Toyota dominates annual Top Picks list

http://www.boston.com/cars/news/articles/2012/05/06/toyota_dominates_annual_top_picks_list/

As the competition grows stronger with each passing year, it has been increasingly difficult for a single automaker to dominate Consumer Reports’ annual Top Picks list. This year, Toyota is the first brand to earn half of the top 10 spots in nearly a decade. The redesigned Toyota Camry Hybrid and Highlander edged out the competition to become Top Picks in Consumer Reports’ family sedan and family SUV categories respectively. They Prius , RAV4, and Sienna as the best in their individual categories

Oxmoor Toyota Scion Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoortoyota.com, www.oxmoorscion.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Mazda SkyActiv goes the distance

http://www.nwitimes.com/business/columnists/jim-jackson/mazda-skyactiv-goes-the-distance/article_8cccbaed-39a0-54f6-b58d-9ff1a9673cdc.html

By Jim Jackson Times Auto Writer

Japanese automaker Mazda joins the 40–plus mileage club with SkyActiv technology.

Today, gas mileage is king. And no where is it more apparent than in the brand's volume leader 2012 Mazda3 sedan.

"Mazda3 is our bread-and-butter car," says Andrew Thompson, new car sales manager for Kennedy Mazda in Valparaiso. "Its size is a good fit for most families and comes with a price point just over $20,000 when equipped with SkyActiv and an automatic transmission."

Thompson goes on to say that SkyActiv is the blend of Mazda development that has refined its best engine and transmission technology for higher compression, better fuel economy and increased horsepower.

"With SkyActiv, mileage can reach the high side of 47 miles per gallon on the highway with an average combined mileage that routinely achieves 42 mpg in real world driving," he said.

SkyActiv technology hones Mazda's 2.0–liter, inline, four–cylinder engine to build 155 horsepower from our 2012 Mazda3 SkyActiv–G Touring test car priced at $22,300 with a six–speed sport automatic transmission. Add $795 for freight.

The five–passenger Mazda3 sedan enters the compact car segment with a base model Mazda3 i SV sedan equipped with a five–speed manual gearbox that costs $15,800 without destination charge.

However, Mazda3's base model comes devoid of the SkyActiv powertrain.

Mazda3 comes in four–door sedan and four –door hatchback body styles, all with front–wheel drive.

Our 2012 Mazda3 SkyActiv–G press vehicle has standard one–touch power moonroof, intermittent front wipers, tilt and telescopic steering column, leather trimmed seats and door panels.

Also included is a leather wrapped steering wheel with built–in audio, cruise and Bluetooth controls, heated front seats, eight–way power driver's seat, leather shift knob and 16–inch alloy wheels wrapped in all–season tires.

A Bose Centerpoint audio system with 10–speaker surround sound also comes standard.

An optional Technology Package ($1,400) features a blind spot monitoring system, rain sensing wipers, bi–xenon headlamps with automatic leveling, adaptive front lighting system, auto on/off headlights and a perimeter alarm. A four month Sirius Satellite Radio subscription is included.

Ride quality of the 2012 Mazda3 is comfortable for cross–town or cross country travel.

Back seat legroom suffers without the courtesy of front occupants moving their seats up a bit. Once accomplished, two adult passengers fit well in the rear quarters.

When unoccupied, the standard 60/40 split–fold rear seat can be lowered into the cabin for expanded trunk space of 42 cubic feet.

Mazda3 sedan and hatchback earn Four out of Five Stars in overall crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Frontal Driver crash test ranks a Five Star rating.

The 2012 Mazda3 also earns a Compact Car Best Buy recommendation from Consumer Guide Automotive.

Oxmoor Mazda Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoormazda.com, www.skyactivlive.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Ford Drives Innovation, Intellectual Property Development through TechShop Membership Incentive for Smart Ideas

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/04/4465691/ford-drives-innovation-intellectual.html

By Ford Motor Company

DEARBORN, Mich., May 4, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ --

TechShop Detroit will give Ford employees, plus all Metro Detroiters, access to classes, coaching and state-of-the-art tools to turn ideas into reality

Ford's Employee Patent Incentive Award program now provides free TechShop memberships to Ford employees submitting inventions

Since the program was initiated at the beginning of the year, invention submissions are up more than 30 percent year-to-date versus 2011

Henry Ford would have felt right at home in Michigan's latest do-it-yourself workshop, the newly opened TechShop Detroit. After all, Mr. Ford underscores what a "maker" represents, having built his first motorized vehicle in his backyard shed.

What is a maker?

It's an individual within a growing movement of people interested in turning their ideas into reality – whether these are one-off art objects or potentially marketable products – someone who might not have the tools or know-how to get it done.

TechShop is located in Fairlane Business Park, a Ford Land-owned property. Ford Land helped bring TechShop to Metro Detroit with assistance from Bill Coughlin, CEO of Ford Global Technologies. Leading the domestic auto industry's only intellectual property team with a licensing arm, Coughlin shares this vision to help drive innovation among Ford engineers.

"Innovation and invention are at the core of Ford Motor Company," he says. "When I heard about TechShop and how they are inspiring and helping a new generation of inventors, I had to find a way to lure them to Detroit. Not only is it a great opportunity for the community, but it will be a strategic tool to spur creativity and new ideas within the Ford engineering community to help us continue to build our intellectual property portfolio."

Ford Global Technologies is enhancing the Employee Patent Incentive Award program so that inventors now get a free three-month membership to TechShop Detroit for submitting an invention worthy of patent consideration. Since launch in 1988, this program has provided financial rewards to Ford employees who submit approved inventions.

Coughlin estimates about 2,000 incentive memberships will be provided to Ford employees this year. Since the program was initiated at the beginning of the year, invention submissions are up more than 30 percent versus last year.

Ford has a portfolio of more than 17,000 issued and pending patents around the world, and – as a technology company – needs to be at the very forefront of automotive innovation. With TechShop in close proximity, Ford's employees in Dearborn will be able to easily and quickly build prototypes for almost any inventive solution they can conceive.

"By collaborating with TechShop Inc. to bring this new facility to southeast Michigan, we hope both to inspire and enable some of the great minds that live in this region to create, experiment and invent," said Venkatesh Prasad, senior technical leader, Ford Research and Innovation. "At TechShop, the many creative people including talented engineers, designers and scientists who work in the auto industry can exercise their imaginations and innovate well beyond their usual job description."

Dozens of Ford employees have already received TechShop awards for a variety of ideas that may be incorporated into future Ford vehicles, or licensed to other companies.

Learn about how Ford innovators are using their memberships by following this link: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=36443.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Ford – a company that truly embraces the open innovation model – to drive innovation in the Greater Metro Detroit area," said Jim Newton, TechShop founder. "TechShop provides a great resource to Ford employees and the many other local entrepreneurs looking to incubate new technologies, as part of Detroit's growing innovation community."

From laser cutters to computer-aided-design workstations to 3D printers, every TechShop is outfitted with tools that Henry Ford couldn't even imagine when he built his first cars more than a century ago. While much of this equipment is still well beyond the means of most tinkerers, memberships that start at just $99 a month enable everyone to be creative. All Ford employees and retirees will qualify for a 50 percent discount on TechShop memberships.

Click here to view a video introduction to TechShop Detroit.

TechShop was launched in 2006 in Menlo Park, Calif., near the heart of Silicon Valley where much of the technology that makes modern life possible was born. While Ford is in the midst of opening its own Silicon Valley Lab, it's fitting the newest workshop opens in America's industrial heartland, adjacent to Ford's product development campus.

Along with access to tools, members can take beginner to advanced-level classes with TechShop Dream Consultants on how to use the tools, and bounce ideas off other members. The Allen Park facility includes 17,000 square feet of shop space, classrooms, a creative brainstorming lounge and a retail store offering convenience materials and consumables.

Every TechShop membership includes:

Use of all tools and equipment (safety and basic usage class required for some)

Spacious workshop with large worktables with 115-volt outlets and compressed air

Use of computer workstations with software including Autodesk Inventor suite

Wi-Fi® with high-speed Internet access

Free member-only meet-ups and other special events

Fresh-brewed coffee and hot popcorn

Members can also rent storage space for their projects as well as a limited number of private workshop spaces.

"If Henry Ford were starting today, he would almost certainly be a member of TechShop Detroit," Prasad said.

Ford and TechShop – the membership-based workshop and fabrication studio – will host a Grand Opening celebration that spans the entire weekend of Saturday, May 5 through Sunday, May 6, 2012, both days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the new location in Allen Park at 800 Republic Drive. TechShop Detroit is the result of collaboration between TechShop Inc., Ford Motor Company, Ford Global Technologies and Ford Land.

About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Oxmoor Ford Lincoln Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorflm.com, www.oxmoorford.net.com, www.oxmoorlincoln.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

All New Hyundai Models Will Have Brake Override System

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/sns-all-new-hyundai-models-will-have-brake-overri-20120503,0,5575566.story

Jennifer Geiger

Unintended acceleration isn't just a Toyota problem. Hyundai is taking steps to ensure its cars are safeguarded from the issue by making brake override systems standard on all new models. Two years ago, the automaker made the system standard on half its lineup.

The fail-safe technology means that drivers can control a vehicle's speed and stop it in the event of an unintended-acceleration incident, Hyundai said. If sensors recognize that the gas and brake pedals are pressed at the same time, the brake action takes precedence to safely slow the car down. Starting this month, all of Hyundai's vehicles will have the system.

Although this is an uncommon problem, there is still the remote possibility that electric throttle control systems can malfunction and cause unintended acceleration, Hyundai said.

"With Hyundai's brake pedal throttle override capability, any brake pedal input by the driver, even with a runaway throttle condition, completely overrides any throttle malfunction," Robert Babcock, director of certification and compliance affairs for Hyundai's technical center, said in a statement. "It is no longer possible to have increasing engine power once the brake pedal is depressed by the driver. This adds a reassuring, incremental safeguard of control for Hyundai drivers."

Many automakers already use similar systems. BMW has been including it as standard equipment for years, and all Chrysler products since 2003 have brake override systems in place. All model-year 2011 and newer Toyotas have it, as well as model-year 2012 GM and Mazda vehicles, for example. More automakers will likely follow suit, especially if the government gets its way. Last month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began reviewing a proposal to mandate brake override systems on all new vehicles.

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Chrysler to begin testing electric vehicles

http://www.hydrogenfuelnews.com/chrysler-to-begin-testing-electric-vehicles/853467/

BY JOHN MAX

After years of fighting for recovery, Chrysler begins showing signs of recovery

Three years ago, American automaker Chrysler was faced with financial ruin due to the economic crisis that started in 2008. In 2009, the company received a large bailout from the federal government, coming in at $14 billion. Since the bailout, the automaker has been working to reclaim its former glory. To this end, Chrysler teamed with European car manufacturer Fiat. The partnership paid off, allowing Chrysler to establish itself as an influential company within the U.S. once again.

Focus on electric vehicles may be contributor to recent success

Part of the company’s newfound success is due to its shift of focus. Chrysler is no longer obsessed with producing high-performance muscle cars and has adopted mini-vans as its flagship vehicles. The company’s most recognizable brands – Jeep, Ram, and Dodge – are still around, but Chrysler has taken a keen interest in alternative energy and electric vehicles. The company recently announced that it will begin producing new electric and hybrid vehicles, the first of which is a plug-in hybrid mini-van.

Electric Town & Country mini-vans to be tested

Chrysler had developed a new line of Town & Country mini-vans – 25 in total. Eight of these vehicles have finished production and have been sent to Duke Energy in North Carolina. The energy company will test the vehicles to collect data on their performance and determine whether the lithium-ion batteries used in the mini-vans are viable for the purposes the vehicle was made for. The trial will span two years, with Duke employees driving the vehicles to and from work as well as around Charlotte, North Carolina.

Chrysler facing strong competition from other automakers

The automaker is one of several that have begun taking an interest in alternative energy. Chrysler has been attempting to produce electric vehicles for several years, but has been unable to overcome the financial challenges of producing these vehicles. The company is still reeling from the effects of a turbulent economy and it may be some time before it can produce viable electric vehicles. Other automakers, such as Nissan, have already established a promising head start, which will present a great deal of competition for Chrysler.

Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group, www.oxmoorautogroup.com, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

Toyota Corolla's Most Fearless Tweet Contest

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/02/toyota-corollas-most-fearless-tweet-contest_n_1471217.html

“Toyota Corolla’s Most Fearless Tweet” Contest

Official Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. “Toyota Corolla’s Most Fearless Tweet” Contest ("Promotion") begins at 9:00:00 AM Eastern Time (“ET”) on May 3, 2012 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on August 31, 2012 (“Promotion Period”). The computer clock of Sponsor is the official time-keeping device in the Promotion.

1. ELIGIBILITY: The Promotion is open to legal residents of the 48 Contiguous United States and the District of Columbia (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and all other U.S. territories and possessions) who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. Employees, officers and directors of AOL Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Sponsor”), Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., Realtime Media LLC, their respective parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising, contest, fulfillment and marketing agencies, (collectively, “Sponsor and Promotion Parties”) their immediate families (parent, child, sibling & spouse and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) and persons living in the same households as such individuals (whether related or not) are not eligible to participate in the Promotion. By participating in the Promotion, participants release, discharge and hold harmless Sponsor and Promotion Parties, their respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, retailers, advertising and promotion agencies and the respective officers, directors, employees and agents of each of the foregoing, from any and all damages whether direct or indirect, which may be due to or arise out of participation in the Promotion or any portion thereof, or the acceptance, use/misuse or possession of any prize. By participating, you agree to these Official Rules and to the decisions of the judges and Sponsor, which are final and binding in all respects. Void in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Territories and possessions and where prohibited by law, rule or regulation. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply.

2. HOW TO PARTICIPATE: LIMIT: One (1) Contest Entry per person, per day for the length of the Promotion. Contest Entries from the same person or email address in excess of the stated limitation will be void. Any attempt by a person to use multiple email accounts to register more than once may result in disqualification at the discretion of the Judges (defined below) or Sponsor and all associated Contest Entries will be void.

CONTEST ENTRY: This phase of the Contest begins at 9:00:00 AM ET on May 3, 2012 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on August 31, 2012 (“Promotion Period”). Judging will occur at the end of the Promotion Period. To enter the Contest online, you must be registered for Twitter, or create an account for free at http://www.twitter.com, and follow the steps below:

Step 1: Visit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/becoming-fearless (“Contest Website”) and follow the Huffington Post Healthy Living Twitter handle (@HealthyLiving).
Step 2: Watch the current video and Tweet something inspiring about the fearlessness seen in the video using the hashtag #BecomingFearless.

Step 3: Check back in two weeks to see who is “Toyota Corolla’s Most Fearless Tweet”

One (1) “Toyota Corolla’s Most Fearless Tweet” will be selected every two (2) weeks, from among all Contest Entries submitted during the preceding two (2) weeks, beginning May 8, 2012 and ending on September 1, 2012. Each of the winners of “Toyota Corolla’s Most Fearless Tweet” will be announced in the first slide of the Twitter slideshow. At the end of the Promotion, Arianna Huffington and her editor will choose one (1) Tweet from all eligible “Toyota Corolla’s Most Fearless Tweets” that was the most inspiring. By Tweeting about a video or article, entrants will earn one (1) entry into the Contest. All Contest Entries must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM on August 28, 2012 to be considered. Limit of 140 characters per Tweet. LIMIT: One (1) Contest Entry per person, per Twitter account, per day for the length of the Promotion.

JUDGING PERIOD: The Judging Period will begin at 9:00:00 AM ET on September 1, 2012 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on September 8, 2012. Throughout the Promotion Period, one (1) user will be selected, every other week, as “Toyota Corolla’s Most Fearless Tweet” by Arianna Huffington and her editor (the “Judges”). All eligible Contest Entries will be judged based on the following criteria: 100% Inspiration. Judges will choose one (1) Tweet from all eligible “Toyota Corolla’s Most Fearless Tweets” that was the most inspiring, and the Contest entry that receives the highest score will be deemed the Contest Grand Prize Winner, subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with these Official Rules. In the event of a tie, an additional, “tie-breaking” judge assigned by Sponsor in its sole discretion will determine the winner based on the criteria listed herein. Sponsor reserves the right to select fewer winners if, in its sole discretion, it does not receive a sufficient number of eligible and qualified Contest Entries.

All Contest Entries submitted may be posted on the publicly accessible Contest Website during and following the Contest. By submitting a Contest Entry, each entrant acknowledges and agrees that his/her Contest Entry may be posted on the publicly accessible Contest Website during and following the Contest, and if he/she is selected as a winner, his/her Contest Entry will be posted on the Contest Website. By submitting a Contest Entry, entrant hereby grants permission for his/her Contest Entry to be posted on the Contest Website and other Sponsor web sites. Promotion Parties are not responsible for any unauthorized use of Contest Entries by third parties. Promotion Parties do not guarantee the posting of any Contest Entry. Entrants agree that they will not use the Contest Entry for any other purpose, including, without limitation, posting the Contest Entry to any online social networks, without the express consent of Sponsor in each instance.

By submitting a Contest Entry, each entrant represents and warrants that his/her Contest Entry is original to the entrant, that the Contest Entry has not been previously published, has not won previous awards and that neither it nor its contents infringes upon or violates the rights of any third party. By submitting a Contest Entry you hereby grant the Sponsor, its affiliates, subsidiaries, assigns, licensees, and legal representatives the irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide right to use, reproduce, edit, market, store, distribute, have distributed, publicly and privately display, communicate, publicly and privately perform, transmit, have transmitted, create derivative works based upon, and promote the Contest Entry (as such may be edited and modified by the Sponsor in its discretion) for editorial, commercial, promotional and all other purposes including posting on any websites. Any entrant whose work includes likenesses or third parties or contains elements not owned by entrant (such as, but not limited to, company logos) must be able to provide legal releases for such use in a form satisfactory to Sponsor or their entry will be disqualified. Sponsor shall have the right to disqualify any Contest Entries that they deem to be obscene or otherwise not in good taste, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Contest Entries may not defame or invade the publicity rights or privacy of any person, living or deceased, or otherwise infringe upon any person’s personal or proprietary rights.

REQUIREMENTS OF CONTEST ENTRIES: Contest Entry may not contain, as determined by the Sponsor, in its sole discretion, any content that:
• Is sexually explicit; unnecessarily violent or derogatory of any ethnic, racial, gender, religious, professional or age group; profane or pornographic; contains nudity;
• Promotes alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, firearms/weapons (or the use of any of the foregoing); promotes any activities that may appear unsafe or dangerous; promotes any particular political agenda or message;
• Is obscene or offensive; endorses any form of hate or hate group;
• Appears to duplicate any other submitted Contest Entries;
• Defames, misrepresents or contains disparaging remarks about other people or companies;
• Contains trademarks, logos, or trade dress (such as distinctive packaging or building exteriors/interiors) owned by others, without permission;
• Contains any personal identification, such as license plate numbers, personal names, e-mail addresses or street addresses;
• Contains copyrighted materials owned by others (including photographs, sculptures, paintings, and other works of art or images published on or in websites, television, movies or other media), without permission;
• Contains any individual other than the entrant and/or any materials embodying the names, likenesses, voices, or other indicia identifying any person, including, without limitation, celebrities and/or other public or private figures, living or dead, without providing legal releases for such use in a form satisfactory to Sponsor;
• Contains look-alikes of celebrities or other public or private figures, living or dead;
• Contains any individuals under the age of 18
• Communicates messages or images inconsistent with the positive images and/or good will to which Sponsor wishes to associate; and/or
• Violates any law.

By submitting a Contest Entry, entrant acknowledges and agrees that Sponsor may receive other Contest Entries under this Promotion that may be similar or identical to the Contest Entry submitted by entrant, and entrant waives any and all claims he/she may have had, may have, and/or may have in the future, that any other Contest Entry reviewed and/or used by Sponsor may be similar to his/her Contest Entry.

3. PRIZES AND ODDS OF WINNING: Ten (10) Contest Prizes will be awarded, as detailed below, from all eligible entries received during the Promotion Period. Odds of winning will depend on the number and quality of eligible entries received.

GRAND PRIZE (1): One (1) Grand Prize will be awarded, consisting of a trip for two (2) (winner and a guest) to Chicago, IL (final destination determined by Sponsor) to attend an event at which Arianna Huffington is speaking. After the event, the winner will attend a meet-and-greet with Arianna Huffington. Prize package includes: Round-trip coach air transportation for winner and guest from a major airport, as determined by Sponsor, near the winner’s home within the continental U.S. to Chicago, IL; One (1) double occupancy standard hotel room for three (3) days/two (2) nights; Ground transportation for two roundtrips (airport to hotel; hotel to airport and hotel to Arianna’s event; event to hotel); One (1) $200 AMEX Gift Card; and one (1) signed copy of Arianna Huffington’s book, On Becoming Fearless.... in Love, Work, and Life.

The Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of the Grand Prize Package is $3,475.00

“Toyota Corolla’s Most Fearless Tweet” Prizes (9): Each of the nine (9) “Toyota Corolla’s Most Fearless Tweet” winners will receive one (1) signed copy of Arianna Huffington’s book, On Becoming Fearless.... in Love, Work, and Life. The ARV of this prize is $12.99.

The ARV of ALL Contest Prizes is $3,591.91

If any portion of the prize is not available for any reason then the Sponsor reserves the right to substitute that portion of the prize with another prize of comparable or greater value.

GRAND PRIZE RESTRICTIONS: Travel will be based on the schedule of Arianna Huffington. Final trip destination will be determined by Sponsor, at their sole discretion. Actual prize value depends on the final travel destination, as well as the location of the Grand Prize Winners’ residence and dates of travel. Sponsor will attempt to accommodate Grand Prize Winners’ preferred itinerary, but all specifics thereof will be at Sponsor’s discretion. Some restrictions and black-out dates may apply. Travel must be booked at least thirty (30) days in advance of stay and is subject to availability. If Grand Prize Winner(s) and guest cannot comply with these restrictions or any other portion of these Official Rules, the prize will be forfeited in its entirety and an alternate Grand Prize Winner will be chosen. Grand Prize Winner(s) and travel guest must travel together on the same itinerary and must travel from major airport closest to the Grand Prize Winners’ residence, as determined by Sponsor, in its sole discretion. Any picture identification requirements associated with air travel are the Grand Prize Winner(s) and travel guest’s responsibility. In the event the Grand Prize Winner lives within 100 miles from Chicago, IL (or the final travel destination), ground transportation only (not air transportation) will be provided to and from the hotel. Travel arrangements must be made through Sponsor’s agent, on a carrier of Sponsor’s choice and trip must be taken on a date of the Sponsor’s choosing. If Grand Prize Winner(s) and guest cannot travel on the dates specified by Sponsor, the prize will be forfeited in its entirety and the prize may be awarded to an alternate Grand Prize Winner selected in a random drawing from among all remaining eligible entries. Flight details are subject to availability and airline carrier’s regulations and conditions apply. The trip may not be combined with any other offer and travel may not qualify for frequent flyer miles. Promotion Parties are not responsible for lost or mutilated tickets and none will be replaced. Airline tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and are not valid for upgrades. The hotel accommodations and airline tickets will be determined at the sole discretion of Sponsor. If any portion of the prize is not available for any reason then the Sponsor reserves the right to substitute that portion of the prize with another prize of comparable or greater value. Guest must be 18 years of age or older, and must complete and return a publicity and liability release at least thirty (30) days prior to departure. If guest is the child or legal ward of the Grand Prize Winner(s), Grand Prize Winner(s) must execute and return all required documents on behalf of such child or legal ward. If parent or legal guardian is not the Grand Prize Winner(s), no additional accommodations will be provided for the travel guest’s parent or legal guardian. All federal, state, income, and local taxes and any other costs and expenses associated with prize acceptance and use not listed herein as part of the prize including, without limitation, ground transportation (other than that specified above as included in prize), luggage fees, souvenirs, miscellaneous hotel expenses, and gratuities are the sole responsibility of Grand Prize Winner(s).

4. WINNER NOTIFICATION: Potential Contest winner will receive prize notification via Twitter direct message, email and/or phone call, within three (3) days of the drawing date or as soon thereafter as reasonably practicable. The potential winner, of a prize valued at $600 or more, will be sent via email or United States Postal Mail an Affidavit of Eligibility form and a W9 form. Potential winner must complete, sign, notarize and return all required forms to Realtime Media within ten (10) days of issuance. The potential winner then and only then becomes the “winner.” If such potential winner cannot be contacted within a reasonable time period, if the potential winner is ineligible, if any notification is returned undeliverable, or if the potential winner otherwise fails to fully comply with these Official Rules, he/she will forfeit that prize and, if time permits, an alternate winner will be selected from among all remaining entries for that drawing at the sole discretion of Sponsor.

5. PRIZE LIMITATIONS: Limit of one (1) “Toyota Corolla’s Most Fearless Tweet” prize per person/per household. Entrants that are discovered during prize verification to have entered, attempted to enter, or used multiple accounts to enter more than the stated limit will be disqualified at the discretion of the administrator, or will be void. Promotion entries generated by script, macro or other automated means and Promotion entries made by any means, which subvert the entry process, are void. All Promotion entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned.

6. GENERAL PRIZE CONDITIONS: Prize will only be awarded by Sponsor upon potential winners’ verification of eligibility and final approval by Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right to perform a detailed background check on the potential winners by entering the Promotion you hereby authorize Sponsor to perform the same in the event that you are selected as a potential winner. No prize substitution, cash equivalent of prizes, transfer or assignment of prizes is permitted, except by Sponsor which reserves the right to substitute a prize with one of comparable or greater value, in its sole discretion. If any winner is at least 18 but still considered a minor in his/her jurisdiction of residence, prize will be awarded in the name of his/her parent or legal guardian who will be responsible for fulfilling all requirements imposed on winners set forth herein.

7. MISCELLANEOUS: Promotion Parties are not responsible for late, lost, incomplete, corrupted, stolen, garbled, damaged, delayed, undelivered or misdirected entries, all of which are void. Online entries will be considered to be entered by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at time of entry and he/she must comply with these Official Rules. The authorized account holder is deemed as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider or other organization that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. Information collected from entrant is used only for the purpose of the prize drawing and to notify winners, and will not be re-used, sold or shared in any manner by Promotion Parties or any third parties unless entrant has elected to receive additional information and promotional material from Sponsor or a third party. By entering the Contest, you agree to all of the terms and conditions of Sponsor’s Privacy Policy, which is available at privacy.aol.com. Upon entering the Promotion, winners grant Sponsor the right to print, publish, broadcast, and use world-wide in any media now known or later developed, the winner's name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness, city and state of residence, and biographical information for any purpose, including but not limited to, in advertisements, publicity, and other communications, worldwide, in perpetuity, without additional compensation, notification or permission, except where prohibited by law. All entrants agree to comply with these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor and judges shall be binding and final.

8. RELEASE: As a condition of entering the Promotion, entrant agrees that (1) under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental, consequential or any other damages, and any claims, judgments or awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket expenses; (2) all causes of action arising out of or connected with this Promotion, or any prizes awarded, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form class action; and (3) in no event will any entrant be entitled to receive attorneys’ fees. BY ENTERING THE PROMOTION, ENTRANTS AGREE TO RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND HOLD HARMLESS PROMOTION PARTIES AND THE RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND AGENTS OF EACH, FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY INJURY, LOSS, OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND TO PERSONS, INCLUDING DEATH, AND PROPERTY, WHETHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT, WHICH MAY BE DUE TO OR ARISE OUT OF PARTICIPATION IN THE PROMOTION OR ANY PORTION THEREOF, OR THE ACCEPTANCE, USE/MISUSE OR POSSESSION OF PRIZES, OR ANY PRIZE-RELATED TRAVEL OR ACTIVITY. ENTRANTS WAIVE ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

9. DISCLAIMER: Promotion Parties are not responsible for printing or typographical errors in these Official Rules or in any Promotion-related materials. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual that tampers with the entry process. Sponsor also reserves the right to terminate, suspend, cancel or modify the Promotion and award the prizes for the Promotion from among all eligible, non-suspect entries received as of the date of termination using the selection process outlined in Section 3 above if for any reason this Promotion is not capable of running as planned due to any reason, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, fraud, unauthorized intervention, technical failures or other causes that may corrupt or impair the integrity, fairness or proper play of the Promotion. Promotion Parties are not responsible or liable for any events which may cause errors and/or the Promotion to be stopped, including but not limited to any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries, nor are they responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone, network or telephone lines, computer on-line systems, servers, or cable, satellite, or Internet Service Providers, computer equipment, software or any other failure of any email or entry to be received by Sponsor on account of technical problems, human error or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any web site, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to entrant's or any other person's computer relating to or resulting from participation in this Promotion or downloading any materials in this Promotion. Promotion Parties are not responsible for computer, mechanical, technical, electronic, network or other errors or problems, including any errors or problems that may occur in connection with the administration of the Promotion, the processing of entries, or in any other Promotion-related materials. The Sponsor and Promotion Parties may stop you from participating in this Promotion if you violate Official Rules or act, in Sponsor’s sole discretion: (a) in a manner Sponsor determines to be not fair; (b) with an intent to annoy, threaten or harass any other entrant or the Sponsor; or (c) in any other disruptive manner. Should more prizes be awarded through a computer, hardware, or software malfunction, error or failure, or for any other reason, in any prize category, than are stated for that category in the Official Rules, Sponsor reserves the right to award only the number of prizes stated in the Official Rules for that category. In no event will more prizes be awarded than that listed in Rule #3.

