C7 Corvette production to kick off with Premiere Edition

The much-lauded team behind the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette is kicking off production of the new C7 generation in predictable fashion, with a limited edition version of the car announced this afternoon. Chevy is throwing a launch party at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY, at which the wrapper is being pulled of this 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe Premiere Edition.

Just 500 examples of the Premiere Edition C7 will be built in total, with all being top-spec 3LT models and all wearing this Laguna Blue Tintcoat paint over Brownstone suede interiors. Other appearance upgrades for the Premiere Edition include suede and carbon fiber interior trims, a visible carbon fiber roof, hood stripe, "Stingray" kickplates and wheel caps and, wait for it... a matching set of Stingray luggage from Thule. It's every dude's dream: a Corvette with matching luggage.

Functionally, the Premiere Edition will be blessed with the Z51 performance package, as well as Chevy's trick Magnetic Selective Ride Control. Those, along with the car's impressive 6.2-liter, 450-horsepower LT1 V8, 

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Production of the 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe Premiere Edition will be limited to 500, all top-of-the-line 3LT models with:

· Laguna Blue Tintcoat exterior, and Brownstone suede interior

· Suede-wrapped interior trim and carbon-fiber interior packages

· Visible carbon fiber roof, variable tuned performance exhaust system, and Z51 Performance Package with Magnetic Selective Ride Control

· Unique accessories, including "stinger" hood stripe, "Stingray"-logo interior sill plates and wheel caps, and custom Corvette-branded luggage from Thule

· Additionally, Premier Edition models will have a unique vehicle identification number, starting with 300001, as well as an exclusive dash plaque commemorating the limited-edition model.

Haus auto group Review !!

Buying a 2005 Jeep
By Headyj18 from East Liverpool Ohio | June 21, 2013

Great experience...I saw a vehicle on the Hausautogroup.com page, I emailed the dealer and in minutes one of the salesmen made contact with me. I drove to the dealer and Frank Crone was very helpful and courteous. By the end of my visit I left with the vehicle I wanted, most of all for the right price. If you are looking for a great experience of buying a car I highly recommend Haus auto and please ask for Frank Crone. Thank you Frank!

Rating from Headyj18

Overall: 5

Haus auto Group Review !!

2007 Mercury Mariner
By Westsider from Poland, Oh | June 25, 2013

I recently purchased a 2007 Mariner. From the beginning to the end everything was done in a relaxed, casual but professional manner. Thanks to Steve, Dom and Rich for making the purchase of the Mariner enjoyable. Every detail was explained and every question was answered. When we look to purchase our next vehicle, which may be soon, we will definitely contact Haus auto group. Thanks.

Rating from Westsider

Overall: 5

Haus auto group Review !!

The Best Car Buying Experience Ever!!!!
By Angel from Pittsburgh, Pa | June 22, 2013

Today I purchased a 2011 Ford Mustang GT CS! I absolutely love the car and the service I received definitely exceeded my expectations. Mike S. greeted my husband and I as soon as he seen us. He was very professional and personable. Actually every one that works there are very friendly and make you feel comfortable. Mike was upfront about the left side damage and read the carfax to us. There was zero haggle and I did not feel force to buy the car. My husband loved the service we received plus he was happy that Mike and Ron actually knew about cars and knew what they were talking about. We were in and out which was amazing because usually you are a dealership for hours but not at Haus Auto. Steven S. was big help at getting phone synced to my car and also helping me to get familiar with the car. Highly recommended dealership!!! My husband and I both will go there when we are in the market for another car. We will also recommend to family and friends! Thank you Mike, Ron, Steve and everyone else at Haus for making my car buying experience stress-free!!!

Rating from Angel

Overall: 5

2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak unveiled with Viper V10 power

In 2009 and 2010, Dodge released a special edition Challenger called the Drag Pak. Both editions sold out fast so theMopar boys are building another one for 2011. If the '09 and '10 models went quick, this one is going to be gone before you're done reading this paragraph. 

Instead of sticking with the 6.1-liter Hemi V8 used last year, the 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak crams a 512-cubic inch, 8.4-liter V10 engine and mates it to a two-speed automatic transmission. If those engine numbers sound familiar, and they should, it's because that's the same unit used in the Dodge Viper – which produces 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. 

Go back and re-read that last line – Viper-V10 powered. Drag-race ready. Mopar Challenger.

