Full-Size SUVs Bet on Fuel Saving Tech

It used to be that large SUVs were all about capability. They were the vehicles buyers chose because they needed V8 power, beefy towing abilities and room for up to nine people. Times have changed. Upcoming large SUVs are focusing on getting better fuel economy.

Ahead of the Dallas-Fort Worth auto show, Ford announced that the refreshed 2015 Ford Expedition will eschew the old model’s V8 engine in favor of one of the company’s EcoBoost V6 engines. According to Ford, “The new EcoBoost engine dramatically changes the driving characteristics of Expedition. Compared with the 5.4-liter V8, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost gives drivers not just better fuel economy, but more power and torque on demand at very low engine speeds.”
The powertrain changes on the redesigned 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe, a direct competitor to the Expedition, aren’t as dramatic. Still, Chevrolet says that the Tahoe’s V8 engine has been modified to squeeze out as many MPGs as possible. “A more-efficient, direct-injected EcoTec3 powertrain coupled with improved aerodynamics help offer greater estimated highway fuel economy based on GM testing while preserving overall performance and capability. Official EPA estimates are not yet available.

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Software, Electronic Glitches Cause Toyota Recall of Almost 1 Million U.S. Vehicles

Toyota is voluntarily recalling about 960,000 vehicles in the U.S. for software and electronic circuit issues. The Toyota Prius, RAV4 and Tacoma, as well as the Lexus RX 350, are part of the safety recall.
About 700,000 Toyota Prius hybrids from the 2010 to 2014 model years will receive a software update to fix a malfunction where the car can go into a failsafe mode. Multiple warning lights will go off before the vehicle goes into the failsafe mode, though. Toyota says in a statement, “In rare circumstances, the hybrid system might shut down while the vehicle is being driven, resulting in the loss of power and the vehicle coming to a stop.”
Toyota will also update software on some 2012 RAV4 SUVs, 2012 and 2013 Tacoma trucks and 2012 and 2013 Lexus RX 350 SUVs to repair an issue with an electric circuit that it says can cause safety systems including the anti-lock braking system, traction control and vehicle stability control systems to “intermittently turn off.” Toyota notes that this electronic circuit problem does not affect the vehicles’ braking ability. About 260,000 models are part of this software update.
Two weeks ago, Toyota issued a stop sale of vehicles equipped with heated seats, including the 2013 and 2014 Corolla, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry and Camry Hybrid. Toyota said that “the seat heater, which is a small portion of the soft materials of the seat assembly,” doesn’t meet a federal stipulation “requiring materials to retard flame at a specified rate.”

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2015 Subaru Legacy Loses Manual Transmission, Gains MPG

The 2015 Subaru Legacy made its debut at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show yesterday. Subaru says that the redesigned Legacy retains its standard all-wheel drive, is more fuel-efficient and spacious, and features a host of new and updated technology features.
The 2015 Legacy's base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. A 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine is optional, which is rated at 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The Legacy comes standard with a continuously variable transmission, as Subaru has dropped the six-speed manual that is standard on the 2014 model.

2015 Subaru Legacy (Subaru of America, Inc.)

Subaru says that the 2015 Legacy gets better fuel economy than the outgoing model, at up to 26/36 mpg city/highway, though this estimate has yet to be confirmed by the EPA. By comparison, the 2014 model earns up to an EPA-estimated 24/32 mpg city/highway. The improved efficiency helps bring the Legacy's fuel economy closer to that of midsize cars like the Mazda6, Nissan Altima and Honda Accord, all of which earn an EPA fuel economy estimate of at least 36 mpg highway.
The Legacy gets updated styling, and Autoblog says the overall look is "bordering on boring at first glance." Still, the publication adds that the Legacy's updated grille "lends a little upscale panache over the current car's simple, rectangular front end."
The 2014 Legacy’s cabin is slightly larger than the outgoing model’s, and Subaru claims the Legacy has the most passenger space among midsize cars. There is also a revised dashboard and door panels, which Kicking Tires writes has a clean design and is built with more soft-touch materials than are in the outgoing model.

Standard features include a new infotainment system with a 6.2-inch touch screen, Bluetooth and a backup camera. A navigation system, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo and a 7-inch touch screen infotainment system with text messaging capability, satellite radio and two USB ports are optional. Subaru's EyeSight driver assistance system is also available, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and pre-collision braking. There is also an available rear radar safety system, which provides blind spot detection, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert.
The 2015 Subaru Legacy will hit dealerships this summer, but pricing has yet to be announced, For reference, the 2014 model starts at $20,295.

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2015 Lincoln Navigator Gets Facelift, EcoBoost Engine

Lincoln announced yesterday that the Navigator is getting refreshed interior and exterior styling, as well as some powertrain and suspension updates for the 2015 model year. In a press release, Lincoln says that the 5.4-liter V8 powering the current model will be replaced by Ford's 3.5-liter EcoBoost (twin-turbocharged) V6, which is also available in the F-150 pickup truck.
Lincoln says that in the 2015 Navigator, the EcoBoost engine should produce a minimum of 370 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, though these specs aren’t finalized yet. This is a significant increase over the current model's V8, which is rated at 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The 2015 Navigator will come with a six-speed automatic transmission. Lincoln says that the 2015 Navigator will deliver best-in-class towing capacity and return better fuel economy than the outgoing model.
The 2015 Navigator also gets an active suspension that Lincoln says uses sensors to scan road conditions and automatically makes adjustments to compensate for any detected road imperfections. Kicking Tires believes that this feature, along with a new electric power-assisted steering system, should improve the Navigator's handling and ride quality.

2015 Lincoln Navigator (Ford Motor Company)

Inside, the Navigator gets a new steering wheel, an updated leather-wrapped instrument panel and the latest version of MyLincoln Touch with an 8-inch touch screen.
Not all auto journalists are sold on the 2015 Navigator's updated styling. Autoblog says, "The new design strikes us as a heavy handed and uninspired, lacking the sort of style we so enjoyed on the MKZ," and adds that the rear end looks very similar to that of the Dodge Durango.

2015 Lincoln Navigator (Ford Motor Company)

Various automotive publications such as Car and Driver are skeptical that the Navigator's refresh will be enough to make it more competitive. Car and Driver writes, "This face lift, a half-hearted attempt to counter the 2015 Cadillac Escalade’s comprehensive overhaul, is unlikely to change the Navigator’s standing among its peers." The Navigator is currently ranked at the bottom of our luxury large SUV rankings.
Lincoln says the 2015 Navigator will go on sale this fall. Pricing for the 2015 model hasn't yet been announced, but for reference, the 2014 model starts at $56,165.

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Redesigned 2015 Hyundai Genesis Gets AWD Option, Google Glass Capability

Hyundai pulled the wraps off its redesigned 2015 Genesis sedan this week at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In a press release, Hyundai announced that the 2015 Genesis will be available with all-wheel drive, which is unavailable on the current model.
The redesigned Genesis will carry over with either a 3.8-liter V6 engine or 5.0-liter V8. The base V6 engine in the 2015 Genesis is rated at 311 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque, and the V8 is rated at 420 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

2015 Hyundai Genesis (Hyundai Motor America)

Kicking Tires notes that the 2015 Genesis’ front grille evokes the grille found on most Audi vehicles, but says that it is "a little too blocky to be attractive." The publication writes that the way the roofline flows into the rear decklid looks elegant, and that the interior quality seems to have improved.
Technology-wise, Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system in the 2015 Genesis is compatible with the Google Glass app. Google Glass is a pair of glasses with smart phone capabilities that can project images and messages onto the wearer's lens. Hyundai says that with the app, "Hyundai owners will be able to use Google Glass to access Blue Link’s vehicle safety, service and infotainment features," and will be able to use the app to start the vehicle, lock and unlock the doors and find a nearby gas station, as well as other functions. The Genesis will also be available with driver assistance features such as lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

2015 Hyundai Genesis (Hyundai Motor America)

Hyundai hasn't announced a price for the redesigned 2015 Genesis yet, but according to Automotive News, Hyundai will price the Genesis at less than $40,000.

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2015 Chrysler 200 Aims to Take on Midsize Car Leaders

One of the most talked-about launches at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week is the redesigned 2015 Chrysler 200. It sports a completely new look outside and inside, as well as class-exclusive features like a nine-speed automatic transmission and a rotary dial gear shifter.
CNET calls the new Chrysler 200 the “most improved” car at the Detroit auto show, saying that it has “a more coupe-like silhouette that is, at the very least, 1,000 percent better looking than the doughy, outgoing model.”

