Here's the Thing

Dodge says Dart interior sets new standard for compact cars

(December 13, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Dodge brand is giving a sneak peek into the "high-tech, precisely crafted and highly customizable interior" of its all-new 2013 Dodge Dart. Scheduled to be introduced Jan. 9 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Dodge says the new Dart’s interior sets a new standard for compact cars.

Hyundai Elantra jumps 29 positions on most-researched list

(December 13, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. — Kelley Blue Book today announced the most-researched new vehicles of 2011 on the company's top-rated website, kbb.com, are the Honda Civic and Honda Accord. In addition, Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com revealed the top five brands with the greatest share of market interest for 2011.

This year's success story is the Hyundai Elantra, entering the top 20 most-researched new vehicles list at No. 7, jumping 29 positions from 2010.

Cars.com announces 'Best of 2012' Award nominees

(December 12, 2011) CHICAGO — Cars.com, the premier online resource for buying and selling new and used vehicles, announced its editors' nominees for the Best Car of 2012. 

This year's nominees are the Audi A7, Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Veloster, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Passat.  The winner will be announced during the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

Study finds younger people reducing drive time

(December 12, 2011) CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A new study shows that 55 percent of millennials (18-34-year-olds) have actively made an effort to drive less, up 10 percentage points from 45 percent in 2010. Car-sharing company Zipcar, purveyors of the study, said the finding highlights the growing trend of consciously reducing road time.

Leaf blower's emissions dirtier than high-performance Ford Raptor

(December 11, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — A consumer-grade leaf blower emits more pollutants than a 6,200-pound 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, according to tests conducted by Edmunds' InsideLine.com.

The tests found that a Ryobi 4-stroke leaf blower kicked out almost seven times more oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and 13.5 times more carbon monoxide (CO) than the Raptor, which InsideLine.com once dubbed "the ultimate Michigan mudslinger."

Ward's 10 best engines — direct fuel injection takes the day

(December 9, 2011) SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Ward's 10 Best Engines, North America's only award program honoring excellence in vehicle powertrains, have been announced for 2012, and a record seven of this year's 10 winners have integrated state-of-the-art direct fuel injection, demonstrating the rapid pace of technology development as auto makers downsize their engines in anticipation of strict U.S. fuel-economy rules.

Highway traffic deaths at lowest level since 1949

(December 9, 2011) WASHINGTON, DC — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that highway deaths fell to 32,885 during 2010, the lowest level since 1949.

The record-breaking decline in traffic fatalities occurred even as American drivers traveled nearly 46 billion more miles during the year, an increase of 1.6 percent over the 2009 level.

TrueCar says overall November fuel economy at 22.3 mpg

(December 8, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar.com has reported that average U.S. fuel economy was up in November, the highest since March. Light vehicle auto sales indicate TrueMPG will increase to 22.3 mpg in November 2011 compared to 21.7 mpg in November 2010, and 22.2 in October 2011.

Porsche 911 named Best Redesigned Car for 2012 by Kelley

(December 8, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. — Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com today announced the 2012 Porsche 911 as the 2012 best redesigned car for the 2012 model year.

Redesigning an icon like the Porsche 911 is tricky business, but the latest rendition deftly walks that tightrope. The 911's exterior and interior have tastefully evolved, supported by enhanced performance, improved economy and clever engineering to make the 2012 Porsche 911 a compelling sports car, worthy heir to the 911 throne and our Best Redesigned Car for 2012.

Autoweek editors honor the best of the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

(December 5, 2011) DETROIT — The Autoweek editorial staff presented Mazda with the 2011 Autoweek Editors' Choice Award for Best in Show at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show. The Mazda Takeri previews the evolution of the Mazda 6 sedan and earns points for both style and fuel technology in an increasingly competitive segment.