BMW

Vision BMW Alpina

A new chapter in the great journey begins – where every place you pass, every landscape, leaves its mark. The Vision BMW Alpina is presented.

Created as a unique car that embodies the pinnacle of performance and comfort. It combines extraordinary speed with effortless ease, inviting those behind the wheel to drive far, travel fast and seek the extraordinary.

Unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2026, the Vision BMW Alpina signals a new chapter for the brand and represents the starting line for its journey into the future.

The Vision BMW Alpina is a design study that heralds a new era for a brand defined by extreme capabilities, sophistication and mastery of performance and comfort. It is a respectful interpretation of the brand’s heritage, shaped by cutting-edge creative instincts. At 5200 mm long, its presence is significant: wide, low and confident. The coupé roofline is long and sloping, its shape immediately signaling both speed and the ability to accommodate four adults in true comfort.

The V8 powertrain drives the experience, tuned to produce the characteristic notes of the Alpina exhaust system: rich and deep at low speed, sonorous at high revs.

This interplay between purity and opulence defines the BMW Alpina design approach. The front is defined by powerful volumes and a forward-leaning stance that promises speed without exaggeration. The “shark nose” – a signature that dates back to the Alpine B7 – reinterprets BMW’s kidney grille as a three-dimensional sculpture that spearheads the car’s shape and frames the brand emblem with quiet confidence. From this “shark nose”, the exterior is organized around a single visual axis: the speed line. Rising from the lower front corners at a six-degree angle, it extends along the side of the body and wraps around the rear – assertive enough to suggest movement, controlled enough to remain refined.

Subtle secondary details reward attention without demanding it. This principle of “Second Reading” permeates the entire Vision BMW Alpina.

The interior-facing surfaces have been treated with particular care, finished in a dark metallic tone. This approach is inspired by the BMW 507, which uses chrome only on the inside of its kidney grilles. The shark’s nose embodies the same sophistication: the interior surfaces feature finely scaled, distinctive Deco Line graphics, while a hidden, softly backlit rim reveals itself only when active.

A warm white hue characterizes the daytime running lights and follows the contours of the kidneys, inspired by the first light over the Bavarian Alps. Brightly illuminated crystals add precise emphasis within the slender headlights. The elliptical four-pipe exhaust system remains, as does the “ALPINA” lettering – reinterpreted as a machined, polished metal element on the lower front apron. The 22-inch front and 23-inch rear wheels feature the 20-spoke design that has been a constant at Alpine since 1971.

The cabin is generous in every sense: space, quality of materials and the care with which technology is integrated. Architectural volumes define the layout, with each element designed as a standalone form rather than absorbed into a homogeneous interior.

The six-speed line continues throughout the interior, dividing a darker upper segment and a lighter lower segment. The leather – sourced from manufacturers across the Alpine region – is paired with stitching inspired by Deco lines.

The craftsmanship details are restrained but well thought out: the stitching on the bridge inspired by the historic hand stitching of the steering wheel appears in blue and green, while a watchmaking-inspired technique has been used for the metal components, combining satin and polished finishes. Clear crystal is reserved for controls that shape the way the car drives, underlining the value that BMW Alpina places on the driving experience itself.

Behind the rear console, a glass water bottle sits alongside BMW Alpina crystal glasses. Each glass is engraved with 20 decorative lines and has a six-degree rim profile and is softly illuminated by the open-grain center console.

Alpina offers Comfort+, a setting beyond the standard BMW comfort calibration that provides a more supple, refined character, and that is retained here.

BMW Panoramic iDrive, including a new passenger display, envelops the dashboard with a digital user interface created specifically for BMW Alpina. Blue and green are introduced in a disciplined manner, intensifying as the driver switches from Comfort+ to Speed ​​​​mode within the BMW Panoramic Vision head-up display.

BMW Alpina became an exclusive brand within the BMW Group in 2026, bringing proven management and a clear responsibility: to understand what Alpina means to those who appreciate it and to respect it in what comes next. “BMW Alpina fills the gap in our portfolio between BMW and Rolls-Royce, as we see even greater potential in the high-end segment. With Alpina, we have a strong heritage and a global community on which we want to build, while preserving the essence of what the brand stands for – speed, comfort and sophistication,” says Oliver Willehner, Head of BMW Alpina.

