Matthew Wilde

Articles by Matthew Wilde

Super Bowl hype begins as Hyundai reveals ad campaign

Let the Super Bowl hype begin. Hyundai will do its share. In its first year as an official NFL sponsor the carmaker will have four commercials televised before, during the broadcast and at haltime of Super Bowl 50 next February. Hyundai, a long-time Super Bowl advertiser, will run two in-game 30-second spots before halftime, with the new creative appearing during the first and second quarter of the game. Hyundai also secured the coveted pre-kick slot and will run a new 60-second ad as viewers are primed for the start of The Big Game. The pre-game show will also feature another all-new 60-second Hyundai spot. Hyundai did not advertise in this year’s Super Bowl, but the Koream manufactur will be part

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Team Sky’s motorhome from the Tour de France on eBay

Top-level professional cycling teams travel day to day at major races in custom motorhomes. The most prominent team in the world is Team Sky from Great Britain, and it’s selling one of its motorhomes used during the Tour of Italy and Tour de France. The three-liter Eura Mobile 820HS, now for sale on eBay.com was used by the team for the past four or five years, according to a report on the website CyclingNews.com. Riders on the team included Tour de France winners Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome. The site further details that the motorhome for sale was one of he team’s smaller coaches. It was likely used during time trials and stationed at the finish of stage. It

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VW offer of $1,000 to diesel owners called an insult

Volkswagen has confirmed an expected compensation of as much as $1,000 to owners of its diesel cars affected by the recent emissions scandal. The automaker admitted in September it had installed devices that cheated on emissions tests. Owners and lessees of 2-liter TDI models affected by the problem would be eligible for a $500 cash card to spend freely. They would also get another $500 to spend at Volkswagen dealerships as well as free 24-hour roadside assistance for three years. Car owners who accept the offer will not be asked to waive future rights to sue or claim other compensation, according to a Volkswagen called the offer a “good-will package” it hoped would help restore trust with its customers. The

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Volkswagen set to offer cash to disgruntled diesel owners

Volkswagen is prepared to offer individual owners of diesel cars $1,250, according to several media outlets, as the carmaker continues its efforts to recover from its admittance some of its cars are programmed to cheat on emissions test. Volkswagen hasn’t confirmed reports in the New York Times and on the automotive site, The Truth About Cars, the owners would get a cash card worth $500 and another $500 to $750 that they could spend at a Volkswagen dealer. The company faces lawsuits from owners seeking compensation for the decreased resale value of the roughly 500,000 Volkswagen and Audi vehicles that were equipped with illegal software. Volkswagen admitted in September many of it diesels are equipped with software to cheat of

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Pancakes fine, but sinkhole at IHOP prefers cars (VIDEO)

The grand opening of an International House of Pancakes in Meridian, Mississippi, didn’t go exactly as planned on November 7. While guests were trying out the restaurant’s cuisine a few days after the IHOP’s opening, their cars were being consumed in a sinkhole in the parking lot. The sinkhole, about 50-feet wide “swallowed” 14 to 15 cars, according to police department reports received starting at around 7:15 p.m. local time. “We received a call of vehicles going through the pavement at the IHOP in Meridian,” Patrol Lieutenant Rita Jack with Meridian Police told NBC News. “When we arrived on scene, 14 to 15 vehicles that we could see had fallen roughly 30 feet into the ground. “We expect that there

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Thinking about visiting Disneyland? How about owning a ride?

You can go to Disneyland to ride on an attraction — just like everyone else. Or you can own a Disneyland attraction car ride. Several vintage attraction car rides will be among more than 800 items of memorabilia from Disneyland offered in a live auction Nov. 21 from Van Eaton Galleries’ “Collecting Disneyland” auction. According to the Sherman Oaks, California-based gallery and auction, the sale is a “rare opportunity to own original Disneyland attraction ride cars.” The cars include two original Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover ride cars, a Skyway to Fantasyland bucket ride car and a Space Mountain ride vehicle. The PeopleMover attraction debuted on July 2, 1967 and ran until August 21, 1995. Van Eaton says the two PeopleMover

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James Bond, Jay Leno and Aston Martin legacy in Spectre

Jay Leno knows a lot about all kinds of cars, his favorite vintage Bentley sedans to the varied selection of James Bond cars. In a recent episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, the NBC automotive show in which Leno examines and drives new and old vehicles, the comedian discusses the legend of Bond cars, including the manufacture of 10 Aston Martin DB10 model for Spectre. The just-released film is the 24th movie in the James Bond genre legacy. It dates to 1962 with the original film, Dr. No and adaptation from the Ian Fleming book. For additional Aston Martin reading, visit: James Bond Cars: Sunbeam Alpine II to Aston Martin DB10 Aston Martin DB10: Own It, Can’t Drive It (Video) Aston

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VW, Audi, Porsche diesels get ‘stop-sale’ as scandal widens

The ever-expanding Volkswagen scandal has gotten worse. The automaker has issued a “stop-sale” for more than 10,000 Audi, Porsche and VW SUVs and high-end cars with 3.0-liter diesel engines. Federal regulators have labeled the cars as having “defeat devices” dating to 2013. The stop-sale includes more vehicles than identified by EPA on Monday. It only labeled the specific model years of three vehicles it had tested as violating emissions rules by allowing the vehicles to emit up to nine times legally allowable levels. RELATED VW EMISSION SCANDAL CONTENT: More VW, Audi, Porsche models added to cheat list Volkswsgen can’t sell 2016 diesels in the United States Volkswagen CEO Winterkorn resigns in emissions scandal The new stop-sale covers the 2013 Audi

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Audi, Porsche, more Volkswagen models added to cheat list

