Years Later, Mercedes-Benz’s Best Concept Model Still Looks Like an Electric Razor

by Gabrielle DeSantis

As the race to produce EVs continues to quicken its pace, automakers like Mercedes-Benz have a concept of a future car that is nothing short of a wonder. However, even after several years, the model continues to look like an electric razor. Still, most vehicle manufacturers are doing their best to build the best possible EVs buyers can find out there.

The expectation is that technology will play a big role in most EV features available for sale in the future. So, buckle up because, in the coming years, automakers like Mercedes-Benz will take us on a journey full of possibilities in terms of what EVs can help one achieve and the experience they can offer.

Mercedes-Benz announces plans to go electric by 2025

The Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion electric concept car | Chris Farina/Corbis via Getty Images

By the end of the decade, Mercedes-Benz is planning to go all-electric because the company expects that is the period when market conditions will allow it to do so. For that reason, the automaker is focusing on accelerating toward a software-driven and emissions-free future by shifting from electric-first to electric-only vehicles.

Additionally, all the segments that Mercedes-Benz serves will have battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2022. After that, drivers can choose an all-electric alternative for each model Mercedes-Benz currently makes since all newly launched automobile architectures will be electric-only from 2025 onwards. It is also worth mentioning that Mercedes-Benz will be prioritizing its profitability targets while managing this accelerated transformation.

So, does that suggest that the F 015 is on the horizon? It is now almost six years since Mercedes-Benz made headlines after unveiling the F 015 Luxury in Motion research car, the one that very much looks like an electric razor. Mercedes-Benz USA reported it was a stunning, futuristic concept vehicle that could navigate itself without human assistance. Then, it seemed like a future populated by autonomous, driverless cars was on the horizon, and the excitement brought by the F 015 was palpable.

The only thing is that the F 015 is nowhere to be found since it was seen during its debut. Additionally, after the rollout of Waymo’s truly driverless ride-sharing service in Phoenix, Arizona, and the release of Tesla’s limited Full Self-Driving beta, Mercedes-Benz announced that it was throwing in the towel. For that reason, you will probably not be seeing the F 015 in the future.

Mercedes-Benz’s electric journey

Still, the F 015 started Mercedes-Benz’s journey into EVs, and the model was quite famous despite never releasing. The vehicle was a concept car, implying that it was never meant to go into mass production. According to Mercedes-Benz USA, the F 015 paved the way for what personal transportation will become in the future. The versatility of the F 015 allowed one to drive it autonomously or manually, and it resembled a silver bullet, or an electric razor, depending on your point of view.

The F 015 seats four individuals, and face-to-face interaction inside the vehicle is also possible since the seats swivel. A magic table appears in the center to fill the void between the seats, and the car has six interactive touch screens. These screens create a 360-degree media arena. Ultimately, that turns the ride experience into a video game, Car and Driver reported, which even features LED projection lights that communicate with other drivers and pedestrians.

Future EV plans for the luxury brand

The comprehensive plan that Mercedes-Benz has in place includes significantly accelerating research and development into EVs. According to Automotive World, the company’s investments into BEVs between 2022 and 2030 will be over €40 billion. Also, the launch of three electric-only architectures by Mercedes-Benz will take place in 2025. These will include VAN.EA, which will feature purpose-made light commercial vehicles and electric vans.

The objective, in this case, will be to contribute to emission-free cities and transportation in the future. MB.EA will be the other electric-only architecture you should expect in the coming days, focusing on all medium to large-sized passenger vehicles. The intention here is to establish a scalable modular system to serve as the electric backbone for an EV portfolio of the future.

Last but not least is AMG.EA, which will be a dedicated performance EV platform that will address performance and technology-oriented Mercedes-AMG customers. After bringing production, planning, purchasing, and development under one roof by reorganizing its powertrain activities, Mercedes-Benz will acquire U.K.-based electric motor firm YASA. 

Doing so will insource its electric drive technology and deepen its vertical integration in development and manufacturing. Presently, Mercedes-Benz is working on the Vision EQXX, an EV with a real-world range of over 1,000 kilometers. The target here is a single-digit figure for over 6 miles per kWh at normal highway driving speeds.

