September 2015

Volkswagen reveals all-new European Tiguan SUV in Frankfurt

(September 15, 2015) FRANKFURT — After selling over 2.64 million copies of the first generation Tiguan SUV, Volkswagen is showing the newly developed European Tiguan at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. In this case, "new" means completely new, a revolution instead of an evolution. The second generation Tiguan is the first Volkswagen Group SUV whose design is based off the forward-looking MQB platform.

Chevrolet Tahoe is top dog among K-9 units

(September 14, 2015) DETROIT — The ability to take the heat off hard-working police dogs helps make the Chevrolet Tahoe Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) the country’s most popular police vehicle for K-9 units. The roomy interior and advanced climate control system are ideal for all three components of a K-9 unit — the police officer, the police dog, and the vehicle they travel in.

Mini continues to expand model range at Frankfurt Motor Show

(September 14, 2015) FRANKFURT — Mini is continuing to expand its model range with the world premiere of the new Mini Clubman at the International Motor Show Frankfurt 2015. The Mini Clubman marks the brand’s first entry into the premium compact segment and will be on display at the show Sept. 17-26.

Mini says that combining increased interior space and versatility with the latest generation of technical advances and a high level of standard equipment, the Mini Clubman is set to make a big impact on what is a highly competitive segment. 

Night Riots to headline 2016 Honda Civic reveal live Sept. 16

(September 14, 2015) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda will debut the all-new 2016 Honda Civic Sedan with musical support from buzzworthy alt-rockers Night Riots, live from the YouTube Space LA at 6:15 pm PDT on Sept. 16. The reveal of the 10th-generation of Honda's best-selling model worldwide will be hosted by Liz Hernandez of NBC's "Access Hollywood" and streamed live via Honda's YouTube channel.

2016 Camaro SS delivers 0-60 acceleration in 4.0 seconds

(September 14, 2015) DETROIT — Less weight and more power is the combination for performance success and engineers of the 2016 Camaro have the numbers to prove it. With weight savings of up to 390 pounds, the all-new Camaro delivers performance numbers that reset the benchmark for the segment.

Dodge goes big — Charger Pursuit vehicle gets 12.1-inch touchscreen

(September 13, 2015) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Dodge Charger Pursuit is going tactical in a big way for 2016, offering the heroic men and women who protect us with the all-new, and segment’s largest, Uconnect 12.1-inch built-in touchscreen that enables a segment-exclusive integration of law enforcement computer systems with the easy-to-use and award-winning Uconnect touchscreen system.

2016 Hyundai Sonata features upgraded suspension, styling revisions

(September 12, 2015) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — The award-winning Hyundai Sonata lineup heads into 2016 offering more features, minor styling updates, suspension upgrades and improved fuel economy on models equipped with the 2.4L engine. The 2016 Sonata starts at $21,750, excluding $835 freight charge, and is arriving in dealerships now.

Following its launch last year, the seventh-generation Sonata has garnered such accolades as being named “Best Midsize Car for the Money” by U.S. News & World Report and “Most Affordable Midsize Sedan” by Cars.com.

Car kitsch, circa 1970

Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(September 12, 2015) There are some interesting barn finds in Britain, but this one literally is something special. Behold the Sotheby Special, one of only three such cars, the first two of which were commissioned by the W.D. & H.O. Wills tobacco company to promote Sotheby’s Special Reserve cigarettes. (The name came from a short-lived licensing agreement with the famous auction house.)

A different kind of Buick

McLaughlin Automobile Company under the guidance of Sam McLaughlin formed a 15-year alliance with Buick under the direction of William Durant near the turn of the 20th Century. For the first few years cars produced by the alliance were known as McLaughlins. Then the name was changed to McLaughlin-Buick. Our photographer, Jerry Brown, discovered this circa 1914 McLaughlin-Buick living in Canada. Notice that it sports very aggressive tires that probably weren't found on the car when it was new.

 

Nissan to show Gripz Concept crossover in Frankfurt

(September 11, 2015) FRANKFURT — Designed to build on Nissan's pioneering crossover leadership, Nissan's Gripz Concept will make its global premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The new crossover will bring back the famous Z badge. Nissan says inspiration for the Nissan Gripz came from the legendary 240Z desert racers as well as the sleek two-wheel world of road cycling. The design explores a new sporty direction for a crossover concept and was conceived to create an innovative new driving sensation.