The Auto World

VW insisted Scout is an independent brand, despite being backed by the conglomerate. The National Automobile Dealers Association is ready to challenge Scout in court. Scout has decided against using VW’s huge network of dealers to sell its models. Scout Motors infuriated VW dealers across the United States last week when it confirmed that the upcoming Terra and Traveler will be available via a direct-sale model rather than through existing dealerships. However, state dealer associations and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) are already fighting back and looking for ways to block the revived brand’s hotly contested plan. While Tesla was a trailblazer for direct-to-customer sales in the US, it faced many legal hurdles in skirting regulations designed to protect franchised dealerships . Scout differs from Tesla in that it’s not a true startup and is owned by the VW Group. Its affiliation with the German car manufacturer may complicate its ability to sell v...

Fanatec’s new Bentley GT3 steering wheel is identical to the Pikes Peak car’s real wheel, priced at $2,000. This high-end racing wheel offers Playstation and PC compatibility, giving sim racers an ultra-realistic experience. The Podium Steering Wheel features a self-leveling display and forged carbon fiber construction for true authenticity. Race cars feature some of the most advanced technology in the automotive world. The Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak hill climb car is a great example of that. Now, you can buy a steering wheel that fits the car and also just so happens to be capable of controlling virtual race cars in video games on your Playstation or PC. Dubbed the Podium Steering Wheel Bentley GT3, this product from Fanatec is as real as it gets. Fanatec and Bentley Motorsports developed the wheel together so it’s optimized for the track whether it’s real or simulated. As such, it’s probably the most advanced steering wheel capable of controlling a video game ...

The next Mercedes CLA will feature a China-built 2.0L engine developed by Geely and Renault, then fine-tuned in Germany. This isn’t the first time the CLA has used non-Mercedes engines; select first- and second-gen models also ran Renault powertrains. The new compact sedan will also include an urban-assist driving system developed by the Chinese startup Momenta. The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA is just around the corner, and it’s set to debut with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine sourced from Horse Powertrain Limited—the internal combustion engine (ICE) joint venture between Renault and Geely. Reportedly, Mercedes lent its engineering expertise to develop this ICE unit, which is expected to churn out a respectable 250 horsepower and 265 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque. Production will take place in China, but the catalytic converter won’t be installed until the engine arrives in Germany, ensuring it complies with Europe’s strict emissions standards. The tran...

One of the most famous engines in the world is celebrating a major milestone as Chevrolet’s small block V8 is turning 70. The engine was launched in a handful of 1955 models including the Corvette and Task Force pickup. GM has already confirmed plans for a sixth-generation small block V8 and it promises to combine power with efficiency. The death of the V8 engine has been often talked about, but it’s alive and well at Chevrolet. That’s certainly clear as the company recently introduced the Corvette ZR1 , which features a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 with 1,064 hp (793 kW / 1,079 PS) and 828 lb-ft (1,121 Nm) of torque. While that’s the latest and greatest, their small block V8 is celebrating a monumental milestone. The engine debuted 70 years ago in 1954 with a displacement of 4.3-liters. More: GM Confirms New Small Block V8 For Full-Size Pickups And SUVs A long lasting legacy was almost destined from the beginning as the engine was installed in the 1955 Corvette , where it p...

Suzuki will supply its first-ever BEV SUV to Toyota, likely based on the eVX concept. The SUV will be manufactured by Suzuki in India, and will be offered worldwide. Its EV-specific platform was co-developed by Suzuki, Toyota, and Daihatsu. Suzuki and Toyota have announced plans to take their collaborative efforts up a notch, expanding their shared lineup with a new all-electric SUV. Specifically, Suzuki will be supplying Toyota with its upcoming battery-powered SUV, a model that’s likely an evolution of the Suzuki eVX concept. Production is slated to kick off in spring 2025, with a global launch to follow. More: Suzuki Is Reportedly Working On A Fully Electric Minivan The Suzuki eVX concept was originally unveiled in January 2023, but an updated version followed in October 2023, bringing it one step closer to production. Unlike many of its rivals in the compact segment, the eVX has been designed exclusively as a BEV, so there’ll be no internal combustion or hybrid var...

Tesla’s FSD semi-autonomous tech uses video image processing as its main way of navigating. It didn’t see a deer in the road and neither did the driver who did nothing to avoid hitting the animal. The incident brings up good questions about Tesla’s reliance on video imaging only. Semi- autonomous driving requires a car to navigate the world through sensors. In most cases, automakers use radar or lidar to map their surroundings. Tesla , however, uses camera images only. Now, after a driver and Full Self-Driving tech combined to kill a deer on the highway when neither saw the animal, it’s a good time to consider if vision only is the right way forward. A Tesla driver posted to X recently about the accident saying, “Hit the deer with my Tesla. FSD didn’t stopped, even after hitting the deer on full speed. Huge surprise after getting a dozen of false stops every day!” That’s right, according to him, the car not only didn’t detect the deer before the impact but it didn’t noti...