.5 KW, 277 horsepower, 281 PS and maximum power of 542 NM. Then the characteristic dimension of this car was the outside length of 5288 mm and wheelbase of 3099 mm. The Concept Cars of 1900s could accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 9.4 Sec, quarter mile drag time of 17.2 Sec and also an average estimation of fuel consumption & mileage was 20.8 L/ 100 Km/ 13.6 MPG.

Then the total curb weight has 1945 Kg with the reference shipping weight of 1864 Kg. This car has been power upgraded to the 324 cubic inches, which was rocket V8 engine tuned into the crank out about 275 horsepower. Then the interior photos of the golden rocket had been automatic transmission such as other Motorama car showroom.

concept cars

Remember that funky-doored Subaru Viziv Concept that debuted at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show? Well, that thing eventually evolved into the 2015 Subaru Viziv Future Concept that made its debut last year at the Tokyo Motor show. It was a fair evolution that brought about a more production-ready model, at least on the outside anyway. Subaru has since been planning to take advantage of the American love for massive gas guzzlers won� �t a new, three-row midsize SUV that will debut in 2018, but has decided to take advantage of the L.A. Auto Show to show off its direction for this model with the next evolution of the Viziv concept: the Viziv-7 SUV. Boasting a look that could go into production as early as tomorrow, and seating for up to seven people, it's a prime example of what we'll see from Subaru come 2018.

For now, Subaru hasn't said too much about this new concept, but the exterior utilizes technology that is readily available, including full LED headlights with bright LED running lamps, and LED fog lights that are also surrounded by LED running lights. The unique way that the wheel arch trim integrates into the front fascia to provide housing for the fog light fixtures in innovative and fresh, while the small side-view mirrors give the side profile a sporty look. Around back, there's even more sexiness with a single LED bar is in place of traditional headlights, running the full width of the rear. Down below, there is a pair of LED reverse lights that are surrounded by red LED strips to provide ultimate visibility from the rear and to effectively tying together the front and rear ends of the vehicle.

Subaru has yet to say anything about the interior, aside from the fact that it has three rows of seats that can seat a total of seven people. The interior of the Viziv models that came before it were highly futuristic, with the 2015 model being toned down a little closer to reality. With that said, the interior of this concept could very well be futuristic too, but based on the exterior design, it could also be toned down to near-production form. With any hope, this model is an accurate representation of that upcoming SUV that Subaru has been planning. Besides, if you've looked at some of the brand's recent cars, they don't exactly fare as well as Subaru has hoped in the looks department, but the styling language seen here could really turn things around for the company.

On that note, Subaru has also said nothing about the drivetrain. There isn't any exhaust exit in the rear, which could be indicative of an all-electric drivetrain. Then again, there's no evidence of a door that conceals a charger port or fuel port, so if it is all-electric, it would have to make sure of inductive charging or has a charging cord stashed away somewhere that we can't. It is a concept, though, so it's also quite possible that there is no drivetrain at all. Either way, the concept itself looks great and, should Subaru build its next SUV based on this look, it could very well have a big hit on its hands – at least here in America, anyway.

Continue reading for the full story.

Electric VW Microbus-like concept to appear at Detroit Auto Show

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The original Volkswagen Microbus is an iconic design that is still instantly recognizable decades after the last ones were sold in the U.S.

That might explain why rumors of the vehicle's return are so persistent.

A new VW Microbus has been whispered about multiple times over the past few years, and now the automaker has teased us with photos of another concept to debut next month.

DON'T MISS: Volkswagen Budd-e Concept: 373-Mile, All-Electric Van Signals The Future

Volkswagen released teaser photos of an upcoming ID-based concept that looks temptingly close to another van, with what appears to be a headlight just above what might be a new interpretation of the classic "V"-front of the Microbus.

That follows a report that Volkswagen is preparing a Microbus concept with an electric powertrain as part of an overall electric-car push, according to industry trade journal WardsAuto.

