September 2014

Toyota seeks to redefine urban utility with U2 concept

(September 11, 2014) SAN FRANCISCO — The do-it-yourself movement is transforming cities with invention-focused Maker Faire events, growing entrepreneurship, and a new Toyota concept to fit these trends. Inspired by a growing innovative spirit in urban areas, Toyota has revealed the Urban Utility concept vehicle — or U2 — at a private panel discussion hosted by Make: magazine in San Francisco.

Still looking for a new owner

It appears the "for sale fresh date" has long expired on this 1951 or 1952 Ford F-5 work truck discovered rusting away in Trapper Creek, Alaska. The truck was restyled for 1951 and received only a few minor changes for the 1952 model year. (Photo by Jerry Brown)

Subaru revises sales forecast upward with record year anticipated

(September 10, 2014) CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Subaru of America today revised its 2014 full-year sales forecast from 460,000 to 500,000 vehicles with sales expected to exceed the previous best selling year of 2013 by more than 17 percent. Subaru set its fifth consecutive sales record in 2013, as sales jumped to 424,683 vehicles, 26 percent more than the record sales of 2012.

Three-millionth Mini since 2001 re-launch leaves assembly line this week

(September 10, 2014) OXFORD, England — Thirteen years after the brand re-launch in 2001, Mini reached an impressive milestone as the three-millionth Mini rolled off the assembly line at the Oxford plant in the UK. Two million Minis have been exported from the UK to more than 110 countries over the same period.

2015 Lincoln Navigator gets updated styling, more powerful engine

(September 10, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — The 2015 Lincoln Navigator offers a fresh interpretation of the classic vehicle that created the full-size luxury SUV segment. With a new EcoBoost engine, refreshed exterior design and enhanced interior appointments, the new Navigator "offers a compelling combination of power and refinement. Outstanding passenger room, towing capability, ride and handling, and fuel economy are attainable for thousands of dollars less than competitors."

Two wind turbines exceed power projections at Honda Ohio plant

(September 10, 2014) RUSSELLS POINT, Ohio — Just six months after the landmark installation of two power-producing wind turbines at Honda Transmission Mfg. of America, Inc., the turbines are producing more renewable, low emissions electrical power than was anticipated when the towers went into operation in January.

The wind turbines have exceeded the projected power output figures by 6.3 percent, and have contributed toward reducing the CO2 emissions of power production, helping Honda reach its voluntary goals to reduce the environmental impact of its products and manufacturing operations by 2020. 

New Mercedes-AMG GT sports car goes on sale in April

(September 10, 2014) The 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT sports car, the second vehicle developed by the brand’s in-house performance arm, goes on sale in the U.S. next April, Mercedes announced on Tuesday. The front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive Mercedes-AMG GT is expected to be priced at about $120,000 and compete with the Porsche 911 and the new BMW i8 plug-in hybrid.

Panoz introduces all-new 25th Anniversary Edition Esperante Spyder, Spyder GT

(September 9, 2014) HOSCHTON, Ga. — The 2015 Panoz 25th Anniversary Edition Esperante Spyder and Spyder GT mark a new chapter in the Panoz history where all-new performance features and luxury amenities thrust this hallmark of Panoz sports car design far forward while remaining true to its Esperante styling roots.
 

Jaguar XE Word Cloud Sculpture debuts at London Design Museum

(September 9, 2014) LONDON — Jaguar and London Design Museum have revealed a unique aluminum word cloud sculpture in the shape of the new Jaguar XE sports sedan. Installed in the Design Museum’s "Tank," the design piece marks the start of the global launch of the new Jaguar XE due to be unveiled in London early next week.

Cadillac to introduce advanced 'intelligent and connected' technologieson 2017 models

(September 9, 2014) DETROIT — Cadillac will begin offering advanced “intelligent and connected” vehicle technologies on certain 2017 model year vehicles, General Motors CEO Mary Barra said Sunday during her keynote address at the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) World Congress in Detroit.

In about two years, an all-new 2017 Cadillac vehicle will offer customers an advanced driver assist technology called Super Cruise and in the same timeframe the 2017 Cadillac CTS will be enabled with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology.