January 2017

Volkswagen introduces performance-inspired R-Line to 2018 Atlas

(January 5, 2017) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen announced today that it will offer the R-Line package on the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The new trim package augments the Chattanooga-built SUV’s sportiness with exterior and interior design elements that give it an even more dynamic appearance. The Atlas R-Line will be introduced at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Ford, ExxonMobil make filling up at the pump quick with new app

(January 5, 2017) LAS VEGAS — Wish paying for gas was as easy as pulling up to the pump and not having to punch grimy buttons or swipe a credit card? Ford is first to integrate ExxonMobil’s Speedpass+ app to make paying for gas quick, easy and secure from inside the vehicle.

Speedpass+ users can access the app from their Ford SYNC 3 touch screen or by voice commands to authorize payment while automatically earning Plenti loyalty points at Exxon and Mobil stations.

Audi breaks annual U.S. sales record at 210,213

(January 4, 2017) Audi sales in the United States grew 4 percent in 2016 for a total of 210,213 vehicles, surpassing 2015 as the brand’s best annual performance. December sales increased 13.7 percent to 23,195 vehicles. December marked the best-ever month of sales in Audi of America history and the 72nd consecutive month of record sales for the market. The previous December record was set in 2015 with 20,399 deliveries. The annual result marks the seventh straight year of record sales for Audi in the U.S.

FCA debuts Chrysler Portal concept at CES 2017

(January 5, 2017) LAS VEGAS — When it came to thinking about the future of family transportation, FCA US called upon the people who will own and live with such a vehicle — millennials working inside the company’s design and engineering functions — to collaborate on ideas.

Ford F-Series achieves 40 consecutive years as best-selling truck in U.S.

(January 4, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is celebrating a major milestone as F-Series now reigns as the top-selling truck in the country for 40 consecutive years and best-selling vehicle for 35 years. Ford has now sold more than 26 million F-Series trucks since January 1977. Think of it like this: That many trucks could circle the globe more than three times, or, lined up bumper-to-bumper, would span 90,000-plus miles.

Ford details production plans for seven of 13 global electrified vehicles

(January 3, 2017) FLAT ROCK, Mich. — Ford today detailed seven of the 13 new global electrified vehicles it plans to introduce in the next five years, including hybrid versions of the iconic F-150 pickup and Mustang in the U.S., a plug-in hybrid Transit Custom van in Europe and a fully electric SUV with an expected range of at least 300 miles for customers globally.

Honda returning to the Super Bowl with all-new 2017 Honda CR-V

(January 3, 2017) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda is set to return to the big game in 2017 with the television debut of the completely redesigned and reengineered 2017 Honda CR-V on Feb. 5 during Super Bowl LI, where more than 100 million viewers will get a closer look at the newest edition of America's best-selling SUV.

Studebaker watches life go by



There were critics who joked about Studebaker's post-World War II styling adventures, but the cars have stood the test of time from their rounded slopping rear end with wrap-around window on the two-door models to their "spinner" grilles. This 1950 four-door, that featured suicide doors, watches as life goes by on a North Carolina highway.
(Photo by Ralph Gable)

Toyota's new 'high rider' — the C-HR, coming this spring

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(January 2, 2017) The letters stand for “Coupe-High Rider,” but the crossover vehicle itself was supposed to launch as a Scion. Only that brand was euthanized not long after Toyota added the iA and iM to the lineup, and everything that remained was rebadged a Toyota. The C-HR its built on the modular Toyota New Global Architecture platform first used on the new Prius.

World's longest and heaviest parade float powered by Ford V10 gas engine

(January 1, 2017) DEARBORN, Mich. — How do you move the world’s longest and heaviest parade float and deliver the reliability needed for one of America’s storied parades? With a highly proven truck engine known for its hauling and towing capability — Ford’s legendary 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine.