By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(July 20, 2015) Though it looks a bit like one of the designs that did not make the cut for VW’s  new-generation Euro Passat sedan, this is a Renault. Called the Talisman, it’s built off the largest version of the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s Common Module Family, the CMF-C/D. Launched in 2013 with the Nissan Rogue and X-Trial, the CMF-C/D platform also underpins the Nissan Qashqai, Renault Kadjar crossover and the latest Renault Espace MPV.

(July 19, 2015) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — To celebrate its rich sports car heritage, Nissan North America on July 17 hit the highway for the 28th Annual International Z Car Convention (ZCon), hosted each year by the Z Car Club Association. Nissan enthusiasts and road warriors are joining employees and VIPs for a 220-mile road trip from Nissan headquarters in Franklin, Tenn. to a Beale Street celebration in downtown Memphis.

The festivities began at 1 Nissan Way in Franklin, Tenn., for a casual "cars and coffee" gathering prior to departure through the byways of middle and west Tennessee.

(July 18, 2015) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Mercury Nashville recording artist Easton Corbin has partnered with Ram Trucks to debut a new song titled “Let’s Ride.” The song, inspired by Ram trucks, will be featured in commercials, music videos, on streaming music services and an upcoming country music compilation album.
 
Ram, which has aligned with Corbin on various initiatives since 2012, extended its relationship with him to feature the song in a new Ram Truck television campaign celebrating the warm, fun evenings of summer. Two 30-second ads, “Summer Nights” and “Carnival,” are airing across the country in July and August as part of this campaign.

(July 17, 2015) ROCKLEIGH, N.J.  — Volvo Cars of North America will be importing only 265 S60 and V60 Polestar vehicles for model year 2016. Cars will start to arrive on U.S. shores this summer, with 60% of the allocation expected to be V60s and 40% to be S60s.

Polestar engineers made over 70 modifications and upgrades to the original S60 and V60, resulting in an impressive performance vehicle that gives the driver optimal control in all roads and conditions.