The concept is reportedly a 7-seat van-like vehicle based on the Modular Electric Toolkit (MEB), a platform developed specifically for compact plug-in electric cars.

That same platform was used by the recent Volkswagen ID and Budd-e concepts.

The Budd-e—which debuted at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show—was a small van that at the time was viewed by the press as an indication that VW was planning a Microbus-like new model.

ALSO SEE: Volkswagen ID: more details of all-electric concept car at Paris Motor Show

The Microbus concept reportedly in development now would reportedly use a similar layout to the Budd-e and ID, with a lithium-ion battery pack mounted under the floor.

Volkswagen is reportedly aiming for a range of 311 miles, likely as measured on the European testing cycle.

1964 Volkswagen Microbus from the Jerry Seinfeld collection - Image via Gooding & Company

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The European cycle is notoriously optimistic, so a corresponding U.S. EPA range rating would likely be a bit lower.

The concept will be powered by a pair of electric motors driving all four wheels, according to the automaker. That's in contrast to the rear-drive ID concept we saw in Paris.

At a reported 193 inches long, the new Microbus concept would be more than 10 inches longer than the Budd-e, although still smaller than conventional minivans.

The Microbus is said to be one of multiple new all-electric models VW is considering as it attempts to grow electric-car sales.

Volkswagen I.D. electric car concept, 2016 Paris auto show

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By 2025, VW hopes to be selling 1 million electric cars per year, and it has said it will launch 30 different electric models across multiple brands in the coming years.

One of those models is expected to be a production version of the ID concept, due in 2019.

MORE: Volkswagen's plan to bounce back? 30 electric cars in 10 years

If the rumors prove true, perhaps a re-imagined Microbus will be the second: After this many different concepts, some dating back 15 years, it's hard to imagine that VW brass don't want to relaunch a new Microbus.

They most likely didn't imagine even a couple of years ago, however, that it would be all-electric.

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Two top executives just left secretive startup Faraday Future before its big car reveal

The concept car Faraday Future showed at the Consumer Electronics Show January 2016. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

Faraday Future, the troubled electric car startup, was just dealt another blow.

Two top executives have left the company before the startup's big car reveal at the Consumer Electronics Show in early January, The Verge first reported.

Joerg Sommer, vice president of product marketing and growth, and Marco Mattiacci, global chief brand and commercial officer, are no longer listed on the Faraday Future website as executives.

Sommer noted he is no longer working at Faraday Future and is seeking opportunities elsewhere on his LinkedIn page.

Faraday Future did not immediately return Business Insider's request for comment.

A source told The Verge that Sommer's and Mattiacci's departures could be seen as a way to free up funds for the company as both were highly compensated.

Indepdently, a former employee who wished to remain anonymous told Business Insider that Mattiacci had told Jia Yueting, the CEO of LeEco and personal investor in Faraday Future, that he did not feel comfortable showing a car at the Consumer Electronics Show because it is not ready.

Mattiacci did not immediately return Business Insider's request for comment.

Faraday Future recently settled a lawsuit with its seat supplier Futuris that was filed after Faraday Future allegedly fell behind on $10 million worth of payments. That means Faraday Future needs to find a new seat supplier, which could take up to two years, The Verge reported Thursday.

In early November, Yueting told LeEco staff that the company was facing a shortage of cash from expanding too fast and in too many directions.

Faraday Future has also stopped work on its $1 billion factory in North Las Vegas, and is likely to miss the shipping deadline for its production vehicles that were said to come to market some time in 2017.

It's also facing another lawsuit from Beim Maple Properties, which alleges Faraday Future is behind on roughly $105,000 in rent payments for a warehouse, Buzzfeed News reported.

Faraday Future also does not own the intellectual property for its technology. A separate entity, FF Cayman Global, owns the intellectual property, which could prevent suppliers from filing a claim against assets in the event of bankruptcy.

SEE ALSO: Faraday Future doesn't own its intellectual property — and that could spell trouble down the line NOW WATCH: Everything we know about the Tesla Model 3 Loading video...

