March 2019

Volkswagen introduces all-electric ID. BUGGY concept in Geneva

(March 5, 2019) GENEVA — Volkswagen introduced the next member of the ID. concept family at the 89th Geneva International Motor Show — the ID. BUGGY. Drawing inspiration from the classic Californian dune buggies of the 60s, the ID. BUGGY shows the versatility of the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) and puts the fun in functional.

Aston Martin confirms performance figures for Valkyrie hypercar

(March 4, 2019) GAYDON, England — With the first Aston Martin Valkyrie prototypes beginning to take shape, now is the time to reveal the full performance figures delivered by Aston Martin Valkyrie’s hybrid powertrain. The heart of the Aston Martin Valkyrie’s powertrain is its clean sheet Cosworth-built 65 degree naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine.

Evoking the spine-tingling, ultra-high-revving F1TM engines of the 1990s, but benefitting from two decades of progress in design, material and manufacturing expertise, it sets exceptional new standards for maximum rpm and weight.

Volvo to impose 112 mph speed limit on all its cars for safety reasons

(March 4, 2019) Volvo Cars, as a worldwide leader in safety, is sending a strong signal about the dangers of speeding and will limit the top speed on all its cars to 112 mph from 2020, beginning with model year 2021.

The company’s Vision 2020, which aims for no one to be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by 2020, is one of the most ambitious safety visions in the automotive industry. But realizing that technology alone will not get it all the way to zero, Volvo Cars is now broadening its scope to include a focus on driver behavior.

G-Glass stars in 'Stronger than Gravity' campaign by going lateral

(March 4, 2019) STUTTGART, Germany — Since 1979 the G-Class has thrilled its fans with its outstanding driving characteristics and impressive off-road capabilities. Even 40 years later, this iconic off-roader from Mercedes-Benz can do more than other vehicles. The G-Class has now demonstrated this yet again, with a stunt never before performed.

All-new Ram jumps to the head of the Heavy Duty truck class

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 3, 2019) Last month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Ram 1500 earned top honors as North American Truck of the Year, as chosen by automotive media jurors from across the U.S. and Canada. Fresh off of that win, Ram introduces its all-new 2019 line of 2500, 3500 and Power Wagon Heavy duty trucks.

Nissan LEAF PLUS to start at $37,445 with 226 miles range

(March 2, 2019)  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The new Nissan LEAF PLUS pricing starts at $37,445 including destination charge and goes on sale at Nissan retailers nationwide this month. The "PLUS" designation refers to the increased energy density of the model's 62 kWh battery pack and the higher 214-horsepower output of its powertrain versus the 40 kWh option.

Infiniti hauls John Oates' guitar collection from Nashville to Amelia Island

(March 1, 2019) NASHVILLE — Infiniti helped kick off the 24th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance on Wednesday with a special delivery. A 2019 QX50 made the 600-mile journey from Nashville, home to IInfiniti's North American headquarters, to Amelia Island, Fla., stowing four guitars owned by John Oates of the legendary rock duo, Hall & Oates. The guitars will be on display on March 10 in the Concours' "Cars of the Rock Stars" class, which Oates helped curate.

Toyota research institute and CARMERA team to build high definition maps

(March 1, 2019) Toyota Research Institute-Advanced Development, Inc. ("TRI-AD") and CARMERA have announced they are joining forces to conduct a proof of concept about developing camera-based automation of high definition (HD) maps for urban and surface roads. This is the first step towards realizing TRI-AD's open software platform concept known as Automated Mapping Platform (AMP) to support the scalability of highly automated driving, by combining data gathered from vehicles of participating companies to generate HD maps.

Jaguar refreshes XE sports sedan for 2020 model year

(March 1, 2019) MAHWAH, N.J. — Jaguar has announced significant model year updates to the 2020 XE sports sedan. The newly refreshed model features an enhanced exterior design; all-new luxurious interior featuring new materials and layout; new advanced infotainment and drivers’ assistance technologies; and a simplified model line-up, reaffirming its position within the competitive compact sedan segment.