IAA Best New Connected Car Releases: Honda, Porsche, Mercedes, Continental, IBM, ZF, VW, HARMAN, eWallet, DEKRA, Honeywell, Lear, TomTom & Irdeto

This IAA in Frankfurt is the home of 228 world premieres and  64 European premieres of vehicles as well announcements of new technology from automotive suppliers. There are introductions from Honda, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Continental, IBM, ZF, Volkswagen, HARMAN, eWallet, DEKRA, Honeywell, Lear, TomTom, Irdeto, Maseratti and DEKRA. There are new security systems, infotainment, tires and even connected car payments.

Honda Goes All EV by 2030

Honda has confirmed that electrified technology will now feature in every new car model launched in Europe. The announcement was made by Honda Motor Co. President and CEO, Takahiro Hachigo, during his conference speech at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Hachigo-san made the commitment as he unveiled Honda’s new electric vehicle, the Urban EV Concept.

Honda’s Urban EV Concept is built on a completely new platform, and showcases advanced technology within a simple and sophisticated design. The Honda emblem on the concept is backlit in blue, which previews a new styling feature for the company’s future EVs.

At a global level, Honda aims to have electrified technology in two thirds of its new car sales by 2030. In Europe, the target year is 2025.

Also announced was the new  Honda Power Manager Concept, a fully integrated energy transfer system that can distribute electricity to and from the main grid, as well as directing power flow from renewable sources and managing the interaction of an electric vehicle battery connected to the home.

New Porsche Cayenne Turbo

The new Porsche Cayenne Turbo is the completely new top-of-the-range model from the third generation of the Cayenne is once again raising the bar for sporty performance in its segment. The four-litre V8 biturbo engine delivers 404 kW (550 hp). The increased driving dynamics are based on the combination of innovative technologies, such as active aerodynamics including roof spoiler, controlled three-chamber air suspension, mixed tyres and the new high-performance brake. With additional options, such as rear-axle steering or electric roll stabilisation with a 48-volt system, the SUV can even achieve the driving characteristics of a true sports car. The new Cayenne Turbo accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds (3.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package) and reaches a top speed of 286 km/h.

The name “Touring Package” harkens back to a variant of the 911 Carrera RS from 1973. The very pure 911 design and classic interior features were key elements of this model. The new 911 GT3 when equipped with the Touring Package follows the same concept, and retains the two-seater arrangement of the 911 GT3. Apart from certain Alcantara®-covered interior fittings, almost all 911 GT3 options are also available in combination with the Touring Package. This includes all available exterior colors, wheel choices, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, the front axle lift system, LED headlights, three seat options, and the Sport Chrono Package

The 911 GT3 with Touring Package will be unveiled at the 67th International Motor Show (IAA), which will take place from September 12 to 24, 2017, in Frankfurt. Instead of the fixed rear wing, when equipped with the optional Touring Package, the GT3 will have an adaptive rear spoiler similar to that of the 911 Carrera models. Beneath its understated exterior is pure motorsport-derived technology: The four-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine develops 500 horsepower and generates 339 lb.-ft. of torque. The 911 GT3 with Touring Package sprints from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds and reaches a top track speed of 196 miles per hour. The Touring Package will be available exclusively in combination with the six-speed manual transmission.

New Tire Concepts from Continental

Continental is introducing two new tire technology concepts that will make for even greater road safety and comfort in the future. The two systems enable continuous monitoring of the tire’s condition, as well as situation-matched adaptation of tire performance characteristics to prevailing road conditions. The technologies, called ContiSense and ContiAdapt, will make their public debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) accompanied by a tire study.

ContiSense is based on the development of electrically conductive rubber compounds that enable electric signals to be sent from a sensor in the tire to a receiver in the car. Rubber-based sensors continuously monitor both tread depth and temperature. If the measured values are above or below predefined limits, the system at once alerts the driver. If anything penetrates the tread, a circuit in the tire is closed, also triggering an immediate warning for the driver.

ContiAdapt combines micro-compressors integrated into the wheel to adjust the tire pressure with a variable-width rim. The system can thus modify the size of the contact patch, which under different road conditions is a decisive factor for both safety and comfort.

ContiSense and ContiAdapt are joined by a concept tire that enables the benefits of both systems to be fully leveraged. The tire design features three different tread zones for driving on wet, slippery or dry surfaces. Depending on the tire pressure and rim width, different tread zones are activated and the concept tire adopts the required “footprint” in each case. In this way, the tire characteristics adapt to the prevailing road conditions or driver preferences.