This Is What Mercedes Thinks The Car Of The Future Will Look Like

by Martin Bigg6,646 reads

Two of Mercedes' revolutionary EV concepts will be turning heads at CES.

With the Detroit Auto Show 2017 hogging all the limelight lately, it's easy to forget that the Consumer Electronics Show is kicking off next month as well. While the Detroit Show will focus on new car reveals, automakers will be using CES to showcase the latest technological innovations, from quirky concept cars to futuristic hologram interiors. Mercedes-Benz has confirmed it will be attending the show with a display focusing on its "future of mobility" CASE strategy, which stands for 'Connected, Autonomous, Shared & Service and Electric Drive.' The sleek and stylish Generation EQ Concept SUV will be at the forefront of Mercedes' display, which recently made its debut in Paris. Equipped with Mercedes' next-gen battery pack, it's claimed the EQ will deliver a range of 310 miles. Being a Mercedes, the EQ will of course be laden with the latest tech and gadgets, so expect to find advanced self-driving technology and OLED control screens everywhere. We're fans of some of its cosmetic flourishes such as the hidden wipers and door handles, so we look forward to learning more about the EQ at the show. Also on display will be the Vision Van, which you may remember as the van with the drone-mounted roof and package monitoring system ideal for making deliveries.

It's designed to be an all-electric, autonomous delivery van with a range of 168 miles to allow for a full day's delivery, and as such doesn't include a steering wheel, although there will be a joystick for the driver to operate instead. CES commences on January 5 2017, so we don't have long to wait to find out how Mercedes is planning to revolutionize the electric car market. "The objective is to make the car a platform for future mobility concepts and a space that offers a digital experience," said Ola Kallenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler." The car of the future must be networked, autonomous, emissions-free and deliver the possibility of shared mobility."

Other topics to be explored include artificial intelligence and an intriguing "Fit&Healthy" section which will "provide a vision of how society's growing health consciousness can be intelligently combined with future mobility."

Top Five Key Car Design Moments Of 2016

[unable to retrieve full-text content]One of my last assignments with Bangle was in 2o08, a sneak preview to witness his radical GINA concept come alive. This cloth-covered, shape-changing vehicle was one of the earlier nods to the future of mobility when the car will need to be much more than ...

Faraday Future Makes Claim for Quickest Car in the World with Latest Clip

Faraday Future continues to raise expectations for its electric crossover set for a January 3 reveal by showing us a drag race against a Tesla Model S P100D with Ludicrous mode active.

The U.S.-based and Chinese-backed company kicked off the week before by showing us a teaser video of its upcoming car. The images showed a camouflaged prototype line up on a drag strip alongside some of the world's fastest cars, with its closest rival not missing the get-together.

We're talking about the Tesla Model X P100D, the world's first and only electric SUV, a label that instantly paints it as Faraday Future's closest competitor. They also had a Bentley Bentayga there, but we sincerely hope it was present strictly for its dynamic performance similarities, and price related ones (the British SUV is a machine worth a quarter-million dollars).

A Ferrari 488 GTB completed the motley crew of quick on their feet contenders that had been gathered together to show they're not quick enough. As expected, a few day s later, Faraday Future released a video showing all those cars get beaten by their mysterious vehicle.

However, in one of the shots, we also spotted a dark gray Tesla Model S present at the track. The video did not make any reference to the electric sedan, so we assumed it was the only car that managed to defeat the FF crossover, which was why the footage was missing.

Well, it turns out we were wrong, and Faraday Future was merely saving the best for last. A recently released video gives us the hotly anticipated race in all its glory - well, we get to see the start and the end, which is enough.

Since it made the cut, you figured by now that the Model S - officially the world's quickest car to the 60 mph mark with a time of 2.4 seconds - only came last. But the video states the Model S reaches 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, which was the speed prior to the November update.

Either Faraday Future isn't aware of t he modification, or it benchmarked its vehicle against a non-updated vehicle. But even if it hasn't, given the gap at the end, the result is still largely irrelevant. A minute difference in the reaction time of the two drivers could have tilted the scales one way or the other, since there's definitely less than 0.1 seconds between the two.

