US Government May Finally Allow Us To Have Good Headlights

Awesome adaptive laser headlights are coming!

The US has a very particular set of rules governing the safety requirements of new cars. Some are well crafted and designed to make cars safer for drivers and pedestrians. Others are so draconian, it's hard to believe they are still written into law. One such example is the US's stance on adaptive headlights, which has caused our vehicles to lag behind in terms of safety.

In Europe, companies like Audi and BMW have created laser headlight technology that make for brighter lights and that can be adjusted so as to not blind other drivers. Unfortunately, this technology has been illegal in the US, so we've only received a dumbed-down version. Now, the US government may finally be changing its rules on headlights.

According to Automotive News, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is considering a change to its headlight rules after several automakers (led by Toyota) have pleaded for changes. The change is currently in a period of review, but if approved, it would allow automakers to install fully adaptive high beams into their cars.

Put simply, this technology can cut out and redirect light if it senses other vehicles or pedestrians. This way, the car can project the maximum amount of light at all times without blinding other drivers or pedestrians. We recently witnessed this technology on the 2019 BMW X5, but it had to be dumbed down for the US to simply deactivate the high beams completely when it detected other sources of light. BMW says the change to a fully adaptive headlight will require more than just a software change.

We hope the US acts intelligently by changing its rule. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 108 is the main reason why we haven't been allowed to have this technology and this rule dates back to 1967. Technology has advanced too far for us to still be relying on a rule created 50 years ago. This will be a welcomed change to US automotive safety rules. Now if we could just do something about our stupid 25-year import restriction.

Will Audi’s Hardcore Lineup Finally Make A Home In The US?

Automaker’s latest entry may be a sign for the future.

Audi has created some incredible high-performance machines featuring the coveted “RS” badge, and in almost every single case these have remained forbidden fruit in the US. The German automaker plans to change that by bringing its latest pumped up sedan—the Audi RS3—across the Atlantic Ocean, and we're hopeful that this could be the start to a bright future for fast Audis in America.

It’s no secret that Audi is feeling the heat from the diesel scandal, which is an ongoing matter that happens to also include Volkswagen and Porsche. So while the majority of enthusiasts are thrilled to see the beastly sedan come to the US, it’s hard to look past the fact that Audi has its own agenda for the RS3. While the German automaker has hitherto deemed America a market unworthy of its presence, why has Audi now decided to serve up an RS model? One word: sales. Audi and Volkswagen, and even Porsche to some extent, will be feeling the sting from the emissions scandal. Dealers, beloved fans and average Joes alike are upset with these brands, and for good reason

None of the automakers have come out with a fix for its emissions-cheating cars yet, but Audi has found another way around the problem—offering a whole new set of cars to a different set of buyers. You have to be a power-craved lunatic to get behind the wheel of a RS-badged model as the high-performance vehicles are clearly aimed at enthusiasts. Reaching out to a new market would increase sales and bring in some positive publicity for the automaker—win, win. Another reason for bringing the RS3 over is because of the recent influx of small, high-performance cars.

Cars like the BMW M2, Ford Focus RS and Mercedes-AMG CLA45 could use some more competition, which is exactly what the RS3 plans to give them. In addition to being a worthy competitor for America’s small, high-performance models, this is most likely Audi’s attempt at seeing how profitable its lineup of RS models could be. Currently, there are only two RS models on sale in the US—the RS7 and RS5—while Britain is lucky enough to get six RS-branded models. If the RS3 sells like hotcakes, it would be safe to assume that Audi would reconsider bringing more RS-badged models over. It’s not the best time to be an Audi enthusiast, but the RS3 is the light at the end of the tunnel for the automaker. An extremely bright light.

2019 BMW Z4 Finally Breaks Cover At Pebble Beach, And It's A Beauty

Quite the stunner, isn’t it?

Last year, BMW unveiled the beautiful Concept Z4 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and we’ve been eagerly anticipating the production model ever since. Fast forward one year later, and the 2019 BMW Z4 has finally broken cover in all its production glory at the same location after months of tantalizing teasers and leaked photos – and it looks sensational from every angle.

While most concept cars are significantly toned down when they enter production, the Z4 looks a lot like the striking concept, sporting an athletic exterior, vertically stacked headlights, a long hood, and a prominent kidney grille with a large mesh design. Large intakes tucked behind the front wheel arches optimize the airflow, while a a central driving position, and an integrated rear spoiler add to the Z4’s sporty character.

BMW has only released details about the Z4 M40i First Edition launch model for now, which will feature specific design and equipment features. It’s finished in Frozen Orange Metallic combined with an electrically operated textile soft top in anthracite with silver effect. BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line, black exterior mirror caps and two-tone 19-inch light alloy wheels with a double spoke design round off the exterior highlights.

Inside, the interior of the First Edition model features Vernasca black leather trim with decorative stitching, electrically adjustable seats with memory function and a Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. For the first time in a BMW roadster, the Z4 also gets adaptive LED headlights and a Head-Up Display, as well as the next-generation Live Cockpit system with two high-resolution digital displays.

As expected, the BMW Z4 M40i First Edition is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine. Power figures have yet to be confirmed, but the previous reports suggest it should produce around 380 hp. BMW says there will be enough power to propel the sports car from 0-62 mph in roughly 4.4 seconds. It should be a dream to drive, too, thanks to BMW M tuned sports suspension with electronically controlled dampers, M Sport braking system and an electronically controlled M Sport rear differential.