Besides the massive mill, this Mopar Challenger Drag Pak also features everything you need to start your professional drag racing career. Get your reading glasses out because there's a long list of features, some of which we've highlighted below (the rest can be seenafter the jump):

• 512 cid V-10 engine
• 2-speed automatic transmission with shift assembly and built-in roll control
• Special body-in-white modified for drag racing
• Complete fuel cell assembly
• Polycarbonate door windows
• Lightweight drag-race only front brake assembly
• Race-style wheels and tires

Only 70 units will be produced and they'll each have a starting MSRP of $85,512.There are also three available optional packages for the car. The Competition Package costs $7,950 and adds an eight-point roll cage, six-point safety harness and a mesh window net. The Mopar Body Logo Wrap will cost you $950. Finally, there is a range of available body colors if you don't like the Bright White paint scheme, and they run $6,800.

The 2011 Mopar Challenger V10 Drag Pak will make its debut at the upcoming2010 SEMA Show in early November. Since there are only going to be 70 made, that may be the last time you see one unless you run down to your local Dodge dealer and fill out an application to own one.

East Coast states pay more for Check Engine light

Has it seemed like the cost to keep your older car on the road has gone up? Well, we have good news (you're not going crazy) and bad news (repair costs are indeed going up all across the country). According to an annual study by CarMD, average repair costs have increased by 10 percent in 2012, with drivers in New Jersey paying the highest prices and those in Vermont paying the lowest.

Interestingly, states on the East Coast are paying more on average for common repairs, including diagnostic services when the dreaded Check Engine light comes on. Our nation's capital saw the largest year-over-year increase at an alarming 20 percent, while Wyoming saw repair prices drop an average of 17 percent.

CarMD analyzed more than 160,000 individual repairs, targeting those that began with a Check Engine light. A full listing of the most- and least-expensive states can be found below, along with additional commentary from CarMD.

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Annual CarMD State-by-State Ranking of Car Repair Costs Finds Drivers in New Jersey Paid Most for Check Engine Repairs in 2012 

As average repair cost rises 10% nationwide, 4 out of top 5 most expensive states are on the East Coast

IRVINE, Calif. (June 11, 2013) – When the dreaded check engine light illuminates on the dashboard, drivers in New Jersey now pay the most in the nation to have it diagnosed and repaired, at an average cost of $392.99, according to CarMD.com Corporation's analysis of more than 160,000 repairs made on vehicles with check engine light problems in 2012. Indicating a coastal shift from West to East, and rounding out the top five most expensive U.S. states/districts for auto repair were no. 2 District of Columbia, no. 3 California, no. 4 North Carolina and no. 5 Maryland. Increased frequency of expensive repairs, such as catalytic converter replacement, in those states with higher average repair costs indicates drivers in some areas continue to put off small repairs that spiral into more expensive problems and drive up check engine-related repair costs. The complete ranking is available atwww.carmd.com.

"CarMD taps our extensive Vehicle Health Index check engine light database to rank repair costs by state, providing the industry and consumers with insight on trends that impact cost of ownership and vehicle life," said Ieon C. Chen, CEO, CarMD.com Corp. "In 2012, we saw a dramatic shift in the top five most expensive states for average car repairs, as many drivers along the East Coast incurred rising auto repair costs, while they simultaneously contended with Hurricane Sandy's aftermath. Car owners in many states also continued to put off small repairs, contributing to cumulative failures with increased repair costs. With costs and vehicle age up from coast to coast, we encourage the industry and car owners to utilize this data to help maximize vehicle life and minimize repair costs."
The average cost for check engine light-related repairs in the U.S. in 2012 was $367.84, up 10% from 2011. The Northeast experienced the largest percent increase (11.56%). But the West, historically known for having some of the highest car repair costs, saw only a 6.53% increase in costs. California is the only western state among the top five this year.

From 2011 to 2012, vehicle owners in New Jersey saw a 20.7% increase in labor rates and an 8.2% increase in parts costs, making it the state with the highest average parts cost. New Jersey drivers also paid more than the U.S. average for many repairs, including catalytic converter replacement at $1,112.48 per transaction. CarMD attributes this hike to several factors such as more than double the number of trips to the repair shop spurred by Hurricane Sandy-related flood damage that either resulted in new repairs or uncovered unrepaired problems that had been put off for some time.
On a more positive note, as hybrid repair costs across the country trend down, New Jersey owners paid the least to replace a hybrid battery at $2,005.05 on average, as compared with Arizona's high of $4,409.94. Some factors that can contribute to repair costs include availability of diagnostic capabilities and technicians trained to service these vehicles, as well as vehicle population mix. Catalytic converter repairs were the second most common reason the check engine light came on in three of the five states with the highest repair costs. This is a very pricey part that is often the result of extensive vehicle age, or putting off smaller repairs such as spark plugs or oxygen sensors.

Other key findings: - The states that pay the most: The 2011 ranking found all five states with the highest repair costs were from the West. For 2012, three hail from the Southeast, one from the Northeast and California remains the only western state among the five states with the highest repair costs.

o A gap has begun to close between the states/regions with the highest/lowest repair costs (i.e. there was no change in Arizona's average repair cost, yet it dropped in rank from no. 5 to no. 22, with many states from other regions rising).

