November 2015

British artist creates life-size Origami Nissan Juke

(November 10, 2015) ROLLE, Switzerland — They say the best ideas start with just a blank piece of paper. Celebrating the model's fifth anniversary, Nissan and a British paper artist have collaborated on a unique project to create a full-scale Origami Juke.

In a nod to Nissan's Japanese heritage and inspired by the very first steps of car design — getting ideas onto paper — artist Owen Gildersleeve hand built the intricate replica model from paper to the exact dimensions of the current Juke.

Cadillac introduces new XT5 crossover ahead of L.A. Auto Show

(November 10, 2015) Cadillac has unveiled the first-ever 2017 Crossover Touring 5 (XT5,) a comprehensively upgraded luxury crossover and the cornerstone of a new series of crossovers in the brand’s ongoing expansion. The first-ever XT5 premieres this month at the Dubai and Los Angeles auto shows and begins production in the U.S. and China in spring 2016.

Cadillac crossovers will wear the “XT” designation, a key aspect of the brand’s product-driven global growth plan.

Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon diesels rated most fuel efficient pickups

(November 10, 2015) DETROIT — Chevrolet has confirmed that the 2016 Colorado two-wheel drive with the Duramax turbo-diesel will be the most fuel efficient pickup in America, offering an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 31 mpg highway fuel economy. The EPA-estimated highway fuel economy for 2016 Colorado four-wheel drive diesel is 29 mpg.

Toyota to invest $1 billion in artificial intelligence research, development

(November 9, 2015) TOKYO — Toyota has announced it will establish a new company, Toyota Research Institute Inc. (TRI), as an R&D enterprise with an initial focus on artificial intelligence and robotics. The headquarters will be located in Silicon Valley near Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif.

New Manhattan dealership has retail space for four top luxury brands

(November 9, 2015) NEW YORK — Executives from four of the world’s most exclusive luxury automotive brands gathered in Manhattan last week to celebrate the grand opening of Manhattan Motorcars’ new flagship dealership. Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Porsche all have brand-specific retail space in the facility located at the corner of 51st Street and 11th Avenue.

As a result, Manhattan Motorcars’ newest location serves as a one-stop destination for New York City’s most discerning car collectors and enthusiasts.

Nissan launches Diehard Fan app

(November 9, 2015) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — College sports fans can download Nissan's Diehard Fan app to virtually paint their game face using a smartphone or tablet (iOS and select Android devices). The augmented reality app combines a time-tested fan tradition of face painting in team colors, with innovative technology, to deliver an immersive digital experience sure to excite sports fans.

Japanese companies say they are dropping Takata airbag inflators

(November 9, 2015) Bloomberg News reported this weekend that Nissan has joined Toyota and Honda in stating that they won't use key components made by airbag supplier Takata Corp., as more automakers distance themselves from the airbag supplier whose defective devices are behind the biggest ever automotive safety recall.

Mazda also said on Thursday its new cars will no longer use Takata airbag inflators, while Subaru-maker Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. and Mitsubishi are considering the same.

Subaru keeps its U.S. winning streak intact in October

(November 9, 2015) CHERRY HILL, N.J. —  Subaru has become one of the big success stories this decade in the automotive industry with a steady stream of increased sales month over month. It seems the Japanese car company has struck upon the magic formula. For instance, October monthly sales increased by 20 percent over October 2014 representing the company's 47th consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth in the U.S.

Range Rover Evoque — A convertible for all seasons

(November 9, 2015) LONDON — Land Rover has unveiled its first compact convertible SUV against the backdrop of the University of the Arts' famous Central Saint Martins building in Granary Square, Kings Cross, London. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible combines the bold design and refinement of the Range Rover Evoque with a sophisticated folding roof to create a versatile, all-season convertible SUV.

Harold gets his kicks from the Challenger R/T Shaker Scat Pact

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(November 8, 2015) Harold Gunn of the Automotive Reporter describes his week behind the wheel of the 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker Scat Pack with a hulking 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 under the hood making 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque.

He was impressed with the muscle car's ability to finish off a 0-to-60 run in about 4.5 seconds. And he was impressed by the "Shaker" hood. But we will let him describe that rather unique feature.