(Chrysler Group LLC)

Jalopnik also likes the look of the new 200, writing, “It seems like this might be a fresh start and a car that you won't be embarrassed to be seen in.” Jalopnik also thinks, “... it looks quite striking in real life. The photos don't do it justice.”
Autoblog thinks the redesigned Chrysler 200 could be a hit with buyers, saying, “The new 200's exterior may look a bit like a greatest hits compendium of other high-style cars (see also: Audi A7, Tesla Model S, etc.), but it doesn't come off as a pastiche, it's all well-integrated and organic all the same.”

(Chrysler Group LLC)

The 2015 Chrysler 200 will have a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, or an available 3.6-liter V6. All-wheel drive will also be available. Chrysler expects the 200 to get 35 mpg on the highway on models with the four-cylinder engine.
The new 200 will be available with features like Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus and Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus (which Chrysler says can bring the car to a stop under certain driving conditions), as well as LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus, which can help steer the car back into its lane if it starts to drift out. The 200 will also have ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, which Chrysler says “uses ultrasonic sensors to guide the driver into parking spaces.” Additional features include backup sensors, a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection.

(Chrysler Group LLC)

Initial impressions of the new 200 are positive, but will it translate to sales for Chrysler? “Resurgent Chrysler could use a hit car, and the 2015 200 may just be it,” Autoblog writes.
Kelley Blue Book Senior Analyst Karl Brauer says, “A capable midsize sedan remains the biggest hole in Chrysler’s line-up, putting pressure on the sleek new 200 to succeed in that high-volume, highly-competitive segment. Styling plays an increasingly critical role in the market success of modern family sedans, and Chrysler has clearly addressed that aspect with the new 200. It needs to follow-up with efficient drivetrains and strong feature content, as well as a clean launch of the vehicle.”

(Chrysler Group LLC)

The 2015 Chrysler 200 will start at $21,700 when it goes on sale in the second quarter of this year and will be available in four different trim levels: LX, Limited, 200S and 200C.

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2015 Ford F-150 May Show Up at Detroit Auto Show

Among full-size pickup trucks on the market today, the Ford F-150 hasn't been updated as recently as its biggest rivals, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. That may soon change, as many news publications expect Ford to have the next generation 2015 F-150 on display at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit later this month.
Bloomberg reports that the new Ford F-150 will have a body constructed from aluminum, which will greatly reduce the truck's weight. This will in turn increase its fuel efficiency, helping Ford meet tougher fuel economy requirements and saving drivers money at the pump. Bloomberg reports that the new F-150 may approach 30 mpg on the highway. The 2014 F-150 tops out at an EPA-estimated 23 mpg highway, and the most fuel-efficient full-size truck on the market is the 2014 Ram 1500 HFE, which is rated at 25 mpg highway. The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra both get up to 24 mpg highway.

2014 Ford F-150 (Ford Motor Company)

There may be challenges associated with an aluminum-bodied pickup. Jalopnik says that Ford will have to convince buyers that aluminum body panels will be as durable as their steel counterparts. However, the site expects some of these concerns to be alleviated by the fact that Ford's aluminum supplier is Alcoa Inc., which also supplies aluminum for the military.
Ford may also be refreshing its engine offerings as well. Publications including Autoblog are reporting that the next F-150 may get a new twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that could also contribute to fuel economy gains. Autoblog expects the new 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine will supplement, rather than replace, the V6, V8s or 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engines already powering the F-150.
Sources including Car and Driver hope that the next F-150 will borrow design cues from the Ford Atlas concept, which debuted last year at the Detroit Auto Show.

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2015 BMW M3 and M4 Show Faces Ahead of Detroit Auto Show

BMW unveiled its 2015 M3 sedan and M4 coupe this week in advance of their official debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show next month. The M3 and M4 are high-performance versions of the 3-Series and 4-Series, respectively.
We previously reported that the new M3 and M4 will both feature an all-new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The previous 2013 M3 sedan and coupe are powered by a naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter V8 that produces 414 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

2015 BMW M4 (BMW of North America)

In addition to a new engine, the M3 and M4 feature various suspension and aerodynamic components to improve performance. The M3 and M4 feature rear spoilers that BMW says reduce lift and add styling to the rear end. BMW also explains that the exterior mirrors are designed to be aerodynamic and make a styling statement.
Autoweek writes that the front bumper looks "edgier" and is designed to better channel air into the engine. A power dome in the hood makes more room for the engine, the publication adds, and the fenders are widened and feature a vent that helps remove hot air from the engine compartment.

