February 2020

Gas and electric merge in powerful new European VW Touareg R

(March 1, 2020) WOLFSBURG, Germany — U.S. fans of Volkswagen's flagship Touareg SUV will miss out on a very fast and very unique new Touareg introduced to the European auto market this week — the range-topping Touareg R. Volkswagen pulled the Touareg from the U.S. market in 2018.

New York Auto Show to open as scheduled in six weeks

(February 29, 2020) The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, organizers of the New York International Auto Show, say they are moving forward with plans to open the show as scheduled. The Geneva International Motor Show was canceled last week because of the coronavirus outbreak in Europe.

In a statement auto show organizers said the show's press preview days in little less than six weeks are still scheduled.

New 603-horsepower 2021 Mercedes AMG GLE 63 Coupe introduced

(February 29, 2020) Mercedes-Benz says its new 2021 AMG GLE 63 S Coupe is "an elegant and electrified SUV with superb agility and driving dynamics, offering exceptional everyday comfort." At the heart of this performance SUV is the handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, featuring an electrified EQ Boost starter-generator and a 48-volt on-board electrical system that delivers an immediate response to driver inputs.

Honda to introduce 2020 CR-V Hybrid this weekend

(February 28, 2020) The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid begins arriving at dealerships on March 1 as the most powerful and fuel-efficient CR-V yet, with a 40 mpg EPA city fuel economy rating, better off-the-line acceleration and the refinement of Honda’s latest generation of two-motor hybrid technology with improved all-electric operating range.

The new CR-V Hybrid comes standard with Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System, and a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price starting at $28,870 including destination charge.

Top down, windows up — no, no, no

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DRIVER'S SIDE DIATRIBE
By Al Vinikour 

It has long been my contention that people driving a convertible with the top down and the windows up are crying out for help and nobody is listening. (Similar to people driving a Mercedes or BMW with whitewalls). By definition a convertible is a vehicle whose top can be lowered to create an open-air environment.

Geneva auto show cancelled due to coronavirus

(February 28, 2020) The organizers of the Geneva auto show said the event has been canceled after Swiss government banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people because of the coronavirus threat. The Geneva show was due to start on Tuesday with a media day for new product debuts.

"We regret this situation, but the health of all participants is our and our exhibitors' top priority. This is a case of force majeure and a tremendous loss for the manufacturers who have invested massively in their presence in Geneva. However, we are convinced that they will understand this decision," said Maurice Turrettini, chairman of the Foundation Board.

1954 — A good year for 'Job Rated' pickups



Dodge started its successful "Job Rated" advertising campaign in the 1940s, and Dodge trucks through the 1950s were "Job Rated." This 1954 Job Rated pickup truck — lacking most of its original paint — was found in a salvage yard in Texas.
(Photo by Peter Hubbard)

Eighth-generation VW Golf GTI to make global debut in Geneva

(February 28, 2020) WOLFSBURG, Germany — Volkswagen was set to unveil the eighth-generation Golf GTI at the Geneva Motor Show, alongside its hybrid GTE and diesel GTD siblings. The new vehicles will offer more power, an innovative driver interface, and more modern design, both inside and out. (The auto show has been cancelled)

New Mercedes GLA 45 — A performance SUV to suit any lifestyle

(February 27, 2020) A brisk lap of the race circuit or a weekend trip to the mountains with your sports gear stowed in the back — the new GLA 45 is the ideal match for a multitude of adventures. Mercedes says that when required, these nimble all-rounders can unleash a level of dynamic performance to impress even sports car owners.

The 2.0-liter engine is the most powerful series-produced four-cylinder turbo engine in the world delivering 382 horsepower making it more powerful than its predecessor and offering performance above its class.

Hyundai releases details of the new i30 ahead of Geneva Motor Show

(February 27, 2020) Hyundai Motor has released new details of the new i30 before its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The new i30 will feature a new design, advanced connectivity features and offer an electrified 48-volt mild hybrid option, resulting in increased fuel efficiency.

Hyundai is also updating its i30 N Line range. For the first time, the company’s sporty-looking trim level will be available on the new i30 Wagon, starting in summer 2020. The i30 N-inspired design features will continue to be available on the i30 hatchback and fastback models.