If I were to ask most people what the connection between Porsche and Toyota is, they’d be confused. After all, there’s a big difference between a 911 and a Corolla. The German and Japanese automakers on the surface are about as different as bratwurst and sushi. But, Porsche likely owes its continued existence to Toyota.
"Be ready to revise any system, scrap any method, abandon any theory, if the success of the job requires it,” said Henry Ford in 1923.
The automotive industry requires it and 3D printing, by turning designs into solutions, is used for rapid tooling and jig and fixture design in remarkable ways. It may be fulfilling Ford's prophecy.
California automaker Tesla stirs up controversy and generates a lot of interest from fans as well as critics. Recent events make the future of the company look a little uncertain. Naturally, critics like Bob Lutz (the former GM executive) are foretelling Tesla’s doom, while fans say this is a consequence of making the most revolutionary cars ever.
We already know that 3D printing is continuing to show excellent promise in a number of fields, but you might not be aware that it’s gaining traction in the world of automotive racing.
Perhaps the most famous example comes from a partnership between Stratasys and Team Penske. While there are others exploring the possibilities, what makes this case so phenomenal is the comprehensive approach. That, and it doesn’t hurt that Team Penske just wins constantly. When you’re the champ everyone wants to know your secrets.
Two small automakers have engaged in guerilla warfare in the auto industry. Koenigsegg and Rimac both have humble roots and are still tiny compared to larger competitors, yet they’re pushing forward with some amazing innovations.
Haven’t heard of either one? Or, have you heard the names but don’t know much about them? Read on to learn what impact these two companies are making and where they might be heading.
From driverless cars to commercial space travel, technological innovations in the transportation world are moving fast and the Fourth Industrial Revolution is hitting the road too – welcome to the concept of Smart Roads.
Road and traffic system advances implemented through “smart roads” are starting to play an increasingly important role in such modernization, and for good reason. The US road network alone exceeds 6.58 million km, or 17,947 square miles of land. By 2035, there’s expected to be 2 billion cars on the road worldwide – double the estimated 2010 figure.
Though electric cars and self-driving vehicles are not widely available to the public, the innovations in technology and automobiles has led to an expansion in these areas and discussion about what the future holds for the automotive industry.
If you’ve been looking to buy a new car lately, you might have run across the mention of near-field communication. It’s a growing trend in the industry, but many consumers have no idea that this tech isn’t exactly cutting-edge. Instead, this is a case of an old innovation being used in creative new ways.
Texas tuning shop Hennessey Performance has made a name for itself by taking production cars and making them absolutely bonkers. For example, the VelociRaptor 6x6, which is a Ford Raptor with three axles and power to all six wheels.
One of the most ambitious projects it’s taken on lately is a homebrewed concoction known as the Venom F5. It builds off the Venom GT, which when it was revealed was the only production car that was faster than the Bugatti Veyron. Based on the Lotus Exige, the shop dropped the Venom twin turbo engine in the rear, unleashing a monster.
