December 2015

Acura Precision Concept points to future design direction

(December 19, 2015) TORRANCE, Calif. — Acura will unveil the Acura Precision Concept at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 12. Created by the Acura Design Studio in California, the Acura Precision Concept will help set the direction for future Acura design; in particular, the next generation of performance-luxury sedans.

"The Acura Precision Concept will signal the stronger and sharper focus of Acura styling on our core DNA we call 'precision crafted performance'," said Dave Marek, global creative director for the Acura brand.

Harold takes the 2015 Nissan Titan for a spin

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(December 18, 2015) Harold Gunn drives a 2015 Nissan Titan 4X4 and compiles a long list of attributes. This may be a good time to pick up a brand new truck as dealers will be offering incentives to get the '15 models off the lot as the all-new 2016 Titan reaches showrooms.

Harold discovers that the outgoing Titan has a lot going for it including a robust V-8 engine. New owners will find a spacious and functional cabin with easy-to-use controls. Nissan has made most of the buying decisions for you with just one engine, two body styles, one bed length and the choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.

Vauxhall gives extra pick-up to UK's fastest pickup

LUTON, England — Vauxhall only sells one pick up vehicle these days, and while our rivals will wow you with improvements in emissions and fuel economy in a CV’s new model year, our offering — the new Maloo LSA — is more likely to impress with the arrival of its all-new, supercharged 6.2-liter, 529 horsepower V-8.

MyChevrolet mobile app unlocks vehicles' full potential

(December 18, 2015) DETROIT — Chevrolet will debut an enhanced version of the myChevrolet mobile app at CES 2016 that allows convenient control and management of the vehicle. The services currently available through the myChevrolet and OnStar RemoteLink apps will be combined in 2016 to offer customers easier mobile access to roadside assistance, parking reminders, owner’s manual content, vehicle diagnostics, Wi-Fi hotspot management and key fob commands such as remote start and door unlock. 

Lotus reveals fast and agile Exige Sport 350 in video

(December 18, 2015) As the ultimate incarnation of the world famous Exige, Lotus has revealed the Sport 350, the latest version of the class-leading and award winning sports car, that’s lighter and faster than ever before.

The 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine generates 345 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4500rpm, offering scintillating, progressive power to the road, while revised suspension tuning and wheel geometry contribute to un-matched vehicle dynamics and steering precision.

BMW marks 100 years with introduction of performance models in Detroit

(December 18, 2015) BMW is set to enter its anniversary year of 2016 on a powerful note. With the centenary of its founding just around the corner, the company is using the North American International Auto Show in Detroit from Jan. 11 – 24 to host the world premieres of the new BMW M2 and BMW X4 M40i performance models.

Mercedes-Benz SLC roadster launches this spring as successor to SLK

(December 17, 2015) Twenty years after defining a new segment, the new SLC will launch in the spring of 2016. With significantly optimized technology and an enhanced look, the name change acknowledges the traditionally close relationship with the C-Class, from which much of the roadster’s technology is derived.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLC has an impressive heritage to live up to: its predecessor, the SLK, which was launched in 1996, achieved sales of around 670,000 units.

Mazda rated most fuel-efficient automaker in the U.S. by EPA

(December 17, 2015) WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noted in its most recent Light Duty Fuel Economy Trends report that Mazda Motor Corporation is the most fuel-efficient auto manufacturer in the U.S.  With the highest fleet-wide adjusted fuel economy performance of 29.4 miles per gallon, and the lowest CO2 emissions of 328, Mazda led the chart for model year 2014.

For the third consecutive year, Mazda has achieved the highest fuel efficiency of any other mainstream automotive manufacturer in the industry, without offering a hybrid or electric vehicle.

45th anniversary Barrett-Jackson auction to feature collectible Porsches

(December 16, 2015) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.— Barrett-Jackson, will auction an impressive group of collectible Porsche sports cars during the company’s nine-day 45th Anniversary auction, Jan. 23-31, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. The group of German sports cars crossing the block includes a rare Weissach Edition 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder, a Porsche 911 Speedster and a 930 Turbo, as well as two Porsche 356s.

Ford to begin autonomous vehicle testing on California roads

(December 16, 2015) PALO ALTO, Calif. — Fully autonomous Ford Fusion Hybrid sedans are taking to California streets next year, as Ford Research and Innovation Center Palo Alto continues growing. Ford is officially enrolled in the California Autonomous Vehicle Tester Program to test autonomous vehicles on public roads.

The testing is further advancement of Ford’s 10-year autonomous vehicle development program and a key element of Ford Smart Mobility, the plan to take the company to the next level in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics.