Electroluminescent Paint, Headlight Speakers May Be the Future of Cars
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Last year, Mercedes-Benz previewed a host of technological innovations, including artificial intelligence-enhanced augmented reality car shopping possibilities, bio-identical textiles, solar paint and on-motor brakes. Today, some of that technology is closer to reality.
As part of the company's Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX debut, the real-life use cases for several featured innovations were revealed.
Glow in the Dark Cars
MBUX Fluid Light Paint coats the exterior of the Concept AMG GT XX. It uses electroluminescence technology to allow special color pigments to emit light in response to being touched by an alternating current. The response is a glow that emanates from the car, particularly noticeable at nighttime. To achieve the look, several electrically conductive and insulating layers are meshed.
Aero wheel on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX.
Aero wheel on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX.
Mercedes-Benz
The paint first appeared on the Mercedes-AMG GT3 race car at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. However, on the Concept, it has a larger purpose: to alert an owner as to the charging status of the car. Different portions of the vehicle illuminate then deactivate while the car is charging to give a visual countdown as to when the car is full of electrons and ready for the journey that awaits.
Speakers in the Headlights
Concept AMG GT XX features exterior speakers housed in the car's headlights, using the headlight housing as the speaker enclosure. This saves space and weight while allowing new sound variants including low frequency and more powerful bass reproduction.
The speakers serve as signals for pedestrian protection, emitting a noise to allow them to hear the otherwise silently moving vehicle.
700 Programmable LEDs on Display
The MBUX Fluid Light Panel at the rear of the car features over 700 programmable RGB LEDs. The illumination allows for active communication of a vehicle's status with the outside world. Hyundai and Audi have showed off similar technology and already employed it in vehicles globally.
Leather Alternative Textiles Derived From Racing Tires
U.S. bio-design startup Modern Meadow worked with Mercedes-Benz to create next-generation materials that mimic leather and silk in a effort to create a circular ecosystem that does not rely on animals. Instead, the material is made of recycled rubber, vegetable proteins and biopolymers.
The Concept debuts that material, Labfiber Biotech Leather Alternative, in a vehicle for the first time. It mimics the collagens found in leather and can be finished in a number of surfaces including nubuck, full-grain leather or suede, as well as textures and colors.
It is made using a chemical recycling process that combines the old tires with biomethane to create pyrolysis oil. That oil is then turned into plastic fibers, which are then added to vegetable proteins and bio-based polymers.
Labfiber Biotech Silk Alternative door handle on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX.
Labfiber Biotech Silk Alternative door handle on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX.
Mercedes-Benz
Unlike other artificial leathers, Labfiber can be re-tanned, which helps it achieve the same look and feel, including how it ages, as traditional leather. It is lighter than the natural version and is waterproof and breathable.
The Concept features Leather Alternative that is made from tires from a Mercedes-AMG customer's GT3 car. After processing, the tires were used to create 43 square feet of Leather Alternative.
AMG has also installed a synthetic silk in the Concept. Labfiber Biotech Silk Alternative starts with silk proteins produced by genetically modified bacteria that are refined to create a shiny, silky yarn with the same functional properties as animal-based silk. The new model has door handles made of the material.
3D-Printed Seats
Mercedes-AMG has 3D printed the front seat pads in the Concept. They sit in carbon fiber racing shells that have built-in ventilation openings and integrated headrests. The nature of the seating pad allows for easy change in/out to allow for a more custom seat design and fit.
Electronically Controlled, Moving Wheels
Mercedes-AMG has built the GT XX with the world's first intelligent, electronically controlled aerodynamically enhanced wheels. Each 21-inch, five-spoke forged aluminum wheel is equipped with five movable elements that are intelligently adjusted to reduce drag, thus improving the car's efficiency.
Close-up of a wheel on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX.
Close-up of a wheel on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX.
Mercedes-Benz
A control unit in each wheel regulates the changes to the wheel, detecting the stress on the car's braking system and whether or not cooling is needed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wall Street Journal
an hour ago
- Wall Street Journal
Has There Ever Been a Better Time to Buy an EV?
