Vehicles

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

Improved natural gas fuel tanks and pumps for autos ARPA-e program involves several companies, government labs, and universities developing solutions so the U.S. can take advantage of its abundant natural gas reserves. Read full story

Clemson students show their concept for Next-BIG-Thing in automotive design The prototype, sans body panels, was produced in less than two years. The six-passenger design, reflecting Gen Y social values, was exhibited at the 2012 SEMA Show. It uses a 1.5-L turbocharged four-cylinder for front drive and adds hybrid electric drive in the rear for power, economy, and all-wheel-drive capability. Read full story

“Lincoln Motor Company” opened for business New York City’s Lincoln Center served as the backdrop for Ford's “reboot” of its luxury brand as the Lincoln Motor Company. The revival begins with the MKZ midsize sedan, but further differentiation could come from more exclusive high-performance versions of existing powerplants, plus perhaps European engines. And Ford’s rear-drive architecture, used by the Mustang, and it is being evaluated for luxury performance car use. Read full story

Vortex rocket engine reaps the whirlwind Lightweight combustion chamber walls stay cool because hot-burning propellant remains confined to a central cyclone Read full story

2014 Spark EV pioneers dc quick charging with new SAE Combo Connector GM's first battery-electric vehicle debuts at the 2012 L.A. Auto Show with a $25,000 base price, optional dc quick charging capability, and sub-8-s 0-60 mph acceleration. Read full story

Fiat’s 2014 500L brings 'glassy' style to the North American MPV market The new compact, B-segment MPV was up-engineered by Chrysler to meet U.S. safety, emissions, and customer requirements. Powered by a 1.4-L Multiair turbocharged engine, the MY2014 model debuted at the L.A. Auto Show. Read full story