2015 BMW M4 Interior (BMW of North America)

Car and Driver is pleased with the overall appearance of the M3 and M4, saying they "look every bit as aggressive as their spec sheets indicate they will be."
Pricing details haven't yet been released, but the previous 2013 M3 started at $60,100. BMW says the M3 and M4 will go on sale in the summer of 2014.

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2014 Infiniti Q50 Earns Five-Star Safety Rating

November sales for Infiniti, Nissan's luxury  brand, were up 10.5 percent compared to a year ago, and now the company has another reason to celebrate: The 2014 Infiniti Q50 and Q50 Hybrid midsize sedans have both earned five-star overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In addition to the five-star overall score, which is the highest score possible, the Q50 and Q50 Hybrid earned four-star frontal crash test ratings and five-star ratings for side crash tests and rollover protection. NHTSA explains that the agency "created the 5-Star Safety Ratings Program to provide consumers with information about the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles beyond what is required by Federal law. One star is the lowest rating; five stars is the highest. More stars equal safer cars."
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hasn't yet tested the Q50 or Q50 Hybrid. Both are new models for 2014.
“We’re pleased with NHTSA’s recognition of Infiniti’s efforts to develop some of the safest cars on the road,” says Infiniti Americas Vice President Michael Bartsch. “The Q50 offers elegant design, inspired performance and ‘Five-Star’ safety."
Other upscale midsize cars from the 2014 model year that have earned five-star overall safety ratings from NHTSA include the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and 3-Series Hybrid, Buick Regal, Cadillac ATS, Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Volt, Lexus ES and ES Hybrid, Lexus IS, Lincoln MKZ and MKZ Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Volvo S60.

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2015 Ford Mustang Gallops into the Future

Ford unveiled the fully-redesigned 2015 Mustang today, marking the 50th model year of the iconic pony car.
Ford Executive Vice President of Global Marketing and Sales Jim Farley says in a press release that Ford "crafted this car with the goal of creating a contemporary interpretation of Mustang."
Reuters reports that the 2015 Mustang will be the first Mustang that is sold in Asia and Europe, and says the redesign focuses on appealing to the international market.

2015 Ford Mustang (Ford Motor Company)

The redesigned Ford Mustang is wider and sits lower than its predecessor, and Autoblog says that while the dimensional changes are small, the new car looks "noticeably more aggressive, athletic and planted." Autoblog says the 2015 Mustang's styling is set off by "a noticeable set of haunches and that raked roofline."
The styling from the rear is also quite different than the 2014 model. Kicking Tires says, "The rear quarter looks more like a traditional coupe than a muscle car, but the back end is far from ordinary." Re-imagined tri-bar tail lamps round out the rear of the car, and the Mustang's rear turn signals again illuminate sequentially.

2015 Ford Mustang (Ford Motor Company)

Mechanically, the new Mustang gains an independent rear suspension (IRS) in place of the solid rear axle found on previous Mustangs. The Detroit Free Press says that the IRS, along with other suspension revisions, will improve ride quality and handling ability.
Three engines will be available at launch. A 3.7-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque and a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque essentially carry over from the 2014 model, and a new turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 305 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque will also be available. All engines come standard with a six-speed manual transmission with hill start assist, while a six-speed automatic is optional. Car and Driver is pleased that in the new cabin, the cup holders are no longer positioned in a way that interferes with shifting the manual gearbox.

2015 Ford Mustang Interior (Ford Motor Company)

Inside, auto reviewers such as Jalopnik are pleased with the overall design theme, as well as details like visible stitching and substantial-looking buttons. Notable features on the 2015 Mustang include Intelligent Access (proximity key), remote start, Ford's SYNC phone connectivity and voice command system, blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, MyKey, a Shaker Pro audio system and the MyFord Touch infotainment system.
The 2015 Ford Mustang will be available in coupe and convertible body styles. Ford says the Mustang will be available in late 2014, but has not yet announced a starting price.

