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Now whoever likes SUV’s and especially GMC SUV’s should like the GMC Yukon. They are powerful thanks to the V8 engines, one of which can produce 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque, and the second which produces 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. The GMC Denali can run on E-85 which means it can run on an 85% percent blend of ethanol. The only bad thing about the Yukon is the fuel economy. Well the Yukon has the answer to the bad fuel economy fuel predicament which is the GMC Yukon hybrid. The hybrid increases fuel economy by about 33%. One advantage to it being huge is that it can transport a lot of people and things around, and it can tow a good amount. So you’re really sacrificing fuel economy for transportation. Since you’re sacrificing fuel economy for transportation, you really have to think if you’re going to tow many sizeable things everyday or just here and there. If your answer is that you’re going to tow here and there, then don’t even get the Yukon because it will be a greater cost to benefit ratio. If this is your answer, I would suggest that you get an SUV crossover because you can still have the towing ability, and it will be far better on fuel. Or if you really have your heart set on getting a Yukon, the sacrifice between gasoline and transportation can be solved by getting the hybrid version. But beware, the base hybrid with 2WD is $12,000 more than the base Yukon with the gas engine.

Another factor to consider is that this SUV is harder to park in some spots than crossover and some other SUVs because of its mass. But if this doesn’t matter to you, by all means then buy the Yukon. You will definitely love this SUV.

Come down to our dealership to see this SUV in person and to test drive the GMC Yukon in Miami at Williamson Autos.

Social Media has become a major force for many large brands, and this includes the major brands that make up the competitive automotive industry. Recently in Social Media Week in New York City, Ford announced that they plan to launch their new campaign called “Fiesta Movement”. The campaign is a mix of unconventional marketing and new wave social media marketing. Using brand advocates and online influence to push their brand across the internet. The lucky 100 individuals who will receive a Fiesta for 6 months can drive the Ford completely free, and all they are asked to do is simply blog about their experience, tweet about it and use any other social media sites to get the Ford Fiesta recognized.

At Ford’s headquarters for their social media marketing efforts, their head of Social Media, Scott Monty, mentioned among the 100 people there will be a mix of celebrities as well, either television, music or just self-established celebrities from their own marketing efforts. Back in 2009 they did a similar campaign, and this time around they expect to have a much larger impact, especially with how improved social media has become, and the digital devices for video and pictures make it a lot easier to capture moments. Their 2009 campaign, was something that was relatively new and unconventional by marketing standards, but regardless of that it was seen as a great success for Ford, and it showed that big brand companies can utilize the influence behind social media, and mix in some guerrilla marketing techniques to reach new audiences, improving their brand awareness. This campaign of course will be cushioned by well places advertisements online, Tv and in traditional print ads.

The original Jeep Compass, which debuted for 2007, did not carry the “Trail Rated” badge found on all other SUVs in the Jeep family. This did not go over especially well for the hardcore Jeep fans, as they felt the Compass did not belong in the Jeep lineup – after all, the Trail Rated badge is one of Jeep’s main identities. By the end of the 2010 model year the automaker knew it had to do something to retarget the Compass, and convince consumers that the Compass did, in fact, belong in the lineup. When the 2011 Compass rolled out, it was not only give the official “Trail Rated” badge for the first time by offering an optional Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package which includes a continuously variable transmission fitted with a low-range setting, all-terrain tires inside 17-inch aluminum wheels, skid plates, a four-wheel-drive system, and an increase ground clearance of a full inch. The Compass was styled in a way to look like a miniature version of the Grand Cherokee. Critics and fans agreed, the Compass was greatly improved while still maintain its own identity. Today it seems as though the Jeep Compass has found its true place in the Jeep family, it is still a vehicle that targets first-time Jeep buyers and those who drive primarily on paved roads. However, it has enough Jeep accolades and trademark features of the automaker that it fits in quite nicely with its siblings.