- The states that pay the least: Two of the five states with the lowest car repair costs are from the Midwest (Iowa and South Dakota) and two are from the South/Southeast (Delaware and West Virginia). Rounding out the most affordable states for auto repair is Vermont, the only Northeastern state to enjoy a drop in average car repair costs in 2012.

- Year-over-year trends: A majority of states/districts experienced an increase in repair costs in 2012, with the exceptions being Delaware, New Mexico, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming.

o D.C. had the largest increase in repair costs, up 20% from 2011 to 2012. This is partially attributed to the type of repairs being made. Time-consuming repairs that cost over $1,000 accounted for nearly 10% of D.C. repairs in 2012, as compared with 7% in 2011, while quick-fix, gas cap-related problems were down five points.
o Wyoming saw the biggest drop with a nearly 17% dip in average repair costs. Some very positive news for Wyoming iscatalytic converter replacements have dropped from the second to seventh most common repair, showing drivers in Wyoming are taking better care of their cars and may also be trading in older model vehicles for newer ones.

- Labor charge trends: Drivers in Vermont paid the least in labor at $115.90. While still low, this is up from Vermont's labor rate of $90.85 in 2011. For the second consecutive year, Colorado is the state with the highest labor charge at $150.75 on average. - Parts cost trends: Drivers in Vermont also paid the least for parts at an average of $153.82, with those in New Jersey paying the most ($256.28).

"As summer approaches, it's important for drivers in all states to be aware of the effect of temperature extremes on car parts, and to replace failing parts as recommended or as soon as a problem is detected," said David Rich, CarMD's Technical Director. "All 1996 and newer model vehicles have sophisticated on-board diagnostic computers that can detect problems early, often before you're left stranded. CarMD encourages drivers to heed warning signs, such as the check engine light, and get repairs made before that next road trip to help reduce the potential for roadside emergencies and inflated repair costs."

CarMD's state-by-state ranking of repair costs was derived from analysis of 161,350 repairs made on model year 1996 to 2012 vehicles from Jan. 1, 2012 through Dec. 31, 2012 by CarMD's nationwide network of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified technicians. All 51 U.S. states/districts, including the District of Columbia, are represented in this Index. The repairs are related to a vehicle's check engine system, which is standard on all vehicles manufactured since 1996. The on-board diagnostic (OBD2) system monitors approximately 80% of systems on these vehicles, triggering the check engine light when a problem related to emissions output or drivability occurs. The CarMD Vehicle Health Index database and average repair cost findings do not include problems that are outside the scope of a vehicle's OBD2 computer monitoring such as tires, and mechanical parts like belts and hoses.

About CarMD The mission of Irvine, Calif.-based CarMD.com Corporation is to empower consumers and the vehicle market by providing the tools and information needed to make better-educated decisions about vehicle health and maintenance. An ISO 9001:2008-certified company, CarMD's premiere product is the CarMD® Vehicle Health SystemTM, which enables drivers to identify and diagnose check engine repairs, safety issues and problems that negatively impact a car's fuel economy. The company has built the largest, most current database of diagnostic trouble codes, expert fixes and repair costs, which it uses to compile its CarMD® Vehicle Health IndexTM, a leading automotive repair resource from which this ranking is derived. For more information, visitwww.CarMD.com.

SRT Viper GT3-R is ready to kick racetrack butt

This weekend, SRT Motorsports will be focused on returning to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Viper GTS-R, but that doesn't mean it isn't looking a bit further down the road. While the GTS-R is the factory-backed racecar running at Le Mans and in the America Le Mans Series, SRT is also preparing to introduce this new Viper GT3-R for private race teams to run in various GT3 classes around the world.

Culminating from a collaboration with Riley Technologies in Mooresville, NC, the SRT Viper GT3-R uses many of the same performance technologies as the GTS-R. While a stock Viper produces 640 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque, the GT3-R's unrestricted V10 lays down 680 hp and 640 lb-ft. This car goes on sale – ready to race – later this year with a starting price estimated at around $459,000. Scroll down for more info on the newest member to the Viper family.

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New SRT Viper GT3-R Readies for Worldwide GT Competition

-Latest purpose-built SRT Viper developed in collaboration with Riley Technologies

June 20, 2013 , Le Mans, France - The new face of GT Class racing is here. It's the SRT Viper GT3-R, a new V-10 powered thoroughbred ready for world-class competition.

The SRT Viper GT3-R is the latest generation of the successful Viper GTS-R, designed and developed by Chrysler Group's SRT (Street and Racing Technology) Motorsports team. The similarities between the SRT Viper street car and the non-street legal GT3-R are deliberate.

