2013 Roush Stage 3 Mustang to be auctioned for charity

Roush Performance and Ford Motorsports have teamed up to create a special one-of-a-kind 2013 Roush Stage 3 Mustang (regular 2013 Roush Mustang shown) to benefit the SAE Science and Technology Foundation's education programs. The auction will be held at the SAE Foundation's 25th Anniversary Celebration, which is being held Wednesday, May 16 at Ford Field. The special Stage 3 Mustang will feature a Ford Racing "Aluminator" long block (625 hp and 540 ft-lbs of torque) engine, a Roush-tuned suspension, custom SVT GT500 track pack wheels, Roush custom body components, and a customized Roush interior. Go to the SAE Foundation event website to view the actual vehicle. "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." If a special Mustang fits your needs and you would like to help out science and technology education at the same time contact Renée Hayes at 724-772-8508 or rhayes@sae.org prior to the event. Of course, if you happen to be in the area, you could attend. Tickets are $320 each (this is a charity event) and pre-registry is suggested. The press releases (with links) after the jump include the Roush release announcing the new 2013 Roush Mustangs as well as a Roush video of the Stage 3 Mustang.

Source: NewsPress USA/SAE/Roush - Press releases after the jump.

All-new 2013 Ford Escape tops eco charts for automatics

Well, the numbers are in and Ford's little engine that could has posted impressive numbers in the small crossover or "cute-ute" segment of the US auto market in the all-new 2013 Escape. The optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost four has been EPA-certified to provide 23 mpg/city and 33 mpg/highway, while all of the new Escapes drivetrains get at least 30 mpg/highway. To beat these numbers, the new Mazda CX-5 (35 mpg/highway) must use a manual transmission, while all Escapes come with a six-speed SelectShift automatic. Since the new EcoBoost Escape posts numbers on par with the previous Escape Hybrid, no hybrid option will be offered in the beginning (Ford hopes the new C-Max will snag the cute-ute hybrid buyer). We shall see on that one. Why would Ford leave a market segment that they created? There have been unconfirmed reports that a hybrid option will be made available on the all-new Escape at some point though. But for now, the EcoBoost Escape should satisfy the needs of an increasingly fuel-efficiency-conscious consumer. The all-new Escape should start arriving at your dealer soon (June?)

Source: Ford - Press release after the jump.

Chevrolet preparing for Cruze Diesel

Diesel cars have had a troubled history in the US. During the first gas crisis, GM introduced a few diesel engines that were converted from regular gas-fueled engines. Not a great idea. The engines were reportedly not robust enough to handle a diesel engine's combustion process and had a tendency to fail. This left the proverbial "bad taste" in the mouths of many consumers. Now in 2012, we have a new gas crisis with gas prices climbing towards the $5/gal mark and the new clean-diesel tech is getting a second look from many buyers. In fact, prognosticators expect the diesel-engine segment of the US market to double by 2015. European automakers (VW, Audi, BMW) have been leading the diesel charge in the US (diesel engines account for more than 50 percent of the European market which includes Ford and GM). Chevrolet will be joining the US clean-diesel marketplace with the Cruze Diesel in 2013. Chevy has begun to prepare US buyers for their newest eco model with new info ads (above and below). Diesel-powered cars are clean (they pass the same pollution standards as gas-engined cars), more economical (than comparable gas-engined models), and less complex (and lighter) than comparable hybrid models. It will be interesting to see the EPA-certified fuel economy numbers for Chevy's new Cruze diesel when it becomes available next year.

Source: Chevrolet - Press release after the jump.

Ford Focus Electric to pace NASCAR race - Update

In an effort to expose more consumers to electric vehicles (EVs), Ford is bringing the Focus Electric to a new venue, NASCAR. The new Focus Electric will be the first ever EV pace car for NASCAR at the Richmond 400 race. “Ford research shows the majority of Americans would consider buying an electrified vehicle but do not yet understand the different technologies,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. "Highlighting the Focus Electric as a pace car is a fun way to educate consumers." Focus Electric production began in December with deliveries to dealers in California, New York, and New Jersey. Focus Electric is America’s most fuel-efficient five-seat car that offers the equivalent of 110 miles per gallon (MPGe) city, 99 MPGe highway (105 MPGe combined). Focus Electric can also be recharged in about half the time of its major competitors. Interestingly, an EV pace car makes sense with immediate torque availability and with today's EV range. Check out the video after the press release that shows the Focus Electric Pace Car at the track.

Source: Ford - Press release and video after the jump.

Mercedes-Benz Style furniture collection debuts

Mercedes-Benz has gotten together with Formitalia Luxury Group to create a line of furnishings that have a distinct automotive identity. Initially, the collection will include a sofa, chaise lounge, sideboard, dining room table with chairs, a home theatre system shelf unit, a bed, and a chest of drawers (see slideshow after the jump). Some of the items use Mercedes automotive paints in their design like the shelf unit in indium silver metallic that is combined with a dark grey painted rear panel (not shown). Aluminum is used extensively as are anodized metals. The designs are light and "give the impression of floating in space." If you like what you see, bring the bucks cuz this ain't gonna be cheap inexpensive. Check with your local high-end furniture retailers or designer for more. Two press releases and a slideshow after the jump.

Source: Mercedes Benz - Press releases after the jump.

