Vehicles: Page 88
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2019 Wards 10 Best Engines Quick Hits
A pro-and-con summation of all 34 powertrains evaluated in the 2019 competition. Many comments come directly from editor scoresheets. (Winners in red.)
Jan. 7, 2019 -
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2019 Winner: Ford Mustang GT/Bullitt 5.0L DOHC V-8
Before the big V-8s disappear into the dustbin of history, let’s enjoy one more blast from the Mustang’s canon of 5.0L excellence.
By Bob Gritzinger • Jan. 7, 2019 -
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2019 Winner: Ram 1500 3.6L Pentastar eTorque V-6
The 3.6L gasoline V-6 comes with a 48V mild-hybrid system that boosts power and improves fuel economy.
By Steven Finlay • Jan. 4, 2019 -
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2019 Ford Ranger Ideal Mix of Capability, Comfort
The long-awaited return of Ford’s smallest pickup finds the Ranger offering something different than the competition, namely the segment-leading Tacoma. And that’s a good thing.
Jan. 3, 2019 -
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2019 Winner: Chevy Silverado 6.2L OHV V-8 with DFM
The engine uses Dynamic Fuel Management to achieve a 1 mpg increase in fuel economy in the EPA city cycle and 2 mpg real world but retains its monstrous output of 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. (623 Nm) of torque.
By James M. Amend • Jan. 3, 2019 -
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Scottish Authorities Sheepish About Testing Autonomy
“I can’t think of a more challenging environment than rural roads in Scotland,” the country’s transport secretary tells The Scotsman newspaper.
By Alan Harman • Jan. 2, 2019 -
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Wards 10 Best Engines Achieves 25-Year Milestone
Honoring the finest powertrains was the goal of former Wards Technical Editor Bill Visnic, who recognized in the mid-1990s that certain new engines were so good, they were capable of sealing the deal once a potential customer took a test drive. (Scroll down for full list of 2019 10 Best Engines nominees.)
Jan. 2, 2019 -
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2019 Winner: BMW X5 3.0L (B58) Turbocharged DOHC I-6
This engine’s so good, BMW expects 90% of X5 volume in the U.S. to carry the improved B58. It strikes the ideal balance between power and efficiency, propelling the generously proportioned X5 to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds.
Jan. 2, 2019 -
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Purdue Researching New Ways to Develop Shale Gas
CISTAR researchers and industry partners aim to convert light hydrocarbons from the shale gas deposits into chemicals and transportation fuels in work that could inject up to $20 billion annually into the U.S. economy.
By Alan Harman • Dec. 28, 2018 -
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ICE Alternatives Gain Traction in Australia
Pollster Roy Morgan says overall consideration for electrified vehicles – hybrid or fully electric – has reached 56.1%, an increase from 52.4% last year and well ahead of diesel, the nearest alternative to gasoline, at 45.5%.
By Alan Harman • Dec. 28, 2018 -
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AI Gets Emotional, Finds Its Way Into Car Dealerships
AI “is not futuristic, not scary, and already real,” says Joe Chura, CEO of Dealer Inspire, a technology and website provider. “It will change the world faster. At dealerships, it can do everyday tasks.”
By Steven Finlay • Dec. 20, 2018 -
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Hoofin’ It: 2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Beastly
If there’s a message in the hubris of its blacked-out grille emblazoned with large “Chevrolet” script in all caps, cold steel bumpers and 31-in. off-road tires it is this: Get in or get out of the way.
By James M. Amend • Dec. 20, 2018 -
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Porsche Reveals Details of 911 Hybrid
August Achleitner, the German automaker’s head of sportscar development, confirms work is progressing on a hybrid version of the powerplant that will provide the new 911 with the capability to run exclusively on electric power for limited distances.
By Greg Kable • Dec. 17, 2018 -
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2019 Wards 10 Best Engines: Gasoline, Diesel, Electrification Honored
“I never thought I’d live to see the day when a fuel-cell car and a battery EV would make the list the same year as two burly V-8s and a sophisticated 4-cyl. engine with variable compression,” says WardsAuto editor Drew Winter.
Dec. 14, 2018 -
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Tech-Packed 2019 Audi A6/A7 Feature Different Looks, Similar Personalities
Backed by a 3.0L turbo V-6, both cars drive well, but the real story with these all-new models can be found in their design detail and a risky switch to a touchscreen-based infotainment system.
By David Zoia Editor • Dec. 12, 2018 -
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Understanding Consumer Behavior Influences EV Purchases
There remains a sizable gap between consumer knowledge of how traditional internal-combustion engines work and EV features and benefits.
By Jim Johnson • Dec. 12, 2018 -
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Magna Unveils Flexible Interior for Autonomous Vehicles
The new concept includes three specific configurations for car sharing, long road trips and autonomous ride sharing.
Dec. 11, 2018 -
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Fuel Efficiency, New EPA Regs and EVs Focus of New Conference
Popular crossover vehicles are far less fuel efficient than the cars they are driving to extinction. The Wards conference will look at ways to make crossovers and electric vehicles lighter and more aerodynamic.
Dec. 11, 2018 -
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Chevy Silverado 4-Cyl. Shape of Things to Come
Despite shouldering some 4,700 lbs. of pickup, the engine provides excellent acceleration merging a 2-wheel-drive Silverado RST crew cab into traffic along Phoenix freeways or overtaking slower traffic.
By James M. Amend • Dec. 10, 2018 -
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Sustainable Mobility Focus of New Mahle R&D Center
About 250 employees will work at the center in Valencia, Spain, developing new products including power electronics and software solutions such as electric drive systems and auxiliary components, and heating and cooling systems.
By Paul Myles • Dec. 7, 2018 -
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Freudenberg Raises Stake in Fuel-Cell Technology
Freudenberg intends to make every component of the fuel cell stack in-house, including the catalytic membrane and gas diffusion layers. The supplier has set a late-2019 target to have a fuel-cell stack ready for the market.
By Roger Schreffler • Dec. 6, 2018 -
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Kids Today Want Electric, Autonomous Tomorrow
“Ignore kids at your own peril,” says Jeff Hannah, director-SBD Automotive North America, a connected-car and secured-car strategy consultancy.
By James M. Amend • Nov. 28, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
EV Startup Shows Off Pickup, SUV at LA Show
With a base price of $61,000, Rivian plans to go after affluent buyers who might consider vehicles built by Tesla or Jaguar Land Rover, company spokesman Michael McHale says.
By Joseph Szczesny • Nov. 28, 2018 -
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A Rundown of Vehicle Subscription Services
If enough automakers see some success with high-end subscription services, they likely will figure out a pricing structure for mainstream vehicles.
By Richard Reina • Nov. 27, 2018 -
Courtesy of WardsAuto
Hybrid, AWD, Interior Stand Out in Remade Next-Gen 2019 Toyota RAV4
While Americans are enamored with car-like crossovers, Toyota remakes its popular RAV4 CUV into a more SUV-like beast.
Nov. 21, 2018
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