Autoblog

Ford Escape named first-ever Popular Mechanics Car Of The Year

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 11:29:00 EST

It's that time of year again. Time for just about publication out there to come up with their Car of the Year winner, and Popular Mechanics is getting into the game for the first time with its Auto Excellence Awards. For its inaugural champion, the crew over at PM have named the 2013 Ford Escape as the Car of the Year.

The Ford snagged the top spot for its attributes like being roomy, fun and practical, and PM says that all of its editors had given it high marks in various categories. There is no indication as to what other contenders vied for the top spot, but the new Escape is definitely a strong new model that's showing handsome sales figures right out of the gate. That being said, the automotive landscape for 2013 is chock full of great vehicles, and we recently put the Escape up against the all-new Mazda CX-5 which squeaked out a win in our head-to-head crossover comparison.

In addition to Car of the Year, PM also had nine other categories for its Auto Excellence Awards which are listed below:

Fun to Drive - Subaru BRZ / Scion FR-S
Performance - Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Hauling - Ram 1500
Luxury - Cadillac ATS
Design - SRT Viper
Versatility - Nissan Pathfinder
Technical Innovation - Tesla Model S
Value - Hyundai Elantra GT
Fuel Efficiency - Toyota Prius c

Ford Escape named first-ever Popular Mechanics Car Of The Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford, GM win Breakthrough Product awards from Popular Mechanics

Scott Burgess — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Safety, Technology, Ford, GM, GMC

Tucked between an avalanche airbag and a 3D desktop printer, a Ford engine and General Motors' crash avoidance system were named two of Popular Mechanics top 10 breakthrough technology award winners for 2012.

Ford's three-cylinder 1.0-liter Ecoboost engine collected one of Pop Mech's honors by providing power through turbocharging and fuel efficiency through its tiny displacement. While the internal combustion engine has been around for more than 100 years, it's not often that it undergoes such a dramatic improvement.

"We placed the bar incredibly high when we set out to design this engine," said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president, Global Powertrain, in a news release. "We wanted to deliver eye-popping fuel economy, surprising performance, quietness and refinement - and all from a very small three-cylinder engine.

GM's crash avoidance system is a big step toward creating self-driving cars. The system, which debuted in the GMC Terrain, uses a camera mounted near the rearview mirror. It follows the lines on the road to ensure the Terrain stays between them and can detect objects that might be in the way.

While many carmakers are introducing similar systems, Popular Mechanics notes that GM's is "the first practical and cost-effective single-camera vision system for crash avoidance in passenger cars."

Ford, GM win Breakthrough Product awards from Popular Mechanics originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Oct 2012 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Road & Track hits the road, makes tracks to Ann Arbor, Michigan

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 31 May 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Ann Arbor, Michigan, is best known for the University of Michigan, punk rock progenitor Iggy Pop, and foodie favorite Zingerman's Delicatessen. We know, you're wondering why you should care. Well, it's also now home to three of the four major monthly car magazines.

Hearst Corporation has announced that Road & Track will be moving from Newport Beach, California, to Ann Arbor over the summer, joining its other automotive title, Car and Driver. Automobile also calls Ann Arbor home, as does R&T's new editor-in-chief, Larry Webster. He will take over for current boss Matt DeLorenzo on June 4.

Webster had been automotive editor at Popular Mechanics since January 2010, and worked for Car and Driver for years before that. He has a mechanical engineering degree from Lehigh University and counts racing and vintage car restoration among his hobbies. Scroll down to read the full press release.

Continue reading Road & Track hits the road, makes tracks to Ann Arbor, Michigan

Road & Track hits the road, makes tracks to Ann Arbor, Michigan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Help Popular Mechanics find the worst road in America

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 01 May 2011 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Popular Mechanics is searching for America's worst roads, and it needs your help. Readers from all over the U.S. are encouraged to submit photos showing just how bad their local thoroughfares are. Once the submissions have been evaluated, PM will choose its top five.

The "winning" roads will get a visit from the Popular Mechanics crew, who will analyze just how screwed-up it is with a custom data-logging device. Strapped onto a car, the analytical tool's multi-axis accelerometer will provide information to the researchers and help them determine which road is the worst of the bunch.

A few ground rules are in place, however, because certain roads have to be excluded from testing. The magazine isn't interested in private roads, or "streets" that lack paving. Editors are looking for standard roads that, over time, have gone from smooth to suspension-busting. Head over to Popular Mechanics for information on sending in your local road for consideration, if you feel it makes the cut.

[Source: Popular Mechanics | Image: Monica's Dad/Flickr via CC 2.0]

Help Popular Mechanics find the worst road in America originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 May 2011 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Popular Mechanics doles out its Top 10 Cars of 2011

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:01:00 EST

Popular Mechanics' Top 10 Cars for 2011 - Click above for high-res image gallery

As 2010 draws to a close, it's time for different publications to start dishing out the numerous "car of the year" awards that highlight the best and brightest offerings for each new model year. The folks at Popular Mechanics have just released their Top 10 Cars for 2011, with American manufacturers (Ford, specifically) taking away the vast majority of top honors. Add General Motors and Chrysler to the mix, and the Big Three account for six of the ten vehicles on Popular Mechanics' list.

Ford's Mustang, Fiesta and F-250 Super Duty were all recognized as class-leaders for the 2011 model year. Across town, the new Cadillac CTS Coupe and Chevrolet Volt were given a hat tip from the editors, as was the Jeep Grand Cherokee, one of parent company Chrysler's big comebacks for the year 2011. The remaining awards were given to the Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Sienna, Lotus Evora and Infiniti M, all of which are fantastic cars in their own rights.