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Ram 1500 Picks Up Top Rating from Consumer Reports

Chrysler Group has something to celebrate as Consumer Reports has named the 2013 Ram 1500 its top full-size pickup truck. Explaining the top rating, Consumer Reports writes, "The updated truck delivered impressive performance in our tests, balancing work capability and refinement in a way that sees it outscore established domestic- and foreign-nameplate competitors."

This isn't the first award the 2013 Ram 1500 has won. It's the most recent winner of the North American Truck of the Year award. The 2013 model has some significant updates, including a more luxurious interior, better fuel economy and tweaks to the suspension to improve the truck's ride. The Ram 1500 is the only full-size pickup truck in the U.S. that uses a coil spring suspension. Reviewers like how the setup makes the Ram 1500 less bouncy and more comfortable than other full-size pickups.
The Wall Street Journal reports, "The top ranking from Consumer Reports is yet another vote of confidence at a time when Chrysler is trying to gain ground against competitors General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. Already, the Ram brand has managed to pick up market share from rivals. Ram sales in the first half of this year were up 23%, according to AutoData Corp."
While it seems to be all good news for the Ram 1500, USA Today writes that the truck can't afford to rest on its laurels. The paper points out that Consumer Reports hasn't finished testing the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, which is all new. Consumer Reports says, "First impressions are that the Silverado is a comfortable and refined truck that could possibly challenge the Ram in our Ratings."

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2014 Chevrolet Corvette Officially Rated at 29 MPG Highway

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (General Motors)

The EPA has officially rated the redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray at 17/29 mpg city/highway, which works out to 21 mpg combined when equipped with a seven-speed manual transmission. The new Corvette has better fuel economy estimates than the 2013 model, which earned 16/26 mpg city/highway and a combined rating of 19 mpg.
General Motors says in a press release that the 2014 Corvette gets 28 mpg on the highway in its normal Tour drive mode, while 30 mpg can be achieved on the highway by switching to the Corvette’s Eco drive mode. Selecting Eco mode engages the Corvette’s Active Fuel Management system, “which disables four of the cylinders for improved fuel economy during light engine loads.” Fuel economy estimates for models with the six-speed automatic transmission have not been released yet, but GM says that Corvettes with automatic transmissions use Active Fuel Management at all times, unless the driver uses the steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters to put the Corvette in manual mode.
GM says that the Stingray’s fuel economy rating makes it “the most fuel efficient sports car on the market as no other car offers more than 455 horsepower and greater than 29 mpg highway.” In comparison, less powerful cars like the Ford Mustang GT and BMW M3 earn 18/25 and 14/20 mpg, respectively, while the more powerful Nissan GT-R gets 16/23 mpg. The 400-horsepower Porsche 911 Carrera S gets 19/27 mpg city/highway. While the 911 Carrera S earns two mpg less on the highway, it does earn a slightly higher combined fuel economy estimate at 22 mpg.
The 2014 Corvette Stingray will go on sale this fall, while convertible models will hit dealer lots by the end of 2013. After a $995 destination charge, the Corvette Stingray will start at $51,995 and $56,995 for coupe and convertible models, respectively.

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Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Promises Best-in-Class Fuel Economy

(Chrysler Group)

