July 2018

Buick adds Avenir luxury to 2019 Regal

(August 1, 2018) SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — With the addition of the Regal Avenir — the fourth Buick globally to get an Avenir trim in less than a year — the momentum behind Buick’s highest expression of luxury continues to grow. Since its introduction last fall, Enclave Avenir has set the pace for Avenir, selling faster than all other Enclave trims and comprising 20 percent of total Enclave sales in the United States.

Electrified and enhanced 2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid hits showrooms

(August 1, 2018) TORRANCE, Calif. — The 2019 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid begins arriving at Acura dealerships nationwide today featuring four new exterior color options and new interior wood treatment. The 2019 MDX Sport Hybrid will open with a starting price of $53,795 including destination charge. This price reflects only an increase of $1,500 over the conventionally powered MDX SH-AWD with Technology Package despite offering standard adaptive dampers and an additional 31 horsepower while also receiving a nearly 37-percent higher city fuel economy rating.

Polestar 1 to have North American debut at Monterey car week

(July 31, 2018) The Polestar 1 World Tour continues with the brand’s debut in North America in Monterey, Calif., from Aug. 23-26. During Monterey Car Week, the Polestar 1 will be on display throughout the Monterey Bay area, including at the famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

“It’s great to bring Polestar to America,” says Thomas Ingenlath, chief executive officer at Polestar. “North America is a major market for our new brand and we have received great feedback and high interest in the Polestar 1 from our American customers.

BMW continues to expand European production network

(July 31, 2018)  MUNICH — The BMW Group continues to expand its production network in Europe, with a new facility to be built in Hungary, close to the town of Debrecen. It will come at an investment of approximately €1 billion ($1.17 billion), offer capacity of up to 150,000 units a year and create over 1,000 new jobs.

Toyota unveils second-iteration hydrogen fuel cell Class 8 truck

(July 31, 2018) TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Toyota has taken the next great leap towards the future of zero-emission trucking, unveiling the second iteration of its hydrogen fuel cell electric Class 8 truck before a crowd of media and industry leaders during the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminars in Northern Michigan.

Ford EcoSport designed for an urban environment

By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(July 30, 2018) To say I'm a little ambivalent about the 2018 Ford EcoSport wouldn't be stretching the truth. On one hand, it actually handles relatively well for a CUV. On the other, it accelerates with all the urgency of a street sweeper, even with its larger 2-liter engine. I find its styling somewhat underwhelming, as well, but looks are subjective. Does anyone really care what I think about the design? I'm still wearing stone-washed jeans for crying out loud.

Lamborghini super sports cars complete expedition in Norway

(July 30, 2018) The challenging Trollstigen road and the Geirangerfjord in Norway, was the setting for Lamborghini Avventura 2018: the series of Lamborghini car expeditions to discover the most spectacular places and roads in the world.

Following previous events in Andalusia and Transylvania this year, it was Norway’s turn, along a route of almost 500 km between the sea, mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, and the midnight sun.

Audi PB 18 e-tron: Show car world premiere at Pebble Beach car week

(July 30, 2018) HERNDON, Va. — Audi will unveil an electric-drive supercar concept during the 2018 Pebble Beach Concourse d’Elegance Week. The reveal will take place between 5–7 p.m. on Aug. 23. The concept car will be on display throughout the week along with Audi Sport race, vintage and production cars.

The abbreviated name for the Audi concept car — Audi PB 18 e-tron — refers to the Pebble Beach venue and the year of the debut.

2019 Ford F-150 Limited combines Raptor power with luxurious cabin

(July 30, 2018) DEARBORN, Mich., July 26, 2018 — For Ford pickup fans who love Raptor power but want a more upscale package, America’s truck leader is delivering with the new 2019 F-150 Limited. “F-150 Limited customers create their own success. The truck is their reward,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager.

Sometimes there is a replacement for displacement

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(July 28, 2018) Audi’s Q7 is the brand’s largest SUV, and nearly the same size as the Volkswagen Atlas. The two are so close in size that you wonder why they sit on different platforms. Consider: The Atlas is 198.3 inches long, 78.3 inches wide (not including the exterior mirrors), 70 inches high, and sits on a 117.3-inch wheelbase. The Q7 is 199.6 inches long, 77.5 inches wide, 68.5 inches tall, and sits on a 117.9-inch wheelbase. The two are nearly identical, yet the Audi feels smaller thanks to its more chiseled styling and seemingly cozier interior.