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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Preventing a Vehicle Rollover Requires Catlike Reflexes

Would a tail enhance the Jaguar F-Type's catlike reflexes? (U.S. News and World Report)

Automakers might be able to learn a couple new tricks from big cats, at least according to a recent study from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. PBS.org reports that researchers Amir Patel and Martin Braae unveiled a remote-controlled car named Dima, which remains stable in sharp turns with the help of a cheetah-inspired tail.
Dima has a top-heavy design, but its tail eliminates some of the rollover risk that’s generally associated with vehicles that have a high center of gravity. “Normally, top-heavy cars are poor handlers, and engineers go to great lengths to push as much of a vehicle’s weight as low as possible,” PBS.org reports.
In contrast, cars like the Tesla Model S (which earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA) are extremely planted because the batteries are located under the passenger floor and make up a significant amount of the vehicle’s weight. PBS.org writes, “The Model S is so unflappable that, to test the strength of its roof in a rollover, crash testers had to devise a new way to get the vehicle to turn over—they couldn’t get it to flip at normal test speeds.”

The researchers demonstrated how the tail counterbalances Dima’s top-heavy nature, allowing for better weight distribution during turns. IEEE Spectrum reports, “After a bunch of experiments with both tail-less and tailed versions of Dima, results showed that the addition of the actuated tail allowed the robot to make stable turns at over twice the speed that it would be able to otherwise (7.5 m/s as opposed to 3.1 m/s).”
Kicking Tires writes, “The tail experiments could have implications with regard to how vehicles are, well, tailored — particularly emergency-response vehicles such as ambulances, police cars and military vehicles — to literally give them catlike agility at higher speeds.” Swinging a robotic tail could also work wonders for keeping tailgaters off your bumper.
Although we probably won’t see cars flicking their tails on the road any time soon, Kicking Tires notes that luxury cars like the 2014 Acura RLX, BMW 5-Series, Infiniti Q70 and Porsche 911 Turbo are available with four-wheel steering, which “turns all four wheels in the same direction at high speeds, more evenly distributing weight for improved stability.” If you want a closer look at Dima in action, check out the video above.

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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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February's Best Finance, Cash Back and Lease Deals

A cold, snowy January put a freeze on new car sales, according to many analysts. For February, automakers are responding with a wintry mix of cash rebates, lease deals and promotional financing incentives to get car shoppers out of the cold and back on the showroom floor. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy or lease, February is a great month to get into that new car, truck or SUV you’ve been considering.
Many February lease offers feature low monthly payments when you put a few thousand dollars down, but there are a number of car lease deals that don’t require a down payment. If you want to buy, automakers are offering cash rebates and interest rates as low as zero percent, as well as a wealth of low-interest financing offers of 4 percent or less this February.
[Best February Purchase Deals]
You can’t beat free money when you’re financing a new car, and a number of automakers will put you behind the wheel with zero percent financing on their new 2014 inventory. You’ll find interest-free financing on 2014 models like the Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse and Volt, the Ford Escape and Explorer, the Hyundai Sonata, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Mazda Mazda2, Mazda5 and CX-9, the Subaru Outback and the Toyota Camry, Prius and Sienna.
Great deals that include no-interest financing and cash back are also available on some 2014 models, including the Buick Enclave, the Ford Fiesta and Mustang, the Nissan Altima and the Nissan Titan. A number of other cars, trucks and SUVs are offered with low-interest financing this month, and in some cases, you may be able to find an enticing deal on remaining 2013 models.
If you plan to finance through your bank or credit union or pay cash, February car deals won’t leave you out in the cold. You’ll find attractive rebates and cash back offers on a number of 2014 vehicles. The Ford Taurus is available with $4,500 cash back this month, and you can also get up to $3,000 cash back on the Focus or a $2,000 rebate on the Explorer and Fusion. Nissan is offering up to $3,500 cash back on the Titan, while the Hyundai Sonata and Genesis are available with $1,500 and $1,000 rebates, respectively. Three-row SUV shoppers can slash up to $2,000 off the price of the GMC Yukon, and the GMC Acadia is available with $1,000 cash back.
[Best February Lease Deals]
Lease offers that fit nearly any budget are available in February, and you’ll even find low monthly payments on hybrids and luxury models. The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid is available for $409 per month for 36 months with $2,399 due at signing and the Volvo S60 is offered for $299 per month for 36 months with $3,499 down. The Acura TL is available for $309 per month for 36 months with $2,499 due at signing, or for $370 per month for three years with no money down.
If you’d like to keep your monthly payments even lower, SUVs like the 2014 Buick Encore, Ford Explorer, Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V are available for less than $300 per month when you make a down payment. Additionally, cars like the Kia Forte, the all-wheel drive Subaru Legacy and the Volkswagen Jetta are all available for less than $200 a month when you put money down at signing.
Some of the newest cars on the market are also offered with strong lease incentives this month, including the turbodiesel 2014 BMW 328d, which is available for $399 per month for 36 months with $3,874 due at signing. The redesigned 2014 Cadillac CTS is offered this month for $439 a month for 36 months with $4,449 down, and the all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class can be leased for $329 per month for 36 months with $3,623 due at signing. Lease shoppers can also get a great deal on the new 2014 Infiniti Q50, which is available for $369 a month for 39 months with $2,999 due at signing. You can also get an all-wheel drive Q50 with the same monthly payment and a slightly higher down payment of $3,399.

