December 2016

Mercedes-Benz introduces all-new E-Class Coupe

(December 15, 2016) STUTTGART — Mercedes-Benz proclaims that "with its expressive proportions, clear and sensual design and long-distance comfort for four people, the new E-Class Coupe combines the beauty and classic virtues of a grand tourer with state-of-the-art technology while offering the intelligence of the E-Class family with full smartphone integration, a widescreen cockpit and the latest driver assistance systems."

The Smart and charming big city vehicle

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.con

(December 14, 2016) MIAMI — I’m in Miami’s South Beach for the media launch of Smart’s latest and much improved third generation EV. My driving partner and I are drawing a fair amount of attention as we make our way to the comically tiny red and black car we’ll be evaluating. The stares, jokes and wisecracks are coming from my fellow auto journalists who want to watch my 6’-6” frame — along with my drive partner at 6’-4” — gyrate, pirouette as we attempt to enter the vehicle.

This Packard ready for restoration



Packard was one of the premier luxury cars in the U.S. prior to World War II although it was losing some of its luster in the late '30s by building several more affordable models. In 1937, Packard re-introduced a six-cylinder engine, its first since 1928 when it went exclusively to eight-cylinder powerplants. This Packard 1941 sedan was discovered in Holbrook, Ariz.
(Photo by Ted Biederman)

Ford's November year-to-date sales in Europe best since 2009

(December 14, 2016) COLOGNE, Germany — Growing demand for Ford’s passenger cars and SUVs as well as continued strong sales of commercial vehicles drove Ford total vehicle sales in Europe for the first 11 months of the year to their highest level since 2009.

Ford total vehicle sales are up 6 percent to 1,248,800 in its 20 traditional European markets for November year to date. Ford’s November sales in the same markets accounted for 104,700 vehicles, up 4 percent compared with the same period last year.

Dodge Challenger GT flexes its all-wheel drive muscles

(December 14, 2016) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Winter driving has never been this much fun as Dodge proves in its first ad for the new Dodge Challenger GT, America’s first and only all-wheel-drive muscle coupe. “Russia,” a 30-second spot that debuts this week, showcases how Dodge Challenger enthusiasts can now have the confidence to drive their muscle cars all-year round, no matter the weather conditions.

It was shot on location in Alaska where the Challenger GT was put to the test on snowy, icy and winding roads.

Chevrolet begins six-month nationwide rollout of Bolt EV

(December 14, 2016) FREMONT, Calif. — In the San Francisco Bay area on Tuesday, Chevrolet delivered the first three Bolt EVs to customers, fulfilling the brand’s promise to offer a long-range electric vehicle at an affordable price.

“All of the hard work that the Chevrolet team have put into designing, engineering and building the Bolt EV brings us to this truly satisfying moment of making the first deliveries to customers on-time, as planned,” said Alan Batey, president of GM North America and Global Chevrolet brand chief.

30 years on: Nissan’s iconic 1987 Paris-Dakar rally car rides again

(December 13, 2016) DAKAR, Senegal — After exactly 30 years away from the public eye, Nissan has brought one of its most iconic motorsport machines back to life. The stunning 1987 Nissan Patrol Fanta Limon Paris-Dakar rally car has been fully restored to its former glory and made an emotional return to its spiritual home in the sand dunes of the Saharan desert.

Buick's secret to better driving — OnStar Smart Driver

(December 13,2016) DETROIT — With OnStar Smart Driver, your Buick can now work with you to develop better driving skills. This recently launched opt-in service is available for most 2015-17 model year Buick vehicles as part of the OnStar Basic Plan at no additional cost.

OnStar Smart Driver is designed to help Buick owners maximize their vehicle’s overall performance, reduce wear and tear, monitor fuel efficiency and become better drivers — all factors that can help save owners money as well.

2017 Audi S3 — Audi’s mighty mite

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 13, 2016) The Audi A3 sedan arrived on the U.S. automotive scene a couple of years ago as the entry-level vehicle for the brand. Since then, Audi has launched Audi 3 versions in convertible, plug-in hybrid Sportback e-tron, and the high-performance S3 sedan tested here. Think of it as a smaller version of the popular Audi A4.