If Faraday Future's intention was to convince us its vehicle is quicker than a Model S P100D, then it failed. But if it wanted to convey the idea that the crossover is crazy-quick, then, yes, message received. Now go ahead and find the money necessary to build it.

Electric cars lead to carmaker job cuts: new flashpoint?

It takes people to make cars: to lift and install parts, check quality, test-drive them after assembly, and so forth.

Automation has eliminated many of the jobs performed by humans a century ago on the Ford Model T line, and made the rest much less physically punishing for line workers.

But electric cars pose a new threat: they will require even fewer workers to build.

DON'T MISS: Electric cars will require 10,000-plus job cuts at VW, says HR chief

And that has auto-worker unions and automaker executives more than a little worried.

Here's the math: a battery-electric car has fewer than 200 moving parts, while a vehicle with a modern, turbocharged, multi-valve engine and nine-speed transmission (and perhaps all-wheel drive) has 10 to 30 times that number.

A diagram in the German publication Der Spiegel shows that roughly 40 percent of a conventional car's manufacturing cost is made up of its engine, transmission, axles and driveshafts, engine cooling and air-conditioning systems, fuel tank and plumbing, and exhaust and emission aftertreatment system.

Tesla Model S lithium-ion battery pack in rolling chassis [photo: Martin Gillet via Flickr]

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Battery-electric cars dispense with all those parts, and the replacement components are far less complex. Worse yet, they may not be assembled by automakers at all.

Battery cells and packs, which contain hundreds of lithium-ion cells (each of which has its own components) plus connectors, sensors, wiring, and the rest, aren't necessarily made in-house.

The cells for the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV, for instance, are fabricated by Korean company LG Chem. In the case of the Bolt EV, the parent company LG also provides major portions of the vehicle's electronics and infotainment.

ALSO SEE: Electric cars necessary to protect Mercedes jobs, says labor leader

Tesla Model S and Model X cars use small-format lithium-ion cells made by Panasonic in Japan, though the future Tesla Model 3 is to use cells built by Panasonic in Tesla's battery gigafactory in Nevada.

But the specter of battery cells, packs, and electronics being assembled by other companies has the powerful works councils at VW Group in particular quite anxious.

Two months ago, VW's head of human resources was quoted in a German business paper as saying that "a five-figure number of jobs" would be eliminated as the company phases in up to 30 electric models by 2025.

1,000th body for 2012 Tesla Model S on display at Tesla Motors factory, Fremont, CA, Oct 28, 2012

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That echoes comments by Michael Brecht, the works council chief for Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, who noted that internal-combustion engines require roughly 10 times the number of workers to manufacture as do electric motors.

This has led union leaders at both companies to push hard for in-house assembly of both electric motors and the battery cells, packs, and electronics that power them.

Following a mid-November meeting of VW Group's board of directors, the company signed a pact with its works councils that guaranteed no forced layoffs and an investment of more than $4 billion in future technologies that include electrified vehicles.

CHECK OUT: Bolt EV Powertrain: How Did GM And LG Collaborate On Design, Production?

Those investments would create 9,000 new jobs, it said, in "future-oriented areas."

On the other hand, it noted, "there is to be a loss of up to 23,000 jobs in conventional areas in Germany," which the board and works council pledged would be "accomplished in a socially compatible way."

Meanwhile , Jaguar Land Rover has said it hopes to create up to 10,000 new jobs in the United Kingdom in electric-car component manufacturing as it increases the scale of its electrified product lineup.

It showed the Jaguar I-Pace concept car at last month's Los Angeles Auto Show; the sleek, all-electric crossover utility vehicle is to go go on sale in 2018, though initially it will be assembled in Austria by Magna Steyr.

But the sensitivity around the issue of automaker job reductions is underscored by recent political upsets attributed in part to the loss of factory jobs in industrialized regions of the U.S., the U.K., and Europe.

