January 2023

Mercedes-Benz to use SAE Level 3 automated driving in U.S.



(January 27, 2023) Mercedes-Benz says it is the world's first automotive company to bring SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving to the U.S., with Nevada being the first state to confirm the compliance of the system with state regulations. This significant milestone sets the ground-breaking Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT system apart as the first and only SAE Level 3 system in a standard-production vehicle authorized for use on U.S. public freeways.

1957 Ford in retirement



The 1957 Ford was one of the company's biggest hits through the years, although it was outshined by the '57 Chevrolet, which has become a classic auction favorite. There were 11 varieties of the Ford including a retractable hardtop convertible and two-door and four-door station wagons. This 1957 four-door sedan was found in a Utah salvage yard. Ford actually outsold Chevy in '57 — 1.67 million to Chevy's 1.5 million.
(Photo by Jim Prueter}

2024 BMW M3 CS — Lighter, stronger, faster



(January 26, 2023) Continuing the celebrated lineage of legendary CS models is the very special, limited-edition 2024 BMW M3 CS. Today, CS stands for “Competition Sport”; the designation given to exclusive BMW M models equally at home on road and track. More power, unique chassis calibration, and intelligent lightweight construction featuring carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) components deliver an exhilarating performance experience without sacrificing the functionality and everyday usability of the BMW M3.

2024 Polestar 2 brings more power, performance and range



(January 25, 2023) GOTHENBURG, Sweden — Polestar is giving the 5-door electric performance fastback, Polestar 2, a major update. For the 2024 model year, the premium compact EV features a new high-tech front end that reflects the design language premiered by Polestar 3, substantial performance increases with all-new electric motors, even more powerful batteries, sustainability improvements and, for the first time in a Polestar, rear-wheel drive.

Lexus and ChargePoint elevate RZ 450e charging experience



(January 25, 2023)  When guests purchase an all-new, all-electric RZ 450e crossover from Lexus dealers, they’ll be offered several ways to enhance their battery-electric ownership through an elevated charging experience. Lexus announced today it will work with ChargePoint, a leading public EV charging network and provider of home charging equipment, and Qmerit, a home charger installation and EV integration solutions provider, to offer home chargers, installation services, and a vast network of public charging EV stations.

Harley–Davidson CEO plans to phase out gas-powered bikes



By Ben Sellers
Headline USA

(January 25, 2023) Farewell, Hell’s Angel’s. Hello, Heck’s Snowflakes. The CEO of Harley–Davidson said the company plans to go full electric in the foreseeable future, according to a recent interview with British design magazine Dezeen. “At some point in time, Harley Davidson will be all-electric,” said Jochen Zeit, the German-born top executive of the quintessentially American motorbike brand. “But that’s a long-term transition that needs to happen,” he reassured bikers. “It’s not something you do overnight.”

Bentley seeks extraordinary talent to accelerate path to full electrification



(January 24, 2023) CREWE, England —Bentley Motorshas announced a recruitment drive creating 200 new roles as the luxury marque accelerates its forward-thinking Beyond100 strategy. Working across multiple disciplines to support delivery of the ambitious Five-in-Five plan, which commits Bentley to launching five new electric models by 2030, the growth will help redefine Bentley’s credentials as the benchmark manufacturer in sustainable luxury mobility.     

First 2024 Ford Mustang GT to be auctioned to fight diabetes



(January 24, 2023) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. —  To aid the fight against diabetes, Ford is bringing the most powerful Mustang GT ever to Barrett-Jackson’s annual auction in Scottsdale. The all-new, seventh-generation 2024 Mustang GT with VIN 001 will be auctioned off on Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. MST. All sales proceeds will benefit JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization whose mission is to improve lives by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications.

Hennessey debuts 650 horsepower supercharged upgrade for 2023 Escalade



(January 24, 2023) SEALY, Texas — Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has released a comprehensive new performance upgrade package for the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon. Hennessey's boost in output for vehicles with the GM 6.2-liter V8 takes power from the mild 420 bhp factory rating to a wild 650 bhp — entirely transforming the acceleration and driving dynamics of GM's full-size SUVs.