June 2014

Nissan and PlayStation reveal future vision

(June 16, 2014) NASHVILLE. Tenn. — Nissan today lifts the virtual covers off the NISSAN CONCEPT 2020 Vision Gran Turismo, a vision of what a high performance Nissan could look like in the future. It was created through close collaboration with the creators of Gran Turismo, Polyphony Digital Inc., the legendary PlayStation driving franchise.

NISSAN CONCEPT 2020 Vision Gran Turismo began life as dream project for Nissan designers who were given free rein to create their dream supercar for their own Gran Turismo fantasy garage.

Volkswagen has record worldwide sales while U.S. sales lag

(June 16, 2014) WOLFSBURG, Germany — While sales continue to sag in the U.S., Volkswagen is experiencing record success worldwide. For the first five months of 2013, the Volkswagen Group delivered 4.11 million vehicles exceeding the 4 million mark for the first time in history.

The company handed over 864,600 units to customers in May, a 5.9 percent increase over May 2013.

Audi RS5 wins 'Convertible of Year' honors at 'Topless in Miami'

(June 16, 2014) KEY BISCAYNE — The 2014 Audi RS5 earned top honors as “Convertible of the Year” in the Southern Automotive Media Association’s fourth annual “Topless in Miami” convertible competition last week.  
It was the second time the German luxury automaker has claimed top honors in the competition that draws the best drop-tops manufacturers from around the world have to offer.

The attainable supercar: Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe arriving this summer

(June 15, 2014) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Alfa Romeo says it is taking the supercar segment by storm "offering the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C coupe at a fraction of the price of other exotic supercars, thanks to groundbreaking Italian design and a unique set of technological solutions that are authentic and fully respect the brand’s DNA and motorsport tradition."

Ford Explorer gets updates for 2015

(June 14, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Explorer brings new options to utility vehicle customers for 2015, including a sport-inspired appearance package that raises the bar on comfort and technology without breaking the bank, as well as new colors and features.

“Customers asked for more and this is our answer,” said Matt Zuehlk, Ford Explorer brand manager. “We know consumers love the look of Explorer Sport; with this package, you get that for Explorer XLT. It looks bold and rugged, and offers impressive technology at a surprising value.”

Learning to love the Cadillac CTS

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(June 14, 2014) Until the 2014 version, I was never a fan of Cadillac’s CTS. What entered the market in 2002 as a BMW 5 Series-sized car for the price of a 3 Series has become a 5 Series competitor at a 5 Series price. The CTS is more mature, well-rounded and competitive than at any time in the history of the nameplate.

GM recalling all current-generation Camaros for ignition problem

(June 13, 2014) DETROIT – General Motors will recall all 511,528 current generation Chevrolet Camaros sold in the U.S. because a driver’s knee can bump the key FOB and cause the key to inadvertently move out of the “run” position, with a corresponding reduction or loss of power. Another 46,816 sold in other markets are also affected.

The issue, which may primarily affect drivers sitting close to the steering column, was discovered by GM during internal testing following the ignition switch recall earlier this year.

Two original Shelby GT350 Mustang prototypes to meet in Tulsa

(June 13, 2014) More than three decades after taping a full-page ad ripped from a 1965 car magazine above his bunk on an Alaskan crab boat, Mark Hovander is touring the country this year with the same Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang pictured on that page. Hovander and his crosstown friend John Atzbach are big fans of the first-generation Shelby Mustang, and between them they own two of the three original prototypes.

Ford lowers fuel economy ratings for six vehicles

(June 13, 2014) Ford announced Thursday (June 12) it is lowering the fuel economy ratings for its 2013- and 2014-model year hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as most 2014-model year Fiestas. Ford identified an error with fuel economy ratings on certain vehicles through its internal testing and notified EPA. The company worked with EPA as the agency retested the vehicles to determine the correct fuel economy ratings.

Portland becomes test bed for Nissan e-NV200 electric vehicle

(June 12, 2014) PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland, already a top breeding ground for electric vehicle sales, is now the proving ground for Nissan’s prototype electric commercial vehicle, the Nissan e-NV200.

Nissan is working in collaboration with Portland General Electric (PGE) on a six-week trial to help determine the viability of an electric commercial vehicle in the U.S market. PGE has assigned the e-NV200 into its fleet of vehicles with an underground crew, replacing a larger, diesel-powered van.