April 2013

Cadillac ELR puts energy control at driver’s fingertips

(April 12, 2013) DETROIT — Paddle shifters take on new meaning in the Cadillac ELR, the brand’s first electric vehicle with extended range capability that goes on sale in early 2014. Unlike traditional performance vehicles where the steering wheel-mounted paddles allow drivers to upshift and downshift the mechanical transmission, Cadillac ELR’s paddle shifters enable the driver to temporarily regenerate energy and store it as electricity in the battery pack for later use.

Aston Martin will be first to race with hydrogen-powered car

(April 12, 2013) Aston Martin is ripping up the record books at the 41st ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgring next month as the famous British sports car brand is to race a pioneering hybrid hydrogen car.

Ford launches new fuel-efficient 1.5-Liter EcoBoost engine

(April 12, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford has announced a new 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine will join its lineup of powertrains. The 1.5-liter engine is a key strategic entry for Ford, as the company works to meet strong global demand for its four-cylinder EcoBoost engines.

Updated 2014 Audi R8 and R8 Spyder now on sale

(April 12, 2013) Offering uncompromised performance and unmistakable design, the new 2014 Audi R8 model represents the pinnacle of Audi performance with the top up or down. The R8 has established itself as an icon in the short time since its introduction in 2008. The new 2014 Audi R8 is more dynamic and powerful than ever and went on sale April 11.

Joy Rainey to make 2,826-mile trek across U.S. in 1904 Oldsmobile

(April 11, 2013) LONDON — Joy Rainey, a regular participant in the Royal Automobile Club's London to Brighton Veteran Car Run each November, will begin an epic 2,826-mile journey across the U.S. on Saturday, April 13. At 8 a.m. Joy will be flagged away by the Mayor of Oceanside, California, to drive from Los Angeles to Daytona Beach, Fla., in her 1904 Curved Dash Oldsmobile to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Japanese companies have massive recall over airbag issue

(April 11, 2013) Japanese automakers including Toyota, Nissan and Honda are recalling about 3.4 million vehicles worldwide built between November 200 and March 2004 due to defective airbags supplied by Takata Corp.

Toyota is recalling about 1.73 million vehicles, including 580,000 vehicles in North America and 490,000 vehicles in Europe. Honda is recalling about 1.14 million vehicles, while Nissan said it may call back 480,000 vehicles. Mazda said it recalled 45,463 units.

GM to Invest $5.2 billion in Opel’s future through 2016

(April 11, 2013) The General Motors board of directors used its meeting in Rüsselsheim on Wednesday to underscore its commitment to Opel and Germany. This commitment was manifested in the approval of a comprehensive investment program: GM will invest 4 billion euros ($5.2 billion) in Germany and Europe through 2016.

Ford Explorer production goes international in Russia

(April 11, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — As demand for utility vehicles increases around the world, the Ford Explorer is being produced from the ground up outside of the United States for the first time in the iconic SUV’s history.

Virtual reality helps make Chevy Impala roomier for real

(April 10, 2013) DETROIT — When professional basketball players and other big-and-tall customers asked Chevrolet for more space and a more comfortable ride in the all-new 2014 Impala, engineers used the latest high-tech tools – including a spaciousness calculator — to create more leg and head room and larger storage areas.

Nissan Leaf continues to be a hit in Norway

(April 10, 2013) No country has sold more Nissan Leaf models per capita than Norway, with the world's first mass production electric vehicle taking 1.7 percent of all vehicle sales in 2012, its first full year on sale. The country has embraced zero emission mobility like no other. The multi-award winning Nissan Leaf was Norway's 13th best selling new car with almost 2,298 examples registered in 2012.