Car Blog

Ford is giving Facebook users the chance to take a road trip in the all-new Focus Electric before the car is available in most markets and without even having to step away from their computers.

Called “Plug N Play in Electric City with the 2012 Focus Electric,” the Facebook-based game gives the user and four of his or her friends the ability to take a short trip in a virtual version of the car using Mapquest mapping data to calculate how far different destinations are in proximity to charging stations along the way.

“This is a great way for consumers to both have fun and learn about the new Focus Electric at the same time,” said Chad D’Arcy, Focus Electric marketing manager. “We want to offer people the opportunity to experience the car now, especially those on Facebook who have supported us for so long.”

The trip provides a glimpse into just some of the technologies and features of Focus Electric, rated America’s most fuel-efficient five-seat passenger vehicle and certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to offer the equivalent of 110 miles per gallon (MPGe) city, 99 MPGe highway and 105 MPGe combined. Read the rest of this entry »

Subaru of America, Inc. announced the release of Dynamic Brochure iPad apps for the 2012 Subaru Impreza, Impreza WRX/STI, Outback, Legacy and Forester. Fun and interactive consumer tools, the apps showcase the confidence and capabilities of these models.

The iPad apps feature new, fully photographic exterior and interior 360-degree views that allow viewers to experiment with paint colors and interior trims. The apps also include interactive feature demos, videos and comprehensive specifications.

The all-new Subaru Impreza 4-Door, 5-Door and Impreza Sport, rally-bred Impreza WRX/STI, rugged Outback, intelligent Legacy and the versatile Forester, all come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a balanced SUBARU BOXER engine for exceptional handling and capability to match their accommodating interior versatility and comfort.  Users can see, hear and explore the Subaru models and the technology right from the interactive iPad apps.

The 2012 Subaru model iPad apps build on the success of the industry-leading Dynamic Brochure program, which Subaru debuted in 2011, to give audiences more content and more engaging choices for information, comparison and sharing. The program also supports Subaru commitment to environmentally-friendly practices; the digital brochure platform helps to reduce paper usage, energy consumption, inks, and production waste. Read the rest of this entry »

When the 2013 Nissan GT-R rolls into dealer showrooms this spring, it will arrive with more horsepower, a retuned suspension system and ultra-high performance Dunlop tires.

According to Nissan, major refinements to the 2013 GT-R’s 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 engine resulted in an increased output of 545 horsepower—15 hp over the 2012 model. Similarly, torque has been increased to 463 lb-ft from 448 lb-ft. The engine is even hand-assembled in a special clean room, similar to racing powerplant construction.

To put that power into motion, Nissan worked with Dunlop to develop a tire exclusively for the R35 GT-R which would maximize the all-wheel-drive supercar’s performance. The result was Dunlop’s SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT—the exclusive original equipment tire of the 2013 Nissan GT-R.

The SP Sport Maxx GT 600 builds upon Dunlop’s strong track record of building ultra-high performance tires. It features a high-grip, silica-reinforced tread compound, solid center rib to help enhance steering response and driver feedback, an asymmetric tread pattern to provide a balance of performance in wet and dry conditions, and circumferential grooves to help evacuate water for enhanced wet traction. To strengthen the link between the tire and rim, a unique bead shape was developed. Read the rest of this entry »

Beat the Traffic released Beat the Traffic 2.0 for iOS mobile platforms, featuring a complete redesign, greater traffic coverage than before and the ability for users to save favorite routes and receive instant, personalized traffic updates. As a reward for being loyal customers, the new version of the popular mobile traffic app is first available in the Beat the Traffic Plusversion on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices through Apple’s AppStore and iTunes. Users who purchased Beat the Traffic Plus in the past can upgrade for free.

Beat the Traffic 2.0 allows travelers to create and save their favorite routes and receive instant traffic reports before and during their commute. The new feature, called MyRoutes, provides one-screen access to personalized, door-to-door traffic reports that include commute times and are updated with real-time information about accidents and road delays. As traffic conditions change, MyRoutes will automatically notify users via text message and email, so users can modify their travel plans if possible. The free version of Beat the Traffic 2.0, to be released soon, will come with one free route on MyRoutes. By upgrading to Beat the Traffic Pro from within the app, users will be able to create as many routes as they need. Read the rest of this entry »

Ford F-Series Super Duty customers demand a truck with toughness and capability, yet they still appreciate the amenities that make their driving experience more enjoyable. The 2013 F-Series Super Duty offers both, with a first-ever Platinum series model and the addition of SYNC with MyFord Touch.

“The F-Series Super Duty Platinum is the latest expression of Built Ford Tough truck luxury,” said Brian Rathsburg, F-Series Super Duty Marketing manager. “It has a distinct appearance and a long list of features to deliver a superior experience. Along with that, it has all of the capability F-Series trucks are famous for.”

Building on the success of the F-150 Platinum light-duty series that debuted in 2009, the F-Series Super Duty Platinum offers customers the ultimate in truck luxury.

Ford pioneered the high-end luxury truck segment in 1999 when it introduced the special-edition 2000 Harley-Davidson F-150. In 2003 the first King Ranch Super Duty arrived, followed by the 2004 Harley-Davidson Super Duty. Today, Ford sells a rich mix of high-end Lariat and King Ranch Super Duty models; the new Platinum will further meet the growing luxury needs of customers and dealers. Read the rest of this entry »

In a government-issued report, Hyundai Motor America was named number one in fuel economy and CO2 emissions in America by topping the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy rankings for the 2010 model year, beating out traditional leaders Honda and Toyota. No make scored higher than Hyundai.

This is the second time Hyundai has led in both categories, having achieved this distinction previously for the 2008 model year.

The EPA 2011 Light-Duty Automotive Technology and Fuel Economy Trends Report identified Hyundai as the top 2010 brand with an adjusted fuel economy rating of 27.0 miles per gallon. In addition to being named the most fuel efficient brand, Hyundai also had the lowest fleet-wide adjusted composite CO2emissions performance (329 g/mi) for the 2010 model year.

The EPA 2011 Trends Report also indicates that preliminary 2011 model year values suggest that Hyundai will maintain its fuel economy leadership. Forecasts show that Hyundai will achieve an adjusted fuel economy rating of 27.5 miles per gallon in the 2011 model year. Read the rest of this entry »