Autonews

DOSSIER

AUTONEWS

ADAC: How dangerous is the smell of a new car?

The typical smell of a new car is insidious, as it is caused, among other things, by chemicals that evaporate after production, primarily from the plastic and glue used - literally dissolving in the air.

This process also releases substances that can be hazardous to health in certain concentrations. The German automobile club ADAC, in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics, investigated the concentration of pollutants in various vehicles and conducted a subjective assessment of the smell.

For the tests, four vehicles between 39 and 216 days old were tested in a climate-controlled measuring chamber. This chamber allows the emission of pollutants in the vehicle interior to be measured at different temperatures. Among the substances tested, total organic carbon dioxide (TVOC) is an important indicator for describing indoor air quality. TVOC include potentially harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene and xylene.

The newer the vehicle, the higher the concentration of pollutants in the interior. Although all the cars tested exceeded the reference value set by the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) when TVOC values ​​were taken into account, none reached dangerous concentrations. In a Golf e-TSI, which was about a month old, the concentration of all hydrocarbons in the air was more than five times higher than in a vehicle of the same type that was 200 days old.

Measurements of a 116-day-old BYD Seal 6 Touring also yielded relatively high values. There is currently only a legally binding limit for formaldehyde – but even that will not come into force until 2027. In addition to the two models mentioned, a Hyundai Kona Hybrid (216 days old) and a Dacia Spring (92 days old) were also tested. All the vehicles tested were below the future limit in ambient mode – i.e. at 23 degrees Celsius.

However, when the vehicles were artificially heated, for example as if they were standing in the sun, the levels rose. The highest concentration was again measured in the new Golf. In all cases, switching on the ventilation system resulted in a significant reduction in the measured values. This is particularly important for new car buyers: if there is an unpleasant smell in the vehicle, airing it out before driving will noticeably reduce the pollutants in the air.

If an unusually strong smell persists after several weeks, buyers can file a written complaint with the dealer. The exact age of the vehicle can only be determined from the Certificate of Conformity (COC), as this document records the date of the final inspection at the factory. The vehicle registration document usually only shows the date of first registration. However, depending on how long the car has been in storage, this date can differ from the date of manufacture by several months.

New car smell...The new car smell is a scent that is commonly encountered in the interiors of new automobiles and other vehicles. The smell is caused by gases emitted from various manufactured materials, such as leather, plastics and textiles. Some people find the smell pleasant, which has led some automobile manufacturers to mimic the desired scents and utilize them to attract customers in show rooms. However, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks of the chemicals associated with new car smell. For example, a study in 2023 found that formaldehyde and acetaldehyde gases exceeded Chinese government safety standards in new car interiors, and researchers recommended that new car owners drive with windows open.

Chemical composition...Both the scent and its origins vary among different kinds of cars, depending on the materials found in the interior—for example, leather versus cloth seats. Typically, however, most of the interior of an automobile consists of plastic held together with a number of adhesives and sealers, and such materials are known to release volatile organic compounds via off-gassing. These fumes are generally attributed to mixtures of many different gases as well as plasticizers, (although DEHP, widely used in PVC, is not very volatile).

Researchers tested more than 200 U.S. vehicles of model years 2011–2012 for chemicals such as organobromine compounds (associated with brominated flame retardants, or BFRs), organochlorine compounds (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, or PVC), and heavy metals that off-gas from various parts such as the steering wheel, dashboard, armrests, and seats.

It is recommended to keep new cars well-ventilated while driving, especially during the summer. A 1995 analysis of the air from a new Lincoln Continental found over 50 volatile organic compounds, which were identified as coming from sources such as cleaning and lubricating compounds, paint, carpeting, leather and vinyl treatments, latex glue, and gasoline and exhaust fumes. An analysis two months after the initial one found a significant reduction in the chemicals. The researchers observed that the potential toxicity of many of these compounds could pose a danger to human health.

In a 2005 study, over sixty chemical compounds were identified inside the interiors of four tested vehicles, with the total volatile organic compound levels in one vehicle reaching 7,500 micrograms per cubic meter. Concentrations decayed by approximately 90% over a three-week period.

In some instances, the odor results from a manufacturing defect. According to official documents of Bentley Motors (BT26), an "obnoxious odor" in Bentley cars for model years 1999–2002 was traced to a rust inhibitor.[6] In some cultures, e.g. the Chinese culture, the new car smell is not considered desirable and manufacturers work to eliminate it.