Chevy Avalanche bids adieu with Black Diamond Edition

As the saying goes, "all good things must come to an end" even if those "things" aren't necessarily "good" anymore. Chevrolet's Avalanche was the answer to a question that no one is sure who asked, "how can we sell more SUVs?" The Avalanche had a lot going for it. It was the most mucho macho vehicle on the planet with all of the body-cladding and swagger any guy could want mated to a credible SUV platform. But when gas prices climbed and SUV sales tanked, what was Chevy to do? The Avalanche has soldiered on with few changes to the original formula. The body cladding is gone and with the new 2013 Black Diamond Edition, the truck parts are now body colored for a smoother visage. Gas prices are still climbing and the Avalanche is heading out to pasture. After more than eleven years and 580,000 units, the Avalanche will cease production after the 2013 model year. But should it? Maybe Chevy should build a Trailblazer- or Equinox-based Avalanche. It would make more sense and there aren't many small pick-ups on the market anymore, so... If the Chevy Avalanche is your V8-powered SUV with a truck bed thang, you'd better hurry down to your Chevy dealer while they're still available.

Source: Chevrolet - Press release (filled with superlatives) after the jump.

BMW reveals new 2012 Bike collection for summer fun

Every year, BMW puts together its latest models for sale in just about every mobility type and that includes bicycles. Cycle paths and single tracks will be more vibrant this summer thanks to the fresh color combinations, first-class tech, and premium quality of BMW’s Cruise Bike, Mountainbike Enduro, Touring Bike, Kidsbike, the Mountainbike Cross Country and the M Carbon Racer Bike, which promise loads of fun for any kind of rider. BMW bikes benefit from a 60-year tradition of BMW engineers applying their automotive expertise to bicycles. BMW bikes are built by people who love the roads and the woodland trails. Some BMW dealers carry these two-wheeled, people-powered cycles (don't forget BMW makes motorcycles too) or they can be purchased online at www.bmw-shop.com. for more info, check out the press release which includes specs and more pics.

Source: BMW - Press release after the jump.

2012 World Car Awards announced - NYIAS

Volkswagen's Up! city car has been named the World Car of the Year for 2012. Thirty-four new vehicles (three finalists - BMW 3-Series, Porsche 911 and the UP!) from around the world were eligible this year. The World Car Awards jurors observed that, “The little Volkswagen Up! has altered what we have come to expect from the citycar segment. Of note are the responsive steering, sophisticated suspension setup, new efficient engines, and the quality of materials and finish. Look for every builder of citycars to up its game just to compete with the new VW.”

Porsche's all-new 911 was named the World Performance Car for 2012. Said said Detlev von Platen, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, “We are honored that the new Porsche 911 S Coupe was chosen by this distinguished group of jurors as the 2012 World Performance Car of the Year. The new 911 is more powerful, delivers extraordinary driving dynamics, is more fuel efficient than ever, and is still a pure Porsche. Winning the 2012 World Performance Car is excellent validation from a global team of world-class journalists for the work and dedication of everyone at Porsche.”

 Land Rover's Range Rover Evoque was named the World Car  Design of the Year for 2012. The good-looking has been a hit with consumers since it hit the market earlier this year. Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer said, “We are honored that the Range Rover Evoque has been named 2012 World Car Design of the Year. This prestigious accolade recognizes the overwhelmingly positive response we've received to the Evoque's bold, dramatic design. It is a car that truly resonates on an emotional level” Indeed.

The Mercedes Benz S250 BlueEfficiency has been named the World Car Green Car of the Year for 2012. (Note: Other sited have reported the Focus Electric as winner but the official WCOY site names the Mercedes as winner). Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Board of Management, responsible for Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development observed that, “The highly efficient gasoline and diesel engines in the S-Class show that our customers can drive a luxury vehicle with a clear conscience. The S250 CDI is the most impressive example: with a fuel consumption of only 5,7 l per 100 km, the S250 CDI is the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in the world." And the first four-cylinder S-Class.

Source: World Car Awards - Press releases after the jump.

GM announces new models and prices

GM North America President Mark Reuss held a press conference this week announcing a couple of new models for Cadillac as well as prices for Buick's new Regal GS and the e-Assist system. e-Assist, GM's newest mild hybrid system, will set you back two grand but will help Buick's Regal, for example, get EPA numbers of 25/city and 36/highway. Really good numbers, but how long will it take you to make the bucks back with fuel savings (GM says 3 1/2 years)? Why not use Lincoln's model with the MKZ Hybrid of no additional cost for the tech? Reuss also showed the Buick Regal GS performance model with its 270-hp turbo-four and six-speed manual transmission (an automatic will be added later) that will be available this Fall for just over $35,000. In the Cadillac corner, Reuss confirmed production of the new Caddie ATS compact (above) that will fit in the range below the CTS as a 3-Series competitor (I thought that's what the CTS was?) and the XTS large luxo-sedan (XTS Concept pic below) that will replace the DTS and STS sedans. Both new Caddie models will be at your dealer in 2012. An even larger ZTS S-Class competitor for Cadillac is still in the rumor/development stage. GM is doing well these days and these new models should only add to the "excitement."

Source: GM - Press release after the jump.

Toyota Tapestry Program grants funds to science educators

Auto manufacturers have numerous ways to give back to the communities they serve and Toyota's Tapestry Grant program gives $10,000 to elementary and junior and senior high school science educators in conjunction with the National Science Teachers' Association (NSTA). The NSTA awards funding for innovative science proposals submitted by educators in environmental science. This year Tapestry selected 50 teachers from the US and its territories (Check out the list of those receiving grants as part of the press release). The program judges, accomplished in various areas of science education, select projects that stand out in creativity, risk-taking, and originality. This year’s projects range from creating bio-fuel in an effort to help school communities go green, to increasing food production on farms in urban environments. For more information about the NSTA, the Tapestry Program, and Toyota's various community programs, go to www.nsta.org/pd/tapestry or visit http://www.toyota.com/community.

Source: Toyota - Press release and grantee list after the jump.