Vehicles

Honeywell, DuPont defend R-1234yf; Ford backs refrigerant studies Daimler's decision to halt use of the new refrigerant on safety concerns leads to a product defense by joint-venture suppliers Honeywell and DuPont, citing SAE studies and their own tests. Although GM is the only U.S. maker with R-1234yf cars, Ford also backs the refrigerant's use. Read full story

2014 Ford Transit features five-cylinder diesel option in North America As the eventual replacement to Ford's E-Series vehicles, the all-new Transit means more configuration choices and the only five-cylinder diesel engine option in North America's commercial van segment. Read full story

Top Peugeot designer talks aerodynamics, design trends Aerodynamic considerations plainly play an important part in car design, but are they a challenge or an opportunity for a designer? “A bit of both,” says Peugeot's Gilles Vidal. “You know that you won’t achieve the best possible aerodynamic score because if we do so it will most likely be an ugly car.” Read full story

Chevy offers two MyLink systems A low-cost system on the 2013 Spark and Sonic introduces Apple's Siri and $50 BringGo navigation. The 2014 Impala has upscale Cadillac CUE-derived MyLink with embedded navigation and a screen resembling a smartphone. Read full story

2014 Mazda6 will offer low-compression diesel New model range begins with a 2.5-L Skyactiv gasoline engine but adds a 2.2-L Skyactiv diesel with 14.0:1 compression ratio after mid-2013. The car also features a Mazda U.S. first, regenerative braking with capacitor energy capture. Read full story

Acura RLX shows advanced rear-steer, engine technology The luxury sedan has rear steering with a separate motor at each wheel, and its new engine features I-VTEC valvetrain integrated electronically with re-engineered control of a cylinder deactivation system and computer-controlled engine mounts. Read full story

Fast refresh for 2013 Civic includes revisions for IIHS small overlap frontal crash test Just one year since the 2012 all-new model, Honda performs major changes to overcome styling and interior criticism, with most hard plastic interior trim replaced. Structural changes are intended to ACE the new frontal crash test. Read full story

2014 Transit Connect to become a 'mini' minivan It will be available in two wheelbases, one close to the 1984 Chrysler minivan's. Rear suspension will be changed to improve ride, and new engines will be offered for better performance, up to 30 mpg highway fuel economy. Commercial variants are to come. Read full story

2014 Subaru Forester includes direct-injection turbo Base engine is 2.5-L naturally aspirated unit, and fuel economy is up 17% and highway number is 32 mpg as Subaru replaces four-speed automatic with CVT that has adaptive learning. The 2.0-L turbo is rated at 250 hp (187 kW). Vehicle size is almost unchanged, but rear-seat legroom is increased and cargo area is larger. Read full story