November 2019

At Ford Motor Company — Cynicism on a grand scale

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(November 18, 2019) You can almost predict the coverage that will come out of the L.A. Auto Show this week, especially as it applies to Ford and the “Mustang Inspired” Mach E. It will be a sycophant’s field day. Originally called “Mach 1” until Mustang diehards flooded Ford with complaints about bastardizing the nameplate with an electric crossover.

2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia, Stelvio begin arriving in North American showrooms

(November 20, 2019) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Alfa Romeo has announced the new 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio models will make their North American debut at this week’s 2019 AutoMobility LA. Alfa Romeo says consumers "will experience nearly 110 years of heritage with the evolution of best-in-class performance, state-of-the-art technology, seductive Italian styling and exhilarating driving dynamics standard in the new 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio."

Buick introduces a bigger Encore — Meet the Encore GX

(November 20, 2019) DETROIT — The new Encore GX grows Buick’s SUV portfolio, as the brand strengthens its focus on premium SUVs. The Encore GX offers safety technologies, driver assistance and convenience features, functionality and style tailored around the size and space preferences of today’s small and compact SUV buyers.

Discovering a Nash 600



This post-war Nash 600 (circa 1946) was found resting safely behind a fence next to a brick building in the Detroit area. The Nash 600 is credited with being the first mass-produced American automobile using unitized body/frame construction techniques in which the car body and the frame are welded as one unit, rather than the more traditional body-on-frame. Built from 1941-1949, the "600" name comes from the car's ability to go 600 miles on one tank of gas. An advertisement for the '46 proclaims, "The new Nash 600 takes you an amazing 25 to 30 miles on a gallon of gasoline at moderate highway speeds — 500 to 600 miles on a tankful."
(Photo by Chris Sawyer)

Electric Porsche Taycan introduced to U.S. at L.A. Auto Show

(November 19, 2019) LOS ANGELES — The Porsche Taycan will celebrate its U.S premiere at the LA Auto Show Wednesday. The all-electric, four-door sports sedan offers the performance and connectivity expected of a Porsche, with everyday usability. Highly advanced production methods and the Taycan’s capabilities are setting new standards in the fields of sustainability and digitalization.

BMW introduces its first electric-powered premium mid-range car — The i4

(November 19, 2019) MUNICH, Germany — The heart of the BMW brand beats in the premium segment of the mid-range category. Along with the BMW 4 Series Coupé, BMW 4 Series Convertible and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé models, it is the BMW 3 Series that brings out the qualities that are key to hallmark brand driving pleasure in a particularly concentrated form. Now BMW is transferring the brand's characteristic core features to the age of electric mobility — the central purpose in developing the BMW i4.

Bloodhound completes thigh-speed testing in quest for new record

(November 18, 2019) The Bloodhound Land Speed Record car has  reached a new top speed of 628 mph as she tore down the Kalahari Desert racing track in South Africa and completed the crucial high speed testing phase of the project. Propelled by an EJ200 jet engine normally found in a Eurofighter Typhoon fighter plane, reaching maximum velocity as she passed the 5 mile mark in just 50 seconds.

This 628mph sprint was Run Profile 8, a pre-defined and exacting set of parameters set out by the Bloodhound LSR engineering team and driven with precision by Andy Green.

Bentley celebrating 60 years of its V-8 engine

(November 18, 2019) CREWE, England — Bentley is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its venerable V8, the longest serving engine of its type in production. Originally fitted to the S2 model of 1959, the lasting appeal of the Bentley engine is proven by its continued application today in the luxurious Mulsanne limousine.

Handcrafted Acura MDX PMC Edition to be unveiled in L.A.

(November 17, 2019) Leveraging the advanced technology and human craftsmanship of Acura’s bespoke supercar factory, the 2020 Acura MDX PMC Edition will make its debut on Nov. 20, at AutoMobility LA. Covered in lustrous, PMC-exclusive Valencia Red Pearl paint, the MDX PMC Edition is the latest limited edition vehicle from Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio.

Barrett-Jackson begins 'Road to 50' with Scottsdale auction

(November 16, 2019) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.— Barrett-Jackson will begin its “Road to 50” in celebration of the company’s Golden Anniversary in 2021 when it returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale for its 49th Annual Scottsdale Auction Jan.11-19. Recently honored as USA Today’s 2019 No. 1 Best Attraction For Car Lovers, Barrett-Jackson will once again be the barometer of the collector car market.

On the block will be such vehicles as a 2019 McLaren Senna and a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 COPO . They will cross the block with No Reserve.