News archive

July 2020

Volvo smartphone app has new hybrid charging information

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(July 10, 2020) Call it a step counter for electrified cars— drivers of Volvo plug-in-hybrid cars can now gain new insights into their electric driving patterns, as Volvo Cars introduces a range of new features on its Volvo on Call smartphone app in all Volvo on Call markets. With the additional functionalities, Volvo Cars aims to further encourage drivers of Volvo plug-in-hybrids to charge and drive fully electric as much as possible, and more generally boost interest in the benefits of electric cars and sustainable mobility.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek to start at $23,295; new Sport trim with 182 hp debuts

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(July 10, 2020) Subaru of America has announced pricing on the 2021 Crosstrek compact SUV starting at $23,295 including destination charge. Subaru says that is just $100 more than the 2020 model.  An all-new Sport trim and available 182-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine will start at $27,545. 


New for all Crosstreks this year are redesigned wheels and a redesigned front fascia that includes a new bumper and grille. Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control is standard on trims with EyeSight/CVT and the 2.5-liter engine is now available on Sport and Limited models.

That lucky old sun, got nothin' to do but roll around heaven all day — and blind the hell out of me!!

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DRIVER'S SIDE DIATRIBE
By Al Vinikour        

Yesterday I was rushing home from a meeting because my wife told me she made deviled eggs. Normally I would wonder what she did to make her feel guilty enough to prepare my favorite treat but at this point I didn’t care. However, I was blinded by the sunlight reflecting off the Dodge in front of me and for a few seconds, lost sight of the road. I could have easily crashed and burned…meaning I never would have had my deviled eggs.

Honda Civic Type R Limited storms to new record at Formula 1 track

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(July 10, 2020) TORRANCE, Calif. — The 2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition stormed to a new front-wheel drive track record at Suzuka Circuit, Honda's Formula 1 racetrack in Japan, with a time of 2 minutes 23.993 seconds. Originally built as a test facility for Honda, the 3.6-mile Suzuka track's figure-8 configuration today is known worldwide as a highlight of the Formula 1 season as a driver and fan favorite.

Remembering the Volkswagen 'Max' Beetle

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(July 9, 2020) HERNDON, Va. — In 2008, Volkswagen of America began looking for a unique spokesperson — someone who could eloquently embody the brand’s ideals, but at the same time remind us that Volkswagen is a company that knows how to have a little fun, too. Identifying just the right person presented a long road ahead; it became clear that not just any celebrity superstar would do. With the help of advertising agency Crispin Porter + Bogusky, the unforgettable black 1964 Beetle we simply know as “Max” was fast-tracked to primetime.

Dodge truck in retirement

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Dodge sold the D line of pickup trucks from October 1960 through September 1993. This second-generation 1968 Dodge was spotted in Utah. The 1968 model can be distinguished by its grille with two rows of four holes each. Sold as the D300 and the D500, they came with a choice of two engines — a 127-horsepower Slant Six and a 177-horsepower V-8. (Photo by Jim Prueter) 

Mazda3 to get new turbocharged 4-cylinder for 2021 model year

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(July 9, 2020) Mazda said Wednesday its 2021 Mazda3 compact sedan and hatchback that begin arriving in showrooms next month will sport two new engine options. A naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 155 hp will be the car's new base engine. The current 2.5-liter four cylinder carries over unchanged. The third engine is a new turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter four that can deliver as much as 250 hp — 64 more than the current 2.5-liter installed in 2020 models.

Toyota Alabama to start production of all-new 4-cylinder engine

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(July 9, 2020) HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Toyota Alabama achieved two significant milestones this month as part of its $288 million expansion, originally announced in March 2019.  Upon completion in 2021, the plant will add 450 new jobs and represent a $1.2 billion investment that solidifies the Huntsville facility as the automaker’s largest engine producer in North America.

Milestones include the start of production for the all-new, redesigned 4-cylinder engine, and the closing in of the plant’s new 150,000 square foot V6 engine assembly line.

Eddie Vannoy collection reaches $15 million in sales by Mecum

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(July 9, 2020) JEFFERSON, N.C. — Mecum Auctions in June offered the private museum collection of Eddie Vannoy at an on-site auction in Jefferson, N.C., resulting in a strong overall sales total of $15 million, a number that significantly exceeded pre-auction expectations. Nearly 100 classic and collector cars and a total of more than 3,000 Road Art items from the museum crossed the auction block and hammered sold during the five-day live auction event, which was held June 26-30.