Category Archives: new vehicle

Chevrolet Debuts 2014 Cruze Diesel at Chicago Auto Show

Posted on 7 February 2013 by Ken Zino

In the latest example of how complicated the global auto business is, Chevrolet will sell a Cruze diesel this fall in North America that has an Italian engine design, a German-built 2-liter turbo diesel, which will be installed in the Cruze at the final assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio. The 2014 model will start out at $25,695 with destination and a two-year maintenance plan included. Continue reading →

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Driving the New “Cute-Ute” 2013 Buick Encore SUV

Posted on 22 January 2013 by Ken Zino

It’s hard to think of Buick on the cutting edge of anything, but its new Encore SUV seems poised to catch the wave of the growing cute-ute market in the U.S. Test drives of the mini SUV reveal a decent handling, refined version of GM’s Gamma II platform that is sold elsewhere in the world as Opel Mokka and Chevrolet Trax models. Continue reading →

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First Look – New 2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier AWD

Posted on 21 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Chrysler has introduced a $37,840 300 Glacier model that is roughly based on an all-wheel drive version of the SRT8. With an eight-speed automatic transmission, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, and a more powerful300 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine, the sedan is said to deliver best-in-class fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Continue reading →

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Cadillac ELR Hybrid Faces Same Tough Market as Chevy Volt

Posted on 21 January 2013 by Ken Zino

The 2014 Cadillac ELR makes its world public début at the North American International Auto Show this week. Based on the Chevrolet Volt, the hybrid faces the same challenges that have made the $40,000 Volt a mere footnote in U.S. Sales charts since only 24,000 were sold in 2012 or, for one example, only ~10 % of the sales total of the larger, gasoline powered $22,000 Chevrolet Cruze. Continue reading →

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Production Version of Sub-Compact Buick Encore SUV at NAIAS

Posted on 14 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Buick is exploring unknown territory with the production version of what it is calling the Encore SUV on display at NAIAS. Last year the tiny Encore concept – 168.5 inches long – also debuted in Detroit. The Encore SUV is about 10 inches shorter than the production Honda CRV. Continue reading →

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BMW Shows a “Concept” 4-Series at NAIAS

Posted on 14 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Over the past year, BMW has introduced 14 new and renewed vehicles, the most ever in the U.S. Today in Detroit at the NAIAS BMW unveiled what it says is a Concept 4-Series Coupe that looked production ready. It’s another formidable car from Bavaria. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz E-Class and CLA-Class Unveiled in Detroit

Posted on 14 January 2013 by Ken Zino

“In 2012, we sold more than 274,000 cars in the U.S. and thus achieved a new sales record for Mercedes-Benz. Because we are bringing so many new models to market in 2013 – the new E-Class line, the new CLA-Class and the new S-Class – we anticipate that sales will again increase in 2013,” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. Continue reading →

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2014 Q50 Infiniti Sedan Appears in Detroit at NAIAS

Posted on 14 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Infiniti unveiled an all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 sedan at a press conference at the 2013 North American International Auto Show – NAIAS – today. Q50 takes many of its exaggerated styling cues from the Infiniti Essence concept, with swooping curves and angular accent lines, in an attempt to separate itself from more traditional German designs, which is not necessarily a good thing. Inside, the Q50 interior offers a driver- oriented cockpit with communications system that has large dual touch-screens. Continue reading →

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2014 Grand Cherokee has a new V6 Diesel, Eight-Speed Transmission

Posted on 14 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Jeep revealed a heavily revised 2014 Grand Cherokee with a new V6 diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. A new 3-liter “EcoDiesel” V6 engine is claimed to deliver a “best in class” 30 miles per gallon, with a driving range of more than 730 miles, best-in-class towing at 7,400 pounds is also claimed for Jeep’s flagship crossover. Continue reading →

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Revised 2014 Jeep Compass SUV Unveiled at NAIAS in Detroit

Posted on 14 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Jeep debuted a mildly revised Compass SUV at NAIAS today. The Belvidere, Illinois-built compact has a new 6-speed automatic transmission with claimed fuel economy up to 30 mpg. The electronic transmission is mated to either a 2-liter or a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. There is no transmission dipstick and transmission filter or fluid changes are not required under normal driving conditions.
Continue reading →

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2014 Corvette Sting Ray Builds on C6 with a new 7-Speed Manual, Cylinder Deactivation for a Front Engine, Rear-Drive V8 Sports Car

Posted on 13 January 2013 by Ken Zino

Seven better be a lucky number for the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette. The so-called C7 – for the seventh generation of the fabled – and now fading – All-American sports car is an attempt to revive interest in what might be a dissolving market, the 2-seat, front engine, rear drive American sports car. Continue reading →

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Older C6R Corvette to Race in American Le Mans This Year

Posted on 13 January 2013 by Ken Zino

While the success or failure of a revised 2014 model C7 Chevrolet Corvette will be much debated this week at the North American International auto Show this week in Detroit, the success of Corvette’s racing program seems certain, as the C6.R will return for the 2013 season. The C7.R is expected to make its racing debut in 2014. Continue reading →

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Grand Cherokee Freshening Caught in Spy Shots Ahead of NAIAS

Posted on 11 January 2013 by Ken Zino

This is a camouflaged version of a revised 2014 model Jeep Grand Cherokee that will be revealed next week at NAIAS in Detroit. Three years after the launch of one of Fiat’s most profitable vehicles, the SUV will get a facelift and add a couple of new models. Continue reading →

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New Lexus IS Debuts at NAIAS but U.S. Won’t Get Hybrid Versions

Posted on 9 January 2013 by Ken Zino

The revised Lexus IS compact sport sedan will make its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week with the new Lexus snout grille. The latest versions of the rear-drive IS model range – BMW wanna be’s – will include IS 250, IS 350, and the first IS hybrid, the 300h, which will be available in Europe, Japan and other international markets, but not the U.S where the $33,000 and higher CT220h – a hatchback derived econobox – is available. Continue reading →

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Non-Spy Shot – Cadillac ELR Photographed in Southern California

Posted on 8 January 2013 by Ken Zino

General Motors has released this photograph of a Cadillac ELR hybrid electric vehicle, which will be revealed with nicer paint at the 2013 North American International Auto Show next week. Continue reading →

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