September 2017

Edmunds can help customers determine if a vehicle will fit in garage

(September 25, 2017) SANTA MONICA, Calf. — Edmunds has announced a first-of-its-kind augmented reality (AR) feature that will help consumers visualize and determine whether different vehicles will fit in their garages, parking spaces and driveways. This new capability will be available on the Edmunds app for iPhone, making it easier than ever for consumers to research and find the perfect car.

Edmunds experts say a critical and often overlooked step in the shopping process is to confirm that the car you're looking to purchase can fit where you're planning to park it.

All-new Kia Rio to start at $14,795

(September 25, 2017) IRVINE, Calif. — Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced pricing for the all-new 2018 Rio sedan and 5-door hatchback.  Expected to arrive in Kia retailers beginning early October, the subcompact duo will be offered in three trim levels — LX, S and EX.

“Value has always been a core tenet for the Kia brand and the all-new Rio sedan and 5-door continue to underscore our commitment to buyers looking for an entry-level vehicle but desire more than what the subcompact segment offers,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, KMA. 

Envisage Group's craftsmanship skills key to Jaguar XKSS continuation

(September 25, 2017) COVENTRY, England — Envisage Group has played a key role in the creation of nine new Jaguar XKSS continuation models, replacing those lost in the Jaguar Browns Lane factory fire of 1957. Envisage was commissioned by Jaguar Classic to be the sole supplier of hand-crafted monocoque body shells and body panels for the XKSS continuation model to the exact specification of the iconic original.

Bending but not breaking the tire tech rules

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(September 24, 2017) Michelin has joined up with the worlds largest producer of wheels, Maxion Wheels, to reinvent the wheel so that it bends without breaking. According to Michelin Chief Operating Officer, Florent Menegaux: “Car wheels have been getting bigger and bigger, as they contribute to making cars look more premium, and large shiny alloys are an integral part of all modern car designs. However, the resulting low-profile tires with short sidewalls are much more susceptible to damage on today’s deteriorating roads.”

Toyota's Indiana plant builds its 5 millionth vehicle

(September 23, 2017) PRINCETON, Ind. — When long-time team members Sandra and Andres Chaparro saw the first vehicle roll off the line in 1998, they felt a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing they’d had a hand building it. Little did they know; their hands would be busy building 4,999,999 more vehicles over the next 20 years.

“It’s really seems like yesterday we opened the plant and started our journey with Toyota,” Chaparros said. “After 20 years — and 5 million vehicles—Toyota has really become our second family.

Time trial attracts record number of London to Brighton participants

(September 23, 2017) LONDON — The 2017 Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, supported by Hiscox is not a race. For a start, racing on public roads is against the law, and besides, with 20 mph being the maximum speed many of these veterans can attain, it wouldn’t be much of a spectacle.

About 1,000 collector cars to be auctioned at Mecum Chicago

(September 22, 2017) Mecum Auctions will host Chicagoland’s only annual collector-car auction when Mecum Chicago 2017 returns to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Oct. 5-7 with an estimated 1,000 collector cars headlined by American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, Hot Rods, Resto Mods and more.

Mixed reality technology meets car design at Ford with Microsoft HoloLens

(September 22, 2017) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford designers have been swapping some clay-sculpting steels and rakes for mixed reality headsets and visualization software that can change vehicle design elements — side mirrors, grilles, vehicle interiors and more — in mere seconds.

Jaguar debuts new models at Art of Performance tour event

(September 22, 2017) NOVI, Mich. — Jaguar on Thursday introduced to U.S. media and consumers the new expanded 2018 lineup, including the all-new E-PACE SUV, XF Sportbrake and XJR575 sedan. The new Jaguar vehicles will be showcased for the first time in North America in Novi at The Art of Performance Tour, an award-winning immersive consumer test drive and engagement experience.