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Ford Ranger soon to join expanding deceased ranks

Another longstanding American vehicle is about to end its legacy. Ford has announced it will stop producing the Ranger this month — marking the end of the manufacturer's small line of pick-up trucks. The last Ford Ranger for the U.S. market is expected to roll off the line by Dec. 19. It's estimated about 800 Rangers are still in circulation and that more than 6.6 million sold in the truck's 29-year tenure. Ford will abandon a segment it led for 18 years until 2005, when it fell behind the Toyota Tacoma. "We've got a tremendous heritage and history with Ranger,"

Pirelli Calender 2012 amazes again with world's best topless models

Pirelli, founded by Giovanni Battista Pirelli in 1872 in Milan, Italy, is among the world’s most well-known tire companies. But the Pirelli Calendar, which began in 1964, is at least as equally famous as the tires because of its annually published images of topless models and actresses. The recently released 2012 edition further adds to the calendar's legacy by featuring some of the world's most beautiful models photographed. The 2012 calender, which features the work of photographer Mario Sorrenti, includes images of Kate Moss, Lara Stone, Milla Jovovich, Malgosia Bela, Isabeli Fontana, Natasha Poly, Saskia de Brauw (above), Joan Smalls,

Lexus to soon unveil sexy, sportier 2013 lineup

Lexus is shooting for a sportier image with models such as the new GS350 gas-engine sedan and GS450h. The former goes on sale in February as a 2013 model, the latter hybrid sedan will follow. The two models represent, as Lexus puts it, a “new signature design philosophy.” Lexus is well known for its posh, comfortable, upscale cars, but they aren’t much fun. There’s a trend toward sportier luxury autos that provide more driving kicks. Hence, Lexus says it’s developed the GS to compete with such autos as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E350. Lexus hopes to

Ford recalls Fusion, Milan models with potential faulty wheel woes

Ford has recalled about 129,000 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans from model years 2010 and 2011 and equipped with 17-wheels because the vehichles' whel studs could fracture and potentially fall off. The issue, as reported by Ford and on the website of the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (HHTSA) may be caused by steel wheel mounting pads or rear brake discs that have been incorrectly built and can't properly support the wheel. In cases through September, one car's front wheel fell off and five cars' rear wheel dropped off, according to Ford and likely because of the stud

Bugatti Veyron remains world’s most expensive car in 2012

The Bugatti Veyron Supersport, the exclusive and elusive French-made supercar, remains the world’s most expensive car in 2012, according to the new report on Forbes.com. The mid-engined grand touring car is the fastest road-legal production car in the world, with a top speed 268 mph. Bugatti is designed and developed by Volkswagen Group (based on the Bentley Hunaudieres concept) and produced by Bugatti Automobiles SAS in Château Saint Jean in Molsheim, France). Here are some facts & figures about the Bugatti Veyron Supersport: Manufacturer: Bugatti Automobiles and Volkswagen Group (parent company); Production: 2010-present (Super Sport); Assembly: Molsheim, France; Body style

Hyundai soars again with 2011 North American record sales for brand, Elantra

The near-exponential growth of Hyundai has become even more impressive as the South Korean manufacturer has reached 600,000 annual sales for the first time, while its most popular style, the Elantra, has also sold in record numbers. According to the carmaker, 261,331 Elantras have been sold in North American in 2011, compared to 151,735 in 2010 — a 43 percent increase. Hyundai has achieved sales year-over-year gains for 35 consecutive months. “Elantra has been an absolute phenomenon in the compact car segment,” says John Krafcik, Hyundai Motors America President and CEO. “In November, Elantra retail sales were up 37 percent,

BMW keeps streak, Honda, Ford get 2 spots on Car and Driver's 2012 Best Cars list

The BMW 3-Series extended its streak to 21 consecutive years while Honda and Ford landed two models each on Car and Driver magazine's 30th annual 10 Best Cars List. A total of 68 cars were eligible, all according the publication. For consideration, cars must be new or significantly updated from 2011 available by January 2012 and cost less than $80,000. "As in years past, the cars on this year's list represent the best overall vehicles on the market today," said Eddie Alterman, editor-in-chief, Car and Driver. "Out of 68 contenders, these are the ones that consistently perform the best, are

Mercedes-Benz SLK350, 2012: Aggressive new design rekindles staid brand

The redesigned 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 isn't inexpensive, but finally seems worth the money. The new-generation SLK remains small, with just a 95.7-inch wheelbase. But it has more aggressive styling for a sexier, more masculine look and continues with its fast-acting retractable hardtop. Even the exhaust outlets are artfully shaped. The 3,397-pound SLK350 has a solid feel — top up or down. But Mercedes stuck its plastic three-pointed star emblem right up front in the center of the grille, where it can be easily damaged. The first Mercedes-Benz SLK, which I drove in Italy at a media preview in