10. CAUTION: ANY ACT OR ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEB SITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THIS PROMOTION IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS. SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, PROMOTION PARTIES RESERVE THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES AND OTHER REMEDIES (INCLUDING ATTORNEYS’ FEES) FROM ANY SUCH INDIVIDUAL(S) TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

11. CHOICE OF LAW AND JURISDICTION: Except where prohibited, all issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of entrants or winners, Sponsor, and administrator in connection with this Promotion, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the Commonwealth of Virginia or any other jurisdiction), which might otherwise cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Commonwealth of Virginia. Any action seeking legal or equitable relief arising out of or relating to the Promotion or these Official Rules shall be brought only in the courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Entrants hereby irrevocably consent to the personal jurisdiction of said courts and waive any claim of forum non-convenience or lack of personal jurisdiction they may have.

12. TAX INFORMATION: All federal, state, local, and other taxes on prizes and any other costs and expenses associated with prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided, are the sole responsibility of the applicable winner.

13. WINNERS LIST: To receive the list of winners of prizes, send a #10 self-addressed stamped envelope for receipt by September 30, 2012 to: “Toyota Corolla’s Most Fearless Tweet” Contest Winners List Request, c/o Realtime Media, 40 Morris Ave., Suite 300, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. Vermont residents may omit return postage.

Oxmoor Toyota Scion Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoortoyota.com, www.oxmoorscion.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Mazda Sales Up More Than 21 Percent Year-Over-Year

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/01/4457208/mazda-sales-up-more-than-21-percent.html

By Mazda North American Operations

Mazda Achieves Fastest Year-to-Date Sales since 1994 with More Than 100K Vehicles Sold

2013 Escape: Ford's compact SUV goes lux

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2012/05/02/2806191/2013-escape-fords-compact-suv.html

By ANN M. JOB

With European-style handling, luxury looks, surprising refinement and new features for 2013, Ford's compact sport utility vehicle, the Escape, doesn't seem like an Escape anymore.

The familiar boxy shape is replaced by a sleek, rich-looking exterior, and the Escape's V-6, manual transmission and gasoline-electric hybrid model are gone.

Instead, every 2013 Escape comes with a six-speed automatic and a choice of three, gasoline-powered, four-cylinder engines.

Importantly, all three powerplants garner a minimum 30-miles-per-gallon-on-the-highway fuel economy rating from the federal government, and two of the three are turbocharged and deliver at least 184 foot-pounds of torque. In contrast, the only 2012 Escape with a fuel mileage rating of 30 mpg or more on the window sticker was the Escape Hybrid, which started at more than $30,000.

Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, is $23,295 for a base, 2013 Escape S with 168-horsepower, naturally aspirated four cylinder, automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

This base 2013 Escape is rated at 22/31 mpg in city/highway travel and includes air conditioning and cloth seats, with Ford's Sync voice-activated entertainment system available as a $295 option.

Unfortunately, pricing goes up considerably from the base model, and the test Escape with four-wheel drive and top equipment and trim level called Titanium, plus options, topping out at more than $36,000.

In between the base Escape and the top model are, thankfully, a number of choices - all with two rows of seats providing seating for five. The lowest starting retail price for a 2013 Escape with one of Ford's peppier, turbocharged engines is $25,895 for an SE with 178-horsepower four cylinder, automatic transmission, front-wheel drive and mileage rating of 23/33 mpg.

The lowest starting retail price for a four-wheel drive 2013 Escape is $27,645, and this is with the 178-horsepower, turbocharged four cylinder.

The Escape has many competitors, including the top-selling Honda CR-V with a starting MSRP, including destination charge, of $23,325 for a 2012 base model with 185-horsepower four cylinder, five-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. Among the CR-V's standard features is a rearview camera. The 2012 Hyundai Tucson SUV has a starting retail price of $19,970 with 165-horsepower four cylinder, five-speed manual and front-wheel drive. A 2012 Tucson with six-speed automatic starts at $20,970.

Note that both the base CR-V and the base Tucson with automatic are rated at 23/31 mpg by the government, which is in line with the 2013 Escape models.

Ford's re-engineered Escape is a sibling of the company's Kuga, which is a compact crossover in Europe. This European heritage was one of the first impressions of the 2013 Escape test model.

The vehicle felt solidly planted on the road, even on twisty mountain roads.

Weight shift from one side to the other during curves was well-managed and provided a more confident ride than that found in previous Escapes. In fact, there was little tippy feel, and road bumps came through mostly as mild vibrations.

To be sure, the Escape felt substantial and solid. It's not exactly a heavy sensation, but even a base 2013 Escape weighs more than 3,500 pounds, which is 200 pounds more than a base CR-V and base Tucson.

Overall, the ride was pleasant and more refined than in earlier Escapes, even though the test, top-of-the-line Titanium trim model, rode on big, stylish, 19-inch wheels.

The tester had the most powerful of the four-cylinder engines - a 240-horsepower, 2-liter, double overhead cam, turbocharged, four cylinder that, like other Ford four-cylinder turbos, carries the name EcoBoost. In fact, Ford's larger SUV, the Edge, uses this 2-liter turbo four cylinder, too.

Premium fuel is recommended to get the maximum power, which includes 270 foot-pounds of torque at 3,000 rpm in the Escape.

In real world driving, though, this turbo didn't send the Escape zooming forward in a rush. Rather, power was delivered smoothly but not instantaneously, even when the accelerator was suddenly pressed to the floor.

In more gentle acceleration, the test Escape, which weighed more than 3,700 pounds, moved comfortably through traffic, and the four-wheel disc brakes - an upgrade from rear drums in the 2012 Escape - worked capably.

Alas, fuel mileage in the tester averaged only 19.5 mpg in driving that was 70 percent in the city. So, it could travel not quite 300 miles on a single, 15.1-gallon tank, and the four-wheel drive tester didn't meet the government rating of 21/28 mpg.

The interior was impressive. Premium materials, including nicer plastic on the sizable dashboard, gave an upscale feel. The optional, full leather trim on the test Escape seats helped, too.

Brightly illuminated gauges in front of the driver are uncomplicated, but Ford's touch screen in the middle of the dashboard takes practice. A nice perk: The rearview camera's picture is big on this sizable display screen, so drivers see clearly what's behind them.

The new Escape is one of the few compact SUVs to offer a power, rear liftgate. Usually, these are found on larger, luxury models.

Ford's power liftgate has a twist: A person can avoid pushing the key fob's "open liftgate" button and instead sort of kick his or her foot under the rear bumper, where a sensor detects that the liftgate needs to open. It's a fine idea, but with arms full of heavy pet supplies, I nearly fell on the pavement trying to kick my leg and keep my balance.

Another issue with the power liftgate: It goes fully upward each time, so in a parking garage, it struck the concrete beam overhead and then retracted a bit. The result: A small bump on the tailgate exterior.

The 2013 Escape is a bit longer and wider than its predecessor, and cargo space stretches to 68.1 cubic feet.

Oxmoor Ford Lincoln Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorflm.com, www.oxmoorford.net.com, www.oxmoorlincoln.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Hyundai to Equip Its Cars With Throttle-Override System

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/05/02/hyundai-to-equip-its-cars-with-throttle-override-system/

By Jonathan Welsh

Hyundai Motor Co. said it will equip all of its new vehicles with electronic throttle-override technology beginning this month’s production run. The feature, the car maker said, will allow drivers to control a vehicle’s speed and bring it to a stop even in so-called runaway throttle situations.

Because electronic throttle links have replaced the cable or pushrod linkages that used to control engine speed, there is a possibility that electronic malfunctions can cause the driver to lose control of the engine’s speed.

Numerous cases of alleged unintended acceleration have made consumers especially wary of the potential hazards of the electronic or “drive by wire” systems that increasingly control our vehicles.

Hyundai said the likelihood of problems with these systems is extremely low, but it is seeking to reassure drivers that they will be able to keep their cars from getting away from them if something goes wrong with the throttle.

“With Hyundai’s brake pedal throttle override capability, any brake pedal input by the driver, even with a runaway throttle condition, completely overrides any throttle malfunction,” said Robert Babcock, director of certification and compliance affairs for Hyundai’s technical center. “It is no longer possible to have increasing engine power once the brake pedal is depressed by the driver,” he said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is considering including a brake pedal throttle override requirement in its motor vehicle regulations but has not yet approved a rule.

Oxmoor Hyundai Louisville Kentucky, Hyundai Of Louisville, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorhyundai.com, www.hyundaioflouisville.com, www.louisvilleequus.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Want value? Dodge Dart hits the sweet spot

http://www.freep.com/article/20120503/COL14/205030397/Mark-Phelan-Want-value-Dodge-Dart-hits-the-sweet-spot

Mark Phelan

NEW ORLEANS -- Chrysler threw in some of what Louisiana natives call lagniappe to sweeten the deal and get customers to try the automaker's first compact sedan in years, the * * * 2013

Dodge Dart.

Lagniappe -- pronounced "lon-yop" -- is a little extra, something on the side to make sure the customer is happy.

The Dart heaps on features you don't expect in a compact car, including some no competitor offers.

The Dart rolls into showrooms next month with cushy materials, sculpted seats, electronic blind-spot alert, and sporty handling and performance.

Consider the deal sweetened. Despite a few shortcomings, the 2013 Dodge Dart's value and features make it a strong competitor for compacts like the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta.

Prices for the Dart start at $15,995 for a base model with a 160-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic adds $1,100.

A turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder is a $1,300 option. That engine combines good fuel economy and spirited performance, thanks to 184-pound-feet of torque available from 2,500 to 4,000 engine r.p.m.

The 1.4-liter comes with a six-speed manual transmission. A $1,100 six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission will be available with the engine in the third quarter. The $22,495 Dart R/T will have a 184-horsepower 2.4-liter and six-speed manual or automatic when it goes on sale in the third quarter.

I tested a very well-equipped $25,160 Dart Limited. It had the 1.4-liter turbo, manual gearbox, touch screen controls, navigation, leather upholstery and more. All prices exclude destination charges.

The 2013 Dart is the first car jointly developed by Chrysler and Fiat, the Italian automaker that gained control of the Auburn Hills automaker during the Great Recession.

Fiat provided Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep with platforms, engines and technology to build fuel-efficient small cars and crossovers in exchange for a controlling stake in Chrysler.

Chrysler engineers and designers reworked the platform Fiat developed for the sporty little Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback to create the Dart. Chrysler designers crafted the Dart's interior and exterior designs specifically for American tastes.

I drove a Dart Limited from Chrysler's introduction of the car in Austin, Texas, where I rode with the Dart's engineers and designers, to the New Orleans Jazz Festival. I covered well more than 600 miles from the Texas hill country's sweeping curves to Houston's superhighways and

New Orleans' rough surface streets.

The car is roomy and comfortable. The 97.2-cubic-foot passenger compartment is bigger than the competitors', with plenty of head, shoulder and legroom. The 13.1-cubic-foot trunk is useful. The Cruze, Focus, Elantra and Jetta offer more room.

Interior storage includes a cavernous glove box, bins and map pockets.

The interior materials are mostly excellent. Soft-touch padded plastics with attractive finishes cover the dash, armrests and the top of the doors in most models.

The doors' lower surfaces, around the map pockets, have a hard surface and unattractive look. The sculpted leather seats of the car I tested were comfortable and attractive. The thick leather-wrapped steering wheel looks and feels solid and sporty.

Chrysler's steering-wheel-mounted controls for cruise, voice recognition, phone and audio are among the best in the auto industry. The rest of the controls are equally easy to use.

The dials and buttons in the center stack and the 8.4-inch touch screen in the car I tested performed well, as did its voice-recognition for phone, audio and navigation.

The navigation voice-recognition had a small glitch when I dictated one address, but worked fine otherwise. You can configure the Dart's LED gauge cluster to a variety of formats. The display is as sharp as high-definition television.

There's not much wind noise. Road noise from rough surfaces was quite noticeable in fast driving, however.

The car negotiated fast curves well, but the ride got bumpy on rough pavement. The electric power steering provides good feedback and assist at all speeds.

The 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder has surprising power. There's not much low-r.p.m. torque, but performance is good and passing is easy for anybody willing to rev the engine and shift the smooth six-speed fast and frequently.

Fuel economy is good: an EPA-rated 27 m.p.g. city, 39 highway and 32 in combined driving. An upcoming Aero model will use special tires and lightweight parts to hit 41 m.p.g. or more on the EPA highway test.

However, the 1.4-liter turbo uses premium fuel. The Dart's other engines use regular.

The Dart's main competitors run on less-expensive regular. That means the Dart's annual fuel bill will be about the same as less fuel-efficient models of the Focus, Corolla and Cruze, and more than the Civic, despite the Dart's higher m.p.g. The Elantra's annual fuel cost also undercuts the Dart. The 2.0-liter Sentra and 2.5-liter Jetta will cost more.

The Dart's also a heavy car. The 3,191-pound curb weight of the one I drove is 180 to 485 pounds more than its competitors. While the Dart's weight is partly due to its many features, like 10 standard air bags, Chrysler might have won outright fuel-economy and performance leadership with a lighter car.

Those flaws keep the 2013 Dart from scoring a clean bull's-eye, but the value, features, performance and room of Dodge's new compact are on-target enough to win lots of happy owners and make the competition uneasy.

More Details: 2013 Dodge Dart Limited

Front-wheel drive five-passenger compact sedan

Price as tested: $25,160 (excluding destination charge)

Rating: * * * (out of four stars)

Reasons to buy: Features, value, handling, interior space

Shortcomings: Premium fuel, low-r.p.m. torque, weight

More Details: 2013 Dodge Dart at a glance

Vehicle type: Front-wheel drive five-passenger compact sedan

Power: 160-horsepower, 148 pound-feet of torque, 2.0-liter four-cylinder; 160-horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder; 184-horsepower, 171 pound-feet of torque 2.4-liter four-cylinder available in third quarter.

Transmission: Six-speed manual or automatic; dual-clutch automatic available in third quarter.

Price range: $15,995-$22,495 (excluding destination charges)

More Details: Key features on vehicle tested

Antilock brakes; stability control; curtain air bags; front- and rear-seat side air bags; front knee air bags; power locks, mirrors and windows; projector headlights and front headlights; LED taillights; LED interior lights; automatic headlights; active grille shutters; illuminated instrument panel surround; reconfigurable gauge cluster; Bluetooth phone and music compatible; voice-recognition for phone, audio and navigation; AM/FM/CD audio with Sirius satellite radio; 8.4-inch touch screen for audio, navigation, etc.; iPod compatible; USB port; power six-way driver seat; 60/40 split-folding rear seat; steering wheel audio, phone and cruise controls; manual tilt/telescope steering column.

Options: 1.4-liter turbocharged engine; remote proximity keyless entry; push-button start; rain-sensitive wipers; automatic high-beam lights; LED 'race track' taillight surround; rear parking assist; blind-spot and rear cross-path alert; high-intensity discharge headlamps; navigation system; Alpine nine-speaker audio system with subwoofer; Nappa leather seats; heated front seats; heated steering wheel; dual-zone automatic temperature control; universal garage door opener; polished aluminum wheels

More Details: Competitive EPA fuel economy ratings

(Manual transmission models unless otherwise noted)

Dodge Dart 1.4-liter turbo: 27 m.p.g. city/39 m.p.g. highway/32 m.p.g. combined. Premium fuel.

Chevrolet Cruze 2LT: 26 m.p.g. city/38 m.p.g. highway/30 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.

Ford Focus SE: 26 m.p.g. city/36 m.p.g. highway/30 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.

Honda Civic LX: 28 m.p.g. city/36 m.p.g. highway/31 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.

Hyundai Elantra Limited: 29 m.p.g. city/40 m.p.g. highway/33 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.

Nissan Sentra 2.0L: 24 m.p.g. city/31 m.p.g. highway/27 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.

Toyota Corolla: 27 m.p.g. city/34 m.p.g. highway/30 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.

Volkswagen Jetta 2.5L: 23 m.p.g. city/33 m.p.g. highway/26 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.

More Details: 2013 Dodge Dart Limited

Front-wheel drive five-passenger compact sedan

Base price: $19,995

Price as tested: $25,160 (excluding destination charge)

Safety equipment: Antilock brakes; stability control; curtain air bags; front- and rear-seat side air bags; front knee air bags.

Specifications as tested

Engine: 1.4-liter turbocharged SOHC variable-timing 16-valve four-cylinder.

Power: 160 horsepower at 5,500 r.p.m.; 184 pound-feet of torque at 2,500-4,000 r.p.m.

Transmission: Six-speed manual

EPA fuel economy rating: 27 m.p.g. city/39 highway/32 combined. Premium gasoline.

Dimensions

Wheelbase: 106.4 inches

Length: 183.9 inches

Width: 72.0 inches

Height: 57.7 inches

Curb weight: 3,191 pounds

Assembled at: Belvidere, Ill.

Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group, www.oxmoorautogroup.com, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

Toyota RAV4 EV To Be Unveiled In Los Angeles Next Week

http://www.nitrobahn.com/conceptz/autoshows/toyota-rav4-ev-to-be-unveiled-in-los-angeles-next-week/

S BUCHANON

Toyota is all set to unveil its latest edition — theToyota RAV4 EV in Los Angeles next week at the 26th International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS26). The automaker didn’t reveal more details, but released a teaser image of the car’s badge. It is expected that the new RAV4 EV will be an updated version of the Toyota RAV4 EV, which we already saw at the 2010Los Angeles Motor Show. That model was developed by Toyota and the exclusive EV brandTesla in which Toyota provided the base vehicle for the project while Tesla supplied battery, motor, gearbox and power electronics. Tesla will ship EV drive system machinery from a facility in Palo Alto to Toyota’s Woodstock, Ontario plant, which assembles customary gasoline-engine RAV4s.

Toyota made clear that the new Toyota RAV4 EV is due to go on sale in the United States in mid 2012, and will be available for the general public. But rumours suggest the sales will be limited to California only. However, the automaker claims a range of about 100 miles (160km) between charges that is approximately as the same as the Nissan Leaf’s 175km range, which was exclusively based on the New European Driving Cycle.

Earlier, the original RAV4 EV discontinued its US sales in 2003 due to low demand and sold only 1484 units in the country. Powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, the first RAV4 EV model had a range of 80-110 miles. On the basis of that the automaker hopes this next-generation RAV4 EV to be more successful and fuel efficient than its first effort that was produced between 1998 and 2003.

Oxmoor Toyota Scion Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoortoyota.com, www.oxmoorscion.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/12_month_car_reviews/1205_2013_mazda_cx_5_grand_touring_may_update/

By Donny Nordlicht

We knew we were adding a dash of flash to our Four Seasons fleet when we took delivery of a Range Rover Evoque, but we did not expect our newly arrived Mazda CX-5 to turn just as many heads as the posh Range Rover.

The fact that our CX-5 is dressed in a vivacious shade of sky blue mica paint probably helps its cause. The CX-5 also is the first production Mazda to feature the brand's new Kodo design language, which is a departure from the smiley-faced and oh-so-wavy Nagare language championed by ex-design chief Franz von Holzhausen (who has since moved on to Tesla). Kodo is supposed to stand for the "soul of motion" -- a more refined sense of flow over the old Nagare look. Key elements of Kodo include a more conservative five-point grille, projector beam headlights, and a metal detail that runs from within each headlight cluster to outline the base of the grille. Especially on the CX-5, the new form is quite handsome and it makes Mazda's compact crossover stand out from the competition but not in a bad way.

Staffers fall into two distinct camps when discussing the CX-5's look: either they think it is "adorable" and "super cute" or that it is "aggressive" and "masculine." Yet everyone agrees that the Kodo look is much more mature than Mazda's previous offerings. "When compared to the outgoing CX-7 crossover, the CX-5 is much more mainstream and is pretty attractive," notes managing editor Amy Skogstrom. This newfound maturity is not off putting to a new generation of buyers, however; our youngest staff member, associate online editor Ben Timmins, finds the CX-5 to be "just flashy enough, although it could with less lower body cladding. Personally, I would never buy a Honda CR-V, but could happily see myself in a CX-5."

"I was never a fan of Nagare, and its clown-faced look, but I think Mazda's on the right track with its Kodo design language," says associate web editor Evan McCausland. "The swoopy fenders, furrowed brow, and rising rear quarter windows lend it a sporty, car-like feel, but the CX-5 still retains a touch of boxiness -- and, dare I say, masculinity -- that its CX-7 and CX-9 forebears lacked. Squint, and the CX-5's profile almost looks like a BMW X3's, which is hardly a bad thing."

Assistant editor David Zenlea asserts that the CX-5 is "a lot more mature than the Nagare-styled cars, especially when you compare it with the faces on the Mazda3 and Mazda5. It's very aggressive but not polarizing."

The CX-5 just went on sale at the end of February, and Mazda has already sold 3986 copies through the end of March. In fact, Jeremy Barnes, the director of communications for Mazda USA, recently told us that "[Mazda] hasn't had a car moving off of dealer lots this quickly since the original Miata in 1989." It's clear that the CX-5 isn't just turning heads but is also winning over customers, a good sign for a brand that could use a hit.

Check back next month when we promise to move beyond the visuals after we start putting some serious miles on Mazda's latest SUV.

Oxmoor Mazda Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoormazda.com, www.skyactivlive.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

2013 Ford Focus ST priced at $24,495, build site launched

http://www.torquenews.com/106/2013-ford-focus-st-priced-24495-build-site-launched

By Patrick Rall

The 2013 Ford Focus ST is the first global performance vehicle in Ford Motor Company’s One Ford plan and today, FoMoCo announced that the high performance Focus ST will carry a starting price of just $24,495 (including a destination fee of $795) - and you can build/price your dream Focus ST on the Ford vehicle website right now.

The 2013 Ford Focus ST technically carries a starting price of $23,700 and that includes the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, churning out 252 horsepower and 270lb-ft of torque from the first high performance application of Ford’s EcoBoost technology in the US. This power is channeled to the front wheels exclusively via a 6-speed manual transmission and a sport tuned electric power assist steering (EPAS) system has been designed to cut down on the amount of torque steer under hard acceleration - allowing the driver to make the most of their high performance Ford 5-door Focus ST. The Focus ST also sports unique race ready suspension and performance braking system to make sure that the hot hatch handles and stops every bit as well as it accelerates.

Those who want a little more out of their 2013 Ford Focus ST can opt for equipment group ST2, which adds a Sony audio system controlled by an 8” touch screen and featuring both satellite and HD radio, dual zone climate control and a set of sporty Recaro race seats trimmed partially in leather. This package will add $2,385 to the final price of the Focus ST; although Ford states that this package offers the buyer savings of $120 over ordering those features individually. I actually prefer the two-tone partial leather Recaro seats - as they offer a sportier look than the all black seats…in my opinion.

If you want even more amenities from the 2013 Focus ST, equipment group ST3 starts with the goodies from group ST2 but the partial leather Recaro seats are replaced by full leather seats with heating elements, HID headlights, cornering lamps, LED signature lighting and ambient lighting, heated exterior mirrors, navigation, and an overhead storage console. This package adds $4,435 to the total price but in ordering this package - buyers reportedly save $405 from ordering the items on their own. However, very few of these items add any go-fast qualities so those who are looking to go fast and do it cheap - the base Focus ST might just be ideal.

The 2013 Ford Focus ST is available in six different colors (Tuxedo Black, Performance Blue, Race Red, Oxford White, Tangerine Scream, Ingot Silver) with all but the Tangerine Scream coming as part of the standard package. Tangerine Scream will cost buyers an extra $495 but we think that it is well worth the price - as this unique metallic orange is a great looking color in the bright sunlight. Once you have equipped the Focus ST with the ST3 equipment group, the only exterior option is the $895 power moon roof. Inside, if the ST3 package is picked there are really no options to select and if you are going for the base Focus ST, there are no options that you can pick online (right now) that can be added without adding an equipment group. In short, if you want any goodies, it is best to go with the ST2 or ST3 equipment group packages. There is, of course, the $35 engine heater available for all 2013 Focus ST models.

If you go through the 2013 Ford Focus ST configuration page and check every option - the final price is $30,355 (as shown above on the right). That includes the base price of $23,700, the $795 destination fee, $4,435 for the ST3 equipment group, $495 for the Tangerine Scream exterior paint, $895 for the power moon roof and $35 for the engine block heater. However, my idea 2013 Focus ST would feature the ST2 equipment group, the moon roof, Tangerine Scream paint, and the Sync system with MyFord Touch - for a final price of $29,065. If Ford offered the two-tone Recaro seats with the ST3 package I would just go for the loaded version and face he minimal upcharge of just over a grand but right now…I love those multicolored seats too much to go with the ST3 group.

Oxmoor Ford Lincoln Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorflm.com, www.oxmoorford.net.com, www.oxmoorlincoln.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Review By John Heilig

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2012/04/27/034284-2012-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review-by-john-heilig.html

Top Five Reasons to Buy This Car

1. Economy
2. Ride quality
3. Styling
4. Comfort
5. Overall ambience

The Bottom Line: As an alternative to the compact or sub-compact hybrids, the Sonata offers mid-car size, equal economy and it's a car that doesn't look as if you're trying to downsize, even though you are.

There are several ways to approach hybrids. One is the hair shirt and "look at me, I'm saving the environment" facade that seems to be the more popular. The other is to quietly go about driving your hybrid, even if it doesn't look as if you're driving a hybrid. The Hyundai Sonata joins the ford fusion hybrid in the latter category. Both are mid-size cars, yet both are hybrids with the resultant very good fuel economy.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the vehicle in question today. As many of you may know, I have been impressed with the Sonata since day 1, and the new design absolutely turns me on. But besides that, the overall performance of the Sonatas I have driven leaves nothing to be desired.

So what of the hybrid? As with most, once you push the start/stop button you are greeted with silence. It took me a while to realize that there's a light that says "ready" when everything is turned on, and that's immediately. From there, you drive it as you would any other car. That's the big advantage of hybrids over pure electrics, or even plug-in electrics, which are, in their own way, hybrids.

One difference from the "standard" Sonatas (and don't forget, there's a turbo version out there as well) is in the instrumentation. In place of the tachometer, there's an ECO guide on the left, combined with the fuel and water gauges. The ECO guide gives you an indication as to how economically you're driving. The speedometer is on the right. Between these is an information panel that contains odometers and fuel economy. It also reports an overall ECO score. I earned a 22.

The ride quality of the Sonata is excellent. People who are in the market for a mid-size want good ride quality, but not the land yacht kind. We had to make two long trips in the Sonata plus two more for a cat emergency. there are few other cars I would want to make that two-hour drive at 11 p.m. in.

Adding to the ride quality is a great HVAC system. We encountered very warm weather as well as chilly weather, but you'd never know it once you're ensconced in the Sonata.

The audio was very good, but I couldn't get my iPod to work. I had to "suffer" through listening to Sirius/XM the whole way.

The front seats offer good side support, and they're heated. The rear seats offer good leg room and there's a flat floor back there so three people could ride there. The rear seats also have separate HVAC controls. Child seats fit easily in the back seats.

Up front the navigation screen also shows output from the back-up camera. This output also has "turn lines" that give a good indication of where you're headed when you turn the steering wheel.

The trunk is very good, but we couldn't get the rear seats to fold to increase it. Under the cargo area there is NO SPARE, so be careful.

At the top I mentioned that I like the Hyundai Sonata's styling. Adding a hybrid option to the package makes the Sonata even more attractive.

