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Like What You Drive and How it’s Equipped? Thank the Military

The new Jeep Wrangler hybrid is the latest descendent of the original Willys-Overland MA.

Americans can take some things for granted, particularly how much our armed forces contribute to our health and well-being on a daily basis. Typically, it’s military’s technology needs that lead to breakthroughs in consumer products, like M&Ms and Cheetos.

Correspondingly, if you love driving your sport-utility vehicle with satellite navigation on a touchscreen while wearing aviators, thank the military. A surprising amount of what we take for granted in our cars, trucks and SUVs originated somewhere in the world as a military RFP.

So let’s march back in time, shall we?

Sport-utility vehicles

Regardless of which SUV you drive, they all owe their existence to the U.S. military. In July 1940, they put out an RFP for a “light reconnaissance vehicle” that would weigh less than 1,300 pounds, have a wheelbase of less than 75 inches, measure less than 36 inches tall, employ four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case and could carry 600 pounds. Its body must be rectangular, have a fold-down windshield, three bucket seats, and blackout and driving lights. Ok, the weight target was later revised, but otherwise, the proposal became the Willys-Overland MA, known today as the Jeep, a vehicle whose character now overshadows the entire automotive industry.

(Ford hypes Mach-E, taking it on “Electric-Vacation.”)

Navigation systems, like Hyundai’s on this 10.25-inch display screen, came from the military.

CPUs

The central processing unit, or CPU, is the part of the computer that actuates software, and a typical new car contains between 25 and 50 of them on average, with luxury cars containing more than 100 in some cases. But the first digital, programmable computer was developed during World War II at the University of Pennsylvania as an electronic calculator to help the war effort. But it could hardly be considered a desktop PC. Weighing 30 tons, it occupied 40 cabinets with 18,000 vacuum tubes, 10,000 capacitors, 6,000 switches and 1,500 relays. And here you thought your laptop was heavy.

Satellite navigation system

That guidance your vehicle receives comes from global positioning satellites orbiting the earth, first developed bythe United States Navy, which built the first satellite-based navigation system in 1959 to track its Polaris nuclear submarines. Each satellite uses multiple atomic clocks, developed by a Columbia University professor in the 1940s, to calculate the time within 100 billionths of a second. Dubbed Transit, the system measured the Doppler shift in the satellite’s radio transmission as it orbited. This required prior knowledge of its orbit. Modern satellites do the reverse, transmitting their position form earth, for faster response.

(Auto workers move up in line for COVID vaccine.)

Capacitive touchscreens

The massive touchscreen on the Tesla Model Y is also born out of a military technology.

If you love the convenience of a touchscreen, thank the Brits. It was born in 1965 at the United Kingdom at the Royal Radar Establishment, the advanced research arm of Britain’s Air Ministry. The screen is actually multiple layers of glass and plastic coated with a conductive material. Touching the screen completes an electric circuit, commanding the operating system to respond. Initially used by air traffic controllers, it wouldn’t reach consumers until the arrival of the Hewlett-Packard HP-150 in 1982, a PC running MS-DOS on a 9-inch Sony touch-sensitive CRT. The first touchscreen in a car was unveiled three years later in the 1986 Buick Riviera.

Radar

New vehicle driver assistance safety features like automated cruise control use radar to add an extra edge of safety. Radar was developed as far back as 1888 by German physicist Heinrich Hertz, who discovered that radio waves could be transmitted and speed measured. But it was Christian Hülsmeyer, a German engineer, who took Hertz’s principles and attempted to sell radar to the German military in the early 1900s. They weren’t interested, but the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. was. They began working with it in 1922. By World War II, radar was commonly used by the U.S. military to track ships and planes.

The 2021 Escalade has available Night Vision which helps instill confidence on night drives.

Night vision

Ponder the battlefield advantage of having devices that use infrared light to see where there is no light. Initially developed by the Germans in World War II, they were too unwieldy, despite magnifying light 1,000 times. After World War II, the U.S. Army worked with RCA for the next couple decades to develop night vision devices, which were used during the Vietnam War. But it wouldn’t be perfected until the 1990s, where they played a crucial role in Operation Desert Storm. First offered as an automotive option by Cadillac, it’s now a common option on high-end automobiles for navigating dark country roads and avoiding deer, not the Viet Cong.

(Volvo confirms small EV in the works.)