And according to Ralph Gilles, President and CEO - SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC, the Viper GT3-R is a culmination of nearly two decades of racing development making for a robust sports car that is at home at tracks all over the world.

"The SRT Viper GT3-R is the next logical progression of our successful Viper GTS-R, a championship-proven formula that has captured some of the world's most prestigious races," Gilles said. "Like every Viper race car, the GT3-R is a direct descendant of the SRT Viper street car. There is no mistaking the similarities between the two which is a key component of this class of sports car racing. The GT3-R stays true to the visceral appeal of the Viper and has been carefully evolved for the demands of racing at a world class level."

The new SRT Viper GT3-R is a collaboration led by Riley Technologies in Mooresville, N.C. with SRT Motorsports. Riley Technologies specializes in the design, manufacturer and support of winning race cars. Riley has built racing-winning cars from Daytona prototype endurance cars to GT competition cars. Their resume includes multiple U.S. endurance championships race wins – including the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona for nine consecutive years – and multiple GT Class championships.

The SRT Viper GT3-R is the direct descendent of the high performance GTS-R campaigned by SRT Motorsports in the LM GTE Pro Class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). The technology developed by the Chrysler Group for the factory GTS-R for engine, chassis, suspension, electronics and aerodynamics is incorporated into every Viper GT3-R.

The chassis has been equipped with a highly-efficient aerodynamic package to optimize handling. Other features include Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission with paddle shifters, six-piston front brake calipers with four-piston rears, lightweight wheels and a multi-disc race clutch for maximum performance from the V-10 engine.

Viper's legacy began in December 1991 when the first production Viper rolled off Detroit's New Mack Avenue assembly line. In 1996, the Viper GTS coupe made its debut as did the Viper GTS-R race car.

In 1996, from the work of the same dedicated team of Viper engineers and car enthusiasts came the Viper GTS coupe. It was destined to be raced on the biggest stage. And so it was in 1996 that the Viper GTS-R race car made its debut. Viper GTS-Rs would go on to post three consecutive 1-2 class finishes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, win overall at the 24 Hours of Daytona, capture multiple international endurance titles, five FIA titles and 16 national GT championships. To extend this same racing pedigree to private customers, the Viper Competition Coupe was introduced in 2003 and developed further for its GT3 class debut in 2005.

Highlighting its numerous victories around the world are two national GT3 championships and a World Challenge GT title. The die had been cast then for what we now have today: the SRT Viper GT3-R.

Orders are now being taken for late 2013 delivery. The price of the new SRT Viper GT3-R is estimated at $459,000 USD.

2014 Corvette Stingray does 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, 1.03g on the skidpad

When pricing of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was announced back in April, Chevrolet promised that 'Vettes equipped with the Z51 Performance Package would be able to hit impressive figures that include "0-60 mph in under four seconds and more than 1g in cornering," and now it has backed these numbers up. While metrics for a stock Stingray weren't released, checking the $2,800 Z51 box will get you a 0-60 time of just 3.8 seconds and a skidpad number of 1.03g.

Between its 460 horsepower and now its 3.8-second 0-60 time, the Stingray Z51 is positioned directly in between the new Porsche 911 S and Turbo models while costing significantly less than both. In addition to this, Chevy is promising a quarter mile time of 12 seconds and 60-0 braking in just 107 feet.

As an extra little bit of bragging rights, Chevy says that an almost-stock Z51 (with a racing seat, harness and fire extinguisher added inside the car) with Magnetic Ride Control was able to lap the Virginia International Raceway Grand Course in 2:45.78. Wondering how that compares with other known hi-po models? So are we...

Although there are no official VIR lap times to compare against, we did find that FastLaps.comhas an unofficial collection of times for the track that places the new Stingray in the number two spot, just behind a 2008 Corvette ZR1. If accurate, that's mighty impressive. Scroll down for the official press release.

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Corvette Stingray: 3.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph
Turns in 2:51.8 lap at Virginia International Raceway 'Grand Course'

DETROIT – Chevrolet released official performance estimates today for the 2014 Corvette Stingray, the most capable standard Corvette ever. Equipped with the available Z51 Performance Package, the new Stingray is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, braking from 60 to 0 in 107 feet, and sustaining 1.03 g in cornering.

Cumulatively, the acceleration, cornering and braking capability of the Corvette Stingray enable it to lap the Virginia International Raceway's (VIR) 4.2-mile "Grand Course" in 2:51.78.

"For the new Stingray, we set out to elevate every aspect of the Corvette's performance," said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. "Considered alone, the acceleration, braking and cornering performance of the Corvette Stingray is truly impressive. More significant is how well they work together, resulting in a lap time at VIR that places the new Stingray in the upper echelon of all sports cars."

