By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(November 7, 2014) By now you have heard that Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda agrees with those who feel his company’s products are dull, boring and predictable. He wants his company’s products to reflect passion and soul, to be objects of automotive desire, not impeccably built appliances. This edict extends to Lexus, which until recently has told the world that its mission was “The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection” and built cars where every seam and stitch lined up perfectly, but nothing stirred your soul.

(November 6, 2014) MAHWAH, N.J. — Amidst a global wave of product transformation and growth, Jaguar Land Rover will debut multiple new models and technology advancements at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Making its global debut will be a new variant for the F-TYPE lineup, the 2016 Jaguar F-TYPE All Wheel Drive, as well as the long awaited North American debut of Land Rover's premium compact SUV, the Discovery Sport. In addition, Jaguar Land Rover will announce a new in-car technology at the Connected Car Expo.

(November 6, 2014) LAS VEGAS — Chevrolet has unveiled the restored 2009 Corvette ZR1 that was damaged earlier this year when a sinkhole developed beneath the National Corvette Museum. It’s on display this week at the SEMA Show, before heading back to the museum in Bowling Green, Ky.

(November 5, 2014) DETROIT — Ford has announced it will call back 202,241 vehicles in five North American recalls covering several issues, including an incorrect repair in a previous recall.

The company is recalling 38,645 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car vehicles from model years 2005 through 2011 because they may have been improperly repaired in a previous recall for an issue with the lower intermediate steering shaft that could result in loss of steering.