BMW drives itself better than some drivers drive BMW

BMW doesn’t have the first autonomous car prototype, but its modified 2014 M235i Coupe sure looks impressive. Several manufacturers have predicted the public will be driving driverless cars by 2020, and a few states have legalized the vehicles under certain conditions. In the meantime, BMW (and others) are showcasing their autonomous cars on tracks and doing so impressively. They corner well and pilot through cones at high speed. The BMW new ActiveAssist feature can bring a vehicle “back into line in demanding driving situations without any input from the driver”, using 360-degree radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors. The German manufacturer

Read more

Elio Motors: To reserve or not? Nearly 12,000 say yes

Interest in the yet-unnamed Elio Motors’ $6,800 three-wheel vehicle, scheduled for delivery in 2015, continues to steadily increase. According the the company’s website, nearly 12,000 prospective buyers have paid deposits from $100 to $1,000 and with refundable and non-refundable options. A non-refundable reservation provides customers with an additional discount worth 50 percent of the initial deposit (a $1,000 deposit would receive an additional $500 toward the price of a vehicle at the time of purchase). Although refundable deposits can be made, more than 80 percent of customers have opted for the non-refundable reservation Overall, the reservation options are varied and

Read more

Best tips, strategies for buying a used instead of a new car

Car buyers considering a used instead of a new vehicle can save a lot of money. But buying a pre-owned car not only means a cheaper purchase price, the affiliated expenses — insurance to smaller depreciation — often equate to long-term savings. But while saving money is good, purchasers of used cars can also get peace of mind if they purchase a certified used vehicle that’s been properly inspected and also has a manufacturer’s warranty. There are fees involved, but the car’s mechanical condition is guaranteed. New cars have various warranty terms, but if the vehicle had a bumper-to-bumper warranty

Read more

Benefits of buying a new car, not a used vehicle

Purchasing a vehicle is a major expense, and often the primary consideration is whether to purchase new car or  used car. Buying a new vehicle is more expensive, of course. But there are many reasons the increased price can more beneficial than opting to buy an older model.Perhaps the two biggest benefits of purchasing a new vehicle instead of a used vehicle are the warranty and a greater selection of available cars. Considering the latter first: You still may not get the exact car of your dreams, but when buying new, more often than not the purchaser has vast choices

Read more

Massive GM recall oddity: 1.4 million cars still unfixed

The 10-year delay in the massive General Motors ignition switch recall is being investigated by Congress and the Justice Department. But the story has a second oddity. None of the cars among the five brands recalled have been repaired. The cars involved include: Chevrolet Cobalt and HHR, Saturn Sky and Ion and Pontiac G5 and Solstice. General Motors said it sent letters to the owners of cars from model years 2005 through 2007 involved in the problem. But owners haven’t been asked to schedule repairs because there aren’t enough parts available to fix all of the 1.4 million vehicles affected.

Read more

2014 Volkswagen Passat: Near luxury, value priced

It doesn’t seem like the 2014 Volkswagen Passat is the family sedan’s 41st year in production. Maybe it’s because it’s also been known around the globe by a half-dozen other names — Dasher, Quantum, Santana, Corsar, Magotan and Carat. The sixth and current generation debuted in 2011 and was named the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year. The Passat has a unique position the auto industry. Despite its Tennessee assemblage, it’s the only European-engineered family sedan in the segment. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Offered in four models 2.5L, 1.8T, TDI and V6 models, the 2014 Volkswagen Passat is

Read more

Fact or Fiction? 3-wheel, $6,800 Elio praised, panned

Reservations for the Elio Motors‘ three-wheel, $6,800 vehicle have surpassed 11,000, according to its website, with varying levels from $100 to $1,000 as the manufacturer  continues to market the futuristic concept around the country. Paul Elio, the company owner and CEO said in recent press release the increasing interest means the public is “clamoring for the new type of transportation.” Touting the unnamed vehicle’s estimated 84 mph in highway driving and hopeful 5-star crash test safety, Elio said: “The vehicle is perfect for individual commuters looking for an inexpensive and fuel efficient mode of transportation, but who also yearn for

Read more

General Motors raises 2014 Corvette Stingray price

,

The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, the car often known as America’s sportswear, just got more expensive. General Motors has announced the base price of the sports car just went up by $2,000, from $51,000 to $53,000. The manufacturer has also increased the price for the Stingray convertible by $2,000. It now costs $58,000. In addition, the price of the Z51 performance option package went up by $1,200. It now costs $4,000. The Z51 package adds larger wheels, performance tires and special aerodynamic features, among other things. “The consumer demand for Stingray has far exceeded our expectations, particularly for the Z51 package,”

Read more

Will the $6,800, 84 mpg Elio change the auto industry?