Jeep has recently posted information about three of their 2014 vehicles in the lineup, the Compass being one of the. Not that the official information has come out, rumors being spread that the ’14 Compass was going to be a brand new Alfa Romeo–based compact crossover have been put to rest. However, the Compass is getting some major updates, namely to its powertrain, and from what we can tell so far, the 2014 Jeep Compass is sure to make its mark as a highly acclaimed crossover.

To improve the Compass’ powertrain Jeep has gotten rid of the highly criticized continuously variable transmission that’s been used in the Compass since its debut. It will be replaced with a new Hyundai-designed six-speed step-gear automatic. This powertrain comes standard on the mid-level Compass Latitude and range-topping Limited trims, and optional on the base Sport model. The six-speed also includes a new manual shifting mode; between the new transmission and other tweaks here and there the 2014 Compass should get a slight boost in its acceleration performance. If you would like to learn more about this new Jeep model, just visit your local S. FL dealer Arrigo Palm Beach, or any certified Jeep dealership in your area. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Other improvements to the 2014 Compass include 18-inch aluminum wheels, chrome bezels surrounding fog lamps, and projector-beam halogen headlamps on Limited models. The cabin now offers perforated leather seats for upper trim levels, and a new vinyl-wrapped console cover and door panels for the base levels. In the safety department a much-needed backup camera will also be added and seat-mounted side airbags will now be standard.

Cadillac currently only has one hybrid on the market – the Escalade Hybrid. While the Escalade Hybrid is a perfect model for those who truly need the cargo and passenger capacity the Escalade offers, it certainly does not get the mileage of what a hybrid sedan would. This is where the brand new ELR comes in. The ELR is Cadillac’s futuristic plug-in hybrid due to go on sale in the early months of 2014. What will be Cadillac’s most fuel efficient vehicle first debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this year.

The Cadillac ELR originated out of a concept car – the Converj, which Cadillac showed off a few years ago at the same auto show. While the majority of production vehicles are severely altered and brought back to the norm when compared to their original concept, the production model ELR retains many of the bold elements found in its show-car predecessor. The ELR is built on the same platform as the Chevy Volt and using a powertrain that is very close to what the Volt uses, a 1.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine that is paired with an electric motor. Also like the Volt, the gas engine doesn’t power the car directly. The ’14 Cadillac ELR will run on the electric motor until the 16.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack is depleted, then the gas engine will kick in to power a generator that in turn produces electricity to feed the motor. Wondering if you will be able to get plenty of ‘go’ out of this vehicle? The result of the gas engine and electric system equals a total equivalent of 207 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which is plenty of power for most drivers. Range is estimated at about 35 miles in pure electric mode, and the time to charge the battery is estimated at 4.5 hours with a 240-volt fast charger. If you are interested in taking the ELR for a test drive as soon as it arrives on the lot, just contact your local Cadillac dealership, such as the Williamson Cadillac dealership in Florida. They will keep you updated as to when this very impressive model will officially arrive.

Like the Chevy Volt, the ELR’s power, battery usage, mileage, and battery charge will be able to be monitored and managed via a smartphone app. Owners will even be able to schedule charges ahead of time and to take advantage of better electricity rates. The design of the ELR is a modern take on the iconic Cadillac grille, which features a flush design to maximize efficiency. Even the door handles are hidden to increase the ELR’s aerodynamics. The ELR’s power is centered around an advanced electric drive propulsion system that features an onboard, range-extending, gas-powered generator. It provides instant torque and the smooth, shiftless acceleration of electric drive, while keeping gas power on reserve for longer journeys. All Cadillac ELR models will be manufactured at the General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant in Michigan. While the ELR has not hit dealership showrooms yet, it is already gaining some very positive attention. The sleek design of the has earned praise from journalists, consumers, as well as picky industry designers, who named it Best Production Vehicle at the 2013 Eyes On Design award.