Car eWallet from ZF, UBS & IBM

ZF, UBS and IBM will be jointly developing an open automotive transaction platform for mobility services based on blockchain technology. Car eWallet has the potential to radically change the way manufacturers, suppliers and service providers process digital transactions and considerably simplify the use of vehicle services.

Car eWallet is a digital assistant in the car that allows secure and convenient payments even on the go. Moreover, it can also perform other tasks, like opening the trunk or doors. The Car eWallet is based on the IBM Blockchain technology, which makes it possible to synchronize the information of each participant in the network in a reliable and unchangeable data record. At the same time, it ensures that users only have access to the information that they are permitted to see and use.

The platform is built on IBM Blockchain technology, which is provided through the IBM Cloud and driven by Hyperledger Fabric 1.0, a blockchain framework and one of the Hyperledger projects hosted by the Linux Foundation. With this public cloud service platform the partners intend to build a secure blockchain network that can collect fees for parking, toll, as well as future use cases such as car-sharing, energy provisioning to the power system or delivery services.

Volkswagen Roadmap E

The Volkswagen Group is launching the most comprehensive electrification initiative in the global automotive industry with its “Roadmap E”: Volkswagen will have electrified its entire model portfolio by 2030 at the latest. This means that, by then, there will be at least one electrified version of each of the 300 or so Group models across all brands and markets. This makes Volkswagen the first big mobility group to have put a date on the electrification of its entire fleet. The Group will need more than 150 gigawatt hours of battery capacity annually by 2025 for its own e-fleet alone. This is equivalent to at least four gigafactories for battery cells.

DEKRA Dangerous Distracted Driving Stats in Germany

Accident Research’s teams travelled to nearly all federal states in Germany and observed over 15,000 drivers based on how distracted they were. At 7%, smartphone use was by far the most common type of distraction. This was also more common in urban areas (7.1%) than outside urban areas (6.7%) or on the highway (5.8%).

DEKRA is cooperating with the editorial team at AUTO BILD magazine to address the urgent need to raise awareness of distraction on the road. The two partners are calling on people to be more aware of the risks that exist on the road with a joint sticker campaign based on the slogan “Handy weg – dein Leben zählt!” (“Don’t use your phone – your life counts!”). “We reach more than 3 million readers with AUTO BILD every week. More than 7 million users use our online service every day. This coverage also means responsibility. We know this and act accordingly,” said Tom Drechsler, Editor-in-Chief of the AUTO BILD Group.

Honeywell & Lear CyberSecurity

Honeywell and Lear Corporation y announced the two companies are collaborating to provide automotive software technology and infrastructure solutions to address threats associated with emerging connected and autonomous vehicle development.

As leading, global tier 1 suppliers to the automotive industry, Honeywell and Lear are focused on pairing Honeywell’s intrusion detection technology software and security operations centers with Lear’s automotive electrical distribution systems and connected gateway expertise. As the industry increases system communications within the vehicle and external connectivity via cellular and satellite communications, the collaborative effort between Honeywell and Lear seeks to provide automakers with an architecture to address vehicle prognostics and help ensure passenger vehicle safety and security.

An effective system has been developed to identify and validate software commands and data generated by more than 100 million lines of code governing modern vehicle operation. Honeywell’s software and global security centers monitor in-vehicle network communications. Lear’s electrical gateways and security modules can be an effective toolset to detect and report anomalies preceding a mechanical failure or intentional hack of the vehicle. Captured data can be transmitted in either real time or via a scheduled download to Honeywell security centers for analysis and remediation.

TomTom Bridege Hub with 4G/LTE & Chosen by Daimler

TomTom isshowcasing new technologies and partners for its TomTom BRIDGE Hub platform at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany. Building on the success of the popular TomTom BRIDGE Terminal, TomTom BRIDGE Hub is a display agnostic solution, allowing customers and partners in various industries as transportation, emergency, logistics and utilities to connect with regular smartphones and tablets (BYOD), rugged professional devices or even HDMI displays, to create enhanced connected mobility solutions.

TomTom BRIDGE Hub is packed with features, including the latest TomTom Navigation, real time Maps* and real time TomTom Traffic.  Applications can interface with navigation using our SDKs, allowing companies to create fully customisable solutions tailor-made to their business needs.