Aviator glasses

OK, it’s not a part of your car, but you might wear them while driving one. Now a fashionably classic design icon, aviator sunglasses were developed after test pilot Shorty Schroeder flew a biplane above 33,000 feet. Schroeder’s insulated goggles fogged, so he lifted them, only to have his eyes freeze over. Miraculously, Schroeder managed to land the plane. The incident shocked his friend, Lt. John Macready, who then worked with Bausch & Lomb to develop the glasses, which debuted in 1936 as Ray-Ban Aviators. The glasses were far lighter than goggles and featured green lenses that maximized vision by reducing glare.

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McLaren Artura Hybrid Supercar to Debut in 2021

McLaren introduced its new Artura hybrid supercar, but provided only scant details.

McLaren has offered up a new name for, and more details about, the hybrid supercar it plans to bring to market next year.

Like competitors such as Aston Martin and Ferrari, McLaren wants to take advantage of the incredible, off-the-line torque that electric motors can deliver. It has already toyed with the advantages hybrid drivetrains can deliver with the limited-run P1 and Speedtail models. The McLaren Artura would be its first series version.

Designed to replace the current Super Series, the new hybrid will pair the electric drive system with a twin-turbo V-6. That engine will be smaller than what’s on the existing line and is widely expected to come in with a displacement of around three liters.

(McLaren eyeing synthetic fuels for future models.)

The Artura, meanwhile, is expected to provide some electric-only drive capabilities, though they would likely be limited. McLaren has so far not indicated any plans to add a plug-in hybrid to its line-up but may need to eventually.

The Artura builds on what the company gleaned from the development of the Supertail.

A number of markets are now enacting new limits on the use of internal combustion engines. That includes the automaker’s home market, the UK banning vehicles solely powered by IC engines as of 2030, and all hybrids by 2035.

McLaren isn’t offering any hard details on power or performance but there seems little reason to believe it would launch a hybrid model that couldn’t at least match the 563 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque currently produced by its 570S model.

There would be the advantage of the instant torque that electric motors can deliver, but there’s also the reality that a hybrid drive system will add to the car’s weight.

(McLaren taking orders for new supercar.)

In a statement, McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt said the product development team is taking multiple steps to minimize that extra mass. “Every element of the Artura is all-new – from the platform architecture and every part of the High-Performance Hybrid powertrain, to the exterior body, interior and cutting-edge driver interface – but it draws on decades of McLaren experience in pioneering super-lightweight race and road car technologies to bring all of our expertise in electrification to the supercar class.”

The P1TM hypercar was the starting point for the Artura.

Another unanswered question is how many motors the McLaren Artura will feature. It may launch with a single motor in a rear-wheel-drive configuration but, if current practices hold, it’s expected to offer even higher-performance versions that would add another motor on the front axle.

Facing the new wave of government mandates, the auto industry is ramping up its collective electrification efforts. That’s particularly true in the exotic and performance segments where there are few other alternatives available.

(McLaren shows us the light – light weight – with new 765LT.)

Aston Martin is already working on a hybridized replacement for its Valkyrie line and recently announced plans to work with Mercedes to offer electric drivetrain technology in other product lines. The Mercedes-AMG performance line will be hybridizing and Maserati has plans for an all-electric version of its MC20 supercar. Even Ferrari is getting into the battery-car game. The SF90 Stradale is its first street-legal plug-in hybrid and it has announced plans to have a pure battery-electric model in its line-up by around 2025.

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2021 Jaguar E-Pace Gets “Thorough Freshening”

The Jaguar E-Pace gets a significant exterior update for the 2021 model year.

There was a time when the corporate suits wouldn’t even consider a station wagon, never mind an SUV – but these days, Jaguar sales are dominated by its three utility vehicles, starting with the E-Pace that is getting a significant update for the 2021 model year.

Among other things, Jaguar tweaked the exterior to put it more in line with the looks of the bigger F-Pace, as well as XF sedan that is also being refreshed for 2021. The cabin, likewise, gets updated, though the most notable changes come in the form of the new, curved 11.4-inch touchscreen that manages the latest version of the Jaguar Pivi Pro infotainment system.

“E,” here, might stand for entry, and with the demise of the XE sedan, the 2021 Jaguar E-Pace becomes the cheapest product offered by the British automaker. Make that “the least expensive” model in the Jaguar line-up. With a starting price of $42,045, a full $1,045 more than the outgoing 2020 model, the E-Pace is anything but cheap.

(Jaguar celebrating 60 years of E-Type with limited-edition models.)

The E-Pace exterior update is inspired by it the look of its F-Pace sibling.

From a styling standpoint, Jaguar has been pushing to bring its entire portfolio more in sync with the big F-Pace that currently serves as the brand’s flagship (at least while we wait for the complete makeover of the XJ sedan).