Health hazards(CSIRO)...The chemicals responsible for new car smell may pose health risks to the occupants of new vehicles. A two-year study released in 2001 by the CSIRO in Australia found several health problems associated with these chemicals. CSIRO research scientist, Dr. Stephen Brown, reported anecdotal accounts of disorientation, headache, and irritation in some drivers of new cars. He measured pollutant levels in new cars that were sufficient to cause similar effects within minutes in controlled experiments by other researchers. Chemicals found in the cars included the carcinogen benzene, two other possible carcinogens cyclohexanone and styrene, and several other toxic chemicals.

A more recent study in Japan found that the volatile organic chemicals in a new minivan were over 35 times the health limit the day after its delivery. After four months, levels had fallen under the limit, but they increased again in the hot summer months, taking three years to permanently remain below the limit. The limits were set by the Japanese health ministry in response to more car owners suffering from sick building syndrome. A Daily Telegraph article on the study described the enjoyment of new car smell as "akin to glue-sniffing".

However, another study showed no toxicity from new car odors in lab grown cells. The odors did trigger an immune system reaction.

The most common side effects of the new car smell are headaches, sore throats, nausea, and drowsiness.

The smell of a new car is considered dangerous because it is a cocktail of toxic chemicals released by the vehicle's interior materials. While many people associate the scent with luxury, it is actually the result of a process called off-gassing, where volatile compounds evaporate into a small, enclosed space.

The Chemical Breakdown...The signature scent is made up of dozens of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These chemicals leak out from materials like plastics, polyurethane, synthetic fabrics, leather treatments, sealants, and heavy adhesives used during manufacturing.

The most hazardous chemicals commonly found in this mixture include(below):

Benzene: A known human carcinogen used in plastics and nylon, which can also cause immediate dizziness.

Formaldehyde: A highly toxic chemical used in molded parts and fabrics, linked to respiratory irritation and cancer.

Toluene: A solvent found in paints and glues known to impact the central nervous system.

Styrene: A compound used in synthetic resins and rubber that can cause neurological side effects.Health Risks

Health risks...A study by the Beijing Institute of Technology found that the combination of VOCs in a brand-new car can create an indoor environment that significantly exceeds safe national air quality limits.

Short-term effects: Exposure in an unventilated cabin can quickly trigger headaches, dizziness, nausea, sore throats, and allergic reactions.

Long-term risks: Research from institutions like the University of California, Riverside indicates that spending even 20 minutes a day in a high-VOC environment can significantly elevate long-term cancer risks and cause reproductive or developmental issues.

How to protect yourself...Fortunately, off-gassing naturally decreases over time, dropping roughly 20% each week after production. You can lower your exposure with a few simple steps(below):

Roll down the windows: For the first six months, drive with the windows cracked to flush out trapped gases.

Avoid the heat: Heat accelerates off-gassing. If your car has been sitting in the sun, open all the doors and let the cabin air out for a few minutes before stepping inside.

Use the "fresh air" setting: Keep your AC setting on fresh exterior air intake instead of recirculating the contaminated cabin air.If you are currently driving a brand-new vehicle, let me know how old it is and how much time you spend inside it daily. I can give you more specific advice on how to accelerate the air purification process.

Autonews

LADA

Lada Azimut: If it weren't for the war in Ukraine, this Russian SUV would have been available across Europe this year

Lada is trying to open a new chapter after years marked by sanctions and technological problems. The new Azimut brings a modern SUV look, richer equipment and the ambition to bring the Russian brand closer to the standards offered today by Dacia and similar European manufacturers.

Serial production of the Lada Azimut at AvtoVAZ's main plant in Tolyatti is set to begin in September, and the new model is expected to go on sale before the end of this year.

AvtoVAZ will be able to produce up to 70,000 of this crossover annually. This was announced by Sergei Chemezov, head of the state corporation Rostec (AvtoVAZ's largest shareholder), who expressed confidence that the new model will improve the image of the Russian automotive industry among consumers.

The Lada Azimut should cost less than 20 million rubles or around 20,000 euros in Russia, which is acceptable considering the vehicle's dimensions and equipment. The length is 4.42 m, the width is 1.84 m, the height is 1.61 m, and the wheelbase is 2.67 meters.

