News archive

June 2016

Subaru bucks the May trend with record sales for the month

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(June 6, 2016) CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Subaru of America has reported record sales for May totaling 50,083 vehicles, a 1.1 percent gain over May 2015. The company also reported year-to-date sales of 232,860 vehicles, a 2.1 percent gain over the same period in 2015.

May marked the 27th consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales for the company, while May 31st marked the best-ever reporting day with 10,530 vehicles sold. Crosstrek sales were notably strong as the crossover achieved its best May ever.

GM delivers record 295,282 vehicles in China in May

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(June 6, 2016) SHANGHAI — General Motors and its joint ventures delivered a May record 295,282 vehicles in China, up 16.9 percent on an annual basis. Its Buick, Cadillac and Baojun brands, and SUV lineup reached all-time highs for deliveries as well in May.

“GM vehicle deliveries in China achieved robust growth in May,” said GM Executive Vice President and GM China President Matt Tsien. “While demand for our SUVs, MPVs and luxury vehicles remained strong, we also saw impressive demand for passenger car models such as the Buick Excelle GT.”

Austin Mini takes on Peking to Paris Motor Challenge

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(June 5, 2016) his year’s Peking to Paris Motor Challenge, billed as the world’s toughest endurance rally for classic and vintage cars, will feature a Mini for the first time in the event’s history. The 1972 Austin Mini 1000 has been entered as a last minute replacement for Car 34 after Paul and Chris Hartfield’s pre-war Packard wasn’t ready in time.

2017 Chevrolet Volt

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PHONEIX, Ariz. —  For 2017 Chevrolet has rolled out the second-generation Volt, a plug-in hybrid vehicle that extends the benefits of all-electric drive and eliminates range anxiety via the security of a range-extending gasoline powered engine when you need it. The first thing that strikes you about the new Volt is the attractive, conventional styling that eliminates any suggestion of a hybrid vehicle other than the electric fuel door on the front fender and upper and lower bright aluminum grille blades.

Gaining a new perspective on the Jeep Renegade

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By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(June 5, 2016) I didn’t know what to think about the Jeep Renegade. It’s not that I thought the cute ute was incapable of living up to the Jeep name. That worry was eliminated just after the concept was shown at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show when a Chrysler engineer admitted that a properly driven Trail Rated Renegade Trailhawk could make it through the Lyman Trail at the company’s Chelsea, Mich., proving ground. Given the muck and mess and elevation change found on this trail, that was high praise indeed.

How to make a donut by the Nissan 370Z NISMO

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(June 4, 2016) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In celebration of June 3 as #NationalDonutDay, Formula Drift icon Chris Forsberg took to a production set in Southern California to put a unique spin on making donuts. Forsberg’s mission was to fling thousands of the tiny sprinkles onto more than 300 donuts using a Nissan 370Z NISMO as a utensil.

To be sure each of the cakes received ample coating, the team brought in two pallets of sprinkles weighing in at more than 2,800 pounds. Using all 350 horsepower on tap in the 370Z NISMO, Forsberg made 15 passes, ensuring a proper layer of sprinkles was achieved.

Audi introduces new sporty A5 and S5 coupe

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(June 4, 2016) Audi revolutionized its mid-size class in 2007 with the A5. The Ingolstadt-based carmaker created a work of art that took fans around the world by storm. Nine years later marks the launch of the second generation – with a new, honed look and high tech everywhere. The new generation of the A5 Coupe is athletic, sporty and elegant.

Harold samples Kia's newest vehicle — the Sportage

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(June 3, 2016) — Harold Gunn of the Automotive Reporter spends time with a loaded Sportage, or as he calls it, the Spor-tage. And he discovers he very much likes the new compact crossover.

Kia addressed some long-running concerns of owners with the complete remake for the Sportage for the 2017 model year. Kia increased the passenger volume of the back seat, which is now more roomy than the outgoing model. And Kia has made the ride more compliant.

All-new intake system feeds Duramax diesel on 2017 Silverado HD

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(June 3, 2016) DETROIT — New for 2017, Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks feature a patented air intake system that drives cool, dry air into the engine for sustained performance and cooler engine temperatures during difficult driving conditions. The intake system underwent extensive testing based on the most challenging real-world driving conditions to ensure capable performance no matter the weather.

Nissan sets 2017 GT-R Premiun at $111,585

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(June 3, 2016) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nissan today announced pricing of $111,585 including destination charge for the new 2017 Nissan GT-R Premium model, which goes on sale beginning in mid-July at select Nissan dealers in the United States.

The 2017 Nissan GT-R represents the most significant makeover to the iconic supercar since making its debut at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show before its launch in the U.S. as a 2009 model.