2014 Corvette Stingray Z51
Acceleration from 0-60 MPH: 3.8 seconds
¼ mile acceleration: 12 seconds @ 119 mph
Braking distance from 60 to 0 MPH: 107 feet
Maximum lateral acceleration: 1.03 G
VIR 'Grand Course' Lap: 2:51.78

The lap around VIR was conducted in Stingray equipped with the available Z51 Performance Package and Magnetic Ride Control. The vehicle that conducted the lap was modified only with safety features like a racing seat and harness, and fire extinguisher system.

"The new Stingray constantly communicates feedback to the driver, which makes you feel incredibly confident behind the wheel," said Jim Mero, Corvette vehicle dynamics engineer. "That confidence encourages you to attack each corner because the Stingray drives so well: the tire grip is incredible; the steering response is some of the best I've ever experienced; the Magnetic Ride dampers allow little body roll through the corner, while still soaking up the rumble strips when you clip the apex," he said. "It's just addictive on the track."

The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale in the third quarter of 2013 for a suggested starting retail price of $51,995, excluding tax, title, and license fees. The $2,800 Z51 Performance Package includes an electronic limited-slip differential; dry-sump oiling system; integral brake, differential and transmission cooling; as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability. Magnetic Ride Control with Performance Traction Management is a $1,795 option. A Corvette Stingray equipped like the test car used at VIR would cost $56,590.

Could Chrysler leave Michigan for Tennessee?

Detroit's Big Three could become the Big Two. According to an AP report in The Detroit News, state officials have been lobbying for Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne to select Tennessee as the location for Fiat's joint headquarters with Chrysler Group LLC.

This weekend, Marchionne met with Tennessee governor Bill Haslam at a ceremony celebrating the expansion of a Fiat subsidiary plant in the city of Pulaski. The AP report does not mention any serious talks about headquarters relocation, only that Tennessee officials have been "working me over pretty well," according to Marchionne.

Fiat hopes to complete its merger with the Auburn Hills-based automaker sometime next year, and earlier reports have stated that the company is seeking $10 billion in financing to buy the remaining bits of Chrysler. If the company were to relocate, it would join Nissan and Volkswagen in having major American automotive operations in Tennessee. Of course, that whole "Imported From Detroit" thing would need to go out the window, as well.

Chrysler resolves recall issue with NHTSA, will inspect, upgrade affected Jeeps

Chrysler made big news earlier in the month by refusing a recall request from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty. Last week, NHTSA boss David Strickland countered by defending his agency's request for the recall of 2.7 million Jeep SUVs. Today marked the deadline for Chrysler to formally respond to NHTSA, and it seems that both parties have met in the middle with Chrysler inspecting and upgrading some of the affected vehicles without using the word "recall," which would constitute the admission of a defect; instead, Chrysler said that it is conducting a "voluntary campaign."

At issue on these vehicles is the positioning of the fuel tank behind the rear axle that could get damaged during a rear-end collision. NHTSA has stated that at least 51 people have been killed in rear-end collisions involving these Jeeps after the vehicles caught fire, to which Chrysler countered by pointing out that both models "met and exceeded" the requirements for fuel-system integrity.

As a compromise on the situation, Chrysler says that it will inspect all pre-2004 Grand Cherokees and pre-2007 Liberty models and, "if necessary, provide an upgrade to the rear structure of the vehicle." According toAutomotive News, this upgrade will consist of adding a trailer hitch that will presumably better protect the rear-mounted gas tank. Vehicles already equipped with a factory or Mopar hitch will not be modified. Chrysler's official statement on the matter is posted below, but no additional information has been released, such as when the campaign will begin and how many vehicles could be affected.

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Chrysler Group and NHTSA Resolve Recall Request
Auburn Hills, Mich. , Jun 18, 2013 - Chrysler Group LLC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have resolved their differences with respect to NHTSA's request to recall 1993-2004 Jeep® Grand Cherokee and 2002-07 Jeep Liberty vehicles.

As a result of the agreement, Chrysler Group will conduct a voluntary campaign with respect to the vehicles in question that, in addition to a visual inspection of the vehicle will, if necessary, provide an upgrade to the rear structure of the vehicle to better manage crash forces in low-speed impacts.

Chrysler Group's analysis of the data confirms that these vehicles are not defective and are among the safest in the peer group. Nonetheless, Chrysler Group recognizes that this matter has raised concerns for its customers and wants to take further steps, in coordination with NHTSA, to provide additional measures to supplement the safety of its vehicles.

Chrysler Group regards safety as a paramount concern and does not compromise on the safety of our customers and their families.

