In the Fast Lane with Auto Emporium

Best Labor Day deals on cars

2015-09-07T09:46:00.001-07:00

As summer winds down and nation prepares for a long weekend to celebrate the American worker, the airwaves are thick with promotions for Labor Day deals on cars. Many seem too good to be true, promising low monthly payments, often offset by significant upfront costs on leases and long terms on loans. As smart shoppers know, the real savings start with choosing a good all-around car, then negotiating a great deal.
To size up the buying opportunities for these Labor Day deals, our analysts have studied recent nationwide transactions, then layered in current available incentives to predict the average savings for this holiday shopping weekend. This is labeled as "Market average." Among the many discounted models, we narrowed our focus to those that meet Consumer Reports’ stringent criteria to be recommended, meaning they scored well in our testing, have average or better reliability in our latest subscriber survey, and performed well in government or insurance-industry safety tests, if evaluated.

The transaction prices on average for these models is 9 percent below MSRP, saving about $2,700 or more. (Of course, some greater deals can be found on non-recommended vehicles, including full-sized pickup trucks.) For this grouping, we ranked the models based on predicted dollar savings, with the GMC Acadia example showing that buyers are expected to save $5,300 off MSRP on average. Typically, the best Labor Day deals are found on the largest, priciest vehicles and often those that are late in their model cycle or due for imminent replacement.

GMC Acadia

Make & model: GMC Acadia AWD SLT1
MSRP: $43,745
Invoice: $42,460
Market average: $38,450

The Acadia is still competitive among three-row SUVs. Like its twins, the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, it has a spacious and quiet interior, with a third-row seat that's roomy enough for adults. Seating for eight is available. Handling is relatively agile and secure, with responsive steering, and the ride is comfortable and steady. Its 3.6-liter V6 is smooth and refined, but it has to work hard and it gets mediocre gas mileage. Upgraded touch-screen infotainment systems bring more capability. Rear visibility isn't great. Denali versions have more features but no better functionality or performance.

Cadillac CTS

Make & model: Cadillac CTS Sedan 3.6L AWD Luxury
MSRP: $55,965
Invoice: $53,766
Market average: $51,310

The CTS is a luxury sedan with agile handling and a firm, absorbent ride that crowns it as one of the sportiest cars in the class. But as satisfying as it is to drive, the CTS can also be frustrating. Much of the blame goes to the overly complex Cue infotainment-system. The cabin is super-luxurious, with impressive material quality. But rear-seat room is snug and the trunk is relatively small. Neither the four-cylinder turbo nor the 3.6-liter V6 is as refined as the best in class. The high-end Vsport version is better, with effortless thrust. And 2015 marks the return of the CTS-V, which gets its engine from the Corvette Z06.

Kia Cadenza

Make & model: Kia Cadenza Limited
MSRP: $44,625
Invoice: $41,718
Market average: $39,777

The Cadenza is a competent and credible competitor among large sedans. There's a lot here for the money, including a luxurious and quiet interior, a roomy backseat, responsive handling, and a comfortable ride. The 293-hp, 3.3-liter V6 engine and standard six-speed automatic combine to make a slick powertrain that delivers a competitive 22-mpg overall. Controls are refreshingly easy to use. A host of electronic safety aids are available, but some of the most useful ones are bundled into expensive options packages.

Buick Enclave

Make & model: Buick Enclave Leather AWD
MSRP: $46,375
Invoice: $45,012
Market average: $42,476

Even after six years on the market, the large Enclave remains a competitive three-row SUV. We liked its firm, comfortable, and quiet ride and its agile, secure handling. But like its corporate cousins, the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, it's beginning to show its age. The 3.6-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic are smooth and powerful enough, but at times they work hard in this large SUV, and its 15-mpg overall is paltry. A big plus is the ability to fit adults in the roomy third row. Fit and finish is impressive, and advanced safety systems including forward-collision and lane-departure warning are available.

Chevrolet Traverse

Make & model: Chevrolet Traverse 1LT AWD
MSRP: $36,670
Invoice: $35,596
Market average: $33,198

Although it dates back to 2008, the large Traverse is among the most competitive three-row SUVs. We liked its firm, comfortable, and quiet ride, and its relatively agile, secure handling. But like its corporate cousins, the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, it's beginning to show its age. The 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic powertrain is smooth and powerful enough, but it works hard in this large SUV, and its 16-mpg overall is uncompetitive. A big plus is the ability to fit adults in the roomy third row. Fit and finish has improved, and for 2015 forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems are available.

Chevrolet Malibu

Make & model: Chevrolet Malibu 2LTZ
MSRP: $31,305
Invoice: $30,238
Market average: $28,522

More than a humdrum midsized sedan, the Malibu has a comfortable ride and a well-finished and exceptionally quiet interior that set it apart. Handling is sound, if a little soggy at its limits. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an unobtrusive start/stop system, paired with a six-speed automatic, is standard. The uplevel 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder delivers plentiful power and gets 24-mpg. Controls are straightforward to use. The wide, soft front seats lack support on long trips, and the backseat is cramped. But trunk room is sufficient, even in the hybrid. Changes for 2015 include a standard built-in Wi-Fi hot spot with three months of complimentary data. A redesigned version goes on sale in the fall.

Kia Optima

Make & model: Kia Optima SX
MSRP: $26,615
Invoice: $25,199
Market average: $23,554

The Kia version of the older Hyundai Sonata falls a bit short of its cousin in ride comfort, braking, and fuel economy. It handles well, but the ride is borderline stiff and road noise is noticeable. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder performs well. Top-level trims get a turbo four-cylinder that's economical and powerful, yet it trails competitors' V6 engines in terms of refinement. A hybrid is also available, but we weren't impressed in our tests of the similar Sonata Hybrid. The front seats are comfortable, but the rear seat is low. Reliability has been average. A redesigned 2016 model, coming out late in 2015, is longer and wider, and will have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Optima will be among the first vehicles on the market to feature both of these systems.

Ford Fusion

Make & model: Ford Fusion Titanium AWD
MSRP: $33,115
Invoice: $31,326
Market average: $29,721

The Fusion is a delight to drive, with a supple ride and agile handling rivaling that of a European sports sedan. All trim levels and powertrains feel solid and upscale, with a quiet and well-finished cabin. But the rear seat is somewhat snug, and the MyFord Touch interface is an annoyance. Most Fusions get either a 1.5- or 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder matched with a six-speed automatic. The 1.5-liter does the job, but the 2.0-liter packs more punch and better suits the car. We recorded 24- and 22-mpg overall, respectively, which is among the lower performers in the category. The Hybrid turned in an excellent 39-mpg overall.

Chevrolet Impala

Make & model: Chevrolet Impala 2LTZ
MSRP: $36,265
Invoice: $35,025
Market average: $33,173

One of our top-rated sedans, the Impala is roomy, comfortable, quiet, and enjoyable to drive. It even rides like a luxury sedan, feeling cushy and controlled. Engine choices include a punchy 3.6-liter V6 and an adequate 2.5-liter four-cylinder, both paired with a six-speed automatic. The V6 accelerates and brakes capably, with secure and responsive handling. The full-featured cabin stays very quiet, with a sumptuous backseat and a huge trunk. Controls are intuitive and easy to use, but rear visibility is restricted. Advanced electronic safety features are readily available.

Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Make & model: Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD 2.0T
MSRP: $33,895
Invoice: $32,501
Market average: $30,975

Hyundai's five-passenger midsized SUV is roomy and comfortable, with a good ride and quiet interior. Power comes from a responsive 190-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated to a smooth and responsive six-speed automatic. We got a very good 23-mpg overall with this drivetrain. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is also available. Handling is sound but not exceptional, and the steering feels numb. The well-finished cabin is packed with a lot of standard features. Thankfully, the price of the optional backup camera has come down, because rear visibility leaves a lot to be desired.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems...and what they mean & do!

2015-08-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

When driving a car, drivers have to compe with a multitude of complex traffic situations. First of all, they have to control the vehicle dynamics. Secondly, they have to keep an eye on the direct environment of their vehicle. Thirdly, there is a navigation task to route the car from the starting point to the destination. In addition, driver’s may be using infotainment solutions or talking to passengers. By helping the driver to detect and process information on these three levels - stabilisation, guidance and navigation - the driver’s workload can be reduced, resulting in more convenient and safer driving.

BLIND-SPOT MONITORING
Blind-spot monitoring is starting to become available on a wide variety of non-luxury vehicles. With blind-spot monitoring, virtually all systems show a warning light on the exterior mirror or pillar when an object is detected in your blind spot. Most systems will also beep at you if you try to signal into that lane. Honda has even taken the blind-spot monitoring up a notch with its Lane Watch system, which decreases the passenger-side
blind spot by displaying the view on the touchscreen when the driver signals into the right lane.

LANE DEPARTURE WARNING
Lane departure warning systems use cameras to “see” the yellow and white lines on the highway and will chime at you when you start wandering outside those lines. Most systems will beep and flash some lights in the instrument cluster, but some vehicles will go the extra mile to grab your attention by vibrating your seat. The warnings are only triggered if you start to cross over the lines without signaling, and most systems can be deactivated.

