Automotive News

Elio Motors: So long, farewell to your three-wheel hype

The fate of the much-hyped, low-cost, high gas mileage, three-wheel vehicle manufactured by Elio Motors may end before it starts. A report on the website Gas 2.0 details the company’s massive spending, substantial debt, and severe concerns it will continue. Elio Motors, which has touted its predicted 84 mpg futuristic vehicles for several years, has missed many deadlines for the vehicle’s debut. It has produced five three-wheel prototypes, but its prediction of creating 1,500 jobs at its Louisiana plant has never materialized. In a partial description of the company’s Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) filing on the Gas 2.0 site, Paul Elio, the company’s founder and president, reports an accumulated debt of $123,212,422 as of Sept. 30, 2016. In the company’s

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2016 Fiat 500X: Little SUV has faults, but rules the road

Four years after the Italian carmaker return to the United States, the 2016 Fiat 500X joins the little car family as its first subcompact crossover. It combines the traits of its motoring siblings, the 500 and 500L, with an elevated driving position and several upgrades. Like some of its siblings, the Fiat 500X is also among an increasing number of vehicles with more interior space than it appears from the outside of the car. It’s a subcompact SUV, surprisingly spacious and possessing a spunky personality. The Weekly Driver Test Drive The Fiat 500X is available in five trims, including my weekly driver, the top-line Trekking Plus. It features a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, front-wheel drive engine that produces 180 horsepower. It’s matched

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2018 Toyota Camry: Watch the debut live from Detroit

When you sell more than 400,000 units of a car in a year, you get to have bravado. That’s how and why the 2018 Toyota Camry is just a tease — for now. The carmaker has announced the new edition of the best-selling car in the United States for many years will be unveiled in January at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, often called the Detroit Auto Show. Toyota’s only preview image of the new Camry is a close-cropped, three-quarter low-angle rear view. Sure, it’s a partial view. But it appears the usually conservatively styled sedan has been modernized. While the Toyota Camry had a long reign in its top-selling perch, its sales have decreased more than nine

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2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata: One size fits all for iconic roadster

The tall, lanky guy getting into the car parked next to mine contorted his frame into a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata. I unfolded my body to exit another MX-5, the same year and color. Both vehicle’s rag tops were down. “You’re a tall guy for a small car,” I said during the parking lot exchange. ”Yeah, I’m 6-4, but it’s worth every second of it,” he said, as we both smiled while acknowledging our twin vehicles. And so it is for enthusiasts of the little, lightweight sports car that can. Like aficionados of muscle cars, pick-up trucks and minivans, MX-5 fans are as passionate as the owners in any car segment. For the past quarter century or so, no vehicle

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Cars3 trailer: Big crash shatters film series’ theme

Six years after its predecessor, Cars3, the computer-animated film starring Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson), will be released on June 16, 2017 in 2D 3D and IMAX 3D formats. And, man, will there be a surprise. The third installment in the popular series will have a more serious theme. McQueen is suddenly dispatched from racing after a crash. And to return to to the sport, he needs the assistance of a young race technician, Cruz Ramirez. But she has her own ideas and plans to win. And there’s another twist: Guidance from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet as well as a few other figurative and literal tumultuous racetrack corners to negotiate. The heavy tone from the teaser has garnered

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Automotive technology overload can ruin your day

The Interstate 680 South and Highway 24 West interchange in Walnut Creek, California, is a manic maze. It’s often a showcase for drivers’ worst behaviors. You can drive it a thousand times, prepare for a safe move to the proper lane and still face peril. The freeways’ designs don’t help. Rather, the awkward connection between the roads often prompts motoring lunacy. Cars cut across lanes at the last second and merging traffic from freeway ramps isn’t given proper access. But there’s a still a potential positive in the chaos. However hectic the traffic gets, modern automotive technology can help, except for when it doesn’t. Such was the case recently while approaching the 680 South to 24 West traffic mess in

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LA Auto Show: Hydrogen cars, electric vans and a gold-gilded rarity

The LA Auto Show is an annual automotive sensory overload. It’s all new cars and trucks, technology innovation and, in recent years, an increasing focus on hybrid, electric and other alternative fuel vehicles. This year’s show is no different. With new focuses on custom and vintage vehicles in the “garage” (basement), the future of autonomous vehicles, and the usual offering of global and North American debuts, there’s a lot see across the automotive spectrum. Including a full day’s schedule on Thanksgiving, the 2016 LA Auto Show will continue through Nov. 27 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Video produced by Bruce Aldrich (www.tahoetruckeoutdoor.com) Here are five highlights from this year’s show: 2017 Chevrolet Bolt — With a 238-mile range, the

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2016 LA Auto Show: foam cars, electric vans, new colors

The 2016 LA Auto Show is emphasizing technology this year with its newly named segment, AutoMobility LA. The expanded format allows for more innovation exhibits — some logical advancements in the automotive landscape, other products and software hard to decipher. In the latter category, consider the Spira4u Co. It debuted its three-wheel electric trike. It’s steered with a tiller and its exterior looks like a toy car covered in styrofoam. The Spira4u can be driven with a car or motorcycle license in California, and a helmet is not required. The body is constructed of recyclable light foam, fiberglass and plastic. Top speed is 75 mph. The gas version is priced at $6,000 and the electric version is priced at $10,000.

