Matt M. Myftiu
Matt Myftiu has been a journalist for two decades with a focus on technology, NASCAR and autos.
Lexus NX quickly becoming a star among compact luxury SUVs
Lexus has long captured the allegiance of many luxury car buyers in the United States … folks who probably will be loyal to the brand for years to come.
When they expanded their lineup in 2015 with a new model, the NX compact SUV, the question was whether the brand could duplicate the success it has seen with other models -- namely its midsize RX crossover -- in this segment.
In short, they’ve done quite well in very quick time -- selling more than 60,000 units in 2016 between the U.S. and Canada.
I recently spent some time in a 2017 Lexus NX 200t, and I’m back with a full report on what all the fuss is about, and how this luxury SUV measures up to the competition.
2017 Chevy Trax offers impressive tech and safety features
The Trax, being just a few years old now, is among the lesser known vehicles in the Chevy lineup. But this subcompact SUV is one the automaker has high hopes for, as sales continue to rise amid a surge in support for this emerging class of vehicles.
In essence, Chevy’s entry in the mini-ute category is a more simplified version of GM’s more upscale Buick Encore offering. I recently spent some time in a 2017 Trax and I am back with a full report on how it competes against the other small soldiers on the roadways.
LOOKS
While higher off the ground than sedans, mini-SUVs are going to all be pretty tight inside. It comes with the territory.
But overall, the Trax has a decent amount of room for the segment. Though sitting two up front and three in back will be a tight squeeze. I wouldn’t do it regularly unless the ones in back are all little ones.
Goodyear tire testing session at Michigan International Speedway canceled
UPDATE:
Michigan International Speedway just got word that Goodyear has cancelled the tire test which was scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday this week (April 4th and 5th) due to the weather forecast. No rescheduling of the tire test has been announced so far.
The following drivers had been scheduled to test:
· No. 27 Paul Menard
· No. 10 Danica Patrick
· No. 78 Martin Truex, Jr.
The track had planned to open the Turn 1 Grandstand from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days for fans to watch the test free of charge.
Action returns to the track this summer.
Tickets start at $38 for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 on June 18 and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 on August 13.
Children 12 and under are free on Friday and Saturday. On Sundays, children 12 and under tickets start at $20. Children 12 and under can attend three days of NASCAR action for just $20, ensuring families a weekend of fun at affordable prices.
The first of the track’s two traditional NASCAR weekends in 2017 is June 16-18 with the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Corrigan Oil 200 on June 16; NASCAR XFINITY Series on June 17; and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 is on Father’s Day on June 18.
The Monster Energy Series will wind up its summertime stint at MIS with the Pure Michigan 400 on August 13. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series LTi Printing 200 is on August 12.
2017 Michigan International Speedway Schedule
Friday, June 16 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Corrigan Oil 200 and Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying
Saturday, June 17 NASCAR XFINITY Series
Sunday, June 18 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400
Friday, Aug. 11 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Practice and Qualifying
Saturday, Aug. 12 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series LTi Printing 200
Sunday, Aug. 13 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400
--Press release courtesy of Michigan International Speedway
Refreshed Lexus NX to Make Its World Premiere at Auto Shanghai 2017
Lexus has announced the refreshed NX luxury compact crossover will make its global debut at the upcoming Auto Shanghai 2017.
As the nimble, urban crossover of the Lexus lineup, NX has exceeded customers’ expectations globally since the model’s launch three years ago. With its blend of expressive styling, a spacious package that offers comfort and safety, along with a superior dynamic driving experience, NX succeeded in helping Lexus grow globally. Now, with an updated exterior design, and interior enhancements that add convenience and functionality, the NX is poised to meet the needs of global luxury consumers.
The Lexus press conference will take place on April 19 in Hall 6.1, National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).
-- Press release courtesy of Lexus
BMW Group looks to build on successes in 2017
After reporting best-ever revenues and earnings figures for the seventh year in succession, the BMW Group intends to continue its course of sustainable and profitable growth, while also expanding its role as innovation leader. The company’s core business will be strengthened by the targeted addition of new models and continued work on the strategic areas of electric mobility and automated driving.
“Once again, we are targeting record sales volume, revenues and earnings in 2017,” stated Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG in Munich on Tuesday. The BMW Group forecasts a slight increase in Automotive segment deliveries to customers in the current financial year, which would result in a corresponding growth in segment revenues. Group profit before taxes is also expected to improve slightly.