Oxmoor Hyundai Louisville Kentucky, Hyundai Of Louisville, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorhyundai.com, www.hyundaioflouisville.com, www.louisvilleequus.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Chrysler's Ram is 'official truck' of Kentucky Derby

http://www.freep.com/article/20120502/BUSINESS0103/120502010/Chrysler-s-Ram-Kentucky-Derby?odyssey=nav%7Chead

By Chris Woodyard

Ladies' hats, fast horses, mint julips and Ram pickup trucks. Those are the images that Chrysler Group wants to make sure that fans hold when they think about the Kentucky Derby.

If Ram has its way, the image of the brand will be hard to escape around the racing complex. Ram will show up in vehicle displays, work trucks, gate crew staff uniforms, posters and track-side signage throughout the grounds.

They will carry ad themes like, "Hard-earned, Not Hard-won," "Courage not Chance," "Champions are Made, Not Born," and "It's not two Minutes. It's a Lifetime."

"A lifetime of hard work, dedication and conviction go into making it to Churchill Downs and the same is true about our Ram trucks," said Fred Diaz, CEO of Ram Truck. "An efficient, powerful and dependable truck is a must-have tool whether you are an owner, trainer, track crew member or fan."

Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group, www.oxmoorautogroup.com, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

Toyota Prius will be made in the U.S.A.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/toyota-prius-will-be-made-in-the-u-s-a/

BY STEPHEN EDELSTEIN

Beginning in 2015, Toyota plans to manufacture the popular hybrid on American soil in order to increase sales and profits.

It may have a Japanese badge, but the world’s most popular hybrid might soon be made in the good ole’ U.S. of A. Toyota is planning on making Priuses, specifically ones it wants to sell here, at an American plant. The company hopes this move will trim costs and increase availability of the hybrid hatchback.

Koei Saga, Toyota’s senior managing officer in charge of drivetrain R&D, told Automotive News that Toyota is looking to start Prius production in the U.S. beginning in 2015. This will coincide with the launch of a new, fourth-generation model.

Building the Prius in the U.S. has a couple of advantages for Toyota. First, it will negate the effect of the strong yen; the unfavorable exchange rate makes cars that are built in Japan and sold in America less profitable. Toyota shifted most of its Camry production to the U.S. for the same reason.

A second advantage is volume; building Priuses in the market where they are sold could help meet what Toyota expects to be ravenous demand. By 2015, Toyota says it will be selling 200,000 Priuses a year. Toyota did not say whether Prius “family members,” like the Prius C and Prius V, were included in this estimate. In 2011, the last full year of recorded sales, 136,463 of the hybrids were sold in North America.

According to Saga, the biggest challenge will be finding suppliers for the Prius’ drivetrain. Toyota’s “Hybrid Synergy Drive” system uses several bespoke components, and Toyota will need them in large numbers. American workers are already familiar with Toyota hybrids: the company builds the Camry hybrid in Georgetown, Kentucky, but that car’s parts are imported from Japan. Saga says that might be too costly, given the amount of Priuses Toyota expects to sell in North America.

If the Prius is not built alongside the Camry hybrid in Georgetown, it could go to Toyota’s new plant in Mississippi. The hybrid monger has four other U.S. plants, and opening a new facility dedicated to Prius production is reportedly a possibility.

In 2015, the Prius will join a trio of green cars built by large companies in U.S. plants. For the foreseeable future, the Chevy Volt will be built at General Motors’ Hamtramck, Michigan factory. Meanwhile, Nissan will shift production of the Leaf to its New Smyrna, Tennessee plant.

Toyota is turning into an American car company with a Japanese name. Many of its models, including the Camry sedan and Tundra pickup, are designed specifically for the American market, and built here. Talk about globalization; soon the only Japanese piece of the average Toyota might be t-shaped badge.

Oxmoor Toyota Scion Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoortoyota.com, www.oxmoorscion.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

2012 Mazda 3i Grand Touring

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/editors_notebook/1204_2012_mazda_3i_grand_touring/

By: Ben Timmins, David Zenlea, Donny Nordlicht, Jake Holmes, Jennifer Misaros, Phil Floraday, Rusty Blackwell

Since its debut, the Mazda 3 has been one of the best choices for enthusiasts on a budget. The 2012 3 has lost some of the previous car's character but it makes noticeable gains in refinement. In the cabin, the central console is still dominated by hard plastic, but its shiny finish has been toned down slightly and the new HVAC controls are easier to use by feel, so you don't have to take your eyes off the road. The overall design is also more cohesive and the look is more upscale, especially in the two-tone color scheme in this tester.

On the road, outside noise is largely sealed out, furthering this new 3's more grown-up feel. (I did hear a significant amount of tire noise at highway speeds, but that can probably be attributed to the winter rubber on this car.) The smooth, 2.0-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder lends some maturity to the 3 as well, but it's also a bit dull. It sounds like a sewing machine at low speeds -- albeit an extremely refined sewing machine -- and, although it puts out power progressively and provides acceptable acceleration, it drains some of the sporty character we've come to expect in the 3. Even still, it is a lovely engine that helps the 3 return incredible fuel economy.

I make little secret of the fact I really like Mazdas. Call it bias, but every single car I've driven, from the MX-5 and RX-8 to the Mazda2 and Mazda6 have enchanted me with that silly promise of "Zoom Zoom."

I had high hopes of this tweaked, fettled 3i with the oddly named engine. On paper, SkyActiv is what Mazda desperately needs: the new 2.0-liter engine tops out at 40 mpg -- a whopping 12 miles farther on a gallon than the top-spec 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine -- but promises to be every bit as much fun.

In the end, the 3i delivers on this promise, but not in the way I'd like. Leave the car to its own devices and you'll be rewarded handsomely. The on-board instant MPG calculator routinely showed me getting 40 mpg or higher, even around town. But that "Zoom Zoom" isn't around all the time anymore. The transmission and engine will play ball if you really push it, but not before you receive the automotive equivalent of "are you sure you want this?": a reticence to downshift and a slow-rising tachometer. That instant-fun attitude is gone.

No, SkyActiv is the new norm: keeping the fun, but putting it in reserve. For most people, this move will pay great dividends. But for us lead-footed enthusiasts, it's going to be a while before we'll be truly happy.

This Mazda 3 returns 40 mpg on the highway and is much better to drive than the average compact sedan. So what if straight-line acceleration is only average? Very few normal consumers will ever find the 3's acceleration lacking. I think buyers looking for a practical, efficient sedan could do a lot worse than picking the new SkyActiv versions of the Mazda 3.

I wish I fit in it better, though. I struggled to find a comfortable seating position in the Mazda because of the seat and pedal locations. The power driver's seat doesn't go as low as I would like, so I felt like my head was scraping the roof. There also is a big difference in spacing between the throttle and brake pedals, so I have to sit far forward in order to reach the accelerator, but then bend my knee uncomfortably to use the brake.

Our tester wears Indigo Lights paint, which is a new color for 2012. The purple-blue color accents the 3's lines quite well and matches the optional electric-blue interior lighting. Speaking of the interior, I don't particularly care for the light-colored Dune upholstery in our test car; it clashes with the black interior plastics and looks out of place in a compact sedan.

I wouldn't have guessed there was a SkyActiv engine in this Mazda 3. Even merging with highway traffic from a short on-ramp was no problem. The car doesn't feel like it gives up any meaningful performance to hit the magic 40-mpg figure, which is nice considering how many cars fall short of 40 mpg and still feel anemic.

Mazda offers some deluxe equipment on the 3, such as automatic bi-xenon headlights. But it doesn't go too far with technology. There's no touch-screen navigation system, and all the controls for the car have old-fashioned buttons or knobs. Everything works as it should, so it's easy to adjust the temperature, change radio stations, or do most anything else you wish without taking your eyes off the road. While I enjoy the simplicity of the interior controls, the overall impression the interior leaves is that this is a very old compact car. Virtually every other entry in this segment has seen an extensive overhaul or totally new product debut in the last year or so. That puts Mazda at a real disadvantage.

In short, the Mazda 3 is a great compact car for people who really like to drive. In fact, you have to prioritize driving dynamics over pretty much everything else to put the Mazda 3 at the top of your list.

Mazda has done a very good job of being the poor man's BMW. That's especially true of the 3 sedan, as it's so easy to find the perfect driving position shortly after slipping behind the wheel. While some of the ergonomics may not be perfect (the plethora of buttons and knobs for the stereo, in example), the important things are easily viewed and read (speedo, shifter). It may not matter that the secondary controls aren't quite in reach, given the high fun-to-drive factor, even equipped with the new SkyActiv 2.0-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic. The 3 is still lively and tossable with great sightlines and well-weighted steering.

The Mazda 3 has aged very well, as it proved by finishing second in a six-car comparison test -- almost exclusively against much newer designs -- that we conducted last spring. Its handling characteristics are excellent, and its ride quality impressed even my father, a retired Chrysler mechanic who doesn't hide his distaste for small cars as well as inexpensive foreign cars.

The new (ridiculously named) SkyActiv powertrain did its job quite well over my weekend with the Mazda. It didn't strike me as amazing, but it didn't offend me, either, and I usually can't stand driving compact cars with automatic transmissions. That says a lot.

Why do bad things happen to good automakers? Mazda is a company that has almost always built reliable, frugal, and fun-to-drive cars -- cars like the Mazda3. The 3 checks all the practical boxes: 40 mpg highway, a comfortable interior, and a top reliability rating from Consumer Reports. It also drives better than most of its competitors (most of which are much newer), with steering and handling developed for people who actually enjoy driving. And yet, the 3 sells at about half the rate of the aged Toyota Corolla. Even worse, Mazda as a whole faces financial losses and an uncertain future. The sad, unfair truth is that the modern auto industry favors sheer quantity -- volume and the resulting ability to absorb development costs -- over quality. Ultimately, Mazda needs a new partner to replace Ford. Meantime, the only thing I can do is to advocate for more people to buy the excellent 3.

Oxmoor Mazda Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoormazda.com, www.skyactivlive.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Ford Escape crosses over from boxy SUV look

http://tucsoncitizen.com/usa-today-news/2012/04/29/ford-escape-crosses-over-from-boxy-suv-look/

by Chris Woodyard

In this city of inclusion, where dot-commers, fashionistas and bedraggled street denizens share the same fog-shrouded hillsides and stunning views, there’s one arrival that never felt welcome: a boxy, fuel-gulping sport-utility vehicle.

So perhaps it’s fitting that Ford chose the city of the Golden Gate as the place to introduce its completely transformed Escape compact crossover to America.

Far from the squared-off, purposeful SUV looks of the current generation, the body of the 2013 Escape is a sculptor’s playground of complex curves, creases and swooshes. It’s as if Ford Motor came to San Francisco seeking artistic validation.

Sure, the new model gets a boost in fuel economy, an entertaining leg-activated tailgate and rear seats that are easier to fold down. But those features pale compared with the change to a more car-like appearance. The looks carry over to the road, where Escape is a sweet driving experience — precise, quiet and lacking SUV sway, roll or clunkiness.

While artistic raves count, Ford executives make it clear they are intently focused on improving Escape’s share in one of the most crucial market segments in the auto industry. Compact crossovers, along with midsize sedans, are at the heart of the family vehicle market. Together, they account for about 30% of all new vehicle sales per year in the U.S.

Succession won’t be easy, given that the current Escape has done just fine, even with its aging looks.

Though on the way out, sales of the current model were 58,604 through the first quarter, up 4.7% compared with the same period a year ago, Autodata reports.

Just how much is at stake for Ford? From only 1.3% of the company’s overall sales in 2000, Escape commanded 12.3% last year, car research site Edmunds.com reports. About one of five compact crossovers sold in the U.S. last year were Escapes, although many have been carrying discounts lately.

“We’re trying to replace a product that is doing really well,” says Hau Thai-Tang, Ford engineering vice president. “We have really big shoes to fill.”

The decision to take what Thai-Tang terms a “revolutionary” step in the design of Escape partly reflects Ford’s preoccupation with designing models that can be sold in more markets around the world. Escape will be made in Louisville, Spain and China. In many foreign markets, “they want dynamic design,” he says.

V-6 option dropped for turbo-four

Ford is being just as bold when it comes to Escape’s engine choices: all four-cylinder powerplants; there’s no longer a V-6 option. The base is a 2.5-liter producing 168 horsepower. Then come two with turbochargers: a 1.6-liter with 173 horsepower and a 2-liter that puts out 237 horsepower. On a long drive over windy roads north of San Francisco, the smaller turbo felt adequate, the larger one substantially more confident on the highway.

The automaker is betting consumers will come to appreciate how its EcoBoost-branded turbo engines boost gas mileage at less of a price bump than that for a hybrid. At least buyers had better appreciate it, because Ford is ditching Escape’s hybrid model, which once showcased the automaker’s environmental commitment.

With a 33 miles per gallon rating for highway driving, the 1.6-liter turbo EcoBoost engine in a front-wheel-drive Escape outpaces the current hybrid front-wheel drive by a couple of miles per gallon. But its 23 mpg city rating falls well below the doomed hybrid’s 34 mpg.

The new Escape’s base model will start at $23,295 plus $895 in shipping, $200 less than the current model. The fanciest model, the Titanium, will go for $31,195. Deliveries start this spring.

Hands-free tailgate: Kick to open

The fully loaded Titanium comes with what is sure to be Escape’s most talked-about feature as standard equipment, the kick-activated liftgate. Waving an ankle under the rear bumper in a kicking motion opens the gate electrically. It can be closed the same way. It’s intended for people who, arms loaded with groceries or kids, can’t be fumbling for key fobs.

The feature seemed a little balky, but maybe it requires practice. Marketing Manager Jason Sprawka says two sensors activate the gate, both mounted on the center line of the vehicle. If you don’t kick your leg right down the middle, it might catch one sensor but not the other, and it won’t work. “You have to trip one, then the second,” he says. Sprawka says accumulated ice won’t interfere with its operation.

If that kind of innovation thrills some buyers, Ford is banking they’ll be equally drawn by other touches. For instance, folding down the rear seats to make way for cargo formerly involved having to pull off headrests and several other actions. Now, it’s a simple, one-touch operation, and the headrests fold down out of the way automatically.

The more upscale versions also come with the MyFord Touch infotainment system, front-and-rear temperature controls and an optional feature that aids in parallel parking.

But fancy stuff aside, it’s all about the looks.

Oxmoor Ford Lincoln Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorflm.com, www.oxmoorford.net.com, www.oxmoorlincoln.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Hyundai's luxury flagship boosts power

http://www.thereporter.com/business/ci_20494513/hyundais-luxury-flagship-boosts-power

BY ARV VOSS

Hyundai's flagship sedan, the Equus made its North American debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. Hyundai's intent with this new luxury sedan was to compete on a global level with other premium marques in the segment on all levels -- design, performance capability, amenity content, advanced technologies and the ownership experience as well -- vehicles such as the BMW 7-series, Lexus LS and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Visually, the Equus displays a kind of understated elegance with some styling cues that are on par with those of other competitive Asian, British and German luxury sedans. It is a showcase of tasteful elements that blend harmoniously, delivering a pleasing and appealing overall form that satisfies the senses in an emotional way. Hyundai calls their design language "Fluidic Sculpture". The Equus styling, which originated at Hyundai's Design Center in Irvine, conveys dynamic strength, with an intelligent perspective on luxury.

The large 4-door luxurious and sporty cruiser comes in both a 4- and 5-passenger configuration, with two distinct trim levels -- the base Signature Equus (5-passenger) and the Equus equipped with the Ultimate Package (4-passenger). Both models are essentially long wheelbase vehicles, with an extra long wheelbase version sold only in Korea. In fact, the Equus has been for sale in Korea since 1999, so the 2011 Equus actually represented the second generation, which was developed through a joint effort with Mitsubishi.

Power for the Equus is now delivered by a 5.0-liter DOHC 32-valve Tau® V8, Dual CVVT (Continuous Variable Valve Timing), Gasoline Direct Injection and Tuned Intake System (up from the former 4.6-liter) that makes 429 horsepower while also generating 376 pound feet of torque on premium fuel (421 and 365 respectively on regular grade fuel). Motive force is metered to the rear wheels via a new eight-speed electronic automatic transmission with SHIFTRONICª manual shift mode and lock-up torque converter. EPA mileage ratings are 15-mpg city and 23-mpg highway. Hyundai has set a minimum corporate average fuel economy goal of 50 mpg by 2025.

Suspension componentry consists of an Electronically-Controlled Air Suspension with Continuous Damping Control, along with height adjustable and driver-selectable Sport mode. Forward is a multi-link set-up with a 29-mm stabilizer bar, while the rear features a multi-link set-up as well, but with an 18-mm stabilizer bar. Both Equus models roll on Continental ContiSportContact staggered rubber -- P245/45R19 - front/ P275/40R19 - rear, mounted on 9-spoke chrome alloy wheels.

The standard equipment and feature inventory list for the Signature Equus is most impressive, with virtually everything one could possibly want in a luxury sedan, including: a 608-watt Lexicon® 7.1 discrete surround sound audio system with 17 speakers; a Premium DIS Navigation system; Lane Departure Warning system; Smart Cruise Control; Electronic Parking brake with auto hold; nine standard airbags; ABS; EBD; CBC; BA; TC and ESC.

The Ultimate Equus adds amenities over and above those found in the Signature, such as: 50/50 split rear reclining seats; First-class rear seats with leg support and massage system; cooled rear seats; rear seat entertainment system with an 8-inch monitor; a thermoelectric rear console refrigerator; rear seat power up/down head restraints with manual tilt; rear seat illuminated vanity mirrors; Forward View Cornering Camera; and a power trunk lid operation.

During last year's national media launch, I was afforded the opportunity to drive both the Signature model Equus and the Ultimate model. My test 2012 Equus with its healthier powerplant was the Ultimate model finished outside in Black Noir Pearl, with the inside also executed in black with polished walnut trim accents. The base price was set at $58,750, with the Ultimate package priced at an additional $7,000. Add another $900 for Destination and Handling.

SUMMARY: The Hyundai Equus in Ultimate trim is truly a remarkable luxury sedan, with sporty attributes. It is visually appealing, in a way that is difficult to describe -- some observers observed that certain of its design cues resembled those of a Mercedes-Benz S550, while others likened some styling elements to a Lexus LS 460L. Neither is a bad thing, as the Equus comes across as stylishly elegant in its own right. Other members of the Equus's competitive set include the Audi A8L, BMW's 750Li and Cadillac's STS 4.6, though no physical, visual similarities exist.

Equus is not only appealing in the looks department, but in the performance and creature comfort categories as well. The 5.0-liter V8 cranks out more than enough horsepower and torque to please even the most discriminating driving enthusiast, while providing comfortable accommodations in a safe and secure environment. The speed sensitive, electro-hydraulic power steering delivers crisp handling characteristics, and the ride quality is compliant without sacrificing stability.

The eight-speed automatic transmission allows for silky smooth gear changes when in the automatic mode, and when in the manual mode, delivers well-defined gear changes that are equally smooth.

Pressing the Sport button, enhanced the driving experience even more, altering shift points, damping characteristics and throttle response, and putting the Equus into more of a Sport Luxury sedan category. Gauges and instrumentation are well positioned for optimum user-friendliness, and driver seating is infinitely adjustable, allowing for the ideal driving position.

The Hyundai Equus provides 5 years of roadside assistance, a 10-year/100K mile warranty along with 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper coverage.

In the final analysis, the new Hyundai Equus is on a par with other luxury sedan manufacturers -- especially the Ultimate version, which could well be cause for alarm, given the long list of features provided and the car's svelte styling.

SPECIFICATIONS:

2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate

Base Price: $58,750 - Signature, $65,750 - Ultimate

Price as Tested: $59,650 - Signature, $66,650 - Ultimate

Engine Type and Size: 5.0-liter DOHC 32-valve Tau® V8, Dual CVVT (Continuous Variable Valve Timing), Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), Tuned Intake System (TIS)

Horsepower (bhp): 429 @ 6,400 rpm Premium, 421 rpm Regular

Torque (ft./lbs.): 376 @ 5,000 rpm Premium, 365 rpm Regular

Transmission: Eight-speed electronic automatic with SHIFTRONICª manual shift mode and lock-up torque converter.

Drive Train: longitudinally mounted front engine, Rear-wheel drive.

Suspension: Electronically controlled air suspension with Continuous Damping Control, height adjustable and driver-selectable Sport mode.

Front - Multi-link suspension with 29-mm stabilizer bar.

Rear - Multi-link suspension with 18-mm stabilizer bar.

Brakes: Power assisted ventilated disc, pad wear warning device 14.2-inch front, 12.4-inch with 4-wheel, 4-channel and 4-sensor ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution.

Tires: Continental ContiSport-Contact P245/45R19 front, P275/40R19 rear, mounted on 9-spoke chrome alloy wheels - 8-Inch front, 9-inch rear.

Wheelbase: 119.9 inches

Length Overall: 203.1 inches

Width: 74.4 inches excluding mirrors.

Height: 58.7 inches

Curb Weight: 4,592 lbs. - 4-passenger, 4,643 lbs. - 5-passenger

Fuel Capacity: 20.3 gallons

EPA Mileage Estimates: 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway

Drag Coefficient: 0.27

0 - 60 mph: Not tested.

Oxmoor Hyundai Louisville Kentucky, Hyundai Of Louisville, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorhyundai.com, www.hyundaioflouisville.com, www.louisvilleequus.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Chrysler unveils fuel-efficient Ram truck

http://money.cnn.com/2012/03/30/autos/new-york-auto-show-dodge-ram/?source=cnn_bin

Peter Valdes-Dapena

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- With gas prices rising, even truck fans are looking to go easier on the stuff. So the latest version of Chrysler Group's Ram truck, being unveiled at the New York Auto Show, is geared to minimize fuel consumption.

Chrysler boasts that it will be the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid full-sized truck sold in America.

The new Ram -- the Dodge name has been dropped -- will be the first pickup available with an eight-speed transmission, Chrysler said.

Ram buyers will be able to choose between a 5.7-liter V8 or 3.7-liter V6 engine. The new V6 will produce considerably more power than the Ram's current V6 engine with 20% better fuel economy, Chrysler said. That would mean the new Ram truck should get combined city and highway fuel economy of better than 19 miles per gallon compared to 16 mpg in the current V6 Ram.

Cool cars from the New York Auto Show

Today, only about 10% of Ram trucks sold are equipped with a V6 engine with the vast majority of buyers opting for the big Hemi V8.

A new eight-speed transmission will also be available with both engines.

Recently, many truck makers have been emphasizing better fuel efficiency. Ford (F, Fortune 500), for example, has found major success with its EcoBoost V6. However, the fuel economy benefit of the EcoBoost V6 compared to Ford's 5.0-liter V8 engine is rather small (only about one mile per gallon).

Ford's V6 and EcoBoost V6 trucks get 18 and 19 miles gallon in combined city and highway driving, respectively

The new Ram V8 will offer better fuel economy than Ford's EcoBoost V6, while the Ram V6 will beat Ford's non-EcoBoost V6, Chrysler spokesman Nick Cappa said.

Chrysler expects more buyers to opt for the V6 engine, especially since it's now offered in the Crew Cab and 4-wheel-drive models that were previously available only with the big V8.

Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group, www.oxmoorautogroup.com, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

Toyota RAV4 EV to Debut May 7

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/sns-toyota-rav4-ev-to-debut-may-7-20120430,0,702305.story

Colin Bird

It's been nearly two years since Toyota announced its collaboration with Tesla Motors to bring electric variants of the RAV4 to market in 2012. We first got a glimpse of what that model might look like through a demonstration prototype unveiled at the 2010 L.A. Auto Show.

Toyota is now preparing to show the public its fully engineered RAV4 EV at the 26th World Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS) on May 7.

The one glimpse we have of the new electric vehicle is the badge decal on the front doorsill (shown above). Starting later this year, the jointly developed EVwill be built by Toyota at its Woodstock plant in Ontario, where the current RAV4 is built. Toyota paid Tesla about $100 million to supply the RAV4 EV's powertrain, including the battery, motor, gearbox and power electronics. Toyota says the RAV4 EV's range could reach about 100 miles, which is what most carmakers quote for their EVs before EPA testing.

There's no word yet if the RAV4 EV is based off a new RAV4 design or the current vehicle, which has been on the market for nearly six years now.

Oxmoor Toyota Scion Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoortoyota.com, www.oxmoorscion.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

2013 Mazda CX-5: It leisurely enjoys being a marvelous crossover

http://www.stltoday.com/classifieds/transportation/reviews/mazda-cx--it-leisurely-enjoys-being-a-marvelous-crossover/article_e3c7b5c0-69c7-5c01-b249-96b62ccf87ba.html

Zoom-Zoom is a relative term.

In the case of Mazda's impressive new CX-5 compact crossover, that marketing slogan is more applicable to how fast this one is likely to leave dealer lots than to its zero-to-60 time. Beyond just-average acceleration, everything is right.

True, CX-5's modest power, which is easily outclassed by competitors like the new 2013 Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, could be cause for a quibble. At 155 hp and 150 lb.-ft. of torque, 5's standard — and only — engine is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four that mates to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. It motivates 5 with studied determination rather than energetic enthusiasm.

On the other hand, the all-new 2013 CX-5, available with front- or all-wheel drive in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim, provides class-leading handling and a remarkably quiet cabin at-speed, along with best-in-class highway fuel economy — 35 on the interstate — from its base drivetrain.

It also boasts fine room front and rear (thanks in part to its longest-in-class wheelbase), near-best cargo space and, in base trim, loads of standards, like 17-inch wheels, tilt-telescope wheel, cruise, air, CD with USB input and full power accessories.

So, unless you're planning to use your new compact crossover to challenge kids in Mustang GTs — you're not, right? — there's nothing else to squawk about.

For a decade, from 2001 through 2011, Mazda's small crossover was the Tribute, which was simply a rebadged Ford Escape. CX-5, on the other hand, is all Mazda.

A major bragging point is that 5 is the first vehicle to offer the full suite of Mazda's new Skyactiv fuel-saving technology. That means its I-4 uses direct injection, variable-valve timing, high compression, low-friction parts and exotic exhaust plumbing to wring every mile out of every gallon.

Add to that extensive use of lightweight, high-tensile steel in the chassis, wind-cheating sheetmetal and six-speed transmissions, and you've got a compact crossover that returns impressive mpg — 26/35 for a front-drive manual and, at the other end of the spectrum, 25/31 for an all-wheel drive automatic.

In just over 150 miles around town, we registered 27 mpg in our top-of-the-line, all-wheel drive Grand Touring automatic.

From a styling standpoint, this one's a clotheshorse. From its five-point grille — a massive improvement over Mazda's longtime gape-mouth front end — to its sculpted, convex tailgate, CX-5 looks great. Our Grand Touring's standard 19-inch wheels just added to the good visual vibes.

And here's a couple of small details we really liked: a 40/20/40-split rear seat whose center section folds independently for long skinny items; and keyless entry and start, included in Grand Touring's $1,325 Tech Pkg. That allows locking and unlocking by the key holder via a button on the door handle, which permits those of us who like to ensure a successful lock by jiggling the door handle to do so. Many such systems unlock when the handle is simply touched.

If you're shopping compact crossovers, add to your short list, along with the Honda CR-V and 2013 Ford Escape, Mazda's CX-5 — especially if you're not in an inordinate hurry to reach 60 mph. Base price: $21,490.

Oxmoor Mazda Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoormazda.com, www.skyactivlive.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Ford Escape SUV model hits 33 mpg

http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2012/04/30/ford-escape-suv-model-hits-33-mpg.html

Andrew Robinson

Ford Motor Co. announced Friday its new Ford Escape was certified by the U.S. Environment Protection Agency to provide 33 miles per gallon fuel efficiency with an automatic transmission.

All three engines offered in the new Escape, which is in production at Ford’s (NYSE: F) Louisville Assembly Plant, are EPA-certified at 30-plus miles per gallon on the highway, according to a news release.

The 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine was certified to get 33 miles per gallon on the highway, while the 2.0 liter engine was certified at 30 miles per gallon. The Escape’s 2.5 liter offers 31 miles per gallon on the highway.

Ford has been working to improve fuel efficiency in all models as it prepares for new government mandates.

Earlier this month, the automaker announced a partnership with Dow Automotive Systems to use carbon fiber composites to create next-generation vehicles that are as much 750 pounds lighter than current models.

As Business First reported, the agreement built on standards already in place to raise fuel efficiency to 35.5 mpg for model years 2012-16, with a goal to increase fuel-economy standards to 54.5 miles per gallon for 2025 model-year cars and light-duty trucks.

