August 2013

Wave goodbye to the Volkswagen camper van

(August 20, 2013) Volkswagen Brazil has announced a Final Edition version of the classic Type 2 Kombi van that has been in continuous production there for 56 years — since 1957. According to Volkswagen, that achievement makes the VW Transporter, which is often referred to as the camper van, the longest produced model in automotive history.

Acura NSX Concept appears at Pebble Beach

(August 19, 2013) — The Acura NSX Concept made a special appearance on the Concept Lawn at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Eleganc, heralding the announcement of the Acura brand as an Official Sponsor of the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Mitsubishi announces pricing, mpg for all-new 2014 Mirage

(August 19, 2013) CYPRESS, Calif. — Mitsubishi today announced that the company's all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage 5-door sub-compact — the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid gasoline-powered vehicle available in America with an EPA rated fuel economy of 44 mpg highway — will have a starting price of $12,995.

Toyota devotes its Frankfurt show presentation to hybrid technology

(August 19, 2013) Toyota will bring together its past achievements and future plans for hybrid power in a Frankfurt Motor Show presentation on Sept. 10 devoted entirely to its industry-leading technology. Since it introduced the original Prius in Japan in 1997, Toyota has sold more than 5.5 million hybrid vehicles world wide and continues to extend its portfolio, currently offering 23 models worldwide.

Ram Rumble Bee Concept makes appearance at Dream Cruise

(August 18, 2013) DETROIT —Ten years ago, the Ram Truck Brand introduced the Rumble Bee, a popular model inspired by the Super Bee muscle car of the late ‘60s. This weekend, Ram unveiled a new HEMI-powered Ram 1500 Rumble Bee concept to celebrate the 10-year anniversary and the heritage of Ram’s unique truck designs that include the Lil Red Express, Warlock and Power Wagon.

Audi marketing getting new recognition

(August 18, 2013) Audi marketing and branding in the United States is getting some new recognition in the conclusions of a study that ranks Audi highly both for specific TV ads and in online recognition of Audi brand attributes.

Fiat partners with Condé Nast for Limited-edition Fiat 500c GQ Edition

(August 17, 2013) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Surrounded by some of the most influential Italian automotive designs, Concorso Italiano provided the perfect setting for the Fiat brand to debut its latest Cinquecento (500) cabrio model: the powerful yet tailored 2014 Fiat 500c GQ Edition.

New Volvo-developed engine family will soon make its way to U.S. shores

(August 17, 2013) ROCKLEIGH, N.J. — With the introduction of its new, innovative engine family, Volvo Cars ushers in a wave of transformational change. Its Drive-E powertrains are developed in-house at Volvo's R&D department in Sweden — targeting best-in-class combined fuel economy in some engine versions — and signal an important part of the company's strategy for advancement.

New GM three-cylinder engine to debut in Frankfurt

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(August 17, 2013) GM will debut its new three-cylinder engine at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show debuting in the Opel Adam (pictured above). The turbocharged direct-injected triple is a direct competitor to Ford’s similarly sized three-cylinder turbo motor that will make its U.S. debut in the 2014 Fiesta.

Three legs of 9,300-mile Hiroshima to Frankfurt Mazda3 tour completed

(August 16, 2013) The all-new Mazda3 hatchbacks taking part in the "Mazda Route3 – Hiroshima to Frankfurt Challenger Tour 2013" have successfully covered the first 3,300 miles of the route, arriving Aug. 15 in the central Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk safe and sound. 

The convoy of eight cars has now completed the first three overland stages of the 9,300 mile expedition right on schedule despite often treacherous roads.  The new hatchbacks are holding up superbly, as a service check by the local Mazda dealer confirmed.