Watch for delicate negotiations among automakers, their employees, their suppliers, and national politicians over where those jobs end up—and why.

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Top Five Auto Design And Creative Car Moments Of 2016

[unable to retrieve full-text content]One of my last assignments with Bangle was in 2o08, a sneak preview to witness his radical GINA concept come alive. This cloth-covered, shape-changing vehicle was one of the earlier nods to the future of mobility when the car will need to be much more than ...

Volkswagen’s self-driving EV concept comes with a retractable steering wheel

Volkswagen is changing its strategies for future cars and is now making a push for electric cars. The company is planning to extend its I.D. concept family that came into highlights in the Paris Motor Show earlier this year. The company showed off a brand new design that — drum-roll please — comes with a retractable steering wheel.

Volkswagen's latest concept car takes the form of a tall, boxy van whose design seems to be heavily inspired by the original, rear-engined Bus introduced in 1950. The full concept will be revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

The I.D. concept has been designed with autonomous driving in mind. The steering wheel retracts into the dash at the simple push of the Volkswagen logo, and the driver becomes a passenger as the task of driving is delegated to laser scanners, ultrasonic and radar sensors, and cameras that scope out the road ahead.

It is being assumed that the second concept car wil l take the form of a van. Three factors have led us to believe this second I.D. concept could be a van. First, VW says it has a mutli-functional, flexible interior. Second, the company claims it forges links between the legendary origins of the Volkswagen brand and its electrifying future. And finally, that teaser shot, which we think is a front view, sure looks like a throwback to an old VW bus.

Seeing the concept it seems as if Volkswagen is ready to enter the fray again and this time with newer technologies and futuristic designs. Volkswagen also says the I.D. Concept will be set up for fully autonomous driving in the future.

The company is planning to reveal more information about the concept at the Detroit Auto Show, that is expected to run from January 8th to January 22nd, 2017.

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In wake of the holidays season, LG has today shown off its new smartphones under the K series category. The phones will officially be launched at CES...

Bluebook, a discount and deals focused mobile app has raised funds to the tunes of $500,000 in a seed round led by Indian Angel Network (IAN)...

Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing (which also includes Uber China's operations) should be readying itself to face a driver pool crunch...

The makers of Peak have sold a majority stake to French publisher Hachette Livre. A lowkey yet popular a pp, Peak is a subscription-based service...

Mitsubishi electric cars to use Nissan-Renault platforms: report

Now that it has officially taken control of Mitsubishi Motors, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is integrating the smaller automaker's green-car projects with its own.

Renault-Nissan announced plans to acquire a 34-percent stake in Mitsubishi in May, shortly after the company admitted to cheating on fuel-economy tests for many years in its home country of Japan.

The sale of that stake was completed in October, making Renault-Nissan Mitsubishi's largest shareholder.

DON'T MISS: Nissan and Renault to share common electric-car platform in future

As is typical with purchases of carmakers by existing conglomerates, there will be consolidation among platforms, powertrains, and other components to achieve cost savings.

That effort may affect the future electric cars of Nissan, Renault, and Mitsubishi.

The latter will share an electric-car platform developed by the other two automakers, Nikkei reports.

This news comes shortly after a report that Renault and Nissan would move their two best-selling electric cars onto the same platform in upcoming redesigns.

The Nissan Leaf is currently the best-selling electric car globally, while the smaller subcompact Renault Zoe is the best-selling electric car in Europe.

These two models are quite different in size, and use lithium-ion battery cells from different sources.

ALSO SEE: Nissan electric subcompact below Leaf in future electric-car lineup?

But Arnaud Deboeuf—senior vice president of Renault-Nissan BV, the company's strategic management unit—said recently that the Leaf and Zoe could soon share a platform, and compete in the same segment.

That would mean either shrinking the Leaf into a subcompact, or growing the Zoe.

A future Mitsubishi electric car would use this same shared platform, according to the Nikkei report.