Diesel engine options have long been a mainstay for heavy-duty pickup trucks, but until now, diesel power has never been offered in the half-ton truck segment. That changes with the 2014 Ram 1500. Chrysler Group announced last week details for the EcoDiesel engine option for the Ram 1500.
Chrysler Group hasn’t given any specific fuel economy estimates yet, but it expects the Ram 1500 with the EcoDiesel to be more fuel-efficient than any gasoline V6-powered half-ton pickup truck available. The most fuel-efficient non-hybrid full-size pickup truck currently on the market is the Ram 1500 equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 and eight-speed automatic, which is rated at an EPA-estimated 17/25 mpg city/highway. With the diesel engine, Pickuptrucks.com predicts that fuel economy estimates will be about 23 mpg city and less than 30 mpg highway.
Chrysler Group says the EcoDiesel engine option is a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, which is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine is also available on the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV.
Autoblog expects an EcoDiesel-powered Ram 1500 to be able to tow as much as a Hemi V8-powered model, “while returning significantly better fuel mileage.” A Hemi-equipped Ram 1500 can tow up to 10,450 pounds.
With the projections for towing capacity and fuel economy, an EcoDiesel Ram 1500 should be able to match the towing capacity of the strongest Ram 1500 and meet, if not exceed, the fuel economy estimates of the gasoline V6-powered Ram 1500. Given the added cost of diesel fuel over gasoline, owners may not save much money at the pump, but the increased fuel economy should allow for more miles between refueling stops. Given a 26-gallon fuel tank and estimating 29 mpg highway, a diesel-powered Ram 1500 could travel more than 750 miles on a full tank. Using the same tank size with the gasoline V6’s 25 mpg highway estimate, the maximum range of that Ram 1500 would be about 650 miles.
The new diesel engine option costs $2,850 more than a similarly-equipped Hemi V8-powered model, according to Chrysler Group. Given this pricing information, Car and Driver expects that a diesel-powered Ram 1500 will likely start at about $30,000.
Chrysler Group says the base 2014 Ram 1500 will start at $24,200 before destination. A Ram Truck representative said it will hit dealerships late this year or early in 2014.

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Redesigned 2014 BMW X5 Gets Pricier

(BMW of North America)

BMW announced this week that the redesigned 2014 X5 SUV will start at $53,725, including destination, which represents an increase of $5,300 over the 2013 model.
For 2014, BMW adds a new base model, the sDrive35i, which is the first rear-wheel drive X5 BMW has offered. Other models, all of which have all-wheel drive, include the xDrive35i, which starts at $56,025, xDrive35d (diesel), which starts at $57,525, and xDrive50i, which starts at $69,125.
According to USA Today, “BMW says straight price comparisons aren't fair,” given the 2014 model’s increased size, lower curb weight and added standard equipment over the 2013 model. When looking at the prices of rivals in its class, the new X5 is still more expensive. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class starts at $48,175, the Acura MDX starts at $43,185 and the Porsche Cayenne starts at $50,575, all including destination.

(BMW of North America)

For 2014, the 35i models are powered by BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, rated at 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. This engine carries over unchanged from 2013. The 35d features a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo diesel engine that makes 255 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, which is a loss of 10 horsepower and 12 pound-feet of torque over the 2013 model. The 50i has a 4.4-liter V8 rated at 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, which is an increase of 45 horsepower and 30 pound-feet of torque over the 2013 model’s V8 option. All X5 models have an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EPA has yet to publish fuel economy information for the 2014 X5, but for reference, the 2013 xDrive35i is rated at 16/23 mpg city/highway, the diesel xDrive35d at 19/26 mpg and the xDrive50i at 14/20 mpg.
BMW says the 2014 X5 comes with more standard equipment, including an engine start-stop feature, iDrive navigation with a touchpad and a 10.2-inch display and a 40/20/40 split-folding second-row seat. A two-passenger third-row seat is optional. BMW offers a few trim lines for each model that add features and equipment to the X5. These trims include the Luxury Line, xLine and M Sport.
To Car and Driver, the new X5 appears “a little chunkier” than the 2013 model, but points out that BMW claims to have reduced the new model’s curb weight by about 170 to 230 pounds.
The gas-powered 35i and 50i models will hit showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year, while the diesel model will arrive in early 2014.

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2014 Cadillac XTS to Get Twin-Turbo V6

2014 Cadillac XTS (General Motors)

If you have a lead foot and a need for speed, the 2014 Cadillac XTS Vsport has you covered with a new twin-turbo V6 engine option that punches out 410 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This is a big increase over the 2013 XTS’ base V6 engine, which carries over for 2014, that produces 304 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, though not as powerful as the 556-horspower supercharged V8 found in the smaller Cadillac CTS-V.
Still, some auto writers say that the XTS Vsport should be significantly quicker than the base XTS. “That kind of power boost should make for quite an improvement in the all-wheel-drive XTS’s 0–60 time, which we’ve clocked at 7.2 seconds,” Car and Driver reports.

