Inside the Industry

Performance numbers released for McLaren 650S — 0-to-62 in 3 seconds

(February 27, 2014) LONDON — As the first example of the McLaren 650S rolled off the assembly line at the state-of-the-art McLaren Production Centre in Working, England, McLaren Automotive has released performance numbers and confirmed pricing ahead of the global debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Volvo to unveil concept estate at Geneva Motor Show

(February 27, 2014) ROCKLEIGH, N.J. — Volvo Car Group will use the Geneva Motor Show to reveal the third in a series of concept cars — the Concept Estate — that continues the exterior design language revealed in the first two concepts, but for the first time reveals how the interior of Volvo’s forthcoming models will both look and function.

Mini to unveil Clubman Concept at Geneva Auto Show

(February 26, 2014) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.  — Mini will present the Mini Clubman Concept next week at the Geneva Auto Show showcasing a new brand philosophy for a higher class of automobile. Twenty-six centimeters longer and just under 17 centimeters wider than the current Mini Clubman, Mini says the concept comes over as sophisticated, cool and elegant.

GM expands ignition switch recall

(February 26, 2014) DETROIT — General Motors is expanding the recall of certain 2003-2007 model year vehicles to correct a condition with the ignition switch that may allow the key to unintentionally move or switch to the “accessory” or “off” position, turning off the engine and most of the electrical components on the vehicle.

Crossing continents: A year of driving with Bentley

(February 26, 2014) CREWE, England — Time behind the wheel of the consummate British Grand Tourer — the Continental GT — is always an enjoyable experience and Bentley is offering customers and driving enthusiasts a range of unique driving experiences in 2014; from exclusive luxury breaks to bespoke routes around the world designed by the company’s driving experts.

Renault’s rear-engined Twingo — Sharing with smart

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(February 25, 2014) Mercedes and Renault are partners in the luxury sphere (Infiniti and Mercedes will share technology, powertrains and, possibly, platforms), but the first fruits of this collaboration will combine the talents of Renault and smart to produce a replacement for Renault’s Twingo and smart’s ForFour.

Next-generation in connected car technology, navigation previewed

(February 25, 2014) BARCELONA, Spain — ALK Technologies, a global leader in GeoLogistics and navigation software, is previewing next generation guidance features and connected car technology for its CoPilot mobile GPS navigation app platform.

The new innovations, showcased at Mobile World Congress 2014, are designed to make future CoPilot apps more adaptive, intuitive and integrated into a driver's daily routine.

GM says its new full-sized SUVs gain nearly 10 percent better mpg

(February 25, 2014) DETROIT — General Motors today released the fuel economy ratings of its all-new full-sized SUVs saying that the 2015 Chevrolet and GMC models go farther on a tank of gas than outgoing models, raising highway fuel economy by nearly 10 percent.

Iconic Goodyear blimp retires after Daytona 500

(February 25, 2014) DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — After 14 years of filling the skies, the “Spirit of Goodyear” airship retired after the Daytona 500.  The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s longest continuous operated airship was overhead to provide aerial coverage for its final events this weekend at Daytona International Speedway.

2015 Ford Focus gets new look, 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine

(February 25, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — The 2015 Ford Focus, the world’s best-selling nameplate, is expected to hold onto this coveted title with a bold new look that emulates other recent Ford vehicle designs and more advanced technologies that improve driver comfort and safety.