News archive

May 2017

Honda Proving Center returns to operation

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(May 22, 2017) CANTIL, Calif. — Back in full operation as a testing ground for future Honda and Acura products, the renovated Honda Proving Center (HPC) is once again primed to test the capabilities of the company's automobiles, motorcycles, side-by-sides and ATVs against the dramatic back drop of the Mojave Desert, near Cantil, Calif.

The refurbished HPC features a 7.5-mile high-speed banked oval track capable of testing vehicles at speeds over 200 miles per hour, and a 4.5-mile winding road course that incorporates 28 curves and six different hills into the design.

Fiat Chrysler files for diesel vehicle certification

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(May 22, 2017) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — FCA US HAS announced it has formally filed an application for diesel vehicle emissions certification with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for its 2017 model-year Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 diesel vehicles. These vehicles feature updated emissions software calibrations.

The filing is the result of many months of close collaboration between FCA US and EPA and CARB, including extensive testing of the vehicles, to clarify issues related to the company’s emissions control technology.

Restored 1959 Volkswagen 23 window Samba Campervan to be sold

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(May 22, 2017) LONDON — What has been described as a super rare 1959 Volkswagen 23 Window Samba Campervan, faithfully restored to authentic standards, is set to bring Camper fans flocking to the West Midlands when it goes to auction with Classic Car Auctions (CCA) at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre on Saturday, June 10.

The rare 23-window model, featuring eight small skylight windows and sunroof, is among the most sought-after of all VW Campers and is considered as the "Holy Grail" among collectors and enthusiasts.

Look what a few million will buy — World's10 most expensive cars

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By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(May 17, 2017) Owning one of these masterpieces isn’t about transportation or need, it’s about flamboyance, bravado and pageantry. You might never see one of these supercars, let alone drive one, but if your last name is Gates, Bezos, or Zuckerberg, these wheels were meant for you.

Ford invests $350 million adding new transmission to Michigan plant

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(May 21, 2017) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford is investing $350 million in its Livonia Transmission Plant, adding a new transmission to expand its lineup of fuel-efficient powertrains as part of the company’s plan to fortify its core automotive business. 

The company will create or retain 800 hourly jobs to support production of the new transmission. Ford expects to begin adding jobs late this year, with the majority coming next year and in 2019.

Is it lights out for Lotus in Ann Arbor?

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By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(May 21, 2017) The word on the street is that Lotus Engineering, Inc. will be shutting most of its Ann Arbor, Mich., operations immediately, leaving only the vehicle lab operational for the foreseeable future. Sources confirmed the dyno lab was closed at the end of business on May 12, and customers with whom LEI has contracted to supply its services have been informed LEI will not be able to honor those commitments.

ClassicCars.com finds the Mustang most searched for classic car

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(May 20, 2017) PHOENIX — The iconic Ford Mustang is the most searched for classic car, according to a state-by-state report issued today by ClassicCars.com, the premier website for researching and purchasing classic automobiles and trucks.

Ford’s legendary “Pony Car” ranked first in 13 states, followed by the Chevrolet Impala (seven).  Chevy’s Camaro came in third with five states, the Chevy Corvette, Dodge Charger and the Ford Thunderbird each finished first in three states, according to the site, which registers 330,000 searches daily and three million unique monthly visitors.

Putting Land Rover's new Discovery to the Pony Express test

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(May 20, 2017) When a handful of Jaguar Land Rover Reno customers suggested the all-new 2017 Land Rover Discovery might not be as rugged and capable as their LR3 and LR4 models, General Manager, Marc Shepard, challenged them to a back-to-back test drive — along Nevada’s challenging Pony Express Trail.

Aston Martin, Tom Brady enter into long-term partnership

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(May 19, 2017) GAYDON, England — Aston Martin today announces the start of a new long-term partnership with Tom Brady, record-breaking National Football League star and one of the most renowned and respected athletes of all time.

In collaboration with Aston Martin’s VP & Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, the designer currently responsible for creative direction of the Aston Martin brand and model range, Brady and Reichman will explore their affinity for The Love of Beautiful via a new content series entitled Category of One, premiering later this year.