This past Tuesday we published news that reflects traffic fatalities are at all time high and one way the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) wants to try to lower those is by focusing on tougher laws for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The most debated piece in this focus is the recommendation to lower the legal blood alcohol level. Currently, all states have a limit of 0.08, but the National Safety Board wants to see that lowered to 0.05.

Chairman of NTSB, Deborah A.P. Hersman said, “Most Americans think that we’ve solved the problem of impaired driving, but in fact, it’s still a national epidemic. NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman said. “On average, every hour one person is killed and 20 more are injured.”

The NTSB estimates that about 1,000 lives would be saved per year if the legal blood alcohol limit were lowered. There current press release states:

“Each year in the United States, nearly 10,000 people are killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers and more than 173,000 are injured, with 27,000 suffer incapacitating injuries. Since the mid-1990s, even as total highway fatalities have fallen, the proportion of deaths from accidents involving an alcohol-impaired driver has remained constant at around 30 percent. In the last 30 years, nearly 440,000 people have died in alcohol related crashes.

Today, investigators cited research that showed that although impairment begins with the first drink, by 0.05 BAC, most drivers experience a decline in both cognitive and visual functions, which significantly increases the risk of a serious crash. Currently, over 100 countries on six continents have BAC limits set at 0.05 or lower. The NTSB has asked all 50 states to do the same.”

Along with lowering the blood alcohol limit, they would also like to toughen the laws for violators. These laws include using passive alcohol sensors designed to detect alcohol vapor in the ambient environment, giving authorities the power to immediately suspend or revoke driver’s licenses at the time of DWI and improvements in interlock compliance.

The 2014 GMC Sierra Regular Cab truck is getting ready to hit the dealerships, with a Double Cab configuration that will be available at that time as well. Eventually there will be three cab sizes and three bed lengths to pick and choose through, but what we have now is in the image. This one has a 6.5 foot bed and has gotten a host of other updates including better gas mileage, a quieter cab and reduced vibration and harshness – so basically it will feel more like driving a car and less like driving a rig, but it’s still all truck.

A major improvement that General Motors is especially proud of is the new aerodynamic engineering. The engineers used a high tech Aerodynamics Lab which was made up of a 750 foot long tunnel and a 43 inch diameter fan that produced an equivalent of 4,500 horsepower to generate winds up to 138 miles per hour. This allowed them to test every nook and cranny to make sure to design the 2014 GMC Sierra to be the most aerodynamically truck ever built.

Aerodynamic Engineer, Diane Bloch, commented, “We can’t stop air; we can only guide it through the path of least resistance. It’s like electricity, without the shock. The biggest misconception is that it’s all about single components. But a certain side mirror design doesn’t create a certain amount of drag, its interaction with the rest of the vehicle does. We discovered that in the computational analysis we perform. The most harmful air between the cab and bed was coming over the cab and down through the gap, so we paid the most attention to that specific area.”

Block also pointed out that keeping the tailgate up while driving is better for aerodynamics. This is because if the tailgate is down the benefits of the airflow are diminished. Having an aftermarket net is the worst thing you can do if you are looking to improve the aerodynamics.

Source General Motors

The 2013 Dodge Dart has been on the road for about a year now and Dodge has figured out that drivers are consistently choosing specific options. To make it easier, these options are now put into Special Edition packages that drivers can choose from- at a lowered price.

Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO, Dodge Brand, said, “These new Dodge Dart Special Edition packages show how we’re listening to our customers. Since we launched the all-new Dart last June, we’ve been able to see how customers are ordering their Darts, and as a result, we have simplified our offerings to meet their requests – allowing us to offer them an even better value in the process.”

According to the press release, here is what you can pick and choose through if you are thinking about driving home your own 2013 Dodge Dart Special Edition Model:

• “New Dart SXT Special Edition package includes a black cross-hair grille, projector fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth and class-exclusive features, including dark-tinted projector headlamps, LED racetrack tail lamps, integrated dual exhaust and front passenger seat in-seat storage for a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $595
• New Rallye Appearance Group lets buyers customize their Dart SXT Special Edition and includes a unique dark front fascia, Rallye badge and class-exclusive 17-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels for a U.S. MSRP of $395
• New Dart Limited Special Edition package adds a power sunroof, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, dual zone automatic temperature control, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and class-exclusive features, including LED racetrack tail lamps, premium Nappa leather seats and Garmin Navigation on the 8.4-inch touch screen for a U.S. MSRP of just $1,810”

The 2013 Dodge Dart Special Edition Models should keep sales going strong. It is currently enjoying record breaking sales and won the award for having the highest total quality score for the compact car segment according to Strategic Vision Total Quality Index.

