May 2016

Porsche Classic Radio Navigation system now available in U.S., Canada

(May 31, 2016) ATLANTA — Porsche is responding to the growing demand for a built-in navigation device for vintage Porsche sports cars with its Porsche Classic Radio Navigation System. Following its successful market launch in Europe in February 2015, the Porsche Classic Radio Navigation System is now available in the USA and Canada.

Brose builds five millionth seat structure for Daimler, BMW

(May 31, 2016) SHANGHAI — Automotive supplier Brose has manufactured its five millionth front seat structure since the start of production in 2012 for a joint project between Daimler and BMW. By 2026 the mechatronics specialist will produce around 32 million structures. The premium manufacturers use the structures in various models such as the Mercedes C-Class and E-Class or the BMW 7 Series and 5 Series.

BMW Motorrad offering motorcycle emergency eCall system

(May 31, 2016) MUNICH, Germany —  Getting help to the scene of an accident or emergency as fast as possible can save lives. This applies especially to motorcyclists. For this reason BMW Motorrad has developed the optional “Intelligent Emergency Call” system which is intended to get help to the accident or emergency scene as fast as possible.

Mazda3 production reaches 5 million mark since its inception in June 2003

(May 31, 2016) HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that the total production volume of the Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan) reached five million units at the end of April. The Mazda3 sets a new record for Mazda by achieving the milestone figure in only 12 years and 10 months since production of the model began in June 2003.

GMC introduces Yukon SLT Premium Edition

(May 30, 2016) ELKHART LAKE, Wis. – GMC has announced the 2016 Yukon SLT Premium Edition — a chrome-trimmed special model offering a premium, personalized appearance on SLT models. It goes on sale this summer, offered on Yukon and Yukon XL models.

Forget horsepower, Toyota Indiana plant powered by people

(May 30, 2016) PRINCETON, Ind. — Over the past 20 years, Toyota Indiana has built 4.45 million vehicles. But it isn’t the planning, engineering, problem solving or high-pace of the assembly line that stands out to Norm Bafunno, the plant’s president. It’s the people.

Hitachi-Honda technology combats drunk driving

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(May 30, 2016) If Hitachi and Honda have their way, driving drunk will become much more difficult in the near future. The companies have developed a portable breathalyzer that can be integrated into a smart key with a footprint about the size of a small smartphone. In addition, the unit is tamper-resistant, can distinguish human breath from other vapors, and returns an accurate reading of alcohol levels within three seconds.

New Mazda CX-9 lights the way with class-exclusive standard LED lighting

(May 29, 2016) When is a headlight more than just a headlight? When it pierces through the night, letting oncoming traffic know exactly what you’re driving without having to see any other part of the vehicle. When it’s as much a status symbol as it is a safety system. And when it comes equipped on the 2016 Mazda CX-9, the only non-luxury midsize, three-row crossover SUV with standard LED headlights and tail lights.

2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO takes the supercar to the next level

(May 28, 2016) NÜRBURGRING, Germany — The new 2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO this week made its world debut at the famous Nürburgring race course, known as one of the longest and most challenging race tracks in the world. This is also the place where the Nissan GT-R's potent performance was honed, tuned and developed.

Nine pace cars trace the history of Camaro and the Indianapolis 500

(May 28, 2016) INDIANAPOLIS — Among the milestones surrounding the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 this weekend is Chevrolet’s legacy as the official pace car — an honor it has held more than any other manufacturer. A unique version of the new 2017 Camaro SS 50th Anniversary Edition will lead the field on Sunday driven by motorsports legend Roger Penske.