There’s a new mesh grille framed by chrome brightwork, new LED headlights, an updated bumper and more sculpted hood up front. More subtle changes to the sides and roofline, Jaguar claims, are inspired by the F-Type sports car. The 2021 E-Pace also gets new wheels.

Inside, there are subtle changes, such as the “cricket-ball” stitch for the soft upper trim on the shifter, and new soft-touch materials around “driver touch points,” including a knee pad. But what you’ll likely notice immediately is the introduction of new technology.

The 11.4-inch touchscreen handles the Pivi Pro system that comes standard on mid and upper trim packages. If it’s anything like the technology we’ve been seeing on other new Jaguar – and Land Rover – models, you can expect it to be not just quicker but also more intuitive. Among other things, you won’t have to drill down through as many menus to operate the most common functions. All versions of the 2021 Jaguar E-Pace will now feature both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – though not the new wireless versions. Wireless smartphone charging is available.

(First Look: 2021 Jaguar F-Pace.)

A new, 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display has also been added to the option list, meanwhile. It not only replaces conventional gauges but also shows turn-by-turn navigation instructions and other useful information.

The E-Pace gets two engine options for the new model year, carryovers from 2020.

On the powertrain side, the 2021 E-Pace sticks with the two options offered on the outgoing SUV. The P250 and P250 SE models go with a 246-horsepower turbo-4. Sport 300 models get the mild-hybrid 2.0-liter inline four bumping power up to 296 hp. Both engines send powerr to all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic.

The E-Pace 300 Sport features Jaguar’s Active Driveline AWD system which can shift rear torque from left to right using two independent, electronically controlled wet-plate clutches. The E-Pace 250 models, on the other hand, are fitted with the Jaguar Standard Driveline AWD system which can disconnect the driveshaft to the rear axle, effectively functioning as a front-drive system when power demand is light and traction is good.

One other plus for the new model year: Jaguar extends the E-Pace warranty to five years and 50,000 miles.

(From track to street to track with the Jaguar I-Pace.)

While you can get into the base 2021 Jaguar E-Pace P250 S for $42,045, the better-equipped P250 SE is likely to be the big seller and carries a starting price of $47,145. The 300 Sport starts at $51,045. Expect to see the updated SUV reach U.S. showrooms around the end of the year.

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First Look: 2021 Jaguar XF

Jaguar’s not giving up on the “saloon” market as evidenced by the new XF sedan.

There was a time when the idea of a Jaguar SUV seemed totally incongruous. These, days, however, models like the E- and F-Pace dominate the British marque’s sales. But don’t expect to see Jaguar walk away from its classic sedan line-up. An all-new version of the top-line XJ is in the works and, for 2021, the brand has a significant update of the XF line ready to roll into showrooms in the coming weeks.

It may be just a “mid-cycle refresh,” in industry parlance, but the changes for the new model year are significant, with updated styling intended to fall more in line with the big F-Pace crossover, new powertrain options, an upgraded interior that includes a next-generation infotainment system, and the ability to use smartphone-style over-the-air software updates.

“Taking inspiration from the F-Type,” Jaguar suggests. The 2021 XF “saloon car” adopts ultra-thin quad headlights that also pick up on the sports car’s Double J-Blade daytime running lights. But the overall look is more in line with the current version of the F-Pace crossover, starting with the bolder grille finished in a diamond mesh design.

(First Look: 2021 Jaguar F-Pace.)

“The significant new elements of the XF create a more dynamic stance for the car, but the small details are just as important,” said Adam Hatton, Jaguar Exterior Design director. “Bringing the heritage-inspired detailing to the grille and headlights adds that touch of depth and luxury with a link to Jaguar’s unparalleled past, while the Leaper emblem on the side vents is instantly recognizable and provides an added visual flourish.”

It may be just a “mid-cycle refresh,” in industry parlance, but the changes for the new model year are significant.

Inside, the cabin now adopts open-pore woods and laser-etched speaker grilles, while adding the new JaguarDrive Selector. The updated XF also gets a new active noise cancellation system.

“From its driver focused cockpit to the enhanced tactility, comfort and convenience, the interior has been fully transformed,” said Julian Thomson, Design Director, Jaguar.

But passengers are first likely to notice the 11.4-inch HD curved glass touchscreen that anchors the more driver-focused cockpit. The screen itself curves gently to follow the profile of the instrument panel. And it links the driver to the new Pivi Pro infotainment system. An upgraded version of the technology found in the outgoing model, it features twin-SIM technology, the two separate 4G LTE modems capable of speeding up operations ranging from audio streaming to the download of software using the XF’s new over-the-air, or OTA capabilities.