Oxmoor Ford Lincoln Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorflm.com, www.oxmoorford.net.com, www.oxmoorlincoln.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Car review: Hyundai Azera

http://ourtribune.com/article.php?id=13571

Wilson Calvert

What it is: The Azera is Hyundai’s answer to the near-luxury full-size car segment that includes models like the Buick LaCrosse, Toyota Avalon, Lexus ES350 and Nissan Maxima. In Hyundai’s lineup, it is currently slotted in-between the mid-sized Sonata and premium segment Genesis, which is a rather narrow gap for Hyundai to force another vehicle in to. After getting behind the wheel, the car started to make sense. Very few people are shopping for the above cars versus a Sonata or even the above cars versus the Genesis. Most Genesis buyers are purchasing heavily optioned vehicles with the average sales price in the $40-45,000 range. The Azera starts at a much lower $32,000 and tops out at $36,000 fully loaded.

That $32,000 base price actually gets you significant amounts of equipment. 18-inch alloy wheels, 7” touchscreen navigation with rearview backup camera, proximity key entry, chrome accents, chrome accents, leather seats and so on. Not shabby for the “base” trim. The only extras you can order come in a single package, the technology package which runs for $4,000. It includes HID headlights, power sunroof, 19” wheels, Infinity sound system and some other niceties. The value is definitely still there though with a comparably equipped Toyota Avalon will run you about $2,000 more.

The Azera is powered by a new 3.3 liter V6 that pumps out an impressive 293 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft of torque. Only a 6-speed automatic is offered, and the engine/tranny combination had a great sportiness to it when throttle depression deemed it necessary while acting completely docile and transparent when cruising. The design of the exterior and interior of the car is a home run, especially in comparison to some of the bland offerings from the competitors. It packs a wallop between style and performance for the money. Hyundai’s standard 10 year – 100,000 mile warranty is offered on the Azera, like all of their models insuring that you will have a great easy of ownership for many years to come.

MPG: 20 city / 29 highway

Upsides: Like all Hyundai models, it provides incredibly value that must have the other manufacturers pulling their hair out with frustration.

Downsides: Limited flexibility if you want a special combination of options. The one option package is all or nothing.

Wrap-up: I went into driving the Azera that there was no need for it in the Hyundai lineup and that they wasted the millions of dollars that they invested in developing an all-new model. I left having my mind completely switched 180 degrees. The front-wheel drive near-luxury segment is really big, and with the huge success of the Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai is now poised to grab those repeat buyers that are looking to make a step up on the car chain with their next purchase. Hyundai won the highest loyalty of any car brand from J.D. Power and Associates back in January, and it is important for them to keep their momentum going by offering a variety of excellent vehicles for consumers to change to as their life situation changes. The Azera is just the latest release in Hyundai’s recently found reputation of greatness.

Oxmoor Hyundai Louisville Kentucky, Hyundai Of Louisville, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorhyundai.com, www.hyundaioflouisville.com, www.louisvilleequus.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Chrysler boosts Jeep output, speeds 1,100 new jobs

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/04/chrysler-ceo-scolds-union-accelerates-jeep-production/1#.T572VLPOxsI

By James R. Healey

Chrysler Group CEO's says demand is so strong for the Jeep Grand Cherokee that the factory is skipping the usual two-week summer shutdown, and will add the previously announced 1,100 new jobs in November instead of waiting for next year.

Sergio Marchionne made the Jeep announcement at a speech today marking Chrysler's plan to move a handful of workers into a downtown Detroit building after it's remodeled, marking the first time the "Detroit" automaker actually will have a facility in Detroit, instead of the suburbs.

The building has been called the Dime Building. It will be renamed Chrysler House and Chrysler will house about 70 people in offices there later this year.

Marchionne also spanked the Canadian Auto Workers union for striking at a supplier plant and thus shutting down minivan production in Ontario today.

Said the CEO:

"If that's the basis on which we're going to move forward I think we're going to have a very difficult round of (union) negotiations. This is not the way to build a car company."

Such work stoppages -- over what he said was a minuscule financial difference between labor and management -- signal that "our people have an incredibly short memory of what happened back in 2009. I have zero empathy for that process today."

Chrysler went through bankruptcy reorganization in 2009, pressed by slow-selling products and high costs, including, the company said, union wages and benefits.

"I would ask everybody to come back to their senses and clean this stuff up," Marchionne said.

Workers voted again and decided to return to work, allowing minivan production to resume in the afternoon.

Dakota makes instrument panels for the family vans built by Chrysler at Ontario and sold under the names Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country and Volkswagen Routan.

Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group, www.oxmoorautogroup.com, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

Mazda's CX-5 hits the turns right

http://www.jsonline.com/wheels/mazdas-cx5-hits-the-turns-right-434rrna-149328375.html

Mark Savage

The Mazda CX-5 is an attractive vehicle that offers better than average gas mileage, a pleasant ride, above average handling and a stylish interior.

The CX-5 feels solid and well built, with a quiet and luxurious interior. That's helped by perforated tan leather seating and soft-touch black textured trim on the dash and doors. A black gloss trim strip accents the dash while the remaining interior trim is a matte silver. The steering wheel and shift knobs are leather wrapped.

The handling is above par for an SUV. Steering is well centered and linear, and it's a fun drive. The CX-5 turns into corners with authority and minuscule lean, confirming the sport portion of it being a sport-utility.

Its ride on a 106.3-inch wheelbase also is well controlled. Underneath are MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link suspension in the rear. Both include coil springs and shocks plus stabilizer bars front and rear. Tires are 19-inch Toyo all-season, a big improvement from the standard 17-inchers on lower-level models.

Helping add to the ride and handling is a body made of 61% high-tensile steel. That reduces weight and yet is about 30% more rigid. Stiff bodies and chassis make it easier for ride engineers to properly tune the suspension.

Mazda's new SkyActiv technology also aims to improve fuel economy. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 155 horsepower, but uses less gas when coupled with the six-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual is available on the base Sport.

EPA rates the tested CX-5 at 25 mpg city and 31 highway. I got 25 mpg on the button in about a 50-50 mix of city and highway.

While there is plenty of power available, I was a bit disappointed in the shifts from the automatic, which also has a sport mode for manual shifts. The shifts weren't as smooth as I'd witnessed in a previous Mazda with this engine/transmission combination, plus there is some lag in acceleration after the first through fourth gear changes.

Braking is good with four-wheel discs, vented in front and solid in back. Plus there's ABS, traction and stability control.

The CX-5 comfortably seats four adults, and five are possible, plus there is considerable cargo room behind the second row. The Mazda has 17.0 cubic feet of space in back, or 65.4 cubic feet if you lower the rear seats. The CX-5 has a 40/20/40 split rear seat, so you can lower the center portion to carry long objects and four adults.

The SUV comes with a tilt-telescope steering wheel that features cruise control, radio and trip computer buttons on the hub. Behind the wheel the gauges are well laid out, and the center stack isn't confusing. There's a big (5.8 inches) navigation/radio screen, featuring a simple TomTom navigation system and HD radio. Bluetooth and satellite radio are part of the mix, as are Bose speakers.

Climate controls consist of three large knobs, and this is a dual climate system. Below that on the stack are two large buttons that engage the three-speed heated seats, again standard.

Also standard is a blind-spot warning system and a back-up camera. I liked the power sunroof with power shade, plus high-quality sun visors with extenders. Rain-sensing wipers are included, along with a rear wiper.

The Mazda's seats are fairly flat, but comfortable and easy to get in and out of. The seat backs have mild contouring and the driver's seat is powered, plus has a power lumbar support.

Not all is perfect. The rear hatch did not fully latch every time I used it. You must keep your hand on the hatch all the way down until it latches, otherwise there is some kickback that keeps it from a proper latch. Also, the roof pillars are thick, which can slightly limit front three-quarter views.

CX-5 is a fine driving compact and comfortable compact SUV. If the GT is too pricey for your budget, the front-drive Sport starts at $20,695. It gets better gas mileage, at 26 city and 35 highway. A midlevel Touring model with AWD starts at $25,145.

Oxmoor Mazda Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoormazda.com, www.skyactivlive.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Limited Edition Roush Ford Mustang Revs Up to Support Education Programs

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/27/4447531/limited-edition-roush-ford-mustang.html

WARRENDALE, Pa., April 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Roush Performance and Ford Motorsports are building a limited edition 2013 Roush® Stage 3 Ford Mustang that will be auctioned at the SAE Foundation's 25th Anniversary Celebration. All proceeds will benefit SAE's education outreach programs.

This one-of-a-kind vehicle features custom silver edition painted body and graphics, a Roush 5.0L Supercharged Engine featuring the Ford Racing "Aluminator" long block with a 625 hp engine and 540 ft-lbs of torque, Roush tuned suspension, custom SVT GT500 track pack wheels, Roush custom body components and a customized Roush interior.

The live auction will take place during the Foundation's 25th Anniversary Celebration, to be held Wednesday, May 16 at Ford Field. Interested bidders may contact Renee Hayes at SAE (724-772-8508) prior to the event, or may also attend the event to participate in the live auction. Arrangements will be made for interested parties to participate by phone during the live auction if they are unable to attend the celebration dinner.

The Foundation also will honor Edsel B. Ford II with the Industry Leadership Award in addition to recognizing young men and women for leadership growth in the industry.

"Roush is proud to join Ford and SAE in the effort to help the United States continue to improve our country's skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education," said Jack Roush, NASCAR team owner; legendary builder of performance and specialty vehicles; and former college math and physics professor. "SAE's programs are proven winners in helping young people get excited and pursue careers in these high-skills areas. We're pleased to be part of their winner's circle."

For the past quarter century, the SAE Foundation has combated the pressing issue of STEM education through its curriculum development and activities geared toward students from elementary to collegiate levels.

"We know how to make math and engineering cool again in the eyes of young students," said Matt Miller, director of the SAE Foundation and pre-professional programs. "To date more than four million students have been touched by the K-12 and collegiate programs in all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces and territories."

"When we can combine the Ford brand with great partners like Roush and the SAE Foundation it's a win-win," said Paul Mascarenas, Chief Technical Officer of Ford Motor Company and Chairman of the SAE Foundation's 25th Anniversary Leadership Committee. "SAE Foundation programs like A World In Motion (AWIM) help encourage and engage young people in science and engineering, making an investment in the future of our industry."

"This is an exciting opportunity to partner with two great brands like Roush and Ford to benefit our ongoing STEM programming efforts," stated Miller. "The limited edition Roush Mustang is sure to be a big draw, given the American heritage of this muscle car, married with the performance and aesthetic modifications from Roush. It should be an exciting evening, and the winner will not only drive away with a cool car; the winner will help drive our efforts even further."

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands iclude Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Oxmoor Ford Lincoln Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorflm.com, www.oxmoorford.net.com, www.oxmoorlincoln.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

TWO ALL-NEW 2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE MODELS MAKE WORLD DEBUTS AT 2012 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

http://hyundainews.com/us/en-us/Media/PressRelease.aspx?mediaid=35688&title=two-all-new-2013-hyundai-santa-fe-models-make-world-debuts-at-2012-new-york-international-auto-show

JIM TRAINOR

All-New Santa Fe Lineup Defies the Status Quo and Reinvents the CUV Landscape with "Fluidic Sculpture" Design, Sophisticated Engineering and Efficient Powertrains

First Non-Luxury CUV with Torque-Vectoring Cornering Control and Driver Selectable Steering for Outstanding Driving Dynamics

Designed to delight shoppers and defy convention, two all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe models make their world debut today at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. The third-generation Santa Fe crossover family introduces the two-row, five-passenger Santa Fe Sport and the long wheelbase (LWB) three-row, seven-passenger model called Santa Fe. The all-new Santa Fe family showcases the brand’s cutting-edge capabilities through "Fluidic Sculpture" design, impressive fuel economy and a host of features to delight drivers and passengers with high expectations for functionality and comfort. The all-new 2013 Santa Fe Sport will go on-sale late this summer, with the larger Santa Fe introduced to dealers in January 2013.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2013 SANTA FE LINEUP

First non-luxury CUV with Torque Vectoring Cornering Control (TVCC) and Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM) for outstanding CUV driving dynamics

All-new crossover architecture developed for families

Third-generation crossover introduces two-row, five-passenger Santa Fe Sport, Santa Fe Sport 2.0T and larger three-row, seven-passenger LWB Santa Fe

"Fluidic Sculpture" exterior design

All four-cylinder engine lineup for the Santa Fe Sport

Theta II 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine

190 horsepower (estimated) with improved fuel economy and acceleration

Highest highway fuel economy (33 mpg estimated) of any CUV/SUV equipped with an automatic transmission

High-output Theta II 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine

264 horsepower (estimated) with excellent fuel economy and best-in-class power-to-weight ratio

Highway fuel economy estimated at 31 mpg (FWD A/T)

In-house six-speed automatic transmission

Seven standard airbags

Panoramic sunroof

Heated rear seats and heated steering wheel

Power driver and front passenger seats

Sliding second row seating with 40:20:40 folding seat back and cargo area release

Standard Blue Link – safety, service and infotainment telematics system

Third generation navigation and audio multimedia systems with an available eight-inch display

Intelligent Active All-Wheel Drive

HIGHLIGHTS UNIQUE TO THE 2013 LWB SANTA FE

Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine with 290 horsepower powers LWB Santa Fe

LWB Santa Fe is the only midsize CUV with a standard direct injection V6 engine

Blind spot detection (LWB Santa Fe only)

The all-new Santa Fe Sport and LWB Santa Fe are the final pieces in Hyundai’s 7/11 product initiative (seven new or redesigned models in 11 months in the 2012 calendar year). The first three vehicles in the initiative were Azera, Veloster Turbo and refreshed Genesis Coupe. The fourth and fifth vehicles were Elantra GT and Elantra Coupe. All feature outstanding fuel economy, significant lightweighting actions, and Hyundai’s signature "Fluidic Sculpture" design language.

NO LINES STANDING STILL

The "Fluidic Sculpture" exterior of the Santa Fe crossover family invokes the impression of irrepressible motion through a new design concept called Storm Edge, which captures the strong and dynamic images created by nature during the formation of a storm. To create the illusion of constant motion, Hyundai designers use a three-bar hexagonal front grille, LED accents, low stance, rising beltline, black trimmed optional roof rails and wraparound taillights. These cues let people know immediately that Santa Fe is a Hyundai. Design elements also include standard chrome grille and door handle accents, bodycolor mirrors, rear spoiler, aggressive exhaust outlets as well as lower bumper, wheel arches and door trim in contrasting paints. In addition, 19-inch wheels are standard on Santa Fe Sport 2.0T.

Hyundai designers crafted Santa Fe Sport and LWB Santa Fe together, with the signature differentiating element being the side view daylight opening (side window shape) - the larger Santa Fe features a shape that highlights the increased passenger and cargo room behind the third row seat. Santa Fe also has its own bodyside character lines from the B-pillar back, grille design, 18-inch Euroflange alloy wheels, dual exhaust tips and a flush-mounted tow hitch design.

Both Santa Fe models feature the same flowing interior look, designed for passenger functionality and comfort. From the heated rear seats and available eight-way power driver seat, to a standard 40:20:40 folding rear seat back, both boast flexibility and a pleasant cabin for all. Also new for 2013 – and standard on all Santa Fe models with cloth seating – is a YES Essentials seat fabric treatment that provides soil-resistant, anti-odor and anti-static properties for added longevity and livability. Special care and attention went into other interior details, such as an optional panoramic sunroof, which allows more natural light into the cabin, and premium window switch trim. Available on 2.4-liter models and standard on Turbo and LWB models, is a push-button starter with proximity key and a Supervision Cluster with TFT LCD screen. A heated steering wheel and sliding second row seats are optional first-class touches on Santa Fe Sport and Santa Fe Sport 2.0T. The heated steering wheel is also optional on the LWB Santa Fe.

The three-row Santa Fe increases second-row legroom by 1.9 inches and cargo capacity 5.6 cubic feet and houses second-row HVAC controls and vents to increase family comfort, while also offering a standard 50:50 split folding third-row bench seat with 31.5 inches of legroom.

CHOICE OF THREE POWERFUL, FUEL EFFICIENT ENGINES

Santa Fe Sport buyers have the choice of a 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Engine (GDI) engine or a turbocharged 2.0-liter GDI engine. Both engines have been well tested in the Hyundai Sonata and provide more than enough power for city or highway driving and have the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds. With 190 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque (estimated), Santa Fe Sport 2.4 still manages outstanding fuel economy of 23 city and 33 highway (estimated). This powertrain truly combines power and fuel efficiency with refined driving dynamics. The higher output 2.0-liter turbocharged engine found under the hood of Santa Fe Sport 2.0T increases horsepower to 264 (estimated), while also delivering excellent fuel economy. The top-of-line LWB Santa Fe is powered by the highly acclaimed 3.3-liter V6 engine, which is also found in the Hyundai Azera.

THETA II GDI 2.4-LITER ENGINE

The Theta II GDI 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a GDI fuel delivery system contributes to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions in Santa Fe Sport. This shorter, more direct path of fuel delivery, allows for greater control of the fuel mixture at the optimum moment, thus improving efficiency. The fuel is injected by a camshaft-driven, high pressure pump that operates at pressures up to 2,175 psi. Direct injection also utilizes a higher-than-normal 11.3 compression ratio for increased power. When compared to naturally-aspirated engines, this power plant delivers best-in-class four-cylinder horsepower, best-in-class torque and best-in-class power-to-weight ratio. The high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine also features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT) and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing.

2.0-LITER THETA II TURBOCHARGED ENGINE

The new Santa Fe Sport 2.0T is the first Hyundai crossover to have both GDI technology and a turbocharger. This option provides more horsepower than many of the V6 competitors, yet delivers gas mileage similar to competitive four-cylinder models.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine in the 2013 Santa Fe Sport 2.0T produces 264 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque with regular fuel. Hyundai’s 2.0-liter Theta turbocharged engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger that when combined with the GDI system, results in instantaneous power delivery. The Ford Edge, like the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T, uses a turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine. However, the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T has upped the ante with 26 more horsepower, a better power-to-weight ratio and higher fuel economy numbers.

Twin-scroll turbocharger designs have two exhaust gas inlets that are divided by split walls inside the turbine housing with both gas passages controlled by a waste-gate. A twin-scroll turbo recovers even more energy from the exhaust than a single-scroll turbocharger, thanks to a divided manifold. The twin-scroll design separates the cylinders whose exhaust gas pulses interfere with each other, resulting in improved pressure distribution in the exhaust ports and a more efficient delivery of exhaust gas energy to the turbocharger’s turbine.

For example, at the start of the intake stroke of cylinder one and when both the intake and exhaust valves are open (valve overlap period), cylinder three already begins its exhaust stroke with an open exhaust valve. If the exhaust passages of cylinder one and three were connected, the exhaust gas pulse from cylinder three would increase the back pressure of cylinder one - reducing the induction of fresh air and increasing the amount of hot residual gases inside the cylinder. However, with the twin-scroll turbocharger setup, this interference is minimized. The result of this superior scavenging effect from a twin-scroll design leads to several advantages over the traditional, single-scroll turbocharging systems, including:

Better pressure distribution in the exhaust ports

More efficient delivery of exhaust gas energy to the turbocharger’s turbine

Greater valve overlap for improved quality/quantity of air charge entering each cylinder

Ensures each cylinder is packed with a denser and purer air charge

Improved combustion efficiency

Low engine-speed efficiency

Kinetic exhaust gas energy is not wasted or trapped

Cooler cylinder temperatures

Lower exhaust temperatures

Leaner air/fuel ratio

Santa Fe Sport 2.0T’s twin-scroll turbo has superior handling of exhaust gas separation at the turbine, leading to improved low-end torque and faster transient torque response.

Two key features of Hyundai’s twin-scroll turbocharger setup are as follows:

The stainless steel exhaust manifold and the twin-scroll turbine housing are cast in a patent-pending one-piece design

The waste-gate for the turbocharger uses a motor-driven electrical controller instead of being mechanically controlled

Thanks to the integrated stainless-steel turbine housing with exhaust manifold, not only is the weight and cost of the casting dramatically reduced, but the durability of the turbine housing also improves. In addition, heat energy recovery and turbo efficiency significantly improve based on the fact that a traditional two-piece design effectively insulates some of the heat energy at the joint/gasket area.

By adapting the motor-driven electrical waste-gate, the boost pressure is precisely controlled. The back pressure is reduced when turbo boost is not necessary by opening the waste-gate, which improves fuel efficiency. During cold starts, the waste-gate remains open, which results in faster catalyst light-off for reduced exhaust emissions.

Direct injection also utilizes a 9.5 compression ratio in this engine, while achieving a best-in-class 133 horsepower-per-liter.

Oxmoor Hyundai Louisville Kentucky, Hyundai Of Louisville, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorhyundai.com, www.hyundaioflouisville.com, www.louisvilleequus.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Chrysler 200 Leads Charge as Automaker Shifts Focus to Quality

http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2012/04/04/Chrysler-Quality-040412.aspx

By Dale Buss

The Chrysler Group has posted another spectacular monthly sales result, with March sales up by 34 percent over a year earlier. Americans are buying Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles at a recent-record pace, and there appears to be no end in sight for the company's resurgence nearly three years after the U.S. government accepted its carcass and gave it to Fiat.

Yet there is one big cloud that remains for Chrysler amid all the silver linings: product quality. The company has made huge advances in spiffing up its vehicles as it has overhauled its product line over the last few years, especially in improving the materials and finish of amenities and components in its vehicle interiors. But there's much progress still to be made, which is why the company has invested $20 million over the last year to upgrade vehicle quality at the Belvidere, Ill., assembly plant where the new 2013 Dodge Dart soon will begin rolling off the line in volume.

"We are trying to drive a culture change," Jeff Betts, Chrysler's head of quality, told the Wall Street Journal. "Before we tried to downplay problems, because who wants them ending up in your lap. Now if you pont out a problem we shake your hand, say thank you and fix it."

One such problem is the news that the federal government is investigating complaints of engine fires in Chrysler's 2010 Jeep Wrangler. Betts said Chrysler has found "no abnormalities" in the vehicles, but the report is a reminder that Chrysler still has far to go in improving quality — despite all its recent gains under Betts —to catch up with nearly all of its competitors.

Chrysler made the second-biggest gain in quality among any automaker in Consumer Reports' recently released annual report card of the auto industry. But even after that spectacular achievement, Chrysler remained in last place. And the company's four brands finished in the last four spots in J.D. Power's important vehicle-dependability index this year.

Yet Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is convinced that Dart, which is based on an Alfa Romeo vehicle sold by Fiat, will represent a new product pinnacle for Dodge."It has just enough [Italian flair] to make it interesting and avoids all the pitfalls of being Italian," he told 60 Minutes recently. And "mechanically, it's outstanding."

Driving the charge for Chrysler's March sales, by the way? The "Imported from Detroit"-touted Chrysler 200, as the automaker noted in a blog post:

For March, the Chrysler 200 was our #2 top seller with 14,914 sold — pretty good for a 121% increase over March 2011. That was easily the best-selling month in the 200's relatively short life. While we don't officially give out specific retail sales numbers, we can say that March retail sales for the 200 topped the best the Chrysler Sebring ever did by more than 2,000 cars.

Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group, www.oxmoorautogroup.com, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

2012 Ford Focus SFE First Test

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1204_2012_ford_focus_sfe_first_test/

By Christian Seabaugh

Forty has become the new "it" number for fuel economy. Hyundai had an entire ad campaign touting each of its 40-mpg, highway-capable, gas-powered models, and before long other automakers jumped into the fray with ultra fuel-efficient models of their own. Chevrolet created the Cruze Eco, Honda the Civic HF, and Ford took a crack at it with the Fiesta SFE. Since then, Ford has expanded its 40-mpg highway lineup, and the 2012 Ford Focus SFE is Dearborn's latest attempt at a fuel-sipping compact sedan.

In Ford parlance, SFE is short for Super Fuel Economy. Available solely on the Focus SE Sedan with the six-speed dual-clutch automatic, the $495 package adds a host of eco-friendly tricks to the Focus, aimed at making the car more slippery and less thirsty. The SFE package adds aerodynamic wheels covers to the 16-inch steelies, low rolling resistance tires, disc brakes at all four corners, a rear spoiler, and active grille shutters. All this results in a Focus capable of achieving an EPA-estimated 28/40 mpg city/highway. A standard Focus with the same 2.0-liter I-4 with 160 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque is rated by the EPA at 28/38 mpg.

Though testing data shows the Focus SFE is only slightly slower than its non-SFE siblings, the Focus SFE still isn't quite as lively to drive as other Foci -- not surprising considering economy and performance are often at opposite ends of the fun-to-drive scale. In our testing, the Focus SFE needed 8.1 seconds to accelerate from 0-60 mph. The Focus SFE needs double its 0-60 mph time to complete the quarter mile, taking 16.2 seconds at 87.7 mph at the strip. Braking and lateral acceleration are similarly average; the Focus needs 114 feet to come to a standstill from 60 mph, and completes the figure eight in 27.7 seconds at an 0.62 g average.

But performance isn't the reason one opts for the SFE package -- fuel economy is. In our testing we achieved a trip-computer indicated 36.3 mpg in a 75/25 split of highway/city driving. In the real world the Focus SFE doesn't feel like a slowpoke, and the trade-off between SFE and non-SFE Foci becomes much less noticeable. The four-banger's 160 hp is more than adequate around town, and offers plenty of passing power on the highways. The hard eco-friendly tires don't help handling performance, but do offer a quiet and refined ride. The Focus SFE is also a competent handler, and its progressive steering feel works to remind you of its chassis' sport roots.

As expected in a Focus sedan, the interior feels roomy; the cloth seats are comfortable; and iPhones and other media devices are easily paired and played through Sync. One interior feature unique to the Focus SFE is its EcoMode. Displayed on 4.2-inch screen between the speedo and tach, EcoMode shows not only the usual mpg and distance-to-empty readouts, but also includes a fuel economy game like the one found on the Fusion Hybrid. The game measures two metrics: Anticipation and Speed. Anticipation essentially measures how well you read traffic -- if you're smooth and stay off the brakes, you'll earn more leaves for a max of five. Speed works similar to Anticipation: Stick with the speed limit and avoid jack-rabbiting the throttle, and you'll earn more leaves. Earn all ten leaves and you become an Eco Champion and get a digital trophy. Before you ask, yes, readers, I am in fact an Eco Champion.

Economy-minded gimmicks aside, this Focus is far from perfect. For starters, one of the easiest ways to improve fuel economy is to use cruise control to maintain a near-constant speed. Unfortunately, the only way to get cruise control on the Focus is with the optional Convenience Package, and, for whatever reason, our Focus SFE didn't have it. Considering all of the Focus SFE's hypermiling gas-powered competitors come standard with cruise control, we're not sure why the same isn't true for the Ford.fuel-efficient car at that price point, the Focus SFE isn't for you. Its 28/40 mpg rating is easily trumped by the Toyota Prius C's 53/46 mpg rating, and by the $19,290 Honda Insight's 41/44 mpg rating. If you're looking for something slightly larger without a hybrid drivetrain, though, the Focus SFE isn't a bad choice. The car offers decent fuel economy at a reasonable price, and that should make it plenty appealing to commuters looking to save a buck or two at the pump.

Oxmoor Ford Lincoln Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorflm.com, www.oxmoorford.net.com, www.oxmoorlincoln.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Another issue we had was with the SFE's standard six-speed dual-clutch automatic. It had all the disadvantages of a dual-clutch transmission, like a jerky feel around town and stuttering while starting on inclines, but simultaneously offered all the disadvantages of a traditional slushbox, like slow shift speed. We love the idea of a dual-clutch tranny, but the execution's just not quite there.

And if you're looking for the most

Hyundai Motor America And Autism Speaks Partner To Raise Awareness During National Autism Awareness Month

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/25/4441651/hyundai-motor-america-and-autism.html

By Hyundai Motor America

COSTA MESA, Calif., April 25, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America joined Autism Speaks on Saturday, April 21, 2012 for the annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks that brought together more than 30,000 participants at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. to raise awareness about the prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder.

Showing Hyundai's support during National Autism Awareness Month in April and its dedication to the health and well-being of its local communities, Ruth Eisen, Executive Director and Associate General Counsel for Hyundai Motor America, kicked-off the event with opening remarks touching on her own family's challenges with autism and the need to increase funding for research. A 2012Hyundai Tucson then paved the way for runners and walkers as the 5K's official pace car.

"As the mother of a child with autism, I am proud to work for Hyundai and to see its commitment and compassion for children's health," said Ruth Eisen, Executive Director and Associate General Counsel for Hyundai Motor America. "Hyundai and I are honored to have been a part of the 2012 Walk Now for Autism Speaks and to help increase research for, and awareness of, autism to better the quality of life of the kids and families dealing with autism every day."

