August 2017

2017 Audi A4 quattro: A Soul lost

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(August 24, 2017) The A4 appeared as part of a rethink of Audi’s model numbering scheme, replacing the 80/90 in 1996. That car shared its B4 platform with the fourth generation VW Passat, which also featured a longitudinally mounted engine driving the front wheels. Built on a 103-inch wheelbase and spanning 178 inches overall, the B4 Audi placed the brand squarely in the compact luxury segment as its entry-level offering.

Cadillac introduces Glacier Metallic Edition CTS-V

(August 23, 2017) Cadillac has announced the exclusive 2018 Cadillac CTS-V Glacier Metallic Edition, painted a smoky light gray that celebrates Cadillac’s 115-year history. The Edition will be limited to 115 CTS-V super sedans produced in 2017 for model year 2018.

Accenting the anniversary color are standard illuminated door handles, dark red Brembo brake calipers and 19-inch forged polish-finished alloy wheels with Midnight Silver painted pockets, creating a unique look for Cadillac’s ultimate driver’s car.

For most drivers Chevy Bolt is all the vehicle they will ever need

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 24, 2017) When it comes to all-electric vehicles (EVs), most of the news has been about Tesla’s Model 3, which launched just a few weeks ago when production began at its Freemont, Calif., facility. But the EV that should be getting to most attention is the Chevrolet Bolt, a vehicle described as General Motor’s electric moonshot, a game changer that goes head to head with the Model 3. Bolt began a limited rollout in a few states last December and nationwide this month.

6th generation BMW M5 quickest, most advanced M-vehicle to date

(August 22, 2017) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW has unveiled the all-new 2018 BMW M5, a car that since 1984 has been regarded as the quintessential high-performance sports sedan. The previous generations of the BMW M5 all possess purebred racing genes and acquitted themselves impressively on the racetrack as well as on the road.

First $3 million Bugatti Chiron delivered to customer in U.S.

(August 22, 2017) MONTEREY, Calif. — The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2017 offered the ideal backdrop for the delivery of the first Bugatti Chiron to a customer in the US. Following Europe, North America is the second most important sales market for the luxury brand from Molsheim.

Almost 30 percent of all the orders received for the Bugatti Chiron come from this region. The price in the U.S. market is $2.998 million including shipping, duties, taxes and charges. The Chiron series is limited to 500 vehicles. More than half of the total series has already been sold throughout the world.

Nissan rolls out Midnight Edition Titan, Frontier during solar eclipse

(August 22, 2017) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As the midday sky went dark over middle Tennessee Monday during the total solar eclipse, Nissan rolled out three new additions to its popular and hot selling portfolio of custom Midnight Edition models: Titan, Titan XD and Frontier Midnight Editions.

Nissan's Midnight Editions sell on average two times faster than standard models. The Midnight Edition lineup also includes the Altima, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Rogue and Sentra.

Volkswagen decides to put I.D. BUZZ electric concept into production

(August 21, 2017) At the Detroit Show in early 2017, Volkswagen showed the I.D. BUZZ concept car, a fully electric vehicle that taps in to the spirit and vibe that made the VW Microbus such an iconic vehicle — whether with Hippies and families in the Sixties or Surfer Dudes and Van Lifers today.

Now, Volkswagen has taken the bold decision to put the Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ concept car into production and Volkswagen’s CEO of the North American Region, Hinrich J. Woebcken, is happy to welcome the car to North America. 

Lincoln Town Car lives in the weeds



The Lincoln Town Car is a model line of full-size luxury sedans that was marketed by the Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company in three generations from 1981 to 2011. This first-generation (1981-1989) Town Car was found in an abandoned condition in eastern North Carolina. The Town Car shared its chassis and mechanical components with the Mercury Grand Marquis and the Ford (LTD) Crown Victoria.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

Luxury and practicality with impressive diesel performance

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 21, 2017) It seems most auto reviews I have been writing of late have been about SUVs of one sort or another. With rocketing sales, they now easily outsell traditional sedans. It seems automakers can’t build enough to satisfy consumer demand.

Nissan readies next-generation Leaf for first public displays

(August 21, 2017) NASHVILLE — Less than a week after its global debut, the next-generation Nissan Leaf begins making public appearances at National Drive Electric Week events across the U.S. Consumers in eight cities will get an up-close look at the second-generation Leaf. Nissan Leaf is the official sponsor of National Drive Electric Week for the third straight year.