Entry-level crossover
One of the toughest decisions by product planners working on the Hyundai Venue was to engineer the subcompact crossover with front-wheel drive only – forgoing claims as an occasional off-road vehicle capable of spinning all four wheels in mud or snow, reports Automotive News. But what the planners gave up in all-wheel-drive grip, they gained in carving out a niche of their own, according to the editors. “The Venue is built from the ground up as a stylish urban crossover for the U.S. at the price of a ho-hum economy car – a play that could even convert some used-car shoppers into new-vehicle buyers and bring them into the Hyundai fold.” At its size, it’s the first of its kind, but not likely the last, Michael O’Brien, vice president for product, corporate and digital planning at Hyundai Motor America, told the magazine.
Customizing electric cars’ performance
Hyundai Motor Group has developed new technology that will allow drivers of electric cars to customize the vehicle’s performance using a smartphone application, reports TradeArabia. The industry-first innovation can adjust seven performance features, including the maximum torque output of the motor, ignition, acceleration and deceleration abilities, regenerative braking capacity, maximum speed limit, responsiveness, and energy use on climate control. As well as customizing for individual drivers, the application can optimize the settings for specific journeys. For example, on longer drives the app could analyze the remaining distance and electric energy requirement, and then adjust the settings for optimum range, while for short trips around town it can be more responsive in traffic. It can also accommodate sportier driving.
Chicago lights up
The city of Chicago announced it would install an additional 40,000 new LED lights on residential streets, alleys and viaducts as part of its four-year project to modernize its lighting system. The city estimates it will save $100 million over the next 10 years due to the energy efficiency of the new lights, which consume 50% to 75% less electricity than high-pressure sodium street lights. The project will replace 270,000, or 85 percent, of Chicago’s streetlights with LED fixtures, and includes creation of a citywide lighting management system. When it becomes operational, the system will alert the city when lights need service.
A dashboard-centric operating system
Google is opening up Android Automotive OS – the dashboard-centric version of its mobile platform – to third-party media apps. Android Auto has long allowed phones to project a customized version of their interface onto vehicle infotainment systems, offering access to navigation, multimedia, calls, messaging, and the Assistant, reports Slash Gear. But Android Automotive OS is said to go deeper. Control is via an 11-inch portrait orientation touchscreen in the center console, which resembles a propped-up Android tablet. It has a modular user interface, with different panes for multimedia, communication, navigation, and managing the vehicle’s drivetrain. Say “Hey Google,” and the Assistant can control vehicle features as well as answer questions. Android Automotive OS is scheduled to launch first on the Polestar 2 EV, the all-electric car from the new Volvo and Geely-backed Swedish automaker.