January 2017

An old Utah Dodge pickup



Like its competitors, Dodge came out with an all-new pickup truck design for the 1948 model year, which remained basically unchanged through 1953. This example of a Dodge pickup from the 1948-1950 model years — based on the grille design — was found in Utah. 
(Photo by Jim Prueter)

Leake Auction Co. has variety of cars on the block in Oklahoma City

(January 19, 2017) Leake Auction Company has announced that a collection of 50 cars from Leaded Gas Classics and the Jim McLane Collection, will be offered without reserve during their Oklahoma City auction, Feb. 24, 25 and 26. This year’s event will be held in the newly constructed Bennett Event Center at State Fair Park.

The collection features a variety of vehicles, ranging from Corvettes and Mustangs to a Ford GT and Yenko Deuce Coupe.

Los Angeles Classic Auto Show to showcase $137 million in rare cars

(January 19, 2017) LOS ANGELES —The Classic Auto Show, presented by Autogeek.com and McKee’s 37 and powered by Velocity, is taking over the Los Angeles Convention Center in less than two weeks, and is bringing with it automotive treasures, some priceless, for all levels of motoring enthusiasts.

Between, the unique Celebrity Theater that features some of Velocity Network’s biggest automotive stars, the auto swap meet and the plethora of family-friend activities, every type of car lover will be entertained to their hearts content.

The most important vehicle in Detroit no one was talking about

By Christopher A Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(January 19, 2017) Ford didn’t spend a lot of time talking about the 2018 F-150 at the North American International Auto Show, counting on its debut during Fox’s NFL Wildcard Pre-game Show and a concurrent press release to get the word out. It was short shrift for a vehicle that has been America’s top-selling truck for 40 consecutive years and the top selling American vehicle for 35 years, but its image clashes with Ford’s new positioning as a mobility company.

New Mini John Cooper Works Countryman gets 228 horsepower

(January 18, 2017) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — The second generation of the Mini Countryman is the biggest and most versatile model in the entire range of the tradition-steeped British brand. And another superlative now applies to the power unit of the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman. With an output of 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, it is the most powerful engine ever to be fitted in a Mini.

Range Rover's 30th anniversary in U.S. celebrated with special edition

(MAHWAH, N.J.) – January 18, 2017 – Thirty years after the launch of the original Range Rover in North America, Land Rover has launched its newest model, the 550-hp, standard wheelbase, Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic, with sales of the ultra-luxury SUV in the U.S. starting this month.

Ford Mustang gets sleeker design and one less engine for 2018

(January 18, 2017) LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Ford partnered with its Ambassador of Service, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, on Tuesday to introduce the new Mustang — "the world’s best-selling sports coupe and the company’s most advanced Mustang ever." A host of improvements including new technology and design changes give owners ways to customize Mustang to their preferences, even better performance from more powerful engines and new MagneRide suspension technology.

GM to make $1 billion investment in U.S. plants, create 1,500 jobs

(January 17, 2017) DETROIT — General Motors today announced that it will invest an additional $1 billion in U.S. manufacturing operations. These investments follow $2.9 billion announced in 2016 and more than $21 billion GM has invested in its U.S. operations since 2009.

The new investments cover multiple new vehicle, advanced technology and component projects. A combination of 1,500 new and retained jobs are tied to the new investments. Details of individual projects will be announced throughout the year.