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Original Honda N600 restored, honors brand’s success

With its perennially top-selling Fit, Civic, Accord, and CR-V, it’s easy to appreciate the Honda lineup. Consistency rules. But not every Honda offering has been a success and some models, like the Civic Natural Gas and Crosstour, while innovative, failed. But perseverance counts in the automotive industry, and there’s at least one Honda enthusiast who’s thrilled to share his experience and passion for Honda. Tim Mings, a Los Angeles-based mechanic, and his team restored a 1969 Honda N600, the first Honda sold in the United States, star in video series, “Serial One.” The 12-part documentary chronicles the step-by-step renovation of the N600. It’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is 1000001. https://youtu.be/ETI5FGAUeos The series finale showcases the restored “Serial One” and revisits

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5 top tips shopping for a new car (video)

Shopping for a new car is often the second most expensive purchase for consumers after buying a house. But while purchasing an automobile involves a substantial amount of money, it doesn’t have to be stressful. If you’re considering buying or leasing a new car, being prepared for the purchase will give you confidence. Many prominent consumer advice websites, including vinadvisor.net, provide varies practical and thorough to make the experience less stressful. In fact, by preparing for the transaction in several key areas, buying a new car can be a straight-forward proposition without financial concern — if you’ve done your homework. Consider these five areas and then view the video below for the details of he top-5 tips for car shopping

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2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Top roadster keeps getting better

In April this year, worldwide sales of the Mazda MX-5 Miata surpassed one million since the two-seat roadster debuted in 1989. The 2017 MX-5 Miata continues the tradition of the little sports car that can. The MX-5 Miata was re-designed for 2016, but exterior and interior tweaks for 2017 keep the roadster’s current competitors (including offerings from Nissan, Mini, and BMW) searching for ways to infiltrate the little wonder’s dominance. The Weekly Driver Test Drive The 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata advances via a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower. After losing about 200 pounds from the 2015 model to last year, the Miata’s acceleration improved. It now achieves the standard 0-60 mph test in 6.2 seconds. Offered in Sport, Club

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Look at a bigger picture for buying a new car online

SPONSORED CONTENT Is it a surprise online sales of almost all products are about to surpass physical store sales? Probably not. The convenience of online shopping is hard to beat because we can look through thousands of offers without leaving home. And while some purchases still require you to look at them physically, many don’t. But there’s a problem. Although we have such a great access to so many different products, goods and items, we are still bound by our misconceptions and lack of knowledge. It’s particularly true when shopping for a car online. The Problem With Buying A Car Online You may be looking for a new vehicle straight from a manufacturer’s dealership, or you may want a used

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Wedding limousine? 3 tips to finding the perfect fit

When it comes to your wedding details, one decision you may not have considered completely s renting a limousine. Many couples choose their wedding limos based on looks, functionality or features. But there’s more to making the proper decision. However, once you see the vast array of options available, the decision could become more confusing. The good news that there are several ways to make to the process of selecting the right limousine easier. Select A Limousine That Complements Your Wedding This is the most obvious factor, but it shouldn’t be the only factor to consider when selecting a wedding limo. Instead, you need to consider how the limo you selected will fit with the overall feel of your event.

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Six dangerous race tracks around the globe

SPONSORED POST Driving at high speeds in difficult conditions is hard enough. However, some race tracks around the world take dangerous driving to the next level with their high-speed straights, sharp bends and unsteady terrain. Some tracks are so dangerous many drivers have died while racing. Below is a selection of some of the most dangerous race tracks around the globe: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps In Stavelot, Belgium, this circuit has claimed the lives of 23 drivers since its opening in 1927. The Eau Rouge and Burnenville corners are infamous and present particular hazards to drivers. The corners are fast and filled with hills and twists. The original track layout was deemed too dangerous and was boycotted by the Formula One

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2017 Acura RDX: Hefty price, best compact SUV

Largely unchanged from its massive makeover last year, the 2017 Acura RDX remains among the premier compact luxury sport utility vehicles on the market. Now a decade old, the Acura RDX required few, if any, changes from the success of the 2016 model. A year ago, a new grille, new headlights and taillights and several additional features were added to the standard equipment list. This year, there are a few new exterior paint colors offered and a few discontinued. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Available in 10 trims, the 2017 Acura RDX features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 279 horsepower. It’s matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, and my test vehicle had the optional all-wheel drive. It also featured

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Review: Thinkware Dash Cam is vital car technology

It’s time to get a dash camera. Thinkware makes good ones. I had a chance to use a Thinkware Dash Camera in my vehicle and I loved it. I never thought I had a need for constantly recording the view out my vehicle’s windshield, but now I do. The vibration-free, high quality, recording of my travel is not only fun to view, but it could be vital to an insurance company or the law if my driving decisions were ever questioned. A Dash Cam is also of real value when sorting out the cause of traffic accidents. I used the Thinkware model F50. It’s a tiny camera (smaller than a GoPro) that stick-mounts to the windshield behind the rear-view mirror.

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