October 2020

Who's behind window number one?

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DRIVER'S SIDE DIATRIBE
By Al Vinikour      

The other day I was driving down the freeway (does anybody ever drive up the freeway?), singing to myself, “Do do, do do do do…life been good to me.” All of a sudden the BMW in front of me and one lane over starts jinking like a dogfight between an F-4 Phantom and a MiG 21.  Eventually he (or maybe she) must have realized that his (or her) Bimmer was weaving in and out of his (or her) lane because there was a sudden, jerky correction and the BMW stayed where it was.  I made a mental bet with myself that this dumbbell was probably on his (or her) cell phone and didn’t give two hoots to what was going on around him (or her). I also made a mental note to give him (or her) a hand gesture, just in case he (or she) was deaf.

Mitsubishi unveils new styling on 2022 Eclipse Cross

(October 16, 2020) Mitsubishi has revealed the restyled 2022 Eclipse Cross. Mitsubishi says the 2022 edition offers a sleek, sporty SUV appearance and improved driving confidence and comfort. The new Eclipse Cross will first launch in Australia and New Zealand in November, and in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2021. While there will be a plug-in hybrid variant of the vehicle available in select markets, there are no plans at this time to add the PHEV model for the U.S.

2021 Nissan Altima to start at $25,225

(October 15, 2020) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, ProPILOT Assist and more, the 2021 Nissan Altima offers technology that makes the drive experience more confident, more fuel efficient, safer and more fun. It is available now at Nissan dealers nationwide with a starting price of $25,225 including destination charge. The Altima tops out at $35,025 for the Platinum edition.

Ford adds recreational, business options to 2021 Transit

(October 15, 2020) DEARBORN, Mich. — New for the 2021 model year, the Ford Transit —America’s best-selling van — is updated with recreational vehicle and parcel delivery option packages for those who work hard and play hard. “With many Americans working from home and practicing social distancing during the pandemic, the popularity of recreational vehicles has soared at the same time package delivery has seen incredible growth,” says Tiffany Chang, Ford fleet brand strategy manager.

Volkswagen unveils 2022 Taos compact SUV

(October 15, 2020) HERNDON, Va.  — Volkswagen of America has unveiled the all-new 2022 Taos. The Volkswagen Taos will slot under the Tiguan, and is the second proof point of Volkswagen’s doubling-up SUV strategy following the launch of Atlas Cross Sport earlier this year. The vehicle is positioned in the largest U.S. vehicle segment, the compact SUV market, where 4 million vehicles were sold in 2019 — around 24 percent of the market.  The Taos is small in stature, but big on value, with bold design, smart packaging, and high-end features.

Audi offering Digital Matrix LED headlights in 2021 E-tron EV

(October 14, 2020) HERNDON, Va. — As lighting technology advances, Audi continues leading the way, now offering Digital Matrix LED (DML) headlights as optional equipment in 2021 e-tron and e-tron Sportback models. This is the first time DML headlights have been mass-produced for a production vehicle.

Mopar introduces new trailer brake controller for Jeep Gladiator

(October 14, 2020) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Mopar, FCA’s service, parts and customer-care brand, is enhancing the towing experience of the Jeep Gladiator with the release of a new trailer brake controller. The new Mopar trailer brake controller will give Jeep Gladiator owners the ability to activate the electronic brakes on properly equipped trailers. Independent from the truck’s brakes, the additional trailer brake control allows for greater stopping power when needed, such as on downhill grades, while helping to minimize wear and tear on both the trailer and vehicle.

New Hyundai innovation center designed to transform customer experience

(October 14, 2020) SEOUL/SINGAPORE — Hyundai Motor Group celebrated the groundbreaking announcement of the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore (HMGICS) with a virtual ceremony earlier this week. The center will act as an open innovation lab for the Group’s future mobility research and development, with the aim of revolutionizing the future mobility value chain.

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe adds new design features, upgraded powertrain

(October 14, 2020) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai has announced the introduction of its 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV with a freshened design motif, advanced front and rear lighting signatures, new hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive and extensive new driver safety and convenience features. The hybrid propulsion system is the first application of its kind in the Hyundai SUV line-up. In addition, a new, upscale Calligraphy trim will be offered for the first time.

Parts shortage halts production of 2020 Chevy Corvette

(October 13, 2020) The Chevrolet Corvette has hit yet another production snag — a parts shortage that will halt assembly at the Bowling Green, Ky., plant for the rest of this week. General Motors paused production of the 2020 Corvette beginning Monday, spokesman Kevin Kelly said as reported Monday in Automotive News.