Author Archives: Maureen McDonald - freelance journalist

Avalon Amplifies Its Sound with JBL, Dynamometers

The newest Toyota sedan – already known for its quietness- and the modern facility represent a heightened level of cooperation between Toyota and suppliers by working from concept to roll out of a vehicle. Again, this is standard industry practice. Continue reading

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Viper Gets Snake Bit. Dies after 2017

The retro rod that Bob Lutz blatantly and unashamedly modeled after the Shelby Cobra, debuted in 1992. Continue reading

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Street-Legal Challenger SRT Hellcat – 707 Hp Cop Magnet

The 707 horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, likely the most powerful domestic production engine ever built, goes from zero-to-60 mph in three seconds.

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Forecast – US April Sales to Maintain Record Pace

Sales during April 2016 are about to overtake the April record of 1,500,648 light vehicle sales set in 2005, and 2016 is on track to shatter last year’s full-year record of 17.5 million sales. Overall year-over-year total industry sales are projected to grow by 4.3%. Continue reading

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FCA Antes Up $75M in Trenton Engine on New Four Cylinder

Trenton North was shut down in May 2011 after producing more than 38 million engines. It reopened in late 2011 and added a flexible production line in 2012 – as part of the FCA takeover agreement with the Obama Administration. Continue reading

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New Seals Cut Friction, Shed Weight, Up Fuel Economy

Friction uses fuel, increases wear and operating temperatures – a lose, lose, lose engineering problem. Continue reading

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Corvette Grand Sport Collector’s Edition to Aid Karmanos

Chevrolet is donating VIN #001 – of the new Corvette Grand Sport Collector’s Edition – in support of Karmanos Cancer Institute’s 34th Annual Dinner Continue reading

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Volvo Celebrates Fundraising Goal with Lemonade

When life dealt lemons in the form of pediatric cancer to Alexandra Scott, she summoned up her health and entrepreneurship skills and sold lemonade at the end of her driveway to help defeat the disease. Continue reading

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Ghosn Trumpets Need for More EVs in IMPA New York Auto Show Opening Speech as Nissan Introduces Gas Guzzlers

Ghosn says – not without abundant self-interest as a leader in the EV segment – that more needs to be done to promote EV sales and plug-in access. Continue reading

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Rock-A-Bye Baby in Volvo Swivel Seat Concept

The child could be strapped safely in a rearward facing position while small items could be stored beside the seat and underneath with space for diapers, blankets and toys. An onboard cup warmer could heat the bottle to delight the young charge. Continue reading

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Volvo Sets S90 Sedan Price at $46,950

For those who wondered if the 2010 purchase of Volvo by the Chinese conglomerate, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group would result in massive cost cutting and de-contenting and brand dilution, the exact opposite appears true. Continue reading

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Toyota Prius Prime Sees Electric Range Increase to 120

It represents a +26% enhancement compared to its predecessor, a result of greater battery capacity – an 8.8 kWh battery pack – and an improved hybrid system. In hybrid mode, the Prius Prime is targeting a hybrid MPG equal to or better than the Prius lift back. Continue reading

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NYAS – 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth

Similar to the Fiat 500 Abarth introduced at the 2011 LA Auto Show, the Fiat 124 Spider platform has a sport-tuned suspension, mechanical limited slip differential, sport mode selector and a chrome quad-tip exhaust. Options include the Brembo braking system and Recaro seats. Continue reading

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Toyota, Lexus to Make Automatic Emergency Braking Standard

The need for automatic braking was pronounced in a fiery crash on a freeway outside Detroit in November 2014. Kayla White, driving a 2003 Jeep Liberty in her third trimester of pregnancy was hit from behind by a distracted driver in a 2002 Cadillac who couldn’t brake soon enough. She burned to death from the rollover and subsequent fire. The Chrysler made Jeep was subject to a controversial recall – that appears to only have been partially effective for its gas tank design. Continue reading

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Rand McNally Unveils Connected Car Tool

With a starting cost of $399 for a tablet and mounting device, OverDryve offers comprehensive navigation including congestion alerts, hands-free calling and texting, collision warnings and music from multiple sources. With advanced features include back-up and forward cameras to alert danger or record a collision, and links with roadside assistance. Continue reading

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