Chronicling the Ever-Changing Automotive Industry
For 2011, Ford released its first full redesign of its storied Explorer since the 2002 update. It’s no longer truck-based, instead owing parts of its underpinnings to Volvo, Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Yet, it rides up high, has 3 rows of seating, a “terrain management” knob for all 4 of its driven wheels, which puts it in the CUV/SUV category. Read on for my driving impressions of Ford’s new Explorer.
Continue reading ‘Test Drive: 2011 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD’
From 1938 to 2012, the Volkswagen Beetle has changed quite a bit. At the same time, the shape is similar, albeit much larger. Recently, noted car enthusiast and comedian Jay Leno got his chance to drive the new Beetle. He also got to drive the oldest known surviving example, which dates back to 1938. Click past the jump for the video, which contains Mr. Leno’s impressions of the new Beetle.
Continue reading ‘Video: Jay Leno Drives the Oldest and Newest VW Beetle’
There are lots of entrants in the ever-popular luxury crossover/SUV arena. Infiniti jumped in several years ago with their first generation FX series. Built on the same platform as the G37 coupe and sedan, as well as the smaller EX35 crossover, the FX35′s second iteration retains its sporty demeanor and love-it-or-hate-it styling. Read on for my impressions during my test drive.
Continue reading ‘Test Drive: 2011 Infiniti FX 35 AWD’
Remember in September, when Ford announced that they were torture-testing their new EcoBoost-powered F-150? Well, the results of the Baja 1000 off-road race are in, and the twin-turbo F-150 ran the entire race in 38 hours. Just finishing the Baja 1000 is an accomplishment, but the F-150 had a well-used engine in it. Click through the jump for details and the press release.
Continue reading ‘Update: Ford’s EcoBoost F-150 Runs Baja 1000 in 38 Hours!’
Earlier this week I reported about Motor Trend having found out that the Volt isn’t purely motivated by electricity and how the on-board gasoline “range extender” engine kicks in to help out when traveling above 70 mph. The lead foots over at Motor Trend have released some real world mileage figures for the Chevy Volt. 127 and 75 mpg. Click past the jump for the explanation.
Continue reading ‘Motor Trend gets 127 MPG in a Chevrolet Volt!’
The news is quickly making it through the automotive industry (and the posts here on Road Reality) that Ford is expanding its line-up of EcoBoost-equipped vehicles, including the 2011 F-150 full-size pickup truck. Ford’s EcoBoost engines combine turbochargers and direct injection to create more power while keeping the all-mighty MPGs in check. Now, they’ve released a set of endurance and durability tests for the 2011 F-150, powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Read on for more details and the requisite pictures.
Continue reading ‘Ford’s new EcoBoost F-150 Gets Endurance and Durability-Tested’
Recent Comments
David Batzek commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
My 99 just started rusting over last fee months (to were it was noticeable). Now today the skid plate [more]
Keren Cathey commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
Is there anyway for us, as consumers, to influence a recall on these vehicles? I also have a 99 Grand [more]
wayne duckstein commented on Detroit 2012: Ford Announces 2013 Fusion
Nice artical John [more]
Patty clipner commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
I also have a 1999 jeep grand Cherokee limited which has began to emit high gas fumes. It also [more]
Edgar commented on Owner’s Log: 2010 Nissan Maxima, Update 1
hi i have a 2012 nissan maxima and everytime i shut it off i hear the engine cooling fan shut [more]