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2014 Cadillac CTS starts $7k higher than last model at $46,025*

The redesigned 2014 Cadillac CTS will be more powerful, stylish and luxurious than its predecessor, but it will also be much more expensive. With a new starting price of $46,025 (*including $925 for destination), the 2014 CTS represents a price increase of more than $7,000 compared to the 2013 model, but it should be more appropriately sized and equipped to take on rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which start at $47,800 and $51,900, respectively.

Available trim levels – referred to as Collections – include Luxury, Performance and Premium, offering either a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder or a 3.6-liter V6 and the choice of either rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. For more performance, the all-new CTS Vsport model will have an asking price of $59,995. This 420-horsepower model is more powerful than both the BMW 550i and Mercedes E550 and about $2,000 less expensive than both.

There's still no word on what Cadillac has in store for a next-gen CTS-V sedan, but we're guessing power and price will both rise considerably. Scroll down for more info on the 2014 CTS that is set to go on sale this fall.

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All-New CTS Sedan Ascends into Midsize Luxury Segment
More than 20 new features come standard with all-new model launching this fall

DETROIT – When the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan arrives in dealerships this fall, it will offer more interior space, power and technology with more than 20 new standard features compared with the current model.

Inside and out, the third-generation CTS sedan grows, ascending into the heart of the midsize luxury market, with an all-new design that is longer, lower and leaner. The new CTS is five inches longer, expanding interior space, but also 244 pounds lighter than the previous model. It is expected to be the lightest car in its segment.

"CTS has always been Cadillac's centerpiece, and as our brand expands and elevates the car properly grows to its true place" said David Leone, CTS executive chief engineer. "With last year's addition of the award-winning ATS compact luxury sedan, CTS will directly challenge the luxury midsize competition with uncompromised performance, luxury and technology."

The 2014 CTS standard model will start at $46,025, including $925 destination. Three Collections of option packages – Luxury, Performance and Premium – will be offered with either the 2.0T turbocharged four cylinder or 3.6L naturally aspirated V6 engine in either rear- or all-wheel drive.

CTS will be offered with a choice of three powertrains, including a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 272 horsepower and goes from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds – 1.5 seconds faster than the outgoing model. Standard front Brembo brakes with ferritic-nitro carburizing, or FNC, anti-corrosion rotors give CTS braking performance that Cadillac expects to be best in the segment. Magnetic Ride Control, the world's fastest-reacting suspension and a hallmark of V-Series models, is now standard on base models with 18-inch wheels.

Selectable drive modes will allow drivers to adjust the vehicle's performance dynamics for touring, ice and snow, or sport driving. The CTS Vsport model features the new Cadillac Twin-Turbo 3.6L V6 engine with an SAE-certified 420 horsepower and a "track" drive mode with specific Magnetic Ride Control calibration and enhanced throttle progression for greater track performance.

The Vsport model contains the highest-performing components, led by the all-new Twin Turbo V6. The CTS Vsport model starts at $59,995, including $925 destination, and comes equipped with an electronic limited slip differential and eight-speed automatic transmission in RWD only.

Inside, all CTS models are equipped with CUE, Cadillac's breakthrough system for connectivity and control featuring an eight-inch fully reconfigurable touch screen. CUE brings tablet-like functionality into the CTS with functions such as haptic feedback to confirm selections, proximity sensing to reveal hidden icons, gesture recognition and capacitive touch. A 5.7-inch display in the instrument cluster allows the driver to control radio, phone and navigation functions through steering wheel controls without having to take his eyes off the road.

CTS will come with an 11-speaker Bose premium audio system with HD radio capability. Users will have several options for streaming portable media devices with three USB ports and one auxiliary and SD card port.

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. More information on Cadillac can be found atmedia.cadillac.com.

MyFord Touch getting buttons and knobs back to counter criticisms

Ford deserves credit for being a front-runner in offering advanced infotainment technology with its Sync and MyFord Touch systems, but continued consumer complaints over its confusing touchscreen interface and capacitive controls has made the automaker relent. The Wall Street Journal reports that physical buttons and knobs for controlling tuning and volume will be coming back to Ford vehicles equipped with the controversial infotainment system.

The 2013 F-150 with MyFord Touch gives us a glimpse of what the new layout with buttons and knobs might look like, as Ford says a similar balance of touch screen capability and buttons/knobs are what's being planned for future models. And, while capacitive controls have no fans in the halls of Autoblog, many of Ford's models with MyFord Touch do have a large physical knob for adjusting volume with integrated buttons for tuning and advancing tracks, though most of those are models with the optional upgraded Sony Audio system. Lincoln models with MyLincoln Touch, however, feature only capacitive controls for all stereo and climate functions.