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Winter Weather Freezes New Car Sales

After a strong 2013, new car sales were mixed in the first month of 2014.
Automotive News reports that in January, “Automakers and dealers sold 1,011,187 light vehicles for the month. The seasonally adjusted annual selling rate was 15.2 million, virtually unchanged from last January, but down slightly from December's 15.4 million SAAR.”

Most analysts agree that abnormally cold weather and high snowfall kept car shoppers away from dealerships. Jessica Caldwell, senior an analyst at Edmunds.com, says, "The weather clearly affected January sales, and not just in traditionally cold areas. After the first polar vortex at the beginning of the month, we saw the market start to make up some of those lost sales. But by the time the second vortex struck last week, there wasn't enough time to make up all of January's lost sales. A preliminary study finds that the second polar vortex affected a total of 37 states, which generally account for about 61 percent of all new car sales. We expect most - if not all - of those sales to be made up in February, assuming this cold wave doesn't continue."
The 3 percent drop in new car sales overall from January 2013 wasn’t spread evenly among all automakers. While Ford and General Motors saw sales declines of 7.5 and 12 percent, respectively, Subaru sales shot up 19 percent and Nissan saw a 12 percent sales jump.
Though sales declines typically mean better deals for car shoppers, that may not be the case now.  Car companies have gotten better at managing their inventories, and this drop is being seen as a temporary dip. Plus, according to Kelley Blue Book, the slow sales in January only lead to a 1.4 percent decline in the average new car sale price compared to December 2013, which works out to savings of just $464 on average for buyers.  If new car, SUV and truck sales remain sluggish, automakers may increase discounts and incentives.

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Toyota Halts Some Vehicle Sales over Seat Heater Woes

Toyota announced yesterday that it has issued a stop sale of certain models to address a non-compliance issue with seat heaters. The following models equipped with heated seats from the 2013 and 2014 model years are affected by the stop sale: Corolla, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry and Camry Hybrid.
In a statement, Toyota says 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." The automaker says it is working on a fix for any affected vehicles that are currently in dealership inventory. According to Toyota, there have been no reports of any problems related to this issue. No recalls have been issued as of yet for vehicles that have already been purchased.
This problem does not arise at a good time for Toyota. Kelley Blue Book Senior Analyst Karl Brauer explains, "Given that much of the U.S. is currently in the grips of a record cold snap there’s sure to be high demand for models with seat heaters." According to KBB.com data, 37.8 percent of 2013 and 2014 Toyota models listed for sale are equipped with heated seats.
The Associated Press spoke with John Hanson, a Toyota spokesman, who says it shouldn't be a problem for current owners of affected vehicles, as there have been no related incidents reported. Hanson says that it shouldn't take long to get the new parts and remedy the issue. He notes that vehicles at the factory are already being installed with the new, federally-compliant seat heater material. There is currently no word on when the stop sale will be lifted.

