Vehicles: Page 73
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Buick’s New Encore GX Is Stylish, Tech-Packed Tweener SUV
The new model sits on an all-new architecture and wedges between the existing Encore and Envision in the brand’s lineup. It’s better-looking than the Encore, and it offers all the latest GM driver-assistance and infotainment features.
By David Zoia • July 6, 2020 -
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Good Addition to U.S. PHEV Roster
The RAV4 Prime is the first plug-in RAV4, joining Toyota’s existing Prius Prime and a companion to the RAV4 Hybrid already in U.S. showrooms.
By Christie Schweinsberg • July 2, 2020 -
Premium Vehicle Segments Vulnerable
“Surveys indicate luxury buyers are really pulling back,” says Cox Automotive analyst Michelle Krebs.
By Steven Finlay • June 26, 2020 -
U.S. Brands Score Well in Vehicle Quality Survey
It's the best-ever performance by Detroit automakers in the history of the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study.
By Steven Finlay • June 25, 2020 -
COVID-19 Complicates But Can’t Derail Interiors Competition
This is the 10th year of the competition, which focuses on all-new or significantly redesigned vehicle interiors available in the U.S. SUVs and CUVs make up seven of the 10 honorees – the first time so many utility vehicles have dominated.
By Tom Murphy • June 25, 2020 -
Winner: Audi e-tron Interior a Relaxing Sanctuary
Audi’s all-electric e-tron presents a beautifully executed interior with matte-finish wood, supple leather and a metallic palm-rest shifter that is handsome, ergonomically easy to use and unlike anything we’ve seen before.
By Tom Murphy • June 24, 2020 -
VW Focuses ‘21 Arteon Refresh on Interior
VW’s strategy for the new model is to add content and try to keep price increases to a minimum. New in the interior are the instrument panel, air outlets, center console and upper door trim. Fabrics and leather have been upgraded.
By Jim Henry • June 23, 2020 -
Winner: Upscale Nissan Sentra Surprises and Delights
Nissan’s redesigned compact stands out from the pack with loads of style and content in a car priced below $25,000.
By Christie Schweinsberg • June 23, 2020 -
Winner: Lincoln Aviator Offers 1st-Class Accommodations
“So much attention to detail,” says Wards judge Christie Schweinsberg. “The interior does sell the vehicle, for sure.” Inside the CUV, creativity and sophistication flow front-to-rear.
By Steven Finlay • June 22, 2020 -
Winner: Kia Telluride Brings Real Luxury to Mainstream SUVs
Our $47,000 test vehicle is not inexpensive, but it has features and materials on par with luxury brands costing twice as much.
By Drew Winter • June 19, 2020 -
Winner: BMW X6 M Perfect Blend of Performance, Luxury, Art
The X6 M succeeds in driving home the SUV’s performance DNA message while ensuring those along for the ride are well taken care of. And there is plenty of artistry, too, with tremendous attention to detail.
By David Zoia • June 18, 2020 -
Winner: Mid-Engine C8 Corvette Interior Best Yet
To borrow a phrase from “Top Gun,” the sexy, C8 Corvette’s alluring exterior is writing checks this dramatic interior is fully capable of cashing.
By Tom Murphy • June 17, 2020 -
Mercedes-AMG Reveals New Turbocharger Technology
Electric assistance is designed to boost performance and response of future AMG turbocharged engines.
By Greg Kable • June 17, 2020 -
2020 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems Winner: Honda Accord Hybrid
This video clip highlighting the Honda Accord Hybrid was played during the January ceremony celebrating the 2020 winners. Each month, WardsAuto will post winner profile videos.
June 16, 2020 -
Winner: Value-Priced Hyundai Venue Packed With Perks
Our lowest-priced winner for 2020 features a surprising level of technology, CUV functionality – and a color palette that reminds us of a comfortable pair of jeans.
By Bob Gritzinger • June 16, 2020 -
Winner: ‘Cricket Ball’ Red Makes Bentley Flying Spur a Hit
The first impression of a Bentley interior is likely to be breathtaking. But in the all-new Flying Spur flagship sedan, beauty is much more than skin deep. Check out the chrome-plated seat tracks or the artistically designed B-pillars if you need proof.
By Tom Murphy • June 15, 2020 -
Winner: Mercedes-Benz GLB Raises Bar for Compact Luxury
“This is a precision-built piece of German craftsmanship,” says Wards 10 Best Interiors judge Bob Gritzinger. Judges also were impressed with its smart use of high-quality materials.
By James M. Amend • June 12, 2020 -
Winner: Highlander Delivers Goods, Comfort, Style and More
“Very well equipped and nicely designed overall,” editor Dave Zoia says. Judges also were impressed by Highlander’s ergonomics, plentiful storage bins, overall comfort and rich, caramel leather.
By Jim Irwin • June 11, 2020 -
Will First Autonomous Vehicles Deliver Packages, Not People?
With no one in a self-driving delivery vehicle, there are no airbags, seatbelts or comfort issues, says analyst Colin Langan. “Bags of potatoes don’t care if it’s a bumpy ride.”
By Steven Finlay • June 10, 2020 -
Building a Mobile Career
While the broader economy is trying to find a way out of the COVID-19 crisis, that doesn’t mean you – as a student or young professional in engineering – should lose focus.
By Raman Venkatesh • June 9, 2020 -
Castings Supplier Grede Purchases Wisconsin Foundry
Grede says it is acquiring the RMG Waukesha foundry’s existing contracts and will transfer its tooling to three Grede facilities elsewhere in Wisconsin and one in North Carolina. Media reports say the foundry will close July 31, with 119 jobs lost.
By Jim Irwin • June 5, 2020 -
BorgWarner Devotes New Lab to Electrification
The new BorgWarner lab brings the development, testing, validation and prototype manufacturing of electric motors under one roof.
By Jim Irwin • June 3, 2020 -
Mouth-Watering Bavarian Goodness Spices Up 2021 Toyota Supra
With a high-output 382-hp 6-cyl. offered in tandem with a newly available 4-cyl., the ’21 Toyota GR Supra delivers a tasty Bavarian sandwich, piled high with Black Forest ham, Muenster cheese and extra sauerkraut. With a side of sushi.
By Tom Murphy • May 18, 2020 -
Ford Britain Reopening U.K. Engine Plants
Together with the Valencia Engine Plant in Spain, the reopening of Dagenham and Bridgend means all of Ford’s European manufacturing facilities will be back on line after shutting down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
By Jim Irwin • May 15, 2020 -
Marelli to Build Interiors Components in Ohio
The 100,000-sq.-ft. facility 70 miles south of Detroit will include manufacturing, assembly and warehousing operations to support two new bulkhead programs.
By Jim Irwin • May 14, 2020