February 2014

Honda says Accord best-selling car in 2013 to individual customers

(February 21, 2014) TORRANCE, Calif. — The Honda Accord was the best-selling car with individual American car buyers in 2013 and was joined by three other Honda models — the Civic, CR-V, and Odyssey — as retail sales leaders in their respective segments in 2013, according to new-vehicle registration data compiled by Polk, which was recently acquired by IHS.

2014 Buick Regal offers all-weather all-wheel-drive

(February 21, 2014) DETROIT — Along with the technology, safety, and styling enhancements offered on the redesigned Buick Regal and Regal GS, is the newly available advanced all-wheel-drive.

While those in the Snowbelt, and perhaps many further south this winter, associate all-wheel-drive vehicles with wintery weather, the Regal’s on-demand automatic AWD system is designed to help provide better control in all weather and road conditions, including dry surfaces.

Audi shows sketches of its new TT coupe

(February 21, 2014) MUNICH — Audi's new TT coupe will feature more angular styling that will give it a closer family resemblance to the mid-engine R8 supercar, a sketch unveiled Feb. 20 by the automaker shows. The latest TT will debut at next month's Geneva auto show.

Orders for 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel more than 8,000 in three days

(February 21, 2014) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — On the heels of EPA’s certification of 28 mpg, Ram Truck opened the initial order allocation for the 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel to receive a flood of orders from dealers across the nation. More than 8,000 trucks equipped with the fuel-sipping engine that packs 420 lb.-ft. of torque have been placed—just over 50 percent of the total mix.

Porsche to inspect all 2014 911 GT3 vehicles after two engine fires

(February 20, 2014) ATLANTA — Porsche has stopped deliveries of the most expensive version of its overhauled 911 sports car after two of them caught fire, the automaker said. Porsche is inspecting all engines of 911 GT3 vehicles of model year 2014 because of the engine fires.

Volkswagen unveils plug-in hybrid Golf GTE

(February 20, 2014) WOLFSBURG, Germany — Volkswagen will present the new Golf GTE plug-in hybrid at the Geneva International Motor Show on March 4.  It is the fifth powertrain to be offered in the Golf, adding to gasoline, diesel, CNG and full electric versions.

The Golf GTE has an NEDC hybrid combined European fuel economy rating of 157 mpg ) and an all-electric range of 31 miles along with an overall range of 584 miles.

Chrysler Group's SRT Viper wins NAHC Collectible Car Award

(February 20, 2014) DETROIT — The National Automotive History Collection (NAHC) has selected the Chrysler Group's SRT Viper as its "Collectible Car of the Future."

NAHC members vote annually to name the "Collectible Car of the Future" from North American-built vehicles launched during the previous calendar year. The SRT Viper was selected from 19 all-new vehicles introduced in 2013.

Volvo demonstrates connectivity with deliveries directly to your car

(February 20, 2014) ROCKLEIGH, N.J. — In a groundbreaking technological move for the automotive industry, Volvo Cars demonstrates the world’s first delivery of food to the car — a new form of "roam delivery" services. The service, which will be showcased at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, allows consumers to have their shopping delivered straight to their car, no matter where they are.

Audi announces details of performance-oriented S3 Cabriolet

(February 20, 2014) INGOLSTADT, Germany — Audi has released pictures and details of its S3 Cabriolet powered by a  2.0-liter TFSI engine develops 300 horsepower and delivering 280 lb-ft of torque while delivering 33.13 mpg on average.

Consumers pick favorite vehicles at Chicago Auto Show

(February 19, 2014) CHICAGO — For the ninth consecutive year, consumer voters proclaimed their favorites in five categories in the Chicago Auto Show's “Best of Show” balloting. Voting was conducted over the 10-day public run of the nation’s biggest auto show.