Paul Elio, founder of Elio Motors, has stressed his soon-to-be manufactured three-wheel Elio priced at $6,800, will change how consumers think about their daily commutes. Speaking at the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition Legislative Breakfast in Phoenix where he lives, Elio said his company will create more than 1,500 American jobs and help reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil. “Our high-mileage, low-cost vehicle is causing people to rethink how we approach transportation in the United States,” Elio said. “Many consumers buy vehicles based on the premise that they need to haul their entire family around. “But, on

Read more

Scion FR-S, Ford Fiesta Coolest Cars For Under $25,000

The Scion FR-S has for the second straight year top the list of 10 Coolest New Cars Under $25,000, according to editors of Kelley Blue Book. “Many of us aren’t in the position to run out and purchase a Porsche or Lamborghini, which is why we’ve crafted a list of affordable but fun cars, like two-time winner Scion FR-S,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. “Truly a driver’s car, the FR-S features a stylish looking exterior and modern updates on the interior.” As in previous years, for 2014 KBB.com editors

Read more

Look up in the air! It’s a $94,000 Maverick flying car

The Maverick LSA design, touted with its logo, “Maverick: The Flying Car That Does,” has been developed as an easy-to-operate air and land craft. According, Beyond LLC, which has granted the manufacturing rights, it’s intuitive, safe to fly, drive and easily maintained.  Beyond Roads LLC will facilitate the development of a commercial market for multi-medium transportation vehicle. Here are some basics: Base price $94,000.00. FAA Certified S-LSA (Special – Light Sport Aircraft), E-LSA (Experimental – Light Sport Aircraft or E-AB (Experimental Amateur-Built) 190 horsepower, injected, 2.5-liter Subaru engine Dual Drive – transaxle/propeller. Public road licensable. Robust suspension for “off-roading.” Highway

Read more

REVIEW 2014 Ford Escape: Sporty, utilitarian

Switching from a sporty car to a more practical crossover vehicle doesn’t have to be disappointing. The 2014 Ford Escape compact crossover sheds the previous generation’s boxy look and blends slick styling, decent utility and sporty driving. The Escape is among Ford’s top-selling smaller trucks and comes with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). All versions are four-door hatchbacks with rear-door openings that should be a little wider for easier entry and exit. All ride on a 105.9-inch wheelbase and have a fairly long 178.1-inch length. The turning circle is 39 feet, which isn’t great but is decent for

Read more

Peugeot unveils hybrid air engine with 125 mpg

,

It’s not the first time the idea of a modern car running on compressed air has emerged.  But it’s a recent first and this time it’s Peugeot. The french automaker has introduced a concept car that features a new Hybrid Air engine system which combines both a traditional petrol engine with compressed air. The new engine system is capable of running only on air for 80 percent of its driving time. As a result, fuel economy is estimated at 125 miles per gallon. The Hybrid Air system is expected to be installed into some existing models like the Peugeot 208

Read more

2014 Ford Escape: Enduring crossover leads the pack

Now in its 15th year and second year of its third generation, the 2014 Ford Escape remains a versatile compact sport utility vehicle or crossover. It’s among Ford‘s five SUVs. Since its redesign in 2013 and its highest-selling year (nearly 300,000 units), Ford didn’t mess with a good thing for 2014. The only changes include the addition of a rearview camera and navigation Sync system as standard on all trim levels. Additionally, the highest-level titanium trim no longer gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine as standard and the SEL trim was discontinued. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Every vehicle segment has

Read more

Apple in your navigation system? Call it CarPlay

,

Apple has introduced CarPlay, which the manufacturer claims is an “incredibly intuitive way for iPhone users to make calls, use Maps, listen to music and access messages with just a word or a touch.” CarPlay allows users to easily control the car’s native interface or push-and-hold the voice control button on the steering wheel to activate the Siri voice command without distraction. Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo will premiere CarPlay to their drivers this week. BMW Group, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai Motor Company, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia Motors, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan Motor Company, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota

Read more

First Corvette swallowed by sinkhole emerges, drives

The first of eight Corvettes swallowed by a sinkhole in the National Corvette Museum has been removed by construction crews and was driven about 20 feet after its emergence. With visitors, staff, media at the museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and an international audience watching via a live stream, the 2009 “Blue Devil” ZR1 was rescued. The car was in good shape and started after a few attempts. “It’s wonderful… just seven more to go,” said Mike Murphy, construction manager for the project. “That’s a GM product for you. They take a licking and keep on ticking.” The crews have

Read more