November 2016

Ford and Fisher-Price introduce Power Wheels Smart Drive Mustang

(November 24, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford and Fisher-Price have worked closely together to create the new Power Wheels Smart Drive Mustang — a realistic and high-tech, fast and fun battery-operated ride-on toy. The officially licensed Smart Drive Mustang is designed to delight budding performance enthusiasts with original pony car-inspired looks and performance, and it’s packed with safety features sure to make parents happy, too.

2018 Audi Q5 to begin life with no diesel option

By Christopher Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(November 23, 2016) The 2018 Audi Q5 is built on the latest iteration of Audi’s MLB modular platform in a new plant in San Jose Chiapa in the Mexican federal state of Puebla. It is the only plant designated to build the Q5, and has a yearly capacity of 150,000 vehicles.

Ford hot hatch buyers on (Eco) boost; registrations up 21 percent

(November 22, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — Retail registrations for non-luxury, turbocharged small hatchbacks are down 21 percent in 2016 as buyers are snapping up SUVs. That’s not stopping Ford from posting just over a 21 percent gain in retail new vehicle registrations through September of its newest hot hatchback models — Fiesta ST, Focus ST and Focus RS.

Ford bests Chevy for world record in flag pulling

(November 21, 2016) HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Torque rules when pulling big loads and Ford proved that Saturday, setting the Guinness World Records title for the World’s Largest Flag Pulled by a Moving Vehicle with a 2017 Ford F-450 Super Duty pulling a 4,124 square foot U.S. flag. The record eclipses the previous mark set earlier this year by Chevrolet with a 40 by 80-foot flag at Texas Motor Speedway on Sept. 28.

Fiat 124 Spider — 900 mile-round trip to Nashville and Habitat for Humanity

By Russ Heaps
Clanging Be
ll

(November 20, 2016) I'm not the kind of guy who typically drives when he can fly. I know, I know. It goes against the grain of being a motoring journalist. Here's my philosophy, if it's far away enough that flying is a consideration, then, given the choice, I'll fly. I travel a fair amount for what I laughingly refer to as making a living. Work-related travel, in particular, I'll leave to the airlines — or, in my case, airline. I pretty much always fly Delta. I've logged nearly 2 million miles on Delta. We have an understanding of sorts: I make the reservation, and they get me where I'm going on the day I want to go.....well, more
often than not.

2017 Nissan Rogue — Star Wars Limited Edition takes over L.A. auto show

(November 19, 2016) LOS ANGELES — Nissan this week unveiled the last of four new vehicles debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2017 Nissan Rogue: Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition. The dramatic reveal featured a special interactive presentation of the Intelligent Safety Shield technologies available in the redesigned 2017 Rogue against a high-action video. The video was followed by a drive-out of a pair of the Nissan Rogue: Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition vehicles accompanied by battle-ready stormtroopers.

The 'new original' — Jaguar XKSS makes world debut in Los Angeles

(November 18, 2016) LOS ANGELES — The first genuine Jaguar XKSS to be built in almost 60 years was given its world debut presentation this week at the Petersen Museum by Jaguar Classic.  The stunning XKSS, finished in Sherwood Green paint, has been created by the Jaguar Classic engineering team ahead of the production of nine cars for delivery to customers across the globe in 2017.

Honda announces 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell lease at $369 a month

(November 18, 2016) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda today announced a competitive introductory lease price of $369 a month for 36 months (plus tax) for the Clarity Fuel Cell sedan, which is coming to dealerships in California by the end of 2016.  The lease requires $2,499 plus first month's payment at lease signing (not including tax, registration or official fees).

The lease terms include an attractive mileage allowance of 20,000 per year, up to $15,000 of hydrogen fuel, up to 21 days of an Avis Luxury Rental in California, and 24/7 roadside assistance.