June 2015

Lexus to compete in Pikes Peak Hill Climb with new RC F GT Concept

(June 24, 2015) TORRANCE, Calif. — Lexus will compete in the Time Attack class of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 28. The luxury automaker will be campaigning the all-new RC F GT Concept, a vehicle that builds upon the legacy of the IS F CCS-R vehicles that last competed at Pikes Peak in 2013.

This historic event, now in its 93rd running, is a race against the clock that tests man and machine with the changing elements, altitude, and a treacherous 12.42 mile, 156 turn course that winds up the peak from 9,390 feet up to the 14,115 foot summit.

Ram Heavy Duty diesel widens leadership in power, towing for 2016

(June 24, 2015) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Ram continues as “King of the Hill” in the heavy-duty battleground with the introduction of the 2016 model year Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups. The capability leaders further build on a list of best-in-class claims.

Ford collaborates with Silicon Valley on autonomous vehicles, 3D printing

(June 24, 2015) PALO ALTO, Calif. — Autonomous vehicle technology is another step closer to production at Ford, moving from a research effort to an advanced engineering program, the company announced on Tuesday.

Ford has appointed a director of autonomous vehicle development — 29-year Ford veteran Randy Visintainer — and created a global team to work on the advanced program.

First Ferrari to race in California to return to Pebble Beach in August

(June 22, 2015) PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Hopes ran high for the 1949 Ferrari 166 Mille Miglia owned by Jim Kimberly when it pulled to the starting line of the 2nd annual Pebble Beach Road Races in 1951. It was the first Ferrari ever to race in California. Just a few weeks prior, it had triumphed over all of the competition in its first West Coast race in Palm Springs.

GM invests $245 million for new vehicle program

(June 23, 2015) ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. — General Motors will invest $245 million and add 300 new jobs at its Orion Assembly plant to support launching an all-new vehicle program unlike any in the plant’s 32-year history.

“Orion Assembly is a breeding ground for manufacturing innovation,” said Cathy Clegg, GM North America vice president of Manufacturing and Labor Relations. “It serves as a model for how to engage the entire workforce at all levels to achieve success. The plant is up to the challenge of building this brand-new product, something it’s never seen before.”

Hagerty names favorite classic convertibles for summer 2015

(June 23, 2015) TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Summer began Sunday and to kick-off the season the collector vehicle experts at Hagerty have named their favorite classic convertibles for the summer months.

"There is nothing like driving a convertible. They force you to slow down and enjoy your surroundings rather than just drive to a destination. They were designed and built to put pleasure into driving," says McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty, the world's leading provider of classic car insurance and valuations.

1923 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 'woody' sells for $250,000

(June 23, 2015) LONDON — A 1923 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost carrying ingenious painted "wood-effect" shooting brake coachwork from a car once owned by the future Edward VIII — one of the earliest "woodies" — burst through its £120,000 upper estimate to sell for £161,280 ($250,000) at H&H Classics’ June 20 auction.

The sale was held in conjunction with the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club Annual Concours & Rally at Burghley House, Lincolnshire.

OnStar Crisis Assist offers aid in weather emergencies

(June 22, 2015) DETROIT — As the country braces for the Atlantic hurricane season, OnStar-equipped Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles offer Crisis Assist services to customers, regardless of which plan to which they subscribe, in the event of an extreme weather emergency.

Toyota's Land Cruiser gets new diesel engine in Europe

(June 22, 2015) LONDON — Toyota’s mighty Land Cruiser gains a new engine this summer, ensuring the go-anywhere SUV remains one of the finest all-round propositions on the market. At the same time, equipment specifications have been upgraded and extra models have been added to the line-up.

Five ways Chevrolet made 2016 Malibu segment's lightest

(June 22, 2015) DETROIT — Engineers developing the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu put the new midsize sedan on a strength-training program, making it sweat out a pound here and a gram there, in a quest to make it more fuel efficient, stronger and safer.

The result is an all-new Malibu that is nearly 300 pounds lighter than the current model — an achievement that not only gives it the segment’s lightest base curb weight, but also contributes to an estimated 48 mpg in city driving for the hybrid model and 37 mpg highway for the 1.5L turbo base engine. A lighter curb weight will also improve ride and handling.