News archive

October 2017

Orders for special Mercedes G-Class model end on Oct. 31

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(October 13, 2017) STUTTGART, Germany — One highlight of the G-Class model range, the G 500 4x4, can only be ordered until the end of October. The phenomenal response to the show car had led to the series production of this special model, which comes with such features as portal axles. The first models of the G 500 4x42 arrived in the showrooms in December 2015.

Toyota donates 29 vehicles to Houston area Boys & Girls Clubs

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(October 12, 2017) HOUSTON —  Earlier this week, Boys & Girls Clubs in the Greater Houston area were given 29 vehicles from Toyota Financial Services to help with relief and rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Harvey. The cars will provide staff with better ground access for day-to-day operations like transporting kids to their facilities after school.

Ford starts production of new EcoSport SUV in Romania

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(October 13, 2017) CRAIOVA, Romania — Ford taking aim at Europe’s fastest-growing vehicle segment started production Thursday of the new Ford EcoSport small SUV at its Craiova, Romania, assembly plant. The decision to build the new EcoSport in Europe rather than continue to import the vehicle from Ford’s plant in Chennai, India, will help Ford respond to rising customer demand.

Chrysler Pacifica gets sporty-looking appearance package for 2018

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(October 12, 2017) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Chrysler Pacifica is now available with a new attitude, courtesy of the S Appearance Package. With the S Appearance Package, the 2018 Pacifica gets a sporty look featuring black accents inside and out. Already the most awarded minivan of both 2016 and 2017, the Chrysler Pacifica's available new look is designed to attract even more attention.
 

Range Rover plans plug-in hybrid for 2019 model year

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(October 11, 2017) MAHWAH, N.J. — More than ever, Range Rover represents the pinnacle of luxury travel, making every journey a treasured experience whether driving or being driven. Today, technology drives the next major step for the Range Rover, with a plug-in hybrid electric powertrain providing sustainable luxury with new levels of efficiency and capability complementing its refinement and desirability.

Nissan GT-R, operated remotely by gaming controller, tops 130 mph

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(October 12, 2017) LONDON — Nissan has created the ultimate remote-control car for gamers — the Nissan GT-R /C. Celebrating the release of Gran Turismo Sport and marking 20 years of Nissan involvement in the Gran Turismo gaming series the one-off project car was extensively modified to be driven entirely by a DualShock 4 controller. Gran Turismo Sport will be released in the U.S. on Oct.17, in Europe and Australia on Oct.18, and in Japan on Oct.19.

A more emotional, but still flawed Soul

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By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(October 15, 2017) The Kia Soul competes at the confused end of the small car market. When the original Scion xB and Nissan’s Cube were new, the small crossover craze hadn’t begun. And square, upright vehicles like the Soul were classified as funky city cars by most observers. However, the almost logarithmic proliferation of vehicles like the Chevy Trax, Mazda CX3, Nissan Juke, Honda HR-V, etc. has changed the landscape to the point where even Kia is a bit confused where the Soul fits in.

1939 Chevy lives in Iowa

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This neglected 1939 Chevrolet was found in Perry, Iowa, in what appears to be restorable condition. Chevrolet had a good pre-war sales year of 577,278 units. (Photo by Jim Prueter)

Porsche launches new subscription program in Atlanta

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(October 11, 2017) ATLANTA — Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) has introduced Porsche Passport, a new sports car and SUV subscription program, which provides members flexible access to Porsche vehicles via a mobile app.

This month-to-month subscription program offers frequent vehicle exchanges, unrestricted mileage, and on-demand access for up to 22 different Porsche models. In a new relationship with Clutch Technologies, Porsche Passport will conduct its pilot program in metro Atlanta, which is home to both companies.