Patent
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A sliding steering wheel would allow Volvo owners to turn right-hand-drive into left-hand-drive cars.
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Patent drawings for Mazda's new inline-6, 8-speed auto surface
The new engine and transmission are expected to feature in a new range of rear-wheel-drive models from the brand.
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Ford patented canopy-style windshield for the Mustang
A recently published patent filed by Ford describes a vehicle roof bow that will extend the windshield farther back into the roof. Could it be coming for the Mustang or other Fords?
Joel Feder -
FCA patent points to development of inline-6
A patent filed in spring shows FCA is developing an inline-6 engine.
Byron Hurd -
Ford patent filing suggests removable roll cage for 2021 Bronco
A Ford patent filing for a removable roll cage is likely for the 2021 Bronco.
Byron Hurd -
Porsche filed patents for multi-mode seat for autonomous cars
Self-driving cars aren't real—not yet, at least—but that hasn't stopped Porsche from drafting distinctive seats for autonomous vehicles of the future. Here's how the seats differ from the buckets and benches in today's Porsches.
Byron Hurd -
Tesla has filed for a patent for seats that are heated and cooled by liquid.
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Ford patents Jeep Gladiator-like convertible pickup truck design
Ford has filed a patent application for a pickup truck convertible roof design similar to the one used for the Jeep Gladiator.
Byron Hurd -
Patent shows Mazda working on new rear-wheel-drive platform, possibly for the RX-9
A patent filing in Japan suggests Mazda may be working on a rear-wheel-drive platform, possibly for the RX-9.
Byron Hurd -
2021 Ford Bronco grille and roof patents give good look at the off-roader
Patent drawings reveal a removable roof and windows, and may show a modular front grille.
Byron Hurd -
Ford wants to turn vehicles into rolling movie theaters
Patent filings show a video projection system for crossovers perfect for tailgates or camping.
Byron Hurd -
Apple patents steer-by-wire steering and suspension
A new patent granted by the USPTO for a steer-by-wire steering and suspension looks like a component for autonomous cars.
Sean Szymkowski -
Apple's still patenting designs for an electric car.
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2021 Ford Bronco could get retractable cloth roof
Patent filings are giving us an idea of how the the 2021 Ford Bronco could be taking shape. Last week we reported on a patent for nifty removable doors with built-in crash beams, and now we learn about a patent for a retractable cloth roof with a few neat tricks. The patent depicts the option of a...
Sean Szymkowski -
Toyota patent details fragrance system to bombard thieves with tear gas
Toyota has an idea that sounds like it came from James Bond's Q Branch. It would turn a seemingly harmless fragrance dispenser into something of an anti-theft device. A new patent from the Japanese automaker details a system that can spew tear gas at would-be carjackers. Australian website WhichCar...
Sean Szymkowski -
Rivian patents removable auxiliary battery pack tech
Rivian doesn't plan to keep owners tied down to built-in batteries and their ranges if a new patent discovery is any clue. The startup electric car maker filed to patent removable auxiliary battery pack technology. The Rivian Forums first discovered the patent on Monday, though Rivian filed for the...
Sean Szymkowski -
Ford hybrid V-8 patent discovered, could power Mustang and/or F-150
We've known for two years that Ford has a Mustang hybrid planned, but a new patent gives us a glimpse at what could be the electrified pony's powertrain. The best news: eight cylinders are pictured, which indicates any Ford Mustang hybrid will keep a V-8 engine and only add electric motors for more...
Sean Szymkowski -
Mid-engine Corvette may sport intelligent power doors
The mid-engine C8 Corvette could feature some nifty power doors if a new patent sheds any light on the feature. First published to the MidEngineCorvette Forum and reported by The Drive last Friday, the patent describes trick power doors for the driver and passenger to take advantage of. While power...
Sean Szymkowski -
Apple produces some intriguing patents. Their latest is for a system they call "Peloton" that could platoon self-driving electric cars for better long-range efficiency and energy sharing. The technology company's filing Tuesday with United States Patent and Trademark Office explains a wild way to keep electric cars charged while part of the platoon. Foremost, it's probably worth explaining what a "peloton" is for the unfamiliar. Aside from being a fancy piece of workout equipment, a peloton is a pack of cyclists that jockey among each other to reduce drag and conserve energy for teammates...
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Mid-engine C8 Corvette could get clutch-by-wire manual transmission
Chevrolet's worst-kept secret is the C8-generation mid-engine Corvette. We've heard a lot of rumors about the upcoming sports car with its engine mounted in the middle, but one has persisted: there won't be a manual transmission. That could change with a new patent General Motors has filed. The...
Sean Szymkowski -
Apple patented haptic seats and sunroof
Apple filed to patent more than 2,000 ideas last year, and we'll likely never see many of them reach daylight. But, automobile patents are becoming more common from the technology giant. The most recent patents, both awarded in the last couple of weeks, involve a trick sunroof and haptic-feedback...
Sean Szymkowski -
Patent drawings hint at Cadillac Escala-inspired coupe
We may have the first evidence that Cadillac is working on a coupe with styling inspired by the brand's Escala concept unveiled in 2016. Patent drawings discovered recently by Cadillac Society on the website of the United States Patent and Trademark Office depict a coupe with elements almost...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Uber files patent for controversial tech to avoid unsafe areas, older cars
Uber may be gearing up for a new round of controversy due to a pending patent filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The ride-sharing company has filed a patent for a controversial new technology that could route riders out of unsafe areas, and even discriminate against drivers...
Sean Szymkowski -
GM imagines real Transformers with shape-shifting car design patents
In director Michael Bay's version of the "Transformers" franchise, the world of Decepticons and Autobots is heavily populated by General Motors products. Bumblebee used to be an old Volkswagen Beetle, but now it's a late-model Camaro. As reported by GM Inside News, GM has filed for patent...
Jeff Glucker