September 2014

Ford officially introduces 2015 Mustang to the world

(September 15, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Loaded with innovative technologies and delivering high levels of performance and style, the all-new Mustang is the next chapter in the life of one of the world’s most iconic cars.

“Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonates with people, even if they’ve never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car – it is the heart and soul of Ford.”

The hyphenated GT

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(September 16, 2014) The wraps have finally been pulled from the Mercedes-AMG GT. Built mainly of aluminum, the lightweight GT is powered by a 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 mounted behind the front wheel centerline driving through a seven-speed dual-clutch rear transaxle. Available in both GT and GT S form, the new car has a claimed top speed of 193 mph, and can sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds in the more potent GT S trim.

Checker Motor Cars an innovative concept in automobile collection

(September 14, 2014) HAVERHILL, Mass. — The iconic Checker cab returns! Steve Contarino, an avid car enthusiast and collector, has announced formation of Checker Motor Cars, a business dedicated to support the iconic Checker automobile.

Contarino says the business is a new, innovative concept to make collecting and owning a piece of automobile history exciting and rewarding. The business is offering restored/reconditioned cars, original Checker parts, Checker merchandise, broker service and consulting/appraisal services.

Toyota to run ultra-compact electric vehicles in French urban mobility project

(September 14, 2014) Toyota is ready to bring nimble, zero-emissions motoring to Europe’s crowded city centers with a fleet of its i-ROAD and COMS ultra-compact electric vehicles. The chic and colorful three and four-wheelers are set to prove how clean and easy urban motoring can be by taking part in a major pilot program in the French city of Grenoble.

2015 GMC Sierra Carbon Edition adds sporty looks, substance

(September 13, 2014) DETROIT — The 2015 GMC Sierra already offers a blend of style and strength, but the new 2015 Sierra Carbon Edition, which will be available at dealers this fall, adds style to the mix.

“The beauty of the new Sierra lies in its strength and sophistication,” said Stuart Pierce, Sierra marketing manager. “But for customers wanting to stand out and make a strong statement, the Sierra Carbon Edition models are the answer.”

General Motors reportedly halts Corvette sales for two defects

(September 12, 2014) General Motors told its dealers to halt sales of about 2,800 new Chevrolet Corvettes for an airbag problem, according to the Detroit News today. In recent months, GM has issued similar stop sales before issuing new recalls.

GM spokesman Alan Adler declined to confirm the Detroit automaker planned to recall the vehicles, but said very few of the 2,800 vehicles are in customer hands.

BMW introduces all-new 2 Series convertible

(September 12, 2014) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Few new cars have been more anticipated than the BMW 2 Series Coupe when it arrived in early 2014. Hot on the heels of the widely acclaimed BMW 228i and M235i Coupe, BMW announces the new BMW 2 Series Convertible. Available in the U.S. as the 228i and M235i, the 2 Series Convertible blends the style and dynamic driving character for which the 2 Series Coupe is already renowned with the open-air pleasure of a folding soft-top.

2015 Kia Soul EV to start at $33,700

(September 11, 2014) IRVINE, Calif. — Kia Motors America today announced pricing for the all-electric version of its hugely popular urban passenger vehicle, the Kia Soul.  Offered in two trims, Base and + (Plus), the 2015 Soul EV MSRP will be $33,700 (not including federal tax rebate of $7,500) for the Base and $35,7001 for the Plus (not including federal tax rebate of $7,500).

Ford engineers designed new F-150 to resist sun damage

(September 11, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Sunlight takes a toll on a vehicle, much like it does your skin and eyes. So Ford designed and tested its all-new F-150 pickup to ensure a fade-resistant exterior and interior and to minimize interior glare.

Much of the testing was done in the company’s Central Lab, where Ford engineers focus on making individual parts stronger and more durable. A device known as a "Thermatron" simulates damaging UV sun rays and can be used over long periods of time on prototype parts to help identify the best design for production.

Ten million engines and counting at Nissan plant in Mexico

(September 11, 2014) AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico — Thirty-two years after the start of operations of the powertrain plant in Aguascalientes, Nissan Mexico celebrated the production of its 10 millionth engine. The 10 millionth engine is an HR16 model with XTronic transmission and an output of 109 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. It will be used in a Nissan Versa bound for the U.S. market.