December 2014

Meet the new crossover from Fiat — The 500X

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(December 15, 2014) Just when you thought it was safe to go into the Fiat showroom, another variant of the 500 appears. This time, its a crossover that shares its underpinnings with the Jeep Renegade, but clothes them in a skin than isn’t as over the top.

Aston Martin Works introduces 60th anniversary limited edition Vanquish

(December 14, 2014) Aston Martin Works — which marks its diamond jubilee in 2015 — is celebrating 60 years at Newport Pagnell with the commissioning of six limited edition sports cars. The first of the cars were revealed Friday at the Buckinghamshire-based firm’s customer Christmas celebration, which also forms the start of 12 months of anniversary activity at Aston Martin Works.

Acura recalling 9,700 vehicles for headlight assembly problem

(December 14, 2014) TORRANCE, Calif.—  Acura will voluntarily recall approximately 9,700 model-year 2014-2015 RLX vehicles in the United States to replace both headlight assemblies, free of charge. The reflective film backing material inside the headlights may delaminate, which may result in the vehicle no longer conforming to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108.

Ford to bring 12 new performance vehicles to customers worldwide by 2020

(December 13, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford will deliver more than 12 new performance vehicles for global enthusiasts through 2020, as the company announced today its new global Ford Performance team.

The vehicles include an all-new Focus RS that will be available to customers in major markets around the world for the first time. It is part of Ford’s plan to deliver even more performance vehicles, parts and accessories for customers around the world more quickly.

New BMW 6 Series, M6 to make world debut in Detroit

(December 13, 2014) The new  BMW 6 Series and BMW M6 will make their world debuts at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 12. The world debut will be represented by all three body styles in the form of the new BMW 6 Series Coupe, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, and the BMW M6 Convertible.

Infiniti teases its Q60 Concept to be shown in Detroit

(December 12, 2014)  Infiniti has provided an intriguing first look at the premium sports coupe concept to be displayed at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.

Muscular lines are revealed in the silhouette of the Q60 Concept: pure, well-defined contours, making the concept's intentions easy to understand at first glance. The next-generation Q60 will probably take its styling cues from this concept.

Volvo confirms testing on new three-cylinder engine

(December 12, 2014) Volvo Cars has confirmed its production program to develop a lightweight 3-cylinder gas engine. The engine, wholly developed in Sweden, will join the class-leading 4-cylinder Drive-E engines in displaying Volvo’s engineering prowess and commitment to efficient power.

IRS to increase business mileage deduction rate to 57.5 cents in 2015

(December 12, 2014) WATERFORD, Wis. —The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the 2015 national optional business mileage deduction rate of 57.5 cents for U.S. business drivers, effective Jan. 1, 2015.

Ford scraps MyFord Touch name, revamps infotainment system

(December 12, 2014) Ford on Thursday introduced SYNC 3, a new communications and entertainment system that is faster, more intuitive and easier to use with enhanced response to driver commands. Ford says SYNC 3’s more conversational voice recognition technology, a more smartphone-like touch screen and easy-to-read graphics will help millions of drivers connect with their lives and control their smartphone while on the road.

Porsche exceeds 2013 sales by November

(December 11, 2014) ATLANTA — Porsche increased global deliveries to customers from January to November this year to more than 169,000 vehicles, already exceeding the overall total for 2013 of 162,145 new vehicles. This represented a growth of 15 percent over the same period last year. In November, Porsche delivered 17,700 vehicles — an increase of one quarter over the same month last year.