Vehicles & Gear

Vehicles & Gear February 22, 2013

2013 Honda Accord Touring in the Grinding Gears Garage

The Honda Accord is one of the longest running nameplates from a Japanese automaker on the roads of America today. Model year 2013 marks the start of the ninth-generation of the popular midsize sedan, and it offers not only coupe and sedan variants but a new plugin hybrid version as well. Honda is celebrating 30 years of Accord production in the United States with this newest Accord that has been given a complete makeover. The new car is described as crisper and will redefine sophistication, efficiency, and driving joy in the midsize class. While interior space remains the same in…

Vehicles & Gear February 14, 2013

Ford Focus Electric Quick Drive

It’s been nearly a year since Ford announced official class-leading EPA certification for the Focus Electric, and last month while visiting the automaker I found myself getting a few moments behind the wheel of the EV at the Dearborn, Michigan test facility. Zipping around the track on a frozen morning just outside Detroit, I found the Focus Electric to exhibit surprisingly good acceleration with driving characteristics remaining close to my impressions in a comparable gas model a while back. Acceleration is instant thanks to the qualities of the electric motors, while braking takes a little getting used to as the…

Events, Vehicles & Gear February 6, 2013

2014 Kia Forte Test Drive: Compact Sedan with Full-Size Amenities

I live in a part of the country where one is likely to feel out of place if not driving an SUV or a pickup truck, and I like driving a big SUV. That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy taking the 2014 Kia Forte out for a test drive while recently attending the Kia First Drive event in Scottsdale, however, because there’s just something *fun* about sitting lower to the road and really feeling what’s going on that can’t be duplicated when riding in a jacked-up rig. Kia gave me ample opportunity to experience that sensation during my ~115 test drive…

Events, Vehicles & Gear February 6, 2013

2014 Kia Sorento Test Drive: Mid-Size SUV Loaded with Luxuries

Last week I joined a group of bloggers and traditional press in Scottsdale, Arizona for a chance to take a test drive and learn more about the 2014 Kia Sorento (SUV) and Forte (4 door sedan) models. I should probably admit that other than knowing a few people who own or have owned Kia vehicles, I haven’t had much personal experience with the auto brand — unless you count taking a few hair-raising test rides in the Optima Hybrid Carly reviewed last summer! But I digress. So here are some things you might not have known about Kia: Safety is a priority for them, and every…

Vehicles & Gear February 4, 2013

2013 Audi S4 Speaks with a German Accent on Fun

When we hear about premium sport sedans from Europe the names BMW and Mercedes are always certain to pop up. But there is a third German marque that bears our attention and it is the from the luxury division of the “People’s car.” It’s called Audi and, in this case specifically, the Audi S4. The S4 is a member of the A4 sedan family that has been around for the past four decades. For 2013, Audi has released the eighth-generation of the 4-series and recently we spent time in a gorgeous S4 quattro. What’s the difference between an A4 and…

Vehicles & Gear January 18, 2013

GM Trio of Large CUVs are ‘Family Truckster Avant Garde’

Several years back, General Motors decided to begin offering consumers an alternative to large, frame-based SUVs that while still being family-friendly they were geared more towards actual usage by their owners and delivered better fuel economy along, improved ride and handling, and ease of use. This new family of large Crossover Utility Vehicles has proved popular with consumers and for 2013 GM has updated the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia models. The trio share common architecture with each brand giving unique styling cues to the individual vehicles. They are all powered by 3.6-liter direct-injection V-6 engines generating 288hp…

Events, Vehicles & Gear January 17, 2013

First Chevrolet Corvette Debuted 60 Years Ago Today, First C7 Hits Auction Block Saturday

Happy Anniversary Corvette! Sixty years ago today the first Corvette debuted at the Motorama in New York City. The rest – as they say – is history. Commemorating the event Chevrolet is returning to the Big Apple with the new C7 Corvette Stingray that was debuted in Detroit earlier this week. “The all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray is the most advanced and engaging Corvette in the long, prestigious legacy of this uniquely American success story,” said Chris Perry vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. “It is a car woven into the fabric of American culture and it got its start right here…

