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    2013 Ward’s 10 Best Engines Quick Hits

    A concise pro-and-con summation of all 40 engines in the 2013 competition.

    Jan. 7, 2013
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    Buick Verano Turbo More Punch for Comeback Brand

    During a test drive through the hills of central Kentucky, the small turbo model storms over steep grades and through sharp switchbacks at speeds once reserved for local bootleggers.

    By James M. Amend • Jan. 4, 2013
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    Judge’s Take - Honeymoon Over With Electric Vehicles

    Short ranges, plug hassles and energy thieves dampen our enthusiasm for vehicle electrification.

    Jan. 4, 2013
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    New Toyota RAV4 Wins Some, Loses Some

    Toyota’s next-generation ute is cute no more, veering more toward athleticism in appearance and performance. However, it lacks some of the mom-oriented features that have helped make the Honda CR-V a top seller.

    Jan. 2, 2013
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    Advanced-Technology Vehicles Most Fuel-Efficient, But Sales Lag

    Electrified cars as a group remained a small but growing share of the U.S. market at 3.3% on volume of 428,545 units through November.

    By James M. Amend • Dec. 28, 2012
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    Ford C-Max Rises Above Controversy

    The ’13 C-Max hybrid and its plug-in derivative, dubbed Energi, represent viable competition for the Toyota Prius.

    By Byron Pope • Dec. 26, 2012
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    New Avalon One of Toyota’s Best

    With the combination of its well-done new interior, relatively energetic ride and handling and many creature comforts, the Avalon is a wise choice for those still fond of a fullsize near-luxury sedan.

    Dec. 20, 2012
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    Lead-Acid Battery Gets Second Look

    An 18-month-old startup is promising a new-wave lead-acid battery for hybrid applications at a fraction of the cost of Li-ion.

    By David Zoia Editor • Dec. 19, 2012
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    Jaguar XF Test Drive for Ward’s 10 Best Engines of 2013

    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 Jaguar XF, driven by Executive Editor Tom Murphy, is one of 41 contenders for the 2013 Ward's 10 Best Engines competition. WardsAuto edi...

    Dec. 13, 2012
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    Alternative Fuels Debated as CAFE Looms Over Auto Makers

    A handful of new or revised diesel powertrains come to market in 2013, and executives have spoken openly about getting Americans to warm to a fuel-saving engine commonly available in Europe. But the path to achieving CAFE standards isn’t solely guided by diesel.

    By Aaron Foley • Dec. 13, 2012
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    2013 Ward’s 10 Best Engines Showcase Efficiency Gains

    This year’s winners consist of five 4-cyls., four 6-cyls. and one V-8. Four honorees are turbocharged and two supercharged. Eleven electric vehicles or hybrids were evaluated among 40 powertrains, but none made the cut this year.

    Dec. 12, 2012
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    Engineering Group Honors Innovations in Auto Plastics

    Dozens of engineering teams from auto makers, suppliers and polymer producers compete for coveted awards in eight key areas that have a major impact on vehicle cost, weight and consumer appeal.

    Dec. 10, 2012
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    Ford Taurus Test Drive for Ward’s 10 Best Engines of 2013

    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 Ford Taurus, driven by Associate Editor Byron Pope, is one of 41 contenders for the 2013 Ward's 10 Best Engines competition. WardsAuto e...

    Dec. 7, 2012
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    Dodge Ram 1500 Test Drive for Ward’s 10 Best Engines of 2013

    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 Dodge Ram 1500, driven by Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter, is one of 41 contenders for the 2013 Ward's 10 Best Engines competition. WardsAut...

    Dec. 5, 2012
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    New Process Promises Cheaper Li-ion Battery Electrodes

    The technology provider’s CEO says the process could be worth as much as $2,000 per vehicle for an EV with a 25-kWh pack.

    By Herb Shuldiner 1 • Dec. 4, 2012
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    Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid Test Drive for Ward’s 10 Best Engines of 2013

    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 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid, driven by Associate Editor Christie Schweinsberg, is one of 41 contenders for the 2013 Ward's 10 Best Engin...

    Dec. 3, 2012
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    Cadillac ATS Test Drive for Ward’s 10 Best Engines of 2013

    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 Cadillac ATS, driven by Executive Editor Tom Murphy, is one of 41 contenders for the 2013 Ward's 10 Best Engines competition. WardsAuto ...

    Nov. 30, 2012
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    Ford’s Triple Play Scores With Fiesta

    With only three pistons in a tiny 1.0L package, the new smallest EcoBoost engine moves the refreshed ’14 Fiesta subcompact with ease, which begs the question: How much smaller can EcoBoost engines get?

    Nov. 28, 2012
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    Mazda CX-5 Test Drive for Ward’s 10 Best Engines of 2013

    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 Mazda CX-5, driven by Associate Editor Aaron Foley, is one of 41 contenders for the 2013 Ward's 10 Best Engines competition. WardsAuto e...

    Nov. 28, 2012
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    Ford to Offer 1.0L EcoBoost Engine in North America

    The ’14 Fiesta, which goes on sale next year, will be the first Ford vehicle in the region to be powered by the new 3-cyl. mill.

    By Byron Pope • Nov. 20, 2012
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    Audi to Mark Diesel Rollout in L.A.

    Audi will expand availability of its 3.0L diesel in the U.S. to five models.

    By WardsAuto Staff • Nov. 19, 2012
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    Standardization Main Roadblock to European EV Growth

    Reliability and interoperability are needed to generate investment in EV recharging infrastructure, an auto industry representative says.

    By Carmen Paun • Nov. 15, 2012
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    Stop-Start to Catch On Sooner Than Electric, Exec Says

    Battery supplier JCI predicts 40% of U.S. drivers will opt for vehicles with stop/start technology by 2016.

    By Aaron Foley • Nov. 14, 2012
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    Exide Develops More-Robust Battery to Meet Stop/Start Demand

    “Your battery will no longer be starting your car once or twice per day. With stop/start systems, it will go from performing about 5,000 starts in its lifetime to 50,000 starts,” a top engineering and research executive says.

    By James M. Amend • Nov. 13, 2012
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    Infiniti M35h Hybrid Test Drive for Ward’s 10 Best Engines of 2013

    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 Infiniti M35h hybrid, driven by Associate Editor Aaron Foley, is one of 41 contenders for the 2013 Ward's 10 Best Engines competition. W...

    Nov. 12, 2012