News archive

March 2016

There’s more to Giulia than the Quadrifoglio

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By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(March 20, 2016) If the Geneva show earlier this month proved one thing it’s that there are more models to Alfa Romeo’s Giulia lineup than just the 510-hp V6-powered Quadrifoglio. When that car debuted nearly 10 months ago, its appearance seemed calculated to raise expectations for the Giulia while hiding the fact that the car’s success would rise or fall on the more prosaic members of the lineup; vehicles that were nowhere to be seen.

Uconnect Vehicle User Guide application available in new Chrysler Pacifica

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(March 19, 2016) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica now features Uconnect Vehicle User Guide, a pre-installed and complimentary application that allows drivers to easily view and explore their owner's vehicle information via the Uconnect 8.4-inch touch screen. The Uconnect Vehicle User Guide application debuted first in the 2016 Dodge Charger, Challenger and Chrysler 300.

New Hyundai Elantra wins 'Biggest Bang for the Buck' award

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(March 19, 2016) ATLANTA, GA. — The all-new 2017 Hyundai Elantra received the Biggest Bang for the Buck Award from the Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association (GAAMA). Presented during GAAMA’s annual Auto Show Awards during the 34th Annual Atlanta International Auto Show, the Elantra received praise for its standard safety features, class-leading technologies and its incredible value proposition.

Chevrolet Sonic gets updated styling, new technologies

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(March 19, 2016) NEW YORK — Chevrolet on Friday introduced the 2017 Sonic — a more expressive, sporty take on the brand’s fun-to-drive small car. The midcycle refreshening offers big technologies such as a new MyLink system with segment-exclusive Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a fresh exterior with new LED signature lighting.

Explorer helps Ford deliver best start in SUV sales in company history

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(March 18, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — Smartphones and skinny jeans, organic foods and reality TV. The wants of millennials have been well documented, and now there’s a new one to add to the list – the space a Ford Explorer offers.

The Explorer is the most popular Ford SUV with millennial buyers ages 25 to 34, according to Ford analysis of the most recent personal new vehicle registrations in the U.S. from IHS Automotive — helping the Explorer maintain its status as the best-selling midsize SUV in the country.

Jaguar Land Rover celebrates a 'Classic' future

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(March 18, 2016) WHITLEY, Coventry, England — Jaguar Land Rover has announced the renaming of its Heritage business to Jaguar Land Rover Classic. The rebranded division will continue to provide cars, services, parts and experiences for Classic Jaguar and Land Rovers and their owners.

All-new 2016 three-row Mazda CX-9 to start at $32,420

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(March 18, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — Mazda has released pricing and packaging information for its all-new 2016 Mazda CX-9 midsize, three-row crossover SUV. The CX-9 will have a starting price of $32,420 including destination charge.

"With the 2016 CX-9, we have lofty expectations, raising the bar with a quieter, smoother ride; a quicker, more responsive powertrain; and numerous other improvements," said Robert Davis, senior vice president, U.S. Operations. "CX-9 is our flagship and portends a future of innovative technologies and amenities that we believe will further elevate our vehicles in their respective classes."

More than half of Acura's U.S. sales in 30-year history built in North America

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(March 18, 2016) TORRANCE, Calif. — With Acura set to mark its 30th anniversary on March 27, the Acura brand has announced that more than 50 percent of the brand's cumulative sales since its inception in 1986 have been made in North America.

Mini USA opens registration for Mini Takes the States 2016

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(March 17, 2016) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — MINI USA today announced that registration for MINI TAKES THE STATES 2016 (MTTS) is now officially open. MINI owners looking to participate can now register at MINITAKESTHESTATES.com.

The adult registration fee is $40 for a single city ticket, which includes an evening and morning event in one city, or $75 for a multi-city ticket, which includes access to any and all MTTS events. Children under 12 are free. Information regarding hotel accommodations is also available on the site.

Ram Yellow Rose blooms in Texas

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(March 17, 2016) DALLAS — Ram truck today unveiled Yellow Rose of Texas edition, a new, Texas-only addition to its half-ton lineup. The 2016 Ram 1500 Yellow Rose of Texas edition, which is distinguished by its Stinger Yellow paint package, will be offered in half-ton 4x2 and 4x4 crew cab versions of the Ram 1500 Lone Star. Ram Lone Star models are exclusive to the Texas retail sales market.