In honor of SVT’s anniversary, a commemorative lighted sill plate will be used in the 2013 Shelby GT500 to celebrate the many years of performance vehicles. The 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra offered a 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, which demonstrates just how far the products have come in 20 years. The 2013 Shelby GT500 with its 650-horsepower V8 marks the latest offering from one of the oldest and most successful automotive performance groups in the world.

“The Shelby GT500 convertible is every bit the performer that the coupe is,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT Global Performance Vehicles chief engineer. “All of the significant changes we made in the program were instrumental in delivering a convertible that could really shine on the track but can still be driven on a daily basis.”

The 2013 Shelby GT500 convertible with the optional Performance Package is faster around a track than the outgoing model. The new convertible shaved nearly 3.5 seconds off its lap time at Sebring International Raceway compared to the 2011 and 2012 models.

Keys to the improved lap times are the power boost from the new 5.8-liter supercharged V8 producing 650 horsepower, as well as the SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers available on the Performance Package and the all-new chassis tuning.

Accessed on the dash with a simple push of a button, normal mode gives customers a more comfortable ride over road irregularities. Sport mode is all about performance, delivering improved response time on the track and less body roll while cornering with reduced pitch under braking. The upgraded dampers allowed SVT engineers to tune the convertible more aggressively for the track, while still being able to maintain desirable on-road manners.

A new Brembo brake system also is a key enabler in boosting the performance of the convertible. The new brakes offer drivers enhanced stopping power to help keep their car under control, while new six-piston calipers in front along with larger front and rear rotors further improve braking performance. More aggressive brake pads also help the car achieve high deceleration and further robustness for more driver confidence.

Similar to the coupe, the convertible will be offered with a Performance Package that also can be upgraded to a Track Package, complete with an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability.

20 years of high-performance innovation
Each of the more than 210,000 SVT vehicles produced since 1993 has been designed and developed with the four SVT attributes in mind: Performance, Substance, Exclusivity and Value. These hallmarks still guide the brand’s vehicle development today.

“In the past 20 years, SVT has engineered world-class mid-engine supercars, front-wheel-drive performance cars, rear-wheel-drive muscle cars and high-performance on-road and off-road pickup trucks,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief engineer. “There is no other performance house in the world that can match that diverse resume.”

Since 1993 more than seven different SVT vehicles have been produced, including several versions of the Cobra and Shelby GT500, the F-150 Lightning performance pickup and F-150 SVT Raptor, the SVT Contour sports sedan, plus both three- and five-door versions of the SVT Focus. Special SVT Mustang Cobra R models were made in 1993, 1995 and 2000.

SVT has joined with Team RS in Europe to form the Performance Vehicles Group to devise a strategy for all future global performance Ford cars. The resulting Focus ST is Ford’s first truly global performance car, giving drivers around the world the opportunity to share the exhilarating performance, excellent handling, addictive sound and sporty design Ford’s ST badge represents. The Ford Fiesta ST Concept also signals the next step in Ford’s global performance vehicle strategy and hints at how a future Fiesta ST model might look when it joins the Focus ST in the global small car portfolio.

2013 Ford Shelby GT500
The ultimate Ford Mustang – Shelby GT500 – raises the bar high on performance by delivering 650 horsepower and a track-tested top speed of more than 200 mph. The 5.8-liter supercharged V8 aluminum-block engine produces 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful production V8 in the world.

Nearly every part of the powertrain has been optimized for producing the additional horsepower, including a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a new carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle.

And nearly every gear on the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 has been revised to manage the torque and use more of the power in a way that makes it more driver-friendly.

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 will be built at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

The limited-run model features a black-only Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) – the first time a non-body-colored hard top is available in North America – as well as other exclusivities such as two new exterior colors, new 17-inch black gunmetal alloy wheels, black exterior accents, black heated leather seats and piano black interior finishes.

The MX-5 Miata is the world’s best-selling two-seat roadster with more than 900,000 produced, and made its global debut at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989.  The MX-5 Special Edition continues the sports car’s history of being a dynamically-engineered, enthusiast-approved roadster whose price doesn’t discriminate and whose luxuries are not stripped.