Hyundai's participation at the Walk for Autism Speaks is part of its larger corporate social responsibility program that runs under the mantra of "doing good things together." Hyundai is committed to being a responsible member of the community and giving back to its neighbors while focusing on health and education for children nationwide.

"We are so proud to have company sponsors like Hyundai involved with Autism Speaks," said Matt Asner, Executive Director for Autism Speaks Los Angeles. "They are leading the way in corporate social responsibility, showing families like the ones we serve at Autism Speaks that they are here for us, and support us, and support autism awareness in our community."

For more information about Hyundai Motor America's CSR initiatives, please visithttp://www.hyundaiusa.com/new-thinking/csr.aspx.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide.

Oxmoor Hyundai Louisville Kentucky, Hyundai Of Louisville, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorhyundai.com, www.hyundaioflouisville.com, www.louisvilleequus.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Chrysler Group Launches Vital Second Phase of PHEV Minivan Project

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/25/4442463/chrysler-group-launches-vital.html

By Chrysler Group LLC

The data-collection phase of Chrysler Group LLC's plug-in hybrid minivan project begins in earnest with the completion of the demonstration fleet's deployment.

Three plug-in hybrid-electric Chrysler Town & Country minivans went into service today with theSacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), bringing to 25 the total number of such vehicles on American roads.

"The focus now shifts from engineering design and development of this unique technology, to real-world testing and evaluation," said Abdullah Bazzi, senior manager of Chrysler Group's advanced hybrid vehicle project.

The plug-in hybrids will be subjected to "temperature extremes and variations of drive cycles," Bazzi said, adding resulting data will shed light on customer acceptance of the technology and its impact on the grid.

Other deployments are in Arizona, North Carolina and Michigan.

Two additional plug-in hybrid minivans will be retained by Chrysler Group engineers. One of those vehicles will be subject to a short-duration test by Argonne National Laboratory.

The two-year project stems from Chrysler Group's partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE has invested $10 million to further the research.

Each plug-in hybrid Town & Country is equipped with an E85-compatible 3.6L Pentastar engine mated to a front-wheel-drive, two-mode hybrid transmission.

It also is powered by a liquid-cooled 12.1 KWhr lithium-ion battery that affords a total output of 290 horsepower and a range of 700-miles. Charge times are two-to-four hours at 220 volts with a "Level 2" charge cord unit, and eight-to-15 hours at 110 volts with a "Level 1" charge unit.

The vehicle's hybrid system does not require charging.

A fleet of plug-in hybrid Ram pickups also is being evaluated as part of a wider project.

Chrysler Group dominates the minivan market, selling 13.4 million units globally since inventing the segment in 1983.

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT, Fiat and Mopar vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group's culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat's complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Challengerand Ram 1500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles. www.chryslerllc.com

Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group, www.oxmoorautogroup.com, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

Toyota prices 2013 Tacoma TRD T/X Baja from $32,990

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/toyota-prices-2013-tacoma-trd-t-x-baja-from-32-990/

By Jeff SabatiniTacoma may be getting a bit long in the tooth, but it's received a mild refresh for 2012, and a new "limited edition" package courtesy of in-house tuning arm, Toyota Racing Development. Toyota showed a preproduction TRD T/X Baja at last fall's Texas State Fair and then again at SEMA, with the real deal now poised to go on sale in May.

The Baja Series will start at $32,990, plus a delivery fee of $810. That's for a Tacoma Access Cab model with a manual transmission – the price scales up for automatic-equipped trucks and Double Cab models. The Baja Series package carries an MSRP of $5,015, but you get to subtract $650 in a "factory credit" if you order it, since the Baja's Off-Road Package is cheaper than the standard Tacoma Off-Road Package. Or to make things simpler, figure the Baja Series Tacoma is going to cost you $4,365 more than the same truck without it.

Besides the kit already included in the TRD Off-Road Package, which is required to get the Baja Series upgrades, the special Tacomas will feature BF Goodrich T/A KO tires (LT265/70R16) with bead-locking wheels, Bilstein shocks (front and rear), a TRD exhaust system, a two-inch front lift, and those snazzy Baja Series graphics.

The TRD T/X Baja Series Package provides the customer with a great value and high level of capability that is backed by Toyota's standard vehicle warranty. The TRD T/X Baja Series Package is offered at an MSRP of $5,015 less a $650 Factory Credit. There is an additional savings because the package the Baja Series is built on top of, TRD Off-Road Package for the Baja Series, is priced below the regular TRD Off-Road Package.

Toyota has a rich Baja racing heritage that dates back nearly three decades and includes numerous titles at the legendary Baja 500 and 1000. Toyota's desert racing program has inspired the development of numerous TRD off-road focused products and packages over the years including the Tacoma PreRunner and TRD Off-Road packages for both Tacoma and Tundra. Last year, Tacoma's Off-Road Package was enhanced with the launch of the TRD T/X and T/X Pro packages. TRD now takes Tacoma off-roading to the next level with the development of the T/X Baja Series.

The T/X Baja Series will be available on both the Tacoma Access and Double Cab 4x4 models equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package. The Tacoma T/X Baja Series is equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine with either six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions. In addition to an electronically-controlled locking rear differential, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) currently equipped on the TRD Off-Road package, the limited edition T/X Baja Series adds BF Goodrich T/A KO tires (LT265/70R16) and bead-lock style off-road wheels with an exclusive Gun-Metal Gray finish, TRD Cat-back Exhaust, increased front ride height of nearly two inches and unique Baja Series graphics.

The front suspension has been upgraded to include Ø66mm piston Bilstein race shocks with TRD coil springs that feature a protective zinc plated body and a one inch increase in wheel travel. The rear suspension is equipped with Ø50mm piston Bilstein race shocks with a remote reservoir to increase shock oil capacity for greater heat dissipation and damping sensitivity. The rear shocks also include a zinc plated body and a 1.5-inch increase in wheel travel.

The T/X Baja Series will be part of a Tacoma line that was updated for 2012 with a restyled front end and a refreshed interior in all models. Exterior changes included a redesigned hood, grille, headlamps and front bumper, among other changes. Inside, Tacoma received a new center-instrument panel design with a revised gauge cluster, along with a new steering wheel. A redesigned center stack added new air conditioner/heater controls and power point locations.

The 2012 Tacoma interior also received a new look with a black high-contrast center console, switch plate covers, dash and upper door trim, while the SR5 grade featured a new seat fabric design. Tacoma offers new heavy-duty all-weather flooring option for 2012 on Tacoma Access and Double Cab models equipped with a V6 engine. The more specialized TRD Sport and Off-Road packages also feature new water-resistant fabric protection seats.

All Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series models will be built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio and will reach dealer showrooms in May 2012. Prices for the Baja Series Tacoma do not include delivery, processing and handling fees (DPH), which are $810. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

2012 Toyota Tacoma Baja Series Model-By-Model Prices
Tacoma Baja Series 2012 MY, Model Code, Series, Description, MSRP, TRD Off-Road Pkg for Baja ($), Baja Series Pkg ($), Baja Series Factory Credit, New MSRP

2012, 7553, Tacoma, Access Cab 4x4 V6 MT, $25,055, $3,570, $5,015, -$650, $32,990
2012, 7554, Tacoma, Access Cab 4x4 V6 Auto, $25,935, $3,670, $5,015, -$650, $33,975
2012, 7593, Tacoma, Double Cab 4x4 V6 MT, $26,455, $3,455, $5,015, -$650, $34,275
2012, 7594, Tacoma, Double Cab 4x4 V6 Auto, $27,335, $3,555, $5,015, -$650, $35,255

All prices listed above exclude the Delivery, Processing, and Handling (DPH) fee of $810

Tacoma TRD T/X Baja Series Features
Off-Road tuned front and rear TRD Bilstein racing shocks
Electronically-controlled locking rear differential
Active Traction Control (A-TRAC)
Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
Downhill Assist Control (DAC)
BF Goodrich T/A KO tires (LT265/70R16) with bead-lock style off-road wheels with exclusive Gun-Metal Gray finish
TRD Cat-Back Exhaust
Increased front ride height by nearly two inches
Matte Black T/X Baja Vehicle Side Graphics
Exclusive TRD Tailgate Badge

Toyota's

TORRANCE, Calif., April 23, 2012 - - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc., announced prices today for the TRD T/X Baja Series Package. Inspired by Toyota's Baja racing heritage, the truck reveals bold graphics with its name "Baja Series" and enhanced suspension, elevating the capability of Tacoma's TRD Off-Road pickup to a new level of fun and function. The special limited edition package will be available on select Tacoma 4x4 pickup trucks.

Oxmoor Toyota Scion Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoortoyota.com, www.oxmoorscion.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Hyundai has introduced another stylish Car that performs well too

http://www.auto-types.com/autonews/hyundai-has-introduced-another-stylish-and-car-that-performs-well-too-8557.html

Hyundai has been working really hard to take over the automobile market and become leader in some sense. It might not be that easy for the company to reach to that point in near future but we can see great commitment by them.

Hyundai has produced another great vehicle that is not only stylish but has great performance too. The car that we are going to talk about here is Hyundai’s Veloster which is a sporty coupe/hatch having a back door as well on the passenger side. This style in not very common in coupes but Hyundai has been experimenting with different designs these days.

In simple words, Hyundai Veloster is really a fun drive. If you have seen Honda’s CR-Z hybrid coupe, you will find it quite similar to it and it also looks quite alike Toyota Celica. This is really a good choice for Youngster’s who don’t have a lot of money in their pocket to buy an expensive car but at the same time they want to have a stylish car too.

Not only that this car is really good looking and has a complete sporty look, it is quite inexpensive as well. So, if you don’t have a lot of money, you can buy this car to fulfill your needs and have fun.

The car has been priced at $77,955 which includes delivery as well. The car comes with manual six speed transmission system. The manual speed transmission system might not be that appealing to you but by spending $1250 more, you can get an automatic transmission car as well.

The gas mileage is quite impressive too as it can go up to 28 miles per gallon in city and while you are driving on a highway, you can hit 40 miles per gallon too. I have been driving this car since a week and have been able to reach up to 32.4 miles per gallon that is split between highway and the city.

The price is affordable, the car is well built and with all these things, you can buy a really great sports coupe having 3 doors. Yes, you heard it right, the car comes with 3 doors that might be a new experience for you but these doors have been managed in a great way by Hyundai.
If you want, you can fold down the rear seats and get extra space to stuff the luggage that you have. If there is not a lot of luggage, you can simply use the seats for sitting purpose. The car is good for managing up to 5 people.

There is 1.6litre GDI 4 Cylinder Engine attached with this car that provides 138 HP and 123lb-ft of torque as well. The weight Veloster is only 2584 pounds. This makes it really light weight car that is easy to lift and drive. This light weight is another reason for which this car is inexpensive. In fall, Hyundai has planned to introduce a turbo version of the same car that will have more power and of course you will love that car as well if you like driving fast.

Oxmoor Hyundai Louisville Kentucky, Hyundai Of Louisville, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorhyundai.com, www.hyundaioflouisville.com, www.louisvilleequus.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

First 2013 Viper turns heads on the road, Chrysler exec says

http://www.freep.com/article/20120425/BUSINESS0103/204250337/First-2013-Viper-turns-heads-on-the-road-Chrysler-exec-says

By Brent Snavely

The first prototype version of the 2013 SRT Viper was prowling the roads of southeast Michigan on Monday with Ralph Gilles, president and CEO of the SRT brand, behind the wheel.

"Oh my God, what a sensation driving that car on the freeway," said Gilles, who has championed the super sports car's revival.

"With the modern-day cell phones everyone was almost crashing into me trying to take pictures," Gilles, who also is senior vice president of design for Chrysler, said Tuesday at a breakfast hosted by the law firm Dawda Mann.

Chrysler discontinued the Viper in 2010 because of financial difficulties, but decided to bring it back after Italian automaker Fiat became the company's controlling shareholder.

"The history of Viper runs deep. The private equity guys tried to snuff it out, but it's like the weed that keeps growing back," Gilles said, referring to Chrysler's previous owner, Cerberus Capital Management.

While Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne ultimately approved the decision to bring the Viper back, Gilles said work began before Fiat gained control.

"It was done in the darkest hour you could imagine," Gilles said. "I threw this project to the designers to keep them motivated."

The original Dodge Viper was shown as a concept at the 1989 North American International Auto Show and was sold from 1992 to 2010. The new Viper joins Chrysler's SRT, or Street and Racing Technology, brand.

The 2013 SRT Viper will be equipped with an 8.4-liter V10 engine that generates 640 horsepower and nearly 600 pound-feet of torque. The high-performance sports car will reach dealer showrooms during the fourth quarter of this year.

Gilles said the company still has a lot of work to do on the manufacturing process for the Viper.

"We are really quality-focused right now," Gilles said. "It's not so much about rushing into the market. It's really making sure it's right."

The SRT Viper will be built at Chrysler's Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit by about 150 hourly and salaried workers. The plant, idled in 2010, has been refurbished, Gilles said.

"It went from looking like a dungeon to a CVS pharmacy," Gilles said.

Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group, www.oxmoorautogroup.com, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

2012 Toyota Prius C: Fuel economy champ

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-57420526-48/2012-toyota-prius-c-fuel-economy-champ/

by Wayne Cunningham

Toyota may be positioning its Prius C as an entry-level hybrid car, but its real value comes from its impressive fuel economy.

It seems like the Prius C model should come after the Prius B, and before the Prius D. But Toyota shows no interest in alphabetical naming when it comes to its Prius lineup. Toyota recently expanded the

cars it calls Prius, adding to the standard model the Prius V

, a plug-in version, and now the C.

The C means City, which explains the smaller dimensions of the car. The Prius C is a nice, modern little hatchback a foot and half shorter than the standard Prius. Its size makes it easy to park and maneuver through narrow lanes.

But its real virtue is fuel economy. Although the EPA estimates put it on level with the standard Prius, at 50 mpg, we found it did consistently better, turning in an average of 51.2 mpg after a week of driving in the urban confines of San Francisco, hills included, and the fast-moving freeways of California.

It also serves as a showcase of new Toyota cabin technology, such as a new navigation system. The new Entune system uses your connected smartphone to bring in traffic data, local gas prices, Bing search, and other useful apps and information.

Oxmoor Toyota Scion Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoortoyota.com, www.oxmoorscion.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Mazda working on multiple rotary engines, has no plans for SkyActiv V6

http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/mazda-working-on-multiple-rotary-engines-has-no-plans-for-skyac/

By Zach Bowman

The minds at

Car and Driver recently took a moment to speak with Robert Davis, senior vice president of Mazda U.S. operations, about the automaker's plans for the future. According to Davis, the rotary engine will continue to play a role in the company's products moving forward, with engineers applying the lessons learned through the SkyActiv program to the powerplant. That means the next-generation rotary will likely feature reduced internal friction and lightweight internals in a quest to reduce emissions and increase fuel economy. But the engine may find applications outside of its traditional role.

Not only is Mazda pursuing a rotary engine to power a vehicle, Davis admits Mazda is also investigating ways to use the design in tandem with an electric motor, with the pistonless engine responsible for charging an extended-range EV's batteries. Given the compact size and relatively low torque supplied by a rotary, this application would seem to hold promise. Of course, we've heard some of this before

.

And what of a SkyActiv V6? Davis makes it clear there's no room in the SkyActiv stable for a six-cylinder, saying that the company will focus on lighter platforms and forced-induction four-cylinder engines instead.

Hyundai Dealers to Offer Three-Month SiriusXM Subscription on Pre-Owned Vehicles with Factory-Installed Satellite Radios

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/hyundai-dealers-to-offer-three-month-siriusxm-subscription-on-pre-owned-vehicles-with-factory-installed-satellite-radios-2012-04-24

NEW YORK, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Sirius XM Radio and Hyundai Motor America today announced that participating Hyundai dealers will give customers across the United States a three-month SiriusXM subscription when they purchase a pre-owned vehicle, regardless of manufacturer, equipped with satellite radio.

"Hyundai is dedicated to its dealers and customers and this is just one more way for us to go one step beyond by offering customers not only an attractive selection of Certified Hyundai, pre-owned Hyundai and non-Hyundai vehicles, but to include a three-month subscription for SiriusXM," said Jose Froehlich, Manager, Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned, Hyundai Motor America.

"We are proud that Hyundai dealers want to demonstrate SiriusXM for their pre-owned vehicle customers," said Joe Verbrugge, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Automotive Remarketing and Retail Sales, SiriusXM. "By including a three-month SiriusXM subscription, customers buying any pre-owned vehicle from Hyundai can be assured that when they start up their vehicles they are getting best-in-class technology and can enjoy our unparalleled audio entertainment lineup."

Customers purchasing pre-owned vehicles with satellite radio from participating Hyundai dealerships will get automatic access to commercial-free music, and premier sports, news, talk, entertainment plus traffic and weather information delivered by SiriusXM.

Hyundai will continue to offer customers a three-month SiriusXM subscription with the purchase of new and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles that are factory equipped with satellite radio.

Hyundai dealers interested in enrolling in this program can enroll online at www.siriusxmpreownedtrial.com .

For more information on SiriusXM, please visit www.siriusxm.com .

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com

Journalists are invited to visit our news media web site: www.hyundainews.com

About Sirius XM Radio

Sirius XM Radio is America's satellite radio company. SiriusXM broadcasts more than 135 satellite radio channels of commercial-free music, and premier sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather, and data services to over 21 million subscribers. SiriusXM offers an array of content from many of the biggest names in entertainment, as well as from professional sports leagues, major colleges, and national news and talk providers.

SiriusXM programming is available on more than 800 devices, including pre-installed and after-market radios in cars, trucks, boats and aircraft, smartphones and mobile devices, and consumer electronics products for homes and offices. SiriusXM programming is also available at siriusxm.com, and on Apple, BlackBerry and Android-powered mobile devices.

SiriusXM has arrangements with every major automaker and its radio products are available for sale at shop.siriusxm.com as well as retail locations nationwide.

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Oxmoor Hyundai Louisville Kentucky, Hyundai Of Louisville, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorhyundai.com, www.hyundaioflouisville.com, www.louisvilleequus.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Ford offering engine cutoff feature in next Fusion

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/04/ford-offering-stop-start-for-295-in-next-fusion/1

By Chris Woodyard

Ford is going to offer a feature on its next Ford Fusion that will shut the engine off automatically at stoplights to save gas. Ford will charge $295 for the option.

Start-stop is growing in popularity among automakers, but they are hesitant to offer it widely because U.S fuel standards don't give them credit for it in assessing a car's gas mileage ratings. Yet the savings for motorists add up:

"We expect the average Fusion driver with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine and Auto Start-Stop will save about $1,100 more than other midsize sedan owners during five years of driving," said Samantha Hoyt, Fusion marketing manager. "That's cash in their pocket and time saved with fewer trips to the pump."

Auto Start-Stop saves fuel use when the car is standing and running at idle. Savings vary depending on driving patterns, but owners who spend more time in urban areas and heavy city traffic will benefit the most – up to 10%. On average, Auto Start-Stop improves fuel efficiency by about 3.5%.

Oxmoor Ford Lincoln Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorflm.com, www.oxmoorford.net.com, www.oxmoorlincoln.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

2013 Toyota Land Cruiser

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/sns-47-428-2013-58447-20120421,0,5556327.story

David Thomas

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a specialized machine built with off-roading in mind. It's like that one knife in your kitchen that you only bring out once a year, when the occasion demands.

The problem with this type of SUV is that you're stuck with a specialized machine during your commute, grocery store runs and date night, and that's what lessens the Land Cruiser's appeal. That, and its sticker price of $77,955.

While refinements to the interior, ride comfort and noise intrusion all make the eight-seat Toyota Land Cruiser a better SUV for 2013, it still isn't for everyone.

Even off-road enthusiasts might want to look at something more affordable. Say, a Land Rover.

Performance

What I'm glad Toyota didn't change for 2013 is the 5.7-liter V-8 engine. It's a tremendous power plant that sends the mammoth Land Cruiser off the line faster than an SUV of this type ought to go. On the highway, you'll cruise and pass with authority. Add to this an extremely high riding position — level with neighboring motorists in work trucks — and the Land Cruiser definitely gives drivers a sense of command.

Unfortunately, the extreme height leads to some body lean and roll in sharp corners that erases that straight-ahead confidence. Large SUVs have been known to exhibit this trait, but I've tested many recent competitors of similar girth and they seemed to mitigate it a bit better.

While straight-ahead performance is a positive and taking curves is a negative, ride quality is inconsistently in the middle.

Over smooth stretches, the Land Cruiser seems to glide along nicely, like a Lexus LX 570. Road noise is muted and everything is tranquil. Hit rougher patches, though, and the suspension will begin to pitch the SUV back and forth rather severely. It's hard to call any pitchiness "smooth," but your neck isn't snapping back and forth wildly as the suspension does its work. It's just that there's so much more of the back-and-forth motion than you'll find in other SUVs in this class.

There's a payoff, though: I would take the Land Cruiser and its soft-bucking style over a sport-oriented SUV like the Dodge Durango R/T I drove a day later. The Durango's unforgiving suspension, designed for sporty handling, sent sharp jolts through the seat and my spine.

A few days later, I piloted a Chevy Tahoe — which hasn't seen an update in nearly six years — on the same route home, and it seemed a better blend of both worlds.

The Land Cruiser bested both in terms of fuel economy. I observed nearly 16 mpg over the course of my test, which consisted mostly of congested highway commutes. The Land Cruiser is EPA-rated at 13/18 mpg city/highway. The Tahoe returned 13 mpg over a similar period; it's rated 15/21 mpg. And the Toyota's engine was far superior in every way.

But nobody gets a Land Cruiser for daily commuting; they get it because it can go off-road and tow a decent-sized boat.

The Land Cruiser's suspension system automatically adapts to on- and off-road terrain with hydraulically variable stabilizer bar resistance. Toyota says it reduces body sway on the road, yet allows for maximum independent wheel travel when off the beaten path.

There's also a lightweight transfer case with a 2.618:1 ratio low range and a limited-slip locking center differential. There's also a selectable "Crawl" control that features five low-speed settings for tackling a variety of off-road terrain.

Ground clearance is 8.9 inches, but the competition has more: The Land Rover LR4 has up to 9.5 inches.

The standard Land Cruiser can also tow up to 8,200 pounds, which is equivalent to the Chevy Tahoe and more than the LR4's maximum of 7,716 pounds, which requires an optional tow package to reach. The Toyota also comes standard with a trailer-sway control mode for the stability system.

Interior

Some Toyota and Lexus models cross over more than others. The Land Cruiser is based directly on the Lexus LX 570's platform (or vice versa), and there are some similarities inside. The Land Cruiser's exorbitant price tag still isn't easy to swallow, though.

The Lexus LX is just $3,000 more, but it looks and feels more than $3,000 more refined to the eye and skin. Still, the Land Cruiser has a lot going for it in terms of comfort.

In the Land Cruiser, front- and second-row seats are exceptionally comfortable over long hauls, with plenty of room in every direction. The third row is tight and uncomfortable, like most third rows I encounter.

The Land Cruiser also has seating for eight, where most luxury SUVs are seven-seaters. This may be a deal-breaker for shoppers who are considering an alternative like the seven-seat Land Rover LR4.

Otherwise, I'd say the LR4 is on another level of luxury refinement inside without sacrificing much off-road capability or towing.

Another problem is the Land Cruiser's scant cargo space for such a large vehicle. The third-row seats fold up to the side — a nifty maneuver — but the resulting cargo area is just 43 cubic feet. That's decent, but not for a vehicle this large. The smaller Land Rover LR4 has 44.3 cubic feet behind its second row.

Features & Pricing

The Land Cruiser's $77,955 starting price is going to trip up many interested shoppers. It's close to $20,000 more than a top-trim Land Rover LR4 HSE Lux, though it does include a long list of standard features: high-intensity discharge headlights, a power moonroof, running boards, skid plates, four-zone climate control, a navigation system, a 14-speaker JBL sound system, USB, HD Radio, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, four exterior cameras for 360-degree Multi-terrain Monitoring, a rear entertainment system, heated and ventilated front seats, dynamic cruise control, and keyless entry and start.

Load up that Land Rover LR4 HSE Lux with similar equipment — even the equivalent of Multi-terrain Monitoring — and it'll only cost you $64,195.

I've driven a new LR4 and the Land Cruiser is no Land Rover. You can compare the two yourself here.

If you're a shopper trying to decide between the two, the only features that would sway you toward the Toyota are the extra passenger you can carry and the higher towing capacity.

Safety

The Land Cruiser has not been crash-tested by either the federal government or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

It comes standard with a full complement of safety features and airbags, which you can find listed here.

Land Cruiser in the Market

There's a lot to like about the Land Cruiser's capabilities and its more refined driving environment for 2013. But even for luxury shoppers, its price tag is going to be almost impossible to swallow. We expect most buyers will be Land Cruiser loyalists, as it's hard to draw attention to a model with such a high starting price no matter how specialized it may be.

Oxmoor Toyota Scion Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoortoyota.com, www.oxmoorscion.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Mazda enters compact crossover SUV segment with CX-5

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/car_tips&id=8631227

Dave Kunz

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Mazda is jumping into the compact crossover SUV segment with its new CX-5.

This is their first real effort at doing one. Their previous entry, the Tribute, was just a clone of the Ford Escape.

The CX-5 is a clean-sheet design with sculpted sides, and the first fully-integrated use of Mazda's engine system called Skyactiv. It provides good fuel economy without the expense of a hybrid, up to 35 mpg on the highway depending on configuration.

This is a segment exploding in popularity, led by Honda's CR-V, routinely the sales leader and the benchmark many other brands tend to shoot for.

Many buyers today want some utility along with good fuel economy. Mazda's plan is to appeal to the enthusiast driver by making the CX-5 a sporty offering. The Skyactiv engine only offers up 155 horsepower, about 30 less than Honda for example.

But power isn't everything. Mazda dialed in some nice road manners too.

With a lot of people wanting small crossover SUVs in this segment, there's sales potential for Mazda. But the carmaker is also counting on consumers who didn't know they want a small crossover, had a sporty sedan or a sports car, but now they need something bigger.

Mazda has a lot of loyal customers who might have something like the Mazda 3 compact, or perhaps a Miata two-seater. When those owners' lifestyles change, they can keep their sportiness and stay in the Mazda fold. A six-speed manual gearbox as standard on the sport model should help keep many of them there. Not just a manual, but one with the action of a sports car gearshift.

There are other sporty small crossovers, but you have to go a little upscale for those. Audi's Q5 is a nicely-sized choice, and now its newly available with four cylinder power in the interest of fuel economy.

For those with more modest budgets, the Mazda is the sporty choice. Sure, it's a bit down on power for the sake of miles per gallon, but having fun behind the wheel doesn't necessarily mean going really fast. Sometimes it's about going really well.

Oxmoor Mazda Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoormazda.com, www.skyactivlive.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

2013 Ford Taurus

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/sns-14-185-2013-58418-20120413,0,2021977.story

Kelsey Mays

The 2013 Ford Taurus boasts refined driving and good fuel efficiency, but two longstanding drawbacks remain — and unfortunately, now there's a third.

Last redesigned for 2010, the Taurus this year boasts styling tweaks, a new turbo four-cylinder engine and a raft of interior updates. The turbo four is optional on front-wheel-drive SE, SEL and Limited trim levels, which otherwise get a lower-mileage V-6. The Taurus SHO, meanwhile, has last year's turbocharged V-6 but visually is further differentiated from the base Taurus this year. (Ford markets both turbocharged engines with the EcoBoost name.) All-wheel drive is optional on the V-6 Taurus and standard on the SHO.

I tested a Taurus SHO and an all-wheel-drive SEL at a media preview. Turbo four-cylinders weren't provided.

V-6, SHO Impressions

Enhanced this year with the same valve technology as the Mustang V-6, the Taurus V-6 has 288 horsepower, which is 25 hp more than the 2012. It moves well enough from a stop and pulls energetically at higher revs, with a muscular exhaust note as you take on more speed. Front-drive cars weigh 227 pounds less than all-wheel-drive versions, which should increase acceleration off the line.

The standard six-speed automatic transmission needs grooming: It holds higher gears coming into corners, delaying needed downshifts until moments too late, and hunts through gears on hilly roads. Step into the gas to pass, and the transmission stair-steps down through multiple gears. A Sport mode does little to change the behavior.

