Category Archives: new vehicle

Chevy Adds Malibu Hybrid to Lineup in 2016

Posted on 25 March 2015 by Ken Zino

Price, performance, how smoothly the system changes between modes and deploys regenerative braking, as well as competitive actions are issues that await test drives when the Malibu appears. The Detroit Three have a history of benchmarking the past, maybe GM is looking at the future. Continue reading →

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Spark Grows Older, More Expensive?

Posted on 10 March 2015 by Ken Zino

The all-new 2016 Spark debuts at the Seoul and New York auto shows this April, Chevrolet announced today. The Korean built and designed minicar is said to have “more sophisticated aesthetic that reflects the changing tastes” of the segment. Continue reading →

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Volvo Delivers Autonomous Driving XC90 in 2017

Posted on 19 February 2015 by Ken Zino

Volvo’s web presentation of the project this morning had technical problems with an invalid embed code, thereby demonstrating how complex the computer programing is for even relatively well-known technologies. Cyber security issues also will need to be resolved. Continue reading →

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MX-5 Miata Accessories Concept Debuts at CAS

Posted on 12 February 2015 by Ken Zino

Vehicle personalization continues to be the trend as affirmed by the debut of an MX-5 accessories design concept of the next-generation 2016 MX-5 roadster that will be in showrooms this summer. Continue reading →

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Honda Announces Second U.S. Acura MDX Plant

Posted on 11 February 2015 by Ken Zino

Honda today said it would add a second U.S. production site for the Acura MDX SUV by investing $85 million in its East Liberty, Ohio plant to produce Acura MDX in Ohio beginning in 2017. The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time and is now in its third iteration. Continue reading →

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Cadillac 2016 ATS-V Ready for Orders

Posted on 11 February 2015 by Ken Zino

Cadillac dealers are accepting orders for the 2016 ATS-V – the brand’s inaugural luxury compact performance car that starts production this spring. Available in sedan and coupe forms, the twin-turbocharged ATS-V purportedly offers a dual-purpose luxury performance – track capability straight from the factory, along with “road manners.” Continue reading →

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Lexus Premieres GS F Sedan at Detroit

Posted on 13 January 2015 by Ken Zino

Lexus today unveiled the 2016 GS F performance sedan, the latest model in line as it continues to stalk Mercedes-Benz and BMW sport sedans that own and define the expensive segment. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Debuts 2016 Sonata Hybrid with Higher MPG

Posted on 13 January 2015 by Ken Zino

Today Hyundai introduced the Hybrid version of its seventh-generation Sonata at NAIAS. The 2016 Sonata Hybrid fuel economy is expected to improve more than 10%. Sonata Hybrid is projected to achieve up to 39 mpg in the city, 44 mpg on the highway and have a combined EPA mileage rating of 42 mpg. Continue reading →

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Cadillac CTS-V Debuts. V is for Very Fast, Very Expensive

Posted on 13 January 2015 by Ken Zino

With more horsepower and torque than the Mercedes-Benz 5.5-liter biturbo V8 and the BMW M-series 4.4-liter TwinPower (twin-turbo) V8, the new CTS-V is capable of 0-60 acceleration in 3.7 seconds. Continue reading →

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High Voltage! Gen 2 Chevrolet Volt is Significant Redesign

Posted on 12 January 2015 by Ken Zino

The new Volt has better gas mileage, greater range, faster acceleration, a fifth seat of sorts, and an all-new propulsion system. Pricing, yet to be announced, could be the deciding factor in Volt’s sales future. Former GM CEO Dan Ackerson, a venture capitalist, when he predicted astronomical sales had no idea that this is a long-term ~2030 play. Continue reading →

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Viper Customization – No Copies with Unique ‘1 of 1’ Builds

Posted on 9 January 2015 by Ken Zino

Dodge is giving its Viper a level of exclusivity by creating a new custom Viper GTC model and a sales scheme that gives Viper customers the opportunity to create their very own one-of-one American hand-built car. Another aspect of exclusivity comes from slow sales, as Viper is badly outclassed by the new Corvette, among other performance cars. Continue reading →

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2016 Toyota Tacoma Pickup Debuts at NAIAS

Posted on 8 January 2015 by Ken Zino

Tacoma been the best-selling mid-size truck in the U.S. for ten years running because Dodge dropped its Dakota and Ford walked away from its Ranger. Tacoma faces formidable competition from the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon now that GM has reentered the segment. Continue reading →

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Canyon Nightfall Edition Debuts

Posted on 8 January 2015 by Ken Zino

The profit-boosting truck reflects the resurgence of the pickup market with buyers spending lavishly on customization at all brands. More than 40% of the initial orders for Canyon include at least one selection from a collection of accessories GMC offers. Continue reading →

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Hydrogen Bomb! Toyota Opens Its Fuel Cell Patents for Industry Use

Posted on 6 January 2015 by Ken Zino

In a deft P.R. move that also has abundant self-interest, Toyota Motor Corporation will allow royalty-free use of 5,680 fuel-cell-related patent licenses, including pending applications, it holds globally. Continue reading →

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Volt Camouflage Designed to hide Freshened Sheet Metal

Posted on 29 September 2014 by Ken Zino

The camouflage package on the next-generation Volt was started six months in advance of early development. The tricks are constantly updated to keep spy photographers – Jim Dunne, who graciously contributes to AutoInformed – and the curious guessing. Continue reading →

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