Source Dodge

The 2013 Total Quality Awards results have been released and Congratulations goes to our American Automakers for coming out on top for having the most wins for their high quality vehicles. Volkswagen continues to hold the crown, in fact for eight years in a row now, for the Best Overall Corporation. Audi and Lexus tied for best individual brands.

The President of Strategic Vision, Alexander Edwards points out: “There’s no questioning domestic car makers want to lead. For the first time in over a decade our comprehensive and complete study of Quality resulted in more domestic winners than imports. Don’t misunderstand, imports like Hyundai are a force to be reckoned with and Toyota has regrouped with Total Quality winners Lexus LS, Tacoma and FJ Cruiser. However, domestics are running in the tight race also, and it’s now forcing all manufacturers to build the most superior, innovative and holistically Quality vehicles possible to gain the hearts and minds of the customer.”

Here are the Segment Winner(s) and their Total Quality Index Score:

• Small Car Dodge Dart 884
• Small Multi-Function Kia Soul 868
• Mid-Size Car Ford Fusion 908 and Chevrolet Volt 907
• Mid-Size Multi-Function Honda Accord Crosstour 877
• Large Car Volkswagen CC 920
• Near-Luxury Car Hyundai Genesis Sedan 922 and Audi A4 Sedan 921
• Luxury Car Lexus LS 955
• Specialty Coupe MINI Cooper Hardtop 913
• Premium Coupe Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 931
• Convertibles Chrysler 200 Convertible 917
• Premium Convertible/ Roadster Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 959 and Porsche Boxster 957
• Minivan Chrysler Town & Country 850
• Entry Utility Volkswagen Tiguan 885 and Toyota FJ Cruiser 883
• Mid-Size Crossover Utility Chevrolet Traverse 900
• Mid-Size Traditional Utility Dodge Durango 881
• Large Utility GMC Yukon 893
• Near-Luxury Utility Buick Enclave 928
• Luxury Utility Porsche Cayenne 948
• Standard Pickup Toyota Tacoma 847
• Full-Size Pickup Chevrolet Avalanche 896
• Heavy-Duty Pickup Ford F-250/350 892

Source Strategic Vision

The 2014 Mercedes S Class will launch with two new models for the United States. The S550 will be here just around the time the kiddies get back to school in September and the S550 4Matic version will show up about a month later. These two new editions have a more powertrain options which also include plug-in hybrid choices for the eco conscious drivers. The S500 gets a twin turbo V8 that will get 449 horsepower and 516 pound feet of torque. It hasn’t been confirmed whether these new members of the S Class family will get a high zoot Pullman model or not.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, sums it up best by saying: “Rather than being about safety or aesthetics, power or efficiency, comfort or dynamism, our aspirations were ‘the best or nothing’ in every respect. No other car stands for the Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class.”

Design Chief for the 2014 Mercedes S-Class, Gorden Wagener, adds, “The sophisticated design of the S-Class has always been an expression of luxury and automotive grandeur of its era. And our new S-Class continues this tradition. With its classic architecture and flowing silhouette, it is a modern embodiment of sensual clarity. The design draws a line from the sophisticated, progressive design idiom to the classic elegance of our 1930s cars – intelligence that speaks to the emotions. Stylish sportiness and sensual forms in synthesis with timeless clarity and effortless superiority make the S-Class a true design icon,”

According to the Official Press Release, the most important new technology functions at a glance are:

System Functions

COMAND Online

• WLAN HotSpot integrated into the head unit as standard
• Unrestricted internet browsing
• SMS/email read/write function
• Mercedes-Benz services (e.g. Google search, weather, Facebook, news)
• Internet radio
• Navigation – Navitainment (DriveShow, Google Maps, StreetView)
• Map showing the entire globe possible
• Travelguide and personal POIs
• Display of satellite images
• Optimized 3D navigation with topographical model, photorealistic buildings and map rotation
• Optimized search engine and destination input
• Compilation of four alternative routes
• Download of predefined destinations and routes
• Live Traffic Information
• Radio – Song tagging – flagging of played songs and download via iTunes
• Convenient editing/sorting of the station list
• Station search by station name
• Player – Coverflow display and search by album cover
• Two USB connectors
• Optional Media Interface integrated into the head unit to support mobile devices
• Bluetooth® Audio – wireless music from mobile devices
• Optimized media search engine
• “Play similar titles”
• Reproduction of further audio/video formats
• Display of title information from an internal database and via the internet (Gracenote)
• PictureViewer via SD card/USB
• Phone • Simple Pairing Assist for easy telephone connection via Bluetooth®
• Display of photos stored in the address book possible when a call comes in
• Facility for simultaneous connection of two telephones via Bluetooth® (1st telephone to COMAND Online, 2nd to rear unit)
• Telephone operation by COMAND Online and in the rear if only one phone in the car is connected
• Display of images matching callers, separately stored via COMAND Online
• Placing of telephone calls from other applications (e.g. web browser)
• Control of several telephone calls by call waiting and conference function
• Convenient Bluetooth® handset with touch operation and remote control if rear telephony is specified
• Operation of the system via smartphone/WLAN