Available with either the six-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter or six-speed Sport automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, the Special Edition model is based off the Grand Touring model.  Both Premium and Suspension packages will be standard on the MX-5 Special Edition and include features such as a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, Bilstein shocks and a sport-tuned suspension.

Also on display at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show will be:

• Turbo2 – Unveiled at the SEMA Show held in Las Vegas this past November, this concept is the brainchild of The Autobarn, which owns two Mazda dealerships in the Greater Chicago area.  Here, a “Zoom-Zoom Concentrated” Mazda2 is outfitted with an extra-strength component in the form of a MAZDASPEED3 MZR 2.3-liter Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) turbo engine. Consider the Turbo2 a subcompact cat that doesn’t purr – it growls.
• Dempsey Racing No. 40 GRAND-AM Road Racing Race Car – Most recently seen Zoom-Zoom-ing across the SPEED Channel’s live coverage of the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 at Daytona last month, the No. 40 car – piloted by Patrick Dempsey, Joe Foster, Charles Espenlaub, Tom Long and Charlie Putman – made its third consecutive Top 10 finish in the annual 24-hour race, besting competitors in a 46-car field which included BMW, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford and Porsche.
• 1990 Miata – A first-generation Mazda Miata, which made its debut in Chicago in 1989.  This vehicle has 3,688 original miles and is the 15th Miata off the line.
• Star Mazda Championship Open-Wheel Race Car – The Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear is a major part of the Mazda Road to Indy.  Rising motorsports stars from around the world compete for prizes valued at $1.5 million, including a scholarship to move up and compete in the 2013 Firestone Indy Lights series.

With popular vehicles such as the U.S.-built Optima midsize sedan and Soul urban passenger vehicle, which led January sales with 8,814 and 8,091 units sold, Kia continues to be one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S.

“Following a year of impressive milestones and historic firsts, including the completion of the most aggressive new product launch cycle in the industry with nine vehicles in less than three years and the $100 million expansion of Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), Kia is well positioned for future growth as we further our efforts to increase brand visibility and awareness,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG.  ”With several high-profile marketing initiatives on the horizon and the arrival of fuel efficient products such as the Rio 5-door and sedan that offer class-leading horsepower and deliver up to 40 miles per gallon[3], Kia will continue to attract new customers to our showrooms by offering high-quality cars and CUVs with world-class design, cutting edge technologies and fun-to-drive performance.”

Kia’s Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the one of the world’s fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling.  Kia Motors America’s full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand.

In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[4] and the industry’s highest brand loyalty ranking.

Kia’s U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company’s two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan.  Kia’s value- and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

“The Pentastar engine is a cornerstone of Chrysler Group’s effort to reinvent its business model with world class quality products. This award-winning engine is proof that the Company is transforming its products to meet the needs of our customers,” said Brian Harlow, Vice President, Head of Powertrain Manufacturing, Chrysler Group LLC. “To build one million of anything, and in an impressively short amount of time, is a significant achievement. But to do it with such a high degree of quality is a testament to our skilled and dedicated workforce at both Trenton South and Saltillo engine plants.”

The 60-degree, V-6 engine, the most advanced six-cylinder ever produced by Chrysler, is now available in 11 vehicles across the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep lineup and available in front-, rear-, and all-wheel-drive configurations. Depending on the vehicle, engines are tuned for specific applications with horsepower ranging from 283 on front-wheel-drive models and up to 305 horsepower on the sporty Dodge Challenger. The all-aluminum engine is standard or available on the Chrysler, 200, 300 and Town and Country; Dodge Avenger, Challenger, Charger, Durango, Journey and Caravan.

For 2012, the 3.6-liter engine also is standard with Jeep Wrangler and provides 285 horsepower – an increase of 40 percent over last year’s model. Torque is up 10 percent to 260 lb. ft. and highway fuel efficiency is improved to 21 miles per gallon (mpg) on the 2012 model.

