August 2015

Infiniti lists changes for 2016 including enhanced QX50 crossover

(August 11, 2015) For 2016, the Infiniti lineup in the United States expands once again, literally, with a new longer, roomier Infiniti QX50 premium crossover. With its wheelbase extended 3.2-inches, the 2016 QX50 offers greatly increased rear passenger room, as well as additional cargo space. It also features new exterior styling.

Chevrolet to celebrate American ingenuity on Woodward

(August 11, 2015) DETROIT — Chevrolet is marking its fifth year as the presenting sponsor of the Woodward Dream Cruise, the world’s largest single-day car enthusiast event, drawing more than 1.5 million enthusiasts annually from around the world.

Chevrolet will have displays in key locations along the famed Woodward Avenue.

Hyundai brings 2016 Tucson to the beer capital of the Carolinas

By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(August 11, 2015) ASHEVILLE, N.C. — I'm not the kind of guy who gushes over a place I don't like. San Francisco and Las Vegas are both cities some people rave about, but I wouldn't set foot in either if it wasn't for carmakers hosting an occasional event there. Well, I guess I'd go to San Francisco, but only because it's the closest airport to Napa and Sonoma. So, when I say that I really like Asheville you know that indeed I do.

Mini Connected app sharpens its focus

(August 10, 2015) MUNICH — After five years, the Mini Connected app is undergoing a major relaunch, with the new version available to download in mid-August. The focus of the new app has been clearly placed on the essentials. In the same way as the brand has now adopted a much more pared-down overall approach, Mini Connected will in future concentrate on driving-related functions.

Michelin coming to Monterey Car Week with historical vehicle

(August 10, 2015) GREENVILLE, S.C. — Michelin is coming to the famed Monterey Car Week Aug. 13-16 with a vehicle that blazed a path in automotive history that didn't involve powerful engines or fancy sheet metal but quite simply air. The L'Eclair automobile commissioned by the Michelin brothers in 1895 rode on four skinny, white rubber inflated tires that proved once and for all that the future of the car would not be limited by the unforgiving rigidity of solid circles.

Ford develops spider screen to keep creepy crawlers out

(August 9, 2015) DEARBORN, Mich. — Arachnophobes may not know this, but there is a team of Ford engineers who developed an innovative spider screen to keep the creepy crawlers from nesting in Ford vehicles.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI gets a thumb's up from Mr. Gunn

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(August 8, 2015) The price of diesel fuel has fallen in recent months to the point it is now no more expensive than unleaded regular making the diesel car, which traditionally gets 30 percent better mileage than its gas engine equivalent, a very attractive purchase.

Porsche worldwide July sales increase 22 percent to 20,733

(August 8, 2015) ATLNTA — There were 20,733 Porsche customers worldwide who took delivery of a new vehicle in July — an increase of 22 percent compared to the same month last year. Nearly 1,900 of these customers opted for a convertible Porsche from the 911 Cabriolet and Boxster model lines.

In the first seven months of this year, Porsche delivered 134,717 vehicles globally. This corresponds to an increase of nearly 29 percent compared to the same period in 2014.

First Run: 2016 Scion iA and iM

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(August 8, 2015) GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The drive from the stately TVD office tower and garden center to Grand Rapids covered 138 miles, and left plenty of time to reflect on the state of Scion. What had begun as a division designed to bring young buyers into the fold has morphed into something much less avant-garde.

Mazda to unveil new crossover concept in Frankfurt

(August 7, 2015) In a world premiere at the 66th 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show in mid September, Mazda will reveal the Mazda Koeru, a new crossover SUV concept that makes a bold statement in an increasingly popular and competitive segment.

Koeru, Japanese for “exceed” or “go beyond,” is a fitting name for Mazda’s latest venture into the growing crossover SUV market, where the company is again looking to surpass existing standards and raise the bar for performance, efficiency and overall value.