November 2011

2013 Mustang gets styling tweaks, more V-8 horsepower

(November 18, 2011) LOS ANGELES — Ford Mustang gets even more street swagger for 2013 with a new design and a list of smart features that signal even more technology in the popular pony car.
 
“The new Mustang is the perfect example of continuing to build on excellence. It takes the greatness of the 5.0-liter and V-6 and pushes the refinement to the next level,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “The car has been spot-on functionally and now we’re adding more features and technology to further improve the driver’s experience.”

Sons reunite father with his '65 Chevy after two decades

(November 18, 2011) LOS ANGELES — Herb Younger thought his cherished 1965 Impala SS was out of his life forever when he sold it in the 1980s to pay for his children’s education. Now his car is back with him, an emotional reunion captured on video for all to see.

Chevrolet, keeping with its theme of showcasing authentic moments, created a 60-second TV spot and long-form online version of the real-life homecoming.

L.A. Auto Show loaded with new vehicles, new technologies

(November 16, 2011) LOS ANGELES — As a bright spot in the overall economy, the auto industry continues its momentum at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show, highlighted by more than 50 vehicle manufacturer debuts including more than 20 world debuts.

The auto show runs from Nov. 18 through Nov. 27 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Honda Civic Natural Gas named Green Car of the Year

(November 17, 2011) LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The all-new 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas — the only factory-built, CNG-powered car produced in America — was named 2012 Green Car of the Year at the Los Angeles Auto Show today.

The award was presented to Honda by the editors of Green Car Journal representing a diverse panel of environmental experts and automotive enthusiasts who annually select a single vehicle for its outstanding environmental performance.

Mitsubishi i ranked most fuel efficient in the EPA's annual Fuel Economy Guide

(November 17, 2011) CYPRESS, Calif. — Mitsubishi has announced that the company's 2012 Mitsubishi i electric vehicle has scored first-place honors on the EPA's list of "Fuel Economy Leaders: 2012 Model Year" in the governmental agency's annual Fuel Economy Guide.  It is EPA-rated 112 combined/126 city/99 highway MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).

Infiniti JX crossover to feature unique backup collision intervention

(November 17, 2011) LOS ANGELES — The 2013 Infiniti JX luxury, three-row, seven-passenger crossover featuring Infiniti's Backup Collision Intervention system, was unveiled today during a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Backup Collision Intervention system, the latest of many advanced safety and security systems brought to market first in recent years by Infiniti, will be available in the spring of 2012 on the all-new JX crossover.

Volkswagen Passat named Motor Trend 2012 Car of the Year

(November 17, 2011) Motor Trend magazine today named the Volkswagen Passat the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year.

The Motor Trend award is one of the premiere annual automotive awards in the U.S.

Chrysler plans $500 million upgrade to Toledo plant

(November 17, 2011) TOLEDO, Ohio — Chrysler has announced that it will invest $1.7 billion to support the development and production of the next generation Jeep SUV in 2013, including $500 million at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo. As a result, the company will add a second shift of production or about 1,100 jobs, bringing total employment at the complex to over 2,800.

Hyundai gives the Azera sedan new styling, new engine, new technology

(November 17, 2011) LOS ANGELES — The Azera was Hyundai's first truly entry-level near-luxury sedan when it was introduced in 2006. It was loaded with standard features, a healthy V-6 engine, and offered a sophisticated interior.

But in recent years the Azera was pushed into background, first with the more upscale Genesis in 2009 and the luxury Equus in 2010. The neglected sedan has become the worst selling Hyundai in the U.S. lineup with just 1,448 units sold through the first 10 months on 2011.

The new face of Lincoln displayed on 2013 MKS, MKT

(November 17, 2011) LOS ANGELES — Lincoln has freshened the MKS sedan and MKT crossover with new technology and engine tweaking, but the big news is a new grille that will point to the future. The two 2013 models were revealed today at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

While the new grille tones down the in-your-face look of the current models, it retains the same basic look, but with less extravagance retaining the shape and the vertical bars.