July 2013

BMW's electric i3 unveiled in three cities simultaneously

(July 29, 2013) NEW YORK —BMW today unveiled the car of future — the BMW i3 — at simultaneous events in New York City, London and Beijing.  This production model represents the first purpose-built electric vehicle to be made primarily of carbon fiber.  The BMW i3 was unveiled in New York City with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg in attendance.

Potential for open-source car customization showcased on Mustang

(July 29, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — An important part of the total gaming experience for hardcore video gamers is getting physical feedback through the controller as they keep their eyes on the screen. It’s called haptic feedback. For drivers of performance cars like Ford Mustang, feedback is just as important to understanding how the car is behaving.

Long list of vehicles vying for North American Car, Truck of Year released

(July 29, 2013) The long list for the 2014 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards has been announced and contains 47 vehicles, 29 in the car category and 18 in the truck category. Over the next few months the lists will be paired down until three remain in each category. The winners will be announced at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

Cadillac’s twin-turbo kicks turbo lag to the curb

(July 29, 2013) DETROIT — Turbocharging increases power and performance with efficiency, but the delay in the delivery of power – known as “turbo lag” – has historically been its key limitation. That’s about to change.

Acura's new NSX prototype to be unveiled at Aug. 4 IndyCar race

(July 29, 2013) TORRANCE, Calif. — Acura has released an image of a prototype NSX supercar, announcing that the running prototype will take to the racetrack just prior to the Honda Indy 200 IndyCar Series race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. The NSX prototype with custom graphics will lap the road course in advance of the race on Aug. 4.

ZF opens transmission plant in S.C. to build 8- and 9-speed automatics

(July 28, 2013) GRAY COURT, S.C. — ZF Friedrichshafen AG has opened its first plant for automatic passenger car transmissions in the U.S. Located in South Carolina, ZF Transmissions Gray Court will build the an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is already successful in the market, as well as the world's first 9-speed automatic transmission.

Mini's 'Vision' isn't 20-20

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(July 28,2013) Let’s not beat around the bush. This Mini Vision concept is a stylized look at what the next production Mini will look like. There will be no disco interior lighting on the floor, the side trim will be less effusive, and also less well integrated. Up front, the LED halos around the headlights will remain (a design motif first seen on the Rocketman concept), but the grille and bumper beam will not be as subtle due to the bumper beam’s intended function; it must be prominent to ward off low-speed accident damage.

Toyota creating 200 new jobs to build Highlander

(July 27, 2013) ERLANGER, Ky. — As consumer demand for Toyota’s Highlander continues to grow, the company’s Princeton, Ind., plant is planning to grow with it.  Toyota announced today it will increase production of the Highlander mid-size SUV in late 2014 with a $30 million investment in Princeton.
 

Land Rover's cross country off-road adventure mostly off pavement

(July 27, 2013) ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Land Rover has announced the Land Rover Expedition America — Tackling the Trans-America Trail, an off-road driving adventure across America starting this weekend in Asheville. Embarking on this adventure with off-road icon and certified Land Rover Driving Instructor Tom Collins leading the team, three 2013 Land Rover LR4 vehicles will be demonstrating relentless capability in what promises to be a true adventure as no part of this drive has been pre-scouted for this journey.

Motorbooks launches 'The Motorbooksmobile'

(July 26, 2013) After 45 years of building a reputation among gearheads as the world’s leading transportation book publisher, Motorbooks, an imprint of the Quayside Publishing Group, is hitting the road in a renovated bookmobile  to bring books directly to their targeted readers at the places they gather to celebrate their passion.