Automotive News

What else is new? Elio again delays futuristic car debut

Elio Motors has announced another delay. If you’re among the 50,000 people who reserved one of the three-wheel, futuristic-looking machines touted to cost $6,800 and get 84 mph, it won’t arrive until an undisclosed date in 2017. The latest setback seemed eminent since the company’s recent announcement of what appeared to be an appeasement. Elio said it was going to sell 100 of its pre-production models. The press release announcing the sale didn’t include to whom the vehicles would be sold. But the company subsequently said it would sell the vehicle to “fleet customers.” Still, the real model, called the P5, is still in limbo, with the delay announcement added to a growing of setbacks for the start-up and its

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The Benefits of Professional HID Headlight Installation

One of the biggest purchases many people will make in their lifetime is a new car, and making sure it stays properly maintained should be a top priority. At some point, every car owner will have have their vehicle repaired. And while car owners think they can save money by repairing their own vehicle, it’s often not the case. Most car owners do not know how to install an hid kit, which is why hiring a professional is best. Here are the reasons why hiring a professional for this type of job is important. Experience is a Factor One of the biggest benefits of letting a professional mechanic handle your headlight installation is that they have the experience needed to

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Cash flow, proper budget keys to business success

Running a successful company requires that you always keep your cash flow in mind. You need to avoid overspending your budget so that you have plenty of money on hand to pay your bills, buy inventory, and take care of other financial necessities. Pricing Your Shipments and Staying on Budget As important as it is to stay on budget, you still need to find a way to ship your product to your customers. You can protect your cash flow and budget accordingly by going online to get a quote today for shipping costs, transportation expenses, and more. Filling Out the Online Form Rather than calling someone from the company or writing in to get more information, you can fill out

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Matt LeBlanc replacing Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear

Matt LeBlanc, a long-time car enthusiast and former star of the television sitcom Friends, will be the new Top Gear co-host beginning May 8. He will replace former controversial co-host Jeremy Clarkson on the BBC program. LeBlanc will the first non-British co-host of the program. He has hosted a special version of the program called Top Gear: The Races. The show’s executives said LeBlanc will help the program attractnew audiences of car enthusiasts. Top Gear has not been televised since March 2015 when Clarkson was fired after being accused of having an altercation with one of the producers, Oisin Tymon. Co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond quit when Clarkson’s contract was not renewed. Currently, all three are doing a new car

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Five Cheap and Pricey 2016 Cars Worth Buying Now

Not too many decades ago, all new cars were released to the public in late summer or early fall. That’s no longer how it works. More domestic and international manufacturers are offering more higher-quality cars amid ever-increasing competition. Carmakers look for opportune times throughout the year for lineup introductions at auto shows around the world — and maybe to catch the competition off-guard. As such, many manufacturers, Honda to Volkswagen and Hyundai to Subaru, introduced 2016 models months ago and have already begun to promote 2017 and even 2018 models. Other carmakers haven’t introduced certain models of their 2016 lineups. Not All 2016 Car Models Released One month into new year plenty of worthy 2016 model year cars have emerged.

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Private Property Towing — Know Your Rights

Knowing your rights as a driver is key to avoiding disaster, like someone towing your car. Cars may be towed under various circumstances. One of the more common reasons a vehicle is towed is drivers parking on private property without permission, or using a lot without paying the required fee. Such behavior is unacceptable, and owners must take certain precautions to ensure drivers are fully aware of the rules. Private Property and Parking in California According to the California Vehicle Code, an owner of private property has the right to arrange for an illegally parked vehicle to be relocated to the closest public garage available. However, these rules apply: • A warning sign MUST measure AT LEAST 17 inches by

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Honda recalls 1.7 million vehicles in Takata airbag mess

Honda has ordered a massive recall and stop-sale notice to its U.S. dealerships. The reason: An estimated 1.7 million of the manufacturer’s vehicles, including the Honda Fit and Honda Ridgeline models years from 2007 to 2015, could have exploding Takata airbag inflators. According to the manufacturer, dealers have been warned they could face “legal exposure” for unrepaired vehicles if the order is violated. Honda Dealers Responsible The recall and stop-sale order covers the 2007-11 CR-V crossover, 2011-15 CR-Z coupe, 2009-13 Fit, 2013-14 Fit EV, 2010-14 Insight hybrid and the 2007-14 Ridgeline. The manufacturer’s actions were first reported by the website Automotive News. Honda reported driver-side airbag inflators in these vehicles may experience “over-pressurization” due to exposure to high temperatures and

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Christopher Walken Sells Kia in Super Bowl with socks

Leave it to actor Christopher Walken to use socks as hand puppets, his unique timing and his equally unique voice characteristics, and a clever take on his last name to sell Kia automobiles during Super Bowl 50. The 60-second advertisement “Walken Closet” will debut during the fourth quarter. It features the Academy Award winner employing a colorfully, stylish sock and a dull pair of beige socks. Walken demonstrates how the next generation Optima stands out as a midsize sedan among others that look and drive the same — like beige socks. Kia’s multi-platform campaign will spotlights the 2016 Kia Optima is a series of commercials and other marketing campaigns. It’s an alternative “for those searching for more in a vehicle

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Tesla announces Model 3 for 2017 with $35,000 price

