December 2018

Toyota releases long-range North American environmental report

(December 26, 2018) PLANO, Texas — The Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 is part of Toyota’s long-term commitment to support and foster a more inclusive and sustainable society. Consisting of six individual challenges, Challenge 2050 addresses the major environmental issues facing the global community, such as climate change, water scarcity, resource depletion and habitat loss.

Fourth annual Future Classic Car Show to be held Jan. 19

(December 25, 2018) PHOENIX — The Future Classic Car Show will celebrate its fourth anniversary on Jan. 19, hosting 65 significant vehicles viewed as future collectibles during Arizona auction week. The free event will take place at Scottsdale Quarter.

The Future Classic Car Show will feature everything from late-model American muscle cars to German performance sedans and Japanese sports cars. The family friendly show is more accessible and inclusive than other events during the week welcoming all types of enthusiasts and casual observers.

BMW looks into the future offering virtual drives in its Vision iNEXT

(December 26, 2018) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.  — At this January's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the BMW Group will showcase the future of driving pleasure and the potential of digital connectivity in a variety of different ways. From Jan. 8 to 11, visitors to the BMW Pavilion in the Las Vegas Convention Center will have their first chance to take a virtual drive in the BMW Vision iNEXT, accompanied by the BMW Personal Assistant.

Hyundai reveals world's first smart fingerprint technology to start car

(December 25, 2018) SEOUL — Hyundai Motor Company announced the world’s first smart fingerprint technology that allows drivers to not only unlock doors but also start the vehicle. Hyundai plans to implement the technology initially in the Santa Fe SUV model that is to be released in select markets in the first quarter of 2019.

A very 'Merry Driftmas' from Lotus

(December 24, 2018) While many look back over the year during the festive season, Lotus looks sideways in the #DriftmasEvora. Delivering a Christmas tree with a 410-horsepower sleigh, the engineering elves at Lotus wanted an ingenious way to transport a Christmas tree using an Evora GT410 Sport.

The first-ever #MerryDriftmas video, created by Lotus, sees a festive delivery with a difference — all filmed on site at its Hethel home in Norfolk.

Trick shot with Matthew McConaughey and the all-new Lincoln Nautilus

(December 23, 2018) DEARBORN, Mich. —  Matthew McConaughey focuses, staring intently at the ball. He takes his shot. The cue ball swerves smoothly behind the 8-ball, then makes a steady left before gliding back to its original path. “I’ve never seen that before,” says a voice in the background. Fade to flashback — a Lincoln Nautilus effortlessly evading an obstacle in the roadway before seamlessly returning to its original path.

Barrett-Jackson has vast collection of Camaros at auction

(December 22, 2018) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Barrett-Jackson is building its Scottsdale docket with an incredible showing of classic and late-model Chevrolet Camaros from every generation since the American muscle car first rolled in to dealerships over 50 years ago The Camaros will be part of Barrett-Jackson’s 48th Annual Scottsdale Auction, Jan. 12-20, at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

Porsche recalls 74,585 Panamera models for power steering fix

(December 21, 2018) Porsche is requesting that the current generation of Panamera vehicles are brought in to workshops. The control unit on the affected vehicles’ electric power steering is to be re-programed.

There are 74,585 vehicles affected worldwide, produced between March 21, 2016 and Dec. 6, 2018.

Nissan tests paint samples to prevent sun damage — without the sun

(December 21, 2018) FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — On the darkest day of the year Nissan engineers in Michigan are still performing sunlight UV exposure tests thanks to the Xenon Weather-Ometer (XWO) tool that evaluates material durability in different climate conditions.

To evaluate the effects of solar energy on paint and other materials, a 4,000-watt Xenon bulb bakes nearly 100 samples at the same wavelengths as the sun.