May 2013

Über Tech: 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(June 1, 2013) Porsche’s engineering brief for the 918 Spyder was direct, but hardly simple: combine top-level motor racing technology with excellent everyday utility, and maximum performance with minimum consumption. This task required a clean sheet of paper, and has resulted, says Porsche, in a car that will “act as the gene pool for the Porsche sports cars of the future.”

Audi program to match military veterans with dealership service openings

(May 31, 2013) Audi of America is launching a new program aimed at attracting skilled former military technicians to Audi certified service department roles in dealerships across the country. The new Veterans to Technicians program fills immediate needs for both U.S.

Tesla expands supercharger network in U.S.

(May 31, 2013) PALO ALTO, Calif. — Tesla Motors has announced significant expansion of the Tesla Supercharger network. Supercharging enables Tesla Model S drivers to travel long distances, for free, indefinitely.

The expansion of the network builds upon the success of the Tesla Supercharger network that covers California and Nevada on the west coast and the Washington, DC to Boston region on the east coast.

Hyundai prepares for full-time presence at iconic Nurburgring race track

(May 31, 2013) Hyundai is undertaking final preparations ahead of moving into its new vehicle test center located at the iconic Nürburgring track in Germany.  The purpose-built facility will be a permanent base at the track for the company, providing a dedicated resource for evaluating its vehicles on what is widely recognized as the toughest such circuit in the world.

2014 Sierra Denali will be available with 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8

(May 30, 20134) DETROIT — An all-new 2014 Sierra 1500 Denali full-size pickup arrives this fall with an available 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 that will produce an estimated 420 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, the most power and torque of any light duty truck engine.

Seventh edition of Mopar ‘Top Eliminator’ program debuts

(May 30, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Mopar fans get your rides ready. The Mopar “Top Eliminator” program is back and is bringing new elements to the competition. The program, which is in its seventh season, recognizes the best of the best — the most skilled Mopar enthusiasts and their restyled, accessorized and performance enhanced Chrysler Group vehicles.

Utility vehicles driving Ford to sales gains in critical markets

(May 30, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is leading a major global shift to fuel-efficient and functional utility vehicles, growing its sales in the last five years faster than any other Ford vehicle segment and faster than the industry average.
 

BMW introduces third generation of X5 sport activity vehicle

(May 30, 2013) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW has unveiled the third generation of its popular mid-sized X5 sport utility vehicle. The X5 is a key model in the U.S. as well as other markets. It was BMW's third best selling vehicle in 2012 behind the 3-Series and 5-Series.

Honda reduces cost to take home a Fit EV

(May 30, 2013) Honda today announced a new price package for its all-electric Fit EV  including a new lease price of $259 a month beginning June 1. Reduced from $389 a month, the new three-year lease term stretches customer's electric dollar even further with no down payment, unlimited mileage, routine maintenance, collision coverage and a 240 volt EV home charging station equipment (not including installation) from Leviton.

Hyundai commits $200,000 to Oklahoma tornado relief efforts

(May 29, 2013) COSTA MESA, Calif. — Hyundai Motor America today announced a $200,000 donation to the American Red Cross in support of tornado relief efforts underway in Oklahoma.

"The massive devastation caused by last week's tornado in Oklahoma calls for wide-scale recovery efforts and Hyundai pledges to do its part," said John Krafcik, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor America.