Electric Cars

Autoliv, a global leader in automotive safety, has introduced an innovative foldable steering wheel concept aimed at revolutionizing the interior design and functionality of future autonomous vehicles. This pioneering design allows the steering wheel to retract into the dashboard when the vehicle is operating in fully autonomous mode, significantly enhancing cabin space and passenger comfort. This development marks a pivotal step towards reimagining car interiors, especially as autonomous driving technology advances. The integration of advanced safety mechanisms, including a novel airbag system, underscores Autoliv's commitment to ensuring passenger protection even with this transformative design. While the technology is forward-looking, it addresses immediate needs for comfort and practicality in the emerging era of self-driving cars, paving the way for a more versatile and user-friendly automotive experience.

Autoliv's latest innovation, a collapsible steering wheel, addresses a key challenge in the transition to autonomous vehicles: how to maximize interior space and improve passenger experience when human intervention in driving tasks is minimal. This design aims to offer both convenience and safety, making it a notable advancement in automotive technology. The system incorporates a sophisticated dual-airbag setup, ensuring that safety remains paramount whether the wheel is deployed for manual driving or stowed away for autonomous operation, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to future automotive design.

The Evolution of Automotive Safety and Design

Autoliv, a leading name in automotive safety equipment globally, has introduced an innovative foldable steering wheel. This groundbreaking design is specifically engineered to free up interior space during autonomous driving, marking a significant advancement in automotive safety and cabin design. While race cars have long utilized quick-release steering wheels for easier driver access, Autoliv's approach introduces a novel concept: a wheel that retracts into the dashboard. This innovation promises to redefine interior comfort and accessibility as vehicles become increasingly autonomous. However, current regulations and technological readiness mean that no production vehicles can fully implement Autoliv's foldable wheel at present.

The traditional steering wheel has been a fixed, central element of vehicle design for decades, but Autoliv's foldable steering wheel challenges this convention by offering a dynamic solution for the autonomous era. In typical driving scenarios, the wheel functions like any conventional one. Yet, when a vehicle enters Level 4 autonomous mode—where the car manages all driving functions in specific environments without human input—the steering wheel seamlessly folds into the dashboard. Autoliv suggests this retraction not only simplifies getting in and out of the vehicle but also enhances cabin comfort by creating additional space. While the ease of entry and exit is evident, the comfort aspect might be perceived differently by various users. Importantly, as a safety equipment manufacturer, Autoliv has meticulously integrated safety into this design, featuring a standard airbag for manual driving and a secondary airbag behind the instrument panel for when the wheel is stowed. This innovative wheel is scheduled to be introduced in Tensor's upcoming autonomous electric vehicle in the latter half of 2026, targeting major markets including the United States, the European Union, and the Middle East, indicating a significant step towards the future of self-driving car interiors.

Pioneering the Future of Autonomous Vehicle Interiors

Autoliv's introduction of a foldable steering wheel is poised to redefine how vehicle interiors are designed and utilized, especially for autonomous driving. This innovative feature, which allows the steering wheel to retract into the dashboard during autonomous operation, signifies a major leap in maximizing cabin space and improving passenger comfort. This strategic move by the world's largest automotive safety supplier highlights a forward-thinking approach to meet the evolving demands of autonomous mobility. The design is not only about convenience but also integrates advanced safety measures, such as a specialized airbag system for its stowed configuration, ensuring occupant protection remains paramount.

The shift towards autonomous vehicles necessitates a rethinking of traditional automotive components, and Autoliv's foldable steering wheel is a prime example of this evolution. During manual driving, the steering wheel operates conventionally. However, in Level 4 autonomous mode, where the vehicle controls all driving tasks in defined areas, the wheel elegantly folds away. This retraction is intended to facilitate easier entry and exit from the car and create a more spacious and comfortable cabin environment, optimizing the use of interior volume. Given Autoliv's core business in safety equipment, the safety of this new design was a critical consideration. It features a standard airbag for active driving and a secondary airbag system installed behind the instrument panel for when the wheel is retracted. This technology is slated for its commercial debut in the second half of 2026 within Tensor's new autonomous electric vehicle, with planned availability across key global markets, demonstrating Autoliv's commitment to shaping the future of vehicular safety and interior design in the autonomous age.

An exceptional find for classic car aficionados has appeared on the market: a 1972 Plymouth Road Runner, still resplendent in its original Petty Blue paint. This is not merely a vehicle from the past; it's a testament to endurance, a genuine survivor from an iconic era of American muscle cars. What sets this particular Road Runner apart is its remarkable state of preservation and the comprehensive historical records accompanying it, making it a dream acquisition for collectors and enthusiasts alike. It represents a rare blend of authenticity and immediate enjoyment, perfect for those who cherish history but also desire the thrill of the open road.

A Glimpse into the Past: The Enduring Legacy of a 1972 Plymouth Road Runner

In the heart of Celeste, Texas, a rare and meticulously preserved 1972 Plymouth Road Runner, identified by its authentic RM23 code, has recently become available through American Steel Classics. This remarkable automobile proudly retains its factory-applied TB3 Basin Street Blue paint, famously known as Petty Blue within the Mopar community. Under its hood lies the original 340 small-block engine, harmoniously paired with a 727 automatic transmission, both boasting matching numbers, confirming its untouched heritage. This model year's 340 V8 was a coveted high-performance option, bridging the gap between its more potent siblings, the 400 and the 440 4-barrel, which inherited the legacy of the GTX. Its interior speaks volumes of its period charm, featuring a blue bench seat, column shift, and a distinctive white vinyl canopy roof accented by a matching white stripe, all while offering the modern conveniences of power steering and air conditioning. This exquisite vehicle arrives with a treasure trove of historical documents, including its original warranty card, the initial owner's details, dealership information from Portales, New Mexico, an emissions booklet, vintage Chrysler brochures, and even records of an engine rebuild from 1990. Crucially, all original identifiers—the VIN tag, fender tag, broadcast sheet, door sticker, and partial VIN stampings—are intact. Described by the seller as exceptionally robust, with a solid trunk floor, main floor, frame rails, rockers, and cowl, its cosmetic appearance tells a story of careful stewardship; it is a driver's car that has gracefully aged, displaying its character through a charming patina and an untouched interior, remaining fully operational and ready for the road.

This particular 1972 Plymouth Road Runner offers more than just a ride; it presents an opportunity to connect with automotive history in a profoundly personal way. Its accessible price point, significantly lower than heavily restored counterparts or extravagant builds, opens the door for a wider range of enthusiasts. It's a call to those who value the genuine narrative of a vehicle, preferring the authentic wear of time over a pristine, museum-like finish. This car inspires a journey of gradual restoration, allowing owners to enjoy its inherent charm and driving pleasure while slowly embarking on a thoughtful preservation process. It encourages a deeper appreciation for the vehicle's past, inviting owners to become caretakers of its legacy, shaping its future one weekend drive at a time.