Events, Gear Bits, Vehicles & Gear January 17, 2013

The Honda EV-STER Concept Car, Hot Wheels for Adults

One of the best things about spending some time at the North American International Auto Show was having the chance to see some of the cool concept cars. Chief among them was this EV-STER Roadster concept from Honda. EV-STER is a next generation roadster powered by electricity. Based on Honda’s unchanging principles, it shows what a genuine small sports car can be. Even the steering mechanism screams “cool”! I love the look, I love the fact that it is electric, and I truly hope some of these design features make it to market.

Events, Vehicles & Gear January 16, 2013

NAIAS Gallery, Day Two

Day Two at the North American International Auto Show did not have as full a schedule as Day One, but it was filled with much ballyhooed introductions that for some (yours truly included) were the most exciting of the show. In addition to foreign and domestic automakers bringing their wares to the Detroit Show, there are many third-party companies demonstrating their contributions to the automotive industry that are present as well such as DENSO, ZF Group, Johnson Controls, Panasonic Automotive, PPG, etc. The day two lineup of automakers included Nissan, Ford, Lexus, Cadillac, Acura, Kia, Tesla, Shelby American, and Guangzhou…

Events, Vehicles & Gear January 15, 2013

New Acura NSX Revealed

It is sexy. It is sleek. It comes in all wheel drive and two-wheel drive. And there is even a Hybrid option. The new Acura NSX was just revealed here at the North American International Auto Show. And it is a beast … in a good way. You can learn more about the Acura NSX by clicking here.

Events, News & Features, Vehicles & Gear January 15, 2013

Ford’s Press Conference During the North American International Auto Show

As part of #FordNAIAS, we are at the Joe Lewis Arena in Detroit for the Ford Press Conference. The North American International Auto Show started yesterday in the Cobo Center. (We’ll be spending time there later today.) We’ll be sharing images from the Press Conference below and adding details throughout the day. Bill Ford began the Press Conference addressing the fact that Ford had a great year and, as we approach the 150th year of Henry Ford’s birthday they expect an even better year in 2013. “In 2012 we saw growth in nearly every aspect of our business.” And this…

Events, Vehicles & Gear January 15, 2013

Cadillac Struts its EREV Stuff in New ELR

Cadillac has taken the wraps off its new ELR extended range electric vehicle that is based on the Chevy Volt architecture today. ELR is the production version of the Converj Concept that made the rounds a few years back. “ELR is an unprecedented combination of luxury, advanced engineering and progressive design in a coupe that is both sporty and environmentally friendly,” said Bob Ferguson, Cadillac global vice president. “This is a pivotal moment in Cadillac’s history, as we continue our product-driven expansion.” Cadillac says the ELR will deliver at least 300 miles of total range from its battery pack/gasoline generator…

Events, Vehicles & Gear January 15, 2013

NAIAS Gallery, Day One

Day one of the 2013 North American International Auto Show has come to a close, and it is time for a quick rest before day two gets fired up with another round of rollouts, debuts, and premieres. Here is a gallery of the bedazzlement that the opening day offered from automakers such as Jeep, Chevrolet, Lincoln, Volkswagen, Hyundai, MINI, Bentley, Honda, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota, Infiniti, and Maserati.

Events, Vehicles & Gear January 14, 2013

Cadillac ATS and Ram 1500 Named Car/Truck of the Year at NAIAS

Kicking things off on the first day of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit were the announcements of Car and Truck of the Year. This year’s honors went to the Ram 1500 for top truck/utility, and the Cadillac ATS was named North American Car of the Year for 2013. The winners were selected by a jury of 49 automotive journalists from the US and Canada, and the awards were handed out during opening ceremonies at the auto show earlier today. To be eligible, vehicles must be all new or substantially changed for the model year being voted on….

