July 2014

Dissecting the all-new global Ford Edge

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(July 7, 2014) The all-new 2015 Ford Edge is the first that owes nothing to the Mazda6. From its launch in 2006, the Edge has been one of Ford’s best selling sport utilities and its leading crossover. Though nominally a Ford Fusion underneath, that car shared its underpinnings with Mazda’s then-new midsize sedan, which was a Japanese (i.e., less expensive) interpretation of Ford of Europe’s Mondeo midsize sedan.

Taking the 2015 Subaru Outback to task in Oregon's high desert

By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(July 6, 2014) I'm not the kind of guy who gets jaded after years and years of being entertained and informed by car companies. In many respects, I still approach most media car launches wide eyed and full of anticipation. After more than 25 years, I still love what I do and appreciate when carmakers include me in their events.

BMW to build new plant in Mexico with $1 billion investment

(July 4, 2014) MEXICO CITY — The BMW Group will spent about $1 billion to build a new plant in Mexico in close proximity to the city of San Luis Potosí. BMW says this move is in line with the company’s strategic policy of ensuring globally-balanced growth.

“Mexico is an ideal location for the BMW Group and will be another important plant within our production network. We will invest one billion US dollars in the new production site over the next few years. Production is planned to start in 2019 and during that year, the workforce will reach around 1,500 people,” said Harald Krueger, member of the BMW AG Board of Management, responsible for production.

Subaru recalling 660,000 vehicles in northern states

(July 4, 2014) Subaru of America has announced it is recalling more than 660,000 vehicles because of brake line rust that can result in leaking brake fluid. The Japanese automaker, a unit of Fuji Heavy Industries, said it is recalling the 2005-09 Outback and Legacy, 2008-11 Impreza and 2008-14 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-13 Forester sold or registered in “salt belt” states, where heavy road salt is used in the winter.

Dodge charges into second 100 years focused on performance roots

(July 4, 2014) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Dodge brand is tearing into its centennial year as America's mainstream performance brand, celebrating its 100th anniversary this week. With the purification of the brand and consolidation with SRT, Dodge is getting back to its performance roots with every single model it offers.

Florida electric golf cart maker achieves 105 miles on single charge

(July 3, 2014) GAINESVILLE, Fla. — citEcar Electric Vehicles, an electric vehicle manufacturer based out of Gainesville, has recently achieved 105 miles traveled on a single charge with their new model street legal electric golf car, the 6PR XLC. This record-breaking achievement tops the current electric golf cart industry average of 30 miles per charge by more than 350% percent.

All-new 2016 MX-5 Miata confirmed by Mazda

(July 3, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — This fall, 25 years of storied MX-5 Miata history will turn the page to unveil the beginning of its fourth chapter as the next-generation roadster will be rumor no more during simultaneous global events in Japan, Spain and the United States. 

On Sept. 3 speculation will shift into revelation during an exclusive event to be held in Monterey, Calif.

Cadillac Elmiraj wins top concept vehicle honors

(July 3, 2014) BERKLEY, Mich. — The winners of the 13th annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards have been announced. The Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG took the honor of 2014 Production Preview Vehicle of the Year. And Cadillac won the 2014 Concept Vehicle of the Year award with its Elmiraj Concept. It was also named Most Significant Concept.

Premium electric power steering enhances 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe

(July 2, 2014) DETROIT — Cadillac and ZF Lenksysteme, a leading supplier of automotive steering systems, have teamed to create world-class dynamic handling and steering for all models of the 2015 ATS.

Starting with the excellent mechanical steering system, the electronic power assist steering gives a wider range of assist, resulting in an communicative, well-weighted and responsive steering experience, said Kevin Woodward, global key account at ZF Lenksysteme.