Vehicles: Page

2016 Wards 10 Best Engines Test Drive: Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.TRANSCRIPTThree light-duty truck diesels contend for our 2016 10 Best Engines awards, with the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel V-6 as a two-time returnin...

Nov. 30, 2015

We’ve Been Here Before, But Not With a Cummins

Asian OEMs have tried to upset Detroit’s dominance in fullsize pickups. With a stout 5.0L V-8 from diesel specialist Cummins, a stylish and functional interior and impressive offerings for those who tow, Nissan may have a grip on this U.S.-centric market.

Nov. 30, 2015

2016 Wards 10 Best Engines Test Drive: Subaru WRX

Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.TRANSCRIPTThe 4-cylinder gasoline engine once again dominates the field for Wards 10 Best Engines. This fall we have 14 of them.One is a ret...

Nov. 25, 2015

JLR Engine Plant Already Expanding

In just 12 months, the West Midlands-based facility has moved from prototype production to full-scale manufacturing of more than 50,000 engines a year. The center builds the low-emissions Ingenium 2.0L diesel 4-cyl.

By Alan Harman • Nov. 25, 2015

2016 Wards 10 Best Engines Test Drive: Mercedes C450 AMG

Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.TRANSCRIPTA-M-G spells performance at Mercedes, and that’s clearly evident in the 2016 C450 AMG Sedan, one of the best drivers in the German...

Nov. 24, 2015

2016 Wards 10 Best Engines Test Drive: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.TRANSCRIPTHybrids are a tough sell now given low gas prices, but that doesn’t mean the industry can stop innovating as the U.S. government m...

Nov. 23, 2015

Volt Is EV for Everyone

If EVs are to attract mainstream buyers in the absence of high fuel prices, they will have to be so appealing they do not require buyers to switch political parties or care about climate change. The ’16 Volt comes closest to solving that riddle.

Nov. 23, 2015

U.S.-EU Trade Talks Focus on Vehicle Harmonization

In the latest talks, regulators discussed mutual recognition of EU and U.S. automotive standards, notably on braking systems, and harmonization of rules, such as for seatbelt anchorages. Tariff-reduction proposals are being exchanged as well.

By Keith Nuthall • Nov. 23, 2015

Mazda’s Second-Gen CX-9 Loses Weight, Gains Efficiency

The CX-9 CUV gets a long-overdue makeover, including a Mazda-first turbocharged gas SkyActiv ​engine and the latest expression of the automaker’s Kodo design. The second-generation CX-9 goes on sale in spring 2016.

By Bob Gritzinger • Nov. 20, 2015

2016 Wards 10 Best Engines Test Drive: Nissan Maxima

Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.TRANSCRIPTWe had an opportunity in early October to get behind the wheel of the ’16 Nissan Maxima for our Ward’s 10 Best Engines evaluations...

Nov. 20, 2015

2016 Wards 10 Best Engines Test Drive: Mini John Cooper Works

Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.TRANSCRIPTBMW is famous for smooth inline 6-cyl. engines, but Munich makes a mean 4-cyl. and sells lots of them in Europe and even the U.S. ...

Nov. 19, 2015

New Engines, Sonata-Inspired Styling for Redesigned Elantra

The next generation of Hyundai’s compact sedan will be powered by a 1.4L turbocharged and direct-injected 4-cyl. or a 2.0L Atkinson-cycle 4-cyl.

Nov. 18, 2015

’16 Chevy Camaro Runs With New Crowd, Sort Of

GM extinguishes the dinosaur that typified the last-generation model of the bow-tie sports coupe. A sixth go-round of the Camaro produces a lighter, faster, more refined and, dare we say, sophisticated animal.

By James M. Amend • Nov. 18, 2015

Optima Still a Stunner

Kia’s Optima remains an above-average competitor in the hotly contested U.S. midsize-car segment thanks to its sharp exterior and on-road performance, although interior design and comfort is mixed.

Nov. 16, 2015

BMW Shifts Gears With ’16 X1 CUV

The X1 luxury CUV gets a major overhaul for ’16, becoming the first front-drive-based model for the U.S. market wearing a BMW badge. Huge interior improvements and a powerful turbo powertrain highlight the changes.

By Bob Gritzinger • Nov. 13, 2015

Diesel Colorado Pickups on Way to Dealers

GM expects the diesel to account for 10% of its midsize-truck sales, and officials aren’t too worried about cannibalizing fullsize pickup sales.

By Jim Mateja • Nov. 13, 2015

China’s Adoption of Electric Vehicles Charges Ahead

EV sales in China are growing, although they represent a microscopic portion of the world’s biggest auto market. As there is little organic demand for the vehicles, the central and local governments have turned to a cornucopia of incentivizing policies to move the electric metal.

By Alysha Webb • Nov. 13, 2015

Car Sharing, Autonomous Cars, No Existential Threat

Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.The seasonally adjusted sales rate for U.S. light vehicles edged past 18 million in October, yet forecasters and futurists are lining up to ...

By Drew Winter • Nov. 11, 2015

GM Powertrain Shows Love for 6-Pack

Three V-6s displacing 3.6L are in the hunt for 2016 Wards 10 Best Engines: the “High Feature” LGX in the Cadillac ATS, the twin-turbo LF4 in the ATS-V and the bi-fuel Chevrolet Impala, which can run on compressed natural gas.

Nov. 9, 2015

10 Best Engines Field as Broad as Ever

From the pavement-shaking might of V-8s in the Ford Shelby GT350 and Nissan Titan XD to all-new versions of the Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt, the 2016 pool of 31 nominees for Wards 10 Best Engines reflects OEMs’ divergent powertrain strategies.

Nov. 6, 2015

The Real Secret Behind Ford’s GT350 Mustang Engine

Forget flat-plane cranks – it’s a new spray-in cylinder liner that makes the ’16 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang engine really rock. Plasma Transferred Wire Arc saves weight and space, allowing displacement to grow to 5.2L.

By Bob Gritzinger • Nov. 4, 2015

GM Engine Consolidation Walks Fine Line

A consolidation of engine architectures leads to broader parts and component sharing, as well as common tooling sets, which drives purchasing scale and savings.

By James M. Amend • Nov. 3, 2015

Refueling Challenges Overshadow FCV’s Capability

With such extreme hurdles in the way of refueling and some Californians considering giving back their FCVs, the WardsAuto editors will have much to contemplate as we decide whether the Tucson FCV is worthy of a repeat.

Nov. 2, 2015

’16 BMW 3-Series Gets Under-Hood Makeover

BMW updates its all-important 3-Series sedan for ’16, with small styling changes, significant chassis improvements and a major overhaul under the hood.

By Bob Gritzinger • Oct. 30, 2015

Lexus Reveals Fuel-Cell-Powered Hint at Next LS

The concept car carries automated technology similar to that of the Mercedes S-Class and gesture controls found in the latest BMW 7-Series.

Oct. 28, 2015