October 2014

Vandemonium: Five aftermarket shops design customized Ford Transits

(November 1, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — The first-ever all-new 2015 Ford Transit custom vans will debut at this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas. Five Transit project vehicles were crafted to showcase the van’s toughness and flexibility for customers looking for a vehicle that can fit a variety of needs — from high-tech luxury limo to sport exhibitions to off-road adventure.

Lister success drives plans for expansion and new hypercar project

(October 31, 2014) CAMBRIDGE, England — Re-launched at the end of 2013, just at the turn of its 60th anniversary year, The Lister Motor Company has enjoyed an unprecedented return to sports car manufacturing, rapidly taking orders for its anniversary "Knobbly" sports racing cars from customers keen to buy into the heritage of one the most historic and significant of all the British sports and racing car manufacturers.

Porsche revenue and profit up in first nine months of 2014

(October 31, 2014) ATLANTA —  Porsche continued on its successful course during the first nine months of 2014, with deliveries, revenue, and profit continuing to grow. A total of 135,642 delivered sports cars represented an increase of 13 percent. Revenue grew by 17 percent to 12.24 billion euros and operating profit rose by 2 percent to 1.93 billion euros.

At 21,950 employees, staff count also reached a new high. A year ago the number of people working at Porsche was 18,882. The year-over-year growth is 16 percent.

Scion tC transformed with new Release Series 9.0

(October 31, 2014) TORRANCE, Calif. — Vibrant magma orange and designer details transform the new Scion tC Release Series 9.0 into a driver’s show car. Scion joined forces with Jeremy Lookofsky of Cartel Customs to create the limited edition, two-tone version of the sports coupe.

Sixth annual Collector Car Appreciation Day to be celebrated July 10

(October 30, 2014) The SEMA Action Network (SAN) announced that the next Collector Car Appreciation Day will be celebrated on July 10, 2015. The date will mark the sixth consecutive commemoration in what is now an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.
 

2016 Ford Explorer to debut at 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show

(October 30, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford has confirmed it will reveal its new 2016 Ford Explorer at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The new Ford Explorer goes on sale next year in North America, arriving in time to celebrate 25 years as the best-selling midsize SUV in the United States.

Nearly 7 million Explorers have been sold here since the vehicle debuted in 1990 and popularized the SUV.

BMW to reveal new X5 M and X6 M performance crossovers in L.A.

(October 30, 2014) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW has revealed details on its all-new  high-performance crossovers, the 2015 BMW X5 M and X6 M. Both models will officially debut at the L.A. Auto Show in November.

When the previous generation of the two vehicles arrived in 2009, it was the first time the high-performance character distilled by BMW M GmbH had been transplanted into an all-wheel-drive BMW X model. The result was class-leading dynamics. The new BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M pull no punches in writing the next chapter in this success story with another significant step forward in dynamic excellence, distinct M design and outstanding efficiency.

1957 Chevy wagon stripped of its manhood



This 1957 Chevrolet station wagon has been stripped of its manhood (i.e. engine) and has been left to rust into oblivion behind an auto repair shop. The '57 Chevy is one of the most sought-after classic cars. It was available in two-and four-door sedan formats, two- and four-door hardtop, convertible, station wagon and delivery vehicle. It came with a choice of an inline 6 and two V-8 engines making 140, 162 and 185 horsepower respectively. More than 1.5 million copes were sold. (Photo by Ralph Gable)

Driving a Toyota trio along the beaches of North Florida

By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell


(October 30, 2014)  I'm not the kind of guy who is often overwhelmed by sensory overload. I can multitask with the best of them. Well, I'd much rather attack one thing at a time, but, when push comes to shove, I've been known to keep a few balls in the air. All of my juggling skills came into play at the recent Toyota media event for the 2015 Sienna, Camry and Yaris in Ponte Vedra, just outside Jacksonville, Fla.

GM Invests $63 million in Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant

(October 29. 2014) LANSING, Mich. — General Motors will start construction on a $63-million expansion of the Lansing Delta Township facility, part of the nearly $300 million in Michigan-based investments that GM CEO Mary Barra referenced in a speech Tuesday at the Detroit Economic Club.

The expansion will add nearly 263,000 square feet to the facility that produces the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave large crossovers.