Technology

Amid the current covid-clampdown that’s taking place around the world, automotive brands like Audi are looking for new and innovative ways to share news about their new models and technologies. In Audi’s instance those product communications are taking place via Audi Tech Talks, where engineers and executives talk up the brand’s latest and greatest developments. In the most recent, suspension development came under the spotlight.

As Australia works to get its wired infrastructure up to speed, the rest of the world is cutting the cord. Why does it feel like the Scandinavians are always ahead of the curve? From Sweden’s forward-thinking paid parental leave scheme to Norway’s world-leading road safety policies, that part of the globe tends to provide a blueprint for the rest of us.

Yamaha is now taking orders for prototype versions of its electric crate motor offering. The brand explains that it has created two motors. One is a 35kW output motor designed for motorcycles and light mobility equipment, and the other is a 150kW motor intended for electric car applications. Before you attempt to place an order, bear in mind that Yamaha's solution is geared to cater for other large manufactures and big businesses.

Audi is out to prove electric cars don’t need to be boring, or slow. The German car maker has released details on the Audi e-tron S electric SUV range ahead of its Australian arrival in the second half of next year. It promises sports-car performance – with a 0 to 100kmh time of 4.5 seconds – and has an “overboost” mode that delivers a phenomenal 370kW/973Nm output for up to eight seconds, designed for safer overtaking.

Kia has revealed details of its new clutch-by-wire technology that allows use of a conventional manual transmission with mild-hybrid and start-stop systems. Modifying the traditional hydraulic system used to actuate clutches in manual cars – which is connected directly to the vehicle’s clutch pedal – Kia’s ‘intelligent manual transmission’ (iMT) places a module between the pedal and the hydraulics.