June 2013

Cadillac XTS to get optional 410-horsepower turbo V6 for 2014

(June 24, 2013) DETROIT — Cadillac will add a new option to its XTS luxury sedan: More power and torque. Starting in August, the all-new Cadillac Twin Turbo V6 will go into production as an optional engine for the 2014 XTS.

The new Cadillac Twin Turbo V6 is also a signature feature of the upcoming all-new 2014 CTS luxury performance sedan. In the XTS, the twin turbo will produce an SAE-certified 410 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most power-dense six-cylinder engines among luxury cars.

Ford takes China partnership to the next level

(June 24, 2013) NANCHANG, China — Ford President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally was in China last week to celebrate the seven millionth Ford Transit vehicle produced and the opening of the JMC Xiaolan Plant, a new commercial vehicle assembly plant in Nanchang, Jiangxi province.

Cars.com collaborates with Disney for launch of 'The Lone Ranger'

(June 24, 2013) CHICAGO — Cars.com announced today the launch of a collaboration with Disney for the soon-to-be-released film, "The Lone Ranger." The new drama-filled, action-adventure movie will be in theaters starting July 3.

Mazda defies trend, drives sales ahead in Europe

(June 24, 2013) LEVERKUSEN, Germany — New registrations of Mazda vehicles in Europe rocketed in May, even as Europe's passenger car market as a whole continued to contract. Resisting the ongoing negative trend, Mazda posted the biggest year-on-year gain last month of any volume brand in Europe.

Acura introduces new campaign for 'extremely new' MDX

(June 24, 2013) TORRANCE, Calif. — Acura today unveiled a new multi-channel advertising campaign for the all-new 2014 MDX entitled "The Extremely New MDX - Made for Mankind." The campaign highlights the complete technical transformation of the MDX and centers around the idea of "Made for Mankind," a concept designed to highlight the unique engineering and design philosophy at the heart of all Acura vehicles — the synergy between man and machine.

Find your eco-partner at EnvironmentallySexy.com

(June 23, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Does your planet-saving sexiness keep you from finding true love? Are you hot, eco-friendly and love to take charge? If you answered yes, the Fiat brand has the perfect mate waiting for you at www.EnvironmentallySexy.com.

Digital Audi showroom concept honored in technology awards

(June 23, 2013) LONDON — Never one to settle for the status quo, Audi has taken a significant step towards revolutionizing automotive retailing with its Audi City "virtual showroom concept," and its work to streamline and enhance the purchase process has just earned it a Store Technology Award in the prestigious BT Retail Week Technology Awards. 

Buick turns 110: The most significant Buick of each decade

(June 23, 2013) DETROIT — Remaining in business for 11 decades requires constant innovation, so choosing one model to represent a decade of significance can be a catalyst for debate. Among the hundreds of models designed and engineered for Buick, the 11 below stand out as the most significant for their respective decades since May 17, 1903. Let the debate begin.

91st Pikes Peak International Hill Climb may be best of all

(June 22, 2013) COLORADO SPRINGS — When next week’s 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb concludes on Sunday afternoon, June 30, it may go down as the most memorable of them all, an event that was launched by Spencer Penrose, the founder of the world famous Broadmoor Hotel, in 1916 to help publicize his home town of Colorado Springs and the new highway he had constructed to the summit of Pikes Peak — America’s Mountain.

Taking Note: My trip to San Diego to drive the Nissan Versa Note

By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(June 22, 2013) I’m wrapping up what is, in essence, a 10-day block of travel with a 3-day stay in San Diego. Nissan flew me in to drive the redesigned hatchback version of Versa now called Versa Note. "Note" I'm told is used in other countries to identify the 5-door; Nissan wanted to make the nomenclature consistent internationally.