August 2012

Chevrolet plans activities for Woodward Dream Cruise

(August 13, 2012) DETROIT — On Aug. 18, more than a million fans are expected to crowd Detroit’s legendary Woodward Avenue for the world’s largest one-day automotive event. Chevrolet is once again the presenting sponsor of the Dream Cruise, and Chevy activities at the Cruise will showcase the 60th anniversary of Corvette, one of the most recognizable cars on Woodward.

Even a Jaguar XK convertible couldn't overcome this traffic jam

CLANGING BELL
By Russ Heaps


(August 13, 2012) I had a Jaguar XK Convertible waiting for me when I arrived at the Atlanta airport from an event in Nashville, Tenn., last week. It made me happy. I wasn't prepared to drive a convertible home, which translates: I didn't have a cap with me. But skin cancer be damned, I was going to drop the top. I mean, if you are going to drive a $100,000 convertible — the actual price with about $8,500 worth of options and delivery charge was $99,350 — you want to enjoy the whole enchilada.

Rolls-Royce celebrates Olympic Games with new badges

(August 13, 2012) Rolls-Royce celebrated the success of the Olympic Games at the closing ceremony last night when three Rolls-Royce motor cars sported newly-designed badges for the first time in the company’s 108-year history. The new badges, designed by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Design Team, replaced the traditional double R-R for the first time since the company started in 1904.

Millen sets record at Pikes Peak Hill Climb In Hyundai Genesis Coupe

(August 13, 2012) PIKES PEAK, Colo. — Rhys Millen claimed yet another world record and overall victory at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on Sunday. Millen set a blazing pace to the summit in his hill-climb-prepared Hyundai Genesis Coupe race car, needing only 9:46.164 to make international motorsports' most challenging ascent over 14,000 feet.

Ford says C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid will do 85 mph in electric mode

(August 12, 2012) TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — At the touch of a button, Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid drivers can enjoy the industry’s top electric-only speed among all plug-in hybrid vehicles — 85 mph.
 

First lap of paving complete at Austin track

(August 12, 2012) AUSTIN, Texas — Progress at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas — venue for November’s 2012 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix — has reached another milestone.

Last week saw construction crews lay the final piece of base course and complete the entire first layer of pavement around the 5.516-kilometer track, the first purpose-built Formula One facility in the USA.

GM safety enginners go back to school to study crash injuries

(August 12, 2012) DETROIT — General Motors safety engineers are helping to advance crash test methods by getting out of the lab and into University of Michigan Hospital to witness surgeries and other medical procedures resulting from crash-related injuries.

GM’s collaboration with the University of Michigan’s International Center of Automotive Medicine over the last decade has resulted in 25 GM safety personnel participating in ICAM’s Technical Fellowship for Engineers.

Suzuki announces limited run of retro model

(August 11, 2012) Suzuki has announced a limited run of its SFV650 Gladius, with a retro inspired paint scheme that gives the popular 650cc naked middleweight motorcycle a unique classic Grand Prix look.

Jaguar touts its 'green' side with XJ_e prototype hybrid

(August 11, 2012) LONDON — Jaguar Land Rover says it is the largest investor in automotive green technology and innovation in the UK, and this week the company told audiences at the British Business Embassy’s Advanced Engineering, Automotive and Aerospace Summit, of its work to push the boundaries of research into the electrification of premium vehicles and the significant investment opportunities that this technolo

Fiat 500 gets 'Color Therapy' in Europe

(August 10, 2012) It’s already recognized as one of the most stylish city cars in the world, and now the Fiat 500 looks set to continue that trend with the launch of a new range in Europe called Color Therapy. No announcement if the new trim level will be sold in the U.S.