December 2021

Abandoned 1965 Ford pickup ready for camping



A 1965 Ford F-100 pickup with a camper shell rusts away in a farm shed in Johnston County, N.C. Ford introduced a dramatically new fourth-generation style F-Series pickup in 1961. Longer and lower than its predecessors, these trucks had increased dimensions and new engine and gearbox choices. They were built from 1961-1966.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

Probe into Hyundai, Kia engine fires being made by NHTSA



(December 28, 2021) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has stepped up its probe into engine fires that have plagued some Hyundai and Kia vehicles for more than six years. The NHTSA said it had opened an "engineering analysis" covering about 3 million vehicles to evaluate, among other things, the efficacy of recalls initiated by the two automakers. The agency added that it was aware of 161 fires occurring potentially due to engine failures.

1,920-piece Lego BMW M RR super-bike on sale Jan. 1



(December 28, 2021) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW Motorrad and the Lego Group have revealed the Lego Technic BMW M 1000 RR, or the M RR for short, which is set to go on sale on Jan. 1. This intricate set brings the supreme racing technology of the 205 hp super-bike, which is designed to meet the highest performance demands in motorsport and road use, to people’s living rooms.

Dodge announces new Direct Connection Performance parts lineup



(December 27, 2021) ,  AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Dodge is kick-starting the brand’s rollout of new factory-backed Direct Connection performance parts with the announcement of key products from the exclusive new lineup, including performance “Tuner” and “Stage” kits for the Dodge Challenger and new race-ready performance kits for the Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak.

Ford says lend a hand — and a few miles — with vehicle-to-vehicle charging



(December 27, 2021) DEARBORN, Mich. — Usually when someone asks you to top them off, they’re holding a cool beverage in hand looking for a refill. But with the all-electric F-150 Lightning, customers can take service to another level by “sharing” miles with other electric vehicles — those built by Ford and other manufacturers — giving people additional range through vehicle-to-vehicle charging.

Toyota Avalon XSE Hybrid Nightshade Edition highlights changes for 2022



(December 26, 2021) PLANO, Texas — The 2022 Avalon is Toyota’s take on full size refinement and style. With a coupe-inspired design, a spacious, luxury interior and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS-2.5+) standard on all grades, the 2022 Avalon offers drivers the comfort, quality and safety they expect from a premium sedan.

Hennessey Audi RS 6 world’s fastest station wagon with Christmas tree on roof



(December 25, 2021) SEALY, Texas — Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has achieved a 183 mph speed record for the fastest station wagon with a Christmas tree mounted on the roof! The seasonal speed record breaks Hennessey’s previous best — 181 mph achieved with a 1000 bhp Hennessey Jeep Trackhawk in 2019.

Full-scale web browser included in Polestar 2



(December 24, 2021) GOTHENBURG, Sweden — Polestar has released the Vivaldi web browser for Polestar 2. Answering one of the top desires from Polestar owners, the inclusion of a full-scale web browser in the car allows users to browse the web as they might on their mobile devices. It is the first browser available for Android Automotive OS.

Bare bones vehicles — a pox on those who make us suffer…like an ex-wife

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DRIVER'S SIDE DIATRIBE
By Al Vinikour 


As professional automotive journalists we get spoiled by vehicles we drive. Oh, sure, we may test a drive-to-work vehicle…but it’s generally equipped with every option known to the auto world. So whenever we are assigned a vehicle that’s less than stellar in the amenities department it becomes more noticeable.

Production of 2022 Acura MDX Type S begins in Ohio



(December 24, 2021) Production of the new Acura MDX Type S has begun at the company’s auto facility in East Liberty, Ohio, and will arrive at dealerships soon. The MDX Type S is the high-performance variant of the critically acclaimed fourth-generation MDX, Acura’s flagship model, that went on sale this year. Like all 2021 and newer Acura models, the 2022 MDX Type S is built exclusively in Central Ohio.