The Taurus SHO automatic's reactions feel quicker, with faster shifts and less indecision. The turbocharged V-6 scampers from a stop, hustling to higher speeds with the punchiness of a V-8. Indeed, our friends at "MotorWeek" hit 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds in their 2010 SHO. That's more than half a second quicker than a V-8-powered, all-wheel-drive Chrysler 300C that "MotorWeek" tested. The SHO weighs 4,343 pounds — lighter than the 300C but much heavier than front-drive competitors from Hyundai, Toyota and Nissan. For such a portly car, this Ford flies.

In keeping with other full-size sedans, ride quality is very good. The Taurus SHO's sport-tuned suspension picks up a little more chop over bumps, but on high-speed stretches it isolates the cabin as well as its comfort-tuned counterpart. An SHO Performance Package adds even firmer shocks and springs, retuned steering, uprated cooling hardware and a 3.16:1 final drive ratio for quicker acceleration but lower gas mileage. Our SHO didn't have this package — leaving us a 2.77 final drive instead — but Taurus engineer Carl Widmann says the package removes a lot of the SHO's ride comfort for the sort of buyer "who takes his car to the track every once in a while, or just wants to drive like a maniac all the time."

With a balanced chassis, good steering feedback and linear brakes, the overall experience suits the base Taurus, though the new electric power steering — included on last year's SHO and now standard — feels under-assisted at low speeds for a full-size car. The SHO's wheel takes more effort still, and I'm lukewarm on the payoff. The car is a supreme highway cruiser, but for a performance car, it has too much body roll on curvy roads, and the steering feels a bit slow on initial turn-in — even though Ford quickened the ratio to 15:1 this year, from last year's 17:1 ratio.

New for this year, the 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder's mileage beats all comers. The V-6 Chrysler 300 also gets 31 mpg with its eight-speed automatic, but its city mileage gives up 3 mpg to the 2.0-liter Taurus. Others, from the Toyota Avalon to the Hyundai Azera and Chevrolet Impala, come close to the V-6 Taurus' 19/29 mpg. Unfortunately, Ford recommends premium fuel for both turbo engines. Regular fuel will suffice, but with slight power losses.

Engines Compared

2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder 3.5-liter V-6 3.5-liter turbo

Availability SE, SEL, Limited FWD only SE, SEL, Limited FWD or AWD SHO AWD only

Horsepower (@ rpm) 240 @ 5,500 288 @ 6,500 365 @ 5,500

Torque (lbs.-ft. @ rpm) 270 @ 3,000 254@ 4,000 350 @ 1,500 - 5,000

EPA mileage

(city/highway, mpg) 22/31 (FWD) 19/29 (FWD);

18/26 (AWD) 17/25 (AWD)

Fuel Premium recommended* Regular Premium recommended*

*Regular usable, but produces less power.

Source: automaker and EPA data.

Issues Remain, and a New One Arrives

We've harped on the Taurus' cramped confines, and the problem persists. It's one of the largest cars in this class, with length and width exceeding even the imposing 300 and its Dodge Charger twin. The Taurus boasts the roomiest trunk in the segment, with a backseat that should suit even long-legged adults. Even so, the Taurus' overall passenger volume trails all but the undersized Maxima's, and it's felt most up front. The seats have generous adjustment range, but the thick doors and massive center console limit hip and knee room. At least Ford added padding along the console.

Visibility's another problem. Thick pillars, blocky rear head restraints and a low roofline limit the view in all directions. It's ironic, because this Taurus generation's predecessor had outstanding sight lines.

The third issue is MyFord Touch. I'm against carmakers replacing physical controls with touch-sensitive panels, whether it's the Chevrolet Volt or an increasing number of Ford and Lincoln products. The latest version of MyFord Touch gets a few more mechanical controls, like the often-brushed hazards button, and it responds faster than the system's earliest versions. But I still found myself hitting the wrong buttons, tapping climate controls a half-dozen times to adjust the temperature a few degrees, and waiting for a heated-seat icon to register three bars of heat while I wondered if I should tap it again. Competitors like the Charger and 300 have touch-screens with quicker response, and they retain separate physical knobs. MyFord Touch is better than it used to be, but Ford's cars that execute it best — the Focus compact, the 2013 Escape and the F-Series— combine the touch-screen with physical controls below.

You can skip MyFord Touch in the Taurus SE and SEL, but pricier trims and top-shelf options require it.

Safety, Features & Pricing

The Taurus scored top marks in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, earning it a Top Safety Pick designation. It also earned five out of five stars in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's more rigorous side-impact tests. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, head-protecting side airbags and an electronic stability system with Ford's new Curve Control, which can brake more wheels than the stability system alone to slow things down if you enter a corner too fast. Click here for a full list of safety features.

Safety options include adaptive cruise control with a collision warning system, lane departure and blind spot warning systems and a cross-traffic warning system.

Reliability for the current-generation Taurus has been average for front-wheel-drive cars but subpar for all-wheel-drive models. Take note, however, that MyFord Touch has contributed to steep reliability declines in certain Ford and Lincoln models. Time will tell if a revamped version can improve that.

The Taurus SE starts under $27,000 — far cheaper than every large sedan but the Charger and outgoing Chevrolet Impala. Standard features fall far short of the $30,000-plus cars, but they do include a power driver's seat, alloy wheels, and a CD stereo with steering-wheel controls. Start adding options, and you can get heated and cooled leather seats, a power passenger seat, navigation, a self-parking system and Ford's Sync system with USB/iPod connectivity and Bluetooth audio streaming. An optioned-out Taurus SHO can top $45,000.

Taurus in the Market

Sales for full-size sedans slid 5.9 percent in 2011 as shoppers chose family sedans — a segment that improved 7.9 percent — by nearly four to one. In Ford's stable, shoppers bought more than four-and-a-half Fusions for every Taurus through the first two months of 2012. Why wouldn't they? Many family cars reach the mid-30s in EPA highway mileage — or higher still in hybrid versions. A few of them have large enough interiors to squeak into full-size designation. It's little wonder consumer tastes are shifting — and full-size cars need to be damn good to stay afloat. The Taurus has strengths in terms of ride comfort, trunk space and passing power, but its drawbacks could leave it overrun by the changing tide.

Oxmoor Ford Lincoln Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorflm.com, www.oxmoorford.net.com, www.oxmoorlincoln.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Hyundai Veloster has the style, performance

http://www.jsonline.com/wheels/hyundai-veloster-has-the-style-performance-434rrn8-148355255.html

Mark Savage

Hyundai has created another styling home run.

This time it's the diminutive 2012 Hyundai Veloster, a sporty coupe/hatch with a bonus back door on the passenger's side.

Veloster is a fun drive. It combines the swoopy appeal of Honda's CR-Z hybrid coupe, with the light feel of former Toyota Celicas. Youngsters will dig this economical coupe/hatch.

Beyond its stellar looks is a solid sporty car, one that is relatively inexpensive to buy and run.

The car starts at $17,300 (including delivery) with a manual six-speed transmission. This is the only trim level, but a six-speed automatic is available for $1,250.

Gas mileage is 28 mpg rating city and 40 mpg highway. I got 32.4 mpg in a week's drive about evenly split between city and highway. The trip computer was only slightly optimistic at 33.4 mpg.

What you get is a well-built, three-door sports coupe with a hatch in back for maximum storage space and fastback styling. There's 16.0 cubic feet of cargo room in back, before you fold down the split rear seat. This is a deep cargo area.

Veloster features a 1.6-liter GDI 4-cylinder engine that creates 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. Since it weighs just 2,584 pounds, the Hyundai is light on its feet and fairly easy to move to highway speeds. For more power, consider waiting until fall when a turbo version is expected.

The six-speed manual transmission with EcoShift is easy to use and fairly fun with moderately short throws. I found second gear a bit notchy at times, but mostly the Veloster shifts smoothly.

Handling is quick with good road feedback. With a thick leather-wrapped steering wheel it was fun to slip Veloster through sweeping turns and tight corners. It held the road well with little lean in the turns. Fatter tires might make it even more exciting.

Ride is smooth and controlled on asphalt, but turns a bit choppy on poor pavement. The car rides on slightly more than a 104-inch wheelbase and 17-inch wheels are standard. The test vehicle upgraded to 18 inchers and alloy wheels.

Braking is fine from four wheel discs, and both traction and stability control are standard.

As racy as the exterior looks, Veloster's interior is a styling and functional tour de force. The silver test car came with a black and gray interior, including a textured rubberized black dash top with matte silver door and dash trim accentuating the tall door pulls. These stick up a bit from the door panels and actually make it easy to grab and pull the large coupe doors shut. Simple, but no other carmaker has thought of this yet.

Veloster's dash is well laid out with all buttons easy to see and use, even with a navigation screen. The layout also was logical, something fewer carmakers seem capable of executing.

There's a tilt/telescope steering wheel with Blue tooth hands-free phone system and cruise, radio and phone controls on the hub. Overhead, Hyundai also provides solid visors with pull-out extenders, even at this price, along with Blue Link telematics, similar to GM's OnStar.

Veloster's seats are gray cloth, but the test car added leatherette trim around the edges, part of the $2,000 Style package. The package also adds the 18-inch alloy wheels mentioned above, plus a panoramic sunroof and power shade, a fancier chrome grille surround with black highlights, fog lights, piano black interior accents and a Dimension premium audio system with eight speakers, plus external amp and subwoofer. Alloy pedals, a driver auto-up window and the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter also are included.

I liked the car's well-contoured seats, which have a handle to adjust their height. Naturally, you can flip the driver's seat forward, or open the small rear-opening door on the passenger's side to access the rear seat. The door blends well into the car's lines so it's not as obvious as you'd expect.

Rear seat room is limited though and best suited to small children or those in car seats. That's what you'd expect in a small coupe or hatch though.

Veloster is impressive, but is it perfect? Not quite. The front three-quarter view and rear visibility are limited. The rear view is slightly obscured by the sloping back window and hatch.

With options the test Veloster hit $21,300, a tad pricey. But starting at below $20,000, Veloster is quite the bargain.

Oxmoor Hyundai Louisville Kentucky, Hyundai Of Louisville, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorhyundai.com, www.hyundaioflouisville.com, www.louisvilleequus.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/04/21/3565039/2012-jeep-wrangler-rubicon.html

Tom Strongman

I like to think of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon as the four-wheeled equivalent of a mountain bike: It’s capable of serious off-road use, yet it is civilized enough for city streets.

The four-door Wrangler is better suited for everyday use because it has four doors and a 116-inch wheelbase that gives it a smoother ride. The Rubicon model, named after the famously rugged Rubicon Trail in California, adds heavy-duty front and rear axles and a Rock-Trac two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio. Off-road prowess is further enhanced by electric front and rear locking differentials, disconnecting front sway bar and 32-inch tires.

The big news for 2012 is the 3.6-liter, 285-horsepower V-6 and five-speed automatic transmission. This new engine, shared with the Grand Cherokee, delivers 40 percent more power and 10 percent more torque than the previous 3.8-liter V-6. Fuel economy is up slightly, to 16 miles per gallon in the city and 20 on the highway

The 3.6-liter is smoother and more refined than the 3.8, plus the additional horsepower gives it way more zip for city use.

Although I did not test the car in off-road situations, the Rubicon’s extra-low gear is bound to be good for rock crawling and climbing. The four-door Wrangler is bigger than it looks but it doesn’t feel big or bulky. The longer wheelbase that makes it more usable on an everyday basis may be a handicap in some very tight trail situations, but for the most part it should handle anything you attempt.

The Wrangler’s interior has been refined and updated to provide a greater level of comfort. Not so much that it feels like a Grand Cherokee, but enough so that popular convenience items, such as power windows, an audio system with a 40-gigabyte hard drive and a navigation system, are available. Bluetooth connectivity is optional.

The 6.5-inch touch screen is mounted high on the center stack. The Sirius satellite radio’s real-time traffic information is handy because it can alert the driver to traffic jams and even re-route.

Past Wranglers were pretty noisy. I joke that they are like riding in a blender, but that’s no longer the case. I was able to carry on a conversation in a normal voice at highway speeds. The optional hard top, with removable panels for open-air driving, reduces wind noise and heightens comfort in cold weather.

The standard soft top has a cable system that allows it to be opened and closed more easily, and it has a sunroof section.

The test vehicle’s front seats, trimmed in leather, had ample contouring for good side support, which is helpful in off-road use. The back seat is wide enough for three, and the cargo space is adequate.

The front power windows retract with one touch, and a plug-in/out system enables them to be removed easily. The rear doors are 30.5 inches wide and open 90 degrees.

Standard safety items include vehicle stability control, anti-lock brakes, hill-start assist and side airbags.

Price

The base price of the four-door Wrangler Rubicon is $33,570. Options on the test vehicle included leather-trimmed seats, automatic transmission, hardtop, navigation system with Sirius real-time traffic service and a Sirius satellite radio with 40-gigabyte hard drive. The sticker price was $39,530.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group, www.oxmoorautogroup.com, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

Toyota Working On Mood-Sensing Cars

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1075521_toyota-working-on-mood-sensing-cars

Viknesh Vijayenthiran

We may soon be able to drive cars that will know if we’ve had a rough day or whether we’re about to fall asleep　behind　the　wheel.

That’s the premise of new mood-sensing technology　Toyota　is working on in an effort to build safer cars.

We　first brought you details　on the technology back in 2006 but since then it has been built into a working model that can identify the emotional state of a driver and react if necessary.

Some of the actions the system can take include producing more safety reminders if the driver seems distracted or even directly controlling a vehicle either by braking or steering to avoid an obstacle.

An angry driver, for example, could be alerted of a potential hazard such as a child crossing the road much earlier than a driver who is in a calm or neutral state. Additionally, the system can detect which direction the driver is facing so could warn of a hazard located in the opposite direction that the driver is looking in.

The technology works by using sensors that take readings from 238 separate points all over the driver’s face and calculates the emotion from them all equally. This means that it will work even if a driver’s face is partially covered, such as when he or she is wearing sunglasses. The technology is even being enhanced so that it can recognize what a driver is doing, such as looking at their phone or controlling the radio, and then offer to help so that the driver can stay focused on the road.

Speaking with　What Car?, one of the technology’s lead developers at Toyota, Jonas Ambeck, explained that the technology is still in its infancy though we could see some elements of it in Toyota’s　cars　in around six years.

Oxmoor Toyota Scion Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoortoyota.com, www.oxmoorscion.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Heels on Wheels: 2012 Mazda CX-9 Review

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2012/04/15/032479-heels-wheels-2012-mazda-cx-9-review.html

By Katrina Ramser　

San Francisco Bureau　

The Auto Channel

INTRO TO THE MAZDA CX-9 VEHICLE　
Despite its busty size, the Mazda CX-9 is agile, quick and light – an odd feeling for a three-row crossover with seating for seven. Another welcoming but hard-to-find quality is the rather well-crafted upscale interior put forth from a more modest brand.

I drove a 2012 Mazda CX-9 with the 273-horsepower 3.7-liter engine, all-wheel drive and six-speed Sport　automatic　transmission　with Adaptive Shift Logic for manual gear control. Available in three trims – Sport, Touring and Grand Touring – my Grand Touring trim came with the following standard features: leather-trimmed upholstery; heated front seats; an eight-way power driver’s seat; keyless start; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; Bluetooth connectivity; six-speaker audio system; three-zone climate control; twenty-inch alloy wheels; fog lights; stainless steel exhaust outlet; and a roof spoiler. Price starts at $33,735. My　test　drive　also came with the optional $400 power liftgate, a $1,665 navigation system, and a $3,055 rear entertainment system featuring a nine-inch screen DVD player, an eleven-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system and Sirius Radio.

For 2012, the Mazda CX-9 has not changed. Competitors are frequent with the Chevrolet Traverse,　Buick　Enclave and Kia Sorento being the most like-minded in shape, performance and price.

HEELS ON WHEELS REVIEW CRITERIA

Stylish But Comfortable Results:　Having driven several different trims and models over the years, one can easily mistake the more modest Sport trim for the Grand Touring due to the fine quality of materials used inside the CX-9’s cabin. The center console layout is very classy and ergonomically supportive, with illuminated digital readouts at the instrument panel. The seating structure is another huge plus – snug for the driver, spacious for the second row occupants, with full-sized bodies actually enjoying the third row. Yet I would like to see more options become standards on the Grand Touring trim, such as the power liftgate or the upgraded Bose audio system. Although expensive, the impressive optional rear entertainment system will keep your kids sedated on those long drives.

Reliability & Safety Factor:　The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the CX-9 ratings of "Good" in frontal offset and　side　impact　crash testing, but just "Marginal" in roof strength tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finds the CX-9 earns 4-Stars in rollover but has not rated the utility vehicle for other categories. An Advanced Airbag System; Anti-Lock Brakes with EBD; Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control; and Roll Stability Control are all standards.

Cost Issues:　The Sport trim begins at $29,725; the Touring at $31,645; and the Grand Touring at $33,735. The top-of-the-line Kia Sorento SX trim with a 3.5-liter engine, navigation system, ten-speaker Infinity audio system and all-wheel　drive　comes in at $34,850. Prices haven’t elevated drastically over the years, either.

Activity & Performance Ability:　Far from sluggish, the CX-9 has feather-light mobility and well-crafted road manners. Acceleration is forceful, but always contained. The brakes follow up with the same cadence characteristics by using a leveled lean at complete stops verses a shocking stall. The Blind Spot Monitoring System that is standard on the Grand Touring only is another big bonus for a ride this size. Alerting the driver with a digital image of a car in the side view mirrors to improve passing safety, a simple "beep" follows if you hit the blinker in attempt to pass. For busy moms with a full brood, this extra system combats numerous driving distractions that can lead to accidents.

The Green Concern:　Like most V6 engines, the CX-9’s 3.7-liter engine is thirsty at 16 miles-per-gallon city and 22 highway for a combined 19 with all-wheel drive.

FINAL PARTING WORDS　

Nimble road manners, sporty styling and a classy cabin create a mid-size crossover with enough attributes able to outweigh more expensive nameplates. We’d like to see Mazda’s much-coddled CX-9 take on some more standard features like a liftgate and upgraded audio system with the next model to keep the value competitive.

EDITOR'S NOTE:　I couldn't agree more with Katrina's assesment of the CX-9. I was given one to evaluate for a week last year and I was throughly impressed. My wife owns a 2010 RX 450h which we both love, so a comparison was easy and the Mazda was able to hold its own or surpass the Lexus in ride, space and amenities falling short in the hybrids 28 MPG, all at a cost of $10-$15,000 less, and the Mazda offers a 7 passenger version...so make sure you add the CX-9 to your short list.

Oxmoor Mazda Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoormazda.com, www.skyactivlive.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Ford Transit Custom Hints at F-150 Future

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/sns-ford-transit-custom-hints-at-f-150-future-20120419,0,2045863.story

Mark Williams

Ford continues it new van strategy with more new vehicles ready to enter the market. The new　Ford Transit Custom　just made its global debut at the Birmingham (U.K.) Commercial Van Show this week and, as unlikely as it may seem on the surface, there could be some hints at what's to come for future light-duty Ford pickup models.

Although the Transit Custom will not be offered for North American markets, it will include some of their latest strategies in strengthening and weight-saving Ford has to offer that could make it vehicles sold in the U.S. As much as 40-percent of the Transit Custom's body is made from high-strength or ultra-high-strength steels, giving the van body more rigidity and weight savings to help with crash protection and fuel economy. And it should be noted, this new global vehicle (with either a 195-inch or 210-inch wheelbase) can carry loads in excess of 3000 pounds, when configured properly.

Likewise, the coming larger Transit van, the replacement for the aging E-Series body-on-frame work vans, have also used significant amounts of high-strength steel in the chassis and body to stiffen and strengthen the shell. Ford reports they've saved hundreds of pounds and improved fuel economy by more than 25-percent when compared with the out-going E-vans.

We've reported　in the past Ford plans on using more aluminum and magnesium in future products to reduce weight, and there are more recent announcements that Ford is working with DOW Chemical to do more research regarding the developement and use of more carbon fiber materials to save vehicle weight, in some cases as much as 750 pounds per vehicle.

Carbon fiber materials have been used in airplanes, race cars, and the space shuttle for decades, due to it high-strength and low weight. Until recently, the costs have been prohibitive.

Much of this motivation for all the truck manufacturers have to do with the significant bumps in fuel economy requirements in both 2014 and 2016. Ford is uniquely setup to do well with their huge investment in smaller, lighter-weight　EcoBoost engines　that range in size from a 1.0L I-3 to a 3.5L V-6.

We'd expect all the big pickup makers to make strong investments in weight-saving strategies from here on out. And, in fact, we've just seen the 2013 Ram 1500 completely redesign their frame with plenty of high-strength steel, as well as liberal use of aluminum in big pieces like the hood and control, saving almost 100 pounds. And if the new　SRT Viper　is any indication (more powerful and weighs less), we can expect to see more and more door panel, roofs, beds, and other body parts of trucks to make more use of lighter-weight materials.

Oxmoor Ford Lincoln Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorflm.com, www.oxmoorford.net.com, www.oxmoorlincoln.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

2012 Hyundai Elantra ranked one of the ten best green cars by Kelley Blue Blook

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/apr/19/2012-hyundai-elantra-ranked-one-of-the-ten-best-gr/

By　HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

COSTA MESA, Calif. — April 18, 2012 - The 2012Hyundai Elantra　has been named one of the 10 Best Green Cars for 2012 by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com for the second consecutive year. In this annual list, especially timely this year due to rising gas prices and just in time for　Earth Day　2012, the kbb.com editors present a variety of fuel-efficient vehicles worthy of buyers’ consideration.

"The elusive 40 mpg mark is hit and miss for non-hybrid cars, but for the 2012　Hyundai　Elantra it’s an easy target," said kbb.com editors. "The Elantra obtains 40 highway mpg in all trim levels thanks to its fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine, all while looking good in its wavy sheet metal and offering value with its low entry price."

Standout fuel efficiency alone is not enough to win a spot on kbb.com’s annual 10 Best Green Cars list. Kbb.com’s editors also weighed factors like value, features and comfort in putting together this year’s collection of exceptional efficiency experts.

"With its 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway standard fuel economy rating,Elantra　is a perfect vehicle for consumers looking for an affordable solution to rising gas prices," said　Scott Margason, director, Product Planning,　Hyundai Motor America. "Elantra　is one of the vehicles at the core of　Hyundai’s fuel economy strategy. In the first quarter of 2012, 39 percent of all　Hyundai　vehicles sold achieved 40 mpg on the highway thanks in large part to　Elantra’s continued success."

All　Elantra　models achieve the milestone 40 MPG highway fuel economy rating, along with the Accent, Sonata Hybrid and the Veloster. The 2012 North American Car of the Year Elantra adds an ActiveECO System for 2012 that modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response and increase real-world fuel economy by up to seven percent.

For more information about kbb.com’s 10 Best Green Cars for 2012, please visit http://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/10-best-green-cars-2012/.

Oxmoor Hyundai Louisville Kentucky, Hyundai Of Louisville, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorhyundai.com, www.hyundaioflouisville.com, www.louisvilleequus.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

2013 Dodge Dart

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/04/20/MTFO1O2FLU.DTL

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is available in five trims: SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T. The rear features an available Dodge Charger-inspired "racetrack" full-width taillamp with 152 indirect glow LEDs and class-exclusive dual exhausts mounted in the rear fascia.

The Dart is powered by three four-cylinder engines. Drivers can select from a new 160-hp Tigershark, 2.0-liter engine; a 160-hp, 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine; and a new 184-hp Tigershark, 2.4-liter MultiAir 2 four-cylinder engine. These three engines, combined with three transmission choices (six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or six-speed dual dry clutch transmission), redefine performance by providing the most diverse powertrain lineup in its class.

Source: Chrysler Group

Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group, www.oxmoorautogroup.com, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Review

http://www.auto123.com/en/toyota/fj-cruiser/2012/review?carid=1126100901&artid=142678

By Justin Pritchard

Face it guys - as a kid, you probably had a toy truck that looked a lot like the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Thankfully, now that you're all grown up and no longer eat glue, play in a sandbox or wet yourself, you can drive your very own cool toy 4x4 every day of the week.

And make no mistake; the FJ Cruiser might look like the cartoony plaything of a juvenile, magnifying-glass wielding Barbie-melter, but it's seriously capable.

On board
Right from first boarding the FJ Cruiser, you feel like you're driving a tank. The windows are thin, you sit up high, and the forward view is a commanding one. It's a real 'own the road' driving position.

There's storage and utility everywhere, too. The console is packed with them, including two cupholders, a change cubby and an organizer. Also, since there are two sun visors above the driver's seat, it's easy to keep your papers organized.

There's a storage compartment on the dashboard, too. Said dashboard is flat, meaning it can serve double duty as a work surface or lunch counter. And if you spill your poutine all over it, it'll wipe clean in a jiff, thanks to easy-to-clean materials used throughout the cabin.

In back, additional seats are accessed by a set of suicide doors. The seats fold out of the way for extra space, adding to the cargo area just ahead of the big, swing-out tailgate. The tester also included a USB audio port, power outlet, and climate system knobs big and beefy enough to operate with a baseball mitt.

The factory stereo system is about average for the segment, controls and switchgear are standard Toyota fare, and the dash-mounted pod with inclinometer, compass and clock was appreciated as well. It's not flashy or upscale, but the FJ Cruiser's cabin just plain works well in the real world.

Translation? The FJ Cruiser is ready for virtually any job or outdoor activity and can take you, your people and your gear along for the ride.

Power and traction
Under the hood, a 4.0L V6 cranks out 260 horsepower, handled in the tester's case by a five-speed automatic transmission. You can get a six-speed stick too, if you like. Low-end torque is surprisingly generous, meaning you can accelerate the FJ along in traffic without breaking 2,000 RPM. Or pull a stump out of the earth's crust. Your call.

Drivers engage the four-wheel drive system with an old-school lever, and can toggle stability control, differential lock and the advanced off-road traction control system with buttons near the shifter. Traction was abundant on my off-road test drive, and I plodded the FJ through miles of mud feeling confident in its ability to tackle virtually anything I threw its way.

This is definitely not a soccer mom crossover. With huge ground clearance, skid plates and a real four-wheel drive system with low range, it's ready to hit the dirt in a serious way. And since it all rides a proven truck platform, it's a battle between solid steel boxed frame rails versus mud and dirt if you manage to run out of clearance. Not much will stop this machine from getting where it needs to go.

And, in the process, the FJ Cruiser feels all sorts of tough. Hit a pothole, and the pothole gets the lousy end of the deal. If there was ever a zombie apocalypse, this would be your writer's weapon of choice.

Nine to five
On the road more travelled, FJ Cruiser is surprisingly comfortable. The jarring, lurching body movements typical of machines with such stubby dimensions are kept to a minimum. It's not a luxury-sedan ride, to be sure, but the compromise between off-road performance and on-road comfort is managed well here. Several passengers commented on the surprisingly gentle ride.

Fuel consumption on my test averaged 14.2L/100km, which is respectable for such a tough and capable machine. That mileage figure is on par with any number of less-capable family SUV models - and I was expecting worse - especially given that the tester was wearing a set of aggressive winter tires.

Gripes? The blind spots are nasty, the FJ isn't crazy about cornering, the engine can be noisy, and adults will wish for easier access to the rear seats.

All-round package

But whether using your skid plates and four-wheel drive traction to dispatch with leagues of the walking undead or just your favorite off-road trail system, the FJ is a treat. This is a unique, dirt-ready, one-of-a-kind driving experience that works well for active and adventurous shoppers intending on off-road activities.

Oxmoor Toyota Scion Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoortoyota.com, www.oxmoorscion.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Test Drive: 2013 Mazda CX-5

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/04/19/test-drive-2013-mazda-cx-5/

By Gary Gastelu

The 2013 CX-5 is the future of Mazda wrapped in a compact crossover.

As the replacement for both the Tribute and CX-7, it is the physical manifestation of the qualities that the Japanese automaker plans to instill in all of its cars in the coming years.

After driving it I can’t wait to do the same to the rest of them.

The CX-5 is the first vehicle developed independently by Mazda since it left the Ford family fold a few years ago. The goal was to create a vehicle that was economical on all fronts, while retaining a heavy dose of the company’s signature Zoom Zoom.

Key to this is a suite of technologies that goes by the high-minded, but painfully undiscriptive name of Skyactiv. It refers to the vehicle’s lightweight construction and a highly-efficient engine and transmission combination that's easy on fuel without going the expensive and heavy hybrid route.

The CX-5 was kept fit and trim through the predominant use of high-strength steel, which offers many of the advantages of aluminum at a lower cost, while also contributing to a stiff chassis that improves ride quality and handling.

