August 2015

Honda Accord gets styling, chassis and body upgrades for 2016

(August 18, 2015) The Honda Accord, retail car buyers' most popular choice in 2013 and again in 2014, has received a major mid-model cycle refresh for the 2016 model year. With new styling, a revised and upgraded body and chassis, and Honda's first-ever application of available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 2016 Accord sedan goes on sale Aug. 19 with the Accord coupe following on Aug. 26.

Midwest gas prices jump due to new refinery problem

(August 18, 2015) WASHINGTON — The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline ended a 27-day streak of daily declines last week and has since increased for six straight days, according to statistics compiled by AAA. Today’s average price of $2.67 per gallon is an increase of eight cents per gallon versus one week ago, due largely to a new refinery problem in the Midwest.

What’s behind Hyundai’s Vision G?

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(August 18, 2015) What is the Vision G Coupe Hyundai unveiled at Monterey last week? Is it just a concept, or is it  meant to indicate Hyundai’s goals in the expanding l
uxury market? Will it replace the current pony car-like Genesis Coupe with a vehicle more in line with the Genesis badge? Or is it an indication that it is adding a new model to the Genesis line as it taps leading consultants about what it takes to build true high-performance cars?

Morris Minor lives among the junk


This Morris Minor 1000 2-door from the 1950s lives among the trash of a junkyard. It probably was once a proud family car. The Morris Minor 1000 was produced from 1956 through 1971 in Oxford and Birmingham, England. Nearly 850,000 copies were sold. The car had limited sales in North America. (Photo by John Harper) 

Monterey Motorsports Reunion: Legends and historic cars

(August 17, 2015) SALINAS, Calif. — In motorsports, legends are made, not born. Constant reminders of this sprang up throughout the day Saturday at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, a four-day event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca where tens of thousands of people visit during Monterey's Classic Car Week to get their fill of cool historic cars racing wheel-to-wheel.

Hyundai captures travel memories with mobile artwork in New York

(August 17, 2015) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Buses and trams carrying optical illusions of Hyundai logos forming the famous Manhattan skyline have arrived on the busy streets of New York and will be shown until January. The creative mosaic artwork will be visible alongside Hyundai’s message: Take a step back. There is more of New York to be seen.

“Millions of consumers travel around New York City every day, and we can create lasting memories through the power of artwork and creativity,” said Jacquelyn Kim, director, customer communications and promotions, Hyundai Motor America.

Lexus unveils 2016 LX 570 SUV at Pebble Beach

(August 17, 2015) MONTEREY, Calif. — Lexus unveiled its upgraded 2016 LX 570 sport utility vehicle this weekend at the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance. Lexus says that with a powerful V8, sophisticated 4WD chassis and seating for eight, the Lexus LX 570 remains one of the few luxury utility vehicles that combines sumptuous luxury with true off-road capability.

Kia reveals design direction of next Sportage with three teaser drawings


(August 17, 2015) Kia Motors will reveal its all-new Kia Sportage for the first time globally on Sept. 15 at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show. Kia released three drawings today that suggest the design language that will be used on the new compact sport utility crossover.

Acura NSX to be built using 'groundbreaking techniques' in Ohio

(August 16, 2015) CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. — The next-generation Acura NSX will be produced at the new, dedicated Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

With trial production already underway and production start-up scheduled for spring 2016, this world-class manufacturing facility employs groundbreaking techniques in weld, body construction, body painting, final assembly and quality confirmation to ensure the highest levels of precision and craftsmanship.

Historic Durant-Dort Factory One to house automotive archive

(August 16, 2015) FLINT, Mich. — The historic Durant-Dort Factory One will be converted into an archive and research center as part of a renovation project connecting the site’s rich manufacturing history with ongoing developments in the automotive industry.