July 2012

GM releases video of testing the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado

(July 13, 2012) DETROIT — GM engineers are putting the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado through the final paces at the company’s proving grounds in Yuma, Ariz. The water test pictured above is part of a rigorous product validation program.

General Motors has released a short video of testing a camouflaged prototype of the new Silverado pulling a load up a steep incline.

Nissan visits elite Blue Angels for future sports car innovation

(July 13, 2012) PENSACOLA, Fla. — The U.S. Navy's flight demonstration squadron, better known as the Blue Angels, like to go faster than most people will ever go. The Blue Angels know every inch of their fighter jets, so they can make loops and rolls in the air like acrobats. It's why a group of product planners and designers from Nissan arranged to meet the Blue Angels at their hanger in Pensacola.

Ford partners with Feeding America in Ford Escape Hunger Drive

(July 13, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — Participants in the 2013 Ford Escape Hunger Drive will get to feed people facing hunger this summer, while also getting a chance to experience Ford’s all-new small utility vehicle that is loaded with smart technologies.

Volkswagen Passat sets new cross Canada mileage record

(July 13, 2012) Halifax to Vancouver. A total of 6,340 kilometers (3,939 miles) across Canada.  Eight drivers. One car. With summer now upon us, many Canadians will soon set out on their own "road trip" and Volkswagen Canada and Shell recently teamed up to make the drive more enjoyable, more economical, and easier on the environment.

McLauren shows off new 12C Spider in video

(July 12, 2012) McLaren Automotive has presented the first opportunity to see the new 12C Spider in action with a video that allows viewers to watch its on-track performance as well as view its retractable hard top being lowered with the car in motion.

More than 40 vehicle debuts anticipated for L.A. Auto Show

(July 12, 2012) LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Auto show announced Wednesday that more than 40 vehicles are anticipated to debut at the show during the 2012 Press Days, held Nov. 28-29. With four and a half months until the show, it is noteworthy that at least 20 world debuts have already been confirmed by automakers. 

Ford B-Max door system inspired by 'undercover operation'

(July 11, 2012) COLOGNE, Germany — It’s a busy weekday morning at the local garden center, and two middle-aged men have staked out a corner, quietly filming shoppers as they struggle to load bulky purchases into their cars.

This was part of an “undercover” operation by Ford engineers to learn more about challenges faced by drivers and passengers of smaller cars as they designed the all-new B-Max multi-activity vehicle.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster makes global debut

(July 11, 2012) Aston Martin is lifting the lid on an extreme new sports car with the global debut of the V12 Vantage Roadster.

The new sports car, available as a limited edition in selected markets worldwide, immediately becomes the most potent example of the open-top Vantage range and mixes the breath-taking power of Aston Martin’s naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine with the established thrills of Vantage Roadster driving for what is an unforgettable sports car experience.

Hertz Introduces Porsche Panamera Into its U.S. fleet

(July 11, 2012) PARK RIDGE, N.J. — Hertz  has announced that it has become the first U.S. car rental company to purchase vehicles from Porsche, and will be the first major car rental company in the U.S. to rent Porsche sports cars. 

2013 Mazda MX-5 gets a nose job, performance tweaks

(July 11, 2012) Mazda has released pictures of the 2013 MX-5 roadster, which gets a more aggressive front-end treatment to bring it more in line with the new Mazda look. The 2013 version of the world’s best-selling open-top sports car is now rolling off the assembly line in Hiroshima, Japan, for the Japanese market, and will go on sa

le later this summer. No word on when it will be available for the U.S. market. But there is speculation that the popular two-seater will be completely remade for the 2014 model year.