GM will buy back your Chevy Volt — on fire or not

General Motors, in a unique automotive industry maneuver, announced it will buy back Chevy Volts from customers who are unsatisfied, But the automaker insists its hybrid vehicles are safe if the battery is powered down according to proper safety procedures after a serious crash. The offer is unusual since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn't issued a recall after the recent fire and smoke that occurred in Chevy Volt battery testing and prompted NHTSA to open and investigation General Motors had earlier offered a loaner car to owners concerned with the investigation — an offer that only 34

Honda, Acura expand exploding airbag recall, total now 876,000 cars

The continuing dilemma of possible rupturing airbags has prompted American Honda Co., to recall another 273,000 Honda and Acura vehicles from 2001 to 2003 and thus pushing the total current recall to 876,000 cars. Honda said the additional recall is because the airbag could potentially explode causing injury or death. In a notice on its website, Honda wrote: "Affected driver's airbag inflators may deploy with too much pressure, which can cause the inflator casing to rupture and could result in injury or fatality." "Because Honda is unable to determine the specific vehicles that may have received the affected service parts

Kia Rio, 2012: Refining the top-of-the-line, entry level car

Now in its 12th year and third generation, the 2012 Kia Rio subcompact debuted at the Geneva Auto Show in March and is just now appearing regularly around the country since its dealership unveiling in the fall of 2011. The South Korean 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback features either a 5 or 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic matched with a 138-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine. For 2012, the Kia Rio and Kia Rio SX, both priced lower than 2011 models, are available in three levels — the base LX trim, the midlevel EX, and top-of-the-line SX. All have electric power steering, air

Lexus, 2013: Vast media blitz set for redesigned GS 350, 450h

Lexus GS 350 and GS 450 H prototypes, unveiled Nov. 30 in a regional preview in Las Vegas to international journalists and broadcasters, showcased the brand's traditions and new highlights for the 2013 models to debut next spring. The most obvious changes are the newly designed front grill and appreciably improved technology packages. Pricing for the GS 350 won't be announced until near the end of the year, while the hybrid model's price, according to Lexus representatives, won't be for "a couple of months." Other keen features and relevant info: * Mark Levinson sound system with 835 watts, 17 speakers;

Chevrolet Sonic, 2012: Stepping Up Their Game In Small Car Market

Being on a budget does not mean you have to settle for a boring car. The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic offers great value in the $16,000 neighborhood and is more exciting than previous generation of mundane economy cars. Nowadays, so much more goes into cars that sell in the lower price range such that they offer a great value without having to spend $25,000, or even $20,000 on a car. The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic looks good, performs reasonably well, and impresses beyond its $17,000 sticker price. The base Sonic LS comes well equipped with features like 15-inch alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes,

Lexus GS 350, 2013: New design, new technology

The 2013 Lexus GS 350, unveiled this summer at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, Calif., and on display for the first time to the general public at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show, will arrive at dealerships in February 2012 amid vast national media campaigns. The 2013 Lexus GS 350 will be featured in the carmaker's first Super Bowl commercial followed by its affiliation as the Official Automotive Marketing Partner of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. The fourth-generation 350 GS will feature the new Lexus design, including the manufacturer's signature Lexus spindle grille, as well as a 3.5-liter, 306

Toyota unveils new sports car, no name yet for U.S. version

Toyota and Subaru have jointly debuted a new compact sports coupe with hopes of rekindling sportiness to the manufacturer's maligned reputation in Japan and the United States. The car is called the Hachiroku in Japan, which means 86. However, the name of the car for the United States market, has not been released. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, the new car is reminiscent of the Toyota models Corolla Levin and Toyota Sprinter Trueno introduced in 1983. Toyota and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., maker of Subaru-brand vehicles, hope the four-seat, rear-wheel-drive will attract young customers. The Hachiroku

So long, Maybach, we hardly knew you or anyone who bought one

Maybach has joined the expanding list of discontinued car brands in recent years after parent company Daimler AD announced its will cease the ultra-luxuy line with its 2012 models — and only a decade after its revival. Poor sales was the culprit, with the Wall Street Journal reporting in Saturday, Nov. 26 editions that fewer than 200 Maybachs sold worldwide in 2010. With the Maybach departing, the German luxury car maker said it plans to expand its S-Class Mercedes Benz, the top-end segment, to six models from the current three beginning in 2013. The Maybach had a elegant, plush reputation,