The expectation is that the vehicle will premier in 2022. Mercedes-Benz is also planning to establish a battery recycling plant in Kuppenheim, Germany. The factory will focus on developing and recycling know-how and capacity and will begin operations in 2023. The outcome of discussions with authorities will then dictate the commencement of the plant’s operations.

RELATED: The New Mercedes Concept Might Leave Tesla 155 Miles Behind

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Porsche and Audi Safety Recall: Over 45,000 Cars and SUVs

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Porsche and Audi are both on the hot seat over safety issues that have warranted a recall. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has forced both manufacturer’s hands to recall over 45,000 cars and SUVs over mid- and rear-seat belts. It is even taking in some Bentley Bentayga and Volkswagen ID.4 models. 

The child restraints cause safety issues in both Porsche and Audi vehicles

The Audi R8 V10 Plus on display | Gerlach Delissen/Corbis via Getty Images

Automatic locking seat belt retractors are deactivating prematurely. When this happens, the child restraint systems don’t work properly according to the NHTSA. Of the over 45,000 vehicles recalled only one percent of the vehicles recalled are thought to have malfunctioning seat belts.

Malfunctioning retractors are estimated to have been built between late October 2020 to late January 2021. There are 26 Audi models being recalled, mostly from 2021. Seven Porsche models are also being recalled, including the 911 and Taycan. 

These Porsche and Audi recalls come with no reported injuries from the malfunctioning seat belts

A 2021 Audi A4 parked on the side of the road with mountains and desert behind it, the 2021 Audi A4 is an AWD sedan
2021 Audi A4 | Audi

The good news is that so far there have not been any injuries reported from the malfunctioning belt retractors. These seat belt retractors were outsourced to a Swedish manufacturer. Many manufacturers outsource component manufacturing.

The NHTSA has ordered Porsche to recall vehicles three times just in 2021. Porsche models were recalled for loose suspension components in March. There were incidents of suspension components loosening and potentially separating from the car.

Potential airbag malfunctioning because seats in 911 models were not properly installed was behind the recall. It could have increased the possibility of injury.  And then this month the seat belt retractor malfunctions. 

There have been a lot of Porsche recalls since 2020

A red 2021 Porsche Cayenne.
2021 Porsche Cayenne | Porsche

Going back just one year to 2020 there were four Porsche recalls ranging from rear-end issues to hazard lights not functioning when activated. All of this raises the question: are Porsche buyers really getting a superior vehicle? With seven recalls within a year is this the mark of quality? 

We can’t answer this. And we understand that cars are far more complex than they have ever been. So development, as precise as it can be, sometimes misses issues. Be it mechanical, electronic, or something else, it is hard to catch every glitch.

RELATED: Recall: 2 Porsche Cayenne Recalls In 2 Days For Dangerous Gas/Oil Leaks

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Easy Mods That Make Your Car Instantly Drive Better

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When modifying cars, it’s easy to get distracted by the flashy big-ticket upgrades like turbochargers, engine swaps, etc. But don’t underestimate the value of simply having high-quality items for the most basic components of your car. Here are some areas where an easy mod can pay massive dividends in driving pleasure.

Change your brake pads to suit your driving style and vehicle use

Brake assembly from a Mercedes-Benz | Lennart Preiss via Getty Images

Racing drivers aside, most people don’t think too much about their brakes unless they start to squeal. They are generally one of the most underappreciated parts of a car, until they are needed immediately. But if you like to drive fast, especially on curvy roads, upgrading brake pads can provide huge benefits.

Generally speaking, the factory pads on everyday cars are not meant for high-speed driving. Manufacturers tend to provide something that is quiet and just good enough for an emergency stop or two. That’s all most people need. But what if you’re not most people? That’s where the aftermarket comes in.

There are hundreds of different brake pad compounds on the market, each with unique characteristics. Do your stock pads leave your wheels caked in brake dust after a day or so? Replace them with a ceramic pad from a high-performance manufacturer like Hawk or EBC. Looking for fade-resistant braking that will hold up on a mountain road? They have specific compounds for that too.

Buy the best tires you can afford for your intended purpose

Michelin tires
Michelin tires | James Moy Photography via Getty Images

Similar to brakes, lots of people don’t care what kind of tires they have, as long as they are round and hold air. If you’re smart, and you like to drive, you should make tires a high priority. They literally connect your car to the road (or dirt). Aside from being dangerous, old or low-quality tires can ruin the performance of an otherwise great car.