For 2021, U.S. buyers will have two powertrain options, a 246-horsepower version of the 2.0-liter turbo-four cylinder offered in the various versions of the Jaguar XF P250. The inline-four gets a bump up to 296 hp in the XF P300 R-Dynamic SE with power sent to all four wheels.

(Jaguar celebrating 60 years of E-type with limited-edition models.)

The P25- can hit 60 in just 6.5 seconds, according to Jaguar, the P300 cutting that to 5.8 seconds.

One thing missing from the new XF is any form of hybrid powertrain, something parent Jaguar Land Rover has begun adding to a number of other model lines. That includes the 2021 F-Pace update which adds mild hybrid technology in the U.S. and a new plug

U.S. buyers will have two powertrain options, a 246-horsepower version of the 2.0-liter turbo-four cylinder offered in the various versions of the Jaguar XF P250.

-in hybrid system for buyers in Europe and several other markets.

That said, company officials hinted that there could be more to come under the hood of the XF during the next few years.

The XF P300 also features a new JaguarDrive Control system, the rotary knob located next to the JaguarDrive shifter allowing a motorist to choose from four different modes. The system automatically adjusts vehicle functions including steering, transmission shifts, throttle response and the adaptive suspension damping system. Those dampers can respond to road conditions and driver inputs as frequently as 500 times a second.

Three separate configurations of the 2021 Jaguar XF will be offered.

(Jaguar announces pricing, simplified line-up as F-Type makes North American debut.)

Jaguar has not yet released fuel economy numbers for the sedan, nor has it said if there will be any increase in pricing. The 2020 XF starts at $51,100 before factoring in delivery fees.

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Nio Finds Way to Cut EV Price: Don’t Buy the Battery

Nio is offering to cut about $10K off the price of a new EV if you lease the battery instead of buy it under its Battery as a Service subscription.

Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio Inc. is offering a way to save EV buyers big money when they purchase their vehicle: don’t buy the battery pack.

The company is introducing a battery leasing service, letting buyers purchase an EV without owning the battery pack instead leasing it. The program is called Battery as a Service, or BaaS, and owners pay a monthly lease of about $140 for the battery. The service is available on the ES8, ES6 or EC6 models and the 70 kWh battery.

Currently, Nio sells vehicles in China, but not in the U.S. so the service is only available in China. The EV maker’s least expensive vehicle starts at 273,600 yuan, or $39,553, for the ES6 sport-utility vehicle without the battery pack. If you add the battery, the price rises to 343,600 yuan, or about $49,627.

(Chinese EV maker Nio facing potential failure.)

Nio formed a joint venture to take care of the battery subscription.

“We believe with BaaS, more customers of gasoline cars will consider electric vehicles,” Nio’s Chief Executive William Li told reporters. To make it work, the company formed a joint venture named the Wuhan Weineng Battery Asset Co. Ltd.

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd, or CATL, Hubei Science Technology Investment Group Co., Ltd. and a subsidiary of Guotai Junan International Holdings Limited are in on the deal with Nio. Each partner invested $28.89 million and holds a 25% stake in the new company.

Nio has long advocated for battery-swapping instead of recharging your vehicle. The company has 143 battery-swapping stations around China. Li said Nio was building a new battery-swapping station in China every week and planned to build 300 new stations next year.

(Chinese EV maker Nio eyes $1.8B IPO on NYSE.)

As for a potential move to the U.S., Li said the company was looking to enter some international markets – starting in Europe – starting in the second half of 2021 and continuing into 2022. He did not offer a specific reference to when the company will move into the U.S. market.

Chinese EV Maker Nio is swapping batteries instead of plugging them in to “recharge” them at more than 140 locations across the country.

The announcement reveals just how important the subsidies from the Chinese government can be to EV makers there. In March, Nio was scrambling to find cash to support its operations, including tapping municipal and private investor funding.

Nio had a cash balance of just $151.7 million on Dec. 31. That amount of cash would not carry the company forward for vehicle development, production, etc. for the next 12 months, the company noted at the time.

The EV maker has been looking for ways to remain viable, attempting to work out an agreement with the Hefei city government to raise more than 10 billion yuan, or about $1.42 billion, and set up new manufacturing facilities.

(China using subsidies to kick-start auto sales in wake of coronavirus outbreak.)

The company also made several private placements of convertible notes in February and March for an aggregate principal amount of $435 million to support its operations and business development. It ultimately raised a little more than $1 billion.

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