September 2016

Paris debut for Lexus UX Concept — Moving beyond the buzzwords

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(September 19, 2016) Lexus says its UX Concept is aimed at, “a progressive, urban audience living in a connected environment.” But move beyond the buzzwords, the oversized wheels, tires and fenders, and you have a pretty good idea of what the production Lexus UX will look like when it debuts in 2017.

Mercedes-AMG adds two roadster variants

(September 17, 2016) AFFALTERBACH, Germany — Mercedes-AMG is blowing even more fresh air into the AMG GT family. Shortly after the world premiere of the AMG GT R, AMG is presenting two roadster variants of the two-seater sports car.

Alongside the AMG GT Roadster, the AMG GT C Roadster enhances the portfolio with a completely new model variant. With an output of 550 horsepower and peak torque of 502 lb-ft, the AMG GT C is the most powerful new Roadster variant and uses some of the technical refinements of the AMG GT R.

Abandoned 1941 Ford found in S.C.



Ford was thoroughly updated for 1941 with a new look including a three-piece grille. There were three car lines — Special, De Luxe and Super De Luxe. A new entry-level engine was added to the lineup, a 3.7-liter straight 6 developing 90 horsepower. The popular 2.2-liter flathead V-8 continued as the top-line engine. This used-up 1941 Ford was found in South Carolina.
(Photo by Ralph Gable)

Final Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution fetches $76,400 in charity auction

(September 16, 2016) Mitsubishi Motors North America today announced the end of a national auction of the very last Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition produced in North America with the winning bid of $76,400. The proceeds from the auction will benefit Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, both of which fall under the Feeding America umbrella.

Volvo reveals its adventurous side with new V90 Cross Country

(September 16, 2016) Volvo Cars has unveiled the eagerly awaited V90 Cross Country, completing its 90 Series line-up. Since the introduction of the first Cross Country almost 20 years ago, Volvo Cars has become synonymous with the rugged all-road, all-weather product category, with a growing stable of Cross Country models.

GM commits to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050

(September 15, 2016) DETROIT — General Motors plans to generate or source all electrical power for its 350 operations in 59 countries with 100 percent renewable energy — such as wind, sun and landfill gas — by 2050.

“Establishing a 100 percent renewable energy goal helps us better serve society by reducing environmental impact,” said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. “This pursuit of renewable energy benefits our customers and communities through cleaner air while strengthening our business through lower and more stable energy costs.”

Mecum's inaugural Louisville collector car auction achieves $13.4 million

(September 15, 2016) WALWORTH, Wis.— Mecum Auctions’ first-ever Louisville classic and collector car auction brought $13.4 million in total sales throughout the three-day event with 440 vehicles hammering sold Sept. 8-10. Top sellers at the auction were a great reflection of what the Mecum brand is best known for with the 10 highest sale prices achieved almost exclusively by American Muscle and Corvettes.

Dodge releases new enthusiast-demanded paint hues for 2017

(September 15, 2016) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Adding even more excitement to the Dodge brand's rich muscle-car legacy and its most powerful lineup ever, America's mainstream performance car brand is pulling from its rich history for its new 2017 exterior color lineup with a pallet of paint names derived directly from the brand's colorful heritage.

Jaguar Land Rover starts construction of plant in Slovakia

(September 14, 2016) NITRA, Slovakia — Jaguar Land Rover has started construction of its new manufacturing facility in Slovakia. The ground breaking ceremony was held this week.

Jaguar Land Rover continues to lead the automotive industry in the development of advanced lightweight technologies. The new factory will be at the forefront of aluminum manufacturing and engineering expertise in Slovakia. It will manufacture a range of all-new aluminum Jaguar Land Rover vehicles, supporting the company’s on-going commitment to deliver high-tech lightweight cars to its customers.

Ford and Harman collaborating to revolutionize in-vehicle audio

(September 14, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — As new car buyers say audio brands are influencing their opinions of vehicles, Ford and Harman are teaming up to revolutionize in-vehicle experiences through the introduction of all-new B&O PLAY audio systems in Ford vehicles worldwide.

“Customers tell us they value consistent, high-quality audio experiences, and our collaboration with Harman is helping provide that,” said Raj Nair, Ford‘s executive vice president, product development and chief technical officer.