Volkswagen is in further trouble. The scandal-plagued carmaker has received a second notice of violation of the Clean Air Act with emissions test violations expanding to additional VW vehicles as well Audi and Porsche models. The additional vehicles affected by the violation notice include the diesel versions of the 2014 VW Touareg, the 2015 Porsche Cayenne and the 2016 Audi A6 Quattro, A7 Quattro, A8, A8L and Q5. These vehicles are equipped with 3.0-liter engines that release emissions of nitrogen oxide up to nine times the EPA standard, the agency said. Additional Related Content: Volkswagen Can’t Sell 2016 Diesel in the United States Volkswagen CEO Winterkorn Quits in VW Emissions Scandal Volkswagen Emissions Scandal Hits 11 Million Cars Globally The

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Aston Martin, James Bond DB10: Own It, Can’t Drive It (VIDEO)

Would you still want to own the only Aston Martin DB10 for sale if you couldn’t drive it? That’s exactly the scenario for the 10 bespoke Aston Martin cars made specifically for use in the new James Bond film, “Spectre.” The luxury automaker plans to auction off one DB10 next year, but the car doesn’t have the necessary road certifications for driving. “Spectre” marks a departure from past Bond films because the two main cars featured in the movie were created solely for the film and are not available to the public. “This is the first time we created a car that was completely bespoke for Bond,” said David Adams, a spokesperson at Aston Martin. The villian’s car, Jaguar C-X75,

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Mercedes-Benz, Honda models among 10 cars gone in 2016

New year car models used to be available for the first time in September. But manufacturers now debut cars for different reasons at the different times of the year. While some 2016 models are still pending, some 2017 models have been available for months. But consumers beware. If you’re considering a 2016 model, it may no longer be available. Honda to Toyota, Mercedes Benz to Nissan, some models of prominent cars ended their tenures after their 2015 models. Here’s a list of 10 well-known cars available as 2015 models, but defunct as 2016 models: 1. Mercedes-Benz M-Class — The German manufacturer’s midsize SUV has been replaced by a sleeker-looker models, the GLE-Class. 2. Honda Crosstour — It was funny looking

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Blake Griffin benched by Kia as NBA season begins (VIDEO)

As the NBA season unfolds, Blake Griffin has been benched. But the all-star forward hasn’t done anything wrong. Rather, the Los Angeles Clippers’ forward will be featured in a new series of television commercials for Kia. Griffin, who began his relationship with Kia in 2011, will appear in four new commercials under the theme of “Next Level” for Kia’s best-selling Optima midsize sedan. With his dry sense of satire, Griffin has been “benched” in the commercial in a lounge chair “zone.” Griffin finds an eternally calm while reading the newspaper, playing chess, making the ultimate peanut butter and jelly sandwich or acting as a weather forecaster in the midst of an impressive basketball performance. BLAKE GRIFFIN JUMPING THROUGH HOOPS FOR

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Tesla oddity: Safest car ever tested but unreliable? (VIDEO)

Telsa has revolutionized the automotive industry, but the super luxury electric car has just received its first major dubious honor. Consumer Reports has described $127,000 Tesla Model S has “worse than average” in reliability. The unexpected rating is odd considering the prestigious publication in recent months selected the Tesla as the safest car ever made. It’s also rated as the publication’s best performing car. According to the publication, results from the 1,400 responses from consumers detailed a long list of “maladies with the drivetrain, charging equipment, big-screen center console and evidence of a poorly-built vehicle with squeaks, rattles and leaks.” Tesla Model S sets record as safest car in history As a result, a Consumer Reports’ representative commented, “We are no longer

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Toyota Prius, Chevy Volt green car of the year finalists

The pioneering hybrid Toyota Prius and the second generation of the Chevrolet Volt have been selected among five finalists for the 2016 Green Car of the Year. The 11th annual award will be presented as per tradition on November 19 as a preamble to the LA Auto Show. The Green Car Journal, which debuted the award in 2005, has selected the Audi A3 e-tron, Honda Civic Hyundai Sonata as well as the Prius and Volt. According to the publication, and increasing number of vehicle models are considered for the Green Car of the Year program each year, a reflection of the auto industry’s expanding efforts in offering new vehicles with higher efficiency and improved environmental impact. “This is the strongest

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Volkswagen can’t sell 2016 diesels in the U.S.

Volkswagen of American won’t be able to sell 2016 diesel 2.0-liter engine models in the United States, and the carmaker has withdrawn its application for EPA certification. If the manufacturer complies with U.S. emissions standards, it can again begin selling its vehicles currently in violation of emissions policies. Volkswagen had been awaiting EPA approval for the 2016 diesels, but withdrew its request as part of ongoing discussions with U.S. regulators following emissions violations. Volkswagen of America CEO Michael Horn disclosed the decision in written testimony he delivered at a hearing before the House Energy and Commerce committee. In his testimony, Horn said part of VW’s emissions control strategy included a “software feature” that should be “disclosed to and approved by”

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700 Horsepower Ford Mustang too good to be true

Neiman Marcus, in its famed annual Christmas catalog, is offering 100 examples of the most unique Ford Mustang ever manufactured. It will be a supercharged 700 horsepower, 195 mph Mustang convertible. Powered by a specially tuned supercharged V8, the vehicle is rated at 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The exotic Mustang is further enhanced with unique chassis and suspension tuning, a dual exhaust system, lightweight forged 20-inch wheels, and body panels and aesthetic modifications specific to the Neiman car. The Neiman Marcus catalog lists the vehicle as having all-wheel drive. Several automotive website outlets are reporting that description was erroneous. Several other features of the limited Mustang have also been questioned by national automotive writers, but Neiman Marcus hasn’t yet

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