2014 Cadillac XTS Platinum (General Motors)

The redesigned 2014 CTS will also offer this new twin-turbo V6 as an option, though it will make 10 more horsepower than the twin-turbo-equipped XTS. Hampden Tener, Cadillac product director, said in an interview at the 2013 New York Auto Show that Cadillac wanted to up the ante of the CTS’ performance with the new twin-turbo V6. “We knew we needed one that would deliver this kind of thrilling, exciting performance, so we started developing the twin-turbo V6 to fill that roll,” Tener said.
For 2014, the all-wheel drive XTS Vsport model will only be sold in the highest Premium and Platinum trims. In addition to the new twin-turbo V6 engine, which is mated to a six-speed automatic, the Vsport model will look different than the base XTS. Autoweek writes, “Exterior goodies include upgraded 20-inch wheels, a unique grille and Vsport badging all while allowing the buyer to customize their XTS to their taste.”
Cadillac says in a statement that the 2014 XTS Vsport will be available in August. Car and Driver reports that the Vsport model will start at $63,020, including delivery fees. The base 2014 XTS will have a starting price of $45,525, including destination.

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Mazda Unveils Redesigned 2014 Mazda3

(Mazda Motor of America)

Mazda officially introduced the all-new 2014 Mazda3 hatchback at a press event in New York today. The automaker says in a press release that the 2014 Mazda3 is completely redesigned, sharing almost nothing besides its name with the 2013 model.
“With more than 3.5 million vehicles sold globally, the Mazda3 is the brand’s best-selling and most recognizable nameplate, and its redesign for 2014 shows just how much attention to detail and care we put into this important vehicle,” says Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North America Operations.

(Mazda Motor of America)

Compared with the outgoing Mazda3, the new hatchback has a longer wheelbase, but it’s also slightly shorter, lower and wider. Mazda says that the result is an interior that offers more shoulder room in both rows, as well as comparable headroom to the car it replaces. An all-new Active Driving Display also debuts in the 2014 Mazda3, which displays information like navigation directions and speed on a clear pop-up panel. Mazda says that its Active Driving Display keeps vehicle information within the driver’s line of sight, and that the panel folds into a hidden position when the car is turned off.
For 2014, the Mazda3 will continue to offer the Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, as well as the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s currently available in the 2014 Mazda CX-5 and Mazda6. Mazda hasn’t provided fuel economy estimates for the redesigned Mazda3 yet, but the 2.0- and 2.5-liter engines will produce 155 and 184 horsepower, respectively. A six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission will be available.

(Mazda Motor of America)

The redesigned Mazda3 will have a new infotainment system, which Mazda says will come with Bluetooth, a USB port and an auxiliary input jack. The new system will also respond to voice commands and read emails and text messages through the speakers, as well as Twitter and Facebook updates. A Bose surround-sound stereo system and a navigation system will be optional.
The Mazda3 will also offer a number of new safety technologies for 2014, which Mazda calls i-Activsense features. These include automatic high beam control, which can automatically adjust your headlights for oncoming traffic and radar-based cruise control, which automatically adjusts the car’s speed based on the distance and speed of the car in front of it. Blind spot monitoring and lane departure and forward collision warning systems are also offered as i-Activsense features. Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support system will also be offered, which can automatically apply the brakes or increase breaking power at speeds less than 19 mph if an obstacle is detected.

(Mazda Motor of America)

The 2013 Mazda3 is currently our top-ranked affordable small car, so will Mazda’s updates make it an even stronger contender? We’ll see how the redesigned Mazda3 stacks up to the competition when it goes on sale this fall.

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2014 Honda Accord Hybrid Expected to Get 47 Combined MPG

(American Honda Motor Co., Inc.)

Honda released initial fuel economy estimates for its all-new 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid Wednesday. The EPA hasn’t announced official ratings yet, but Honda says it expects the Accord Hybrid to get 49/45/47 mpg city/highway/combined.
The Accord Hybrid’s fuel economy is better than the 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid’s ratings (43/39/41 mpg city/highway/combined), as well as the fuel economy of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid, which both get 36/40/38 mpg. The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid (47/47/47 mpg) gets worse city fuel economy, but does better on the highway, though its combined rating is the same. The 2013 Toyota Prius gets a higher 51/48/50 mpg rating.
The 2014 Accord Hybrid is expected to go on sale this October. Pricing in the U.S. has not been released yet, but Bloomberg reports that Honda priced the Accord Hybrid 20 percent higher in Japan than the Toyota Camry Hybrid because of its better fuel economy. This has created speculation on whether or not the same will be true for the Accord Hybrid in the U.S. Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst for Kelley Blue Book, told Bloomberg that the pricing tactic is smart since consumers are looking for the best balance of cabin size and fuel economy. Bloomberg says that 2013 Honda Accord sales have already increased 23 percent so far this year, and Toyota Camry’s sales have fallen by 5.5 percent.

