Tag Archives: Maureen McDonald

Black Magic – Winter Tires Prove All-Seasons Are Anything But

The “snows” allowed faster stopping – consistently with much less slipping sliding. The all seasons were clearly mis-named with no discernible truth in marketing or advertising. 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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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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Kia Niro Hybrid Claims 50 MPG Range

Actually the design is a reversal of the expressive direction the Soul presented. Continue reading

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Gen 4 Optima Hybrid revealed in Chicago

It’s not as if the Korean company has any choice given pending fuel economy regulations in the U.S. and competitive actions in both areas. Continue reading

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Full-Size Nissan Armada Heavily Revised for 2017

Low gas prices and insatiable demand for sport utility vehicles makes the timing right for introduction of Nissan’s flagship vehicle, the Armada, which joins the SUV/crossover lineup of the Pathfinder, Murano and Rogue later this year. This was the first … Continue reading

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Original Mom-Mobile Minivan Redesigned for 2017

Timing is ripe for Pacifica as FCA has been losing its sales leadership in the segment for lack of a major redesign for seven years. During 2015 Caravan sales totaled 97,000 or – 28% from the year before. The Chrysler Town & Country at 93,848 was down -32% owing to the popularity of cross-over vehicles. Continue reading

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