Vehicles: Page 158


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    U.S. Light-Vehicle SAAR Expected to Hit 54-Month High

    U.S. auto makers should sell 1.16 million units this month, as a warming sales climate continues to push the seasonally adjusted annual rate higher.

    By John Sousanis • Sept. 21, 2012
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    Solar Power Key Element in Mahindra’s Updated EV

    The Reva will come with a solar-charging unit called Sun2Car, which the auto maker says will provide free, clean energy to power the vehicle over its lifetime.

    By Sudhakar Shah • Sept. 13, 2012
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    Camaro 1LE Outshines ZL1 Drop-Top

    The muscle-car war gets two new Camaro entries: the drop-top version of the 580-hp ZL1 and the track-intended 426-hp 1LE, which is the better value.

    Sept. 12, 2012
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    In Accord-ance With the Competition

    The new, ninth-generation ’13 Accord matches up with its key competitors, but the car doesn’t stand out enough to make it a must-buy.

    Sept. 10, 2012
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    The Ultimate Combustion Machine

    The industry has moved to V-6s but BMW still believes its iconic I-6 design is the engine of the future.

    By Gary Witzenburg • Aug. 28, 2012
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    Cadillac ATS Distinguishes Itself From Segment Hierarchy

    The ATS arrives at dealers as a high-tech, uniquely American and entirely capable competitor to the segment-leading BMW 3-Series.

    By James M. Amend • Aug. 20, 2012
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    Pathfinder Shares Altima Architecture, But Hybrid Powertrain Unclear

    A hybrid SUV would make sense, a Nissan official says, though he declines to comment directly on the Pathfinder’s prospects for electrification. “We’re studying alternative power sources for the future.”

    By Jim Mateja • Aug. 20, 2012
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    Ford Says Homegrown CVT Key to Speed, Fuel Economy of New Hybrids

    Ford engineers have developed a new electrified continuously variable transmission that provides greater fuel economy and a higher electric-only top speed in its upcoming plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles.

    By Byron Pope • Aug. 17, 2012
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    New Engines, Technology Join Jaguar Lineup

    An all-new Jaguar-designed 340-hp 3.0L supercharged V-6 will power the XF and XJ sedans, and a 4-cyl. turbo joins the portfolio as well for the XF.

    Aug. 16, 2012
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    Pricey RAV4 EV Mostly Worth It

    Sub-par interior materials mar what is an otherwise excellent all-electric vehicle, thanks to its real-world driving range and roominess.

    Aug. 16, 2012
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    Hybrid Fullsize Pickup Ford-Toyota Goal, Top Engineer Says

    Engineers at the two auto makers are working to overcome development challenges of an electrified SUV or pickup, including making sure the vehicle is durable and can handle heavy workloads.

    By Byron Pope • Aug. 15, 2012
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    Honda Fit EV Merits Wider Distribution

    The new Fit electric vehicle is for lease only in limited quantities, in limited areas. But a test drive suggests Honda shouldn’t be so cautious with the fun, fast-charging subcompact.

    Aug. 13, 2012
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    No Room to Slip on Interiors, Chrysler Exec Says

    The auto maker is looking at repeating its success with the Dart in other vehicles.

    By Aaron Foley • Aug. 8, 2012
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    IC Engine to Evolve Into ‘Propulsion System’

    The skills required to design and build future engines also will change dramatically. Traditionally the turf of mechanical engineers, training related to thermal sciences, computer simulation and materials science will be key.

    Aug. 8, 2012
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    GM Engineer Says Not Too Soon to Prepare for 2050 Emissions Regulations

    It takes nearly two decades to turn over the vehicle parc, meaning immediate action must be taken to meet strict emissions regulations 38 years away.

    By Byron Pope • Aug. 8, 2012
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    Volkswagen Retools Engine Lines for U.S.

    Each powertrain has a compact architecture for short overhang in the vehicle. Cast-iron blocks have been replaced with aluminum to reduce engine weight 20%, and carbon-dioxide emissions have been cut 20%.

    By Aaron Foley • Aug. 7, 2012
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    Vehicle Connectivity Extending to Ambient Lighting

    Ambient lighting will be discussed as a lure for young vehicle buyers at this week’s MBS automotive conference in northern Michigan.

    Aug. 7, 2012
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    New Hydraulic Hybrid System Claims Big MPG Boost

    The unit is designed to be installed easily on existing automatic transmission lines, is lighter weight than electric-hybrid systems and said to be half the cost.

    By David C. Smith • Aug. 6, 2012
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    3D Software Used to Build Chrysler Powertrains

    The auto maker says digitizing entire powertrain operations increases efficiency and reduces error, and that the technology is one-of-a-kind.

    By Aaron Foley • Aug. 6, 2012
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    Focus ST Proves Ford Can Compete With Best

    The new ’13 Ford Focus ST stares down its direct competitors, but it also can double as a daily driver.

    By Byron Pope • Aug. 1, 2012
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    GM Launches All-New 4-cyl. Engines in Cadillac ATS

    The 2.0L turbo and naturally aspirated 2.5L will see duty elsewhere, too, replacing their predecessors in a variety of GM applications over several model years.

    By James M. Amend • July 31, 2012
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    Subaru Should Repeat Outback’s Success With Compact XV Crosstrek

    With modest U.S. sales goals of 12,000 to 15,000 units, the XV Crosstrek should have no trouble carving out its own niche in the fast-growing CUV market.

    July 30, 2012
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    Ford PowerShift Problems Corrected, Top Engineer Says

    The Ford PowerShift 6-speed dual-clutch transmission received early criticism from consumers about perceived abrupt shifting.

    By Byron Pope • July 26, 2012
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    GMC Terrain Denali Latest in Luxury CUV Offerings

    GMC expands its Denali luxury sub-brand by adding features to smallest crossover.

    By Aaron Foley • July 25, 2012
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    U.S. Light-Vehicle SAAR to Hold Steady in July

    U.S. auto makers should sell 1.17 million units this month, bringing the SAAR to 14.1 million units, according to a WardsAuto forecast.

    By John Sousanis • July 20, 2012