Car Blog

Chevrolet announced that it will once again elevate Corvette’s performance capabilities with a series of improvements for the 2012 model year that improve on-track performance and on-road comfort. They include enhancements to the high-performance Z06 and ZR1 models as well as interior upgrades across the Corvette lineup.

Sports car fans will get their first look at the 2012 models – including the racing-inspired appearance of the Chevrolet Centennial Edition – at a special event this weekend at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Ky. Production begins in July.

“We constantly strive to make the Corvette a better car on the road and the track,” says Tadge Juechter, Corvette vehicle line director and chief engineer. “For 2012, the Corvette lineup achieves its highest performance level ever, while at the same time being easier to drive and enjoy thanks to several changes and new features inside the car.”

New Michelin Cup ZP tires elevate Z06/ZR1 performance

Corvette’s greater performance for 2012 begins with the new, optional Michelin® Pilot® Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires, which are available on the two highest-performing models, the lightweight, 505-hp (377 kW) Z06 and the maximum-performance, 638-hp (476 kW) supercharged ZR1. They are competition-oriented tires, optimized for warm, dry conditions to increase cornering and handling capability. Read the rest of this entry »

Fuel economy and features increase on every existing model; same base price as outgoing model

The all-new, more refined 2012 Honda Civic went on sale today with manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing(1) (MSRP) ranging from $15,605 for the value-oriented Civic DX Coupe to $26,750 for the luxuriously equipped Civic Hybrid with leather-trimmed seating surfaces, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System and XM Radio, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced.

Significant advancements to the new Civic compared to prior year models include increased fuel economy ratings, added refinement throughout, new interactive technologies for personalization and convenience, plus enhancements to performance, ride and interior packaging.

“For nearly forty years, Civic has earned its outstanding reputation by consistently delivering high levels of reliability, fuel efficiency, fun driving character and value beyond what’s expected in the segment,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. “The all-new 2012 Civic improves in multiple ways with even more models to best meet individual preferences and budgets.”

Compared to the outgoing Civic, 2012 Civic pricing reflects a sales-weighted increase of approximately $33 (0.17 percent) across the entire lineup while adding significant improvements in relative value through new standard features, enhanced equipment and improved fuel economy. With the goal of making technology more affordable, navigation-equipped models are priced $400 to $500 less than their 2011 predecessors. At the entry level, the price of the value-oriented Civic DX Coupe remains the same as the outgoing DX trim level. Read the rest of this entry »

Next-Generation midsize car to be sold in nearly 100 Countries on Six Continents

The all-new Malibu will transcend time zones and embrace the diversity of cultures around the world when Chevrolet simultaneously unveils it live at the Shanghai Auto Show and on Chevrolet’s Facebook page.

Consumers are encouraged to post questions during the reveal on Twitter using #MalibuReveal or on Chevrolet’s Facebook page in the Malibu tab. Members of the Chevrolet team will be on hand to answer questions during a live moderated question-and-answer session following the web reveal.

The timing of the Web reveal coincides with the April 19 auto show debut of the new Malibu in Shanghai. The Malibu show car will also be shown at the New York International Auto Show, which is open to the public April 23 through May 1.

“This Malibu takes Chevrolet’s established and award-winning nameplate to new places and introduces it to new audiences around the world,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet. “Whether the Malibu is sold in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, or Australia, it has been engineered from the ground up to meet the needs of customers around the world.”

The Malibu will feature a global family of fuel-efficient and powerful four-cylinder engines, along with six-speed transmissions that also contribute to efficient performance. The Malibu was designed to stand out in all markets around the globe, while its European-inspired driving characteristics were engineered to challenge the best in its class. The new Malibu is Chevrolet’s first midsize car to be sold globally. It will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents and built in multiple locations, including China and two facilities in the United States. Read the rest of this entry »

The new Ford Taurus delivers more of what large sedan customers really want for the 2013 model year – with even better fuel economy, more technology, design refinement, improved craftsmanship and enhanced driving dynamics.

“We have significantly upgraded Ford’s flagship sedan through obsessive attention to detail,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “The new Taurus builds on the transformation we achieved in the 2010 model. Delivering so many upgrades so soon further underscores Ford’s leadership and commitment to delivering high-quality, fuel-efficient cars for our customers.”