Not even bargain-basement deals are enough to entice U.S. drivers to go all-in on electric vehicles. A Hyundai dealership in New Jersey is hyping a $169-a-month lease on its Ioniq 6 sedan, which carries a sticker price of about $38,000, making it far less expensive than a comparably priced lease on its gasoline-burning models.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
The Hybrid Sedan With Premium Perks That Makes Going Green a Power Move—Not a Pricey Compromise
So, you're hunting for a hybrid that feels like a Lexus but doesn't come with the luxury price tag. Tricky? Definitely. But not impossible—especially if you know what you're really shopping for. First, a quick reality check: 'premium' and 'luxury' aren't interchangeable in car-speak. And if you're aiming for something that costs half of what a Lexus does, you'll need to be flexible on things like materials and design flourishes—even Lexus is considered the affordable luxury option, after all. The good news? Automakers are seriously stepping up. Brands like Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia are packing their most budget-friendly hybrids with upscale features that would've been reserved for high-end trims just a few years ago. And yes, there's one hybrid sedan in particular that delivers all that elevated feel without draining your wallet. In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from the Hyundai website and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and iSeeCars. Let's be clear—you're not going to find a one-to-one swap for a luxury hybrid like a Lexus at half the price. But that doesn't mean you can't get something that feels high-end without draining your savings. Brands like Toyota and Hyundai have mastered the art of making entry-level models look and drive like something way more expensive. Case in point: the 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which brings serious style, a refined interior, and zero sticker shock. To put it into perspective, the average price of a Lexus hybrid rings in at a hefty $70,122. If you're aiming for half that, you're working with about $35,061—and the Sonata Hybrid fits beautifully into that budget, with room to spare. Talking premium features on a $35,061 budget might sound like a stretch, but in today's market, that money goes further than you'd think. Thanks to brands like Hyundai, getting a car that rivals luxury without the luxury price is actually within reach. The 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid keeps it refreshingly simple with just two trims: the SEL Hybrid and the Limited Hybrid. The SEL kicks things off at $31,250, while the decked-out Limited creeps past budget at $37,700—but close enough to still be a serious contender. Before diving into all the bells and whistles, let's talk about what's going on under the hood. The 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid runs on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine that puts out a respectable 192 horsepower. It's paired with a smooth six-speed automatic transmission and sticks to front-wheel drive across the board. Sure, it's not built to outpace a luxury sports sedan—but here's the twist: what it lacks in flash, it makes up for in fuel-sipping efficiency that most luxury cars can't touch. The Sonata Hybrid is a fuel-sipping champ—but funnily enough, it's not Hyundai's most efficient hybrid; that title belongs to the Elantra Hybrid. Still, this midsize sedan gives its competitors serious anxiety with its standout fuel economy and impressive range. In the 2025 model, you're looking at 44 mpg city, 51 mpg highway, and a combined 47 mpg. But the real kicker? It can cover an astonishing 620 miles on a single tank—talk about going the distance without constant pit stops. Alright, maybe there's a tiny catch—but it's not a dealbreaker. We said the average Lexus hybrid costs around $70,122, which puts your half-price budget at about $35,061. Now, the Sonata Hybrid Limited trim, which is loaded with premium features, costs a little more at $37,700. That's only $2,639 more—and honestly, budgets are meant to have some wiggle room. When you're shopping for a car, it's smart to set aside a little extra cash so you don't miss out on the perfect ride just because of a small amount. Before diving into all the bells and whistles, it's worth saying that the base Sonata Hybrid is no slouch. It holds its own with solid standard features, but if we're talking about the trim that really delivers premium vibes without blowing the budget, the 2025 Sonata Hybrid Limited is the clear winner. Lexus has carved out a unique identity in the luxury space with interiors focusing less on flash and more on feel. 'Comfort' is probably the best way to summarize the experience—they go for calm, clean, and quietly upscale, not loud luxury. Interestingly, Hyundai seems to have taken notes. The Sonata Hybrid channels that same minimalist, well-organized design language that feels intentional and thoughtful. And because it's a midsize sedan, you also get the bonus of generous passenger space—something that definitely adds to the premium feel without adding extra dollars. On the outside, both trims come dressed to impress with 17-inch eco-spoke alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and taillights, gloss black rocker panels, and a bold black mesh grille. Since we've already given some love to the base trim, it's only fair to break down what the SEL Hybrid brings to the table. Inside the SEL, you'll find premium cloth seats, an eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support, and a six-way adjustable passenger seat—both heated up front for added comfort. Step up to the Limited, though, and things get noticeably fancier with features like a panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, ventilated leather front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel that really leans into the luxe experience. Tech is where the Sonata Hybrid really flexes its premium side—and just like Lexus, Hyundai nails that clean, uncluttered cabin vibe. Everything feels intentional, with smart features worked in seamlessly, so nothing feels overdone or overwhelming. Depending on the trim, you'll get a crisp 12.3-inch HD touchscreen, while the Limited trim upgrades to a full HD navigation system. