Vehicles: Page 130
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Acura Designer: Buttons Like a Cassette Player
Are the physical ways to control the features of a vehicle passé? Yes, says Dave Marek, but they won’t be going away too soon.
Feb. 19, 2016 -
Surging Trucks Prompt $148M GM Engine Investment
A rebounding economy and low gasoline prices have fueled truck sales in the U.S., sending overall demand up 12.7% last year to 9.9 million units, according to WardsAuto data.
By James M. Amend • Feb. 18, 2016 -
Lexus Debuts Sporty LC 500h Hybrid
Toyota’s luxury division says the LC 500h drivetrain relies on a 3.5L gasoline V-6, a powerful electric motor and a 44.6-kW lithium-ion battery pack paired with a 4-speed automatic gearbox mounted at the rear of the hybrid transmission.
Feb. 18, 2016 -
GM Powertrain Name Change Sets Precedence
The switch to GM Global Propulsion Systems exemplifies an industry undergoing tremendous transformation, driven by heightened regulatory demands and a splintering of traditional vehicle segments.
By James M. Amend • Feb. 17, 2016 -
GM Says FCEVs Developing Too Quickly for Production
The automaker has reservations about launching a production FCEV without a robust public refueling infrastructure. But do not mistake reluctance for complacency, GM’s fuel-cell chief says.
By James M. Amend • Feb. 17, 2016 -
Vietnam On Board With EU Vehicle Rules in Trade Deal
“The agreement will unlock a market with huge potential for EU firms,” Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom says. “Vietnam is a fast-growing economy of more than 90 million consumers with a growing middle class and a young and dynamic workforce.”
By Keith Nuthall • Feb. 12, 2016 -
Nissan Launches Revamped Armada Just in Time for Fuel-Price Trough
Low gas prices helped prompt the decision to upgrade the Armada, with the automaker saying that the sharp decline in fuel prices has kept consumer interest alive among those needing a large SUV to haul people and their stuff and to tow heavy loads.
By Jim Mateja • Feb. 10, 2016 -
Eight U.K. Cities Share Millions for EV Incentives
Initiatives proposed by the Go Ultra Low cities are aimed at raising plug-in car numbers in the UK by about 100,000 by 2020.
By Alan Harman • Feb. 10, 2016 -
Elantra: Good Guts, Underwhelming Appearance
Improved ride and handling, powertrains and comfort are sullied by a lack of design flair, inside and out.
Feb. 10, 2016 -
Buick’s Drop-Top Cascada Wears Brand’s Halo
Buick brings back a convertible for the first time in 25 years and it’s a good one, based on the Opel Cascada engineered in Europe and powered by a punchy 1.6L turbo I-4.
By Bob Gritzinger • Feb. 5, 2016 -
U.S. Army Zeroes in on Autonomous Vehicles
Much of TARDEC’s work is classified, but one mission is not: Seeking collaboration with outside sources on autonomous technology.
By David C. Smith • Feb. 4, 2016 -
New GM Powertrain Facility to Speed Engine Tech Transfer
The GM Powertrain Performance and Racing Center is connected to the automaker’s global powertrain engineering center and consolidates competitive engine builders with production engineers.
By James M. Amend • Feb. 2, 2016 -
Volkswagen to Unveil New I-4 Engines
Volkswagen engineers are ready to reveal the beleaguered brand’s next-generation of small turbocharged 4-cyl. engines, including a diesel fitted with selective catalytic reduction.
By Greg Kable • Feb. 2, 2016 -
Consumers Look for Fast, Easy Phone-Car Integration
Auto-technology survey taps into consumer wants, expectations and demands.
By Steve Finlay • Feb. 1, 2016 -
Mini Launches Huge New Flagship
The Mini Cooper Clubman is a stylish, fun-to-drive Mini that finally is big enough for mainstream consumers and luxurious enough for upscale buyers. It is a crucial new product coming at just the right time.
Jan. 29, 2016 -
Nissan Promises More Engines, Studies Hatchback for Sentra
A choice of powertrains and different body styles would align Nissan more closely with other U.S. C-car competitors including Honda, Ford, Chevy, Hyundai, Kia and Subaru.
Jan. 28, 2016 -
Boxster Gets 4-Cyl. Power and 718 Designation for ’16
All-new flat 4-cyl. turbo engines power the ’16 Boxster/Boxster S models premiering at the Geneva auto show. Porsche reaches back to its 4-cyl. glory days of the late-’50s for the 718 designation.
By Greg Kable • Jan. 26, 2016 -
Harman Targets Connectivity, User Experience at New HQ Near Detroit
Ford CEO Mark Fields says the world of connectivity, safety, audio systems and other involvements related to driving is morphing into one singular encounter known as the customer experience.
Jan. 26, 2016 -
Cadillac Growing Up With CT6 Flagship
Three stellar engines, nimble handling, a patent-worthy lightweight structure and loads of innovative features distinguish Cadillac’s all-new flagship sedan.
Jan. 26, 2016 -
VW Saga Will Hurt Diesel Market, BMW Exec Says
“I personally think there will be effects, that people and politicians don’t trust diesels, and this is the effect the whole industry has from this affair,” BMW’s Wolfgang Stütz tells WardsAuto.
Jan. 22, 2016 -
Honda Clarity Price Tops Mirai
Not surprisingly, Honda will limit sales of the Clarity to the California regions with the best expected hydrogen refueling infrastructure.
Jan. 21, 2016 -
RAV4 Hybrid Right Vehicle at Right Time
Despite some minor aggravations, the eighth hybrid model in Toyota’s U.S. stable marries great fuel economy with above-average interior materials and features.
Jan. 20, 2016 -
Supplier Schaeffler in 48V Mild-Hybrid Vanguard
The North American market is on the receiving end of much of Schaeffler’s work on 48V drivetrain architecture designed to facilitate low-speed electric driving, reduce emissions and boost fuel economy, Schaeffler executive Peter Gutzmer says.
Jan. 15, 2016 -
Lentz Tells Some Dealers Don’t Deliver Mirai
In order to purchase a Toyota Mirai a potential buyer must live near a hydrogen refueling station, but there still are few publicly accessible stations in California.
Jan. 13, 2016 -
Google Self-Driving Car Passes Woman-in-Wheelchair-Chasing-Duck Test
No computer code was written for an odd traffic situation, says John Krafcik, head of Google’s self-driving car project.
By Steve Finlay • Jan. 13, 2016