The only engine offered is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder fitted with direct fuel injection that operates at a racecar-like 13 to 1 compression ratio, but still manages to run on regular gasoline. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, it’s good in front-wheel-drive versions for 35 mpg on the highway, 26 mpg in the city and 29 mpg combined. Those are far and away the best numbers in the segment…for now.

No one in the United States will actually buy a stick, however, so Mazda went to the trouble of reinventing the automatic transmission in the Skyactiv mien. The all-new slushbox isn’t a slushy at all. Instead, it uses a very small torque converter -- that’s the bit that allows an automatic to pull away from a stop smoothly, but not very efficiently -- that works only up to 5 mph, after which a larger than usual lockup clutch engages to eliminate wasted energy from there on.

Electric-assist power steering also does its best to be frugal with energy.

The result is a small drop in highway fuel economy to 32 mpg for the automatic, while the other figures mentioned above stay the same. Add all-wheel-drive, as most of you likely will, and the numbers take a 1 mpg hit across the board. The next-best in class Honda CR-V comes in at 26 mpg combined with front-wheel-drive. Of course, second place is also the first loser, as Mr. Bobby would say.

So Skyactiv works, but with the inevitable catch. Power is way down on the competition. At just 155 hp, the CX-5 has 30 fewer horses than the CR-V, and 10 less than the smaller Hyundai Tucson.

It’s not slow compared to the 5-year-old CUV you’re replacing it with, just not as quick as some others today. Accelerate from a dead stop onto a highway, or try to pass someone on an uphill stretch, and you might find issue with it. At other times, it’s more than adequate, and the car’s other charms more than make up for any shortcomings in the potency department.

Inside, you get more than you pay for. Between the single-piece, soft-touch dash, piano black trim and chrome bezel gauges with sporty font, you’ll be forgiven for thinking that you bought a $21,490 BMW. Copycatting, if not copyright infringement, is in full and very good effect.

The loaded $30,415 AWD Grand Touring trim level of my test car comes with leather upholstery on the seats, shift knob and steering wheel, the last of which could’ve been stolen from a sports coupe and nicely compliments the posture-perfect driving position.

Front and rear passengers are afforded equally generous amounts of room, as is cargo. All but base trim level CX-5s have a 40/20/40 folding rear seat that allows you travel four-up with enough skis, jousting lances or six-foot subs to go around.

There’s not a lot of cutting edge technology on board, but what’s there works well. The optional navigation system is from Tom Tom and has an excellent voice interface, while a nine-speaker Bose audio setup delivers the sort of crystal clear sound you expect from the brand. A blind spot monitoring system is uncommon for the class, and a welcome feature. I don’t care how good of a driver you think you are, these things come in handy.

Besides, you can prove your skills on the road.

Painful cliché alert: The CX-5 is the Miata of crossovers.

It had to be.

Driving dynamics are the franchise for Mazda. If it is going to survive on its own, every car it makes has to deliver in this department. Settle into a curvy two-lane and the CX-5 melds with the road, creating an out of five-door body experience for the driver. I took it on a route that I usually reserve for jaunts in high performance sports cars and ran its length more times than I’d than planned to.

As the Miata has ably proven over the years, a power deficit means very little if you don’t have to slow down for the turns. With the balanced handling on tap in the CX-5 the brake pedal is often an afterthought.

That trick transmission cracks off crisp shifts with or without activating manual mode -- the gear selector situated exactly where your hand falls from the wheel for when you do -- while the little engine that could sings a song through the exhaust pipes that is evidence that someone actually went to the trouble making it sound good.

For driving enthusiasts in a family way, the CX-5 is bliss with room for the kids.

Mazda may have lost its deep-pocketed stepparent, but it still has its touch. In fact, it may actually be better at making cars on its own.

Here’s hoping it knows how to sell them, too.

Oxmoor Mazda Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoormazda.com, www.skyactivlive.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

INTRODUCING THE NEXT FORD MUSTANG!!

http://empowerednews.net/introducing-the-next-ford-mustang/1822432/

Ford Motor Co. engineers and designers working on the next generation of the Ford Mustang face a tough challenge of how to update the original pony car for the 21st century.

While the current generation of the Mustang remains a strong performer on the street and the sales results, it’s showing its age.

The new Ford Fusion in the United States will become the Ford Mondeo in Europe with only a few tweaks; the Fiesta and Focus are already global travelers, and even Ford’s SUV lineup will turn international with the new Escape.

There are exceptions, such as the F-series that dominates American roads and the Ranger pickup sold outside the United States, but the Mustang is the only rear-wheel-drive coupe left in Ford’s stable worldwide.

The next generation of Mustang will need to have an international touch to merit the hundreds of millions of dollars Ford will need to spend designing and building it.

Ford spokespeople decline to talk about new products, and no one at the company has officially said the Evos previews what the new Mustang will look like. But the Evos was heralded as the new corporate face for Ford worldwide, with its Aston Martin-derived cues already showing up on other models.

Specifically, it’s about the right size — shorter by 10 inches than the current Mustang, but with a wheelbase shrunk only an inch. And the rear fenders have a hint of the vent and kick-up from the original Mustang, which also came as a fastback body style.

Making the Mustang an international player would require Ford to build a smaller, lighter car that could get better fuel economy without compromising performance. Ford’s already expected to put a four-cylinder Ecoboost turbo engine in the Mustang before any new model arrives in 2014.

Oxmoor Ford Lincoln Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorflm.com, www.oxmoorford.net.com, www.oxmoorlincoln.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Review: Hyundai Azera perfectly parked in large sedan segment

http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-autos-hyundai-azera-review-20120419,0,366818.story

By David Undercoffler, Los Angeles Times

Hyundai has taken the time to engineer an interior and exterior worth showing off, and the 2012 Azera's body challenges the engine for title of this car's best feature.

In a quiet, forgotten corner of the automotive landscape there is a segment of vehicle called the large sedan. These cars tilt toward luxury but have a foot firmly planted in practicality and economics.

They are for cheap hedonists. Or penny-pinching gourmands. They are for people who fly coach but upgrade to the exit row, favor Macaroni Grill over Olive Garden or see movies only when they hit video on demand but then spring for the HD version.

After several years of neglect, Hyundai is now paying this segment some attention with its 2012 Azera. Slotting above the company's everyman Sonata but below the European-hunting Genesis sedan, the relaunch of the $32,875 Azera foretells of a battle in the large sedan segment.

Both Chevrolet and Toyota brands used the recent New York auto show to introduce heavily redesigned and rethought versions of their large sedans, the Impala and Avalon, respectively. Those models arrive in 2013 and look to shake up current competitors such as Buick's stout LaCrosse, Ford's improving Taurus and Nissan's sporty-but-aging Maxima.

Thus, Hyundai's new Azera is tasked with a challenge; beat the cars available now at their own game while anticipating what's ahead.

The Azera, which was last made in 2010, has all the trademarks of the large sedan class. It has a V-6 engine routing power to the front wheels via an automatic transmission. The 3.3-liter engine is direct-injected for efficiency and has 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque.

The engine is also one of the highlights of the Azera; power is smoothly modulated and is more than enough for a car this size, with zero to 60 mph coming in 6.6 seconds, according to Motor Trend.

The engine is quiet under nearly every circumstance, but like that shy kid in the back of chorus, it really sings when encouraged. Meanwhile, the six-speed transmission does its job ably, though slipping it into manual mode reveals some hesitancy to shift gears.

Fuel economy on the Azera is rated at 20 miles per gallon in the city and 29 on the highway. Over 300 miles of testing in slightly more city driving than on the highway, it revealed an average of 19 mpg.

The rest of the driving experience is pleasantly subdued. The suspension is comfortable yet firm; the body rolls around corners in an expected yet not alarming manner, and wind and road noise are nicely hushed.

The Azera's biggest drawback for drivers is the car's electric power steering. This isn't the first time Hyundai has brought to market a new model with a steering system that feels unnecessarily synthetic and removed from what the front wheels are really doing. A similar fault plagued the recent Hyundai Veloster; and it haunts this Azera, especially in tight, last-second maneuvers when you want all the control the car can possibly muster.

Given that Hyundai relentlessly tweaks even the minutiae of its cars' engineering, this repeated oversight is surprising.

But what Hyundai has taken the time to engineer is an interior and exterior worth showing off.

The Azera's body challenges the engine for title of this car's best feature. Even the harshest critics of Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" design theme should admit that this is arguably the best-looking vehicle in the automaker's showroom.

It takes that design language and applies it in a mature, complete manner. The flowing style is confident without resorting to superfluous embellishments to get attention.

This car should have no trouble standing out from the rest of the large sedan crowd, both now and when those 2013 models roll into the ring. The sleek rear of the Azera and its horizontally oriented taillights are oddly similar to that of the 2013 Toyota Avalon, but with a flourish of style conspicuously absent from the Toyota.

The interior doesn't match the panache of the exterior, though not for lack of trying. The cabin wins plaudits for its excellent construction. Quality materials abound, and they're held together with tolerances usually reserved for a higher class of vehicle. That upscale feel is supplemented by the standard touch-screen navigation system that is still one of the easiest to use in the industry.

Buyers who find solace in a warm interior replete with (usually fake) wood trim should note that Azera's take on budget luxury errs on the more modernist side and uses faux carbon fiber and faux brushed metal trim instead.

While everything is held together nicely, the layout of the buttons is a bit discombobulated, with symmetry and aesthetics favored over logic. This sends the driver in search of a button that isn't where reason says it should be, and this can be a frustrating distraction.

Additional consternation may result as well from the lack of a dedicated display screen for the climate control. You can call it up on the navigation screen, but if you're using that display for something like directions or for the stereo, you have no idea how and where the climate control is functioning.

But interior gripes end there, as the Azera stays true to its large sedan coterie with an abundance of passenger and cargo space. Passengers 6 feet and up can easily sit behind an equally tall driver; heck, cross your legs if you'd like and enjoy the standard heated leather seats throughout.

Other standard features include a backup camera; dual climate control; stereo system with iPod, Bluetooth and XM Satellite radio; and push-button start. Safety comes in the form of nine air bags, ABS, stability and traction control and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

My test car added the $4,000 Technology package, which includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, Xenon headlights, an excellent Infinity audio system, ventilated front seats and a power rear sunshade. Total damage at the dealership: $36,875.

Although that price tag is a bit spendy compared with the older Azera, it still keeps the 2012 model fiercely competitive for its segment. Thus, value joins a commendable list of reasons this Hyundai is in an excellent position to challenge both current and future rivals.

Oxmoor Hyundai Louisville Kentucky, Hyundai Of Louisville, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorhyundai.com, www.hyundaioflouisville.com, www.louisvilleequus.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Chrysler delivers first plug-in minivans in $26m demonstration project

http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/chrysler-delivers-first-plug-in-minivans-in-26m-demonstration-p/

By Danny King

City of Auburn Hills Receives Four Plug-in Hybrid Chrysler Town & Country Minivans from Chrysler Group LLC as Part of Two-Year Demonstration Project
April 12, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The City of Auburn Hills, a dynamic community committed to innovation and growth, took delivery today of four Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Chrysler Town & Country minivans from Chrysler Group LLC as part of a two-year demonstration project that is a partnership between Chrysler Group and the U.S. Department of Energy. Chrysler is investing $15.8 million into the project and the U.S. Department of Energy is contributing $10 million. Only 25 test vehicles will be created, according to Abdullah A. Bazzi, Senior Manager of Electrified Power Train Programs for Chrysler Group.

"This Town & Country minivan is the only minivan to boast a plug-in hybrid powertrain in combination with flex fuel capability," says Bazzi. "We're pleased to have four of these 25 vehicles being tested right here in Chrysler's backyard where they can get real-world use and be evaluated promptly."

Auburn Hills will use the Chrysler-owned vehicles for testing purposes to evaluate everyday city and highway driving. Staff selected to evaluate the vehicles will regularly report all driving and charging experiences back to Chrysler. City Manager Pete Auger says it is an honor for the City to participate in this demonstration project.

"Chrysler has been an outstanding corporate citizen of Auburn Hills and we are privileged to be participating in the evaluation of these vehicles," says Auger.

As part of the program, each vehicle will receive one Level II EVSE charging station, which will be installed at the Civic Center Campus on North Squirrel and the Auburn Hills Department of Public Services Building on Brown Road. Installation costs for the charging stations will be borne by the City and will remain at the City following project completion.

The agreement between Chrysler Group and the City anticipates approximately 16,800 miles will be driven on each demonstration vehicle. Routine maintenance such as oil changes will be the responsibility of the City. Chrysler will be responsible for any repairs that may be required as part of the testing process. Auger notes that employees assigned the vehicles have been recognized for their outstanding work efforts.

"When you see these specially marked Chrysler minivans on the road, you can be assured that they are being driven by City of Auburn Hills employees who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their jobs, the residents and the entire Auburn Hills community," affirms Auger.

In July 2011, Auburn Hills became the first municipality in Michigan to adopt an electric vehicle infrastructure ordinance to facilitate the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. The ordinance sets the stage for the City to become a leader in incorporating electric vehicles into its community and economic development plans. In October 2011, Chrysler Group LLC delivered four PHEV Ram 1500 pickup trucks to the City of Auburn Hills as part of a national, three year demonstration program for evaluation and testing of the trucks by the City's Community Development, Police and Public Services Departments.

About Auburn Hills
Auburn Hills, a dynamic community committed to innovation and growth, is home to 21,000 residents and also serves as Michigan's global business address, with 40 international corporations from 32 countries housed here, including Chrysler Group LLC and Borg Warner headquarters. Auburn Hills' residents enjoy the amenities of city and suburban living with parks, a revitalized downtown district and a welcoming city complex with a library and community center. Additionally, the city has five colleges and universities, the award winning Palace of Auburn Hills entertainment complex and Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, one of the state's largest destination shopping centers, providing a variety of cultural, social and educational opportunities to residents, workers and visitors. Learn more at
www.auburnhills.org.

About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Mopar, SRT and Fiat vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group's culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat's complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler, all-new Dodge Dart, Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles. www.chryslergroupllc.com

Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group, www.oxmoorautogroup.com, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

Prius c: Toyota’s new`gateway’ to hybrid efficiency

http://blog.sfgate.com/topdown/2012/04/16/prius-c-toyota%E2%80%99s-newgateway%E2%80%99-to-hybrid-efficiency/

Touted as the "gateway to the Prius family," Toyota introduces　its new 　2012 Prius c subcompact with a $18,960 starting price. This compares to the standard Prius Liftback’s $24,000 base MSRP.　

Four grades — labeled One, Two, Three and Four — are offered with the top-line model having a $23,230 starting price. The Prius　c, with "c" representing "city," is designed to be an urban-friendly vehicle that will appeal to younger consumers.　

It’s smaller than the midsize Prius Liftback — 19.1 inches shorter and 542 pounds lighter. Toyota boasts the Prius　c　has the "highest-rated fuel economy estimate of any vehicle without a plug." Its estimated fuel-economy rating is 53 miles per gallon city, 46 mpg highway and 50 mpg combined. These figures fit real-world conditions, with the test vehicle, driven roughly　70 percent on the highway, getting between 49-51 mpg.　

Like its larger sibling, the Prius　c　is propelled by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, basically consisting of a gasoline engine, electric motor with continuously variable transaxle and a nickel-metal hydride battery. The gas engine is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder, producing 73 horsepower and 82 lb.-ft. of torque. Teamed with the electric motor, total hybrid system output is 99 horsepower.　

Acceleration is respectable, with hard throttle coaxing a soft whirring sound. Steering is responsive and ride quality is good, albeit on the firm side.　

The Prius　c　can be operated in three drive modes: Normal, Eco and EV mode. In Eco mode, climate-control operation is minimized and throttle control regulated to boost vehicle efficiency. Selecting EV mode allows the Prius c to be driven via electric power only for just under a mile.

Keeping tabs on the hybrid system’s energy flow and fuel consumption can be accomplished via a multi-information screen in a display atop the dash. "Training" the driver to operate the vehicle in an eco-efficient manner is an ECO Score display, providing feedback on driving habits. Fuel-consumption history also can be checked on the screen.　

Automatic climate control, tilt-telescopic steering wheel and remote keyless entry are among the base model’s standard features. The Prius　c　Two, base priced at $19,900, provides upgrades such as a six-speaker audio system, 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, center console with armrest and storage compartment, and a hard cargo-area cover.　

Technology, featuring improved audio and connectivity, is the advantage with the Prius　c　Three, which ups the base price to $21,635. Added is a Display Audio System with navigation and Entune that’s linked to a 6.1-inch touchscreen. Also included are Sirius XM Satellite Radio capability; HD Radio with iTunes Tagging; USB port with iPod connectivity and control; vehicle information with customizable settings; and advanced voice recognition. The Display Audio System also provides updates on hybrid system energy flow and trip information.　

A visual pop comes with the Prius　c　Four model, which adds 15-inch, eight-spoke alloy wheels, integrated foglamps and color-keyed heated power outside mirrors. Sixteen-inch, eight-spoke alloy wheels are optional.　

In base form the Prius　c　has a sleek, aerodynamic look and impressive 0.28 coefficient of drag number. Shortly past the stopping point of the steeply raked expansive windshield and A-pillars, the roof takes a steep slant to a body-colored rear roof spoiler. The body widens below the beltline and is muscled-up with sculpted rear fender flares.　

Eye-popping colors add to the flair of the spunky-looking hatchback. The test car is painted a bold orange-ish Habanero — one of nine available colors.　

Inside, designers created a fresh, stylish　two-tone treatment. Black is the basic color and is paired with a contrasting color — mainly gray. The dashboard is clean and modern looking with an interestingly framed center stack and artsy arching lines crisscrossing the facing on the passenger side.　

Seats are firm, and front legroom　and headroom (even with the optional moonroof) are generous. For a subcompact, rear headroom and legroom also are surprisingly good.　

Protecting passengers are nine standard airbags.　

Oxmoor Toyota Scion Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoortoyota.com, www.oxmoorscion.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Mazda Future Powertrain Plans Detailed

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1075487_mazda-future-powertrain-plans-detailed

Kurt Ernst　

The quest for improved　

fuel　economy　across the model range will have a big impact on Mazda’s future product plans, but the news isn’t all bad. First and foremost, there’s a glimmer of hope for rotary-engine fans, as Mazda remains committed to the development of a new-generation rotary engine.

In fact, as Mazda’s Robert Davis, senior vice president of U.S. operations, explained toCar and Driver, there are multiple rotary engine strategies under development. The first involves a replacement for Mazda’s thirsty Renesis engine, developed forMazda’s now-discontinued RX-8.

The Renesis replacement rotary engine will feature reduced internal friction, reduced rotating mass and more efficient transmissions, all of which should combine to improve fuel economy.

Reducing emissions will be critical to launching a new rotary engine as well, as the RX-8 was pulled from the European market in 2010, after it could no longer meet emission standards.

The rotary is also being looked at to power a range-extending generator, as used in the electric　Chevy　Volt and Fisker Karma. The rotary engine’s small size and light weight make it ideal for this application, and the engine’s low torque output isn’t a factor when powering a generator.

Like Volvo, Mazda appears to be moving towards　an all-four-cylinder lineup. There are no plans to replace the V-6 engine currently used in the Mazda6　sedan　and Mazda CX-9 crossover, and no SkyActiv six-cylinder is currently under development.

Instead,　the next Mazda6　will be powered exclusively by four-cylinder engines (including the expected Mazda6 Hybrid), while the larger CX-9 will likely get a turbocharged four-cylinder as its base engine. 
Speaking of　crossovers, the current mid-size CX-7 will be dropped from the model lineup, leaving just small (CX-5) and large (CX-9) crossovers in Mazda’s product catalog.

As for the next generation Miata, Davis confirms what we’ve been reporting all along:　it will be smaller and lighter

, and will come wearing the company’s latest Kodo design language.　

Oxmoor Mazda Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoormazda.com, www.skyactivlive.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Hands On With the Tech-Enhanced Ford Escape

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2403180,00.asp

　Mark Hachman

Ford calls the Ford Escape and the Ford Fusion "ground zero for the American household," with one out of three cars it sells representing either one of those models.

In fact, it's the best-selling SUV in America, so those looking for a mid-size car or SUV this year will most likely end up test driving one, as PCMag did for most of Monday.

What's new? Technology innovations include a Microsoft Kinect-like hands-free liftgate, the updated Sync system with MyFord Touch, active park assist, plus the addition of a blind-spot sensor that can detect cross traffic when backing out of a parking spot. Ford has also added a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine option, trading a bit of power for increased gas mileage.

From a driving perspective, the Escape feels sporty, both in the ride and in the handling. But the Sync voice-recognition system still leaves something to be desired. My ride partner,Time's　Harry McCracken, managed to break it several times.

The base Escape's MSRP is $23,295 with D&D; upgrading to the Titanium package, where the new power liftgate is included, will cost $36,130.

That might not be worth it for just the liftgate itself, but it's a nifty little addition. Assuming you have the keyfob in your pocket and the car is unlocked, simply "swiping" your foot under the rear bumper opens the rear gate, lifting it slowly up. (A pair of sensors are mounted in the bumper, one to detect the presence of the driver's shin, with another to sense the swiping motion.) Swiping again lowers it. It's just the thing for a family shopping expedition, where a parent's hands might be holding packages or kids. (If you don't have the keyfob, though, don't bother; it won't work.)

The Titanium package also nets you a passive entry/passive start system, remote start, a Sony stereo, which adds four more speakers, and the reverse sensing system, which sounds an audible alert when a car may potentially hit your vehicle when backing out of a parking space. That sensor is built into the blind-spot sensor (BLIS), which turns on a small yellow light on the side-view mirror when a car or other hazard is detected in the blind spot.

The Ford Escape also includes active parking assist, which I meant to try out, but couldn't figure out how to operate. Unfortunately, Ford neglected to include a manual in the glove box, and I forgot to ask about it when returning the vehicle.

Ford touted the more aggressive styling of the Escape chassis, with swept-back headlights that tie into the fenders, et cetera. We're not here to debate the aesthetics. Inside, however, I found the seats to be snug and comfortable, and the ride about what Ford claimed it to be: on the "sporty" edge of the spectrum.

Sync Issues
I've played with Ford's MyFord Touch telematics system before, but the ride served as a nice refresher. Ford's Sync contains integrated maps and other services, stored on an SD card that plugs into a slot within the center console between the driver and passenger seats. Inside there's also a pair of USB ports, as well as composite video cables for the in-dash display.

Users can sync their phone via Bluetooth, allowing the phone to serve as a modem to Sync Services, which not only downloads any preferences and phone contacts the driver has stored, but can be used to find local, updated business listings. The updated Sync also allows drivers to simply say "call John," for example, without having to navigate through a phone menu.

Visually, I like Sync's layout, with the four corners of the screen being used for navigation. By and large, the menus are intuitive; yes, while the layout may be a bit old-school, compared to today's modern apps, it's functional and very satisfactory. Although the navigation still includes the baffling list of traffic incidents that I find confusing and unnecessary, the actual map screen presents information neatly and concisely.

Ford, however, locks out the ability to enter an address manually while the car is in motion, forcing you to use voice recognition, triggered via a paddle on the steering wheel. (Frankly, there are quite a few of these random controls on the steering wheel, not all of them intuitive.)

During his turn at the wheel, McCracken ran Sync through its paces, discovering that it easily recognized Sirius stations. Sirius with a 6-month subscription is available on the second-tier SE package.

But identifying names and places, however, still remains an exercise in frustration. I can excuse not being able to find the North Bay town of "Benicia" (Buh-NEE-sha, not Buh-NISH-a) or the Argonauts Hotel, our final destination. But it even struggled to find a Target near our route. Sync also focuses its attention on the driver, so don't expect passengers to be able to assist.

While Sync does provide some helpful prompts, it announces outright failure with a spiel that lasts a dozen seconds or so, ending with a support number and even a website to check, something that's not really allowed at highway speeds. Even the option to spell "Argonaut Hotel" simply opened up 13 points of failure. And unfortunately, audibly entering "ARGONAUT" didn't always bring up the associated hotel.

Other glitches included the inability to search for music stored on a phone or iPad. The Escape does allow a driver to open Pandora on his or her phone, then play it using the in-car audio system, even displaying the song and artist name on the in-dash display. This didn't work flawlessly, however.

Probably the most amusing glitch was when I connected my Android phone via the USB cord to try and charge it. Rather than find the admittedly small number of unprotected music files stored on my phone (most are encrypted and tied to a service like MOG or Slacker) it inexplicably played 90 or so navigation prompts tied to Google Maps Navigation: "Turn right on Shattuck Avenue" played while we passed fields of sheep.

Ford's customer satisfaction ratings　

fell

　last year, due to Sync, which Ford tried to address in the most recent update.

aren't universally embraced

. It's possible that a driver who takes the time to set up locations like "Grandma," "Home," or "Dentist" may have absolutely no problem over time. But venturing off the beaten track is the leitmotif of the Escape. And, for those who view an SUV as a more manly version of a minivan, being able to recognize "Play Wheels on the Bus" while under siege from a screaming toddler is critical to ensuring domestic tranquility.

Physically, I found no fault with the Escape, and quite enjoyed the experience.

Oxmoor Ford Lincoln Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorflm.com, www.oxmoorford.net.com, www.oxmoorlincoln.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

A quick spin in the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R Spec

http://www.torquenews.com/106/quick-spin-2013-hyundai-genesis-coupe-38-r-spec

Patrick Rall

I recently had a chance to get behind the wheel of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe in 3.8 R-Spec for a short test drive and while I would have loved to spend more time in this powerful Korean sports car – the seat time received was more than enough to show how far the Hyundai performance program has come.

The most noticeable change for the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is the sharpened exterior, which offers an even more aggressive form of the distinct Hyundai exterior styling. The 3.8 R Spec package includes 19" wheels wrapped in high performance tires, a Brembo braking system package, a reworked and track tuned suspension system, a Torsen limited slip differential, a 6-speed close ratio manual transmission and (most importantly) Hyundai’s 3.8L GDI V6 packing 348 horsepower and 295lb-ft of torque. This engine offers an increase of 42 horsepower and 29lb-ft of torque compared to 2012 model year vehicles which, in my opinion, is the most exciting change for the 2013 models. Our drive wasn’t long enough to really see what kind of fuel economy numbers the new Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec offers but the EPA has it rated at 18mpg around town and 27mpg on the highway for a combined figure of 21 miles per gallon.

Unfortunately, I so enjoyed exercising the 348 angry ponies packed under the hood that I am sure that my test 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe wouldn’t have gotten anywhere near those predicted fuel economy figures.

When you climb into the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec you are greeted by an interior with bright red seats and door panels accompanied by a black dash, carpeting and trim. The Genesis Coupe has a smaller feeling than the other popular rear wheel drive performance cars but it offers plenty of leg, elbow and headroom for the driver and passenger. As you fire up the 3.8L V6 it sounds like a fairly mild mannered motor with less idle grumble than you’ll get from the competition but when you climb into the RPMs, the revised V6 really screams. Best of all, while many performance enthusiasts shy away from the high pitched, nasal sound of tuned V6 engines – the Genesis Coupe 3.8 has a much deeper, more muscular tone.

When our drive of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec began, we were tolling around the congested public roads around Metro Detroit and the Korean sports car was comfortable and smooth as we worked our way through traffic. The Gen Coupe is easy to drive, with a clutch that is easy to learn and felt as though it would be pretty forgiving for someone who is not so great with a manual transmission. We did get a few chances to launch the 2013 Genesis Coupe hard from stoplights and when we did, the 3.8L V6 sat us back hard in the seats with just a shade of wheel spin followed by an impressive dash up to 60 miles per hour. Shifting hard from gear to gear was smooth and the gears were easy to find even before we got a decent feel for the transmission.

A few stoplights stomps in the 2013 Genesis Coupe were fun but when we got into the twisty back roads, we really got to appreciate the performance capabilities of the revised Hyundai sports coupe. Whipping through the back roads of the area, the Genesis Coupe felt light and nimble with very little body roll, while the 348 horsepower V6 was willing and ready to help us tear out of the tightest turns and back up to speed. The stiffened suspension of the R-Spec package allowed the Gen Coupe to feel very confident around both short, tight turns and longer, sweeping turns – all in all providing an impressive, sport drive. The steering system is tight and very responsive, helping the Hyundai sports coupe to be able to smoothly cut through tight s turns and when we ran into turns too tight to make at speed – the Brembo braking system gets the Genesis Coupe stopped in a big hurry.

