Category Archives: AutoPilot

2013 Honda CR-Z

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Overview

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Description

If there’s a standout in the Honda 2013 lineup, it’s the CR-Z, but not for the reasons you might expect. The car’s true purpose remains masked by its contradictions, even after receiving a modest makeover and powertrain upgrade.

Visually, the car appears as sporty as all get out and a modern interpretation of the cute little CRX buzz-bomb of the 1980s and early ’90s. That Civic-based two-seater was the ideal dance partner for drivers of modest means who wanted something that was light on its feet, looked cool and could perform magic zipping around town or over twisty highways.

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2013 Toyota RAV4

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Overview

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Description

What a difference a couple of decades can make.
The original Toyota RAV4 that helped usher in the compact-utility segment back in 1996 was a major design and marketing breakthrough. Vehicles such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and others eventually followed, with all offering an economical and affordable way to deal with just about any type of inclemency that Ma Nature might have tossed our way.
The latest RAV4 is no less capable, but over the years has evolved into an elegant, sophisticated and highly detailed wagon. Physically it now displays all sorts of swoops and curves that replace a boxier design. In back, the side hinged cargo door with attached spare

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2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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Overview

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Description

Sport utility vehicles might be fading from the automotive landscape, but at least a couple of Chrysler’s Jeep-branded models tenaciously hold firm to the go-anywhere concept.

Of course Jeep’s warrior-inspired Wrangler is the group’s undisputed icon, but there’s certainly nothing old fashioned about the updated Grand Cherokee that’s now rolling off the assembly lines. The new 2014 model shows a freshly scrubbed face plus some major adjustments under the hood.

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2014 Kia Forte

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Overview

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Description

Well, they can’t all be homeruns, all the time, now can they?

Despite being an all-new model for 2010, the Kia Forte never really caught on in a big way. When you look at the numbers now, it really has nowhere to go but up; and with this redesign, that’s where this compact is headed.

The new Forte that launches this spring bears the unmistakable influence of design chief Peter Schreyer. For the past six years, the former Audi stylist has been largely responsible for the style of Kia’s fleet, as well as those built by its Hyundai parent. With Schreyer’s assistance, Hyundai Elantra sales have more than doubled since the 2008 model year, while the Forte, which trails by a considerable margin, has experienced a more modest advance since arriving for 2010. The Forte’s platform is shared with the Elantra.

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2012 Fiat 500

Overview

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Description

It’s called the Cinquecento in Italy, but the Fiat 500 spells cheeky fuel-saving funster in any language. Of all many new arrivals from the revitalized Chrysler organization, the one car on everyone’s mind is the Italian designed, built-in-Mexico Fiat. The original 500 dates back to 1957 and was Fiat’s way to get Italians off their Vespa motor scooters and into a more practical four-wheeled conveyance. At the time, French, German plus other European automakers were busy ramping up production of their own tiny cars, a pattern that the British would also follow with the advent of the Mini in 1959. The Mini’s successful 2003 relaunch under BMW’s direction set the stage for a similar return for a brand new Fiat 500 that arrived in Europe for 2007 following a three decade absence. It’s now set to debut here as a 2012 model. (LAST UPDATED DEC. 2010). By Malcolm Gunn, Wheelbase Media. The AutoPilot feature is a 700-word (the length varies slightly depending on subject) new-vehicle story plus high-resolution artwork, page layout and separate text file for maximum layout flexibility. Specs too! Please note that the .zip files range in size from 20-50 mb.

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2012 Buick Verano

Overview

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Description

What does vehicle size have to do with luxury? Not much anymore. Traditionally, compact models have been aimed at buyers seeking affordable wheels that stretched their fuel dollars to the max. “Affordable” means limited features, of course. However, that tradition is rapidly disappearing as vehicles such as the upcoming 2012 Buick Verano emerge to redefine and challenge the small-equals-cheap belief. (LAST UPDATED FEB 2011). By Malcolm Gunn, Wheelbase Media. The AutoPilot feature is a 700-word (the length varies slightly depending on subject) new-vehicle story plus high-resolution artwork, page layout and separate text file for maximum layout flexibility. Specs too! Please note that the .zip files range in size from 20-50 mb.

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2012 Volkswagen Passat

Overview

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Description

In one of the toughest arenas of competition, Volkswagen is slashing the price of the 2012 Passat, yet increasing the size and not by tiny increments. But dropping the price by about $8,000 surely means some corner-cutting someplace, right? Well, it’s tough to tell when you’re seeing an all-new platform since you can’t make an A-B comparison, but there is some cutting in one significant area that you just can’t see . . . since it’s concealed by the hood. (LAST UPDATED FEB 2011). By Malcolm Gunn, Wheelbase Media. The AutoPilot feature is a 700-word (the length varies slightly depending on subject) new-vehicle story plus high-resolution artwork, page layout and separate text file for maximum layout flexibility. Specs too! Please note that the .zip files range in size from 20-50 mb.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Overview

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Description

With 110 years of sports-car history in its back pocket, Mercedes-Benz has learned a thing or two about what makes these cars and their proud owners tick. And this vast experience is packed into the 2012 SLK roadster that’s due to arrive this summer. Style and substance are necessary ingredients for any sports car, but, for Mercedes-Benz, how the vehicle makes you feel and how others see you behind the wheel are perhaps treated with equal importance. SLK customers will likely feel and look particularly good with this third-generation drop-topper. (LAST UPDATED MARCH 2011). By Malcolm Gunn, Wheelbase Media. The AutoPilot feature is a 700-word (the length varies slightly depending on subject) new-vehicle story plus high-resolution artwork, page layout and separate text file for maximum layout flexibility. Specs too! Please note that the .zip files range in size from 20-50 mb.

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2012 Mazda5

Overview

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Description

For on-the-go families who don’t require massive minivan space, the compact Mazda5 presents a reasonable alternative to a regular-size minivan or even a junior sport utility vehicle. Steadily increasing fuel prices are on many new-car-buyers’ minds these days, along with finding ways to reduce overall operating expenses while maintaining or increasing the level of versatility that their vehicles can deliver. A modicum of driving enjoyment would definitely add some frosting to the cake. The original and somewhat anonymous Mazda5 that was introduced for the 2006 model year managed to deliver on all counts and the updated 2012 edition promises more of the same, except the anonymity part. (LAST UPDATED JAN. 2011). By Malcolm Gunn, Wheelbase Media. The AutoPilot feature is a 700-word (the length varies slightly depending on subject) new-vehicle story plus high-resolution artwork, page layout and separate text file for maximum layout flexibility. Specs too! Please note that the .zip files range in size from 20-50 mb.

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2012 Ford Boss 302

Overview

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Description

Why is the Boss 302 back? Aside from pressing all the right nostaligia hot buttons and providing enthusiasts with a high-performance car that’s good for the road or the track, the real reason might be the engine. Without a “302” there could never be a Boss 302 in the first place. The new Boss wasn’t possible until the 2011 model year when the 412-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 (302 cubic inches) replaced the 4.6 in the GT model. Thus the road was paved for the revival of the Boss 302. But just what kind of nostalgia are we talking about, here? (LAST UPDATED DEC. 2010). By Malcolm Gunn, Wheelbase Media. The AutoPilot feature is a 700-word (the length varies slightly depending on subject) new-vehicle story plus high-resolution artwork, page layout and separate text file for maximum layout flexibility. Specs too! Please note that the .zip files range in size from 20-50 mb.

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