Greener, yet powerful

A choice of new engines offers customers increased fuel efficiency, without compromising the responsive performance they want.

Taurus is the first car in Ford’s North American lineup to offer the advanced 2.0-liter EcoBoost™ engine, combining a turbocharger with gasoline direct injection. It is expected to deliver best-in-class highway fuel economy of at least 31 mpg. Providing plenty of power, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine will deliver an estimated 237 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque.

The standard Taurus 3.5-liter V6 is projected to deliver unsurpassed fuel efficiency among V6 segment competitors while still delivering increased performance from an anticipated 290 horsepower.

This is accomplished with the addition of twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), enabling increased fuel economy while delivering 27 more horsepower, a reduction in part-throttle emissions and increased responsiveness. Read the rest of this entry »

Infiniti has announced an all-new three-row luxury crossover designated the Infiniti JX that will go on sale at its retailers in spring 2012 as a 2013 model.

An exterior sketch of the Infiniti JX suggests a vehicle that pushes the boundaries of what a luxury crossover can be – with signature styling cues of the brand, such as dynamic and elegant line treatments inspired by nature.  The brand styling theme continues with a “crescent cut” greenhouse design influenced by the Infiniti Essence concept car.  More details will be provided when the Infiniti JX concept is shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this August.  The production version will make its global debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

“The all-new Infiniti JX crossover will allow us to continue to expand the Infiniti brand’s presence in the Americas,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas.  ”In 2010, Infiniti was one of the fastest-growing luxury brands in the United States, and this year we will expand our presence further to Mexico and Panama, followed by Chile in the first half of 2012.”

“There aren’t a lot of choices for luxury families today.  The all-new Infiniti JX is the 7-passenger antidote to the ho-hum luxury crossovers that are out there right now,” added Ben Poore, vice president of Infiniti Americas.  ”The Infiniti JX will have a stunning interior, while offering exceptional seating flexibility, easy access to the roomy third row, plus the latest in-vehicle technology – including next-generation telematics.  A fitting addition to our line, it will challenge the status quo in its class.”

In addition to the JX announcement, Infiniti said that the New York International Auto Show will be the regional debut of its IPL G Convertible Concept and Infiniti-sponsored Red Bull Racing Formula One car.

The IPL G Convertible Concept, which made its world debut at the Paris Auto Show last fall, features unique aerodynamic styling, the performance of an IPL-tuned V6, exhaust and system, 19-inch IPL aluminum wheels, three-piece retractable hardtop and a dramatic red leather-appointed interior set against a Malbec Black exterior.  The IPL G Convertible Concept will be displayed near the limited production IPL G Coupe, which is available now at Infiniti retailers in the United States and Canada.

The competition-tested Red Bull Racing Formula One racer will also be on display, representing Infiniti’s marketing and technical collaboration agreement with the current Formula One World Champions.  As part of the partnership, Infiniti has branding presence on the racing car, drivers clothing and related team uniforms and equipment.

The 2011 New York International Auto Show runs April 22 through May 1 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu made its global debut today, with simultaneous introductions in the United States and China – two of the nearly 100 countries on six continents where it will be sold. Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan will provide customers from Shanghai to New York and Sydney to Sao Paulo with expressive design, advanced technologies, ride performance and fuel-efficient powertrains.

“The current Malibu has left an award-winning impression and changed the way people think about Chevrolet. It redefined what an American midsize car could be,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “This all-new Malibu delivers on the intangibles of today’s Malibu but gives customers even more: more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, craftsmanship, and dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans.”

Product highlights for North American models include:

• All-new, fuel-efficient and powerful 2.5L four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic that lead Malibu’s powertrain lineup
• Expressive exterior design with a wide, athletic stance
• Segment-best aerodynamics – close to those of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car – that enhance fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise, including active electronic shutters on select models
• All-new, Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit interior that is more spacious, features premium materials and is engineered to be the quietest in the midsize segment
• New Chevrolet MyLink connectivity seamlessly integrates online services like Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio
• European-influenced ride and handling traits
• New safety features and technologies including 10 air bags, ultra-high-strength steel, lane departure warning/forward collision warning and rearview camera system Read the rest of this entry »