March 2015

BMW partners for high speed, high tech, high excitement

(March 26, 2015) LOS ANGELES — BMW has confirmed its role as exclusive worldwide automotive partner of the next installment of Paramount Pictures’ legendary action film franchise, “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,” in theaters July 31. This is the second time BMW has “accepted the mission” to lend its technological support to the film’s production crew, enabling it to deliver breathtaking automotive stunt scenes shot around the globe.

New Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid gets Volt technology; to exceed 45 mpg

(March 26, 2015) DETROIT — Chevrolet’s recent production announcement of its all-electric vehicle based on the Bolt EV concept, as well as the introduction of the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, will be joined by a strong hybrid version of the next-generation Malibu.

Toyota showcases hybrid lineup at 2015 Atlanta International Auto Show

(March 25, 2015) ATLANTA — What does the vehicle of the future look like? Under the aerodynamic designs and fresh paint, here's betting it will be fuel-efficient, with capabilities set firmly to "sustainable." In short, it will look a lot like Toyota's lineup at this year's Atlanta International Auto Show.

Range Rover Sport HST to make global debut in New York

(March 25, 2015) NEW YORK — Land Rover will present the global introduction of the Range Rover Sport HST at the New York International Auto Show next week. The HST features a 3.0-liter supercharged 380-horsepower V6 engine, unique chassis settings and enhanced design features.

A range of updates to the 2016 Range Rover Sport line-up will also be showcased in New York, including the availability of a new Gesture Tailgate and the introduction of Automatic Access Height.

All-new 2016 Jaguar XF revealed in dramatic 'high-wire' journey

(March 25, 2015) LONDON — The all-new Jaguar XF has been revealed during a dramatic 'high-wire' water crossing in the heart of London's business district. Expert British stunt man Jim Dowdell, veteran of Hollywood movies including Bond, Bourne and Indiana Jones, drove the all-new Jaguar XF a full 787 feet across a high-wire to demonstrate its lightweight aluminum-intensive construction.

Mecum motorcycle auction sales reach $12,270,000

(March 24, 2015) What took nearly 50 years to accumulate, was dispersed in mere hours as Mecum Auctions offered the 225 motorcycles of the E.J. Cole Collection on March 20-21 at South Point Casino and Exhibit Hall in Las Vegas. Total hammer sales reached $12,270,000 — the most ever achieved by a single vintage motorcycle auction.

Six ways Silverado cuts complexity of collision repair

(March 24, 2015) DETROIT — Collisions can happen anytime, anywhere, and the resulting body damage frequently results in complicated — and expensive — repairs. Not so much the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, designed to save time and cost during body shop visits.

European Ford S-MAX first to offer intelligent speed limiter

(March 24, 2015) COLOGNE, Germany — Ford of Europe has announced that the all-new S-MAX will be the first Ford worldwide to offer Intelligent Speed Limiter, a new technology that scans traffic signs and adjusts the throttle to help drivers stay within legal speed limits and avoid fines.

Tooling around Texas hill country with the Chrysler 300, Ram ProMaster City

By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(March 24, 2015) I'm not the kind of guy who blows off a carmaker event in Austin even with a freshly blown-out knee. Nope, that just isn't me. However, I did offer Chrysler the opportunity to delete me from its December roll out of the redesigned 300 after hyper extending my left knee climbing off a ladder during a shed-building adventure. It wasn't that I was in pain or immobile, but I was walking with a cane.

Mitsubishi to unveil all-new 2016 Outlander at New York Auto Show

(March 23, 2015) CYPRESS, Calif. — Mitsubishi Motors North America has announced that it will make the world premiere of the 2016 Outlander during its press conference at the 2015 New York International Auto on Thursday, April 2. The 2016 Outlander will be the first Mitsubishi vehicle to debut the brand's new design language.