Events, Vehicles & Gear January 14, 2013

Ford Cars – When You Absolutely, Positively Need to Get Away #FordNAIAS

We spent this morning at the Ford Rouge Factory. While there, we learned more about the history of the Ford Plant, and we walked through and observed the actual factory floor where they were making the F150 truck. (They build sixty every hour!) It was impressive. On the way out, there was a display of a few classic Fords. There was the original Mustang and the original Thunderbird (gorgeous!!!); they had the original Model A as well. And then there was the beefy (by the standards of its day) V8 … and along with the V8, were two letters from…

Events, News & Features, Vehicles & Gear January 13, 2013

A Night at the Henry Ford Museum #FordNAIAS

I’m here in Detroit with David Goodspeed (boy, does that man know his cars!), thanks to Ford, who brought us out to Motor City for the North American International Auto Show as part of #FordNAIAS. We spent this evening at the Henry Ford Museum, and we were given the opportunity to simply wander the museum on our own. It was nothing short of amazing. As our friend Paul Strauss of The Awesomer put it, it felt as if we were in a sequel to the film Night at the Museum. The Henry Ford Museum truly is an awesome place. If you…

Events, Vehicles & Gear January 13, 2013

The Return of the Corvette Stingray and the New Lincoln MKC Concept at NAIAS

Big news coming out of Detroit a day ahead of the auto show with a couple real head turners making early appearances to get the juices flowing. The biggest is the return of the Corvette Stingray as Chevrolet releases the 2014 Corvette to the world, paying homage to a true classic. In other news, the new Lincoln Motor Company has released images and information on a new entry luxury crossover concept dubbed MKC. 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray The new car will feature the most powerful standard Corvette engine yet at some 450hp and 450 lb. ft. of torque. Chevy says…

News & Features, Vehicles & Gear January 11, 2013

Lexus Brings Autonomous Driving to CES

Autonomous – or driverless – cars have been making headlines over the past couple of years as we saw Google demonstrate a self-driving Prius and then Audi race autonomously at Pikes Peak last year. At CES this week, Lexus is demonstrating a modified 2013 LS 600h hybrid sedan that features many technologies the automaker is testing and says may someday advance transportation to a driverless platform. “In our pursuit of developing more advanced automated technologies, we believe the driver must be fully engaged,” said Mark Templin, Toyota group vice president and general manger of the Lexus Division. “For Toyota and…

Vehicles & Gear January 10, 2013

2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport in the Grinding Gears Garage

Lexus created the luxury crossover segment when it debuted its RX some 14 years ago. For 2013, RX gets a makeover, including the addition of the new “face” of Lexus and a sport model. The new signature spindle grille leads a list of revisions for the RX lineup for 2013, which also sees fresher, sportier styling along with upgraded interiors. The RX is offered in gas-only RX 350 and hybrid RX 450h models. The hybrid version now offers a sport mode, which includes: revised steering effort, throttle mapping, and gear shifting (should drivers become a little bored with the ECO…

Vehicles & Gear January 9, 2013

Ford Offering Open Developer Platform for Mobile Apps

Ford is getting into the open-developer game at CES this week in addition to GM as they too announce a developer program to enhance future vehicles. Utilizing the SYNC connectivity system and AppLink application programming interface, Ford is launching an open developer program enabling software developers to directly interface with the vehicle and create apps that will enhance the driving experience. “The Ford Developer Program marks a dramatic shift in how we will innovate new features and add value to our vehicles throughout the ownership period,” said Hau Thai-Tang, vice president of Engineering, Ford Global Product Development. “Opening the car…

Vehicles & Gear January 9, 2013

GM Opening Vehicle Framework for New Apps, Developers

In addition to the news that future Chevrolet Spark and Sonic subcompact models will offer greatly enhanced infotainment options, General Motors has announced this week at CES in Las Vegas it will offer a new flexible application framework allowing drivers to add apps and features to their vehicles after the initial purchase. Debuting in select 2014 models, system framework will include a catalog that will allow owners to choose from a menu of available infotainment-based apps specifically designed for the in-vehicle experience and this framework will also allow developers to create a new category of vehicle apps. “There will be…

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