LANE KEEP ASSIST
Lane keep assist is different than lane departure warning in that it utilizes intervention. Instead of just beeping at you, the system will gently nudge the car back into its lane if it senses you are drifting into another lane that has a car in it. Some cars have more aggressive systems in which the car will steer itself into the correct lane, while some Infiniti and Mercedes models gently apply the brakes to bring you back in your lane.
chime at you when you start wandering outside those lines. Most systems will beep and flash some lights in the instrument cluster, but some vehicles will go the extra mile to grab your attention by vibrating your seat. The warnings are only triggered if you start to cross over the lines without signaling, and most systems can be deactivated.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
This safety feature is exactly what it sounds like. Using radar, sensors, lasers, and cameras, this system lets drivers know when they’re approaching an object too fast with audible and visual warnings, vibration of the seat or steering wheel, or a combination of the three. Some vehicles will even try to minimize the impact of a crash by priming the brake system’s hydraulic lines in preparation for a hard stop. The seat-belt pretensioners will even lock up to better prepare passengers for a crash. Some vehicles try to avoid an accident altogether by using automatic emergency braking in which the car gently applies the brakes to avoid a crash if it senses the driver hasn’t done so in a timely manner.

REAR CROSS-TRAFFIC ALERT
A rearview camera usually shows drivers what’s directly behind them, but rear cross-traffic alerts offer extra protection by combining the camera with radar to alert the driver of potential hazards when backing out of a spot. Some systems issue audible-only warnings, while others also issue a visible warning on the backup screen. Infiniti’s Backup Collision Intervention even depresses the brakes if the driver doesn’t do it in time to avoid a collision

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Self-driving cars won’t hit the market for a while, but cars on public roads are already demonstrating a type of autonomous driving with adaptive cruise control. This feature works just like cruise control, except it’s much smarter since it measures traffic in front of the car using radar or laser sensors. If your car starts approaching a slower-moving car, adaptive cruise control will slow it down and maintain a safe distance between both cars. If the other car moves out of the way, it will bring your car back up to speed again.

ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHTS
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found that adaptive headlights are one of the more effective safety features available on cars. That’s because they increase visibility in dark areas, with the headlights moving in the same direction the steering wheel is turned. This allows the headlights to bend around dark curves, which can make driving through dark canyons safer and much more fun. Automakers such as BMW continue to improve this feature with laser light technology, while Carnegie Mellon University has worked on “smart” headlights that virtually make rain drops disappear by predicting where raindrops will fall and then deactivating light beams that would normally bounce off drops. Active high beams could also supplement adaptive headlights, as they automatically turn on when it’s really dark and turn off when they detect lights from oncoming traffic.

AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Automatic emergency braking usually comes as part of an advanced safety suite that also features some type of collision avoidance. If the system senses a crash is imminent, it will engage the brakes and issue a loud beep or visual warning to alert the driver to intervene. The systems in certain vehicles can even bring the car to a complete stop without the help of a driver. Like rearview cameras, it’s possible this tech could start being offered as standard equipment on mass-volume cars rather than just premium cars. The IIHS found that automatic emergency braking in collision avoidance systems reduced the frequency of collisions, which explains why Nissan is offering the feature as standard equipment on all its cars in its domestic market in Japan.

ATTENTION ASSIST
It’s hard not to imagine that your car has a mind of its own, especially when it can sense that you’re falling asleep. In this case, a driver alert system will flash lights at you and sound a chime to help you remain alert. Mercedes-Benz’s system gets to know your driving style and is tipped off by steering wheel movements that suggest you’re drowsy.

15 Least-Expensive V8-Powered Vehicles

2015-08-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

Although V-8 engines aren't as prevalent as they were in the 1960s to 1980s, a number of mainstream vehicles are still available with the classic American powerplant. And not all of those are from American brands. We put together this list of the 15 least expensive V-8-powered vehicles available in the U.S. Only two models crest the $40,000 mark, and five models are available for less than $30,000. Check out the most affordable base models with a V-8 engine in our list here.

2015 Toyota Sequoia SR5 2WD - $45,320

The rear-drive 2015 Toyota Sequoia SR5 is powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 rated at 381 hp and 401 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. With three rows of seating, the Sequoia offers room for eight occupants. Standard features include cloth seats, three-zone climate control, underbody skidplates, and 18-inch alloy wheels (www.wheelertoyota.com).

2015 Dodge Durango R/T RWD - $40,790

If you want a Hemi in your SUV, the rear-drive 2015 Dodge Durango R/T is your least expensive option. The standard 5.7-liter V-8 makes 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. Standard features included HID headlights with LED daytime running lights, Beats by Dre audio system, 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, leather seating, and a lowered suspension. A Durango Limited with the optional Hemi is $95 more. The three-row Durango is also $295 less than the two-row 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x2 with the available Hemi engine.

2015 Nissan Armada SV 4x2 - $39,055

For those who want a body-on-frame SUV with V-8 power, the 2015 Nissan Armada SV 4x2 is the least expensive offering. Mated to a five-speed automatic, the 5.6-liter V-8 is rated at 317 hp and 385 lb-ft. The Armada can tow up to 8,200 pounds. Standard features include rear backup sensors, heated mirrors, an eight-way power driver's seat, a four-way passenger seat, fold-flat second and third rows, running boards, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

2015 Chrysler 300S Hemi RWD - $38,890

Now that the high-performance Chrysler 300 SRT is no more, the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is the most powerful engine offered in the premium sedan. The 2015 Chrysler 300S with the available ($3,000) Hemi is rated at 363 hp and 394 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic with Sport mode sends power to the rear wheels. The 300S model features black exterior trim in place of other models' chrome bits and rides on Hyper Black-finished 20-inch alloy wheels. Other unique pieces include new lower side sills and a small decklid spoiler.

2015 Chevrolet Camaro 1SS - $34,500

(2015 Chevy Camaro 2SS #1719 shown, www.airportchevy.com)

Powered by a 426-hp, 6.2-liter LS3 V-8, the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS (with 1LE package) won our most recent muscle car comparison (a non-1LE Camaro SS is shown here). With 420 lb-ft, the big V-8 and six-speed manual helped that car hit 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Standard features include a limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, 20-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, and a Chevrolet MyLink with a 7-inch diagonal color touchscreen. An all-new Chevrolet Camaro is expected for the 2016 model year. That car will be powered by the Corvette Stingray's 6.2-liter LT1 V-8. www.airportchevy.com

2015 Dodge Charger R/T RWD - $33,990

The 2015 Dodge Charger R/T is the least expensive V-8-powered sedan available. In the Charger R/T, the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 makes 370 hp and 395 lb-ft. That's 7 hp and 1 lb-ft more than the Chrysler 300S for nearly $5,000 less. The engine features a four-cylinder mode to save fuel. An eight-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. Standard equipment includes projector headlights and LED foglights, 20-inch by 8-inch alloy wheels, and a dual-climate zone system.

2015 Ford Mustang GT - $33,125

(#64194, 2015 Ford Mustang Coupe V6 Shown, MSRP: 38,163 www.butlerford.com)

Now in its sixth generation, the original ponycar is still one of the most affordable ways to get into a V-8 coupe. The 2015 Ford Mustang GT is powered by a 435-hp, 400-lb-ft, 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. In our testing, the new Mustang GT with the available Performance pack reached 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Standard performance features on the Mustang GT with manual include launch control and an electronic line lock. www.butlerford.com

2015 Dodge Challenger R/T - $32,490

Not only is the 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T the most affordable muscle car available, but it's also the least expensive V-8-powered car currently on sale. In the Challenger R/T, the 5.7-liter Hemi makes 375 hp and 410 lb-ft, more power than its more expensive Mopar siblings. The Challenger is also the only Hemi car with a six-speed manual transmission. An extra cost eight-speed automatic is available, though the power drops to 372 hp and 400 lb-ft with the slushbox. The Challenger R/T comes standard with 20-inch alloy wheels.

2015 Nissan Titan King Cab S Short Box 5.6L 4X2 - $30,735

Although ponycars and muscle cars are affordable ways to own a V-8, there is an often-overlooked segment that undercuts their price by a noticeable amount. The rear-drive 2015 Nissan Titan King Cab S with 6.5-foot box is the first two-wheel-drive half-ton pickup on our list and comes standard with the same 317-hp, 385 lb-ft, 5.6-liter V-8 as the Armada SUV. Standard features include air-conditioning, 18-inch steel wheels, a removable tailgate, and four-wheel disc brakes (a higher trim is shown here).