(American Honda Motor Co., Inc.)

Its main rivals, the 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid and 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid, start at $26,140 and $27,200, respectively.

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Ford Upgrading MyFord Touch

Responding to customer complaints and sliding ratings in quality surveys, Ford is making changes to its MyFord Touch infotainment system, including adding buttons.

Infotainment controls in the 2014 Ford Fiesta (Ford Motor Company)

Autoblog writes, "The 2013 F-150 with MyFord Touch gives us a glimpse of what the new layout with buttons and knobs might look like, as Ford says a similar balance of touch screen capability and buttons/knobs are what's being planned for future models."
In a press release, Ford says that, combined, its SYNC and MyFord Touch systems are sold on 79 percent of 2013 Ford vehicles. It says that's double the rate of sales of infotainment systems on Honda and Toyota vehicles.
While sales of vehicles equipped with SYNC or MyFord Touch are strong, so are consumer reactions to the systems, which use voice commands, touch screens and capacitive controls. Automotive News reports that MyFord Touch "has hurt Ford's ratings in several quality surveys. Customers have complained the system is bulky, distracting and overly complicated to use. Ford has issued several software upgrades." Automotive News adds that in 2010, Ford was the highest-ranked non-luxury brand in J.D. Power & Associates’ annual Initial Quality Study. After MyFord Touch was launched, Ford dropped from a fifth-place overall ranking in 2010 to 23rd in 2011 and 32nd in 2012.

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GM Recalling 193,652 Midsize SUVs

2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer (General Motors)

General Motors is recalling 193,652 SUVs over concern that a short circuit could cause a fire. The recall affects 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Saab 9-7X and Isuzu Ascender SUVs, as well as 2006 Trailblazer EXT and Envoy XL models.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that fluid may leak into the driver’s door module. Corrosion may occur as a result, which could cause a short circuit and make the power window switches function improperly or not at all. NHTSA says a short circuit could also cause components to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
NHTSA says that a fire could start while the vehicle is not in use, and is advising owners to park outside until the problem has been fixed.
The Detroit News reports that at least 28 fires have been reported, some of which occurred when the SUVs were unattended. The publication says this is the second recall related to this issue since last August, and about 440,000 SUVs have been recalled in total.
To fix the problem, dealers will test the driver’s door module to see if it is functioning properly. A protective coating will be applied to the modules that are working properly. Modules that are malfunctioning will be replaced.
Owners of affected vehicles will be notified of the recall, which will begin July 24. For more information, contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

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Chrysler Recalling 430,000 Jeeps

Chrysler Group announced two separate Jeep recalls affecting three models yesterday. These recalls are not related to our story from earlier in the week about Chrysler’s refusal to comply with a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall request for 2.7 million 1993-2004 Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Liberty models.

2012 Jeep Patriot / Photo courtesy of Chrysler Group

The first recall affects 254,396 Compass and Patriot models from the 2010-2012 model years built between May 6, 2008 and July 20, 2012. According to the NHTSA, there may be a glitch with the vehicles’ computers, wherein the side curtain air bags or seatbelt pre-tensioners may not work, increasing risk of injury in an accident.
Chrysler will correct the software to fix the computer glitch. The number for this recall is 101.
The second recall affects 180,131 2012-2013 Wrangler models with the 3.6-liter V6 engine and an automatic transmission built between Jan. 23, 2011 and Feb. 23, 2013. Due to unintentional contact between the power steering line and transmission oil cooler, a hole may form that could result in the loss of transmission fluid. This could lead to a loss of transmission function, increasing the risk of an accident.

2013 Jeep Wrangler / Photo courtesy of Chrysler Group

To fix the problem, Chrysler will replace the power steering return tube assembly. The recall campaign number is N28.
In two separate media releases, Chrysler says that there have been no accidents or injuries reported related to either the Patriot/Compass or the Wrangler recall. Both recalls are expected to begin in July. Owners of affected vehicles may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.

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