The built-in 4G/LTE connectivity and CAN Bus interface can connect not only with the driver and the back office, but also to the vehicle itself in real time. This helps ensure even greater efficiency and TCO, plus it provides a solution for developers to create innovative mobility applications while keeping strong platform control. TomTom BRIDGE Hub gives unprecedented flexibility, with three different hardware flavours to ensure a fit-for-purpose solution for a wide variety of technical architectural implementations.

TomTom reported that an additional technology can be used to connect TomTom BRIDGE Hub to compatible in-vehicle displays. Its use of Mirrorlink technology introduces an appealing aftermarket option for business and OEMS, bringing seamless alignment between companies and professional navigation closer than ever.

TomTom announced that it has been chosen by Daimler as the maps supplier for its infotainment platform in North America.

TomTom’s trusted map components will run on the Mercedes infotainment platform in a range of the automaker’s A, C, B and E-class vehicles, marking the strengthening of the relationship with Daimler that expands the TomTom Traffic deal already announced  at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017.

Mercedes drivers will benefit from TomTom’s state-of-the-art maps, which are already trusted by automotive manufacturers across the globe. TomTom is the only global digital map maker with a transactional map making engine, combining large volumes of active and passive community input, with professional mapmaking sources – enabling the efficient delivery of high-quality maps with fast cycle times..

Mercedes-Benz Combines Electricity and Hydrogen in EQ Power: GLC F-CELL in Pre-Production

Mercedes-Benz is presenting preproduction models of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC F‑CELL as the next milestone on the road to emission-free driving. Under the technology designation EQ Power, the latest electric model (destined for subsequent series production) from the Mercedes-Benz family is doubly electrifying, for, in a world first, it is set to combine innovative fuel-cell and battery technology in the form of a plug-in hybrid: in addition to hydrogen, the all-electric variant of the popular SUV will also run on electricity. Intelligent interplay between battery and fuel cell, along with short refuelling times, will in future make the GLC F‑CELL a vehicle of high everyday practicality and also suitable for long-distance motoring. With 4.4 kg of hydrogen on board, the preproduction model produces enough energy for a range of up to 437* km in the NEDC. F-CELL drivers will also benefit from a range of up to 49 km in the NEDC thanks to the large lithium-ion battery. An output of 147 kW guarantees both dynamic performance and locally zero emissions driving pleasure. In unveiling the preproduction vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz GLC F‑CELL, Daimler is taking another important step as part of its systematic “CASE” strategy.

The vehichles unveiled at the IAA represent a world first in which a fuel-cell-operated electric car uses a lithium-ion battery as an additional energy source that can be externally charged by means of plug-in technology. Through intelligent interplay, the two energy sources drive the electric motor while offering locally zero emissions driving pleasure. The long range, short refuelling time, an output of 147 kW (200 hp) and the latest generation of assistance systems with powertrain-specific features demonstrate, based on the models on show, that the GLC F-CELL will be a family-friendly electric vehicle of high everyday practicality.

The Mercedes-Benz Concept EQA, to be seen at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (12 to 24 September 2017), demonstrates how the EQ strategy can be introduced to the compact class. Featuring one electric motor at the front axle and one at the rear, the electric athlete has a system output of over 200 kW. The drive characteristics can be altered by varying the permanent all-wheel drive’s front to rear torque distribution. The Concept EQA shows which program has been selected on a unique virtual radiator grille.

Two electric motors, with a system output that can be increased to over 200 kW thanks to scalable battery components, and permanent all-wheel drive deliver impressive dynamic performance. The two drive programs “Sport” and “Sport Plus” offer a different front to rear torque distribution, allowing a choice of individual drive characteristics.

In combination with the intelligent Mercedes-Benz operating strategy, the Concept EQA achieves a range of around 400 kilometres, depending on the battery capacity installed.

The highly efficient lithium-ion battery with pouch cells is supplied by the Daimler subsidiary Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE. Thanks to their modular design, the innovative battery systems have a model-specific total capacity of over 60 kWh.

The Concept EQA can be charged via induction or wallbox and is also ready for rapid charging. The vision for using public charging stations is “seamless charging”: this Mercedes me-based service makes it easy to charge and pay at different charging stations.

Irdeto Works with IBM Security/Cloak

Irdeto, the world leader in digital platform security, announced they are working with IBM Security to combat automotive cyberattacks. This collaboration aims to provide OEMs and tier-one suppliers with advanced, real-time security analytics and ECU protection. Powered by Irdeto’s ECU protection solution, Cloakware™ Secure Environment, and IBM QRadar, the joint solution aims to detect and prevent attempts to tamper with or reverse engineer vehicle software. By joining forces, Irdeto and IBM aim to offer the automotive industry the most secure and robust security technology combined with the most comprehensive big data analytics available on the market.

