March 2017

Porsche Werks Reunion declared success at Amelia Island

(March 17, 2017) COLUMBIA, Md. — Porsche Club of America's Werks Reunion, already a fixture of Northern California's Monterey Car Week after just its third year, has taken its winning formula to Amelia Island, Fla. March 10, Werks Reunion featured nearly 700 Porsche vehicles, 160 of which appeared in judged classes. Porsches came from 32 states plus Puerto Rico to celebrate the Porsche marque as well as the 20th anniversary of the popular Boxster two-seater sports car.

How Volkswagen is developing car of the future virtually

(March 17, 2017) WOLFSBURG — Bright sunlight floods the Volkswagen Virtual Engineering Lab in Wolfsburg. Two dozen screens flicker, some of them showing graphics and others hundreds of lines of program code. In the center of the room, there is a 1:4 scale model of a Golf. Frank Ostermann inspects the model, and then he changes its wheels, replaces the rear lights and modifies the wing mirrors.

Ram Commercial introduces new programs to improve truck upfitting

(March 17, 2017) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Ram Commercial has announced two new programs to assist commercial upfitters, dealers and customers in viewing, certifying and installing a wide array of truck-mounted products. Ram Augmented Reality Upfit Configurator and Q Pro, combined with the industry’s greatest ease of adaptation, give Ram Commercial an upper hand on the competition.

“The commercial truck segments rely heavily on customer options, reliability and ease of conversion and no one does it better than Ram,” said Mike Manley, head of Ram Brand, FCA.

Three iconic cars representing American car culture to be on display in D.C.

(March 17, 2017) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) has announced that three iconic cars representing unique American car culture will be displayed “center stage” on the National Mall in Washington D.C. from April 12 to May 4. On display April 12-19 — Gypsy Rose 1964 Chevrolet Impala “lowrider;” April 20–26 — McGee Roadster 1932 Ford V8 “hot rod;” and April 27-May 4   Hirohata Merc 1951 Mercury Coupe “radical custom.”

Hyundai recalling nearly one million Sonatas over seatbelt issue

(March 16, 2017) Hyundai is recalling 978,000 cars in the U.S. because the front seat belts could detach in a crash and fail to hold people, according to a report filed today by the South Korean automaker with U.S. regulators.

The recall covers Sonata midsize sedans from the 2011 through 2014 model years, and the Sonata hybrid from 2011 through 2015.

Audi sets strategic path following challenging 2016; new models in pipeline

(March 16, 2017) INGOLSTADT— In the coming years, Audi says it will significantly rejuvenate its product range, will launch several electric cars and will enter new digital business areas. The robust core business forms the basis for the required advance expenditure. The Audi Group’s revenue increased to €59.3 billion in 2016 and its operating return on sales before special items was 8.2 percent.

Scared of the dark? Ford's new tech can help in night driving

(March 16, 2017) COLOGNE, Germany — It’s not just children who are afraid of the dark. Whether preferring to sleep with a light on — or worrying about driving at night — grown-ups get scared too.

Some experts believe fear of the dark, or nyctophobia, can be traced back to our cave-dwelling ancestors, who were more at risk of being attacked by predators in the dark.  Today it affects us behind the wheel.

Honda Civic Type R to make U.S. debut in New York

(March 16, 2017) Honda took the wraps off one of the most anticipated models in its history with the unveiling of the production 2017 Civic Type R at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. The long-awaited Civic Type R, slated to go on sale in the U.S. in late spring, will join two global Honda debuts during its press conference at the New York Auto Show on April 12.

Acura electrifies SUV lineup with powerful, efficient MDX Sport Hybrid

(March 16, 2017) TORRANCE, Calif.  — Acura's first-ever hybrid SUV, the 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid loaded with 321 horsepower, will arrive at showrooms in early April with more than 30 additional horsepower and a 45 percent higher EPA city fuel economy rating as compared to the conventionally-powered MDX SH-AWD.

Honda Rebel + Aviator Nation Motorcycle is launched at SXSW

(March 15, 2017) AUSTIN, Texas — This year's SXSW festival-goers will get an up-close and personal look at the ultimate motorcycle for the next generation of rider— the 2017 Honda Rebel & the Honda Rebel + Aviator Nation limited edition cruiser. The mainstream launch of this unique collaboration kicks off at the Waterloo Records Day Parties taking place in Austin today through March 18.