Engineered to meet a variety of requirements, the Pentastar V-6 engine also is the exclusive engine used with the new eight-speed automatic transmission on the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 models. The new engine and transmission combination deliver 31 mpg on the highway.

Just recently, the Pentastar V-6 repeated as one of the “10 Best Engines” following evaluation and testing by editors of Ward’s Automotive magazine.

Despite the impressive gains in power, the engine is designed to run on regular 87 octane gasoline. It also is capable of running on alternate fuels including E85.

Designed for the future
Since its introduction, the new engine has replaced six legacy V-6 engines ranging from 2.7-liter up to 4.0-liters in the Chrysler Group LLC product portfolio. Overall, the new Pentastar has enabled Chrysler’s Powertrain organization to reduce major engine components from 189 parts to just 32, greatly simplifying the build process and improving quality.

Some parts, including exhaust manifolds, have completely disappeared by virtue of being cast directly into the cylinder head. Previously, 32 different exhaust manifolds were used on a variety of V-6 engines. Upper- and lower- intake assemblies, which accounted for 21 and 11 different part numbers (respectively), have been reduced to two upper and two lower assemblies.

Camshaft variations have dropped from 14 to four and just two fuel-rail assemblies are now required rather than the previous 14.

Weight reductions are equally impressive. Fully dressed, the new Pentastar V-6 is 94 pounds lighter than the 3.7-liter engine it replaced on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Similarly, while larger in displacement, the Pentastar is 42 pounds lighter than the 3.5-liter it replaced in the Chrysler 300.

The engine also is extremely efficient with advanced emission technology.

The V-6 requires no Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) which helps reduce the mass and complexity of the engine. The engine meets Federal Tier 2 BIN 5 emission requirements and Ultra-low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) standards, and was designed to meet all known future worldwide standards including LEV III and PZEV Californian standards. For export, the engine is capable of meeting Euro6 emission standards.

In addition to Trenton South, the Pentastar V-6 also is produced in Saltillo, Mexico.

More than 1,300 workers are employed at the two engine assembly plants with two shifts at each location. The Trenton Engine Plant, one of Chrysler group’s most modern plants, was the first engine manufacturing facility to receive the U.S. Green Building Council LEED Gold Certificate for environmental excellence in building design.

As part of its overall effort to make vehicles more sustainable, Ford is making the material inside the door – known as the bolster – in part from kenaf.

Kenaf is a tropical plant that looks similar to bamboo and is related to cotton. The plant replaces oil-based materials inside the doors of the all-new Ford Escape.

The use of kenaf is anticipated to offset 300,000 pounds of oil-based resin per year in North America; use of this eco-friendly material reduces the weight of the door bolsters by 25 percent. Weight savings translate into fuel savings for drivers.

“Kenaf and the other renewable materials in the Escape have made the vehicle more environmentally friendly and fuel efficient,” said Laura Sinclair, materials engineer for Escape.

Kenaf oil is used in cosmetics and kenaf fiber is used as an alternative to wood in the production of paper. The upper leaves and shoots of the plant are edible.

The kenaf is combined with polypropylene in a 50-50 mixture inside the door of the Escape. International Automotive Components (IAC) manufactures the door bolsters in Greencastle, Ind.

Kenaf part of a greener Escape

The new Escape, which will be available to customers this spring, features several eco-friendly components in addition to the kenaf inside the doors.

Materials that are recycled, renewable, and that reduce impact on the environment include soy foam in the seats and head restraints; plastic bottles and other post-consumer and post-industrial materials in the carpeting; climate control gaskets made from recycled tires; and more than 10 pounds of scrap cotton from the making of denim jeans.

Wide use of more environmentally friendly, recycled and recyclable materials complements the projected best-in-class fuel economy of the all-new Ford Escape, further boosting the vehicle’s environmentally responsible credentials. The new Escape meets the USCAR Vehicle Recycling Partnership goal that 85 percent of the vehicle is recyclable.