The Kia Forte first debuted for the 2010 model year as a compact car that was expected to compete well in its class. The Forte did in fact earn a place as a compact car with a good reputation. However entries into this segment are not what they were even two years ago. These day drivers expect even a compact car to be packed with cabin features and technology, as well as offer a nice exterior design. The tin-can compacts of the past few decades are now a thing of the past. Kia has responded to this upscale movement by presenting a completely redesigned Forte for the 2014 model year. It looks good, offers a long list of technology, as well as options that are not usually found in this class.

The new 2014 Kia Forte exterior is crisply chiseled and gets a wheelbase that is two inches longer than the previous car. The front end has a winged bumper shape as well as Kia’s trademark grille. The windshield is set at a rake angle that gives it a sporty feel. Body color is used on doorhandles and mirrors. A chrome beltline helps to emphasize the glasshouse’s wedge profile. Step to the rear of the Forte and you will find a rear window with a large rake angle, as well as a little taste of European flair with its generous deck height. Making things more convenient for owners, Kia has made the trunk opening is two inches wider for smoother loading. The overall exterior design of this new Kia may be thought of as Euro-derived. At the same time the lines are tight and well balanced, and overall the car is attractive to look at.

Compact cars biggest challenge is the cabin space. While buyers may not notice slight imperfections in a roomy car, the smaller cabin of a compact makes it easier for shoppers to be aware of cheap plastic or gimmicky controls – because in a compact you are close to everything. When developing the Forte, Kia designers were obviously aware of this, and made it a point to make the Forte cabin upscale. The dash instruments are large and bright, and the various control buttons have a pleasing sense to their operation. The dash features a ripple effect on the passenger side to provide character. With a 10-degree angle toward the driver, the center console is clean and uncluttered.

Kia got things right with the 2014 Forte. They elevated this model to compete with the rest of the top options in this class. Exterior design is not only stylish, but has also gotten enough improved aerodynamic to achieve a slippery drag coefficient of 0.27. The engine choices are all great, from the fuel efficient base engine, to the speedy, but also efficient, turbo. If you are in search of a compact car, don’t skip over the Kia Forte, it is worth your time to check it out. Just contact your local dealership, such as Team Kia NH, and they will be happy to schedule you for a test drive.

Mazda is an automaker that has a reputation for producing quality vehicles that are not only affordable, but fun to drive. While there are many advantages to purchasing a new car, there are also many reason why someone may purchase used. They are easier on the budget, do not have the huge depreciation that a new car does, and generally have lower insurance and registration fees. However some shoppers may be wary of buying used, and have concerns about the condition the vehicle is in, the reliability of it, and whether it has modern and up to date technologies. This is where the certified pre-owned (CPO) car comes in. CPOs are like the traditional used car, in that they have been previously owned. But that is where the similarities stop. Depending on the specific automakers CPO program cars can be no more than four to six years old, with a maximum of 50,000 to 80,000 miles on the odometer. They must pass a rigorous multi-point inspection before they can go up for sale, and they even come with some type of warranty. When inspection reveals significant problems, repairs have to be made. For that reason, dealers would rather pick the “cream” of the lot for certification. If the car is found to be in good condition as it stands, little additional investment is needed to turn it into a Certified Pre-Owned model. They are usually priced just slightly higher than a non-certified used car, but for most shoppers the peace of mind that they are getting a vehicle in tip-top shape.

Mazda offers an excellent Certified Pre-Owned vehicle program. Only well-maintained, late model vehicles make the certified cut. For those who choose to purchase a Mazda CPO car you can be more than confident it will perform with all the zoom-zoom, heart-pounding, fun-loving, exhilarate experience that you would expect from Mazda. Mazda takes pride in its Certified Pre-Owned program, so that when you step into your car it feels like new. How does Mazda guarantee this? Each vehicle is required to endure a 150-point inspection inside and out to ensure peak performance. Similar to new-car Mazda buyers, those who drive home a certified used car don’t have to worry about breakdowns and costly repairs. Your CPO car maybe ‘second hand’, but you can be sure it features modern safety and convenience technology, and that it has the it has pass a complete vehicle inspection.