2015 Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo Regular Wheelbase WT RWD - $30,550

Another overlooked segment is the full-size van. In this category, cargo models undercut passenger models by a significant amount. The 2015 Express 2500 Cargo Regular Wheelbase WT RWD is powered by a 4.8-liter V-8 rated 285 hp and 295 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. A less creepy passenger version starts at $33,185, and the mechanically identical GMC Savana Cargo and Savana Passenger start at $30,550 and $33,185, respectively. www.airportchevy.com

2015 Toyota Tundra SR Regular Cab 8-Foot Bed 5.7L 2WD - $29,460

(#066706 Access Cab Shown, MSRP: $24,935 www.wheelertoyota.com)

A two-wheel-drive 2015 Toyota Tundra SR Regular Cab pickup with the 8.1-foot bed and 5.7-liter V-8 is the most affordable configuration (a Double Cab model is shown). Mated to a six-speed automatic, the 5.7-liter V-8 is rated 381 hp and 401 lb-ft. Those needing more interior space and less power can opt for a Tundra SR Double Cab with the 6.5-foot bed and 4.7-liter V-8 for $29,610. The 4.7-liter is rated 310 hp and 327 lb-ft. www.wheelertoyota.com

2015 Nissan NV 2500 Cargo Van - $29,435

If cargo vans are your thing but the Chevrolet Express is down on style and power, then Nissan has your answer. The 2015 Nissan NV2500 Cargo Van with a 5.6-liter V-8 rated 317 hp and 385 lb-ft undercuts the Express by just over $1,000. A five-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. The NV has enough space inside to haul two 40-by-48-inch pallets in tandem, standard 8-by-4-foot sheets of drywall, 10-foot pipes, and plenty more. An NV Passenger Van with room for up to 12 occupants starts at $35,005.

2015 Ford F-150 XL Regular Cab 6.5-Foot Box 5.0L 4x2 - $28,590

(SuperCab Shown. Stk: 54326 $53,990 www.butlerford.com)

With the Ford F-Series being the best-selling vehicle in the U.S., it's no surprise it's also one of the three least expensive vehicles available with a V-8 engine. The available 5.0-liter V-8 in the 2015 Ford F-150 XL Regular Cab with a 6.5-foot box is rated 385 hp and 387 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. Although the base F-150 undercuts the Mustang GT in price, it rides on 17-inch steel wheels and makes do without modern conveniences such as power windows, locks, and mirrors (an F-150 with more equipment is shown here). Those options plus many others are available at an extra cost. www.butlerford.com

2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT Regular Cab Short Box 5.3L 4x2 - $28,560

Bow Tie fans can get their hands on a V-8 powered Silverado 1500 for $30 less than a Ford F-150 5.0. The rear-drive 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT Regular Cab with 6.5-foot box is available with a 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 rated at 355 hp and 383 lb-ft (a Rally Edition model is shown here). A six-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. Like the F-150, the base Silverado features 17-inch steel wheels and manual windows and mirrors. The Silverado WT does, however, come with power locks and a rear-step bumper standard. www.airportchevy.com

2015 Ram 1500 Tradesman Regular Cab Short Box 5.7L 4x2 - $25,915

The 2015 Ram 1500 Tradesman Regular Cab Short Box 4x2 with the available 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is the least expensive V-8-powered vehicle available in the U.S. With 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, the Ram 1500 Hemi is not only the most affordable vehicle available with a V-8; it is also the most powerful truck engine here (the 1500 Tradesman Regular Cab is shown here in EcoDiesel form). In fact, only the Camaro's larger 6.2-liter V-8 makes more horsepower and torque than the Ram 1500's Hemi (+31 hp, +10 lb-ft). The Mustang's 5.0-liter engine makes 40 hp more but 10 lb-ft less. Although a six-speed auto sends power to the rear wheels in the most affordable variant, an eight-speed auto is available for $2,340. At $28,255, the Ram 1500 Hemi with eight-speed auto undercuts the second-place Chevrolet Silverado by $305.

WHAT TO DO If you find a Pet LOCKED in a Locked Car on a HOT SUMMER DAY!

2015-06-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

Leaving pets locked in cars is never safe. But when the weather gets warmer, it can be deadly. High temperatures can cause irreparable organ damage and even death.

While our first inclination may be to break a window to save a dog, Lora Dunn, Staff Attorney at the Criminal Justice Program of the Animal Legal Defense Fund explains: Breaking into a vehicle as a private citizen may not only put you in physical danger, but can also expose you to legal liability: Animals are property in every jurisdiction, so taking an animal from another’s vehicle could trigger theft, burglary, trespass to property, and/or conversion of property charges, among others.

HOW TO HELP A PET LEFT IN A HOT CAR

•Take down the car’s make, model and license-plate number.

•If there are businesses nearby, notify their managers or security guards and ask them to make an announcement to find the car’s owner.

•If the owner can’t be found, call the non-emergency number of the local police or animal control and wait by the car for them to arrive.

•If the authorities are unresponsive or too slow and the dog’s life appears to be in imminent danger, find a witness (or several) who will back up your assessment, take steps to remove the suffering animal from the car, and then wait for authorities to arrive.

•Watch for heatstroke symptoms such as restlessness, excessive thirst, thick saliva, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, rapid heartbeat, fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and lack of coordination. If a dog shows any of these symptoms, get him or her out of the heat, preferably into an air-conditioned vehicle, and then to a veterinarian immediately. If you are unable to transport the dog yourself, take him or her into an air-conditioned building if possible and call animal control: Tell them it is an emergency.
•Provide water to drink, and if possible spray the dog with a garden hose or immerse him or her in a tub of cool (but not iced) water for up to two minutes in order to lower the body temperature gradually. You can also place the dog in front of an electric fan. Applying cool, wet towels to the groin area, stomach, chest, and paws can also help. Be careful not to use ice or cold water, and don’t overcool the animal.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

•Get informed: Learn your town’s laws about leaving pets in hot cars.

•Be ready to call for help: Gather essential telephone numbers and have them on hand. You’ll want to have your local animal control agency’s number and the police department’s non-emergency number so you can quickly report the situation. Keep these numbers in your purse, your car’s glove compartment or programmed into your phone.

•Spread the word: Distribute The Humane Society of the United States hot car flyer, which spells out the dangers of leaving pets in parked cars. Order flyers on animalsheltering.org. Y
•Get involved: Ask local store managers, shopping malls, restaurants and other businesses to post signs asking customers not to leave their pets in their cars while shopping or dining.

•Speak up: If your town doesn’t have a law prohibiting leaving pets in parked cars, contact your local representatives or attend a town hall meeting to start lobbying for one.

COOL OUTSIDE DOESN’T MEAN COOL IN THE CAR

It doesn’t have to be that warm outside for a car to become dangerously hot inside. Here are some facts:

•When it’s 72 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the temperature inside your car can heat up to 116 degrees Fahrenheit within an hour.

•When it’s 80 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the temperature inside your car can heat up to 99 degrees Fahrenheit within 10 minutes.

•Rolling down the windows has been shown to have little effect on the temperature inside a car.

~humanesociety.org, peta.org,
animalrights.about.com

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It’s HOT Out There! Some warnings and ways to protect your dog under our Summer Sun!

2015-06-10T07:59:00.002-07:00

We’ve probably all seen it. We get out of our car in a store parking lot, and somebody has left his dog in the car with the windows rolled up.

Every year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles. We’ve heard the excuses: “Oh, it will just be a few minutes while I go into the store,” or “But I cracked the windows...” These excuses don’t amount to much if your pet becomes seriously ill or dies from being left in a vehicle.

The temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20º F in just 10 minutes. In 20 minutes, it can rise almost 30º F...and the longer you wait, the higher it goes. At 60 minutes, the temperature in your vehicle can be more than 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. Even on a 70-degree day, that’s 110 degrees inside your vehicle!

Your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet at risk of serious illness and even death, even on a day that doesn’t seem hot to you. And cracking the windows makes no difference.

Want numbers? An independent study showed that the interior temperature of vehicles parked in outside temperatures ranging from 72 to 96º F rose steadily as time increased.

This study also found that cracking the windows had very little effect on the temperature rise inside the vehicle. This is definitely a situation where “love ‘em and leave ‘em” is a good thing. Please leave your pets at home at home when you can...they’ll be safe and happily waiting for you to come home

**Estimated Vehicle Interior Air Temperature v. Elapsed Time**
Elapsed time	Outside Air Temperature (F)
Elapsed time	70	75	80	85	90	95
0 minutes	70	75	80	85	90	95
10 minutes	89	94	99	104	109	114
20 minutes	99	104	109	114	119	124
30 minutes	104	109	114	119	124	129
40 minutes	108	113	118	123	128	133
50 minutes	111	116	121	126	131	136
60 minutes	113	118	123	128	133	138
> 1 hour	115	120	125	130	135	140

Courtesy Jan Null, CCM; Department of Geosciences, San Francisco State University

....but wait, there’s more!

The risks associated with pets in vehicles don’t end with heatstroke. Just as you should always wear your seatbelt to protect you in case of a collision, your pet should always be properly restrained while in the vehicle. That means a secure harness or a carrier.

A loose, small pet could crawl down in the footwell, interfering with use of the brake or accelerator pedal. A small pet sitting in your lap could be injured or killed by the airbag or could be crushed between your body and the airbag in a collision, and a large pet leaning across your lap can interfere with your view of the road and can be injured by the air bag in a collision. Unrestrained pets could be thrown out or through windows or windshields in a collision. And not only could your pet be injured in the collision, but it might also increase your risk of collision by distracting you and taking your attention away from where it should be – on the road.