Hyundai might be more well known for their fuel sipping economy cars but even a short drive in the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R Spec makes it clear why the booming Korean automaker should be considered by those looking for an affordable, efficient sports car. This is a sports car that will put a big smile on your face whether you are racing down the highway or cutting through a bendy back road with enough low end acceleration to put this Korean sports coupe into the 13 second quarter mile range. At the end of the day, the bottom line is that the Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec is a great deal of fun to drive with a fairly plush interior for an affordable sports car.

Oxmoor Hyundai Louisville Kentucky, Hyundai Of Louisville, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorhyundai.com, www.hyundaioflouisville.com, www.louisvilleequus.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

2013 Ram features from-the-ground-up changes

http://blog.sfgate.com/topdown/2012/04/05/2013-ram-features-from-the-ground-up-changes/

Ram Brand’s newly introduced 2013 1500 pickup may strongly favor its predecessor, but a close look reveals major changes.

"What was supposed to be a typical refresh turned out to be, for all intents and purposes, an all-new truck," said Fred Diaz, president and CEO of Ram Truck Brand.

The reason the 2013 Ram design favors the previous model, Diaz said, is because "research said don’t screw up the styling." Many of the changes were to address the No. 1 priority — miles per gallon, he said, and "we will be best in class from a fuel economy standpoint." This top fuel economy is with the Pentastar V-6, but "ditto later for the V-8."

The new 3.6-liter V-6 with variable-valve timing delivers 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque — 42 percent more horsepower, 13 percent more torque and at least 20 percent better fuel economy compared to the previous 3.7-liter V-6. Fuel economy figures and truck pricing will be announced later.

A key powertrain enhancement is a new V-6-standard eight-speed TourqueFlite 8 automatic transmission. It boosts drivability and fuel efficiency by doubling the amount of gears of the previous four-speed automatic transmission.

"It feels like a good V-8," said Mike Cairns, chief Ram engineer. Cairns said a high-efficiency Ram model will be available with a stop-start feature that will increase fuel economy by 1 mpg. There isn’t a hesitation when launching from a stop, Cairns said, because a slight brake-pressure drop-off fires up the engine before the foot reaches the gas pedal. Also, the engine won’t repeatedly shut down in creeping traffic below 8 mph, and the driver has the option to shut off the stop-start function.

The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 also will be available with the new eight-speed transmission. The V-8 with the fuel-saving cylinder shut-off produces 395 horsepower and 407 lb.-ft. of torque, and provides at least 20 percent better fuel economy than its predecessor.

Replacing the traditional gearshift lever is a more-civilized rotary e-shift dial. Located on the center stack, it enables quick transitions from "Reverse" to "Drive."

The introduction of electric power steering eliminates the hydraulic pump, resulting in boosting horsepower and fuel efficiency.

Upgrading Ram’s fuel efficiency goes beyond powertrains, said Bob Hegbloom, director of Ram Brand, and was addressed with a from-the-ground-up effort.

The ’13 Ram sits on a new-design frame, Hegbloom said, with reduced weight and improved rigidity. Also saving weight are front-suspension aluminum upper and lower control arms, and an aluminum hood.

New for 2013 is the availability of an air-suspension with five settings, which adds up to 4 inches of lift span.

Engineers also addressed the problem of "cooling drag" from Ram’s large grille, which negatively affects fuel economy. The solution is active grille shutters — Venetian-blind-like shutters with varying pitch that can close in conjunction with the engine controller to enhance aerodynamics.

A redesigned grille was a key part of the designers’ solution to the question: "How can we make it more Ram?," said Joe Dehner, head of Ram design.

As part of a complete front-end change, the grille was made taller and given a fresh interpretation of the signature Ram crosshair design. The crossing point of the more-sculpted bars is home for an updated Ram badge. Grille texture also is more eye-grabbing, and varies with models.

The front bumper and airdam have been redesigned, and new vertically oriented foglamps have a greater output. The quad headlamps are a fresh design with improved light spread and distance. Taillamps are upgraded with a premium look standard on Sport (black-chrome inner bezel) and Laramie Longhorn models.

Enhancing aerodynamics and functionality are "wheel-to-wheel" polished stainless-steel running boards. Their extra length gives a platform to stand on to access the bed.

Crew Cab models will be offered with a 6-foot-4-inch bed with RamBox availability. RamBoxes can be locked, along with the doors and tailgate, with a single push of a remote button.

Upgrades inside the cab come via "pulling Longhorn luxury into the ’13 interior," said lead interior designer Ryan Nagode. Door handles, gauge cluster and center stack are more integrated, Nagode said, and color, trim cloth and use of leather have improved. With the e-shift replacing the console shifter, models with bucket seats have additional storage capacity.

For 2013, the 3.5-inch vehicle information center screen, which displays vehicle operating functions, is standard on ST and SLT models. A new 7-inch screen in the gauge cluster, allowing information to be personalized, is standard on Sport, Laramie and Laramie Longhorn models, and available on SLT. The ’13 Ram features the next-generation 8.4-inch Uconnect system with background screens tailor-made to specific Ram models and themes.

Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group, www.oxmoorautogroup.com, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

2013 Scion FR-S impressive on the dyno　

http://www.torquenews.com/1084/2013-scion-fr-s-impressive-dyno-video

By　Denis Flierl

Akio Toyoda, who is the president of Toyota, has brought new passion to the Japanese automaker and infused the brand with a competitive spirit. Toyoda who isn’t your typical grey-suited CEO, is a certified test driver for Germany's famed Nurburgring, and regularly drives competitive vehicles.

Before the creation of the FR-S, Toyoda asked himself, "where is the passion in our lineup?, I want to build a sports car." With Toyoda’s racing background and his love for fast cars, he has been instrumental in developing the Toyota GT 86 that will be sold across the globe, and the Scion FR-S here in the U.S.

The Toyota GT 86, Scion FR-S, and Subaru BRZ are getting closer to a release date and　

Inside Line

　was lucky enough to get their racing gloves on a FR-S and threw it on the dyno to see how the sports car would perform. The naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four cylinder with 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque isn’t all that impressive on paper but they found out some interesting things about the four-cylinder boxer　engine.　

The engine that was developed by Subaru and Toyota delivered what Inside Line called "the most repeatable runs on the dyno of any car in recent memory," with peak wheel power measuring 173 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 143 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm’s. So what happened to the advertised 200 horsepower? The numbers on a dyno are generated at the rear wheels and most manufacturers record horsepower and torque at the crankshaft.

That can mean a loss of 10 to 20 percent loss of power when you factor in the loss through the transmission, driveshaft, and differential. They found that the 2.0-liter engine was impressively consistent in producing 173 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 143 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. The peaks, horsepower, and torque curves were almost identical on every run on the dyno.

This is the world's only front-engine, rear-drive sports car powered by the all-new Subaru boxer engine that features Toyota-sourced direct injection. Because of its unique design, the boxer sits low and farther back in the chassis which keeps the center of gravity as low as possible which is an ideal thing for a sports car.

It’s a testament to Subaru and Toyota for developing an engine with the kind of consistency and power output without the use of a turbo. The boxer engine produces strong low-end torque and just a 14 percent drop in torque at 4000 rpm. The engineers did a great job of developing a four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower in a sports car that costs less than $30,000. Now just imagine what will happen when they bolt a turbocharger to the four-cylinder boxer.

Oxmoor Toyota Scion Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoortoyota.com, www.oxmoorscion.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Mazda: No New V-6, CX-7 Won’t Be Replaced, and the Rotary Lives

http://blog.caranddriver.com/mazda-no-new-v-6-cx-7-won%E2%80%99t-be-replaced-and-the-rotary-lives/

by　David Gluckman

We recently sat down with Robert Davis, Mazda’s senior vice president of U.S. Operations. Subjects discussed included the proliferation of the automaker’s Skyactiv technology suite, the future of V-6 and rotary engines, future crossover strategy in the wake of the CX-7 leaving our market, and a little about the next MX-5 Miata. Here are the high points.

Rotaries, Plural

When asked how Skyactiv squares with a revived rotary, Davis told us to expect many of the same core technologies to be applied: reduced internal friction, reduced rotating mass, and more-efficient transmissions. He mentioned that a new rotary is being explored for applications where it would drive the wheels as well as those for which it would drive an electric generator. The smoothness of a rotary and its low weight are advantages for this role, while its relative lack of torque wouldn’t be a problem. We are reassured that Mazda sees the rotary as part of the company’s soul.

CX-7: CX-ancelled

Mazda recently announced that it will　

no longer sell the CX-7 crossover in the U.S.

　(The two-row utility will continue on in other markets, including Mexico.) It turns out that the new CX-5, the first new Mazda to be engineered under the Skyactiv banner, is not only more fuel-efficient than the CX-7, but more space-efficient as well. The CX-7 was somewhat of a tweener, sized between compact and mid-size crossovers. Davis tells us that the CX-5 was at one point considered to replace the CX-7, but overlap in production contracts wouldn’t allow it. That means, for the foreseeable future, Mazda will have a size-four gap between the CX-5 and CX-9.

No New V-6 Planned

Davis also told us that Mazda isn’t working on a V-6 for its Skyactiv portfolio. The 6 sedan and CX-9 currently offer six-cylinders (optional on the Mazda 6 and standard on the CX-9); the new, lighter 6 will make do with four-cylinders (we also expect a hybrid version of　

the next 6

, while Davis says a new CX-9, which would be lighter as well, could get power and good fuel economy from a boosted four-cylinder. So for now, Mazda is concentrating on developing four-cylinders as well as the aforementioned rotary.

Skyactiv and the Miata

We pressed Davis for any information on the next Miata, but he wouldn’t give up much in the way of detail. He did say that the lightweight/efficiency approach of Skyactiv is basically the same as the development process for the third-gen MX-5, and that we should expect the same for the new car. It’ll be lighter, but Davis wouldn’t share the weight target; we certainly won’t say no to a lighter Miata. And it’s obvious, but the automaker’s latest design philosophy, Kodo, will influence the next Miata’s styling. When we asked whether or not Mazda would build anything like the　

Miata Spyder　and　Super20

　concepts, Davis said, "We would love to. Pay attention: There are some special editions coming that I think your readers will like."

Oxmoor Mazda Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoormazda.com, www.skyactivlive.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Happy 48th Birthday to the Ford Mustang

http://www.torquenews.com/106/happy-48th-birthday-ford-mustang

By　Patrick Rall

On April 17th 1964, Ford Motor Company introduced a small, affordable sports car at the World’s Fair in New York that would revolutionize the American auto industry and an incredible 48 years later, the Ford Mustang has become the longest running and possibly the most well known American car in the history of the industry.

Today, the Ford Mustang officially turns 48 years old. The mighty Mustang debuted on April 17th 1964 at the World’s Fair and that same day, the Mustang was introduced in showrooms around the country. Billed as the everyman’s sports car, the Mustang was named after the P51 Mustang fighter jet and was offered as a coupe or convertible in the first year with the chassis based on the compact Ford Falcon. Ford expected that the Mustang would be successful with first year sales around 100,000 units but they had no idea just how successful it would be – with a whopping 22,000 Mustang sold on the　first day　of sales en route to selling 418,000 Mustangs in the first year.

Since then, the Ford Mustang has lasted through thick and thin – with some questionable years for a performance car during the fuel crunch of the 1970s – but in the end, the Mustang is the longest-running car in American history. Before any General Motors fans chime in that the Corvette has been around since 1953, let’s keep in mind that production skipped a year in 1983 where the Mustang has been in production for every model year since being introduced. Considering the impressive nature of a car turning 48 years old, we thought that it would be fitting to take a look at today’s Mustang compared to the 1964 Mustang that debuted on this day 48 years ago.

The first Ford Mustang was available with three engine choices; an entry level inline six making 101 horsepower, a 260 cubic inch V8 with 164 horsepower and most powerful option being a 210 horsepower, 289 cubic inch V8. Today, as the Mustang turns 48 years old, the famous Ford pony car still offers three engine options but the 2013 Ford Mustang six cylinder "entry level" model packs 305hp – more than three times the power output of the original base model Mustang. Where the original Mustang that debuted 48 years ago today packed 210 horsepower from the top of the line V8 engine option – today’s premium Mustang GT500 packs a stunning 650 horsepower and a top speed of over 200 miles per hour. That leaves the current Mustang GT as the "mid range" model with the 5.0L V8 churning out 420 horsepower – quite a difference compared to the 164hp offered by the 260 cubic inch mid range V8 in ’64. The 1964 Mustang was available with a 3-speed or 4-speed manual transmission along with a 3-speed automatic whereas today, the 2013 Mustang offers either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Finally, while the Mustang has gotten far more powerful it has also obviously gotten to be far more expensive with a base price starting around $22,200 where the original Mustang 48 years ago started at just $2,300.

The Ford Mustang has truly withstood the test of time – battling endlessly rising fuel prices, strict new emission standards and an influx of new competition to live on as the longest　continuously available American car of all time. Today’s Mustang derives its style from the original and as luck would have it, I am currently driving the awesome new 2013 Mustang GT – which leaves to question in mind my why this car has been so popular for so long. We expect to see a new generation of the Mustang for the 50th birthday of the model and based on the moves made by Ford over the past 48 years to help keep their affordable performance car fresh and popular – we expect to see the Mustang around for a very, very long time.

Oxmoor Ford Lincoln Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorflm.com, www.oxmoorford.net.com, www.oxmoorlincoln.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

Hyundai's Azera tops mileage list

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-03/D9TL0F1G0.htm

The 2012 Hyundai Azera isn't a hybrid or a luxury-branded car. But it's tops among 2012 non-diesel, non-hybrid large sedans in government fuel economy ratings with 20 miles a gallon in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway.

The new Azera also has so many standard luxury features, including 293-horsepower V-6, light-emitting diode headlight accents, navigation system and rearview camera with large, 7-inch, in-dashboard screen display, that it might be confused with a high-tech, luxury sedan.

The roomy Azera four door now is attractively styled like the smaller and better known Hyundai Sonata mid-size sedan and has more front-seat legroom -- a total of 45.5 inches -- than a Cadillac Escalade or Ford Expedition.

To be sure, the Azera doesn't have every luxury feature. The suspension doesn't offer driver-selectable settings, the automatic transmission has six speeds, not eight, and the car is front-wheel drive, for example.

But the Azera's starting retail price of $32,875 is more akin to prices for "premium" sedans, rather than big sedans from luxury brands that start upwards of $42,000.

In fact, the $32,875 Azera starting price includes luxury-like smooth leather-trimmed seats, sizable 18-inch alloy wheels, eight-way, power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated front and back seats, Bluetooth phone connectivity and driver seat adjustable lumbar, not to mention a cooled glovebox and nine air bags.

In comparison, the 2012 Toyota Avalon large sedan with a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $33,955 and 268-horsepower V-6 and 17-inch wheels, lists navigation system, heated front seats and driver lumbar adjustment as options.

The 2012 Buick LaCrosse, which is a mid-size sedan according to the federal government classification but has an exterior with similar dimensions to the Azera's, has a starting retail price of $31,045 with 182-horsepower, four-cylinder engine.

This base LaCrosse has six air bags and no standard rearview camera, navigation system or power-adjustable front-passenger seat.

Though the Azera was introduced years ago as Hyundai's U.S. flagship, production in South Korea stopped in November 2010, and last year's sales of dealer inventories amounted to just 1,524.

The Azera also wasn't a heavily advertised Hyundai.

While no longer the Hyundai flagship, the Azera is returning as a new, second-generation model that even starred in

Hyundai TV ads aired during last month's Oscars.

Slotted between Hyundai's front-wheel drive Sonata sedan and the higher-priced, rear-wheel drive Genesis sedan, the Azera is intended for the current 1.25 million Sonata owners who, at some point, will be shopping for their next car.

Production for the United States is being metered at the South Korea assembly plant, though, because the Azera, known as the Grandeur in that country, is a strong seller in Hyundai's home market.

The test Azera, with optional technology package that added panoramic roof, power rear sunshade and manual rear-door shades, 19-inch wheels, ambient interior lighting and upgraded Infinity audio system, soothed the driver.

The car rode subtly over road bumps, keeping good contact with the pavement without transferring shocks unduly to passengers.

The Azera's suspension doesn't have the firm, tie-down-the-car-body feel of a BMW, so it wasn't a fatiguing ride over a nine-hour trip.

Yet, motions of the test car's sizable, 16.4-foot-long body were well controlled in most maneuvers and gave the driver confidence, not alarm, on twisty mountain roads.

Hyundai uses selective dampers at the four corners that automatically adjust to weight transfer and load as the Azera moves along roads. The system also mutes what could be jarring heaviness from the large four wheels and makes the car feel well-balanced and composed.

There was little wind noise heard in the tester, and road noise was somewhat muted.

Steering was a bit on the light side, though.

The new Azera engine -- the only one offered -- is a 3.3-liter V-6 version of Hyundai's Lambda II series. Gasoline is direct-injected at high pressure into the cylinders to help deliver strong power and spunk from a small-displacement powerplant. Meantime, the engine electronics manage variable valves, too, for efficient fuel use and proper emissions.

As a result, the test car "pulled" strongly up mountain roads and around other cars on city streets. Power came on with steady assurance, not an out-of-control surge, and traction control helped keep tires connected to the pavement.

The previous Azera, the 2011 model with a larger, 3.8-liter V-6, had 33 fewer horses than the 293 horsepower that's in the 2012 car.

And torque peaks at 255 foot-pounds at 5,200 rpm, which is up 22 foot-pounds from the predecessor Azera.

It would be easy to be skeptical about that 29-mpg highway rating from the federal government.

But the test car delivered exactly that during a 560-mile trip on mostly highways when speed averaged 65 miles per hour and the driver wasn't wholly concerned about fuel mileage.

Meantime, in city traffic, the test Azera ranged from 18 to 21 mpg, which is in the ballpark of the government's 20-mpg city rating.

In comparison, the Avalon is rated by the federal government at 19/28-mpg, and the LaCrosse with V-6 has a 17/27-mpg rating.

The Azera's front-seat legroom is notably accommodating, with seat tracks lengthy to provide comfortable seating for both a 5-foot-4 driver and a 6-footer. No need for adjustable pedals here.

The smooth, soft texture of the leather on the Azera seats meant no one mistook this leather for vinyl. Seat heaters and coolers worked fast, keeping riders refreshed and cozy.

Because Hyundai officials sought to keep the Azera sized about the same as the predecessor, back-seat legroom is just 36.8 inches, compared with 40.5 inches in the LaCrosse.

Back-seat headroom in the Azera is a competitive 37.6 inches, even with the sunroof.

Oxmoor Hyundai Louisville Kentucky, Hyundai Of Louisville, Oxmoor Auto Group Louisville Kentucky, www.oxmoorhyundai.com, www.hyundaioflouisville.com, www.louisvilleequus.com, www.oxmoorautogroup.com

All-new Dodge Dart and Chrysler 300 Luxury Series Named to 'Wards 10 Best Interiors' List for 2012

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/all-new-dodge-dart-and-chrysler-300-luxury-series-named-to-wards-10-best-interiors-list-for-2012-2012-04-16

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- New 2013 Dodge Dart built with materials and precision craftsmanship typically found in more expensive vehicle segments

High-tech, unseen-in-the-segment features available on the Dart include class-exclusive customizable 7-inch gauge cluster, 8.4-inch Uconnect® touchscreen, heated steering wheel and illuminated floating island bezel in the instrument panel

All-new Chrysler 300 Luxury Series sedan is the most luxurious and fuel-efficient Chrysler vehicle ever

2012 Chrysler 300C Luxury Series exclusive appointments include ultra-premium leather, hand-sanded matte wood, world-class craftsmanship and refinement

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart compact car and the award-winning 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series sedan were chosen for "Wards 10 Best Interiors" list for 2012. WardsAuto World editors picked the winners after evaluating 40 vehicles. All of the contenders for the annual award were completely new or significantly upgraded for the 2012 or 2013 model years. The winners will be honored May 17, 2012 at the WardsAuto Interiors Conference in Dearborn, Michigan.

2013 Dodge Dart"The new 2013 Dodge Dart is the first of our next-generation interiors and we are honored that WardsAuto World has chosen the Dart for their 10 Best Interiors list," said Klaus Busse -- Head of Interior Design, Chrysler Group LLC. "We are able to give Dart customers a well-crafted, high-quality interior similar in its execution to that of the award-winning interior of the Charger and infused with exciting colors, eye-catching ambient lighting and state-of-the-art technology."

"Starting with the available heated steering wheel, the Dodge Dart's interior leads the small-car pack in features and comfort," said Drew Winter, Editor-in-chief, WardsAuto World magazine.

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart zeroes in on customer comfort and personal style, setting a new standard for compact-car interior refinement. Starting with modern Dodge DNA and through the use of innovative ambient interior lighting, well-crafted soft-touch materials, high-tech features and unexpected bursts of color, the 2013 Dodge Dart is loaded with cool amenities and unexpected delights for both drivers and passengers.

With a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of just $15,995 (excluding $795 destination) the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart delivers levels of style, technology, safety, space and power not seen before in the compact car segment.

2012 Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series Sedans"The new 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series is more than just our flagship car; it's the trophy for the tireless majority, an automobile designed and built to meet the most discerning of expectations," said Saad Chehab, President and CEO - Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Sales of the Chrysler 300 have been on fire not only because of its best-in-class 31 highway mpg, but, most importantly, the reaction of customers and critics to this great car. There are no more compromises in the cars that we make; consumers can expect only delightful surprises from driving cars 'Imported from Detroit.'"

"If Bentley made an affordable family car, its interior would look like the Chrysler 300 Luxury. It's smart and modern with a generous helping of over-the-top lavishness," said Drew Winter, editor-in-chief, WardsAuto World magazine.

The all-new Chrysler 300C Luxury Series are the most richly appointed sedans the brand has ever offered.

Exclusive interior features found on the Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series sedans include either Black or Mochachino Poltrona Frau® "Foligno" leather-wrapped instrument panel, cluster brow, center console side panels and upper front- and rear-door panels. Premium Nappa leather covers the door armrest, bolster and center console armrest. Black or two-tone Mochachino seats are wrapped exclusively in supple Nappa leather and include 12-way power-adjustable driver and front-passenger seats (including four-way power lumbar) with two-mode ventilation and two-mode heated seats for both front and rear passengers. Black or two-tone Mochachino leather-wrapped steering wheel -- with all-new die-cast paddle-shifters -- features a unique chrome accent ring to highlight the segment-exclusive 360-degree heated rim. Completing the interior environment is specially selected Natural Pore Mocha wood trim featuring a matte finish to enhance the beauty of the real wood.

Available in RWD or with the segment's most advanced AWD system, the 2012 Chrysler 300 and 300C Luxury Series models have a starting U.S. MSRP of $40,940 (including $925 destination).

About the Dodge BrandFor nearly 100 years, Dodge has defined passionate and innovative vehicles that stand apart in performance and in style. Building upon its rich heritage of muscle cars, racing technology and ingenious engineering, Dodge offers a full-line of cars, crossovers, minivans and SUVs built for top performance - from power off the line and handling in the corners, to high-quality vehicles that deliver unmatched versatility and excellent fuel efficiency. Only Dodge offers such innovative functionality combined with class-leading performance, exceptional value and distinctive design. With the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart, the all-new Dodge Charger paired with the ZF eight-speed transmission that achieves a class-leading 31 miles per gallon on the highway, the new Durango and the significantly revamped Grand Caravan - inventor of the minivan - Journey, Avenger and iconic Challenger, Dodge now has one of the youngest dealer showrooms in the United States.

About Chrysler BrandThe spirit of hard work. Earning your place without forgetting where you're from. That's what the Chrysler brand and its vehicles are all about. Integrating the first eight-speed automatic transmission in a domestic luxury sedan, the 2012 Chrysler 300 sedans offer world-class innovation and quality while delivering stylistic distinction and premium features with legendary value. Chrysler's 200 sedan inspired the brand's identity: "Imported from Detroit." The 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan delivers exceptional value without compromise with sophisticated design, high-quality craftsmanship, and technology. The Chrysler 200 Convertible--with a power soft or hardtop--offers an open-air experience featuring elegant craftsmanship. The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country minivan is beautifully crafted with high-quality, soft-touch materials and tech-savvy entertainment features and smart storage. Standard leather Stow 'n Go® seating, overhead DVD, and more than 40 safety and security features are some of the Town & Country's innovative offerings.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC

Oxmoor Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Louisville Kentucky, Oxmoor Auto Group, www.oxmoorautogroup.com, www.oxmoorchrysler.com

Oxmoor Auto Group
Louisville, KY

Mazda Sales Up More Than 21 Percent Year-Over-Year

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/01/4457208/mazda-sales-up-more-than-21-percent.html

Mazda Achieves Fastest Year-to-Date Sales since 1994 with More Than 100K Vehicles Sold

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/01/4457208/mazda-sales-up-more-than-21-percent.html#storylink=cpy

2013 Escape: Ford's compact SUV goes lux

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2012/05/02/2806191/2013-escape-fords-compact-suv.html

Hyundai to Equip Its Cars With Throttle-Override System

By Jonathan Welsh

Want value? Dodge Dart hits the sweet spot

Mark Phelan

2013 Ford Focus ST priced at $24,495, build site launched

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Review By John Heilig

Chrysler's Ram is 'official truck' of Kentucky Derby

By Chris Woodyard

2012 Mazda 3i Grand Touring

Ford Escape crosses over from boxy SUV look

Hyundai's luxury flagship boosts power

Chrysler unveils fuel-efficient Ram truck

Cool cars from the New York Auto Show

Ford Escape SUV model hits 33 mpg

Chrysler boosts Jeep output, speeds 1,100 new jobs

2012 Ford Focus SFE First Test

Hyundai Motor America And Autism Speaks Partner To Raise Awareness During National Autism Awareness Month

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/25/4441651/hyundai-motor-america-and-autism.html

Chrysler Group Launches Vital Second Phase of PHEV Minivan Project

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/25/4442463/chrysler-group-launches-vital.html

First 2013 Viper turns heads on the road, Chrysler exec says

By Brent Snavely

Hyundai Dealers to Offer Three-Month SiriusXM Subscription on Pre-Owned Vehicles with Factory-Installed Satellite Radios

Test Drive: 2013 Mazda CX-5

Review: Hyundai Azera perfectly parked in large sedan segment

By David Undercoffler, Los Angeles Times

Hyundai has taken the time to engineer an interior and exterior worth showing off, and the 2012 Azera's body challenges the engine for title of this car's best feature.

Chrysler delivers first plug-in minivans in $26m demonstration project

Oxmoor Auto GroupLouisville, KY

Mazda Sales Up More Than 21 Percent Year-Over-Year

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/01/4457208/mazda-sales-up-more-than-21-percent.html

Mazda Achieves Fastest Year-to-Date Sales since 1994 with More Than 100K Vehicles Sold

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/01/4457208/mazda-sales-up-more-than-21-percent.html#storylink=cpy

2013 Escape: Ford's compact SUV goes lux

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2012/05/02/2806191/2013-escape-fords-compact-suv.html

Hyundai to Equip Its Cars With Throttle-Override System

By Jonathan Welsh

Want value? Dodge Dart hits the sweet spot

Mark Phelan

2013 Ford Focus ST priced at $24,495, build site launched

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Review By John Heilig

Chrysler's Ram is 'official truck' of Kentucky Derby

By Chris Woodyard

2012 Mazda 3i Grand Touring

Ford Escape crosses over from boxy SUV look

Hyundai's luxury flagship boosts power

Chrysler unveils fuel-efficient Ram truck

Cool cars from the New York Auto Show

Ford Escape SUV model hits 33 mpg

Chrysler boosts Jeep output, speeds 1,100 new jobs

2012 Ford Focus SFE First Test

Hyundai Motor America And Autism Speaks Partner To Raise Awareness During National Autism Awareness Month

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/25/4441651/hyundai-motor-america-and-autism.html

Chrysler Group Launches Vital Second Phase of PHEV Minivan Project

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/25/4442463/chrysler-group-launches-vital.html

First 2013 Viper turns heads on the road, Chrysler exec says

By Brent Snavely

Hyundai Dealers to Offer Three-Month SiriusXM Subscription on Pre-Owned Vehicles with Factory-Installed Satellite Radios

Test Drive: 2013 Mazda CX-5

Review: Hyundai Azera perfectly parked in large sedan segment

By David Undercoffler, Los Angeles Times

Hyundai has taken the time to engineer an interior and exterior worth showing off, and the 2012 Azera's body challenges the engine for title of this car's best feature.

Chrysler delivers first plug-in minivans in $26m demonstration project

Oxmoor Auto Group
Louisville, KY