February 2017

Lexus LC 500 — Visual excitement, exhilarating performance

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica


(February 22, 2017) KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii — Almost everything about Lexus’ new flagship coupes screams “irresistible.” Inspired by the 2012 LF-LC concept car, the LC 500 and LC 500h hybrid have presence and savoir-faire that are nearly off the charts.

Toyota, Shell move one step closer to hydrogen refueling network in Calif.

(February 21, 2017) TORRANCE, Calif. — The California Energy Commission (CEC) has posted a Notice of Proposed Award (NOPA) outlining subsidies to support hydrogen refueling infrastructure in California. Shell, in partnership with Toyota, will be considered for the installation of hydrogen refueling equipment into seven retail stations in California and an award of $16,362,500 to develop those stations. 

Nissan partners with Blake Shelton to bring Titan to country music fans

(February 21, 2017) NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan today announced its association with country music superstar Blake Shelton and the 13-stop Blake Shelton “Doing It To Country Songs” Tour. The partnership extends to 14 additional festival dates where Shelton is to appear.

“Nissan and our American Titan naturally go well with country music,” said Jeremy Tucker, vice president, Marketing Communications & Media.

Acura launches 'NSX Insider Experience' for owners

(February 21, 2017) TORRANCE, Calif. — Acura has announced the launch of the NSX Insider Experience, a personalized program designed for NSX owners to experience the making of their bespoke supercar. The program gives owners a curated, one-on-one tour of key Acura facilities across Ohio, including the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC), where the NSX is built, and the NSX engine assembly room at the Anna Engine Plant.

Modified 1936 Packard wins top award at Sacramento Autorama

(February 21, 2017) SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Autorama, one of the world’s longest running indoor car shows, celebrated its 67th year and handed out over 400 individual awards during its closing ceremony on Sunday. The most prestigious of these awards were the “Custom d’Elegance” which was awarded to the “Mulholland Speedster” built by Hollywood Hot Rods, the “King of Kustoms” award which went to John D’Agostino, and the H.A Bagdasarian “World’s Most Beautiful Custom” award which was presented to the “Mulholland Speedster” built by Hollywood Hot Rods.

Notorious Paris thrill ride gets Mustang reboot with virtual reality, 360 view

(February 20, 2017) COLOGNE, Germany — It’s a film that has become a legend for petrolheads — a driver racing through the streets of Paris for a date that just can’t wait. Now Ford has given short film “C’était un Rendez-Vous” a very modern reboot with the Mustang, to mark the 40th anniversary of the original 9-minute clip — with 360 views and virtual reality technology.

A road grader of the past



J.D. Adams & Company was founded in 1885 by Joseph D Adams who invented the first leaning-wheel pull grader and was based in Indianapolis. The leaning wheel, combined with an angled blade, increased the grader’s ability to excavate and move material in a specific direction. The grader could be pulled using a team of horses or by a motorized machine. This well-preserved example of an early 20th Century Adams grader was found in Hosmer, S.D. 
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

Chevy Camaro ZL1 goes for 200 mph

(February 20, 2017) DETROIT — Slide over to the next lane. The Camaro ZL1 Coupe has a top speed of 198 mph. Chevrolet tested the max velocity of the ZL1 (with 10-speed automatic) on the High Speed Oval at Germany’s Automotive Testing Papenburg GmBH proving ground. Compensating for wind speed, the top speed is the average achieved from running the ZL1 in both directions on the 7.6-mile (12.3 km) loop — 202.3 mph in one direction and 193.3 mph in the other direction.