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Slideshow: 2014 Washington, D.C. Auto Show

It’s a special time of year right now in Washington, D.C., as automakers rolled their new cars into the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the 2014 Washington Auto Show. While the auto show is an opportunity for automakers to showcase the vehicles they make, it’s also a great chance for consumers to check out the newest cars on the block.
You’ll be able to score some seat time in recently redesigned cars like the Lexus IS and Mazda6, as well as all-new models like the BMW 4-Series, Jeep Cherokee and Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The D.C. Auto Show is also a great opportunity to get a sneak peak at upcoming models like the 2015 Cadillac Escalade, Chrysler 200, Lincoln MKC and Volkswagen Golf.
Whether you plan to use the auto show as a shopping tool, or just want to check out the latest debuts, here’s a closer look at the upcoming and redesigned cars, trucks and SUVs that you’ll find at the Washington Auto Show.

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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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7 Steps to Shopping at an Auto Show

It’s auto show season, and while that means breathless updates on new concepts and model debuts on enthusiast blogs and social media, the average car shopper probably isn’t paying much attention. It can seem like car shows are more for gearheads than everyday car shoppers, so it’s easy to bypass the auto show in your community. However, for people in the market for a new car, auto shows offer a great opportunity to explore, compare and shop for a new vehicle.

David T. Fischer knows a thing or two about car shopping and auto shows. He’s the chairman and CEO of The Suburban Collection, which is the 13th largest automotive sales group in the U.S. and sells 32 different brands of cars. He’s also the chairman emeritus of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which is one of the largest auto shows in North America. According to Fischer, auto shows are a great place for car shoppers.
“To me, an auto show is the ultimate shopping mall,” says Fischer. “Virtually every car that’s on sale in America is on display. It’s well-lit, warm and comfortable and there’s always pricing and other information available.”
Though regional shows may not have the splashy concepts and debuts that shows in Detroit, Los Angeles and New York have, Fischer says that they still have “the bulk of everyday cars” that most people are looking to buy. An auto show in your community may not have the cachet of a show in a major city, but that usually means the focus is more on the average car shopper, not people who care more about horsepower than day-to-day livability.
Here’s what you need to know to shop for a new car at an auto show.
1. Prioritize
With almost every car offered for sale in the U.S. at many auto shows, if you’re planning on shopping, you need a game plan. Before you head to a show, think about the cars you want to get a closer look at. “Start with the brands that are close to your price range and prioritize from there,” says Fischer. You can also browse cars online (our new car rankings are a good place to start) to create a list of your must-see cars at the show.
2. Plan Ahead
Car shows are large events, so knowing where the cars you’re interested in are located will save you a lot of time and a lot of steps. Before you hit your local show, or soon after you arrive, get a map of the show’s layout so you’ll know where you need to go to see the cars you want to see. Wearing comfortable clothes will help too; you’re going to be doing a great deal of walking and getting in and out of a lot of cars.
One of the best things about cars shows is the access you have to the cars themselves. At an auto show, most mainstream models will be open for visitors to explore. That means you can try out all the seats, check the cargo area and look at interior features. Bring anyone who will regularly be driving or riding in the car you’re thinking about buying. Make sure everyone finds the seats comfortable and has enough space. Check out features, like folding seats and pass-throughs to the third row, to make sure you’re comfortable with how they work. You and your crew probably won’t be able to drive the car, but you can make sure pretty much everything else about it works for you.
4. Compare, Compare, Compare
Shopping for a car under normal circumstances is tiring. As soon as you see one car, you need to drive to another dealership to compare it to another. At an auto show, however, comparable cars are just a short walk away. While one car is fresh in your mind, head over to the competition so you can compare.