Despite receiving enough complaints to throw buttons and knobs back into the mix (a move that reminds us of BMW's iDrive trajectory, among others), Ford reports that Sync and MyFord Touch have still been sold on 79 percent of its 2013 model year vehicles, a number it claims is double the rate that Honda and Toyota are getting for their infotainment systems. Ford also states that owners who do opt for the duo of technologies are more satisfied with overall vehicle quality than those who don't have it.

While Ford's own numbers may show high rates of satisfaction, other surveys, specifically the J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Study, have taken a hit in recent years on account of new owners reacting to MyFord Touch and its buttonless capacitive controls. Ford's ranking in the IQS plummeted to below average in 2011 after the system's debut, which prompted a significant update for MyFord Touch the following year that fixed bugs, improved the user interface and improved the voice recognition. Nevertheless, Ford still ranked below average in the 2012 IQS survey, and today's news of physical buttons and knobs returning to the center stack comes just two days before the release of results for J.D. Power's 2013 IQS. Another system update will be released the summer, and Ford has increased warranties for all models equipped with the system.

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SYNC and MyFord Touch Sold on 79 Percent of New Ford Vehicles, New Technology Drives Quality Satisfaction

SYNC® and MyFord Touch® sold on nearly 80 percent of 2013 Ford vehicles, double the sales mix of infotainment systems sold with Toyota and Honda vehicles, and up from 68 percent in 2012; MyFord Touch mix of 55 percent increased from 12 percent in 2012

Customers with vehicles equipped with MyFord Touch have a higher rate of satisfaction with overall vehicle quality for most models compared to those that do not have the advanced infotainment system

Ford customers cite voice command and touch screen features as top purchase drivers much more often than competitors; Ford Escape owners prioritize them twice as much as the segment average

Ford improves MyFord Touch quality by more than 50 percent since launch, plans another upgrade in summer 2013

DEARBORN, Mich., June 17, 2013 – Ford SYNC® voice-controlled connectivity and MyFord Touch® touch screen technologies are attracting more customers and selling at a much higher rate than competitors, as MyFord Touch helps drive higher customer satisfaction with vehicle quality.

Combined, SYNC and MyFord Touch are sold on 79 percent of new 2013 Ford vehicles, double the rate of Toyota and Honda vehicle infotainment systems and up from 68 percent in 2012. This includes a MyFord Touch mix of 55 percent from 12 percent in 2012.

SYNC and MyFord Touch connectivity technologies – launched in 2007 and 2010, respectively – remain a competitive advantage as customers cite voice control and touch screens as top purchase drivers much more often than competitors. For example, 53 percent of 2013 Ford Escape owners say the touch screen is a top purchase reason compared to a 22 percent segment average.

"Ford has launched 60 new technologies the past few years and they are helping attract many new customers in important markets such as the coasts," says Raj Nair, group vice president, global product development. "SYNC and MyFord Touch are key parts of our innovation strategy, and not only bring more new customers to our brand, but help deliver higher satisfaction with overall vehicle quality."

Ford vehicles with MyFord Touch are helping improve perceptions as customers who own vehicles with the system are more satisfied with overall vehicle quality compared to those who don't have the technology. The Ford F-150 with MyFord Touch has the highest rate of quality satisfaction across the Ford lineup, at 86 percent.

F-150 blends touch screen capability with traditional buttons and knobs, a similar balance planned for future Ford vehicles.

Young buyer connections
The innovations also are attracting younger buyers. For example, the new 2014 Ford Fiesta will now offer MyFord Touch, adding to other features such as a navigation system, rear camera, leather seats and a sunroof not available in the segment.

Fiesta already is drawing a younger audience of 46 percent Gen Y and Gen X buyers, compared to Toyota and Scion's 36 percent subcompact average. Fiesta innovations are differentiating the car as SYNC is cited as an important purchase reason by 54 percent of buyers compared to a 37 percent average for Toyota's connectivity technology.

Quality progress
Ford continues to refine SYNC and MyFord Touch, including another downloadable upgrade planned for this summer. Previous upgrades already have helped improve quality responses by more than 50 percent.

"We are committed to listening to our customers and improving MyFord Touch to keep drawing in new customers and increasing satisfaction with even higher quality," says Nair.

Ford's dealership personnel and dedicated connectivity customer service line also have become competitive advantages in an era of new automotive technologies. Customers who seek dealership assistance with SYNC or MyFord Touch report a 91 percent satisfaction rate.