Most of us smile when we see a dog’s face happily hanging out a window, digging the ride and the smells wafting on the breeze, but this is a very risky venture for the dog for three reasons. One, it means your dog isn’t properly restrained – and we’ve already told you why that’s so important. Two, your dog is at high risk of eye, ear, face and mouth injury from airborne objects when it’s got its face hanging out the window. Three, letting your dog hang any part of its body out of the window increases the risk that (s)he could be thrown out of the vehicle during a collision, lose its balance and fall out of the open window during an abrupt turn or maneuver, or jump out of the vehicle to threaten another dog or a person.

And let’s not forget the severe dangers of driving with your dog in the bed of a pickup truck. Dogs can fall or jump from the truck bed and be injured or killed on impact, or be struck by other traffic. And just as letting your dog hang its head out of the window puts it at risk of injury from debris, a dog in a truck bed is even more exposed to airborne hazards. Using a appropriate-length tether may reduce the risk that your dog will exit the truck bed, but the tether could tangle, injure, or even choke your dog. If you must transport your dog in the bed of a pickup truck, use a secured and appropriately sized and ventilated dog kennel.

Before you put your pet in the vehicle, ask yourself if you really need to take your pet with you – and if the answer is no, leave your pet safely at home. If you must take your pet with you, make sure (s)he is properly restrained so the trip is as safe as possible for both of you.
Log onto www.facebook.com/Auto.Emporium.Magazine for our summer pet information

How To Travel the Farthest on a Single Charge!!!

2015-04-01T17:04:00.006-07:00

Electric vehicles have been around for a while, but many drivers continue to stay away from them because of range anxiety. Some models, however, are clearly better than others. Electric vehicles on the market today come with an estimated range starting as low as 62 miles on the Mitsubishi i-MIEV and exceeding more than 250 miles on some Tesla models. Here are the electric vehicles available today with the highest EPA-rated range.

The BMW i3 BEV, starting at around $43,000, isn’t cheap, but this urban hatch but will take you a reasonable distance on a single charge. Drivers can plug the i3 into a standard 240-volt outlet to recharge the battery in just 3.5 hours. According to the EPA, the model also has the best fuel economy of any new car on the market at 124 mpg-e in combined city and highway driving. Look for plenty of sustainable materials inside the cabin, including recycled plastics, responsibly forested eucalyptus, and plant fibers covering the instrument panel and door trim.

The Chevrolet Spark EV was only available in California and Oregon before this year, but now the tiny hatch is rolling out at dealerships in Maryland. Standard features on this model include height-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless ignition and entry, heated front seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, and 10 airbags. For 2015, General Motors made the car quicker with some tweaking to the drivetrain.

The 2015 e-Golf is Volkswagen’s first all-electric car to be sold in the U.S. Although at just over $36,000 it’s not the cheapest EV on the market, it comes with plenty of standard features, including full navigation, push-button start, heated front seats, leatherette upholstery, parking sensors, and back-up camera. Because the battery pack is located below the trunk on the e-Golf, cargo capacity doesn’t suffer.

The Leaf is the world’s best-selling electric car. Now priced at less than $30,000 before federal tax credits, the Nissan Leaf is one of the more affordable options on the market, and even the base model offers heated front and rear seats and a rearview camera. We expect a second-generation model to feature a battery with increased energy density so drivers can travel much farther on a single charge.

The B-Class comes with a Tesla-sourced battery inside, but it feels like a Mercedes in every other way. It shares much of its front-drive architecture with the A-, CLA-, and GLA-Class models but offers the most accommodating interior with room for plenty of gear. The cabin is nice and quiet so as not to mar the driving experience. Leather seats, a wood dashboard, and other surfaces embody luxury, and unique shift paddles on the steering wheel allow drivers to control the amount of regenerative braking produced at a given moment.

The Fiat 500e differs in many ways from the rest of the 500 lineup. Its torque-happy electric motor makes it particularly nimble and responsive, and it also offers a stiffer suspension to accommodate for its extra weight. The model starts at a little more than $32,000 before tax credits.

2015 Kia Soul Ev Front Three Quarter View 43 Given its unusual styling, the Kia Soul EV might not look like a serious EV. But once you drive this hatch, there’s no doubting its ability to hold a steady range. It’s surprisingly quick both in the city and on the highway, and drivers will feel comfortable thanks to the car’s low motor whine and comfortable interior.

As the base trim in the Model S lineup, the 60 version (with a 60-kW-hr battery) offers plenty of range for long-distance driving. But even the base model costs a pretty penny at more than $71,000 before incentives. Standard features include heated power front seats with lumbar, Wi-Fi connectivity, Internet radio, vinyl upholstery, and a 17-inch touchscreen.

The P85D, the most powerful car in the Model S lineup, features an upgraded 691-hp dual-motor system that takes just 3.2 seconds to zip to 60 mph. But even though the P85D is the top-of-the-line version, it doesn’t take the cake in terms of range. Prices for this upgraded model start more than $104,000.

Instead of a standard 60-kW-hr battery, buyers can upgrade to the 85-kW-hr model that offers increased range and a higher top speed than the base model. But fuel economy decreases slightly at 88/90 mpge city/highway. Supercharging capability becomes standard on this model, allowing drivers to replenish half the car’s charge in just 20 minutes.

Just like the P85D, the regular 85D features all-wheel drive and an additional motor. Along with its incredible range, this model also features top-of-the-charts fuel economy at 95/106 mpge city/highway. The annual cost to power the vehicle is estimated at just $600, or $4,750 less than a typical new vehicle on the market today.

In just the next few years, a number of new players will make the EV game more interesting. General Motors is bringing out the Chevrolet Bolt electric small car, which promises a range of about 200 miles on one charge. Reports say Nissan is looking to double its range on the next-generation of the Leaf hatchback. Meanwhile, Audi is boasting a 280-mile range for its upcoming R8 E-Tron supercar.

Top 10 Cars from 2015 That Could Become Future Collectibles

2015-03-26T08:37:00.003-07:00

When it comes to assessing future automotive classics, experts usually focus on used cars that are well over 10 years old, but what about brand new models? Here’s where Hagerty steps in, with its annual list of vehicles that stand out as likely being collectible within the next 25 years. To qualify for the “Hagerty Hot List”, a car has to be made during the 2015 model year and have an MSRP of under $100,000, with Hagerty’s collector experts giving a special preference to newly released vehicles over ones that appeared in previous lists - whenever possible. The only model that reappears in this year’s Top 10 is the Alfa Romeo 4C. Obviously, this list is for cars sold in the US market. “We hear a lot of chatter about how cars made today are boring,” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty. “The cars that made this list prove there are still cars to be excited about. They are true drivers’ cars that are definitely enjoyable now, but each one that made the list has that special something that will make it a collectible in the years to come.”

Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition
$69,685

“ Alfa Romeo returns to America after a twenty year absence with a junior supercar that boasts an impressive 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds, and a carbon fiber chassis. It oozes Italianness from every single carbon fiber making it perhaps the hottest car on a very hot Hot List.”

BMW M4 Convertible

$73,450

“The M3 and M5 have been the go-to cars for BMW Motorsports junkies since the late 1980s. The M4 offers those fans the silky torque of a twin turbo, inline-six engine, but, perhaps more importantly, it’s the only M-car, other than the pricey M6, that can be had as a convertible.”

Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
$75,000

“The ultimate road course ready Camaro. Boasting a weight loss of 300 pounds and the LS7 V8 with 505 horsepower and 481 pound feet of torque, Chevrolet let the engineers out to play and they created a monster. Anyone who isn’t aware that we’re living in a new golden age of automotive performance has been clogging up the left lane for too long.”

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

$78,995

“Bang for your buck is an understatement for the supercharged Z06, which may well be the all-time performance for the dollar champion. The Corvette has now entered supercar territory at a fraction of the price of the competition from Germany and Italy. “

Dodge Challenger Hellcat
$58,295

“It feels like the 1960s again. The Cold War is back and so are the muscle car horsepower wars and Dodge just exercised the nuclear option with this beast. Limited production and 707 horsepower means that the Hellcat earns its moniker. Clearly the Challenger Hellcat is here to turn fuel into noise and rubber into dust and little else. “

Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack

$37,125

“Although the 50th anniversary edition will be produced in far less numbers, we at Hagerty think the GT performance package is the true driver’s car. Ford had a tough job following up the 2005-14 Mustang but they’ve done it very well (better perhaps than in 1967 when the Mustang was re-designed for the first time). Here’s to another fifty years.”

Mazda MX-5 Miata 25th Anniv.
$33,000

“The popularity of Japanese collector cars is on the rise and the Miata has established itself as the quintessential modern roadster. With this special edition also the last of its generation, it is already sealed as a collectible with only 100 models making the trip to North America.”

MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop

$24,950

“New for 2015, the 2 door hardtop John Cooper Works MINI is the most powerful MINI ever produced. The performance specs are impressive, but what will have collectors drooling in the future is the attention paid to the MINI’s design concept.”

Subaru WRX STI Launch Edition
$38,190

“With a stiffer body, advanced suspension and a turbocharged Boxer four cylinder the STI is quite literally a factory built rally car that you can drive off the showroom floor. The smile inducing acceleration is simply intoxicating, and the very limited release Launch Edition will be loved by collectors and rally fans for years to come.”

Volkswagen Golf R

$36,595

“4Motion” all-wheel drive, 292 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph make the all new VW Golf the most powerful VW hatchback to date. With a 2.0L turbocharged inline 4 this VW is bound to excite collectors now and in the future. It’s the Golf that GTI fan boys and girls have been begging VW to build.”

2016 Chevy Malibu Will Come With Teen Driver Monitoring System

2015-03-23T11:07:00.003-07:00

So the next generation of Chevrolet Malibu, which is due to debut at the New York Auto Show, in April, will feature a teen driver monitoring system. This will allow parents to set various parameters and keep track of their kids’ driving habits.

Since the new Malibu will come equipped with the latest pieces of active safety tech, it will be able to provide detailed information: how many times the autonomous braking intervened, or was about to and even the number of stability control interventions.

The car can also be set to automatically mute the radio until seatbelts are fastened and provide a visual and audible warning when exceeding a certain speed.

It’s been deemed necessary to have such a system because statistics say teen drivers are three times more likely to die in a car crash than those in their 20s. Chevrolet hopes that with this system in place, parents will be able to more accurately gauge their children’s safety level and their driving skill – it promises to offer more peace of mind.

Apple CarPlay To Be On 40 New Cars This Year From 'Every Major Automaker'

2015-03-09T15:39:00.003-07:00

If you're shopping for a new car this year, you're about to have plenty of choice if Apple CarPlay is on your must-have list of features.

At Apple's big event Monday, CEO Tim Cook said the CarPlay infotainment system would be available on 40 models from "every major" automaker by the end of the year. So far, this includes the 2016 Volvo XC90 and various models from VW, Audi, Hyundai, Honda and even Ferrari.

A notable omission is Toyota, which said last month it has reportedly not committed to supporting either CarPlay or Google's Android Auto. Both are systems that present smartphone-like interfaces onto the central screen in cars to make it easier to control functions your phone would, like navigation, search, calls and messaging.

Cook's statements come roughly a year after the system was first announced and the first automakers started partnering up with Apple. There are already aftermarket systems form Alpine and Pioneer, for example, that come with CarPlay. Expect to hear of more automakers backing either CarPlay or Android Auto or both in the near future.

Great News for Black 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Fans

2015-02-21T09:20:00.002-08:00

If you like your 2015 Silverado black, and you don't like the Z71 configuration, Chevrolet now offers an optional Black Out package just for you.

The package includes 20in black painted aluminum wheels with 275/55 all-season tires, tinted glass and black bow-tie logos. The price for this extra punch of black is set at $1,595 and is available immediately for regular- and double-cab Silverado 1500WT models. Prices start at $28,895.

Chevrolet is keen to offer more customization options than ever before for its popular truck and who can blame them? The Silverado looks so cool in black so, yeah, let them do it.

Did we mention that the only color available is black?

Iveco is Working on Your Next Post-Apocalyptic Escape 4x4 Truck

2015-02-11T16:34:00.002-08:00

Interested in a mighty off-road utilitarian vehicle? Of course you are, according to Iveco.

Forget about Raptors, Land Cruisers, Defenders and other publicly known hardcore off-roaders. If you want your off-road experience to reach stratospheric levels of excitement and don’t have a fortune lying around for a G63 AMG 6x6, then chances are that your options would include only one vehicle, the mighty Unimog.

Apparently, Iveco wants to change that, judging from the latest spy photos we got our hands on. It looks like the Italian company is testing a 4WD, jacked-up version of its Daily van in cold weather conditions. Iveco is known for its trusted workhorses in Europe and apparently wants to add one more, super cool variation in Daily’s numerous versions.

With its really small overhangs and huge ground clearance, this Iveco looks like a serious tool for everything: from exploring the arctic landscape to transferring precious cargo after the road stops to surviving a future zombie apocalypse.

So what do you think? Is Iveco on to something we might have missed?

New Tailor-Made Ferrari F12berlinetta Pays Tribute to 250 GTO

2015-01-23T08:42:00.000-08:00

At the 2015 Dream Cars Show in Brussels, Ferrari presented a bespoke version of the F12berlinetta made through its Tailor Made personalization program.

The V12-powered car pays homage to the Ecurie Francorchamps racing team and more specifically, the 250 GTO in which Lucien Bianchi and Georges Berger won the 1964 Tour de France.

On the outside, it gets an Argento Auteil silver body paint with a Modena yellow stripe running across the bonnet.

Ferrari's designers gave the F12berlinetta a vintage look in the interior through the use of tobacco Soul leather seat upholstery, triangular-pattern metal plates on the floor mimicking the classic race cars of the past, and body-colored silver trim with yellow stripes on the dash and doors .

Additionally, Ferrari says the headliner and side panels are dressed in Mycro Prestige, described as "a soft, light, water-repellent and breathable fabric", while the boot trim and available floor mats in SuperFabric, "a tough, super-grippy bulletproof material featuring a 3D design".

10 Mobile Apps for Drivers to Get the Most Out of Their Vehicles Read more: http://wallstcheatsheet.com/automobiles/10-must-have-car-apps-for-connected-drivers.html/?a=viewall#ixzz3KknBE7x6

2014-12-02T07:21:00.004-08:00

Whether or not the Taxi and Limousine Commission, local police departments, and overpriced mechanics love them, mobile car apps are already a fixture of our lives. The usefulness of a mapping app is where the conversation begins, but there is no telling what the future will bring when it comes to new apps for drivers or passengers.
What’s certain is that consumers are winning with the car apps that have hit the market. From the ability to receive bids on repair services to the cross-referencing and price checks you can manage when standing on a car dealer’s lot, many of the the murky aspects of car transactions have been brought out into the light. A consumer’s chances of being hoodwinked plummet accordingly. It’s also a lot easier to get around, avoid traffic, and find gas at the cheapest rates in town.
Here are 10 mobile car apps that qualify as must-haves for drivers and in most cases passengers along for the ride.

Dash

Not everyone sports gas-saving habits behind the wheel. Some of us sprint and stop, idle for extended periods to keep the AC going, or sprint toward (or past) the high end of the speed limit. These habits cut down on fuel economy and cost drivers considerable amounts of cash over the course of a year. The Dash app (or “Fitbit for Cars”) aims to reel in those gas-guzzling habits while offering tips on the “check engine” light
and other issues that arise on the road.
Of course, you could just kick back with the owner’s manual to figure out why a check engine light has appeared. Everyone loves that process. The same goes for reading up on instructions for saving fuel. Dash closed both circles with a simple mobile solution.

Cars.com

There are so many vehicles available for purchase, and almost as many places to buy them. Apps like the one made by Cars.com allow you to harness the endless amounts of buying and selling information by searching within a price range, seller zip code, condition, make, and model year. Many websites offer this service, but the Cars.com mobile app allows you to get it done while you are standing in the vicinity of a car dealer, or on the lot itself. It works on iOS or Android phones, though the Android version has garnered better reviews over the years.

Openbay

Maybe you didn’t like the last mechanic who fixed your car, or maybe the price sounded a little high. The Openbay app (iOS only) allows you to type in the problem and get quotes from garages in the area. An obvious advantage comes from the ability to compare prices without shops telling you the repair is impossible on your budget or time frame; another quality feature is the fact that you can authorize only a certain amount on your card so that a garage cannot jack up the price unexpectedly. Android users can access this service through the mobile site; an option that runs on both operating systems is Repairpal, though that only provides estimates for repairs and is exclusively a directory service and therefore does not accept payments.

GasBuddy

Nothing could be more straightforward or useful. You are in a strange part of town and have no idea where to get gas. The pump you just passed seems high by any estimate; just off the main drag is the cheapest gas in town. Clicking on your GasBuddy app (Android, iOS, Windows) delivers a rundown of the local prices and gets you the best deal. It’s the type of service mobile Internet was meant to deliver. Frequent contributors who report and post gas prices earn rewards using the app, but everyone saves money with GasBuddy.

Waze

Waze is one of the best multitasking car apps available. Windows, Android, and iOS systems can work with Waze, which has the ability to report on cheap gas prices, help you navigate to your destination, and even work in social functions via connections to your Facebook friends. A unique feature of Waze are the real-time reports users post on traffic, accidents, and other disturbances along the route to your destination. If you had to have one app to get you to an unknown destination, Waze might be the call to make.

