January 2015

Elio Motors becomes first start-up to build engine from scratch in 60 years

(January 15, 2015) TROY, Mich. — For entrepreneur Paul Elio, founder and CEO of Elio Motors, there are no shortcuts on the way to developing a $6,800 commuter vehicle that will get up to 84 mpg. Even if it means becoming the first start-up vehicle company to build an engine from the ground up in more than 60 years.

Jaguar XE makes North American debut

(January 15, 2015) The all-new Jaguar XE compact entry-level luxury sedan made its first North American appearance earlier this week at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. What Jaguar calls a true driver's car, "the XE redefines the concept of the sports sedan thanks to its advanced lightweight construction, streamlined styling, luxurious interior, and outstanding ride and handling."

The XE goes on sale in 2015 in global markets and in 2016 in North America. The high-performance S model will be at the top of the global line-up at launch in 2015.

Google in talks with automakers to bring self-driving cars to market

(January 15, 2015) DETROIT — Chris Urmson, director of self-driving cars at Google, said this week at the Automotive News World Congress that the technology giant has started talks with most of the world's top automakers and assembled a team of global suppliers to speed its push to bring self-driving cars to market.

The suppliers named by Google included Bosch, which supplies power electronics and long-range radar to Google; ZF Lenksysteme, which supplies a new steering gear; LG Electronics, which supplies the batteries; plus Continental and Roush.

GM delivers its second consecutive year of record global sales

(January 15, 2015) DETROIT — General Motors is reporting its second consecutive year of record global sales. In 2014, the company and its dealers delivered 9,924,880 vehicles around the world, surpassing by 2 percent the record set in 2013.

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider revealed in Detroit

(January 14, 2015) The production version of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider has been unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, combining scintillating performance with open-top thrills and the unmistakable soundtrack of an Italian, performance-tuned engine and exhaust.

Ram 1500 Rebel makes a statement

(January 14, 2015) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The new 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel brings a one-of-a-kind off-road design to the full-size truck segment.
 
“Offering an off-road-style package on the Ram 1500 has been on our to-do list for some time but the right combination didn’t present itself until now,” said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand. “The Rebel drops right into a core segment of the truck market with unique design cues and can-do attitude backed by Ram Truck engineering.”
 

Rebirth of an icon: Next-generation Acura NSX unveiled

(January 13, 2015) DETROIT — Twenty-five years after the debut of the original, paradigm-shifting NSX supercar, Acura revealed the production version of its highly anticipated successor — the next-generation Acura NSX, developed and produced in the U.S. — to the world's auto media at the 2015 North American International Auto Show Monday. The production model, in a scintillating NSX red finish, took the stage with a growl from its twin-turbocharged engine.

New Audi Q7 lighter, more fuel efficient than outgoing model

(January 14, 2015) With the new Q7, Audi is setting standards in the premium SUV segment. It is 716 pounds less than the outgoing vehicle and the low center of mass make it extremely agile. At the same time, it is the most spacious car in its segment. Although the exterior dimensions have gotten smaller, it offers substantially more interior room for passengers and luggage.

Audi says its innovative assistance and infotainment systems take the SUV to the front of the pack. The efficient engines consume 26 percent less fuel on average. 

All-new Lincoln MKX promises new level of luxury

(January 14, 2015) DETROIT — The all-new Lincoln MKX is designed to attract a wide range of customers in the United States and beyond by offering more technology, engine choices and personalization options.

Lincoln MKX offers the first high-end Revel audio system in a vehicle, an available advanced 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine and two all-new available Lincoln Black Label limited-edition designer themes.

Volvo is banking on Chinese-built S60 Inscription to be a hit in U.S.

(January 14, 2015) DETROIT — Volvo Cars is stepping up to the plate yet again when it comes to delivering a luxury car experience with the launch of the S60 Inscription. Tailored to meet the discerning requirements of U.S. consumers, the S60 Inscription takes the S60 to a new level of comfort and rear passenger convenience, offering consumers 3.4 inches additional rear seat legroom, resulting in best-in-class rear accommodation.