January 2013

North Carolina man wins Shell's 'Ultimate Enthusiast Contest'

(January 19, 2013) HOUSTON — With a panel of automotive industry insiders including Roger Penske and Craig Jackson serving as the judges, Harold Craige of New Bern, N.C., a self-described "1941 model with modern updates," emerged as the grand prize winner in the Shell V-Power "Ultimate Enthusiast" Contest.

Chrysler will begin installing nine-speed transmissions this year

(January 19, 2013) DETROIT — Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said in Detroit last week that Chrysler may have as many as 200,000 nine-speed transmissions available this year that will eventually go in three new models. The nine-speeds will go into the successor to the Jeep Liberty, the new 200 midsize sedan and the Dodge Dart compact sedan, Marchionne told reporters after a speech in Detroit.

Add the Glacier to the Chrysler 300 special editions

(January 18, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Through lifestyle driven models, the new 2013 Chrysler 300 continues to show the numerous personalities that are capable from its elegant and iconic design.

Beginning with the ultimate in muscle — Chrysler 300 SRT8 — new Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition, the ultimate audiophile Chrysler 300S with Beats by Dr. Dre, and now arriving in time to tackle winter, the ultimate all-weather athlete — the new Chrysler 300 Glacier.

Honda recalling 777,000 vehicles over airbag issue

(January 19, 2013) After a year filled with recalls in 2012, Honda continues to have problems early in 2013. Honda said Friday that it is recalling 777,000 late-model Pilot and Odyssey vehicles in the United States and Canada due to a problem with the deployment of driver's side airbags.

No crashes or injuries have been reported in relation to the issue, Honda said in a statement.

Subaru announces pricing of all-new Forester starting at $21,995

(January 18, 2013) CHERRY HILL, N.J., — Subaru today announced pricing for the all-new 2014 Forester. The Forester 2.5i model will be available in base, Premium, Limited and top-line Touring versions beginning at $21,995 for the base model 2.5i with a six-speed manual transmission.

Dodge Challenger wins Cars.com's 'Shopper’s Choice' award

(January 18, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Representing the voice of millions of shoppers who visit Cars.com, the Dodge Challenger beat out nine other domestic and import finalists, ranging from small cars to large SUVs, to become their favorite car of 2013. The Dodge Challenger was awarded at Cars.com’s annual “Best of 2013” event during the North auto show in Detroit.

Porsche unveils 550 horsepower Cayenne Turbo S

(January 18, 2013) Porsche is celebrating a new flagship for the Cayenne SUV family at the North American International Auto Show with the world premiere of the 550 horsepower Cayenne Turbo S. The 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged Cayenne Turbo S benefits from an additional 50 horsepower compared to the Cayenne Turbo. The Cayenne Turbo S accelerates zero to 60 in 4.3 seconds on its way to a top track speed of 175 mph.

New tiny Fiat Panda 4X4 on sale in Europe this month

(January 18, 2013) The new Fiat Panda 4x4, successor to a best-seller that first appeared over 29 years ago, will go on sale in Europe this month. Fiat says it’s a smart solution for drivers who want city car features without trading the passenger room and comfort of a five-door, or the go-anywhere ability of a full SUV.

Nissan Resonance named 'best concept vehicle' in Detroit

(January 18, 2013) DETROIT — The Nissan Resonance has been named winner of the EyesOn Design Award for Best Concept Vehicle. The announcement came just hours after the unveiling of the design concept at the North American International Auto Show. The Resonance concept was created under the guidance of Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and features an efficient, hybrid-electric drivetrain that includes Nissan's proprietary "one-motor, two-clutch" system.

Mazda to develop Alfa Romeo roadster for Fiat

(January 18, 2013) Mazda and Fiat announced today the signing of the final agreement which will see Mazda produce an open-top two-seater sports car for Fiat’s Alfa Romeo brand at its Hiroshima, Japan, plant starting in 2015. The new Alfa Romeo roadster will be developed for the global market, and will be based on the architecture of the next generation Mazda MX-5.