Due to the harsh winters, with heavy snow drifts, Russian cars usually have higher ground clearance than others. For sedans, it is an average of 17 cm, for Azimut it is almost 21 cm. 18-inch wheels are standard.

The quality of materials and manufacturing precision have been improved, and nanotechnologies have also been applied. The precision is on the order of 0.2 millimeters. The appearance is in line with current trends in the global automotive industry and is defined by diode light clusters and a general futuristic form.

The suspension is typical for the class of people's vehicles. The front has a McPherson suspension, the rear has a torsion beam. The Russian company Itelma supplies ABS and electronic stability control. Automatic braking and lane change control systems are also installed as standard.

In front, typical for this era, two screens with a diagonal of 10 inches are connected, both of which are made in Russia. As everyone knows, one is used to display the speedometer and tachometer, the other is a control and is touch-sensitive. Automatic air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system with voice commands are standard, and all devices are products of the Russian companies Zber and Navio. The list of additional equipment includes automatic dual-zone air conditioning, a panoramic roof, an automatic opening of the tailgate and cameras that record at an angle of 360 degrees.

Only gasoline and no electrification for now... At launch, the Azimut will only be offered with gasoline engines. Three options are planned: a 1.6 naturally aspirated engine with 120 hp, a 1.8 with 132 hp, and later, a 1.5 turbo with 150 hp. For the transmission, a six-speed manual gearbox, a CVT automatic, or a conventional automatic exclusively for the most powerful engine will be used.

The SUV uses an updated version of the Vesta platform, already in production since 2015 and revised in 2022. Ground clearance is 208 mm, sufficient to handle potholes and uneven surfaces without problems. The chassis has been revised in terms of rear suspension, and there are approximately 1,000 new or modified components compared to the original base.

The company's director Maksim Sokolov said that they chose atmospheric engines because maintenance is 50 percent cheaper than turbocharged engines. However, there is also a 1.5-liter turbo engine on offer, which develops 150 hp and 300 Nm, and in the basic model there is an atmospheric 1.6-liter engine that develops 122 hp and 154 Nm. The more powerful 1.8-liter version develops 132 hp and 178 Nm. All engines have four cylinders and are connected to a manual transmission with six gears.

Lada and Aurus are completely Russian products, unlike Moskvich and Volga. The Azimut model was designed by Nikiforov, Suslov, Suslayev and Glotov. The Russians have so far sold more than 200,000 Granta models annually on the local market, and with the Azimut they could eventually surpass those results.

Despite its off-road styling, the drive will initially be front-wheel drive only. Lada, however, speaks of "off-road capability" and an "all-terrain concept," leaving the door open for a future all-wheel drive version.

Autonews

LANCIA

Lancia Ypsilon HF: An efficient and sporty Italian

Lancia is taking steps to reconnect with its old sporting DNA. The Ypsilon HF is already beginning to reveal this hidden heritage of the brand, which is also reflected in this model. Although we are talking about a 110 hp engine with a purely urban character, the sporty features offered by the HF version allow it to connect with the character that has always defined the Italian brand.

The Ypsilon is an interesting option for the urban environment. It combines a refined design with a hybrid engine that offers efficiency thanks to low fuel consumption and balanced performance for daily use.

It is a car that has elements in common with its siblings from the Stellantis factory (Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa), but it distinguishes itself by that Italian image that always provides an extra touch of style and some components that give it an additional touch of quality.

The exterior harks back to its past. The taillights resemble those of the Lancia Stratos, while the headlights resemble those of the Lancia Delta. Also noteworthy are the brand name on the horizontal stripe that runs across the front, the HF emblem visible on the front grille, and the wheels that give it a more exclusive look.

Upon entering the cabin, the central table located under the dashboard catches the eye — a feature you won't find in other models and a detail that this vehicle has incorporated as one of its striking characteristics. The cabin design is attractive, and the two 10.25-inch screens clearly display all the information the driver needs.

The 110 hp three-cylinder hybrid engine is a simple and efficient option. It runs smoothly, its performance is more than adequate, and fuel consumption is reasonable. It's an attractive choice for those looking for a car with a good image and reliable performance. The strength of this engine lies precisely in its simplicity. Its moderate power allows for perfectly competent driving in urban environments, while also offering a more affordable price and cheaper maintenance.

