December 2014

Abandoned car parking lot



A Texas farmyard in the San Antonio area sports at least two vintage and no longer used cars — a 1956 Chevrolet (left) and a 1960 Ford Thunderbird. The used-up tractor in the foreground has us stumped as to make and model. Want to look at hundreds of additional abandonded vehicles? Check out Abandoned Cars and Trucks.com (Photo by Jeffrey Ross)

Hyundai Genesis, Sonata win 2014 Good Design awards

(December 23, 2014) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — The all-new Hyundai Genesis and Sonata earned GOOD DESIGN Awards for their quality design, function and aesthetics from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.

The GOOD DESIGN Awards honor the yearly achievements of the best industrial and graphic designers, and world manufactures for their pursuit of extraordinary design excellence.

Virtual reality perfects Chevrolet Colorado accessories

(December 23, 2014) DETROIT — With a giant screen that has more pixels than an IMAX theater, the temptation is ever present to watch a movie or hook up a video game console. At Chevrolet, however, this high-tech display is instrumental to refining vehicle design.

The 4K ultra-fine resolution PowerWall system, capable of displaying both 2D and 3D content, allows designers and engineers to compare versions of part designs and ideas without the need for expensive physical prototypes. The team can quickly examine several concepts and speed a decision on the best solution.

Aston Martin on Ice back for 2015

(December 23, 2014) IRVINE, CALIF. —  Aston Martin is again offering adventurous drivers the chance to experience the power and performance of its British luxury sports cars in one of the United States’ most rugged and demanding environments.

 After a successful inaugural year in 2014, Aston Martin On Ice returns to the authentic western town of Crested Butte in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains in early 2015 for a second season of adrenaline-fueled thrills and luxurious living.

Three-car Italian collection to be sold in February

(December 22, 2014) LONDON — Silverstone Auctions is set to offer a very special collection of 1990s Italian sports cars in its Race Retro Sale on the Feb. 21 and 22. Each of the three cars has been tucked away as part of a large private collection currently owned by arguably one of Europe’s most fastidious collectors of classic cars.

2016 Cadillac CTS-V hits 200 mph with 640 horsepower

(December 22, 2014) DETROIT – Cadillac today introduced the 2016 CTS-V, the most powerful product in the brand’s 112-year history and the newest entry in the elite class of the world’s highest-performing luxury cars.

Launching in late summer with 640 horsepower, 630 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 200 mph, the new CTS-V reaches higher than its predecessors, leading Cadillac’s product-driven expansion and elevation. It is the third generation of the acclaimed luxury sports sedan that launched the elite V-Series a decade ago – and redefined Cadillac for a new generation of enthusiasts.

Orders being taken in UK for limited-run Fiat 500X Opening Edition

(December 22, 2014) The order books for the new Fiat 500X “Opening Edition” are now open in the United Kingdom. Only 500 examples of the new special series will be available in the UK, offering customers the chance to not only be one of the first to own Fiat’s new crossover, but also to benefit from a host of additional equipment at zero extra cost.

Both flavors of the Fiat 500X are available: 325 examples of the 4X2 “City Look” version and 175 examples of the AWD “Off-Road Look” model will be offered in total.

Greenbacks for green ideas — Toyota program announced

(December 21, 2014) ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Toyota Research Institute of North America (TRINA), a division of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing of North America (TEMA), in partnership with The Electrochemical Society (ECS) is requesting proposals from young professors and scholars pursuing innovative electrochemical research in green energy technology.
 

Volkswagen announces details of 2015 Golf R pre-order

(December 21, 2014) HERNDON, Va.  — Volkswagen has announced the opportunity for customers to pre-order one of the first 500 available 2015 Golf R models, the most powerful production Golf ever offered in the U.S. The pre-order will go live on VW.com/GolfR on Jan. 8 and customers can secure their place in line by paying a $500 reservation fee.

FCA recalling 287,945 Dodge Ram trucks for possible axle lockup

(December 20, 2014) DETROIT — FCA US, the former Chrysler Group, is recalling almost 288,000 Dodge Ram pickup trucks globally that had been under review by U.S. safety regulators over complaints that a loose fastener might cause the rear axle to lock up or detach. Recalled are 287,945 Ram full-size pickup trucks from model year 2005 because the rear axle pinion nut may loosen, increasing the risk of a crash, according to the company and documents filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.