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THK reveals advanced technology EV prototype at Japan Mobility Show

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THK LSR-05 is a fully functioning
EV to showcase new technologies

(December 6, 2023) TOKYO —THK CO unveiled its advanced LSR-05 electric prototype at the recent 2023 Japan Mobility Show. Beyond a design study, the LSR-05 is a fully functional prototype vehicle developed to highlight a range of advanced technologies developed by THK for application across the global automotive industry. The LSR-05 was designed by Shiro Nakamura, president of SNDP, widely recognized for creating some of the world’s most impactful automotive designs.

2024 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss



PHOENIX — The vast majority of pickup truck buyers today are what's called "never-never" truck owners — never tow, never haul, but seek the tireless experience and unique takeaways from driving one on a daily basis. Likewise, not everybody needs an oversized half-ton pickup thus there are the masses who opt to buy an easier-to-drive and park midsize with nearly all the convenience of a larger truck.

2024 Chevrolet Trax



PHOENIX — All-new for 2024 the Chevrolet Trax — the brand's new entry-level model now that the Spark has been discontinued — is larger, much better looking inside and out, less expensive and surprisingly a bit larger than the Trailblazer, Chevy's other small compact SUV. The previous Trax ended production after the 2022 model year, and there is no 2023 Trax model rather just jumping to 2024 for the Korean built sub-compact crossover.

2024 Subaru Impreza



PASO ROBLES, Calif. — Spring has finally come to California wine country and I’m clipping through tight two-lane roads through vineyards and wineries around Paso Robles.  I’m doing my best to keep eyes on the road, but the greenery and mountains are simply magical.  Yet, the roads and this car demand attention lest I end up a visitor center lawn ornament.  As invigorating is the drive, this little hatchback could just as easily take Miles and Maisey to cello lessons.  I’m driving the completely redesigned 2024 Subaru Impreza RS.

Vehicle of the Week

2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R makes quick work of Thanksgiving chores



By Casey Williams
MyCarData

(December 3, 2023) I had plans for the Thanksgiving holiday.  After watching The Parade, we’d drive sixty miles to my parents’ and enjoy some turkey.  We planned to catch the new Priscilla movie, do a little shopping, and drop off a box of books for donation downtown.  There would be no pulling RVs, tackling mountain trails, nor out-running exotic sports cars.  And yet, when I checked the schedule, my ride would do all of that and then some.  Yep, I’m chasing fat bird in a Ford F-150 Raptor…R.

Here's the Thing

Kelley Blue Book unveils 2024 Best Buy Award winners



2024 Toyota Prius garners
top award as Best New Model


(December 5, 2023) ATLANTA — Following a year of expert testing of nearly every new and redesigned vehicle available in the United States, Kelley Blue Book, a Cox Automotive company, today announces the winners of the 2024 Best Buy Awards. The 10th annual Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards stand as a comprehensive recognition program, spotlighting the premier models in vehicle segments most pertinent to new-car shoppers.

More than half of all drivers engage in dangerous behavior



AAA survey finds speeding
is a habit hard to break


(December 4, 2023) WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety identifies six types of drivers by analyzing risky driving behaviors. The most common dangerous behaviors were speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive driving. The annual Traffic Safety Culture Index survey developed these six driver profiles by examining patterns of self-reported risky driving behaviors among a large group of drivers. Only 4 in 10 surveyed fall into the “Safe Drivers” category.

Hyundai offers a pickup made for the city with 2024 Santa Cruz


Photos by Paul Borden

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 3, 2023) Finally, a pickup truck that accommodates tight city streets and parking places. If a full-size or even mid-size pickup is too big for your life-style and your budget, Hyundai has the truck for you with its compact Santa Cruz. Sure, it’s not going to work for you if you’re running a construction business and do a lot of heavy duty hauling, but if you’re like most of us, what’s behind the cabin isn’t as important as what’s inside it.

Inside the Industry

Ford Pro and Xcel Energy collaborate on EV charging ports for business fleets



Goal is to install 30,000 EV charging
ports by 2030 for U.S. business fleets


(December 6, 2023) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Pro, the commercial division within Ford Motor Company, and Xcel Energy, a national leader in clean energy, announced a unique collaboration to support the deployment of 30,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging ports in Xcel Energy service territories across the U.S. by 2030 with most upfront costs offset by Xcel for qualifying business fleet customers.

Hennessey hires racing champion David Donohue with focus on world records



The 2023 Pikes Peak record-setter
brings decades of racing experience


(December 6, 2023) SEALY, Texas  — Hennessey Special Vehicles, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer, has hired David Donohue — celebrated 24 Hours of Le Mans champion, Rolex 24 at Daytona overall winner, and 2023 Pikes Peak record setter — for advanced track development of its Venom F5 hypercar.

1994 Chevy Suburban exceeds one million miles on original engine



(December 5, 2023) LINCOLN, Neb. — When Ben Welch drove his new Chevy Suburban off the dealership lot in 1994, he was curious to see how many miles it would go by following a good maintenance routine. Per General Motors, only about one percent of Suburbans go over 250,000 miles. So it was remarkable when Welch watched his odometer flip to one million miles earlier this year, without ever having a complete engine overhaul or the engine pulled from the vehicle for service!
 

Abandoned Car of the Week

A Thriftmaster beside Texas road

This 1947 or 1948 Chevrolet Thriftmaster pickup was spotted sinking into the ground in a front yard near Austin, Texas. The pickup was completely redesigned in 1947 and carried the Thriftmaster or Loadmaster emblems through the early part of 1949. The designations were dropped in 1949 in favor of numbers that designated cargo capacity: 3100 on half-ton, 3600 on three-quarter ton and 3800 on one ton. (Photos by Jim Meachen)