by Domestic RPM on February 20, 2012
Ford is preparing to launch the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid and when it does, the Blue Oval believes it will become America’s most fuel-efficient, non-rechargeable sedan.
In developing its latest hybrid, Ford increased the number of hybrid-related patents is holds to 500, hinting at the level of innovation that went into the new Fusion. The sedan is expected to deliver 47 mpg city and 44 mpg highway and the new Fusion Energi plug-in, arriving this fall, is anticipated to deliver more than 100 MPGe – more than the projected efficiency of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid model. [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on February 11, 2012
This week was a big one for Tesla. The electric vehicle manufacturer unveiled its all-new Model X CUV prototype, which is due to launch in late 2013.
California Gov. Jerry Brown was even in attendance for the unveiling, which was an exciting red-carpet, velvet-rope style event at the Tesla Design Studios in Hawthorne, CA. Tesla even hosted a post-announcement concert by Foster the People. [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on February 6, 2012
To the left is a Porsche Cayenne, to the right is a Land Rover LR4. These luxury sport utilities are ubiquitous on the streets of Newport Beach, CA. Although the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee doesn’t share the status symbol pedigree of these vehicles, its styling blends in just nicely to its posh surroundings.
The new model boasts many of the quintessential Jeep features that one would expect to find, including the slotted grille up front, generous ground clearance, and of course the “Trail Rated” badge on the front driver side fender. But Jeep has made the 2011 Grand Cherokee far more refined than its predecessor. Inside and out, the Grand Cherokee is more contemporary, but it still manages to retain its masculine look. While its still a rugged Jeep through and through, its styling is more civilized than ever before. [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on February 4, 2012
Domestic automakers are on a roll these days. Not only are sales on the rise, but in the wake of the Detroit Auto Show, the Big Three are finally producing vehicles that are truly exciting consumers.
General Motors in particular has plenty to be happy about. Just 30 months since the automaker emerged from bankruptcy, GM has once again become the world’s largest automaker, taking the crown from Toyota. GM sold over 9 million vehicles last year, led by sales of Chevrolet-branded models. [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on January 30, 2012
The 2012 Dodge Durango will be getting a few minor updates, including an all-new rear seat options. Buyers will be able to choose between a standard bench in the second row or captain’s chairs.
Buyers with a large family, or a small one, will be able to get the best possible seating configuration as second-row bucket seats are offered on all Durango trim levels – SXT, Crew, R/T, and Citadel models. [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on January 28, 2012
Buick has had plenty of success in recent years and is currently one of the fastest growing brands in the industry. In an effort to sustain that momentum, the brand is jumping into the crowded compact luxury crossover segment with the all-new 2013 Encore.
After its recent debut at the Detroit Auto Show, it was clear that the Encore is a much smaller offering that many of its competitors, measuring just 168 inches long with a wheelbase of only 104.8 inches. Still, the pint-sized crossover offers an acceptable 48 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down. [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on January 21, 2012
Chrysler’s Dodge brand hasn’t had a formidable entry in the compact segment since the demise of the Neon. Sure, the brand had the Caliber, but it didn’t fit the needs of buyers in the C-segment quite like the Neon, and didn’t have the same level success.
Thanks to Chrysler’s partnership with Fiat, the automaker is ready to have another go at the lucrative compact segment. At the recent Detroit Auto Show, the covers were lifted from the 2013 Dodge Dart, a car that’s based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on December 22, 2011
The last couple of years have been rough on the automotive industry, but things are certainly looking up. The past year, despite its fair share of high gas prices and natural disasters, has been filled with rising auto sales and generally optimistic outlooks.
As the year winds down, Kelley Blue Book has put together an infographic outlining some of the biggest successes, failures, and hurdles of 2011. Take a closer look at the graphic below. [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on December 22, 2011
Official pricing details regarding the much-anticipated Tesla Model S sedan have finally been released. The base Model S featuring a 160-mile range can be had for $57,400. A 230-mile range model will be available for $67,400, while a 300-mile range Model S will command $77,400.
In addition to offering the all-new Model S in a variety of ranges, Tesla will also be making a high-performance model featuring the same 85-kWh battery as the 300-mile version. That model will be priced from $87,400. According to Tesla, the Model S Performance also accelerates from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds, faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera. [click to continue…]
by Domestic RPM on December 19, 2011
Chevrolet has taken the covers off of the performance-tuned 2013 Sonic RS ahead of its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show. This new model will feature unique exterior and interior styling, a sport-tuned suspension system, and standard MyLink infotainment.
Under the hood is a turbocharged version of GM’s 1.4-liter Ecotec engine, which is good for 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Offered exclusively in a five-door body style, the new Chevy Sonic RS will also get a bevy of sporty enhancements including a rear spoiler, rocker moldings, retuned sport exhaust with chrome outlet, lowered and stiffened suspension with performance-tuned dampers, and of course RS badging. [click to continue…]