Source Mercedes-Benz

General Motors is about as excited as kids with free access to Disney World about their new 2014 Cadillac XTS. This is the most technologically advanced Cadillac in the history of the brand and everyone is expecting it to fly out the dealership showroom floors faster than hotcakes for Sunday brunch. The hardest part of that will be deciding what kinds of options you want on it, because the choices seem endless.

For starters, the standard engine in the 2014 Cadillac XTS is the all ready favorite 3.6 liter V6 that gives 304 horsepower and 264 pound feet of torque and that is nothing to sneeze at. There is also a twin turbocharged 3.6 liter V6 that ups the horses to 410 along with 369 pound feet of torque. This is just 10 horsepower slower than the CTS, but who’s counting? This premier engine will be set apart by adding a specific grille treatment and badge on the decklid.

As far as the other features? Hang onto your hat. Here is some of the what the press release has announced that you can expect for the 2014 Cadillac XTS:

XTS design and exterior features

• Unique “Twin-Turbo” grille and deck lid identification on models equipped with the 3.6L twin-turbo engine
• Premium chrome/satin-chrome grille finish on Platinum Collection
• Intellibeam automatic headlamp control is standard on Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections
• Illuminating door handles are standard on all Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections
• Capless fuel-filling system is standard on all models
• High-intensity discharge headlamps with Twilight Sentinel are standard on all models
• Adaptive Forward Lighting is standard on Premium and Platinum collections
• LED center high-mounted rear stop lamp is standard on all models
• Heated outside mirrors with auto-dimming feature, turn-signal indicators and puddle lamps are standard on all models
• Rainsense automatic windshield wipers are standard on Luxury, Premium and Platinum collections
• Nineteen-inch polished aluminum wheels are standard on Luxury and Premium Collections
• Twenty-inch aluminum wheels with polished finish and chrome inserts are standard on the Platinum Collection
• Eight exterior color choices: Radiant Silver Metallic, Black Raven, Crystal Red Tintcoat, White Diamond Tricoat, Graphite Metallic, Black Diamond Tricoat, Silver Coast Metallic and Sapphire Blue Metallic.

XTS interior features:

• Adaptive remote start is standard on all models
• Audio system with Bose premium eight-speaker sound is standard on the base model and Luxury Collection
• Bose Studio Surround Sound with 14-speaker system with energy-efficient amplifier is standard on Premium and Platinum Collections
• Rear-seat entertainment system is available on Premium and Platinum Collections
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with free trial period) and HD radio are standard on all models
• Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard on Premium and Platinum Collections Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on the base model and Luxury Collection
• Leather-wrapped IP and door trim top pad, along with the center console, is standard on the Platinum Collection
• Color, reconfigurable 12.3-inch gauge cluster with driver information center is standard on Premium and Platinum Collections
• Head-Up Display with color readouts is standard on the Premium and Platinum Collections
• Illuminated entry and courtesy lighting is standard on all models
• Accent lighting, including LED spotlights with light pipes, is standard on Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections
• Soleil Keisel leather seating surfaces with mini-perforated inserts are standard on the Standard model, Luxury and Premium Collections
• Opus full-leather seats with mini-perforated inserts are standard on the Platinum Collection
• Heated driver/front passenger and outboard rear passenger seats and vented driver/front passenger seats are standard on Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections
• Leather-accented steering wheel with wood accents and tap up/tap down transmission controls is standard
• Heated steering wheel is standard on Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections
• Power rear window shade and manual rear side window shades are available on the Premium Collection and standard on the Platinum Collection
• Real wood trim is incorporated on all models
• Six interior color/trim combinations: Jet Black, Shale with Cocoa accents, Medium Titanium with Jet Black accents, Caramel with Jet Black accents, Jet Black with Light Wheat accents and Very Light Platinum with Dark Urban and Cocoa accents.

If you think that’s a lot, it’s really just the tip of the iceberg, but don’t let it overwhelm you, just head on over to your Caddy dealer and let them help you out.

Source General Motors