February 2017

The American V8 — Undisputed master of inexpensive power

By William G. Sawyer
Editor at Large
The Virtual Driver


(February  19, 2017) DETROIT — Ever since Henry Ford popularized the V8 engine in 1932 it’s been the power plant of choice for everyone from bank robbers to teens drag racing on Woodward Avenue, and professional racers. Once Chevrolet introduced their 265 cubic inch small block engine in 1955 the floodgates opened and the American V8 took its place as the undisputed master of inexpensive but explosive power in a variety of applications.

Roughing it in style — Toyota Tundra TRD, Sequoia TRD, RAV4 Adventure

(February 18, 2017) CHICAGO — Toyota’s Tundra full-size pickup truck and Sequoia large SUV have long been ideal for adventuresome families in need of that unique combination of performance, utility, towing ability and comfort.  For 2018, the experts at Toyota Racing Development (TRD) have developed the new TRD Sport grade for Tundra and Sequoia, offering active families an extra dose of sportier styling and performance for added fun and excitement on their next journey.  

Aston Martin expands its North American pre-owned program

(February 18, 2017) IRVINE, Calif. — Aston Martin The Americas has revealed full details of its new certified pre-owned car program now available in North America: Timeless Certified Pre-Owned (CPO).

Timeless CPO builds on the strong foundation of the luxury British brand’s pre-owned sports car buying and owning service and provides customers with the very highest levels of quality, assurance, and confidence with a comprehensive buying and owning experience.

Subaru launches new campaign to celebrate all-new 2017 Impreza

(February 17, 2017) CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Subaru of America today debuted a series of new advertising spots centered around the launch of the all-new 2017 Impreza. The new work showcases the automaker's latest evolution of the brand's entry-level vehicle, built with millennials and their on-the-go, ever-changing lifestyles top of mind.

Available in a sleek sedan or versatile 5-door style, the 2017 Impreza is ideal for navigating slick city streets or jetting off on an adventure to the great outdoors – and everywhere in between.

Volkswagen brand sales down nearly 5% in January; up 17.1% in U.S.

(February 17, 2017) In January 2017, the Volkswagen brand handed over 495,900 vehicles to customers throughout the world, corresponding to a fall of 4.9% compared with the previous year. Jürgen Stackmann, Volkswagen Brand board member for Sales, commented: "The Volkswagen brand started 2017 successfully. Worldwide deliveries may be slightly below the value for the previous year, but this is solely due to special effects in the major market of China. All the other reported gratifying increases compared with the previous year."

Why park when you can play? Classics meant for winter driving

(February 17, 2017) PHOENIX, Ariz. — For most classic car owners, when the temperatures drop it’s time to tuck away and protect their classic cars. However, knowing which classics are best suited for blustery winter months can help lower storage costs and provide year-round enjoyment rain or shine. 

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback — A worthy family hauler

By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(February 15, 2017) All new for 2017, the Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback joins its sedan sibling in delivering a world-class cabin, tons of technical doodads and solid fuel economy for a competitive price. It may not send droves of owners scampering to trade in their Civics, but it can certainly go toe to toe with the Honda, or any of the other Asian compacts for that matter.

Honda begins production of 2017 CR-V in Indiana

(February 16, 2017) GREENSBURG, Ind.  — Associates at Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, (HMIN) today celebrated the start of production of the all-new 2017 Honda CR-V — the first SUV built at the plant since it began production in 2008.  With the move, HMIN now builds Honda's two best-selling vehicles of 2016 – Civic and CR-V.

Ford invests $200 million in new wind tunnel complex

(February 16, 2017) DEARBORN, Mich. — Consumers’ appetite for vehicles with greater fuel efficiency and performance has led Ford to invest in a new aerodynamic testing complex that will house a next-generation rolling road wind tunnel and state-of-the-art climatic chamber. The new facility will come complete with testing advancements that better match the technological development of Ford products — both production vehicles and racing vehicles.