One candidate for such a vehicle might be the production version of the Mitsubishi eX concept, an all-electric compact crossover utility vehicle the company has shown at auto shows for two years.

That car was originally expected to be in production soon, but it appears to have been delayed. If produced, it would likely share underpinnings with a future all-electric Nissan crossover about the size of the Rogue.

Mitsubishi now sells only the i-MiEV, an aging electrified version of a tiny Japanese "kei" car also sold as the Citroën C-Zero and Peugeot iOn in Europe.

MORE: Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid delayed again, now three years late

The exchange of green-car components will go both ways, though.

While Mitsubishi will get an electric-car platform from Renault-Nissan, the alliance partners have decided to adopt Mitsubishi's hybrid technology.

Last week, Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn announced that Mitsubishi hybrid technology would be used across the board, as part of an overall effort to share costs among all three brands.

The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid crossover is currently the best-selling plug-in hybrid in Europe, and the only plug-in hybrid utility vehicle currently available that isn't a luxury model.

Mitsubishi has promised to bring the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid to the U.S., and displayed a "prototype" at the 2016 New York Auto Show after multiple delays.

But the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid now isn't expected to go on sale in the U.S. until Summer 2017.

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Faraday Future electric car quicker than Ferrari 488, Tesla Model X

Faraday Future electric car quicker than Ferrari 488, Tesla Model X

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Just weeks out from the debut of its first model at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show, electric car startup Faraday Future has released a video that shows the car taking on the Bentley Bentayga, Ferrari [NYSE:RACE] 488 GTB and Tesla [NSDQ:TSLA] Model X P100D in a series of drag races.

FF is holding back on how quick its car actually is but the video reveals that the car, a minivan-like model similar in size to the Model X, accelerates quicker than all of the rival models mentioned. The Model X P100D is the quickest of the rivals, requiring just 2.9 seconds to reach 60 mph, so we can assume FF's car needs even less time to achieve the same feat.

Interestingly, FF didn't pit its car against Tesla's Model S P100D. The handsome electric sedan is the quickest car to 60 mph in production right now, needing just 2.4 seconds to achieve the feat, so perhaps Tesla still has the edge in that regard—though fellow electric car company Lucid and its 1,000-horsepower Air could certainly shake things up.

But getting back to FF's car, we're yet to receive any performance specs though we know they'll be substantial. The car's platform, known as the VPA, was first shown in a concept boasting a 1,000-horsepower output. FF is also claiming the world's highest energy density automotive batteries.

FF says it will show its car for the first time on January 3, 2017, with the official debut to take place two days later at CES. Unfortunately, it might be some time until production actually starts. One of the company's key backers, Chinese tech giant LeEco, is short on cash and this will likely cause production delays. FF has previously hinted at a production start date in 2017.

This car promises to be fully electric and drive itself. Will that be enough?

California-based Lucid Motors officially unveiled its first high-end electric vehicle this week, a sleek, sunlit sedan called the Lucid Air that executives expect will roll off the assembly line starting late 2018.

But as advancements in automotive innovation — autonomous driving, electric vehicle batteries and ride-sharing, among others — continue to progress at a rapid clip, it's unclear exactly how different the car market will look when the Lucid Air finally hits the road.

"We're very forward looking in that respect," said Peter Rawlinson, Lucid's chief technology officer. "We believe we've got the most likely bases all covered."

Indeed, the "alpha prototype" car that Lucid Motors put on display this week promises to be fully electric and allow for completely autonomous driving. The company claims the car will feature a 100 kilowatt hour battery — and eventually a 130 kilowatt hour battery — that can travel up to 400 miles on a single charge. The top-tier Tesla Model S can get up to 330 miles, according to the company.

While executives said the Lucid Air is mostly developed and just needs more "finesse," whether the car will ultimately deliver all of the promises executives touted Wednesday remains to be seen.

"We've been creating a production car from the start, not a concept car," said Derek Jenkins, the vice president for design. "Inevitably through the feasibility process some features will morph or change slightly. Fundamentally this is representative of the car we want to build."

