News archive

May 2017

Off-roading in paradise: The 2017 Colorado ZR2 struts its stuff in Colorado

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By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(May 16, 2017)  I'm not the kind of guy who complains about the number of stops required to get me from point A to point B. Sure, I'd like a direct flight from Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) to Podunk, USA, but that's just not possible. With only one or two exceptions, direct flights out of GSP to places I actually want to go simply don't exist. And, if they do exist, they are on airlines on which I refuse to fly.

First ever car to get a speeding ticket to appear at concours

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(May 15, 2017) LONDON — The Concours of Elegance 2017 will be bringing a very special piece of history to Hampton Court Palace this September — the first ever car to receive a speeding ticket. The 1896 Arnold Benz Motor Carriage was traveling at four times the speed limit, at a heady 8 mph, before being pulled over by a policeman on a bicycle.

The law at the time required all cars stick to a limit of 2 mph and that they be led by a man on foot waving a red flag at all times. But Walter Arnold, driving through Paddock Green in Kent, was doing neither. As a result Walter was convicted of speeding and forced to pay a shilling fine plus costs.

BMW Group shows strong global sales growth in April

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(May 15, 2017) MUNICH — BMW Group sales achieved a new all-time high for April, with sales in the month totaling 192,494, a 7.4% increase year-on-year. The first four months of the year also set a new record, with sales of the BMW Group’s three premium brands, BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, increasing by 5.8% to 779,736.

“Thanks to the strength of our model line-up, the BMW Group continues to achieve sustainable, profitable sales growth month after month,” commented Dr Ian Robertson, member of the BMW AG Board of Management with responsibility for Sales and Brand BMW.

A quick look at three Toyotas — Highlander, Corolla and Camry

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By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(May 14, 2017) Earlier this year, I was loaned both an all-wheel drive 2016 Toyota Highlander XLE and 2017 Toyota Corolla XLE to test. The Highlander, whose only option was the seven-seat layout with a pair of captain’s chairs in the second row, had absolutely no options, and listed for $39,450 with delivery. It was as I remembered it from my 2014 review of a similar Highlander, though that one was slightly more expensive.

End of the line for International pickup

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International Harvester produced the Light Line pickup truck from 1969 through April 1975 when production ended. This example, a 1973 International 1210 pickup was discovered in Comfort, Texas. The Light Line had a wider range of engines and wheelbase options than any of its competitors. (Photo by Jim Prueter)

Audi A8 remains an understated entrant in field of luxury sedans

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By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(May 13, 2017) A full redesign of the Audi A8L sedan is in the works for 2018, and if the 2017 model is any indication, the new version should really be something. Serving as Audi’s flagship vehicle for over 20 years, the A8 doesn’t garner the attention or plaudits of its Teutonic brethren in the full-size, luxury sedan segment, but it is every bit the equal of the Mercedes-Benz S Class or BMW 7-Series when it comes to sophistication, performance, comfort, and good looks.

Lincoln chauffeur service expands to San Diego

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(May 13, 2017) DEARBORN — The Lincoln Chauffeur service, offering Lincoln clients the option of a highly trained driver who also can assist with daily errands, expanded to San Diego on Friday. The pilot program, which began in Miami earlier this year, is the latest example of client-centered experiences that Lincoln is adding to its repertoire, focusing on making ownership more effortless.

“This is just one more way we provide services to our clients,” says Eric Cin, Lincoln client services manager. “For Lincoln, it’s all about the experience.”

How Ford created the GT supercar to test advanced technologies

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(May 13, 2017) BRENTWOOD, Essex, UK — The pioneers behind the Ford GT supercar designed it not only to win races but also to serve as a test bed for new technologies and ideas for future vehicles across the Ford line-up. “When we began work on the all-new Ford GT in 2013, the team had three goals,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president of Product Development and chief technical officer.

First-ever turbocharged Honda Civic Si goes on sale Saturday

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(May 12, 2017) TORRANCE, Calif. — The all-new 2017 Honda Civic Si Coupe and Civic Si Sedan will go on sale at Honda dealerships beginning Saturday with a starting price of $24,775 including destination charge for either the Si Coupe or Si Sedan.

The Civic Si duo, revealed just last month, are the latest and sportiest additions to the 10th-generation Civic lineup, the most ambitious remake of Civic in the model's 44-year history.

Retailers mark 30 years of Range Rover in North America

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(May 12, 2017) This week, 12 of the first Land Rover retailers, who opened in 1987, came together to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first Range Rover sold in the U.S. Chris Marchand, executive vice president, Operations Jaguar Land Rover North America explains the significance of the occasion.