February 2013

Audi produces five millionth quattro drive system

(February 25, 2013) NECKARSULM, Germany — Audi is celebrating a special event today — the five millionth Audi with a quattro drive system. The car, a white Audi A6 allroad 3.0 TDI, rolled off the assembly line at the Neckarsulm plant.

Audi says that "the record is a testament to the leading role played by the pioneering all-wheel drive system — no other premium brand in the world can claim such high sales figures for a four-wheel drive or a comparable range of models boasting more than 140 quattro variants."

Chevrolet SS wins in its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut

(February 25, 2013) DAYTONA, Fla. — Five-time series champion Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet SS, won the 55th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday. It also marked the first victory for the recently introduced Chevrolet SS, which made its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut.

Quiet cabin makes Buick LaCrosse a better listener

(February 24, 2013) DETROIT — When General Motors speech recognition engineer Robert Sims worked to develop one of the industry’s first in-car hands-free calling systems years ago, his goal was to make the call quality clear enough that his wife wouldn’t hang up on him.

Today, Buick’s IntelliLink system can do far more than place a call, and QuietTuning technologies like those in the LaCrosse luxury sedan make using voice controls easier for owners regardless of marital or relationship status.

Driving the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC

(February 24, 2013) Al Vinikour describes his time in a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC in a Michigan snowstorm. He says its best to be prepared for the bad weather, and what better preparation than in a new all-wheel drive C-Class Mercedes?

Cadillac Sixteen headlines Amelia Concours concept car class

(February 24, 2013) AMEILA ISLAND, Fla. — Cadillac's 2003 "Sixteen" will headline the 18th annual Amelia Concours d'Elegance's Cadillac Concept Car Class March 8 through 10. A decade ago, the elegant excess of Cadillac's "Sixteen" Concept Car set off alarms throughout the global auto industry as it rolled into the North American International Auto Show.

Raw power in Muscle Cars Forever stamps

(February 23, 2013) DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Raw power got a stamp of its own on Friday as seven-time NASCAR National Champion Richard Petty helped dedicate the America on the Move: Muscle Cars Forever stamps.
 
Petty, his son Kyle and Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe will dedicate the limited-edition stamps at the Daytona International Speedway where “The King” won a record seven Daytona 500 Championships.

Ford to unveil new Tourneo people-mover for Europe

(February 23, 2013) GENEVA, Switzerland — Ford of Europe will launch new models for Europe and detail an accelerated product rollout at its news conference at the Geneva Motor Show on March 5.

Volkswagen reports surge in profit in 2012

(February 23, 2013) Volkswagen has reported a surge in profit on record sales for 2012. Big gains in China and the U.S., the German car market's resilience for most of 2012, and onetime accounting gains related to the takeover of Porsche boosted Volkswagen's profit of 41 percent last year to 21.7 billion euros, or about $28 billion.

Jeep Cherokee returns for 2014 model year

(February 23, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Jeep Cherokee. The name is instantly recognizable as the most capable and versatile mid-size SUV in the world. For 2014, Jeep brings the Cherokee name back to North America with the debut of its all-new mid-size sport-utility vehicle.

Women drive success on the track with Chevrolet SS

(February 22, 2013) DAYTONA, Fla. — Chevrolet kicked off Speedweeks with outstanding performances from Team Chevy race teams and the all-new Chevrolet SS race car. Seven of the top nine starters for the Daytona 500 will be Chevrolet SS race cars. On the track and behind the scenes, women passionate about cars and racing are key in driving this success.