September 2012

iPhone 5 driving apps rated by Total Car Score

(September 19, 2012) LOS ANGELES —- Total Car Score has released its list of the Top 5 iPhone Driving Apps in anticipation of the release of the new iPhone 5.



“With the release of the iPhone 5 drivers will have an excellent selection of useful and fun driving aids,” said Karl Brauer, Editor in Chief of Total Car Score. “Beyond the new iPhone 5’s larger display screen and excellent native apps, these are our favorite driving-related apps from the App Store. All of the apps in the list, with the exception of MotionX GPS, are free in the App Store.”



Landmark 'road train' technology designed to reduce traffic accidents

(September 18, 2012) GOTHENBURG, Sweden — The latest test drive marks the final chapter in a three-year project which has seen the development of the next step in autonomous driving technology. Since 2009, Volvo Car Corporation has been the driving force behind the EU funded SARTRE project (Safe Road-Trains for the Environment), bringing vehicle platooning technology — "road trains" — one step closer to becoming a reality on Europe's roads.

Computer diagnosis most efficient way to determine auto problem

(September 17, 2012) ORLANDO, Fla. — When your auto repair shop recommends a "computer diagnosis" it sounds serious, and everyone knows that serious vehicle problems can lead to serious repair bills. However, AAA experts advise consumers not to be overly concerned because computer diagnosis is a common practice for identifying problems on today's microprocessor-controlled cars.

Living with the Kia Rio and Cadillac XTS — Something to love with both

CLANGING BELL
By Russ Heaps

(September 16, 2012) One of the cars in my driveway this week has been the 2012 Kia Rio. It overlapped a few days with the 2013 Cadillac XTS. Moving back and forth between these wildly different vehicles required the flexibility of a human pretzel in managing expectations, to say the least. But I found something to love with both.

Lexus GS 350 a technological marvel that goes fast and hard

By Al Vinikour
MotorwayAmerica.com

There’s a common belief that anymore there’s no such thing as a “bad car.” I tend to agree. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t “better cars” and lately I’ve put a fair amount of miles on one of the best — a 2013 Lexus GS 350.

The Lexus GS Family has always been thought of as the “performance” group of Lexus and the GS 350 doesn’t argue with that. Stepping on the gas and livening up 306 horsepower with its buddy, Mr. 277 pound-feet of torque, tells you that you’re at the command of a powerful V8 that basically owns the highway.

Own a MG? Some Christmas suggestions from BMH

(September 15, 2012) The eclectic range of carefully selected, car-related items sold by British Motor Heritage (BMH) under its popular Motoring Classics brand has been further extended in time for Christmas.

Kelley Blue Book identifies 'five great lease deals'

(September 13, 2012) IRVINE, Calif. — Leasing makes sense for car shoppers looking for the best bang for the buck on a monthly payment versus buying a car. During September, consumers can find a multitude of compact and subcompact cars available with lease rates less than $200 per month, while a mid-size sedan or compact crossover auto lease can easily be found for less than $300 per month, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Honda CR-V takes top spot in new compact crossover comparison,

(September 12, 2012) IRVINE, Calif. — The Honda CR-V is the winner of Kelley Blue Book's all-new 2012/2013 Compact Crossover SUV Comparison according to the editors of KBB.com.

Concerns about fuel prices may have tempered America's love affair with sport-utility vehicles, but it has by no means brought it to an end.  Instead, many Americans seem to be aligning their vehicle shopping based on a realistic assessment of their needs and economic situation.  As a consequence, compact SUVs have become one of the hottest vehicle categories in a slowly reviving U.S. auto market.

Average fuel economy for new cars up in August

(September 10, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — TrueCar.com today provided actual fuel economy numbers from August light vehicle auto sales that indicate mileage increased to 23.3 mpg in August compared to 21.7 mpg in August 2011, and increased two-tenths of a gallon from July at 23.1 mpg.

Just four years ago in August 2008, TrueMPG was at 20.3 mpg.

Toyota dominates new-car shopping activity on KBB

(September 6, 2012) IRVINE, Calif. — The Toyota brand dominates new-car shopping activity on www.kbb.com when examining shopper loyalty and share-of-voice data from the past three years, according to Kelley Blue Book, the leading provider of new car and used car information.