Automotive News

Nissan testing new trend — self-cleaning cars (video)

Some folks like mowing their lawns and cleaning their cars. They won’t allow anyone else to touch their grass or their wheels. Other people don’t want to be bothered, and that’s what Nissan in counting on with its self-cleaning car experiment. The carmaker is testing a new paint technology that repels mud, rain and dirt. So far, the testing has only been done Europe, and only on theNissan Note. If the idea works, the environmental advantages and time-saving efficiency sound promising. The technology is called Ultra-Ever Dry. It’s never been used on automobile before. The concept works when a layer of air between the paint and the environment prohibits standing water and road spray from remaining on the exterior paint.

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Driverless cars: Real deal or the apocalypse?

Autonomous vehicles, commonly known as driverless cars, have been portrayed in futuristic movies for years. And dating nearly 100 years, automakers have experimented periodically with various vehicles not needing drivers. But what once was Hollywood fantasy is now on the not-too-distant horizon. Directors’ imaginations could be the daily driving reality for soccer moms and traveling salesmen. In recent years, major carmakers — BMW to Volvo to Toyota — and technology monoliths like Google have ramped up their driverless car research. They’re testing driverless technology at least in part via new legislation in several states allowing the testing of autonomous cars on public roads. The new driverless technology, most notably unveiled in prototypes by Audi and BMW at the 2014 Consumer

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What’s wrong with the auto industry? Technology overload

Technology thrives in the automotive industry. Safety, performance and efficiency are improving in cars and trucks at a wickedly fast pace. Mobile device connection to the Internet, navigation systems, emergency response systems and driving habit-monitoring devices has revolutionized the auto industry. But as automakers continue to keep drivers connected in their vehicles at the same pace as when they’re not behind the wheel, is there reason for concern? Is too much of good thing not so good? Or, have consumers gained more confidence that carmakers’ ever-advancing innovation overrides the need for technology distraction concerns?   According to Harris Interactive, the marketing research company in Rochester, N.Y., that conducts the annual AutoTECHCAST study, the answer has slightly shifted toward the later.

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Range anxiety still deterent in electric car sales

Not too many years ago, the term range anxiety might pertain to a golfer who’s nervous on a driving range or rancher uncertain about spending time on an open range. But with an increasing number of auto manufacturers offering electric options, range anxiety is a major reason why car buyers have been wary of switching from gas powered vehicles. It’s the fear of running out of power and stuck miles from the nearest charging station. According to a survey conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association, the industry trade organization in Arlington, Va., 71 percent of respondents said range anxiety is a concern when considering purchasing an electric vehicle. And it’s warranted. With more than a dozen mainstream manufacturers offering the

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Elio Motors: 15,000 now believe, but will they build it?

Lots of car buyers can’t wait for the three-wheel Elio Motors vehicle. And lots of detractors think the concept of a 84 mpg, 100 mph, 55-horsepower machine will never come to fruition. But since the idea debuted about a year ago, Elio Motors has continued to market the $6,800 vehicle it expects to launch in 2015. And  it appears there are more believers willing to place reservation deposits than there are non-believers. In early February, the website announced reservations had reached 10,000. Six weeks later, the reservation total approached 13,000. The number of reservations by mid-April was more than 15,000 Deposits from $100 to $1,000 are accepted with different levels of “bang for your buck” if and when the Elio

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PREVIEW: 2015 Toyota Camry gets sporty redesign

The 2015 Toyota Camry features a new design. It’s longer and wider, has a large, aggressive grille and chiseled sides. The change is the result of sportier rivals providing increased competition for the best-selling car in the United States. The Camry, the top-seller for the last 12 years, has plenty of loyal buyers. But Toyota representatives stressed at the car’s debut at the recent New York International Auto Show that buyers’ tastes have changed. Known for it reliability, the 2015 Toyota Camry will be available in the fall of 2014. It will now also emphasize style, comfort and performance. Bill Fay, the U.S. Toyota division chief, said the carmaker began to redesign the Camry in 2011. It was influenced by

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Elio Motors gets last gas as cow fart criticism backfires

The automotive car culture website Jalopnik is often a clever read. It makes fun of the car industry when it’s well-deserved. However, it’s been overtly skeptical of Elio Motors. Its writers have posted often that the plans of company owner Paul Elio to introduce in 2015 a $6,800, three-wheel car that gets 84 mpg and can accelerate to 100 mph are dubious at best. The latest sarcasm by Jalopnik about Elio Motors occurred on Earth Day, April 22. The site poked fun at Elio’s press release that touted the car’s latest attribute. Elio, obviously with tongue firmly planted in cheek (but also with a degree of seriousness) announced its car is “cleaner than cow farts.” Jalopnik wrote Elio Motors was

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Happy 25th birthday to the Mazda Miata (video)

Mazda is now officially celebrating the 25th year anniversary of the MX-5 Miata. It was previously known simply as the Miata, and combined by both names it’s the best-selling sports roadster in history. The name Miata derives from the German word for “reward.” The name fits for the 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata, since it continues the tradition of the classic two-seater. The reward is what Miata customers receive. The Miata has its own personality, but it also pays homage to roadsters of yesteryear like the Triumph Spirtfire, MG MGB, Fiat 124, Alfa Romeo and Lotus Elan. The 2014 Miata, which was refreshed last year, marks the 25th anniversary of the little beast It debuted in 1989 as a 1990 model

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REVIEW: 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid shines

After a redesign last year, the 2014 Honda Accord, now in its ninth generation, remains much the same as the 2013 model — with one exception. After a disappointing debut as a hybrid several years ago, Honda has reintroduced the Hybrid trim. It expands Honda’s alternate engine lineup that also includes the Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid and the Honda Civic CNG (Natural Gas). The Honda Accord Hybrid is available in EX, EX-L and Touring trims. There’s also a limited edition plug-in version. The Weekly Driver Test Drive It’s no secret the original Honda Accord Hybrid wasn’t the carmaker’s most popular car. It was no doubt a quality Honda, but fuel efficiency wasn’t as superior as it could have been.