An auto show can be a no-pressure place to shop for a new car (U.S. News)

5. Shop in Private
Not everyone likes to have a salesperson hovering while they shop for a car. At an auto show, however, there tends to be limited sales staff, and most of them leave visitors alone, unless the visitor asks a question. That means you can take your time and really explore a car. If you have questions, just look around. Chances are, someone from the car brand or a local dealership is there to answer questions and give you more information.
6. Follow Up
After exploring the cars you’re interested in at a car show, it’s time to follow up on the cars that suit your needs the best. While you can’t buy a car at most car shows, you can set up an appointment for a test drive at a later date with any dealer staff who may be there. You can also take home more information on the cars you’re considering. Fischer notes that car shows, “used to have a lot of brochures, but now it’s all online.” Look for QR codes to scan and other online resources near the cars you’re considering. If you really want a brochure, just ask. There’s probably one available. Whether you go paper or online, auto show resources should point you to dealers in your area to complete your purchase.
7. Have Some Fun
While you may go to the auto shop on a mission, don’t forget to have a little fun. Even smaller regional shows will likely have a few luxury cars on display, and who knows when you’ll have another chance to sit in a Bentley or Audi again? “Even if you’re not looking for a Porsche, they might be next to the VW display” at a show, says Fischer. “You can look at one and think, ‘maybe someday.’”

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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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Detroit Auto Show: Next Week's Big Car Debuts

Monday marks the beginning of the 2014 North American International Auto Show press days, as auto journalists will descend upon the COBO Center in Detroit for automaker unveilings of new and refreshed models.

A fully redesigned 2015 Honda Fit subcompact car will be introduced Monday. Honda says that the redesigned hatchback features new styling and has a "more spacious and refined interior," than the outgoing model. The current Fit is ranked near the top in our affordable subcompact car rankings and hatchback rankings, but hasn't been fully redesigned since the 2009 model year. The current Fit earns reviewer praise for its cavernous interior and flexible seat design that allows it to haul lots of cargo in a relatively small package.
Many auto journalists expect a redesigned Chrysler 200 midsize car to debut in Detroit. Motor Trend published photos of the new car that leaked onto the Internet this week, and says that "the 2015 200 sheds the boxy and frumpy look of its predecessor, and is sporting a rather attractive and rakish roofline." Motor Trend expects the 200 to have an optional nine-speed automatic transmission and the choice of either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or optional 3.6-liter V6. The current Chrysler 200 ranks 21 out of 22 in our affordable midsize car rankings.

2015 Audi Q3 (Audi of America)

The 2015 Audi Q3 compact SUV will make its Detroit Auto Show debut next week as well. The Q3 slots below the Q5 and is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Audi says it will have 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a maximum of 48.2 cubic feet, which is in line with what competitors like the BMW X1 offer.
Sports car enthusiasts may be anticipating the introduction of the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, which will also be revealed Monday. Chevrolet says the Z06 "will be the most track-capable Corvette ever."

GM released this teaser image of the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. (General Motors)

Although Chevrolet hasn't announced any powertrain specs for the Corvette Z06, Jalopnik believes the engine will have 620 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. The 2013 Corvette Z06 has a 7.0-liter V8 that makes 505 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The 2014 Corvette Stingray’s V8 produces up to 460 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque with an optional performance exhaust system.
Other cars to look for next week at the Detroit Auto Show include the all-new Acura TLX upscale midsize sedan, the BMW M3 and M4 and possibly a fully redesigned Ford F-150.

