February 2014

Lexus RC F GT3 racing concept to rumble into Geneva Motor Show

(February 28, 2014) GENEVA — Racing fans around the world will feel the adrenaline when Lexus debuts the RC F GT3 racing concept at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show. The RC F GT3 concept, based on the recently revealed RC F performance coupe, was developed to meet Group GT3 international racing standards.

One of the 2014 Mustangs used in 'Need for Speed' headed to auction

(February 28, 2014) WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A custom 2014 Ford Mustang GT starring in the new movie, “Need for Speed,” will be auctioned off for charity by Ford Motor Company at the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction on April 12.

Building on the excitement of the movie, premiering March 14, this Mustang will be offered at no reserve, with proceeds benefiting the Henry Ford Health System, a not-for-profit group founded by Henry Ford to improve the health and well-being of a diverse community.

Escalade equipped with one of most advanced sound systems from Bose

(February 28, 2014) NEW YORK — Cadillac today is showcasing the all-new Bose audio system in the 2015 Escalade luxury utility vehicle. The Centerpoint surround sound system is the most advanced system from Bose ever in a Cadillac. Customized exclusively for the Escalade, the Bose system features new technologies that help heighten the sophisticated in-vehicle experience for Cadillac’s new flagship SUV.

Ford celebrates Aussie ute’s 80th anniversary

(February 28, 2014) MELBOURNE, Australia — Ford is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its Australian invention of the iconic ute, which led to the development of vehicles such as the F-Series and Ranger and propelled the company to years of truck leadership.

Not only was it an Australian invention, but the concept has been exported to the world, reinterpreted by other manufacturers and gained a legion of fans everywhere.

Performance numbers released for McLaren 650S — 0-to-62 in 3 seconds

(February 27, 2014) LONDON — As the first example of the McLaren 650S rolled off the assembly line at the state-of-the-art McLaren Production Centre in Working, England, McLaren Automotive has released performance numbers and confirmed pricing ahead of the global debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Volvo to unveil concept estate at Geneva Motor Show

(February 27, 2014) ROCKLEIGH, N.J. — Volvo Car Group will use the Geneva Motor Show to reveal the third in a series of concept cars — the Concept Estate — that continues the exterior design language revealed in the first two concepts, but for the first time reveals how the interior of Volvo’s forthcoming models will both look and function.

Mini to unveil Clubman Concept at Geneva Auto Show

(February 26, 2014) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.  — Mini will present the Mini Clubman Concept next week at the Geneva Auto Show showcasing a new brand philosophy for a higher class of automobile. Twenty-six centimeters longer and just under 17 centimeters wider than the current Mini Clubman, Mini says the concept comes over as sophisticated, cool and elegant.

GM expands ignition switch recall

(February 26, 2014) DETROIT — General Motors is expanding the recall of certain 2003-2007 model year vehicles to correct a condition with the ignition switch that may allow the key to unintentionally move or switch to the “accessory” or “off” position, turning off the engine and most of the electrical components on the vehicle.

Crossing continents: A year of driving with Bentley

(February 26, 2014) CREWE, England — Time behind the wheel of the consummate British Grand Tourer — the Continental GT — is always an enjoyable experience and Bentley is offering customers and driving enthusiasts a range of unique driving experiences in 2014; from exclusive luxury breaks to bespoke routes around the world designed by the company’s driving experts.

Renault’s rear-engined Twingo — Sharing with smart

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(February 25, 2014) Mercedes and Renault are partners in the luxury sphere (Infiniti and Mercedes will share technology, powertrains and, possibly, platforms), but the first fruits of this collaboration will combine the talents of Renault and smart to produce a replacement for Renault’s Twingo and smart’s ForFour.