December 2016

2016 BMW 328i Wagon — All cars should be this much fun to own and drive

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 31, 2016) Cars are an emotional choice, an expression of our personal style, likes and aspirations. As a working automotive journalist I’m first and foremost, an automotive geek. An automotive enthusiast. I honestly don’t know anyone who loves cars more than I do and for whatever reason I have always been completely addicted to station wagons.

Infiniti to showcase QX50 Concept, autonomous technologies in Detroit

(December 31, 2016) DETROIT — The Infiniti QX50 Concept, which will make its global premiere at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, showcases the brand's vision for a next-generation mid-size premium SUV. An evolution of the 2016 QX Sport Inspiration, the QX50 Concept shows how the design of its conceptual forebear could be adapted for a future production model in the world's fastest-growing vehicle segment.

Honda issues recall of 641,302 Odyssey minivans on two issues

(December 30, 2016) Honda has recalled 641,302 Odyssey minivans in the U.S. for two separate issues. In a statement earlier this week, the automaker said one of the recalls involves a mechanism that “allows the outboard second row seats to tilt and slide forward for access to the third row seating area may not properly lock the seat into place when the seat is returned to its normal position,” which increases the risk of injury to passengers seated in the second row.

Subaru Winterfest lifestyle tour celebrates winter adventure

(December 30, 2016) CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Subaru has announced the start of Subaru WinterFest 2017, a one-of-a-kind, multi-city mountain destination and lifestyle tour for passionate winter warriors. Featuring 15 stops across 12 resorts, skiers, snowboarders, winter enthusiasts and Subaru owners can enjoy live music, food and beverage, daily giveaways, gear demonstrations and more.

Volvo adds Microsoft's Skype for Business to its 90 Series cars

(December 30, 2016) Volvo has announced that it will introduce Skype for Business, Microsoft’s leading collaborative productivity app, to its new 90 Series cars. Volvo Cars is the first carmaker to launch such an in-car productivity tool.  Skype for Business is actively used by millions of people at work around the globe. In Volvo’s 90 Series cars people will be able to view their upcoming meetings and participant details, and join meetings with one click via the large centre display.

Ford debuts next-generation Fusion Hybrid autonomous development car

(December 29, 2016) Ford is introducing its next-generation Fusion Hybrid autonomous development vehicle, just in time for CES and the North American International Auto Show in January. The new vehicle uses the current Ford autonomous vehicle platform, but ups the processing power with new computer hardware.

2017 Nissan Titan — Re-engineered, restyled and ready to compete

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 28, 2016) Last year, Nissan made big news with the full-sized Titan pickup, which was completely redesigned and restyled for the first time since it went on sale back in the 2004 model year. Truck owners are fervently brand loyal, and Nissan has had a rough time of it, trying to get Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado and Ram 1500 owners to switch brands. As a result, Titan sales have never quite lived up to expectations. It’s not unlike what Toyota discovered with its full-size Tundra pickup.

Toyota testing finds sonar backing system dramatically reduces accidents

(December 28, 2016) TOYOTA CITY, Japan — Toyota has conducted a survey of accidents occurring in parking lots involving three models — the Alphard, the Vellfire, and the Prius — which were equipped with the Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) system. According to the survey of data concerning approximately 2,500 accidents from insurance companies that cover the policies for about 60,000 of these above mentioned vehicles, pedal misapplication accidents fell by approximately 70%, and accidents related to reversing were reduced by approximately 40%.

Old Jeep buried in junk



This post-WWII Jeep found in eastern North Carolina has become a trash depository, its useful life long gone. The Army Jeep was transformed for civilian use after the war in 1945 and was particularly popular with servicemen who had driven the military variety.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

2017 Cadillac CT6 plug-in goes on sale this spring

(December 27, 2016) NEW YORK — Cadillac's first-ever 2017 CT6 Plug-In  prestige sedan will go on sale in the spring with a total driving range of more than 400 miles. Advanced plug-in technology enables the luxury sedan to reward drivers with environmentally conscious driving without compromising on performance.