August 2016

Cadillac's global sales surge in July; up 20.9 percent

(August 8, 2016) Cadillac sold 24,769 new vehicles globally in July, an increase of 20.9 percent. The sharp increase was driven by the brand’s newest models, the CT6 prestige sedan and XT5 luxury crossover, as well as the ATS product line supported by continued strong growth in China.

Sales in China soared 89.7 percent in July. Cadillac is experiencing sustained growth in China, the world’s largest market, with sales up 23.9 percent so far in 2016. Cadillac registered July growth in the U.S. and Canada as well, led by the new 2017 XT5.

An exotic, sexy, mid-engined Italian at a bargain price

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica

(August 8, 2016) When a car earns accolades from sources as diverse as Hagerty (the leading network and insurer for classic car owners) and Playboy (no definition needed), it must be something special. Such is the case for the Alfa Romeo 4C; the 4C Spider was added to the Hot List of future collectibles by the former, and the 4C Coupe was named 2015 Car of the Year — Sports Cars and Convertibles by the latter. 

Corvette to go mid-engine? The pros and cons

By Casey Williams
MyCarData

(August 7, 2016) Mid-engine Corvettes have been rumored since the 1960s, but according to a report in Detroit News, we’re about to get the real deal.  This will have Chevrolet Corvette fans on both ends of the engine placement debate running to their swords, but there are pros and cons to moving the engine from in front of the cockpit to behind it.  And, it’s not without historical precedent.

Nissan's 'No Charge to Charge' program expands to 10 new markets

(August 6, 2016) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nissan's popular "No Charge to Charge" program expanded to 10 new markets this week, continuing the push to provide Leaf owners with no-cost public charging. The program offers new Leaf buyers free public charging for the first two years of ownership, drastically reducing or completely eliminating the costs of operating their vehicle.

Rolls-Royce carbon fiber program launched

(August 6, 2016) European design house Bengala Automotive and US-based Vitesse AuDessus have announced the launch of a bespoke carbon fiber program for current Rolls-Royce models. The program offers carbon fiber options for the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Phantom Coupé, Phantom Drophead Coupé, Wraith, Dawn, and Ghost.

Triumph Motorcycles to again sponsor Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

(August 5, 2016) In 2016 Triumph Motorcycles is once again encouraging riders to don a dapper ensemble and take to the streets astride a classic motorcycle as it shows its support for The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride as global sponsor for the third year running.

The only motorcycling charity event of its kind, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in 2012 and is a celebration of the art of being dapper and the style of classic custom motorcycles. Dedicated to raising funds to combat prostate cancer, the 2016 ride will take place on Sunday, Sept. 25.
 

Ford issues regional safety recall to replace side door latches

(August 5, 20160 DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is issuing a regional safety recall in North America for approximately 830,000 2013-15 Ford C-MAX, 2013-15 Ford Escape, 2012-15 Ford Focus, 2015 Ford Mustang and Lincoln MKC, and 2014-16 Ford Transit Connect vehicles sold or ever registered in certain states to replace side door latches.

In the affected vehicles, the pawl spring tab in the side door latch could break. This condition typically will prevent the door from latching. In certain situations where the door is able to be closed, the door may unlatch while driving, increasing the risk of injury.

Nissan unveils world's first solid-oxide fuel cell vehicle

(August 5, 2016) YOKOHAMA, Japan — Nissan Motor Co. on Thursday revealed the world's first Solid Oxide Fuel-Cell (SOFC)-powered prototype vehicle that runs on bio-ethanol electric power.

Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn said: “The e-Bio Fuel-Cell offers eco-friendly transportation and creates opportunities for regional energy production…all the while supporting the existing infrastructure. In the future, the e-Bio Fuel-Cell will become even more user-friendly.

Nissan BladeGlider brings cutting-edge intelligent mobility to life

(August 5, 2016) RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Nissan Motor Co. has unveiled the working prototype of its futuristic Nissan BladeGlider vehicle, combining zero-emissions with high-performance in a revolutionary sports car design. The vehicles, developed from concept cars first shown at the Tokyo Auto Show in 2013, have arrived in Brazil to symbolize future technologies that will combine Intelligent Mobility, environmentally friendly impact and sports-car driving capabilities.

Light-duty hauler



This early 1960s Ford Econoline pickup truck was spotted in Cuba, Mo. Based on the compact Ford Falcon, the first Ford Econoline utility van and pickup was introduced to the public on Sept. 21, 1960 for the 1961 model year. The design put the driver on top of the front axle with the engine near the front wheels, called "cab over." Early models sported a 144 cubic inch (2.4 L) inline 6 engine with a three-speed manual transmission.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)