April 2016

Bentley launches new GT Speed, new Black Edition

(April 5, 2016) CREWE, England — Bentley has unveiled the revised Continental GT Speed, raising the bar even further in terms of exclusivity and performance. The fastest production Bentley ever, with a top speed of 206 mph, now delivers even more power and torque, and a striking new Black Edition model joins the Speed family.

Toyota launches Toyota Connected to expand data services development

(April 5, 2016) PLANO, TEXAS — Toyota has announced that it will launch Toyota Connected, Inc. to significantly expand the company’s capabilities in the fields of data management and data services development. The new company will serve as a data science hub for Toyota’s global operations and will support a broad range of consumer-, business- and government- facing initiatives. 
 

Queen's Bentley Mulsanne limousine on sale for £200,000

(April 5, 2016) LONDON — The Queen’s Bentley Mulsanne limousine has gone on sale for just under £200,000 on Auto Trader. This rolling piece of history was reserved for exclusive use by the Monarch during a two-year period from 2012 to 2014 when the Bentley was retired from Royal duties.

The Mulsanne was pressed into service by the Queen during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations and for a unique visit to 10 Downing Street where she attended her first-ever cabinet meeting with Prime Minister, David Cameron, who greeted her on her arrival.

Ford employs specially trained 'engine listeners' in UK

(April 4, 2016) BRENTWOOD, Essex — From wine tasting to tuning concert pianos, sometimes there is no substitute for the human senses when it comes to ensuring products meet the most stringent quality tests. Now you can add engine production to that list.

In a world where product testing is increasingly carried out using high-tech devices, Ford has found that for certain tests, nothing beats a good set of ears to help ensure the all-new Focus RS hot hatch achieves optimum performance.

Kia Motors America launches UVO Luxury Services In 2016 K900

(April 4, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — Kia Motors today announced the next iteration of the company's innovative UVO infotainment and telematics system, known as UVO Luxury Services.  Exclusive to the 2016 K900, UVO Luxury Services includes premium features and functions, such as local search by Google, remote vehicle command and control and a dealership appointment system, all powered by LTE connectivity.

2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC — New name, new dynamic

(April 4, 2016) STUTTGART — To coincide with its 20-year anniversary, the archetypal SLK compact roadster is to be relaunched in U.S. showrooms this month with a new name — the SLC — as well as significantly optimized technology and an enhanced look. The name change acknowledges the roadster's close relationship with the C-Class.

Subaru reports best first-quarter sales in company history

(April 3, 2016) CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Subaru of America has reported record sales for March 2016 totaling 49,285 vehicles, a supply-constrained 0.4 percent gain over March 2015. The company also reported year-to-date sales of 132,397 vehicles, a 0.9 percent gain over the same period in 2015.

March marked the 25th consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales for the company, as well as the best first quarter in the history of the Subaru franchise.

Volvo shows another double digit sales gain in March

(April 3, 2016) ROCKLEIGH, N.J. — Volvo Car USA reported U.S. sales of 6,857 vehicles, a 15.9 percent increase versus March 2015. The ninth month of double digit growth was led by the award winning XC90 luxury SUV with 3,000 vehicles sold. Year-to-date sales are up 19.2 percent.

“Our sales streak is certainly something we are proud of, led by the acclaimed XC90,” said Lex Kerssemakers, president and CEO of Volvo Car USA.

BMW offering demo motorcycle rides at Circuit of the Americas

(April 3, 2016) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — For the first time, BMW Motorrad USA will roll out its demo truck and separate display at the upcoming MotoGP races, April 8-10, at Circuit of The Americas outside of downtown Austin, Texas. Attendees can sign up for demo rides at the demo truck.

The BMW Motorrad USA demo area display will showcase 2016 BMW motorcycle models and apparel. BMW Motorrad Motorsports advisor and factory test rider Nate Kern will also be on hand to share his expertise on the BMW S 1000 RR superbike.

Challenger Hellcat — The sweet sound when flexing your muscles

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica

(April 3, 2016) I spent the last week driving the tumultuous 707-horsepower supercharged license-loser Dodge Challenger Hellcat. It’s street legal and so powerful, you can expect to turn the quarter mile at the drag strip in close to 11 seconds at just over 125 mph on Pirelli P Zero summer tires. Swap for drag radials and you’ll record times in the 10-second range.