Tesla may be the safest car ever tested. And company Elon Musk may have shaken up the car industry. But since its debut, Tesla’s inability to make an environmental difference with its high-performance electric car has been thwarted by one large problem. The Tesla and its six-figure price made the car unaffordable to most buyers. Now, it may all change with the announcement of the new Tesla Model 3, the manufacturer’s third platform. The base price for the Model 3 is anticipated at $35,000. The price does not include a $7,500 to $13,000 governmental rebate depending upon the state in which the car is purchased. According to Tesla, the unveiling of the Model 3 will take place in March, and

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Academy Awards often an homage to new, vintage cars

Perhaps only second to the theme of love, cars are nearly an inescapable part of movies. Among this year’s Best Picture nominations in the upcoming Academy Awards extravaganza, vintage and futuristic vehicles are prominent in Mad Max: Fury Road, Brooklyn and Bridge of Spies. But while prominent, cars aren’t the stars of any of this season’s top films set for the spotlight in the 88th edition Academy Awards on Feb. 28. Still, cars are often presented in starring roles. In many instances, the vehicles used in iconic Academy Awards films through the years are as famous the actors and actresses who’ve drove them in anger and in sheer joy. Cars Often Shine In Academy Awards Movies Cars, in fact, are

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Elio Motors debuts TV commercials for its $6,800 vehicle (video)

Elio Motors has continued its steadfast public relations campaign for its still-pending three-wheel, inexpensive, fuel-efficient vehicle with its first two national television commercials. The 30- and 60-second television spots, titled “Own the Future,” feature sweeping shots of the company’s P4 prototype. Paul Elio, Elio Motors Founder and CEO, talks about his vision to alter the course of society by creating a low-cost, highly fuel-efficient vehicle unlike anything on the road today. According to the press release, “Elio’s goal is to strengthen American manufacturing, create American jobs, provide access to low-cost mobility for millions of people and reduce our overall oil consumption.” The commercials will air on national cable networks, including Animal Planet, ESPN News, ESPNU, Fox Business Network, Fox News,

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Jerry Seinfeld ready to unload three rare Porsche rarities

Three of Jerry Seinfeld’s vast collection of Porsches, including a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder that may be worth $6 million, will be offered at the Amelia Island Auction in Florida on March 11. Although more Porsches from Seinfeld’s collection may be sold, the other two confirmed vehicles for sale: * a 1958 Carrera Speedster, expected to fetch at least $2 million. It’s one of only 151 Carrera Speedsters ever built, and one of only 13 painted a unique green called Auratium. * a 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera. It was the first of 15 RSRs built specifically to compete in the International Race of Champions series in 1973 and 1974. Its estimated sale price is $1.2 million to $1.5 million. The

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The Fiat Popemobile (maybe two) set for charity auction

How cool would be to own a Popemobile or two? A 2015 black Fiat 500L used by Pope Francis on his trip to the United States in September 2015 is being auctioned off at the Gooding & Co., to benefit the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and The Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania. A gray Fiat 500L used by the Pope will also at the auction. But no there’s no confirmation if it will also be auctioned. The Fiat or Fiats, used at Popemobiles, will be available January 29 at the Black Tie Tailgate event, scheduled during the Philadelphia Auto Show. The midsize 500L crossover was introduced in 2014. Its MSRP is at just under $20,000. According to Kelley Blue Book, a well-equipped used Fiat

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New Nissan Titan XD gets Cars.com truck of the year honors

Every car publication annual selects its cars and trucks of the year. It remains a mystery why it’s done early in the calendar year, but Cars.com has selected the Volvo XC90 as its 2016 Car of the Year.  And the debuting Nissan Titan XD as its 2016 Pickup Truck of the Year. In part, here’s what editors at Cars.com wrote about the 2016 Nissan Titan XD: “Not only does this new truck attempt to carve a unique place for itself in between two well-established segments (the half-ton and three-quarter-ton segments), but it also tries to re-establish Nissan as a competitive player in the world of full-size pickup trucks — and that’s a tall order. “Where the previous light-duty Titan was

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Obama accelerates self-driving cars with $4 billion

The future of self-driving cars continues to accelerate. The Obama Administration has announced an investment  of $3.9 billion into the 2017 budget for a 10-year plan to support the technology. Correspondingly, Anthony Foxx, the Department of Transportation secretary, has unveiled a plan. It’s the legal framework for autonomous driving technology that would encourage consistent rules across all 50 states. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be in charge in drafting the framework. Although the federal government can dictate manufacturing regulations, non-interstate highway traffic laws are left to the states. California, Nevada, Michigan and Florida have their own respective regulations on self-driving cars, creating a rough patchwork of rules. Foxx encouraged car companies to work with the Department of

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PREVIEW: 2017 Hyundai Elantra defines when more is less

The Hyundai Elantra, the South Korean manufacturer’s best-selling car, will begin its sixth generation in 2017 with a starting price $100 less than the 2016 model. The 2017 Hyundai Elantra will be available in SE, Eco and Limited trims. The SE comes standard with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transition. The MSRP is $17,150 for the manual transmission option and $18,150 for the automatic transmission. The Limited trim, which features leather upholstery as well as additional safety and technology features, has an MSRP of $22,350. The Eco trim pricing has not been announced. A sport model will debut later in 2016. Elantra’s base SE trim is available with a Popular Equipment package

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