by Domestic RPM on May 13, 2012
The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion has been infused with an impressive array of technologies that help drivers avoid dangers on the road. Many of these driver assist technologies form the basis for the Blue Oval’s future autonomous driving capabilities.
Radar, ultrasonic, optical and motion sensors, combine to give 2013 Fusion drivers greater peace of mind on the open road. The midsize sedan boasts Lane-Keeping System, Driver Alert System, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), active park assist, cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, collision warning and a rear view camera. [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on May 12, 2012

Cadillac’s all-new compact sport sedan, the ATS be priced from a very reasonable $33,990 when it hits showrooms this summer. The rear-wheel drive sedan boasts a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter engine and next-generation six-speed transmission, as well as competitive fuel economy for entry-luxury buyers.
Engineers at Cadillac were determined to make the ATS just as sporty as its Japanese and German rivals, if not more so. That’s why they refined and tuned the ATS’ ride, handling, and engine, on the world premier race tracks, including Road America, Road Atlanta, and the Nürburgring in Germany. [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on April 29, 2012

Official EPA certification for fuel economy has finally arrived for the all-new 2013 Ford Escape. When equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, the Escape achieves an impressive 23 miles per gallon in city driving and 33 MPG on the highway.
The Escape’s EcoBoost produces 178 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy ratings are also helped by the six-speed automatic transmission. Together, this powertrain not only helps the Escape deliver better fuel economy than the Chevrolet Equinox and Honda CR-V, but it even bests the previous generation Escape Hybrid as well. Unfortunately, the Escape’s 33 MPG rating is still just short of the new Mazda CX-5, which is rated at 35 MPG highway (with manual transmission). [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on April 21, 2012
Following in the footsteps of tech giant Google, Cadillac is developing its own semi-autonomous technology to control a new generation of self-driving cars. Cadillac promises that its “Super Cruise” tech will be capable of fully automatic steering, braking and lane-centering in highway driving.
Cadillac says many of these technologies are already present on some of its latest luxury sedans, including the 2013 XTS and ATS. Crash risk detection and enhanced driver assist features, include rear automatic braking, full-speed range adaptive cruise control, land departure warning, and automatic collusion preparation, to name just a few. [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on April 15, 2012

Chrysler’s Pentastar V6 has found its way into numerous vehicles across several brands. The latest to vehicle to receive the ubiquitous engine is the 2013 Ram truck, which recently went on display at the New York Auto Show.
For consumers, this new engine option means one thing — MPG. The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine offers best-in-class standard 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. It also boasts best-in-class fuel economy for V6 trucks. With the Pentastar, the Ram gets 42 percent more horsepower, 13 percent more torque and at least 20 percent better fuel economy when compared to the outgoing 3.7-liter V6 powertrain. [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on April 7, 2012

One of the stand-out unveilings at the New York Auto Show this week was at the Lincoln exhibit. Ford’s luxury brand has been stagnant in recent years, suffering from a bit of an identity crisis. As the Blue Oval focused its resources on its high-volume models, Lincoln had battle the likes of Cadillac, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz with little more than badge-engineered Fords.
That’s all about to change as the all-new 2013 Lincoln MKZ shows that Lincoln is finally going to offer luxury buyers something elegant, fresh, and sophisticated. Far from merely a re-badged Ford, the new MKZ not only offers posh sheetmetal, but it’s infused with technologies that premium sedan buyers will undoubtedly appreciate. [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on March 31, 2012

Ford’s all-new explorer has been a hit with consumers looking for seven passenger versatility and strong fuel economy. But the Blue Oval was also eager to complete with the likes of the HEMI-powered versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango in terms of performance as well.
Enter the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport, which is powered by a potent 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 producing 350-horsepower mated to a four-wheel drive system with a Terrain Management System. [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on March 24, 2012

Images of the all-new 2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer have emerged, showing a newly restyled seven-passenger, diesel-powered crossover that should give the likes of the Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango a run for their money. Unfortunately, General Motors has confirmed that it won’t be coming to U.S. showrooms.
GM doesn’t seem to0 keen on adding another three-row SUV to its lineup, especially amid more stringent CAFE standards. Instead, the new SUV will be suited to markets like Thailand, where it made its debut at the 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show. [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on March 19, 2012

When the all-new 2013 Cadillac XTS hits showrooms this year, it will likely become a familiar fixture at country clubs. That’s because GM engineers spent considerable time honing the design of the XTS to easily accommodate four adults and four golf bags.
Although the XTS is a full-size sedan, engineers sought to make the interior space as large as possible without increasing the car’s relatively modest footprint. By ensuring that the all-new sedan could meet the needs buyers with active lifestyles, the XTS boasts almost 40 inches of rear legroom and 18 cubic feet of trunk space. That’s more than the Audi A8L, BMW 7-series, and Mercedes-Benz S-class. [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on March 3, 2012

Ford had promised that its all-electric version of the Focus would deliver class-leading efficiency. As it turns out, the Blue Oval wasn’t bluffing. The 2012 Ford Focus Electric has been officially certified by the EPA to get 105 miles per gallon equivalent in combined driving. Specifically, it’s been rated for 110 MPGe in the city and 99 MPGe on the highway.
The combined MPGe figure beats the Nissan Leaf by 6 MPGe while its 99 MPGe highway certification bests the 92 MPGe rating for the Leaf. Ford has also pointed out that its new EV boasts a faster charging system that allows for a full recharge in nearly half the time of Nissan’s EV. [click to continue…]