October 2020

Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS sport utility to start at $161,550

(October 20, 2020) The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is the all-new, highly anticipated addition to the Mercedes-Maybach lineup, expanding the Maybach product portfolio with its first-ever SUV. Offering refined spaciousness, unparalleled comfort, and powerful V8 performance, the Mercedes- Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC represents the  pinnacle of SUV luxury for the Mercedes-Maybach brand in the U.S. market. Arriving in U.S. dealerships late this year, priced from $161,550.

Tampa working with three automakers on connected vehicle program

(October 19, 2020) TAMPA, Fla. — Since September 2015, the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) has been working with the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) as a Connected Vehicle Pilot site. The next step in the Connected Vehicle space is to begin working with the auto industry manufacturers.  To that end, THEA has announced that it is collaborating with Honda R&D Americas, LLC, Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) and Toyota Motor North America to deploy vehicles with connected vehicle technology already installed.

Acura MDX Prototype previews all-new flagship SUV

(October 18, 2020) TORRANCE, Calif. — Acura MDX, America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV, will go on sale early next year, assuming the flagship role in the Acura lineup as the most premium, performance-focused and technologically sophisticated SUV in Acura history. Twenty years after the launch of the first-generation model, the new design and sumptuously appointed interior of the new MDX will be bolstered by an arsenal of new Acura technologies, an all-new performance-focused platform with MDX’s first-ever double wishbone front suspension, and the first application of the Type S high performance moniker to an Acura SUV.

The Bugatti 'Macaron' badge — A unique component made of silver

(October 17, 2020) MOLSHEIM, France —  150 grams of sterling silver. Finest embossing quality, high-gloss enamel and a 3D effect. Ever since the year the brand was founded, the Bugatti badge, the Macaron, has symbolized exclusivity, luxury, design and outstanding hand craftsmanship on the horseshoe radiator.

“The importance that the Bugatti Macaron still has for our brand today is shown by its unrivaled quality, the loving attention to detail, and also the weight,” says Stephan Winkelmann, president of Bugatti.

Post-war Chevy pickup



The Advanced Design Chevrolet pickup was General Motors' first all-new truck after World War II and it proved to be a gigantic success. It was manufactured from 1947 through 1953 with little change. This relic was discovered in Utah.
(Photo by Jim Prueter)

GM rebrands Detroit-Hamtramck plant 'Factory ZERO' for electric vehicles

(October 17, 2020) DETROIT — General Motors has announced its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center will be known as Factory ZERO, reconfigured to an all-electric vehicle assembly plant. The name Factory ZERO reflects the significance of this facility in advancing GM’s zero-crashes, zero-emissions and zero-congestion future. Factory ZERO will be the launchpad for GM’s multi-brand EV strategy. The facility has advanced technology and tooling and was designed with a focus on sustainable manufacturing.

BMW Group rolls out biggest Remote Software Upgrade in company history

(October 16, 2020) MUNICH, Germany —  BMW is once again underlining its leading role in digitalisation with the new Remote Software Upgrade. With the biggest and most extensive upgrade in the premium manufacturer’s history so far, more than 750,000 vehicles worldwide will receive the latest version of BMW Operating System 7 (version 07/20). It is also the largest over-the-air update ever rolled out by a European manufacturer.

Updated GM Magnetic Ride Control sharpens driving performance

(October 16, 2020) DETROIT — The fourth generation of Magnetic Ride Control sharpens the driving performance of the Cadillac CT4-V, CT5-V, CT5 Sport and Escalade, with up to 45-percent faster damping response. The system is the world’s fastest reacting suspension technology, which allows for greater responsiveness and enhanced isolation from road imperfections.

Kids shouldn't need scuba gear to breathe in a car

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DRIVER'S SIDE DIATRIBE
By Al Vinikour    

There’s plenty of room on my broad behind for things that gripe it, but taking center stage are children riding in vehicles – particularly infants – and the interior looks like they’re smokinghams at Oscar Mayer. This diatribe is not a rant on smoking…have at it. But if there are minors in that car…DON’T SMOKE ‘EM IF YOU GOT 'EM!!!