July 2017

Honda announces 2018 CRGF250R

(July 31, 2017) HURRICANE MILLS, Tenn. — In a special unveiling event with top Honda amateur motocrossers during the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn's Ranch, American Honda unveiled the all-new 2018 CRF250R. Designed and developed following the same "Absolute Holeshot" philosophy as the CRF450R, the highly anticipated motocross model features a host of updates aimed at achieving maximum power and optimum handling.

Kia Motors introduces Niro Skill for Amazon Alexa

(July 31, 2017) IRVINE, Calif. — Kia today announced the Niro Skill for Amazon Alexa to deliver instant access to product information for the Niro crossover vehicle, direct to consumers. The Niro Skill for Amazon Alexa will offer product information, including local dealer inventory and product specifications to make the car shopping process easier for consumers.

"Kia is committed to simplifying the car buying process and this provides a one stop source for Niro information and engages consumers through the digital channels they use the most," said Kimberley Gardiner, director of marketing, KMA.

Experience the darker side in a Bentley Flying Spur Black Edition

(July 31, 2017) CREWE, England — Bentley Motors is today announcing full details of the new Bentley Flying Spur V8 S Black Edition — the car of choice for customers seeking a luxury performance saloon with a more dynamic aesthetic. The suite of striking exterior and interior features have been created by the British brand’s designers to reflect the car’s sporting character.

Black gloss brightware, dark tint lights, gloss black window surrounds and door mirrors, and new wheels provide a more dynamic, contemporary commentary for the mighty power output of the V8 S engine.

2018 Mercedes X-Class Pickup — Not for U.S. consumption

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(July 31, 2017) Let’s get the important stuff out of the way first. The Mercedes X-Class pickup will launch in Europe this November, in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand in early 2018, and Argentina and Brazil in 2019. There are no current plans to bring this vehicle — which starts at the equivalent of $35,368 in Europe and is built off the Nissan Frontier/Renault Alaskan — to the U.S.

Bollinger Motors reveals first all-electric sport utility truck

(July 30, 2017) NEW YORK — Bollinger Motors revealed on Friday its all-electric B1 sport utility truck to a global audience during a media event at the Classic Car Club of Manhattan. Created from a clean sheet using a lightweight aluminum architecture, the Bollinger B1 is innovating the truck category by building the world's first fully working prototype of an all-electric sport utility truck.

FCA announces certification of 2017 diesel vehicles

(July 29, 2017) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has announced that it has received a certificate of conformity from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a conditional executive order from the Air Resources Board (ARB) of the State of California, permitting the production and sale of FCA US 2017 model-year light-duty Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0-liter diesel engines.

Price of new four-second Pony will make your eyes water

By Christopher Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(July 29, 2017) Big news of the week? It’s that the 2018 Ford Mustang GT will do 0-60 mph in less than four seconds in Drag Strip mode, when powered by the revised 5.0-liter V8 mated to a $1,595 optional 10-speed automatic transmission and fitted with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires that come with the available $3,995 Performance Pack.

Ford launches Chariot Shuttle Service in New York

(July 28, 2017) NEW YORK — Looking to expand its mobility offerings, Ford is launching its crowd-sourced shuttle service Chariot in New York City in August, aiming to provide new mobility solutions to consumers.

Chariot offers commuters, some of whom live in transit deserts — areas that are not within walking distance of public transportation — a new way of getting from point A to point B.

The daily commute made better by 2018 Hyundai Sonata

(July 28, 2017) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — For millions of Americans, one of the most frustrating parts of every workday is the traffic-clogged slog they face on their daily commutes. It is against this familiar backdrop that Hyundai introduces the fully redesigned 2018 Sonata to a national audience in its first national TV spot, titled “Duet.”

“The new Sonata makes every mile a little better,” said Dean Evans, chief marketing officer, Hyundai Motor America.

Eighth generation of Rolls-Royce Phantom arrives

(July 28, 2017) From the moment Sir Henry Royce introduced the Rolls-Royce Phantom in 1925 it was judged "The Best Car in the World" by the cognoscenti. As a result it has conveyed some of the world’s most influential and powerful men and women to the most defining historical moments over the last 92 years.

Every new Phantom that has subsequently appeared has successfully retained the title of "Best Car in the World" as a result of Rolls-Royce’s tireless pursuit of perfection, visionary engineering, aesthetic acuity and deep understanding of what the world’s leading luxury item should be.