Jeep, Mopar reveal concept vehicles for 51st Annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari
“It’s truly a labor of love for the Jeep team to develop exciting, capable concept vehicles each year for Moab and the Easter Jeep Safari,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “We look forward to the reaction and feedback from enthusiasts and our most loyal customers as these new Jeep concepts are put through their paces on the trails in Moab.”
An array of production and prototype Jeep Performance Parts were used on this year’s collection of concept vehicles. The Mopar brand is responsible for developing, building and ensuring that all Jeep Performance Parts meet rigorous specifications and with 4x4 capabilities in mind, enabling Jeep owners to further enhance their stock vehicles.
“Jeep and Mopar have teamed up over 15 years to create unique, fun and highly capable concept vehicles for the popular Easter Jeep Safari in Moab,” said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service (Mopar), FCA – Global. “These concept vehicles are a perfect example of how off-road enthusiasts can use Jeep Performance Parts to personalize and enhance the already outstanding Jeep capability, allowing them to face the toughest trails in the world.”
Audi to acquire Silvercar, expand digital mobility technology and service offerings
Audi and Silvercar expect approval of the transaction by regulatory authorities, with the transaction concluding in the first half of 2017.
Austin, Texas-based Silvercar helps Audi strengthen its platforms to serve the evolving mobility needs of the U.S. marketplace. The two companies have worked together since 2012, developing and delivering innovative consumer mobility offerings under the Audi mobility, Silvercar and Dealerware brands. In 2015, Audi participated in a $28 million Series C investment in Silvercar. The company employs about 150 people.
“Audi and Silvercar share a vision for the future of transportation,” said Matt Carpenter, Audi of America’s chief financial officer. “This acquisition enables Audi to move forward with a progressive partner and continue our technology leadership into the next era of mobility.’’
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid finalist for 2017 Canadian Green Car Award
Judges called this year’s Canadian Green Car Awards process, “the tightest competition in its five-year history,” with six vehicles now vying for the overall title to be announced Friday, April 7 at the Green Living Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
“We’re truly thrilled that Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has been named the best ‘Efficient Three-Row Family Vehicle,’ by the Canadian Green Car judges,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, FCA Canada. “No other vehicle in the marketplace can match Pacifica Hybrid’s combination of seven-passenger seating and game-changing efficiency, plus advanced safety technology and overall utility.”
The all-new, made-in-Canada 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid electrifies the minivan segment, adding an innovative, advanced hybrid powertrain to the Pacifica’s no-compromises combination of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling.
Spacious 2017 Toyota Avalon is all about comfort
As vehicle trends change over the years and customers change their minds about what kind of cars and SUVs they want to take home, some things don’t seem to change much. One of those is the continued presence of large sedans for folks not following trends to go small.
Think back to the decades past and you’ll envision many large boxy sedans. And while the boxy look is now gone, many folks who want to stick to sedans still want to have some room to enjoy their ride, and for those people, longer vehicles like the Toyota Avalon still exist.
I recently drove a 2017 Avalon, and I’m back with a full report on how this big sedan stacks up.
2017 Mazda CX-3 handles well, features strong tech and safety offerings
Several years back, led by the Nissan Juke and other vehicles, the subcompact SUV category became a big thing -- and it’s been exploding every since, with manufacturers clamoring to join the segment. Last year, Mazda got involved with the CX-3 offering, and that offering is back again unchanged for its second year with a 2017 model, which I recently had a chance to test.
For those unfamiliar, these things are simply tiny SUVs; they ride higher than a regular car and area bit heavier, but interior space isn’t much bigger than a small sedan. Every year, more and more them appear.
The CX-3 can technically fit 2 people in front and 3 people in back, but the space is so tight in the rear, I wouldn’t want to sit there. Maybe small kids will be OK.
Numbers on the CX-3 are 18 cubic feet of cargo volume, and it can accommodate a max load of 850 pounds. The vehicle is 168 inches long, 70 inches wide, 61 inches tall, and weighs 2,945 pounds. In addition to the tiny back seat, your cargo space isn’t much to talk about.
On the plus side, the interior design is among best in the segment.
Target buyers for this vehicle would be couples who won’t be transporting children, or folks who generally travel alone or with one passenger, and want to upgrade from a typical small sedan at a reasonable price.
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