And will that car entice customers? Edmunds senior analyst Jessica Caldwell isn't convinced. As automakers continue to make investments in fuel efficiency and offer more electric vehicle options, there is a push across the industry to make batteries smaller, more efficient and longer lasting. Powerful batteries are becoming "the cost of entry" rather than distinguishing characteristics, she said.

"It seems a little passe at this point. To really move the needle, I think you're going to [have to] talk about how your electrified vehicle will fit into a future concept of mobility, whether it's part-time ownership or part of a ride-sharing fleet," Caldwell said.

Tesla Motors, the current leader in the luxury electric market, is Lucid's most natural competitor. Tesla announced earlier this year that plans are in the works for its own ride-sharing network. The company also continues to push forward with autopilot technology and is working toward full self-driving capabilities in all of its vehicles.

Tesla already has thousands of cars on the road and orders for many more, a distinct advantage that will leave Lucid playing catch-up.

Even if Lucid's technology is ultimately comparable or superior to Tesla's, the latter company has another key differentiator: Elon Musk, Tesla's cult-leader-like CEO, has given the company a mighty public persona relative to its small size. He is also a special adviser to President-elect Donald Trump.

"A lot of people want to emulate Tesla, but Tesla is more than a car company," Caldwell said. "They have someone at the helm who is trying to put people on Mars, who is doing a lot of interesting thought-provoking things, which kind of gets people to buy in wanting to be part of that."

That's not to say Lucid doesn't have a fighting chance. On the contrary, its team includes a roster of executives with auto industry bona fides. Rawlinson was formerly the head of engineering for Tesla. Jenkins used to lead design for Mazda's North American operations. Brian Barron, the director of global manufacturing, spent 18 years at BMW.

The company has also raised more than $130 million in venture capital from a slate of American, Chinese and Japanese investors, according to investment database Crunchbase. A Lucid spokesman declined to confirm that amount.

Lucid executives say comparisons to Tesla sell their car's potential short. They view the Air as a competitor to traditional luxury brands, such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes, and expect they can take customers away from those carmakers. Of course, those brands are developing advanced technology of their own.

"From the beginning we weren't looking at Lucid or the Air as going after Tesla," Jenkins said. "There is a huge market out here that is not yet driving electric vehicles. We see a tremendous advantage with our technology and the layout of our vehicles over internal combustion" vehicles.

Lucid began accepting online preorders for the Lucid Air. The first 255 "launch edition" cars can be reserved for a $25,000 down payment and will carry a price tag north of $100,000. A specific price has not been set, Rawlinson said. The "standard edition" cars that follow can be held for $2,500 and the company expects they will ultimately cost roughly $65,000.

The Electric Drive Transportation Association counts 133,824 electric vehicles that were sold during the first 11 months of 2016. That's slightly less than 3 percent of total automobile sales over that same period. Analysts expect the market will continue to grow, though estimates vary as to how quickly.

Attendees at last month's Los Angeles Auto Show got a preview of the car, albeit cloaked in camouflage print. Company executives revealed then that the car would have a smaller frame than other luxury sedans, but still offer comparable passenger and cargo space due to the design of the car's under-the-hood components.

Lucid Motors started in 2007 as a battery maker by the name of Atieva. The company originally planned to build batteries that could be used in other electric vehicles, but shifted gears in 2014 to instead start work on a car of its own. "As we expanded our efforts to developing complete powertrain systems, it became clear that the most direct route to increasing the number of electric vehicles on the road was to develop our own," the company stated in October.

Lucid Motors revealed plans last month to build a production facility in Casa Grande, Ariz., an exurban community situated between Phoenix and Tucson. The company plans to break ground on the factory next year and start assembling cars in 2018. It expects to hire 2,000 workers there by 2022.

Read more from The Washington Post's Innovations section. 

How Ford turned thousands of employees into inventors

Uber expanded its self-driving car service to a second city. Regulators ordered it shut down. 

Google is one step closer to making money off self-driving cars