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2015 Subaru Outback

Subaru has introduced new 2015 Outback, the fifth generation of the world’s first sports utility wagon, and it’s has the roomiest interior, most capable chassis and highest fuel-efficiency in the model’s 20-year history. The 2015 Subaru Outback, which debuted at the New York International Auto Show, offers improved on-road agility, off-pavement control, ride comfort, interior refinement and safety technology. The 2015 Outback arrives in Subaru dealerships in summer 2014. The 175-horsepower 4-cylinder Outback 2.5i model is available in Standard, Premium and Limited trim lines, accompanied by the top-of-line 6-cylinder 3.6R Limited with 256 horsepower. All trim lines add more standard amenities, conveniences and new infotainment systems. The original Outback established a template for many competitive crossover models that followed, and

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2014 Audi A3 gets World Car of the Year honors in NY

The 2014 Audi A3 has been named World Car of the Year over the BMW 4 Series and the Mazda 3 at the New York International Auto Show. The World Car Awards program, now in its 10th year and held in conjunction with Bridgestone Corporation, chose the 2014 Audi A3 from an original list of 24 vehicles from around world. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, said: “The Audi A6 was the first winner of this award and we are delighted that the 2014 Audi A3 has repeated that achievement by being voted 2014 World Car of the Year.” “The Audi A3 showcases Audi’s technical competence in all aspects of carmaking, not least in the

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PREVIEW: 2015 Volkswagen Jetta is all new

The redesigned 2015 Volkswagen Jetta sedan, which will include a host of interior and exterior upgrades — green technology innovation to design efficiency — will debut at the New York International Auto Show. The show will be held April 18-27 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York. The new Jetta’s efficiency has been improved by reducing air drag and utilizing new tires that help improve rolling resistance. New driver assistance systems are available, such as Blind Spot Detection, frontal collision warning and rear cross-traffic alert. Inside, the Jetta sees an upgraded interior with new materials and an enriched assortment of available equipment. The 2015 Jetta continues to offer three four-cylinder gasoline engines (2.0-liter naturally aspirated and 1.8T and

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Rare Ford Mustang display in Sacramento honors iconic car

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Sacramento will be celebrating Ford Mustang’s 50th birthday on April 16 with a display of the iconic cars, including the first Ford Mustang to enter the State of California. The celebration, which will also include a birthday cake in the shape of a Ford Mustang, will be held at UTI, 4100 Duckhorn Blvd., from 8 a.m. until noon. Ford Motor Co. unveiled the first Mustang on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building on April 17, 1964. More than nine million Ford Mustangs have been sold since. The cherry red 1965 Mustang entered the state of California in November 1964 by train from Michigan. This Mustang will be the focal point for  UTI’s Ford

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Bubba Watson and his controversial drive, a 1969 Dodge Charger

Bubba Watson, a golfer of emotion and a non-purist’s swing, won The Masters for the second time in three years Sunday on the storied layout at August National in Georgia. Watson’s second victory at the event showcased his aggressive style of play. But the golfer’s first win at The Masters also included a slight controversy. But how did a nearly 45-year-old Dodge Charger put a damper on Watson’s first victory? Watson’s skills and personality were captivating. But his choice of cars, a 1969 Dodge Charger named The General Lee that once “starred” in the Dukes of Hazard television program, isn’t exactly an image appreciated by NASCAR and likely not the PGA Tour, either. The General Lee was driven by Luke

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2014 Lexus ES 350: Seductive, smooth luxury sedan

There were many skeptics when Lexus introduced its auto line to America around 1990, but it was an instant success. In recent years, Lexus slipped in popularity as rival automakers introduced alluring entry level luxury sedans. But the carmaker is holding its own in the growing entry luxury market with its posh, decently priced 2014 Lexus ES 350. The $35,470 ES has been with us in various forms in the entry luxury market for approximately 25 years. The original model had a standard V-6 when rivals had four-cylinder engines. The ES 350 was given a thorough redesign for 2013 and thus has no major changes for 2014. New are LED fog lamps, bamboo interior trim, heated/ventilated seats in perforated NuLuxe

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Lexus, Mazda shine in 2014 Best Family Car list

A family car once meant a station wagon or a lackluster, underpowered box-like sedan. No more. For 2014, U.S. News & World Report has selected performance cars and family oriented cars that are perfectly capable for single drivers. The magazine (and its corresponding online edition) has selected the best vehicles for families in 19 categories, compact cars to minivans, hatchback to luxury cars. The 2014 Mazda6, the Best Midsize Car for Families, and the 2014 Mazda3, the Best Compact Car for Families, both have performance that car reviewers love. That performance comes in addition to available high-tech safety features, like forward collision warning and lane departure warning, as well as spacious cabins most car critics agree feel upscale. The Honda

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