October 2016

Energy-efficient operations save GM $73 million in 2016

(October 25, 2016) DETROIT — The installation of 186,000 LED bulbs and fixtures is one of many steps helping General Motors save $73 million in energy costs in 2016. Global efforts to increase energy efficiency play a significant part in GM’s goal of meeting the electricity needs of its worldwide operations with 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.

All-new ZL1 Camaro shatters previous generation’s ZL1's Nürburgring time

(October 25, 2016) DETROIT — Chevrolet on Monday unleashed a time-attack video of the 2017 Camaro ZL1 lapping the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a blistering 7:29.60. The new ZL1’s lap time is 11.67 seconds quicker than the previous ZL1’s fast lap. “To be almost 12 seconds quicker than the 5th-Generation ZL1 is a testament to the advanced design and technology of the new ZL1,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer.

A New Mexico Dodge pickup



Like its competitors, Dodge came out with an all-new pickup truck design for the 1948 model year, which basically was unchanged through 1953. This example of a Dodge pickup from the 1948-1950 model years — based on the grille design — was found in New Mexico.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

New Honda Clarity Fuel Cell sedan gets EPA 366-mile range rating

(October 24, 2016) TORRANCE, Calif — The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell sedan, launching later this year, received an EPA driving range rating of 366 miles and fuel economy rating of 68 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent combined, giving it the best range rating of any electric vehicle without a combustion engine, including fuel cell and all-electric vehicles, in the United States.

Toyota recalls certain model year 2016 Highlander vehicles

(October 24, 2016) PLANO, Texas — Toyota announced that it is conducting a safety recall of approximately 7,100 model year 2016 Toyota Highlander vehicles in the U.S.
 
On the involved vehicles, there is a possibility that the wire harness which attaches to the brake fluid reservoir sensor was not connected during the vehicle assembly process.  If this were to occur, the vehicle would not meet a federal safety standard provision requiring a warning light if there is a drop in the brake fluid level. If a warning light does not come on to indicate a drop in fluid level, this could increase the risk of a crash.

Mecum Auctions to offer 130 cars from Ron MacWhorter Collection

(October 24, 2016) DALLAS — Mecum Auctions will offer more than 130 cars from the Ron MacWhorter Collection at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas on Wednesday, Nov. 2. All but 10 cars from the collection will be offered at No Reserve.

MacWhorter has a special passion for the car collecting hobby, one that has only grown over the years. He absolutely loves “America’s Sports Car,” involving himself with five different Corvette-centric clubs and making Corvettes a special concentration of his wide-ranging collection.

As 'pretextian' injuries mount, Ford technology can predict human movement

(October 24, 2016) DEARBORN, Mich. — Collisions can be caused not just by distracted driving, but increasingly, distracted walking. Every eight minutes, a pedestrian is injured in a motor vehicle crash, according to a recent report from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This rise is linked to a global influx of “petextrians” – people walking while texting.

Fresh new Nissan Rogue is outstanding

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica

(October 23, 2016) LAKE OCONEE, Ga. — Following three straight years of sales growth since the introduction of the completely redesigned second-generation Nissan Rogue for the 2014 model year, it has been given a mid-cycle refreshing for 2017 to stay competitive in the booming compact crossover market.

Redefining the meaning of the Ultimate Driving Machine

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(October 23, 2016) This is the seventh generation 5 Series. It is 137 pounds lighter than the car it replaces, thanks to the use of magnesium, aluminum and high-strength steel, and you can add active steering to all-wheel drive versions for the first time. And then there’s the tech. So much tech that you begin to wonder if, at first glance, the makers of the ultimate mid-size sport sedan hasn’t lost the plot.