Cloakware Secure Environment safeguards critical files, protects application data, and prevents hackers from adding malicious code, modifying executables and scripts, and reverse engineering. Cloakware Secure Environment is a component of the innovative Cloakware™ for Automotive by Irdeto solution, which enables OEMs and tier-one suppliers to protect their brand and save costs in the battle against cybercriminals by creating a secure, tamper-proof environment for vehicle software that protects against reverse engineering.

IBM and Irdeto will be demoing its unique offering for OEMs and tier-one suppliers at the International Motor Show.

BMW i Vision Dynamics

The BMW i Vision Dynamics is a four-door Gran Coupe with a range of 600 km (373 miles), a top speed of over 200 km/h (120 mph) and acceleration of 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in four seconds.

Maserati’s New Models

Maserati is presenting its most complete and ultimately upgraded product portfolio at IAA Cars 2017 in Frankfurt. Starting from the new Ghibli, which has adopted a new range strategy and features a significant exterior restyling, all Maserati models have been thoroughly upgraded, adopting additional high-tech contents.

The new Ghibli as well as the Levante MY18 are now available in GranLusso and GranSport trims, previously introduced in the Quattroporte range. Ghibli and Quattroporte now feature Adaptive full LED headlights with glare free high-beam, based on Matrix technology for Ghibli, developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting, and on L-shape technology for Quattroporte. Both Maserati sedans are fitted with power upgraded 3.0L V6 petrol engines and with the new, performance enhancing Integrated Vehicle Control system (IVC), developed by Bosch in collaboration with Maserati.

For the first time Maserati introduces Electric Power Steering (EPS), enabling new Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) with active functions. EPS has replaced hydraulic power steering on both Maserati sedans, as well as on the Levante MY18, providing better handling and comfort, while retaining the razor-sharp steering feel that is typical to every Maserati.

The iconic GranTurismo and GranCabrio MY18 have been elegantly restyled for improved aerodynamic performance, while featuring an upgraded interior with brand new driver interface and state-of-the art infotainment system.

HARMAN Supplies Audio to Several Premium Automakers

HARMAN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, is presenting its cutting-edge audio technologies and solutions together with some of the world’s leading automotive OEM partners at this year’s IAA.

New Bang & Olufsen for Bentley audio – The Bang & Olufsen speaker design features specially manufactured aluminum elements and illuminated speaker grills, creating unique and immersive moments in the car. The sound system combines 16 high-performance loudspeakers with a powerful 1,500-watt BeoCore Class-D scalable, 16-channel DSP amplifier with Bang & Olufsen BeoSonic for unmatched, realistic sound reproduction.

Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System for the Audi A8 –The Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System includes Symphoria®, a revolutionary rendering solution for 3D surround reproduction developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS. Symphoria works side by side with Bang & Olufsen’s multichannel matrix processing and Audi’s unparalleled design elegance for a breakthrough collaboration across audio, acoustics and design. The 3D Advanced Sound System comes with 23 high-performance loudspeakers with a 23-channel, 1920-watt Class D amplifier and the 3D Premium Sound System with 16 premium loudspeakers driven by a 16-channel, 755-watt Hybrid amplifier for a wonderfully realistic three-dimensional listening experience. Thanks to the extension of 3D sound to the rear seats via two additional satellite speakers in the ceiling, everyone is given a truly elevated listening experience. However, the A8 is only one element of the Bang & Olufsen 3D sound partnership with Audi. In total, 22 Audi cars featured at this year’s IAA are equipped with Bang & Olufsen sound solutions.

Ford and B&O PLAY deepen partnership with new models the new EcoSport, will join the Ford Fiesta offering premium sound experiences delivered by the B&O PLAY Sound System. Featuring proprietary HARMAN technologies and tuning capabilities to deliver a richer, more engaging listening experience, the B&O PLAY sound system includes tailored speaker placement and acoustic calibrations for each Ford model. The system’s dynamic tuning ensures optimal sound in the cabin no matter the driving conditions or where someone sits. The sound system features 10 high-performance speakers and is powered by 9 channels and 675 watts using HARMAN DSP technology.

Kia Stinger with Harman Kardon sound -features an equally powerful sound system courtesy of Harman Kardon. Harman Kardon audio enhances the Stinger driving experience with HARMAN Clari-Fi™ and QuantumLogic® Surround to create a best-in-class sound experience for its passengers. The Stinger sound system includes 15 high-performance speakers, including two subwoofers under the front seats, and is powered by a 720-watt amplifier.