Transmission options haven’t been revealed, but the interior photos suggest it will only be available with an automatic. Full details and specifications will be announced on September 18, according to BMW. The 2019 BMW Z4 30i will arrive in the US in Spring 2019, while the M40i version (including the First Edition) will go on sale in Q2 2019.

We Finally Know What The Next BMW i Model Will Be Called

Although BMW didn't make a very big deal about it.

The i models were interesting entries in the BMW lineup, but the i3 and i8 were both strange in their own ways. The i3 looked a bit odd and the i8 was too expensive for most people. What the i Division needs is a conventional model to appeal to average car buyers. BMW has previewed the i Vision Dynamics Concept, which will evolve to be the next i model. We knew the i Vision Dynamics would eventually enter production, but we did not know what its production name would be. At BMW's 2018 Geneva Motor Show press conference, we finally found out.

Almost as if it wasn't even important to note, BMW CEO Harald Kruger used the name i4 when describing BMW's electric future. Kruger said “By 2025, our global vehicle portfolio will include 25 fully or part-electric models. At last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, we unveiled our take on the future of e-mobility with the BMW i Vision Dynamics. This vehicle will become reality: we will build it in Munich as the BMW i4.” This was a huge piece of news to reveal so casually at the end of a press statement. This name may not be set in stone, but for now we can expect the next BMW i model to be called the i4, not the i5 as we previously expected.

It is also important to note the i4 will be built in BMW's Munich headquarters, which indicates the automaker's dedication to build its most important models in Germany. BMW could use the i4 Gran Coupe name and the model could potential replace the 4 Series Gran Coupe, although this is all speculation. When the i Vision Dynamics was revealed at Frankfurt, BMW promised a driving range of over 370 miles and a 0-62 mph time of around four seconds. The i4 sounds like the conventional model we have been waiting for from the BMW i Division.

Morgan's Next Sports Car Will Finally Embrace The Modern Era

But don't expect it to be too modern.

We have a huge soft spot for Morgan, the quirky British automaker known for building brand new sports cars that look like they were made in the 1940s. After a nearly 13 year absence, Morgan finally returned to the US with its Plus 4 and Roadster models. Unfortunately, Morgan isn't allowed to sell the cars with an engine, so owners have to source a Ford engine on their own.

Even though Morgan has just returned to the US, the company is currently in a state of transition. In Europe, Morgan has recently rolled out a special edition of the Plus 8, which will be the company's last model to use BMW's 4.8-liter naturally aspirated N62 V8. According to Autocar, Morgan is now working on an all-new sports car, which will move the company forward by several decades.

The new sports car won't arrive until the mid-2020s, but it will come in coupe and roadster forms. Unlike Morgan's current sports cars, which feature 1930s and '40s-era styling, this new model will derive its styling from the 1960s and is expected to be priced near the Aston Martin Vantage, which starts at around $150,000 in the US.

Along with new styling, Morgan will have to find a new engine now that the company's contract with BMW has ended. Morgan is quiet on the details regarding power because there will likely be several different powertrains available. Early models are expected to use a turbocharged inline-six producing around 350 horsepower going out through a six-speed manual or paddle shift transmission.

Underneath the body, Morgan is also developing a new front-engined, rear-wheel-drive architecture with a bonded and riveted chassis. The chassis will make its first production debut on Morgan's 110th-anniversary models and will continue to be used for many years. Morgan says the new chassis will be similar in weight but will be twice as stiff. This new sports car is still several years away, so it's too early to tell if Morgan will bring it to the US. Either way, we can't help but be excited.

We Finally Know The Porsche Taycan's Technical Specifications

And they closely match the original Mission E Concept.

Porsche recently confirmed its first ever purely electric car, previously known as the Mission E, will be called the Taycan, but its technical specifications remained a mystery – until now.

Porsche has released technical specs for the production car due to go on sale in 2019, and the good news is they closely match the specs of the original Mission E concept from 2015. The Taycan will use two permanently synchronous motors like those found in the Le Mans-winning 919 Hybrid, with one for the front axle and the other driving the rear wheels, producing a combined output of over 600 horsepower.

These two electric motors generate a permanent rotary motion that can be applied at any time without needing to be started. “We opted for a permanently excited synchronous motor in the Taycan,” said Heiko Mayer, drive unit project leader. “They combine a high energy density with strong sustained performance and maximum efficiency.” High-voltage lithium-ion batteries will provide a range of over 310 miles, though which testing cycle the range it's based on hasn’t been specified.

According to Porsche, once the battery is depleted it will take around 15 minutes to give the car enough juice to cover 248 miles thanks to the Taycan’s fast-charging capabilities that take advantage of 800-volt chargers. In Europe and the US, the Taycan will comply with the Combined Charging System, while in Japan and China Porsche will offer the local standards.

Being a Porsche, the Taycan will deliver a level of performance that is synonymous with the brand. Porsche claims 0-62 mph will take “well under” three and a half seconds, while 124 mph will take less than 12 seconds from a standstill. As for production, Porsche estimates it will ship around 20,000 units per year, which is roughly two-thirds of the current sales figures for the 911.

Porsche also revealed around 40 specialists have built “three figures” worth of prototypes. 21 of these camouflaged prototypes were shipped to the western part of South Africa where more than 60 developers racked up around 24,854 miles. Porsche says that figure will increase to “millions of kilometers” by the time testing has finished, ensuring Porsche’s first ever electric sports car will“run like clockwork in even the toughest conditions.”