June 2016

GMC leads industry with new rear seat reminder

(June 14, 2016) DETROIT — Life moves fast. There are a million things on everyone’s mind, and sometimes even the most organized among us need a little help remembering everything. The all-new 2017 GMC Acadia is helping to address this issue with the Rear Seat Reminder, a new, industry-first feature designed to remind drivers to check the back seat as they exit their vehicle under certain circumstances.

Mulally among four to be inducted into Automotive Hall of Fame

(June 13, 2016) DETROIT — Four people will be inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame at ceremonies in July. Former Ford CEO Alan Mulally and consumer activist Ralph Nader will join Bertha Benz, the wife and business partner of Carl Benz, who invented the automobile, and engineer Roy Lunn as the latest inductees.

The four inductees will be honored at the hall's 2016 induction and awards ceremony on July 21 at Cobo Center in Detroit.

Acura NSX supercar to make its North American racing debut at Pikes Peak

(June 13, 2016) TORRANCE, Calif. — Acura will field a pair of 2017 Acura NSX supercars in the 100th anniversary of the running of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb on June 26, marking the North American racing debut of Acura's next-generation NSX. The two Acura NSX supercars will compete in the Time Attack 1 and 2 classes and will be piloted by brothers James and Nick Robinson, respectively, both from the company's North American engineering team.

Cooling the Acura NSX supercar

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(June 13, 2016) In order to gain superior downforce and efficient cooling, Acura NSX aerodynamicist and Cooling Project Leader Thomas Ramsay and his team used computational fluid dynamics simulations and wind tunnel testing of 40 percent scale models to optimize the car’s shape.

'Vee Dubs' to join UK Simply VW event on June 26

(June 12, 2016) HAMPSHIRE, England — "Vee Dubs" of every type are invited to join the great day out for Volkswagen fans and visitors at Beaulieu’s second Simply VW on Sunday 26th June. Sponsored by Breeze Volkswagen Group, the celebration of this much-loved German marque will return with a varied line-up of Volkswagen models, both classic and modern.

Campers and commercials, from the iconic Type 2 to the latest T6, will form the backbone of the display, with additional saloons, hatches and sports cars.

Aston Martin's special deal: Lease 2016 DB9 GT for just $2,500 a month

(June 12, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — Aston Martin is celebrating the start of summer with the announcement of a special lease rate for the iconic Aston Martin DB9 GT. Throughout June, customers in the US can drive away in a new 2016 DB9 GT for just under $2,500 per month, with a lease provided through Ally Financial.

Toyota ready to catch some rays in Plano

(June 11, 2016) PLANO, Texas — It might not be the sunshine state, but Texas gets its fair share of sun.  And when Toyota moves into its new North American headquarters next year, the automaker plans to “catch a ray.” Enter Toyota’s Plano solar power system. The approximately 7.75-megawatt system will be the largest corporate office on-site solar installation among non-utility companies in the state of Texas. In total, the system is expected to provide approximately 25 percent of the power needed for the new headquarters campus.

Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 to roll out in U.S. market in early 2017

(June 10, 2016) ATLANTA, Ga. — New for the 2017 model year, the Mercedes-Benz G550 4x4 will join Mercedes-Benz family of SUVs in the United States starting at $120,000. The 4x4 is the most capable G-Class ever, boasting innovative portal axles, three locking differentials, a ground clearance of more than 17 inches and a 4.0L Biturbo V8. The G550 4x4will be available in U.S. dealerships beginning in early 2017.

Audi's worldwide sales increase by 6.7 percent in May

(June 10, 2016) Audi sold 164,150 cars to customers in May, representing a global increase of 6.7 percent year on year. With their new model generations, growth for the A4 sedan and the A4 Avant reached 16.2 percent. The new Q7 full-size SUV also continued its successful start, up 79.6 percent in May.

For the entire model lineup, Audi sales increased in all of the brand’s three key regions – by 9.7 percent in Europe, by 5.7 percent in Asia-Pacific and by 3.8 percent in North America. Worldwide deliveries since January rose to around 784,250, up 5.3 percent compared with the same period in 2015.

Postal Service to release four vintage pickup truck stamps on July 15

(June 10, 2016) The United States Postal Service is issue four new pickup truck stamps on July 15. The stamps will become available at 1 p.m. at the New York State Fairgrounds horticultural center in Syracuse. The Postal Service calls the vintage trucks the "rugged and reliable work vehicles that Americans have driven for nearly a century." The stamps feature four iconic models: the 1938 International Harvester D-2, the 1948 Ford F-1, the 1953 Chevrolet, and the 1965 Ford F-100.