Drivetime With Vinnie Richichi: The Drivetime Daily
PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) -- Some news and notes from the second day of the Los Angeles Auto Show press preview.
*A big splash for Chevy today as they add to the high performance portfolio with the SS, Chevy's first full-size, rear-wheel drive car since the big Impala said bye-bye back in 1994.
The two-door sedan will replace the Impala on the NASCAR circuit and be produced in limited quantities for the public
Equipped with a V8, GM says the SS will be based on global rear-wheel platforms of vehicles such as the Camaro and next-generation Holden VF Commodore, produced by GM in Australia.
Chevy also turned up the Voltage a bit as they introduced their all-electric Spark. The minicar which is currently available in a gas only version is said to accelerate faster, go further and charge faster than anything else in its class. Look for it to retail for about $25,000 with incentives
*Fiat also introduced an all electric version of its popular 500 at the show. The 500e will get an electric motor and some minor body changes for aerodynamics. Fiat says the 500e will get the equivalent of 116 miles per gallon of gasoline in the city and 100 mpg on the highway.
A bigger version of the 500…the 500L was also introduced in L.A. Four doors and room for a family is it's selling point as well as a bigger engine and a stylish "Trekking" model.
*Ford's Fusion was named "Green Car of the Year" by The Green Car Journal beating the Ford C-Max, the Dodge Dart, The Toyota Prius C and the subject of this weeks Drivetime Road Test the Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv.
*Jaguar has people buzzing about its new small roadster. The "F Type" (pictured above) The sportster will come in a few flavors including a 488HP Supercharged V8… the XFR-8… that should go just north of $92,000.
KIA is showing off two new models. There is a lot of buzz around their 2014 compact Forte which is showing off a lower and wider stance and some nice lines in its restyling. The sedan is expected to go on sale early next year, with two-door coupe and five-door hatchback versions due in showrooms later in 2013.
Also peeking out from behind the curtain in L.A. is the 2014 Sorento, KIA's flagship SUV. While many of the changes are not apparent from the exterior, a better engine, steering, suspension, tech goodies and higher gas mileage all are listed as improvements.
*Honda is showing off a new Civic after just two years of the old Civic, Porsche has a new Cayman on the turntable, Ford is back in the minivan/people mover business with a passenger version of its Transit Connect, Mercedes Benz has an outrageous police car of the future on display as well as its new "Black" performance series and Toyota has rolled out a new RAV-4.
For more information on the L.A. Auto Show go to www.laautoshow.com
Reports compiled from various sources including manufacturer websites and news services.
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Reviews, news about cars and the people who drive them, interviews and tips on how to get more out of your driving experience all on Drivetime with Vinnie Richichi and Rob Pratte Saturday mornings 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Newsradio 1020 KDKA. Also listen to Vinnie on The Vinnie and Cook Show Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sportsradio 93-7 The Fan.
