April 2017

Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport laps Indy with ease

By Casey Williams
MyCarData

(April 28, 2017) Not long after I first started writing 20 years ago, Chevrolet loaned me a Corvette Convertible to drive from Dallas, Texas, to Bowling Green, Ky., and back over Labor Day Weekend.  When I returned, I bought a 1989 Corvette coupe like my friend’s dad had when we were in high school.  I’ve driven many Corvettes since, but it’s hard to beat driving a 2018 Grand Sport at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Jeep Compass finding its way with the 'new' 2017 model

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 27, 2017) Back a few years ago, I knew a guy who owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and whenever I would show up driving one of the Jeeps at the other end of the food chain, like say the Patriot or Liberty, he would kind of scoff and say, “That’s not even a Jeep!”

There was a tad of snobbishness in the way he said it, as if anything less than a Grand Cherokee wasn’t really up to Jeep’s traditional standards. (I’m assuming he didn’t include the Wrangler in his castigation of the smaller models.)

All new Volkswagen Atlas is Sehr Gut

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 27, 2017) Volkswagen earned the distinction of being the best-selling vehicle in the world last year, grabbing the sales crown from Toyota. The two companies have been in a title race for years.

BMW announces new high-performance M550i xDrive

(April 27, 2017) MUNICH — To coincide with the premiere of the new BMW 5 Series range, BMW M Division is bringing out a sporty BMW M Performance version of the world’s most successful business sedan. For the time being at least, the new BMW M550i xDrive will assume the status of range-topper in the new BMW 5 Series line-up.

2018 Toyota Yaris hatchback adds sporty styling

(April 27, 2017) TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota has announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the 2018 Yaris hatchback, which is $16,520 including destination charge, $385 higher than 2017.    

Toyota says the fuel-efficient Yaris represents a great value for buyers on a budget as it is the Toyota brand’s least expensive model, yet it is equipped with many standard safety and convenience features. 

Chrysler expands 2017 Pacifica lineup with Touring Plus model

(April 26, 2017) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler announced today the addition of the Touring Plus model to the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica lineup, extending the appeal of the all-new minivan to more customers.
 
“The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica arrived in dealerships a year ago, and in that time, it has both resonated with our current minivan customers and brought new minivan buyers to the brand,” said Tim Kuniskis, head of Passenger Car Brands.

A Missouri Ford convertible



This 1963 Ford Galaxie convertible was discovered in Cuba, Mo. The Galaxie name was applied to all of Ford's full size models in 1962. The 1963 model marked the third year of the 1960-1964 design, although exterior styling was altered in each year. Several engines were offered all mated to a three-speed automatic.
(Photo by Jim Meachen)

2017 Honda CR-V — No-brainer choice for a compact CUV

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 26, 2017) PHOENIX — Sales of compact crossover utility vehicles are booming; consumers have a seemingly insatiable appetite for them and the segment continues to grow. In fact, utility vehicles now outsell cars. With players like Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue and others continually updating and refreshing their products, competition is keen and the vehicles are only getting better.

FCA delivering additional 500 Pacifica Hybrid minivans for self-driving

(April 26, 2017) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Fiat-Chrysler announced on Tuesday that Waymo will add 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans to expand its self-driving program. FCA previously delivered 100 minivans, modified for self-driving, to Waymo during the second half of 2016. Production of the additional 500 minivans will ramp up beginning next month. Waymo will then outfit these vehicles with its self-driving technology.

Chevy Bolt EV owners drive 4.5 million miles in four months

(April 26, 2017) DETROIT — Chevrolet reported today that 3,492 Bolt EV owners in the United States have driven a cumulative 4,570,300 miles as of April 2 since the vehicle went on sale in December. These all-electric miles have resulted in more than 175,000 gallons of fuel saved based on the average EPA-estimated 26 mpg for 2017 vehicles in the U.S.