Many dealerships, such as Reedman Toll Mazda, list their inventories of certified used cars right on their website. That way, potential buyers can search for a model they may be interested in before they head down to the dealership. Once you find a CPO you are interested in it is very important to still schedule a test drive. Even though you know the vehicle is in good shape, you need to make sure you are happy with the way it handles, as well as determining whether it will fit your needs, such as cargo and passenger capacity.

The model name Zephyr has a long and distinguished history at Ford Motor Company. As the folks at Reedman-Toll Lincoln tell us, at various times the Zephyr model name was used by Ford’s Mercury Division, the British Ford Group and most recently by Ford’s Lincoln Division. However, there is an original Zephyr and it was a famous automobile built in the 1930s by Ford’s Lincoln Division.

The history of the Zephyr actually can be traced to Edsel Ford. Edsel was Henry’s only son and was gifted with an eye for automotive styling that his father never had. As president of Ford Motor Company from 1919 until 1943, Edsel gave the “austere” Model T Ford line curved surfaces and streamlined lines. And he liked colors other than black. Henry Ford was famous for stating that “Customers can have [their car] in any color as long as it’s black” and it was Edsel that convinced him to allow other paint colors to be applied to Ford Motor Company cars.

In 1922, Ford, with much lobbying by Edsel, purchased the bankrupt Lincoln Motor Company. Lincoln was one of the finest automobiles of its generation and Edsel felt it would make an excellent premium line for Ford. Within a few years, Ford had the Lincoln line of automobiles re-engineered and profitable. It wasn’t until 1936 that Ford produced a lower-priced model to complement its more prestigious Lincoln line. The name Zephyr was chosen and aesthetically the “Lincoln Zephyr” contained design characteristics far ahead of its time.

With its elegant contours and smooth aerodynamics, the Zephyr was a masterpiece of styling and quickly made up approximately eighty percent of Lincoln’s total auto sales. One of the reasons was its engine. Powered by a big V-12, the Zephyr was able to reach a “phenomenal” top speed of 90 mph. And even though the body was constructed in the conventional way with a strong, separate frame, the overall weight of the car was surprisingly light and handled nicely. One new feature that was added to the Zephyr was an all-steel roof (previous roofs were fabric based).

Had it not been for the release of the new mid-range Mercury line of automobiles with a similar style, the Zephyr likely would have been a top seller in the auto industry in the thirties. During World War II, Lincoln changed the name of the Zephyr to the Continental. After the war ended, Lincoln decided to leave the Zephyr name in the history books. It wasn’t until 2006 that Lincoln revisited using the Zephyr name. However, in 2007 the latest model was renamed the Lincoln MKZ.

The big 5-0 is a special birthday and Porsche SE has announced a wide variety of high-profile anniversary events for its iconic 911 sportscar. These include a very special display of Porsche 911s from past years at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Among the cars on display will be four legendary models including an early-model 911 Turbo Coupé, an infrequently-seen 911 Cabriolet study from 1981, a 1997 road-going ‘street’ version 911 GT1 and the pre-series Type 754 T7 – which is the core of the first ever 911. To fully appreciate the 50^th anniversary of the 911, a retrospective is warranted.

It all started back in 1963 at the Frankfurt Auto Show when the first 911 appeared simply as a concept car sporting the 901 designation and it caused a sensation. After a quick name change following an argument with France’s Peugeot (who claimed only they had the right to use car names made up of three numbers with the middle one being a zero) the then renamed 911 eventually entered full production status in 1964. The sales results were strong almost immediately. For example, in an era where most sports cars offered a four-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, the 911 had five forward gears. Most cars at the time used solid rear axles suspended on leaf springs but the 911 had a sophisticated semi-trailing arm and torsion-bar-sprung independent rear suspension. Up front, the 911 used MacPherson struts and a precise rack-and-pinion steering gear in an era when steering was typically by antiquated recirculating ball. The first 911 also rode on wide P165HR15 radial tires and four Dunlop disc brakes.

