• Ssangyong unveils 2015 Tivoli crossover

    January 17, 2015
    South Korea’s Ssangyong Motors has introduced a new subcompact crossover called Tivoli.
    Named after a picturesque town in central Italy, Ssangyong’s newest model stands out from nearly every off-roader the company has built in the past thanks to a more upscale appearance characterized by sharp headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, a deep bumper with a sizable air dam and a sculpted hood. The company says the Tivoli previews its next design language, indicating that it is preparing to ditch its utilitarian roots and move closer to the mainstream.

    The premium treatment continues inside with piano black and faux aluminum trim, two-tone upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity and a touch screen-based infotainment system. The instrument cluster is made up of two analog gauges and a configurable thin-film transistor (TFT) screen, and select models can be fitted with a rear-view camera.

    Power comes from a 1.6-liter e-XGi four-cylinder engine that generates 126 horsepower and 116 lb-ft. of torque. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, and a six-speed automatic unit is available at an extra cost.

    The Ssangyong Tivoli will greet the public for first time in March at the Geneva Motor Show and it will go on sale across Europe and Asia shortly after. An earlier report indicates that Ssangyong parent company Mahindra and Mahindra has taken the preliminary steps to bring the Korean automaker to U.S. shores so the Tivoli could arrive here and take on the Nissan Juke before the end of its life cycle.

  • Video: 2015 Detroit auto show in 3 minutes

    January 17, 2015
    One of the most exciting Detroit auto shows in recent years is officially in the books, but that doesn’t mean the action has to stop just yet.
    In order to bring the pictures to life, we’ve put together a three-minute re-cap video of the 2015 North American International Auto Show. We’ve included all the highlights, including the Acura NSX, Ford GT, Porsche 911 Targa GTS and the Nissan Titan, among others.

    We’d still recommend making a trip to the Motor City to check out the industry’s latest wares, but our video is worthy substitute if you can’t make it to Southeastern Michigan.

    What was your favorite Detroit debut? Let us know in the comments below.

    Highlights:

    2017 Ford GT

    Ford has again resurrected its iconic GT nameplate, celebrating 50 years since the company’s first 24 Hours of Le Mans win. The new flagship supercar brings an aggressive appearance with plenty of carbon fiber and a twin-turbocharged EcoBoot engine capable of producing over 600 horsepower.

    Chevrolet Bolt Concept

    The Bolt represents General Motors’ answer to the Tesla Model 3, promising to deliver more than 200 miles of all-electric range with a price tag around $30,000. The company claims the subcompact will be a game changer, with a focus on affordability and practicality.

    2016 Acura NSX

    Acura has finally revealed its long-awaited NSX, which closely resembles the concept model. It will showcase Honda’s latest and greatest technologies, notably the Sport-Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system that is rumored to deliver more than 600 ponies. Acura design chief Jon Ikeda promises the supercar has been designed to focus on the “synergy between man and machine.”

    2016 Nissan Titan

    Nissan is attempting to shake up the pickup segment with its all-new Titan. The half-ton model introduces a new design language and a Cummins V8 diesel engine. It has been built with utility in mind, though the interior has been upgraded with a renewed focus on comfort.

    Infiniti Q60 Concept

    Infiniti promises the Q60 Concept serves as an accurate representation for the next-generation production model. It embraces a sportier look, with muscular lines and sharper headlights. It could also be the first model to be sold with the company’s new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine.

    Complete list of introductions:

    Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
    Audi Q7
    BMW 6-Series
    Buick Avenir concept

    Cadillac CTS-V
    Chevrolet Volt

    Ford F-150 Raptor
    Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang
    Hyundai Santa Cruz Crossover Truck Concept
    Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid
    Lexus GS F
    Lincoln MKX
    Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe
    Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
    Mercedes-Benz C350 Plug-in Hybrid
    Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG 4Matic
    MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop

    Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS


    Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
    Ram 1500 Rebel
    smart fortwo cabrio flashlight edition
    Toyota Tacoma
    Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE concept
    Volvo S60 Cross Country

    Image by Brian Williams.

  • Scion to axe iQ amid sluggish sales

    January 17, 2015
    Scion has confirmed that its diminutive iQ is on track to be discontinued sometime in the near future.
    Available in the US market since 2011, the iQ experienced a steep drop in sales from 2013 to 2014. Just 87 units rolled away from showrooms in December, representing a small fraction of the brand’s overall sales.

    Brand chief Doug Murtha acknowledges that many potential buyers may have viewed the iQ’s small size as a deal breaker, particularly when associated with its $16,000 price tag. Some potential suitors may have also expected fuel efficiency ratings higher than 37 mpg.

    “We’ve learned lessons on all of those fronts and that’s going to influence how we approach vehicle development going forward,” said brand chief Doug Murtha, as quoted by Bloomberg.

    The company late last year revealed its iM concept, which will likely arrive in showrooms sometime this year. The hatchback will be followed by a sedan that carries the same nameplate, while a third new model will be added to the lineup within the next three years.

  • Ford donates first Shelby GT350R Mustang to support charity

    January 17, 2015
    Ford has donated the first production Shelby GT350R Mustang to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund.
    The winning bidder of lot No. 3008, scheduled for the upcoming auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, will receive VIN#001 optioned with any available colors and packages.

    Unveiled at the Detroit auto show, the GT350R is promoted as the most track-capable street-legal Mustang ever built. It introduces a new 5.2-liter V8 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft, good for over 500 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, while suspension and brakes have been similarly upgraded to help shave down lap times.

    “The Shelby GT350R is a world-class car, the best performing Mustang that we have ever built,” said Ford’s global development VP, Raj Nair. “We are thrilled to donate the first retail production Shelby GT350R to JDRF for auction. When this car crosses the auction block it should raise a tremendous amount of money for a great charity.”

    The auction will be covered live by the Velocity channel on Saturday, January 17.

  • Shelby American announces 627hp 2015 Shelby GT

    January 17, 2015
    Shelby American announced its 627hp 2015 Shelby GT package Friday at the world-famous Barrett-Jackson auto auction in Scottsdale, Ariz.
    The Shelby GT package enhances all aspects of the Mustang GT’s performance. The supercharger, handling kit and upgraded half shafts come from Ford Racing Performance Parts. The 3.73 rear end is a factory upgrade. The wheels are sourced from WELD and the six-piston front brakes are Wilwoods.

    Exterior upgrades include a hood with functional air vents, a two-piece rear diffuser, carbon fiber exterior trim and Shelby-exclusive grille options. Customers can also choose from painted and unpainted exterior accessories in several different colors. A 700+HP performance upgrade, adjustable suspension, upgraded big brake kit, and a number of interior upgrades are also available.

    An online configurator is live at http://www.shelbyamerican.com/2015shelbygt.asp.

    “This 2015 Shelby GT incorporates all of the engineering lessons we’ve learned building high performance vehicles over the past 50 years,” said Joe Conway, co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International and CEO of Shelby American in a statement. “With the international distribution of the current Ford Mustang, we worked closely with our partners to develop a car that can be offered in both North America and overseas. It’s the first Shelby muscle car in our history designed from day one to be a truly global vehicle.”

    Shelby is establishing “mod shops” all over the world to accommodate buyers who wish to purchase the Shelby GT package. The upgrades will set U.S. customers back at least $39,995 in addition to the cost of the car on which it will be based.