While factory tires are generally high-quality and will perform adequately when new, there are almost always better options in the aftermarket. If your car is used only in above-freezing weather, summer tires can be a great choice for maximum grip.

That said, compounds that are optimal for a summer tire generally aren’t known for long tread life. If you use your vehicle all year and still want a performance upgrade, consider ultra-high-performance all-season tires.

Sway bars or anti-roll bars are an easy mod for your suspension

Most cars are set up from the factory to understeer at the limit, for safety reasons. By upgrading your sway bars, it is possible to create a more neutral setup. H&R is one of the top manufacturers of sway bars, and are certainly worth considering, if they make one for your vehicle.

Unlike lowering springs, sway bar replacements work well as a standalone upgrade. Most are made to bolt on without additional modification, and won’t require an alignment. Many are also adjustable, so you can fine-tune the result. You can always lower the car later on using aftermarket springs to gain additional benefits.

After performing these affordable easy mods, your car will perform at a higher level and should be more fun to drive. With high-quality components in these key areas, some cars will drive so well that they may not need additional upgrades. If not, you’ll have a solid foundation to continue modding and having fun with your car.

RELATED: The Best All-Season Tires for Ultra-High-Performance Driving

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Why Do Some New Cars Still Have CD Players?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Once upon a time, buying a new car came with the option of either a CD player or a sunroof, among other accessories. But that was a long time ago, and almost every new car comes with a moonroof – most of them panoramic in nature – and smartphone integration software like Apple Carplay or Android Auto. However, some new cars are still equipped with CD players, but why?

“The death of the CD player started about a decade ago”

Portrait of a driver with an Apple iPhone 5 and Pioneer head unit fitted in a Subaru BRZ. | (Photo by Will Ireland/MacFormat Magazine/Future via Getty Images)

If you haven’t purchased a new in the past 10 years, then you might not be aware that CD players have met their gradual demise. With the advent and widespread use of newer technologies like Bluetooth, satellite radio, and smartphone integration, most drivers – from baby boomers to millennials – have stopped using CDs. According to Autoweek, “the death of the CD player started about a decade ago.”

Since then, some automakers have held on to the nostalgic thoughts of passengers sliding those compact metallic discs into their vehicle’s dashboards and kept the CD players. So far, Lexus is by far the most faithful as every one of its models comes equipped with one to this day.

Why some automakers still use CD players

2018 Lexus GX with a CD player
2018 Lexus GX with a CD player | Lexus

Although the way that we listen to music has changed quickly over the past decade, it’s taken the automotive world a little more time to catch on, reports Forbes. We can’t blame the automakers, considering they have to wait until mid-cycle refreshes and redesigns to figure out a new layout for the cars. In that case, we can’t blame them if the CD player is the last item on their minds.

Another reason that CD players still exist in some cars is demographics. For example. Lexus likely knows that its buyer demographic is mainly made up of an older generation that still totes around CDs. It’s not a bad idea, considering there are still plenty of drivers that would rather enjoy listening to their tried-and-true Celine Dion album over fumbling with their phones or flipping through satellite radio stations. Plus, have you heard the difference in sound quality from a CD compared to satellite radio? The difference is “night and day.”

Can a CD player be added to a newer car?

Devices that transmit sound from portable CD player to car radio
Devices that transmit sound from portable CD player to car radio | TORONTO STAR/Wikimedia Commons

Yes, if you want to have an aftermarket radio installed in your new car. Otherwise, there are external CD players in the market that can connect to any new car via a USB port. Just be aware that some can cost over $200, which may or may not be worth it for some.

If you’re the type of driver that likes CDs, but you don’t want to buy a CD player, then you can always convert your CD songs to MP3s and stick them on a USB drive. The sound quality might not be the same, but you’ll at least be able to control your own music.

And if that doesn’t work for you, then you may have to look for a car with a CD player. However, we can’t imagine that the lack of one will be a deal-breaker for anyone buying a new car, no matter how good that Celine Dion album was.

RELATED: CD Players and Other Popular Features Your Next Car Won’t Have

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