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GM recalls over 230,000 more Trailblazer-family SUVs over door electronics

Back in August, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a recall on the General Motors GMT360 SUVs (Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7X) ranging from the 2005 to 2007 model years and the 2006 GMT370 SUVs (Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL) due to potential fires associated with the driver's door module. Initially limited to 250,000 units sold or registered in 20 Snow Belt states (and the District of Columbia), the recall has now been expanded to include an additional 193,000 of these SUVs in the US and, according to The Detroit News, 40,000 more sold outside the US, including Canada and Mexico.

Like the original recall, the issue is still a faulty driver's door module that can short out, which could lead to a fire. The Detroit News is reporting that, out of the 443,000 units being recalled, GM says that there were 58 fires that caused 11 minor injuries, and the expanded recall accounted for six fires and one injury. Despite the lower number of fires, the recall notice recommends that owners park their vehicles until the recall repairs has been performed.

On recalled units with functional modules, the repair consists of a protective coating being applied to the module, while vehicles with modules that are not working properly will have the driver's door module replaced. The official recall notice is posted below, and it includes contact information for customers of all five brands.

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RECALL Subject : Driver's Master Power Window Switch
Report Receipt Date: JUN 13, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V248000
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , VISIBILITY
Potential Number of Units Affected: 193,652

BUICK RAINIER 2006-2007
CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER 2006-2007
CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT 2006
GMC ENVOY 2006-2007
GMC ENVOY XL 2006
ISUZU ASCENDER 2006-2007
SAAB 9-7X 2005-2007

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

SUMMARY:
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x, and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.

CONSEQUENCE:
A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.

REMEDY:
Owners will be contacted and dealers will test the driver's door module. If the module is functioning properly, a protective coating will be applied. If the module is not functioning properly, it will be replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners, Isuzu and Saab will contact their respective owners. The recall is expected to begin July 24, 2013. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463, Isuzu owners at 1-800-255-6727, and SAAB owners at 1-855-880-0808. GM's campaign number is 12180. This recall is an expansion of recall 12V-406.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2013 Dodge Dart faces recall over stalling issue

Chrysler has announced that it will recall some 14,800 Dodge Dart compacts due to a potential stalling issue. The Auburn Hills-based automaker says that select 2013 model year sedans equipped with its 1.4-liter Multiair four-cylinder engine and dual-clutch transmission may need to have their engine control modules remapped.

According to Chrysler, the problem was uncovered during routine cold weather testing. Apparently, engineers parked a Dart inside of a 20-degree climate chamber for eight hours, only to have it stall after startup and driving "a short distance." Dealers have reported similar issues in customer cars, prompting the recall, but Chrysler says it knows of no accidents or injuries that have been reported as a result of the problem.

The action covers around 12,900 vehicles in the US and its territories, as well as 1,900 units in Canada, five in Mexico and 16 examples that have ventured beyond the NAFTA region. No word yet on when customers will be notified to bring their vehicles in for service, but the ECM retuning will be performed at no cost.

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Statement: Recalibration

June 10, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -

Chrysler Group will recall approximately 14,800 cars to recalibrate their powertrain control modules.

Internal testing discovered a car that stalled moments after startup. The incident occurred when the vehicle was brought to a stop after driving a short distance.

It had been parked for eight hours in a 20F climate chamber.

Further investigation revealed reports of similar incidents recorded by dealers.

Chrysler Group is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.

The recall affects only 2013 Dodge Dart models equipped with a 1.4-liter engine and dual-clutch transmission.

Approximately 12,900 are in the U.S., including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; 1,900 are in Canada, five are in Mexico and 16 are outside the NAFTA region.

Recalibrations will be performed at no cost to customers, who will be contacted directly.

Customers who have questions or concerns can call 1-800-853-1403.

Automakers to use scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass in the very near future

Today's automotive windshields are commonly made with two layers of tempered glass sandwiching a sheet of optically clear polyvinyl butyral (PVB), a plastic layer that holds everything in place even when the glass is broken. While the basic design works very well (credit Henry Ford with introducing laminated glass in 1919), scratches and chips in the glass weaken the material to the point where it may eventually crack and require replacement.

But those headaches may disappear if Corning's Gorilla Glass becomes an industry standard. Gorilla Glass is the registered name for the durable and scratch resistant glass that covers the face of more than 1.5 billion consumer electronic devices. Whether the maker of your smartphone, tablet or PDA admits it or not, chances are good that you've got the material close at hand.

Having a windshield that is scratch and chip resistant is a big improvement, but there are other advantages to Gorilla Glass, says Corning. The company's senior vice president, Jeffrey Evenson, told MIT Technology Reviewthat the glass is lighter than what is used today, and it provides a better acoustic barrier from outside noise.

As is often the case with innovative technologies, Gorilla Glass doesn't come cheap. Even so, Evenson predicts that at least one unnamed high-end automaker will introduce a vehicle with Gorilla Glass within the year. Any guesses on whom it will be?