November 2015

Volkswagen denies latest diesel cheating allegations

(November 3, 2015) Volkswagen Group has denied new diesel-cheating allegations by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) setting up a new fight with U.S. regulators that could prolong a scandal that threatens to weigh it down for another year or more, according to Bloomberg News.

More than 10,000 Volkswagen Group vehicles in the U.S. including Audi and Porsche models have been found with illegal software that masked higher emissions than allowed by law, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said in a statement on Monday.

Mazda reveals extreme lightweight design concepts at 2015 SEMA

(November 3, 2015) LAS VEGAS — Mazda revealed two design concepts today at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, based on its all-new 2016 MX-5 Miata — MX-5 Spyder and MX-5 Speedster — demonstrating two vastly different takes on lightweight, open-air performance.

Lightweight. Fun-to-drive. Roadster. Those three tenets have served as the foundation for the Mazda MX-5 Miata since its 1989 introduction and continue to serve the new fourth-generation model. Focused, lightweight engineering is a guiding principle of every Mazda vehicle made with SKYACTIV Technology, allowing for greater efficiency, improved performance and agile handling dynamics.

Vintage 1967 Chevy Nova 2.0-liter packs a modern punch

(November 2, 2015) LAS VEGAS — Demonstrating the evolution of high-performance and the latest in crate-engine technology, Chevrolet’s turbocharged 1967 Nova 2.0 is a contemporary hot rod with timeless style.

Chevrolet Performance engineers built the car to showcase the “LTG” direct-injected 2.0-liter turbo crate engine as an alternative to conventional V-8 conversions. Rated at 272 horsepower, it offers comparable power to the 275-hp 327 (5.3L) V-8 originally offered in the ’67 Nova SS — and more than the 195-hp 283 (4.6L) V-8 also offered in the Chevy II Nova lineup.

2016 Cadillac CT6 range-topping sedan to launch in March

(November 2, 2015) DETROIT — Cadillac to extend the top of its range with the 2016 Cadillac Touring 6 sedan, which begins production in Detroit in January, with initial shipments to dealers in March. Through the integration of new technologies, the first-ever Cadillac CT6 creates a new formula for the range-topping sedan and substantially expands the Cadillac portfolio.

Dateline Tokyo — Concentrating on seven important reveals

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(November 2, 2015) The Tokyo Motor Show is the home room for the weird, the wacky and the wild. It is a reflection of the people who inhabit the island, and a place where technology fuses with unfettered imagination. This year’s show was no different, though it did spawn more than a few production worthy concepts.

Porsche recalling Macan vehicles for fuel line issue

(November 1, 2015) ATLANTA — Porsche is conducting a recall of 58,881 Macan S and Macan Turbo vehicles around the world, of which 21,835 are in the United States and 3,490 are in Canada. The reason for this move is a possible leak in the low-pressure fuel line inside the engine compartment.

The line will be replaced in the workshop. Porsche says this is a purely precautionary measure, as there have been no reports of accidents or injuries as a result of this concern.

The all-new Honda Civic and two bottles of Slow Hand Six Woods Whiskey

By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(November 1, 2015) I'm not the kind of guy to hold a grudge. Well, not usually. There is that kid who sucker punched me in second grade over some sort of playground teeter-totter dispute. If I ever run into her again, she'll get a stern talking to. But, generally, I try to look ahead and not into the rearview mirror. So when, after years of not being invited to Honda Civic media-launch events, Honda did include me in its recent media first-drive of the Civic in the Los Angeles area, I jumped at the opportunity.