August 2020

NICB says motorcycle thefts have dropped 12% since 2016

(August 31, 2020) DES PLAINES, Ill. — Millions of people will take to the road over the Labor Day weekend, by jet, train, car, and motorcycle. If you are one of the tens of thousands of motorcyclists taking advantage of the great riding weather, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) urges you to protect your motorcycle from theft. Nearly 41,000 motorcycles were stolen in 2019, according to a new report by NICB, with most thefts occurring in warm-weather states and in the warm-weather months of July, August and September.

Toyota certified technician program expands nationwide

(August 31, 2020) PLANO, Texas — The next time you service your Toyota or Lexus vehicle at one of the brands’ nearly 1,500 dealerships across the U.S., it is likely that a certified technician from Toyota Motor North America’s (TMNA) T-TEN program (Technician Training & Education Network) serviced your vehicle.

Ford's Project Apollo to deliver 10 million masks across U.S.

(August 31, 2020) DEARBORN, Mich. —  Ford’s Project Apollo, in cooperation with Ford Motor Company Fund, is launching a community donation program that will initially deliver 10 million masks to at-risk communities across the U.S. with limited access to personal protective equipment.

Project Apollo — Ford’s codename for its efforts to produce personal protective equipment, including respirators, face shields, medical gowns, plus ventilators for COVID-19 patients — has improved its ability to build medical-grade masks and is now manufacturing more than the company needs to keep its employees safe.

VW will take $100 reservations after electric ID.4 is revealed Sept. 23

(August 30, 2020) In September Volkswagen will unveil its first electric SUV, the ID.4 — and a new system that allows customers to reserve their car. The Volkswagen reservation platform will make its debut on Sept. 23, immediately following the reveal of the all-new, zero-tailpipe emission Volkswagen ID.4 electric vehicle at 11 a.m. EDT. on VW.com. Customers who want to experience the future of driving will be able to reserve an ID.4 before it hits dealer showrooms later this year.

Production of all-new Acura TLX sport sedan begins in Ohio

(August 29, 2020) MARYSVILLE, Ohio — Acura has announced the start of mass-production of the all-new 2021 Acura TLX sport sedan at the Honda of America Marysville Auto Plant. The first Acura sedan created from the ground up following the brand’s return to Precision Crafted Performance, the 2021 TLX will arrive at dealerships September 28 with a manufacturer suggested retail price starting at $37,500 not including destination charge.

Mustang Mach-E inspires a thumping track with electronic music artist

(August 29, 2020) DEARBORN, Mich. — The all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E sounds like a sci-fi fantasy – so much that it inspired a Detroit-based electronic music artist Matthew Dear to transform its sound into song. Inspired by classic ‘80s sci-fi cinema, Ford sound designers worked with the studio Ozone Sound to craft electronic oscillations that emanate in and outside of the Mustang Mach-E while the vehicle is in motion.

Porsche Panamera gets more horsepower, updated styling for 2021

(August 27, 2020) ATLANTA — Blending impressive performance with superior comfort, the Porsche Panamera has been significantly enhanced and redesigned for the 2021 model year. Further improving performance was a key priority, and several new powertrains reflect that. Featuring changes to the crankshaft, connecting rods, timing chain drive and torsional vibration dampers, as well as new fuel injectors and a reduced compression ratio, an uprated 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 making 620 horsepower and 604 lb.-ft. of torque is at the heart of the new Panamera Turbo S model, which replaces the previous Panamera Turbo (550 hp and 567 lb.-ft.). 



Honda unveils 2020 Civic Type R Pace Car

(August 28, 2020) TORRANCE, Calif.  — Honda has unveiled the new 2020 Honda Civic Type R Pace Car, which will lead the NTT INDYCAR Series field to the green flag for this weekend’s Bommarito Automotive Group doubleheader race weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway, just outside St. Louis, Mo.

Get up to speed — or get out of my way!

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DRIVER'S SIDE DIATRIBE
By Al Vinikour    

I seem to get behind a lot of vehicles that must be towing a loaded 53-foot trailer, because it sure takes them a long time to get up to speed. It must be punishment for childhood shenanigans. I am loath to know what I had done that earns me the personal distinction of trailing the only vehicles on the highway whose torque rating is in the low-single figures?