Agile...Agility is another of its virtues. The Ypsilon handles elegantly on winding roads and can even be fun to drive thanks to its remarkable ease in cornering.

Another attractive feature of the Lancia Ypsilon HF 110 hp is its Eco label, something increasingly valued by city dwellers, as it greatly simplifies daily life. As for the price, which is around €26,000, it is quite reasonable considering everything it offers.

The Ypsilon HF is a very balanced option for all those looking for efficiency and Italian design with a sporty touch.

Autonews

AUTONEWS

GPS data reveal why pedestrians in Phnom Penh rarely walk the shortest route

Cities across the Global South are urbanizing at pace, but their built environments for walking rarely resemble ideal, tidy, and well-regulated networks. Vehicles are parked on pedestrian sidewalks, and a seemingly direct route on a map may feel longer in practice. Moreover, many urban planning ideas and assumptions are based on research done on Global North cities like New York, which do not fully capture or reflect the nuances and lived experiences of the Global South.

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is a case in point. Walkability in the city is complicated by uneven infrastructure, intense tropical heat, and widespread informal use of street space, from motorcycle parking on pavements to vendors occupying footpaths. Research Assistant Professor Samuel Chng from Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) studied Phnom Penh's walking environment in his research paper "Walking the preferred path: exploring spatial-temporal variation in pedestrian route choice through revealed preferences in a developing city," published in Travel Behaviour and Society.

Together with his team at SUTD's Lee Kuan Yew Center for Innovative Cities, Asst Prof Chng analyzed over 6,000 walking trips drawn from anonymized mobile phone Global Positioning System (GPS) data. They combined the data with street view images and point-of-interest records to model how built-environment factors influence the routes pedestrians in Phnom Penh actually take.

Study sites in Phnom Penh, Cambodia representing the CBD, recreational, and commercial urban context Credit: SUTD

The team examined three contrasting districts: the Central Business District (CBD), the recreational area around the Independence Monument, and the commercial zone near the Russian Market. They also segmented trips by morning, midday, and evening periods. Using a Path Size Logit model, they measured how path efficiency, street vitality, and streetscape quality each contributed to route choice.

"We found that pedestrians do not simply choose the shortest path. They make trade-offs between efficiency, activity, and perceived comfort," said Asst Prof Chng. "This shows that walking is not just a calculation of distance, but a behavioral decision shaped by how a route feels and functions in context."

Shorter, simpler routes with fewer turns were consistently preferred, confirming efficiency as the dominant factor. However, the analysis revealed that each additional turn on a short walk was perceived as equivalent to roughly 40 meters of extra distance. This perception faded only on trips exceeding about 1.3 kilometers. Amenity density also mattered: every additional amenity along a route reduced perceived walking distance by about 10 meters.

One of the most counterintuitive findings concerned traffic. In the CBD, pedestrians gravitated towards busy roads and avoided crowded footpaths—a pattern that directly contradicts assumptions drawn from cities like New York or London.

Sample Mapillary images and selection of corresponding semantic segmentation Credit: SUTD

"In Phnom Penh, high-traffic streets are often the most structured and predictable parts of the network. They tend to be more regulated and less obstructed by informal uses," Asst Prof Chng explained. "Pedestrians are not choosing traffic itself, but clarity, predictability, and ease of movement. This reflects how people read their environment, where order signals usability."

Time of day introduced further variation. Morning walkers responded to greenery along their routes, midday walkers prioritized the shortest path to minimize heat exposure, and evening walkers favored amenity-rich, active streets that likely offered better lighting and a sense of safety. Greenery influenced route choice significantly during morning hours and in dense commercial areas, but had little effect elsewhere, suggesting that scattered vegetation in Phnom Penh is often too sparse to provide meaningful shade or thermal relief.

"It is about designing greenery that changes the walking experience in a meaningful way, especially in tropical climates," Asst Prof Chng noted.

The starkest result emerged when the team translated their model into perceived accessibility maps. In the CBD, the areas that residents could comfortably reach on foot shrank to just 37.7% of the objective 800-meter service area. The commercial zone fared better at 63.8%, while the recreational area sat in between at 52.4%.

"Cities may appear accessible on paper, but the reality is that many routes feel too complex, uncomfortable, or effortful," Asst Prof Chng said. "If this gap is ignored, cities risk overestimating how connected and inclusive they actually are."