Since its striking 1965 debut, the evolution of the 911 has been mostly incremental with brief episodes of big change. However, while other sports cars have been around for as long, none have sustained such a singular identity as the 911 or as the folks at Priority1 tell us, so much racing success. Today the 911 and all its variants signify fine engineering and all that’s right with Germany and its automobiles. Not bad for car that most engineers agree that the engine is in the wrong place (the rear of the vehicle.)

Other events planned by Porsche SE for the 50^th anniversary of its most famous model are a five continent world tour where an original 1967 model will be attending rallies, motorsport events and international fairs. You can follow this epic journey at www.Porsche.com/follow-911. Oh, and one other thing – A special 50^th anniversary model is planned(!) Unfortunately, not much is known about the 50^th anniversary edition Porsche but Porsche product line director August Achleitner revealed there will be something special for the 911’s 50^th anniversary. He declined to say what the company has in store but it’s likely 50^th Anniversary Edition badging and possibly nice retro styling cues.

The talk of the Geneva Motor Show last March (2012) was the Infiniti Emerg-E electric concept car non-working prototype. As you see in the illustration, this is one good looking automobile and most of the journalists attending the show agreed. It didn’t take long before Infiniti delivered a fully operational prototype to show everyone at the Fall Goodwood Festival of Speed. This event in the south of England celebrates automobiles and motorsports and draws automakers from around the world. It is often referred to as “moving” auto show where cars are driven through a hill climb course in front of spectators.

The Emerg-E was behind another sensation at the Festival of Speed and journalists got to know a lot more about the program at the same time. First, the Emerg-E is not solely an Infiniti financed project, it is partially funded by the United Kingdom’s Technology Strategy Board. This government-based organization allowed Nissan to draw on deeper pocketed resources to fund the Emerg-E, well beyond its normal supplier base. This allows it to partner up with other automobile manufacturers such as Lotus Engineering.

The result is some pretty stunning technology. The folks at JBA Infiniti tell us that to start with the Emerg-E has two electric motors mounted in the car mid-engine, one motor powering each rear wheel. Together they produce 402 horsepower and make the car capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in four seconds. That’s right, 4 seconds! The Emerg-E has a 30-mile electric-only range, after which a small three-cylinder gasoline engine kicks in to recharge the lithium-ion battery pack. It can also be plugged in charging stations to recharge.

The mid-engine design gives the Emerg-E an advantage over other front-engine sportscars. Since the car’s heaviest components – the battery, electric motors and the 3 Cyl engine – are located behind the front axle, the car’s weight distribution is more uniform. This translates to better stability and vastly improved cornering under speed. To keep weight under control, the Emerg-E has an aluminum chassis and light-weight carbon fiber body. It weighs in at just 3,523 pounds. Besides being a test-bed for technology, the car also provides a platform for the company to explore what a mid-engine Infiniti sports car might look like.

Can you think of one good reason why the 2013 Hyundai Veloster would not be a good car? The first Veloster was sold in the states in 2012, and it is targeted toward a young generation of drivers. It has changed since the first year it went on sale. I saw a picture of the car in the first year it was on sale, and today’s Veloster looks a lot better. It is the same general car with the same framework, but it has some minor tweaks which make it look better. And hold on to your seats if you thought only the exterior and interior were tweaked. For 2013, there is a turbo version of the Hyundai Veloster that has been given about 60 more horsepower. And are you kidding me? Even with this turbo, the Veloster gets good fuel economy. This turbo is made to look more imposing and meaner than that the regular Veloster. If you are really a power junkie, then spring for the turbo because the difference in fuel economy between the regular and the turbo is not a ton. However if you do not really care about power and only care about getting from point A to B. go for the one without the turbo because, it’ll save you a few thousand dollars in price.

To get a new Hyundai car in NC at Sport Durst, come to our Sport Durst Hyundai dealership located in Durham.