March 2017

Texas Chrysler rusts away



This 1941 Chrysler Town Sedan was found rusting away in a back yard near Blanco, Texas. Chrysler Corp. products were great sellers prior to the war as evidenced by the fact the Chrysler Corp. owned a whopping 24 percent market share, five percentage points more than Ford Motor Company. In 1941, Chrysler models could be purchased for the first time with a semi-automatic transmission that delivered a Lo-Hi shift.
(Photo by Jim Prueter)

Saints and sinners: 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(March 4, 2017) For most vehicles, this is the picture you’d expect to see at the beginning of a story. An interesting background, decent lighting, and a clear look at the front and side of the subject. Nothing special. Nothing fancy. Nothing too exciting. In many cases it’s almost an afterthought taken on the day before the vehicle being tested is collected, or on the first day when the weather cooperates.

Porsche Panamera model line expands with Sport Turismo

(March 3, 2017) ATLANTA — Porsche is expanding the Panamera family with the addition of a new body style. The Panamera Sport Turismo will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next week. Four different versions will be available for ordering in the U.S. at launch — Panamera 4, Panamera 4S, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, and the Panamera Turbo.

VW Golf TSI SEL sets up a nice hatchback, but good luck finding one

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica

(March 3, 2017) I just spent a week in the 2017 Volkswagen Golf TSI SEL and though it isn’t the “hot hatch” that the Ford Focus RS that I had a couple of weeks ago is, it still offers a lot in the way of driving fun and in a more economical package.

Infiniti introduces a high-performance line — Project Black S

(March 3, 2017) HONG KONG — Featuring Formula One-inspired technology, Project Black S is an exploration of a newInfiniti high-performance model line. Developed in collaboration with the RenaultSport Formula One Team, Project Black S will be revealed for the first time globally at a special media event on the eve of the Geneva International Motor Show.

A radical reinterpretation of the Q60 coupe, Project Black S features a stand-out, aerodynamic design, and hints at how a unique-for-the-road performance hybrid powertrain could significantly enhance the dynamics of anInfiniti production car.

Mecum to feature 700 American muscle cars in Kansas City auction

(March 3, 2017) WALWORTH, Wis. — For more than 25 years, Mecum Auctions has staged a collector-car auction in Kansas City. The tradition continues March 24-25 when the collector-car auction company returns to the Kansas City Convention Center with an estimated 700 American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, Hot Rods, Resto Mods and more. 

GM expands connectivity, fleet management for fleet operators

(March 3, 2017) DETROIT — General Motors Fleet is expanding its suite of industry-leading driver connectivity and fleet management solutions by adding Spireon to its telematics service provider roster. Using the embedded OnStar 4G LTE hardware in the vehicles, Spireon will offer a customized version of its FleetLocate tool that will allow fleet operators to better manage their Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles, beginning in May.

Harold extols the virtues of Toyota's Prius Prime

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(March 2, 2017) Styling has shown a marked improvement, Harold Gunn of the Automotive Reporter says, indicating he never was a fan of the styling of the outgoing Prius. 

Compared to the standard Prius, which was redesigned for the 2016 model year, the Prime version is outfitted with a larger battery that supports 25 miles of electric-only range. And it takes a rather short 5.5 hours via a standard 120-volt outlet to recharge.

Ford issues recall for about 32,000 vehicles for airbag problem

(March 2, 2017) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is issuing a safety compliance recall in North America for certain 2016-17 Ford Edge, 2016-17 Lincoln MKX and 2017 Lincoln Continental vehicles to replace Takata driver frontal airbag module. The recall involves about 32,000 vehicles.

This concern is not related to Takata’s non-desiccated ammonium nitrate airbag inflators that are subject to propellant degradation and potential rupture in a crash.

Mercedes-Benz introduces new E-Class Cabriolet

(March 2, 2017) STUTTGART — Mercedes-Benz is completing its E-Class family with the new E-Class Cabriolet. This open-top four-seater combines puristic, sensuous design with long-distance comfort for four occupants and the latest E- Class technology.

This includes comprehensive Smartphone Integration and available Inductive Wireless Charging, a widescreen cockpit and the latest driver assistance systems.