Fuelly

Though there is a mobile app available, Fuelly is a web app that allows drivers to track their fuel consumption using algorithms that can calculate a rough average fuel economy based on inputs like price per gallon, number of gallons, and number of miles since the driver’s last fill-up. Taking into account the size of the gasoline tank (the user plugs in the make and model of vehicle before getting started, the app will allow drivers to track how much money they’ve put in their tank, how many total miles they’ve driven, and how many fill-ups the driver has logged. The app is handy and all, but the real magic happens on the website to which the app directly interacts with.

Trapster

Somewhere between five and 10 million downloads for the Android app alone tell the story of Trapster’s must-have status. Using this app, you can receive alerts that help you avoid traffic and tickets created by speed traps. Of course, speed traps may double as DUI checkpoints on any given night. This feature has drawn criticism as being an enabler for drinkers who want a warning as they approach a costly ticket and jail time. Advocates of the app say it helps remind people of law enforcement’s presence, reminding drivers of the need to proceed with caution.

PlugShare

How does an electric vehicle driver find a place for a charge during a long day of running the Tesla or Leaf? PlugShare has the nearest charging station listed, whether a Supercharger or CHAdeMO station is on your radar. This app comes in handy if you are going out to eat with a low battery or are parking on an appointment. The extra charge could eliminate the inconvenience and any range anxiety you happened to have on the day in question. PlugShare works for iPhones or Android devices and gets some of the highest user ratings you can find for an app in either operating system.

Zipcar

You need a four-wheel-drive SUV for the weekend but you drive a Ford Focus. You live downtown, where daily parking is expensive at best and impossible at worst. Enter Zipcar, the car-sharing service that allows you to rent vehicles by the hour or by the day. There are a la carte options or fixed-price memberships available if your driving habits are fairly regular, but drivers and people who don’t own a car should keep this app in the dock.
This company (and the app that mobile users access) will see more competition in the future. Rental agencies like Hertz and Enterprise already have versions of car sharing, but Zipcar is the easiest to use on the scene to date from a user standpoint. The one drawback to Zipcar is that you have to return the vehicle to the same location. Rental car companies still have the edge on that front with their much larger infrastructure.

Google Maps

The all-encompassing Google Maps mobile app is about as good as it gets in multitasking car service. Door-to-door navigation is always simple, even with estimates for walking from the parking lot around the corner included. While on the road, you get clear directions with two-mile warnings, followed by half-mile warnings and immediate alerts.
What is exceptional about Google Maps is its ability to harness the information from various apps in one. You will find reports from Waze users warning of issues along your route, tips on how to find cheaper gas in the vicinity, recommendations on restaurants, and any other use the search engine can deliver. The map can get busy to look at on the road, but eye contact with a phone on the road is a bad idea, anyway.

Lexus Reportedly Gives up on Drop-Top, Focuses on 3-Row SUV

2014-11-25T09:04:00.001-08:00

Apparently Lexus needs a three-row SUV more than it needs a convertible version of the RC. The latter was originally intended to go into production and look a lot like the LF-C2 concept, but now it seems they’ve had an internal revolt and are using the next LS platform to underpin a Mercedes GL rival.

This means it will be very far removed from the Toyota Land Cruiser-based GX (pictured), though it could take its name if that model is discontinued by 2018 – that’s when this new SUV is expected to hit the market. Being based on a rwd platform will make it much more similar to its German rivals, and therefor draw in prospective owners from the same buyer base.

MotorTrend reports that the move was not supported by the entire staff, stating that “some inside Lexus are furious over the decision.”

That’s supposedly partly due to the fact that the RC was originally conceived to be topless as well – one of the reasons it’s heavier than its direct rival, the BMW 4-Series. It uses the strengthened center section from the IS convertible and should retain rigidity without its roof.

Ferrari Boss Wants Three Formula 1 Races in the United States

2014-11-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

In the week preceding last Sunday’s US Grand Prix at Austin, Texas, there was a lot of speculation going on. In particular, that three teams, namely Lotus, Sauber and Force India, were pulling out of the race as a means of protesting over the high costs involved and the way revenues are spread between Formula 1 teams.

Eventually they participated in the race, which was won by current points’ leader Lewis Hamilton. The issue of the big teams getting most of the income generated by the F1 circus compared to the smaller ones still stands, though, especially after Marussia and Caterham went into administration prior to the US GP.

In spite of that, ESPN reports that Ferrari boss Marco Mattiacci wants an extra race in the States. If this gets the green light by the FIA and the rest of the teams, this would make for three events held in the US since, apart from Austin, New Jersey will be added to the calendar from 2016.

“I want an extra race. I want three races in the United States”, said Mattiacci. “That’s my proposal, because the American market is fundamental to generate revenues, to attract sponsors. When you have more revenues definitely you can talk about having more teams on board.”

The Ferrari F1 team boss believes that Formula 1’s penetration in the US market is very low, considering the amount of money that could be generated, so that’s why he’s pushing for a third race. While it is true that American motorsports fans are more interested in NASCAR and Indycars, following Mattiacci’s proposal would significantly increase costs for the, already struggling, smaller teams.

There is also a precedent: in 1982 the US was the first country to ever host three GPs in one season in Detroit, Las Vegas and Long Beach. With the current calendar being stretched to 20 races per year and a lot of countries vying to get a race, it remains to be seen whether Mattiacci and Ferrari will get their way or not.

By Andrew Tsaousis

Ford Details 725HP Gold-Obsessed Galpin Auto Sports Mustang

2014-10-24T10:21:00.003-07:00

Ford has released additional details about the customized Mustang built by Galpin Auto Sports for SEMA to celebrate Ford Mustang’s 50th birthday.

The golden anniversary car features a restyled front fascia to match the three streaks found in the factory headlights, but the latter are replaced by new headlights with integrated LED turn signals and turn on in sequence. The car also features carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels, as well as a more aggressive rear diffuser.

The exterior is finished in paint that may appear black, but a closer look reveals that it is filled with gold metallic flakes. The 20-inch wheels, side sills, brake calipers and badging are also finished in gold. Inside, everything that is normally chrome or metallic has either been blacked-out or given the gold treatment. The Recaro seats are covered with a fabric finished in black and gold, and the headliner is black microsuede.

Under the hood, a gold powder-coated Whipple supercharger helps the 5.0-liter V8 develop 725 horsepower. Suspension components from Steeda and an all-new exhaust from Magnaflow complete the mechanical upgrades.

“We like the black and gold idea, and really wanted to get the color as close to 24-carat gold as possible,” Brandon Boeckmann, GAS operations manager, explained the gold theme.

Ford said the spotlight at the 2014 SEMA will be on the all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, which has “much more potential for performance,” according to the automaker. Several tuners will unveil high-powered versions of the new turbo four-cylinder which produces 310 hp and 320 lb-ft (434 Nm) of torque in standard form.

Heck Yeah We Want a Mazda MX-5 / Miata Coupe!

2014-09-19T08:38:00.001-07:00

The Mazda MX-5/Miata is the quintessential light British roadster, but that’s not to say it would not be equally good (or better) as a hardtop. We’re not talking about those fiberglass tops that bolt onto the car or a folding hardtop, but an actual one-piece coupe bodyshell from the manufacturer.

According to Automotive News, Mazda has a staggering number of updates planned for essentially its entire range in the coming years. The company's strategy often amounts to a one-two punch with some updates coming one year and more following the next. It's an interesting tactic that should keep the brand in the headlines with all of the changes.

In terms of the Miata, that tactic means going on sale sometime next summer as an all-new ragtop model that returns to its roots with a similar size and weight as the original (Autoblog sources indicate that there will be a substantial weight drop versus today's NC Miata, but we don't expect a return to NA or even necessarily NB featheriness). A 2.0-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder and six-speed manual should provide a decent jump in performance, too.

The vaguer news arises about a year later,when the publication's sources say Mazda will bring out a MX-5 coupe with a fastback design. This isn't to be confused with a power folding retractable hardtop option (PRHT) – the runaway success of the folding lid on the current generation means we expect a similar unit to be available when the new generation first goes on sale. Despite the PRHT's availability, some buyers are still yearning for a proper fixed-head coupe bodystyle, and apparently Mazda may be listening. With the death of the RX-8, Mazda doesn't have a hard top sports car in its lineup, and this would seem to be an easy way to get one.

In similar style, the Mazda6 and CX-5 are also getting back-to-back updates. Both are rumored to get revised interiors in 2015, plus slight visual updates to the outside of the crossover. Then, more changes for them both will come the following year, says Automotive News.

Even bigger changes may be in the works for the Mazda3, which is still new on the market. AN says the 3 will get an exterior refresh in the second half of 2016 to coincide with a new generation of the Mazdaspeed3. That hot hatch is speculated to use a 2.5-liter turbocharged Skyactiv engine packing over 300 horsepower and possibly even all-wheel drive for the first time.

The nearly here next-gen Mazda2 will arrive later this year, but a performance-oriented model with a modified 1.5-liter Skyactiv powerplant is expected, too. AN says the model will feature a less-restrictive intake and exhaust among its changes.

Finally, AN says that the Mazda5 minivan will be axed in 2015, and the as-yet-unconfirmed CX-3 subcompact crossover will bow next June as a 2016 model. That model had previously been rumored to not be a US offering.

