August 2011

Lincoln looks for design input from consumers

(August 22, 2011) PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Media Post reports that Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln brand has introduced a new tool at the Pebble Beach, Calif. Concours D'Elegance to test design concepts on consumers. 
 
Lincoln asked attendees of the classic car show Aug. 20-21 to look at three design concepts based on vehicles from the '60s, '70s and '80s. People could click on the designs to give vehicles a sportier look, or change from a more retro look to a modern look. When they see a design they like, they click "save" and Lincoln records their preferences. Lincoln will also gather demographic data on the customers to better understand how different groups feel about different designs.

World's oldest surviving Bentley sells for $962,500

(August 22, 2011) PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. —  Ninety years after Bentley’s very first customer, Noel Van Raalte, took delivery of  chassis number 3 (registered AX 3827 in the UK) for the princely sum of £1,150, that same 3-Litrre graced the Gooding & Co. auction at Pebble Beach, commanding a price of $962,500.

Chassis number 3 is an extraordinary, "matching-numbers" car with original aluminum coachwork and brass brightwork.

Ford, Toyota to collaborate on hybrid system for light trucks, SUVs

(August 22, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford and Toyota — the world’s two leading manufacturers of hybrid vehicles — today announced they will equally collaborate on the development of an advanced new hybrid system for light truck and SUV customers.
                                                                                        
Ford and Toyota have signed a memorandum of understanding on the product development collaboration, with the formal agreement expected by next year.

Lexus unveils new GS 350, the first of nine new or refreshed models in 2012

(August 22, 2011) PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Lexus hopes to revive flagging sales with new models such as the GS 350 introduced this weekend in conjunction with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The new 2013 GS combines bold, dynamic styling, precise handling, innovative technology, and a spacious interior. In addition to the GS 350, other 2013 GS models that will be launched in early 2012 include hybrid and F Sport versions, with further details to be announced later this year.

Vermont Cadillac parade stretches a mile, sets world record

(August 22, 2011) BARTON, Vt. — What started out as a way to honor a hometown hero and boost interest in a county fair became a Guinness World Record on Wednesday as 298 Cadillacs from across the United States and Canada stretched for nearly a mile in a parade to open the Orleans County Fair in Barton, Vermont.

Lorie Seadale, superintendent for the Floral Hall Arts & Crafts department of the Orleans fair, cooked up the idea of the Cadillac parade as a way to increase awareness of the annual event and as a way to pay homage Barton’s own Henry M. Leland, who founded Cadillac in 1902.

Infiniti will produce IPL G Convertible

(August 21, 2011) PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. -- Infiniti today announced that that the automaker  will double its Infiniti Performance Line lineup of premium performance vehicles in spring 2012 with the addition of a new 2013 IPL G Convertible.

New Kia Soul gets more horsepower, better mpg — and slightly higher price

(August 21, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. — Kia Motors has announced pricing for the 2012 Soul will begin at $13,900, $600 more than the 2011 model. The Soul automatic transmission will start at $15,700, $245 more than 2011.

But Kia points out that the 2012 version comes with more performance and better gas mileage.

Running 182 mph in Ford Super Duty biodiesel truck

(August 21, 2011) WENDOVER, Utah — Ford F-Series is known for its capability and power, but now it’s found a place in the history books: Hajek Motorsports has broken two land speed records using both a diesel and biodiesel-powered 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats.

Using a mostly stock truck with the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8, the team achieved a speed of 171.123 mph on regular diesel and 182 mph on B20 biodiesel.

At Pebble Beach

(August 19, 2011) PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. -- The back drop of the Pacific; the fascination for the automobile, old and new; people packed in like the sardines that made Monterey famous and you have a picture of what is taking place this week surrounding America’s most famous Concours d’Elegance.

For years automotive manufacturers have used the focus of the Concours to turn it into a mini motor show. This week is no different as Lotus, Infiniti and Lexus among others have taken advantage of the hoopla and the presence of automotive media to showcase some new cars, classics and concepts.

Morgan working with two companies to build electric supercars

(August 20, 2011) A new, high-performance electric sports car prototype is being developed by the Morgan Motor Company and a consortium of British technology specialists. The Morgan +E program will deliver two engineering concept vehicles early in 2012.

Both will be based on a development of the proven Aero Supersport’s aluminum chassis with the 4.8 liter BMW V8 replaced by a new derivative of Zytek’s high power-density electric powertrain driving through a conventional manual gearbox.