The study acknowledges limitations: the anonymized GPS data cannot capture differences in age, gender or income, and the dataset covers a single month during the dry season. Future work could extend the framework across multiple seasons and incorporate socio-demographic attributes through data fusion approaches.

"The most actionable step is to prioritize direct, legible, and unobstructed pedestrian networks," Asst Prof Chng shared. "Before adding new features, cities should ensure that walking itself is straightforward and frictionless."

Provided by Singapore University of Technology and Design

AUTONEWS

Self‑driving cars struggle to see at night or in fog—but imitating the human brain can make them safe

Picture this: you're driving on a mountain road, when you suddenly hit a thick patch of fog. You respond instinctively. Your vision sharpens, and you narrow your eyes to make out the shape of any oncoming cars.

Human beings handle these quick changes very well, but if it were a self-driving car—at least one with a current artificial intelligence (AI) system behind the wheel—things could easily end in disaster.

Today's AI vision systems are extremely accurate when visibility is good. On a clear, sunny day a self-driving car can recognize pedestrians, road signs and other vehicles with precision. However, they are extremely vulnerable to environmental changes. If it rains, or gets dark or foggy, standard AI systems become blind, incapable of detecting obstacles that a human driver would spot with ease.

Our research at the University of Valencia proposes a possible solution: instead of exposing AI models to millions of images of every possible road condition, we decided to imitate biology. But biologically speaking, why can humans see so well under such a wide range of conditions?

The brain's 'volume control'...In our brains, neurons do not work alone. They use a truly fascinating form of adaptation that neuroscientists call divisive normalization.

To understand this (without getting into mathematics), we can picture it as an automated "volume control" system, with neurons working in a team. Let's say one neuron is looking at a very dark area of the field of vision, such as a black car at night. The neighboring neurons turn up the "volume" of this weak signal, amplifying the small details to make them more visible.

If we look at a bright light, the same thing happens in reverse. The brain turns down the volume to prevent us from being dazzled.

This mechanism is what allows us to adapt and see clearly in a very wide range of conditions. But in the search for speed and accuracy, modern AI systems have neglected this biological inspiration.

AI in the driving simulator...In our study, we processed images using some of the most widely used AI models, adding layers to simulate the brain's "volume control" mechanism. In basic terms, we forced their neurons to communicate with one another and adapt to their environment, just as our own brains do.

We wanted to see if imitating biology would make cars safer. To do this, we submitted both standard AI models and our brain-inspired modification to a series of tests. Using databases from real driving in European cities, night driving images from Switzerland, and several different virtual driving simulators, we were able to compare responses to difference levels of fog, darkness and light variation.

The results showed that imitating our own brains worked. After being trained, the two types of AI models could drive perfectly well, but once fog and darkness came into the equation, the unmodified one began to fail. It lost the ability to distinguish cars from buildings, and even from the road itself.

The AI system that was equipped with our brain-inspired mechanism, on the other hand, was robust. Even in fog or complete darkness, it performed more than 20% better than its unaltered counterpart.

We analyzed, from the inside, how this new system perceived the world and found that it was doing exactly what we expected. It was capturing and enhancing the details of vehicles hidden in the fog that would otherwise be invisible. As a result, its performance became more stable in the face of changing weather conditions.

Learning from nature...Getting society as a whole to trust AI poses major challenges, and the safety of passengers and pedestrians in self-driving cars is a major aspect of this. It is not enough for smart systems to work under ideal conditions. We need them to be completely safe in the real world, and to safeguard the lives of all road users in all weather conditions.

Our research shows that the key to making artificial intelligence safer, more robust and more adaptable may be closer than it seems. There is no need for more powerful computers or vastly greater amounts of data. Sometimes, all we need is to look at the millions of years of evolution that have shaped our own brains.

In many cases, nature has already solved some of the problems that artificial intelligence faces today. We just need to learn from it.

Why do some sensors in autonomous cars fail in certain conditions, like fog or low light, and what's being done to improve them?

To an autonomous car's laser sensors, heavy fog acts like millions of tiny prisms, creating terrifying "ghost" obstacles that can effectively blind the vehicle.