These changes certainly sound like they are coming very quickly, but keep in mind the brand is on an engineer hiring binge. All of those people have to be working on something, right?

PlayStation: 2015 Nissan GT-R NISMO for GT6 Plus Video of Mercedes-AMG GT on DriveClub

2014-09-11T14:23:00.001-07:00

PlaySation uses take note: Nissan has just announced the availability of the new GT-R NISMO on Gran Turismo 6, while Mercedes released a video of its AMG GT on the upcoming racing title DriveClub.

The GT-R NISMO that has a 592hp (600PS) 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6
engine in real life is available as a paid Downloadable Content (DLC) or
for free for anyone who entered the GT Academy 2014 competition.

The creator of Gran Turismo, Kazunori Yamauchi, said: "The GT-R NISMO is
an incredible car, and I am thrilled that Nissan is able to not only
offer it to drivers across the globe, but now also to gamers in the
virtual world of Gran Turismo6".

Moving on to Benz, the German carmaker is giving us a taste of the new AMG GT in action on the PS4 DRIVECLUB game that will become available in Europe from 8 October 2014, with the two-door model offered for free in the first week of launch.

NASCAR Releases New Rules For Drivers Getting Out Of Cars

2014-08-15T08:41:00.001-07:00

In response to the sprint car crash that ended with NASCAR driver Tony Stewart running over and killing 20-year-old Kevin Ward Jr., NASCAR has some new rules for drivers: Basically, stay in your car.

Here's the whole release explaining the new rules:

My first reaction to the whole accident was how terribly horrible that it happened in the first place but then, surely there must be procedure in place which states drivers are not to exit their car in less than dire circumstances. Apparently there were not but now there are.

Dodge Charger Pursuit Puts on New Clothes for 2015

2014-08-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

Since the Charger has received a substantial refresh for the 2015 model year, it was about time that Dodge applied the makeover to the Charger Pursuit as well.

The police vehicle features an all-new exterior styling for 2015 similar to the “civilian” version, as well as a refreshed driver-focused cockpit and police-duty upgrades.

Dodge says the Charger Pursuit V8 and V8 AWD models deliver best-in-class output (370 hp) and best-in-class acceleration performance, with the 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) sprint taking less than 6 seconds. The Charger Pursuit is also offered with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 292 hp and featuring E-85 flex-fuel capability. The latter returns up to 26 mpg (9 l/100 km) highway.

Besides the police-specific exterior features, the design is not different from the standard Charger. However, the interior is described as a “mobile command center”, with the 2015 Charger Pursuit featuring a new vehicle systems interface module for easy equipment integration, police-duty front seats with unique bolstering to accommodate officers’ belt-mounted gear, as well as column-mounted shifter with Auto Stick to free up space for center-console mounted controls.

Improvements over the 2014 model include a new Dodge steering wheel with re-mappable auxiliary buttons programmed to operate aftermarket police equipment, larger 14.5in (368mm) front and 13.8in (350mm) rear pursuit-rated brake package, additional front suspension bushing durability improvement for RWD models, uniquely designed fascia brake cooling ducts, LEDs in front headlamp assembly and an improved Vehicle System Integration Model, among other things.

Worldwide gasoline demand going to drop after 2021

2014-08-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

Even as electric vehicles gain in popularity, we're told again and again that internal combustion engines aren't going away. While that may be true, it would still be nice to kick our addiction to gasoline. Pollution, international turmoil and energy insecurity are getting a bit tiresome. It's good news, then that Navigant Research is predicting a decline in the amount of gasoline we use.

In a report titled "Transportation Forecast: Global Fuel Consumption," Navigant Research concludes that gasoline consumption will begin to decline after 2021, and will decrease by four percent worldwide between 2014 and 2035. While it might not be time to break out the champagne yet, the forecast is promising. And it's not just a fluke or natural, cyclical event, either. This is the result of conscious effort by actual humans who are concerned about the effect gasoline use has on the Earth and its inhabitants.

"The anticipated effects of climate change are driving international cooperation on mitigation efforts," says Navigant Research analyst Scot Shepard, "including reducing oil consumption in the transportation sector. Markets for both vehicles and fuels have gradually begun to respond to these efforts, and alternative fuels - including electricity, natural gas, and biodiesel - are beginning to have an impact on global oil demand." Okay, maybe just a little champagne.

Navigant credits electric vehicles to a small extent for the eventual decline in gas use, as well as development of biofuels and the like. The group says, though, that the main factors are improvements in cars and the internal combustion engines they use, which lead to better fuel economy. Check out the press release from Navigant Research, below, or see more at the group's website.

Worldwide Gasoline Consumption Will Fall by 4 Percent from 2014 to 2035
August 4, 2014

Gasoline consumption will start to decline after 2021, report concludes

The costs of dependence on oil for transportation, which affects energy security, environmental security, and economic stability, have become increasingly clear to governments around the world. As a result, a number of policies aimed at reducing oil consumption have been initiated in many countries, including subsidizing alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles, biofuels mandates, and higher fuel economy requirements for new vehicles. According to a new report from Navigant Research, gasoline consumption for road transportation will continue to rise through 2021, reaching 367.3 billion gallons a year, but then start to fall thereafter, declining to 348.1 billion gallons a year in 2035.

"The anticipated effects of climate change are driving international cooperation on mitigation efforts, including reducing oil consumption in the transportation sector," says Scott Shepard, research analyst with Navigant Research. "Markets for both vehicles and fuels have gradually begun to respond to these efforts, and alternative fuels ‑ including electricity, natural gas, and biodiesel ‑ are beginning to have an impact on global oil demand."

While the market for electric vehicles is growing at a healthy pace, according to the report, the most impactful fuel savings strategy is likely to come from fuel efficiency improvements in the conventional vehicle platform and the internal combustion engine (ICE). To meet the increased fuel economy requirements for new vehicles, automakers have made major investments in engine downsizing, reducing vehicle weights, and vehicle electrification.

The report, "Transportation Forecast: Global Fuel Consumption", analyzes the global road transportation fuels market by alternative fuel and vehicle segment (light duty vehicles and medium and heavy duty vehicles). Analysis and data are provided for the following fuels: gasoline, diesel, ethanol, biodiesel, drop-in biofuels, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, electricity, and hydrogen. Global market forecasts for energy, oil, and fuel consumption, segmented by country and vehicle segment, extend through 2035. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

John Beltz Snyder RSS feed Google+
Posted Aug 6th 2014 7:58PM

Nissan Promises "Iconic" Design to Make Up for Cube’s Termination

2014-08-04T09:01:00.001-07:00

With the demise of the Cube and Murano CrossCabriolet, Nissan’s lineup suddenly lacks eccentric models, perhaps with the exception of the Juke crossover.

But that will change in the future, as Nissan pledges to add an iconic design to keep its lineup quirky.

Nissan’s chief planning officer Andy Palmer says the brand needs a head-turner to capitalize on its innovative image. That role has been played by the boxy Cube compact since 2009, with Nissan launching another controversial design in 2011, the Murano CrossCabriolet, which was a convertible version of the Murano crossover.

Both these models have been dropped from Nissan’s 2015 lineup in the United States, but Nissan promises another offering that will generate just as much buzz.

“To be clear, we will morph this space in our portfolio into something iconic. The space is held to make sure we have something iconic,” Palmer told Autonews. However, the executive didn’t offer additional details about what the company is preparing.

Still, if we look at Nissan’s recent concept cars we may find an answer. The wedge-shaped BladeGlider would no doubt be the most striking as a production car but it won’t be easy for Nissan to build it as DeltaWing Technologies, the company which first used the unusual design, is pursuing legal action against Nissan. Furthermore, DeltaWing has already hinted at a production car, which will no doubt make it hard for Nissan to bring the BladeGlider to market.

Another Nissan concept that may be produced is the IDx, a Datsun 510-inspired sporty coupe concept. However, according to recent report the IDx would be too expensive for Nissan to build on its own, which is why it may be delayed or even cancelled.

Skyrocketing Aircooled 911's - Get Them While They're Still Cheap!!!

2014-07-25T15:57:00.001-07:00

Porsche’s now-iconic 911 will be one of the star models at a variety of auctions unfolding during Pebble Beach’s annual Concours d’Elegance week.

“These cars have been undervalued for decades,” says Bruce Canepa, an ex-Porsche racer whose eponymous restoration and sales shop in Scotts Valley, Calif., traffics heavily in pristine air-cooled Porsches. “Even a few years back, you’d show up with a 911 race car at auctions and things might take a bit to heat up. But now it’s Katie-bar-the door time.”

Canepa has a few explanations for the uptick in 911 values, which extend even to the latest air-cooled iteration of the model, the 1995-1998 993. “Many of them were driven hard and used up, so now if you see one that has modest miles, it’s worth quite a bit,” he says, noting that rarer models such as 993 Turbos, early ‘90s RS Americas and now-legendary late ‘60s 911S are particularly sought after by collectors.