“More than 80 percent of mobile car shoppers carry a smart phone, and that number is growing every year,” said Sharon Knitter, Cars.com Senior Director Mobile and New Car Strategies.  “Adding more functionality and value to our mobile apps is one more way to help car shoppers be more confident car buyers.”

Cars.com app users will find a ‘Free Carfax Report’ link on the vehicle details page for cars listed by Carfax-subscribing dealers. With a single screen tap, vital information such as ownership history, mileage readings, service details and more is instantly viewable.

“Getting a Carfax Report is a crucial step in the used car buying process,” said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. “Carfax and Cars.com are meeting the demands of car buyers who prefer to shop using the Cars.com mobile app and need Carfax information right here, right now.”

Cars.com is one of the leaders in providing online shoppers with access to Carfax information for vehicle listings. Last year, Cars.com included access to Carfax Reports from its mobile website. Cars.com has automatically linked Carfax Reports purchased by dealers to its main website listings since 2005.

Since launching in 2009, Beat the Traffic for mobile has become one of the most popular apps in history with over 1.8 million downloads. It is consistently among the top 10 traffic apps in the iPhone App Store and steadily averages 4.5 stars in user reviews. In addition to positive reviews on NBC’s Today Show and in The Wall Street Journal Online, Fox News Tapped-In, O’Reilly’s “Best iPad Apps,” Lifehacker and others, Beat the Traffic has also garnered multiple nominations as the best mobile traffic tool on the market.

“Macworld is always a fun and exciting event – but this year, it’s a special opportunity for us to thank our fans face-to-face for their amazing support,” said Andre Gueziec, CEO of Beat the Traffic. “Our development team is looking forward to meeting current and new Beat the Traffic users, answering all their questions and letting them ‘test drive’ our most powerful Beat the Traffic app yet.”

Available for free for the iPhone and iPad, Beat the Traffic lets travelers instantly view real-time traffic conditions – including accidents, traffic congestion and roadwork delays – and adjust their travel plans if necessary, saving time, fuel and frustration. Recently updated with new interactive maps and additional surface street details, Beat the Traffic also lets motorists retrieve travel times and live camera views. Even more tools, such as personalized traffic reports and saved routes, are available for a small subscription fee.

Also on display at Macworld | iWorld will be Drivee, Beat the Traffic’s new mobile app for the iPhone that provides motorists with real-time feedback on their fuel usage as well as the environment impact of their driving habits, which they can share on Facebook or Twitter. Developed in conjunction with leading academics in the field of sustainable transportation, Drivee is available at no cost on iTunes and on the iPhone App Store.

At Macworld | iWorld, Beat the Traffic’s solutions will be on display at Booth 818

“Of all the small trucks we tested, the Tacoma was the clear winner in this Shootout,” said Mark Williams, PickupTrucks.com editor. “A strong bang-for-your buck value, combined with refinements to the ride quality and interior cabin helped the Tacoma trump the other competitors by a pretty good margin. The Toyota Tacoma just continues to get better and better.”

Experts from PickupTrucks.com and USA TODAY put these midsize trucks through 10 tests that included a four-wheel drive capability challenge to gauge vehicle suspension and off-road driving confidence; acceleration and braking at maximum cargo capacity to determine each truck’s cargo-carrying abilities; and an extremely diverse 203-mile drive to analyze fuel economy and on-road driving comfort. Maximum load capacity, horsepower and overall value were also calculated and scored.

The Nissan Frontier finished a relatively close second with a top three finish in most tests. “The Frontier was our all-around backup utility player, earning solid points in just about every challenge we could throw at it. It had plenty of grunt to pull and haul when called upon, yet enough comfort to allow you to relax,” Williams said.

Other competitors in the 2012 Midsize Shootout included the Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Chevrolet Colorado, Suzuki Equator and the Honda Ridgeline.

Buying a new car is certainly stressful, but being armed with AAA’s new Auto Buying Tools app can make the process a lot easier.  Available on the Apple iPhone, AAA’s new Auto Buying Tools app gives consumers the ability to modify car details in real-time and refresh pricing data on the show room floor.