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth come standard, and the base trim rocks a six-speaker setup—though the Limited steps it up with a rich, twelve-speaker Bose Premium Surround System. Both trims come with a wireless charging pad up front and rear USB ports to keep everyone plugged in. And to round things out, the Sonata Hybrid also packs in a full suite of driver-assistance tech that makes daily driving safer and just a little more effortless. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian/Cyclist/Junction Turning Detection (FCA-JT) Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) Lane Following Assist (LFA) Driver Attention Warning (DAW) Smart Cruise Control (SCC) w/ Stop And Go Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) Safe Exit Warning (SEW) High Beam Assist (HBA) And there you have it—the full rundown of the 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. For what it costs, it's tough to argue against how thoughtfully it's built and how much it offers. No one's saying it outshines a Lexus Hybrid across the board, but in terms of smart design and everyday comfort, it holds its own. If there's one Lexus that comes closest in spirit, it's the 2025 ES Hybrid. With a starting price of $44,615 and climbing to $50,910, it's not wildly out of reach—but it does cost quite a bit more than the Sonata Hybrid. Still, it's worth remembering that these two live in different segments. Comparing them is a bit like lining up apples and oranges—they have different flavors, but both deliver that premium, hybrid appeal in their own way. When you stack up the numbers, choosing the 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid over the Lexus ES Hybrid could save you around $20,000. That's no small amount, especially if you're working on a tighter budget and want to keep those monthly payments in check. Both sedans bring premium features to the table, but the Sonata Hybrid surprises in the best way. We expect luxury cars to deliver refined design and high-end tech, but getting that same experience from a non-luxury hybrid priced between $30K and $37K? That's not so common. Yet somehow, Hyundai pulled it off. If you're shopping for a hybrid sedan that looks sharp, drives smoothly, and doesn't skimp on comfort or features, the 2025 Sonata Hybrid should absolutely be on your radar.
Newsweek
11 hours ago
- Newsweek
Lewis Hamilton Reveals What Cost Him British GP Front Row Start
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has opened up on his British Grand Prix qualifying session at Silverstone, pointing out the factors that prevented him from starting on the front row. The British GP marks Hamilton's first home race after his move from Mercedes to Ferrari early this year. The Briton admitted his wish to secure a podium finish in the race. However, that goal might have become a little bit more difficult to achieve, given his P5 race start. Hamilton's journey in adapting to Ferrari's SF25 F1 car hasn't been easy, and his recent performances suggest a longer learning curve. Despite many doubting his abilities, the 40-year-old pushed hard to arrive at a point where he could say he was comfortable with the car's setup. Related: Lewis Hamilton Reveals Advice he Would Give Max Verstappen for Mercedes Hamilton admitted that he was impressed with his car's setup in qualifying, suggesting that it should help him battle Max Verstappen and both McLarens. He told Sky Sports F1 after qualifying: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari speaks in the media pen during the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 29, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari speaks in the media pen during the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 29, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria."Pretty decent qualifying. It's generally been a decent weekend so far. "I'm definitely feeling more comfortable with the set-up of the car and the balance of the car. "Right up until the last corner I think I was close to second on the grid, but had a bit of understeer and ended up losing a tenth-and-a-bit. "In Q3 run two [Red Bull] always come out of nowhere and they are always quick. It's not a surprise. "In Q1 the timing was off and we only had one lap of fuel and there was still time on the table. It was a big, big risk and definitely was not well executed and we executed better in the next two. "I think it will be very, very hard to beat the McLarens or the Red Bulls but when there is a will there is a way. "I'll give it absolutely everything tomorrow. We are a little bit far behind where I want to be but with the weather and this amazing crowd..." Hamilton also stressed that he was witnessing progress within the team and in the car. He said: "We are making progress. There's still more to make, but we obviously had the upgrade in the last race. We are improving our process, the way we go about our weekends definitely feels like we're punching, punching out better results, so keep pushing." Related: Alex Albon Frustrated with Williams' 'Compromise' in British GP Qualifying