“I recently sold an RS America for $145,000,” says Canepa, astonishment seeping into his voice. No kidding, considering that the same car could have been snapped up a decade back for considerably less than half that amount. “What’s the appeal? Well, Ferraris still live on another planet. But I like to say that 911s are still the best driving real sports cars on the planet.”

Longtime Porsche magazine editor and enthusiast Pete Stout recently declared himself “astonished” at the creep in 911 prices, pointing out not just how early 911s - which leaped to life out of Porsche’s groundbreaking 356 in 1964 - with the right pedigree have gone up tenfold in value in recent years, but specifically how a 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 fetched $1.4 million at Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island auction this year.

“Are these 911s worth more than a million dollars?” Stout wrote in his editor’s note in the May issue of Panorama, the magazine of the Porsche Club of America. “Is this the sign of a bubble about to burst? While the early 911 market feels like a bubble to me, it has felt like one for years. Yet prices keep climbing.”

Stout goes on to say that he is “shocked by 911 and 964 Speedsters priced at $200,000, (and) clean 930 Turbos selling for $35,000 to $50,000 a year or two ago are moving toward and exceeding six figures.”

Keith Martin, longtime publisher of Portland, Ore.-based Sports Car Market newsletter, counsels collectors with a yen and wallet for an early air-cooled car to “skip the early S model, and look for a 911 (E or T) from 1969 to 1973, which will be half the price (of a $200,000 S) but offer 95% of the driving pleasure.”

Looking for one locally? Check Out www.carreramedford.com to see their selection!

The 10 Best-Selling Cars of June 2014

2014-07-08T08:41:00.001-07:00

June was a pleasant surprise for the new car industry, with momentum from the past few months unexpectedly continuing into early summer.

Overall sales rose by about 1% to 1,421,963 units, even though many forecasts had called for a slight volume dip because of the two fewer selling days than last June.

Even better, the Seasonally Adjusted Annualized Sales rate soared to 17 million units, far higher than June 2013’s 15.8 million clip. So far this year, industry sales are up four percent; if that pace continues, annual sales could top 16 million for the first time since 2007.

As has been the case earlier in the year, trucks, SUVs and crossover accounted for much of the growth, while car models declined moderately. Analysts also reported that many automakers have been careful to closely align production with demand, resulting in just a small incentive spending increase for the month.

10. Honda CR-V - 26,129
In general, crossovers are on fire this year, but the Honda CR-V was the only CUV to nab a spot on the bests-sellers list.

The first of three Honda products to place in the top 10 in June, the CR-V saw a volume decline of 1.7%. Sales of the utility are still up 6.1% to 154,692 units for the year to date, putting it just less than 2,000 units ahead of the Ford Escape.

9. Ford Focus - 26,266
Buyers drove 26,266 Ford Focus sedans and hatchbacks off dealer lots in June, letting the model edge out the Chevrolet Cruze by 258 units for third place among compacts.

The Focus' June sales represented growth of 13.5%, a much happier result for the Blue Oval than the Fiesta's 31.1% slide for the month. It'll be interesting to see how the impending launch of the facelifted 2015 model affects Focus sales in the coming months.

8. Ford Fusion - 27,604
The Fusion matched its Focus siblings' 13.5% volume increase in June, giving the midsize sedan its best-ever sales performance for the month.

The western United States continued to be an area of strength for the Fusion, with deliveries surging 24.0% in the region.

The Fusion's platform-mate, the Lincoln MKZ, had a rougher time of it, as sales dropped 6.0% to 2,990 units.

7. Toyota Corolla/Matrix - 30,945
For the first time this year, the Toyota Corolla wasn't the best-selling compact car. It saw an impressive 17% sales increase in June, but that still put it in second place in its segment - 1,356 units behind the leader - and seventh place overall.

On the other hand, the Corolla has sold 174, 354 examples for the year to date, making it the most popular compact for the first half of 2014.

6. Honda Civic - 32,301
The Civic rode an 8.7% volume increase to the top of the compact sales charts last month.

Gasoline-powered models were the source of the upswing, as the Civic Hybrid plunged 21.8% to just 410 units. And unfortunately for Honda, that was the best any of its hybrids did in June, as the Insight moved 333 units and the CR-Z found 302 takers.

5. Honda Accord - 32,329
The Accord stumbled out of the gate early this year, but a June uptick of 2.1% has helped the midsizer claw back to essentially the same year-to-date volume it achieved at this point in 2013.

Sales of the Accord Hybrid totaled 1,128 units, but just 28 examples of the plug-in hybrid variant managed to find new homes.

4. Ram Pickup - 33,149
Ram's pickup enjoyed its best June in 10 years, while also achieving its 50^th straight month of increased sales.

Heavy Duty models let the way with the a 34.0% increase, while Light Duty trucks rose 4.0%; overall volume was up 12%. Unfortunately, Ram doesn't break down light duty sales into gasoline and diesel variants - we'd be curious to know how the 1500 EcoDiesel, the first oil-burning light-duty pickup in decades, is faring.

3. Toyota Camry - 40,664
America's best selling car had yet another strong month, with Camry sales climbing 13% to top 40,000 units for the second month in a row.

A facelifted 2015 model with sleeker styling and a retuned suspension will arrive this fall, and should keep help to keep Camry sales up for the near future.

2. Chevrolet Silverado - 43,519
Now back in its usual second place slot after getting bumped by the Camry last month, the Silverado saw a modest 0.6% increase to 43,519.

For the year so far, the Silverado - which has light- and heavy-duty variants that are both in their first model year of a redesign - has seen volume descend by 0.8%.

1. Ford F-Series - 60,560
The Ford F-Series was the top selling model line in June, but you already knew that, right?

The perennially best-selling pickup range did suffer a 11% drop-off as demand begins to cool ahead of the launch of the redesigned, aluminum-intensive 2015 F-150. Even so, F-Series is only down 0.5% for the year to date, with 365,825 sales to its credit.
Read more at http://www.leftlanenews.com/slideshows/in-pictures-the-10-best-selling-cars-of-june-2014.html#OYOkqh1wJ4HZqQM3.99

Rise of the Planet of the SUVs: A Brief Review of Modern Automotive History

2014-06-27T19:23:00.001-07:00

Whether we are discussing trucks, SUVs, CUVs, or
crossovers, high-riding hatchbacks have become very popular in the
automotive landscape. This has elicited the wrath of enthusiasts. While
SUV-exclusive brands like Jeep and Land Rover traditionally enjoyed some
measure of enthusiast support, the rush of all automakers to bolster
SUV lineups has tested petrolheads.

The
skepticism and outright hatred of gearheads toward this phenomenon has
done nothing to curb the tastes of average car-shoppers. Since 1990,
when sales of the Ford Explorer exploded (as did a few tires),
middle-class families have thought SUVs were sexier than minivans or
wagons. Because why get a short box if you can get a tall box?

SUVs
were perfect for ‘Murican consumers. They represented freedom,
versatility, and power. They got larger by the year, until Ford
discovered the Excursion party bus was marginally excessive. And who can forget the Hummer H1 and H2—which had the classy distinction of glamorizing militarism in a way not seen since the Rambo Lambo?

But
surprising things happened along the way. The first was that
oh-so-sophisticated German luxury brands entered the CUV fray. After the
Japanese Lexus RX
led the way, the ML, X5, and Cayenne came in quick succession. It could
be argued the brands were simply staying relevant with the times, but
this shift was the clearest signal yet that these companies placed money
above heritage.

Enthusiasts
were—and still are—taken aback by what they considered the transparency
and sheer greed of these makes. Never before in their histories had
Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche so sidestepped their traditions to
pursue higher profits. Producing these SUVs threw down the gauntlet,
ushered in a new era of unprecedented growth, and revolutionized long-established concepts of automotive luxury.

In the years since, something else became clear—SUVs are not an American fascination. They are a global fascination. The People’s Republic of China marched on as the Provisional Republic of Capitalism. Putin’s Russian Federation placed an emphasis on growth instead of…you know, democratic self-determination. The Gulf States escalated extraction exports to meet rising demand. The winners of these economies increasingly embraced utility vehicles.

And just like the Berlin Wall, the European customer’s skepticism of CUVs crumbled. We may have the elegant Escalade, but the employed Euros have Qashqais, Capturs, and the 2008—which happens to be on sale in 2014. Peugeot may want to consider changing the name, because it sounds super outdated.

This latest trend—SUVs in the Old World—is as clear a sign as any that customers just really
like these things. So are the warnings, or estimates, by analysts and
futurists and future analysts that SUVs will comprise 3,000 percent of
all new vehicle sales starting next Tuesday.

This
is all to say that while SUVs may be trendy, they are not a fad. Their
fundamental properties—rugged styling, ground clearance, AWD
availability, and elevated seating positions—have proven desirable to
customers the world over in a way never before seen. Even if fickle
Western shoppers embraced a new sexy segment, there is no indication
that drivers on Chinese, Russian, or Indian poor roads would follow
suit. Wherever they are sold, whether they are Ladas or Landies, SUVs
will continue to be built in the millions for decades to come. And that
is something all enthusiasts must contend with. By Nico Grant