February 2018

2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R — 'The Beast from Green Hell'

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 23, 2018) AMG, the high-performance speed shop for Mercedes, has been hammering out a steady stream of unrestrained, tire-shredding, asphalt-ripping street machines for more than 30 years. The GT R is its latest sports car. If you’re familiar with Germany’s Nurburgring (nicknamed Green Hell), it’s worth knowing that the GT R got around the track in a record 7 minutes and 10 seconds, which Mercedes claims is a record for rear-wheel-drive cars.

Volvo puts sexy back into station wagons unveiling the new V60

(February 22, 2018) ROCKLEIGH, N.J. — Volvo Cars has revealed the new V60 five-door, mid-size premium wagon, underlining the Swedish company’s position as a maker of cars that combine good looks with everyday practicality. The car was launched in its natural habitat — the driveway of a family home in Stockholm — highlighting Volvo Cars’ pedigree in family cars and pinpointing how the V60’s versatile design caters to the diverse needs and realities of modern family life.

Audi launches first vehicle-integrated toll payment technology for U.S.

(February 22, 2018) HERNDON, Va. — Beginning later this year, Audi of America will expand its vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technology offering with the launch of a vehicle-integrated toll payment technology on select vehicles. The Integrated Toll Module, or ITM, is a toll transponder built into the vehicle's rearview mirror, allowing drivers to access toll roads in the U.S. and in parts of Canada and Mexico.

ITM is yet another Audi first in vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technology, allowing the car to communicate and interact with its environment.

After 35 years, the BMW 3 Series sedan ends production in South Africa

(Feb. 22, 2018) ROSSLYN, South Africa — After 35 years, the last BMW 3 Series Sedan rolled off the production line Feb. 21 at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn in Pretoria. The plant has produced a total of 1,191,604 units and five generations of the BMW 3 Series. One in four BMW 3 Series sedans of the current generation come from BMW Group Plant Rosslyn.

2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG SLC43 Roadster — Much to like

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 21, 2018) Now in its seventh year of a generation, the Mercedes-Benz SLC, formerly known as the SLK, has not been redesigned since the 2011 model year. However, last year’s name change coincided with a refreshed front end around the grille, headlamps and air intakes.

All-new Lexus UX crossover will be unveiled at Geneva Motor Show

(February 21, 2018) Lexus announced this week that it will present the world premiere of its new UX crossover at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6. The all-new compact crossover will be the fifth member of the brand’s extensive lineup of luxury utility vehicles.
 
The luxury brand will also host the European premiere of the RX L, a new version of Lexus’ best-selling RX crossover, featuring three rows of seats. This new model provides comfortable accommodation for up to seven people in its cabin, with a flexible seating arrangement that also allows for excellent load-carrying flexibility.

Kia shows teaser photo of new second-generation K900

(February 20, 2018) Kia Motors has previewed its flagship luxury sedan, the K900, ahead of its world debut later in the year — perhaps the New York Auto Show iMarch 28.

The new model combines sophisticated exterior design, effortless performance and a spacious cabin distinguished by luxurious materials and elegant styling. New technologies protect occupants, enhance interior comfort and give the driver greater confidence at the wheel.

Hyundai's next-generation fuel cell vehicle boasts best driving range

(February 21, 2018) SEOUL, Feb. 20, 2018 – It’s been a busy start to the year for Hyundai’s next-generation fuel cell vehicle NEXO, scheduled to be released in Korea next month. Unveiled at CES 2018 as the technological flagship of Hyundai’s growing eco-vehicle portfolio, the NEXO SUV model is set to spearhead Hyundai Motor’s plans to accelerate development of low emission vehicles.

Nissan global sales driven by momentum in crossover, SUV models

(February 20, 2018) YOKOHAMA, Japan — Nissan's global crossover and SUV sales increased more than 12 percent in 2017 to more than 2 million vehicles, driven by the all-new Nissan Kicks small crossover, the Rogue, X-Trail and Qashqai compact models, a refreshed Armada full-size SUV and the Infiniti QX30 compact luxury crossover.

Nissan's global crossover and SUV models increased nearly 13 percent, while Infiniti luxury crossovers and SUVs were up almost 9 percent in 2017. In total, Nissan increased global crossover and SUV volume by nearly 230,000 vehicles last year.

1941 Buick Sedanette 'Dillinger' wins Custom d'Elegance award

(February 20 2018) SACRAMENTO, Calif. — An extraordinary 1941 Buick Sedanette owned by Clifford Mattis and built by Antioch, Calif.-based Lucky 7 Customs was named as the recipient of the coveted “Custom d’Elegance” award at the 68th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Sacramento Autorama, in a presentation made during closing ceremonies at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds on Sunday.