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January's Best Finance, Cash Back and Lease Deals

It’s a new year and if you have an old, unreliable car, a new car might be on your resolution list for 2014. We found some great car deals that will help save you money this January. Shoppers looking for the best lease deals will find some lease offers that don’t require a down payment, but most January car lease deals feature low monthly payments when you put a few thousand dollars down. If you plan on financing your new car, truck or SUV, many automakers are offering interest rates as low as zero percent, as well as low interest rates of about 4 percent or less this January. Cash back is also available on many models right now.
January Lease Deals
A number of affordable compact SUV lease deals are available with low monthly payments this month. The new 2014 Jeep Cherokee is $259 a month for three years with $2,999 due at signing. The 2014 Honda CR-V has two lease offers this month: $239 a month for three years with $1,999 down, or $290 a month for three years with $0 down and no first month’s payment. The 2014 Mazda CX-5 can be leased this January for $239 a month for three years with $1,999 due at signing in many areas of the country. The redesigned 2014 Nissan Rogue has an optional third-row seat and a three-year lease deal of $239 a month with $2,599 down.

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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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FIAT to Purchase Remainder of Chrysler Group

Italian automaker FIAT announced Wednesday that it will have complete ownership of Auburn Hills, Mich.-based Chrysler Group LLC after FIAT agreed to buy the remaining shares owned by the VEBA Trust, a UAW trust fund. FIAT will purchase the shares, which account for 41.5 percent of Chrysler Group, in an agreement worth $4.35 billion, Forbes reports. Chrysler Group LLC includes the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT, SRT and Mopar brands.
The Associated Press reports that FIAT stocks jumped after news of the sale. “Investors cheered the details of the deal, bidding the shares up 12 percent on the Milan exchange. The stock was up by as much as 15.8 percent earlier in the day.”
The sale of the remainder of Chrysler Group to FIAT will help the Italian carmaker expand its lineup of vehicles, Reuters explains. “Chrysler, which Fiat has been running since the bailout deal with the U.S. government, is now a profit centre for Fiat. The Italian carmaker has been hurt by sagging sales in Europe, whereas those in Chrysler's North American home market have risen nearly 50 percent since 2009.”
With FIAT having complete ownership of Chrysler Group, the automaker hopes to better compete on a global scale, Bloomberg reports. “Chrysler and Fiat together delivered 4 million vehicles worldwide in 2012. That compares with 9.07 million vehicles sold by Wolfsburg, Germany-based VW, 9.3 million by GM and 9.75 million by Japanese competitor Toyota Motor Corp. (7203), according to Bloomberg Industries data. Marchionne estimated in June that a merged Fiat and Chrysler will rank seventh in global deliveries.”

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Record Number of Americans Expected to Travel for Holidays

It’s tough to get 30 percent of the U.S. population to agree on anything, but there is something 30 percent of Americans will all be doing in the next two weeks: traveling for the holidays.

According to AAA, 94.5 million Americans will be traveling at least 50 miles from home between now and the end of the year. That’s a new high, and AAA says it’s the fifth consecutive time the number of Americans traveling for the holidays has risen.
“While economic growth has stagnated and consumer confidence has fallen, we’re well above the doldrums of 2008 when 85.7 million people traveled for the year-end holiday,” AAA New York Manager of Media Relations Robert Sinclair Jr. says in a statement. “AAA is projecting more Americans will travel than ever before to gather with friends and family, exchange presents and ring in the New Year.”
AAA says the vast majority of holiday travelers will be driving to their destination this holiday. Helping those drivers save a little money is the fact that, compared to previous holiday seasons, the average price of a gallon of gas is low. Though gas still costs more than the lowest average price of $3.18 per gallon recorded in November, it’s still less expensive than usual for the end of the year, with a gallon of regular gas currently priced at $3.22.
If you’re hitting the road for the holidays, stay on top of changing weather conditions along your route. Make sure you have plenty of gas and allow plenty of time for rest stops and breaks. Before heading out, check the fluid levels in your car as well as the tire pressure, and adjust as needed. Make sure everyone in the car stays buckled up at all times. Finally, avoid driving while distracted, and never drink and drive.
Are you driving somewhere for the holidays? Share your holiday driving tips below.

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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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