Vehicles: Page 159
-
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Chrysler Idles 3.7L V-6 Production at Mack Engine Plant
The auto maker is continuing to phase out older powertrains in favor of its award-winning Pentastar engines.
By WardsAuto Staff • July 17, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Mercedes SL Brings Loads of Star Power
The sixth-generation SL is more than a sedate conveyance to the yacht or movie set: It redefines this iconic roadster by reducing weight and cranking up output.
July 16, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Startup Niche-Vehicle Manufacturers Can Succeed With Collaboration
Building a business model around government loans and incentives has proved to be a risky strategy for micro-OEMs. Here are some tips for getting off the ground from a leading consultant.
By Edward Hightower • July 13, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Chrysler Upgrading Uconnect for ‘Total Cockpit Experience’
The auto maker wants to give drivers new to advanced technology the ability to use it at their own pace.
By Aaron Foley • July 12, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Allroad Revival Adds Dimension to Audi A4 Lineup
Enhanced electronics and a few interior/exterior tweaks should keep A4/A5 buyers coming in the new model year.
By David Zoia Editor • July 11, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Lotus Begins Testing Evora Hybrid
The powertrain is rated at 408 hp and provides a whopping 738 lb.-ft. of torque, good enough for 0-60 mph sprints in just 4 seconds, the auto maker says.
By WardsAuto Staff • July 5, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Veloster Turbo Matches Style With Substance
Getting a much-needed 46% increase in horsepower and 59% boost in torque, the Veloster Turbo is almost the full package.
July 2, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
New FWD Lexus ES Offers Improved Handling, More Style
The ES interior takes a big step forward with design and materials. Genuine stitching and ambient lighting go a long way toward giving the cabin a more refined space.
June 27, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
All-New Cadillac XTS Just What Doctor Ordered
Cadillac’s new roomy, high-tech luxury sedan pushes all the right buttons and arrives this month as a welcome addition to the brand’s sparsely populated showroom.
By James M. Amend • June 25, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
DOE’s Chu Details EV Technology Wish List
The agency will continue to back high-tech research, but it wants to make sure public funding supports only radical, new ideas. “If we think the company’s going to do it anyway, that’s not an ideal use of taxpayer money,” says the department’s top official.
By David Zoia Editor • June 21, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Chrysler Program Gives Engineers More Recognition
The goal is to keep top talent at the auto maker, promote more in-house development of powertrain technology and cultivate engineering ingenuity, a high-ranking executive says.
By Aaron Foley • June 20, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Mitsubishi to Unveil Outlander PHEV at Paris Auto Show
The plug-in CUV will be powered by two electric motors and a gasoline-powered internal-combustion engine, providing three different propulsion modes.
By Jorge Palacios • June 20, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
JLR Project Aimed at Less Expensive Electric Motors
The collaboration with Cobham and Ricardo has a 3-year timetable, at the end of which improved design tools and processes will be in place to quickly get the switched-reluctance motor technology into production.
By Alan Harman • June 15, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Mahindra Profits Fuel R&D Spending, New Products
Projects at the newly launched Mahindra Research Valley include developing new engine platforms for both entry-level and high-end vehicles, next-generation hybrids and even biodiesel-, hydrogen- and fuel-cell-powered vehicles.
By Sudhakar Shah • June 14, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Renault’s Latest K9K Diesel Cuts Costs, Not Corners
New features include a variable-pressure oil pump developed for the costlier 1.6L dCi diesel, stop/start battery technology and low-pressure exhaust-gas recirculation that allows the engine to be tuned for better fuel economy.
By William Diem • June 12, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Altima Strong Contender in Crowded Midsize-Sedan Segment
The new model should prove a strong competitor in the field, boasting the roominess and near-luxury trappings of its rivals while adding slightly stronger doses of performance-driving dynamics and styling verve.
By James M. Amend • June 8, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Auto Makers Pursue Cleaner Diesel for Emerging Markets
Poor-quality, high-sulfur fuel poses a big challenge to designers of diesel engines for the Asia/Pacific region.
By William Diem • June 7, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Ford Global Interiors Chief Aims for Consistency
Amko Leenarts, formerly of Peugeot, is tasked with creating more readily recognizable brand identities for Ford and Lincoln vehicle interiors.
By Eric Gallina • June 5, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Study Charts Range of Hybrids’ Payback Time
The study shows the payback for hybrids compared with their non-hybrid counterpart takes anywhere from no time for the Buick LaCrosse eAssist and Lincoln MKZ hybrids to 5.2 years for the GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid 4WD.
By Herb Shuldiner 1 • May 30, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Dodge Dart Comes Big as Small Car
The Dart promises to reverse Chrysler’s long absence among compact cars with sporty good looks, a bold back end, an award-winning interior, three new engines, a great price and a long list of standard and optional features.
May 29, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Alternative Powertrains Can’t Survive Without Government Help, Experts Say
In a new survey, automotive executives say more government support for alternative powertrains can help the segment gain an increased market share.
By Aaron Foley • May 24, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Narrow-Appeal FR-S Perfect Fit for Scion
Sublimely toss-able and ready-to-run, while still being mild-mannered for everyday use, the new FR-S fits Toyota’s youth brand to a ‘T,’ even if the backseat fits practically no one.
May 21, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Toyota Mounting Design-Fueled Comeback, Chief Stylist Says
The new attitude marks a sharp change in direction for Toyota, whose lean manufacturing principles and bulletproof quality made it an industry leader over the last two decades and the envy of rivals.
By James M. Amend • May 18, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
More Personalization Seen With Ambient Interior Lighting
Using LIN, designers can achieve more uniformity with their lighting designs. Ambient lighting needs to fit a particular interior color, as some lighting schemes may be too intense in a beige interior but just right for a cabin shaded black.
May 17, 2012 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Infotainment to Drive Vehicle-Interior Styling
Even though auto makers are designing new, advanced infotainment systems, they’ve been forced to work within the confines of conventional interior architectures. That could be about to change, insiders say.
By David Zoia Editor • May 17, 2012
Previous