The core issue lies in the physics of how different sensors gather data. Here is why the three primary autonomous vehicle sensors struggle in certain conditions:

Cameras function much like the human eye, relying entirely on the visible light spectrum. In low light, there simply are not enough photons to create a clear image. In fog or heavy snow, suspended water droplets physically block the lens and scatter the incoming light, causing a whiteout effect that drastically reduces visibility.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) creates a high-resolution 3D map of the world by bouncing rapid pulses of near-infrared laser light off objects. However, dense fog, heavy rain, or falling snowflakes act like millions of tiny prisms. The laser beams hit these water particles and scatter before reaching their target. This creates false positive "ghost" obstacles in the vehicle's software and severely limits the sensor's functional range.

Radar relies on radio waves, which easily pass through fog, rain, and pitch darkness without scattering. While highly reliable in bad weather, traditional automotive radar has notoriously low resolution. It can detect that a solid object is ahead, but it struggles to classify what it is—making it difficult to distinguish a stopped fire truck from a harmless overhead street sign.

To overcome these physical limitations, engineers are developing a combination of advanced hardware and sophisticated software:

Sensor Fusion: Modern autonomous systems cross-reference data from all three sensor types simultaneously. If the camera and LiDAR are blinded by fog, but the radar detects a dense, stationary mass ahead, the vehicle's computer knows to prioritize the radar data and initiate braking.

4D Imaging Radar: This next-generation radar uses multiple antennas to provide a high-resolution point cloud. It can measure the height, width, depth, and relative speed of objects with enough clarity to distinguish a pedestrian from a parked car, all while remaining immune to weather and lighting conditions.

Thermal Imaging (FIR): Far-infrared cameras are increasingly being integrated into sensor suites. Instead of relying on visible light, they detect heat signatures. This allows the vehicle to clearly highlight a warm pedestrian or an animal crossing the road in absolute darkness or thick fog.

Algorithmic De-noising: Machine learning models are being trained specifically on bad-weather data. These algorithms learn the specific geometric patterns of LiDAR scattering caused by rain and snow, allowing the software to digitally filter out the precipitation and reveal the true obstacles hidden behind it.

Provided by The Conversation

 

JEEP

Refreshed Jeep Avenger 2026: Compact freedom in evolution

From the very beginning, the Jeep Avenger has been the symbol of the compact SUV that combines style, functionality and capability. Now, in 2026, a new version arrives – refreshed, more technologically advanced and available in more powertrains than ever. In addition, the brand celebrates its 85th anniversary with a special edition that brings unique details and exclusive design.

This Avenger remains true to the philosophy of “design to function”.

* The heptagonal grille is now illuminated by LED backlighting, inspired by the Compass model.

* 360° protection is improved with new bumpers, while the 4xe version gets red vertical details and the Jeep Shield.

* New 17” and 18” aluminum wheels are available, as well as two fresh colors – Forest and Bamboo.

The interior has been significantly improved: softer door materials, a padded lower part of the dashboard and new seats in the Altitude and Summit versions. Of particular note is the Selec-Terrain control, now clearly marked and rubberized for ease of use.

Technology: safety and comfort...The Avenger is equipped with LED matrix lights that automatically adjust the beam of light and reduce driver fatigue. In addition, a 360° camera makes parking easier and protects the vehicle from minor damage.

Standard equipment includes:

* Full-LED lights,

* automatic high beams,

* keyless start,

* automatic climate control.

The infotainment system with a 10.25-inch screen offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while the Jeep Mobile application allows vehicle control via smartphone.

Special Edition: 85 Years of Jeep...For the anniversary, Jeep has prepared the 85th Anniversary Edition.

Outside: gold details on the bumpers and wheels, a tartan sticker on the hood and the "85 Years of Adventure" logo.

Inside: tartan upholstery with gold stitching and ambient lighting.

Equipment: LED matrix headlights, 360° camera and exclusive design elements.

This edition is intended for fans of the brand, but also for drivers who want to stand out from the crowd.

More than 270,000 orders have been received to date, of which 60% are for the electrified version. The Avenger is the best-selling SUV in Italy and one of the leaders in the European B-SUV segment. It is particularly interesting that it attracts 35% more women and 35% more drivers under 40 compared to the brand's average.

The new Jeep Avenger is not just a refresh of the existing model - it is an evolution that combines tradition and innovation. With a carefully selected range of powertrains, advanced technology and a special edition for the brand's 85th anniversary, the Avenger confirms its status as one of the most important models in the European SUV market.

Autonews