February 2015

Ford grows vehicle market share in Europe in January

(February 18, 2015) COLOGNE, Germany — Driven by strong customer demand for its new vehicles — including the all-new Mondeo now being rolled out to Ford dealerships across Europe — Ford’s sales and market share in Europe continued to grow in January.

Total sales of Ford vehicles in its 20 traditional European markets totaled 88,700 in January, an increase of 9.8 percent on the same period last year, and outpacing industry growth of 6.5 percent. Ford’s total vehicle market share rose 0.2 percentage points to 7.7 percent.

Special SL Roadster celebrates 60th anniversary of Mille Miglia

(February 18, 2015) STUTTGART, Germany — Mercedes-Benz celebrates the 60th anniversary of a memorable motor racing success with an extraordinary special model of the SL Roadster. Its name commemorates the unexpected victory of a 300 SL in the production sports cars class at the 1955 "Mille Miglia," one of the world's most challenging long-distance races.

What's more the SL Special Edition "Mille Miglia 417" provides a special experience of the unique symbiosis of maximum comfort and motor racing spirit that traditionally characterizes every SL.

The height of opulence — Mercedes introduces Maybach Pullman

(February 18, 2015) GENEVA — The 50th birthday of the best-known Pullman sedan of them all, the Mercedes-Benz 600, is set to coincide with a special debut at the Geneva Motor Show — the launch of the new Pullman. Mercedes-Maybach's second model will assume the top-of-the-range position, with vis-à-vis seating in the passenger compartment and high-end automotive luxury that is traditionally associated with Maybach.

Lotus reveals the all-new Evora 400

(February 18, 2015) LONDON — The new Lotus Evora 400 is the latest pure and focused supercar from Lotus, combining high performance with the legendary Lotus benchmark handling. It is faster and dynamically more capable than the previous Lotus Evora leading to greater agility and a more involving drive.

Lexus LF-SA concept to make world debut in Geneva

(February 17, 2015) GENEVA — Lexus will reveal its all-new concept, the LF-SA, at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. An illustration of Lexus’ passion for upcoming design trends, the LF-SA concept explores unexpected territories for the brand in a bold and emotional execution.

In a future world which many people see as increasingly influenced by technology and virtual experiences, the LF-SA concept is also a driver-focused vehicle, reflecting Lexus’ vision that real  experience will remain ultimate luxury.

Rinspeed 'Budii' redefines human-machine interaction for autonomous driving

(February 17, 2015) GENEVA — The vision of autonomous driving will soon become reality and will fundamentally change the interaction of man and automobiles. While the research centers of the automotive industry are still feverishly working on the technical solutions, progressive thinkers such as the Swiss idea factory Rinspeed are already giving concrete thought to how automated private transport will transform the car and the man-machine system.

Fiat Chrysler sees 5.8 percent January sales increase in Europe

(February 17, 2015) LONDON — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles closed January with European sales up 5.8% year-over-year to more than 63,500 vehicles. The group outpaced the industry in nearly every major market with sales increasing 11.3% in Italy, 4% in Germany, 9.9% in France and 45.1% in Spain.

Audi reveals laser high-beam headlights for new R8

(February 17, 2015) INGOLSTADT, Germany — Audi is revealing the headlights of its new R8 as the first of a number of technology highlights of the top sports car. The R8 uses LED headlights which can be supplemented by a laser high‑beam lighting module as an option.

Kia Europe to unveil spacious new concept in Geneva, the Sportspace

(February 17, 2015) GENEVA — Created for long distance driving, the Sportspace has been designed for fast and efficient travel with maximum comfort and minimal stress, in the best grand touring tradition of the weekend getaway.

Cavallino Rampante, indeed — The Ferrari 488 GTB

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(February 17, 2015) This is the car that the Ford’s GT will go up against in 2016. Ferrari’s 488 GTB takes up where the 458 Italia left off, replacing the previous car’s naturally aspirated engine with a 660 hp/560 lb.-ft. 3902 cc V8 turbo.