“This tool will give consumers the confidence and information they need to make an educated decision when buying a car,” says Marshall L. Doney, AAA National Vice President, Automotive, Financial Services and e-Business. “AAA wants to insure its members are prepared and knowledgeable about available member benefits when making such an important decision.”

With AAA’s Auto Buying Tools app, prospective buyers can build the car they want, including options and available incentives, while viewing market pricing, crash safety ratings, AAA reviews, images and much more.

Key features of the AAA Auto Buying Tools App:

• Search new cars by make/model, style and list price (MSRP)
• Build your ideal car, down to color and trim
• Features, specs, and crash safety ratings
• AAA vehicle reviews and car buying services*
• VIN number entry for quick, exact specifications
• Save searches and cars to favorites
• Share car details on Facebook, Twitter or email
• Compare two customized vehicles

* AAA Member Pricing and Reviews not available for some models or in certain areas.

AAA’s Auto Buying Tools app is the fifth from AAA and is available for free from the iTunes App Store.  Please visit AAA.com/mobile for further details.  The other AAA apps include:

• AAA Insurance app provides AAA’s recommended steps on what to do immediately after a traffic collision and helps you gather important information about the crash needed to submit an insurance claim.
• AAA TripTik Mobile is a GPS-based app with maps showing gas station locations and pricing along with points of interest, such as AAA-rated hotels, restaurants and attractions, near a user’s location or any user-specified location.
• AAA Discounts app, with more than a million downloads, also uses GPS technology to display nearby AAA Show Your Card & Save locations.
• AAA Roadside enables AAA members who require emergency road service to send their vehicle description, location and breakdown details directly to AAA.

Devices such as smartphones with mobile applications are valuable tools before a vehicle is in motion; however, they greatly increase motorist distractions when used while driving.  Distracted driving can have deadly consequences.  AAA urges motorists to minimize distractions behind the wheel by not using wireless devices, such as cell phones with mobile applications, while driving.

The awards cover 23 automotive categories, including cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans.  Each category has a single winner. The awards, and the Best Cars website, are published by U.S. News & World Report, which has a long history of helping Americans make the best choices when it comes to higher education, hospitals and more. More than 20 million people have visited U.S. News Best Cars in the past year alone.

“You don’t have to choose between a great car and a great value,” said Jamie Page Deaton, Managing Editor of U.S. News Best Cars. “The award-winning vehicles are both easy to live with and easy to afford. With twelve brands winning at least one award, it’s clear that a wide range of automakers are in tune with Americans’ desire for a solid value,” continued Page Deaton. “Additionally, 14 of the winners have been introduced or significantly redesigned in the last three years, demonstrating that newer models can offer good long-term value. And with the freshest technology and styling, they’re more fun to own.”

METHODOLOGY

The Best Cars for the Money Awards are geared towards helping everyday car buyers navigate a confusing new car market. The awards methodology combines quality and value data into a composite score. Within each of 23 categories, the vehicle with the highest score is named the Best Car for the Money in that category. Quality is measured by the overall score a vehicle receives in the U.S. News car rankings. The rankings, updated monthly at http://www.usnews.com/cars, compare cars on the basis of safety, reliability and a consensus of industry experts’ opinions. Value is measured by a combination of a vehicle’s five-year total cost of ownership and the average price paid for the vehicle at the time the awards are published, as calculated by TrueCar.com.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2012 AWARDS

• The diversity of the award winners illustrates that no single car company has a “lock” on value.  Overall, domestic brands edged out imports 13 to 10 with award-winning vehicles.
• Ford took home the most awards. Five of its models were selected as winners: Ford Taurus, Ford Fusion, Ford Fiesta, Ford Edge and Ford Fusion Hybrid.
• For 2012, three brands emerged as winners for the first time: Subaru for its Outback, Audi for its Q5, and Jeep for its Wrangler.
• 14 of the winners were introduced or significantly redesigned in the past three years, showing that newer models can offer good value while also providing the latest features that consumers want.