MINI Countryman with powerful Harman Kardon Premium Sound SystemHARMAN sound specialists have customised a Harman Kardon hi-fi audio system specifically for the completely redeveloped MINI Countryman. MINI’s biggest small car is a triumph of space, functionality and flair, featuring 12 high-performance speakers, including two subwoofers under the front seats, as well as a 360-watt, Class-D DSP amplifier. The customised Harman Kardon Premium Sound System is providing the MINI Countryman with double audio power than the standard system and is also available for all other current MINIs. No matter what the specific MINI model might be, the system is always perfectly tuned for an exhilarating listening experience with concert feeling during every kind of drive – letting the music tell the story the way artists intended it to be heard.

JBL – smart’s sound solution of choice – JBL is now the sound system of choice for all smart models. The JBL premium sound system integrates a flexible, mobile sound system that is perfectly suited to the smart driving and lifestyle experience. Regardless of the music source, every note is played back perfectly through the JBL system, making the listening experience in smart vehicles more powerful and fun. smart forfour vehicles are equipped with 12 loudspeakers, a removable subwoofer in the trunk and an eight-channel DSP amplifier while the smart fortwo model includes eight speakers, a removable subwoofer in the trunk and a six-channel DSP amplifier.

Harman Kardon and Bowers & Wilkins sound systems for Maserati – thenew Maserati Ghibli, Levante, GranTurismo/GranCabrio or Quattroporte features two outstanding HARMAN audio systems – either a Harman Kardon premium sound system or a Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System.

JBL Professional sound system in the Ferrari Portofino –  features a powerful JBL Professional sound system to match the excellence of the car’s automotive engineering. It features 12 high-performance speakers as well as high efficiency transducers receiving input from a 12-channel, up to 1,500-watt Class-D amplifier. The QuantumLogic® Surround sound technology of the system creates an unprecedented 7.1-channel surround sound listening experience from any mono, stereo, or multichannel signal source.

BMW audio systems from Harman Kardon and Bowers & Wilkins BMW models are equipped with outstanding HARMAN audio systems, courtesy of either Harman Kardon or Bower & Wilkins. All sound systems feature the latest sound technologies and combine HARMAN’s and BMW’s dedication to detail and perfection to guarantee the highest sound quality possible.

The design of the Harman Kardon Premium sound system is customised for each BMW cabin and is available in a variety of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 Series cars as well as the X1, X4, X5, M2, M3, i3, and i8 models. Harman Kardon is also at the very heart of the outstanding sound experience in the all-new X3, which is celebrating its world premiere at this year’s IAA. The customised sound system enhances the premium driving feel to create a unique sound experience, precise dynamics and an impressive wealth of detail. In addition to a 600-watt Class-D DSP amplifier with Logic7®-Surround, the system features 16 high-performance loudspeakers, including two subwoofers under the front seats.

The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System is available in various BMW 5, 6, and 7 Series vehicles as well as M5 and M6 models. It is also beautifully integrated into the interior of the all-new 6 Series Gran Turismo, where it redefines what is possible for sound quality within a car. The system was designed exclusively for BMW and features studio-grade acoustic technologies that have never before been seen in a commercial car. The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System uses exclusive materials like diamond, Kevlar® or Rohacell® for its loudspeakers to create a truly revelatory acoustic experience and Nautilus® spiraling diffusion channels to reduce resonance to a minimum. The system combines 16 speakers with a 10-channel, 1,400-watt Class-D amplifier with QuantumLogic surround sound processing. The new generation BMW 1 (5-door), 2 Coupé, 3 Touring, 6 GT, M5, X3, and i3 models are all celebrating their world premiere at the IAA.

In addition to providing the finest car audio systems, HARMAN and BMW also continue to evolve the in-car infotainment experience to ensure it offers the latest safe, seamless and personalised driving features.

Sensata and Quanery

A new solid-state LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor for highly automated driving cars is the feature of Sensata’s exhibit.The S3 LiDAR sensor from Sensata and Quanergy uses the Optical Phased Array principle to scan the field of view and is a scanning LiDAR sensor with no moving parts, thereby contributing to increased reliability of the automated driving system. Another advantage of the S3 sensor is the ability to scan areas of interest within the field of view on demand through dynamic laser beam positioning without having to go through the entire field of view sequentially.

IBM for Faurecia

Faurecia, one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers, has selected IBM Cloud as a support of a major business transformation designed to accelerate digital manufacturing.