To see which cars were honored for each category, you can scroll through our image gallery of the winners, or hit the jump to read the official press release. Look for the full story in Popular Mechanics' December issue, which hits newsstands on November 12.

Photos copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Continue reading Popular Mechanics doles out its Top 10 Cars of 2011

Popular Mechanics doles out its Top 10 Cars of 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf named 'Breakthrough Products' by Popular Mechanics

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Nissan, Electric

It looks like Popular Mechanics had room for two vehicles this year on its annual "Top Products" awards list. Both the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf were named Breakthrough Products for 2010. PM praised the ride quality and technology of the Volt, stating that it's "more than the sum of its cutting-edge parts." In addition, the publication prominently touted the Volt's range-extending abilities, possibly as a jab at the other winner.

The magazine still had some love left for the Leaf, though, calling it, "a pure EV with space for five, a moderate price and enough range for most tasks - plus, an operating cost that's irresistibly low." The Leaf does not do any one thing that hasn't been done before, but Nissan has combined a lot of features together in a mass-market-ready package that has already resulted in 20,000 pre-orders in the U.S. alone.

Contrary to PM's 2008 Breakthrough car (Click to see what it is. Hint: it's a three-wheeled electric vehicle), you will actually be able to buy both of these 2010 cars the same year they've been acclaimed, a nice change of pace in this uncertain world. To see the rest of Popular Mechanics' Top Products of 2010, click here.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf named 'Breakthrough Products' by Popular Mechanics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Popular Mechanics calls out automotive excellence

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology

As we head into the final weeks of yet another year, that means it's time for everyone to pick out their favorites. In this business that means its time to select cars, trucks and SUVs of the year. Over at Popular Mechanics, the editors have put together a list of vehicles that they feel exemplify excellence based on a number of characteristics. For example, the list opens up with what they consider the most off-road capable - a likely easy choice this year with the launch of the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor.

The technical innovation prize went to the new Remote Touch System that appeared in the Lexus HS 250h and RX this year. This joystick control provides haptic feedback when the cursor hits a selection button on the screen. As a result it's not as fiddly as a conventional joystick might be, allowing the driver to keep more attention on the road. Check out the full list of automotive excellence at Popular Mechanics's web site.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Popular Mechanics calls out automotive excellence originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

First drives of 2008 Pontiac G8 GT published early

John Neff — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Pontiac, First Drives

Click above for high-res gallery from first drive of the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

We don't know how it happened or who started it, but some automotive news outlets have published their first drive reviews of the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT before the imposed embargo by GM. Since we don't have one of our own (yet), we'll be sending you to a non-guilty party with a great review of Pontiac's new rear-wheel-drive performance sedan. Popular Mechanics had a chance to drive the G8 GT in Malibu, and we're not surprised that they were extremely impressed. Aside from the crazy fast performance numbers that come courtesy of the car's 6.0L V8 producing 361 horsepower, PM claims it's the steering and handling of the G8 GT that leaves the biggest positive impression. When was the last time you heard that said about a large domestic sedan? Even the six-speed automatic was praised, though a rumor that a Corvette LS3-powered G8 GXP version will offer a six-speed manual is music to our ears. Much thanks to PM for allowing us to host some high-res photos of their drive with the G8 GT, some of which you won't find on their own review, but make sure to click over and read the first round of many platitudes this car is bound to receive.

Gallery: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

First drives of 2008 Pontiac G8 GT published early originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Mustang Bullitt melting tires courtesy of Popular Mechanics

Chris Shunk — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Ford, First Drives

The original Bullitt Mustang was one of the original sleepers, as all flash and flare were stripped in favor of a clean slate that could fly through the streets of San Francisco with the greatest of ease. The 2008 Bullitt has shed all the frivolities of the Shelby models, or even a stock GT, for that matter. What Ford did do was to add 15 HP through cold air induction and an engine re-calibration, made the ride more track-ready, and slid in the visual cues that brings us back to Steve McQueen's 40 year-old original.

The Popular Mechanics film crew was front and center for a sweet peak at what the 2008 Bullitt can really do, and it's a blast to watch. The newest Mustang spin-off dazzles out of the gate with an impressive array of wasted rubber while the green pony car keeps a tight orbit. We then learn some interesting facts about the Bullitt, like how Ford engineers designed the 4.6L V8 to deliver 315 HP on regular fuel, but the performance quotient increases if premium fuel is added. The extra .20 for 94 octane doesn't sound as bad when it's paying you back with extra ponies. Take a look at the video by clicking here, or hit the read link below. If you watch it and don't want to at least take a Bullitt for a spin, we're inclined to believe your interest in cars will one day pass.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

VIDEO: Mustang Bullitt melting tires courtesy of Popular Mechanics originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Nov 2007 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Popular Mechanics honors Ford's SYNC

Chris Shunk — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, BMW, Daimler, Ford, GM

Popular Mechanics is handing out its breakthrough awards, and Ford's SYNC made its way into the tech magazine's top 10 breakthrough products. SYNC's reasonable $395 price tag and voice recognition capability gave Ford and Microsoft's joint project the edge, and Popular Mechanics also really liked the fact that SYNC can read your text messages to you. SYNC will be available on 12 Ford products for the 2008 model year, with more availability in 2009.

Ford wasn't the only automaker to make its way onto the breakthrough award list, either. GM, BMW, and DaimlerChrysler's joint Two-Mode Hybrid project was also recognized for its ability to save fuel on the gas guzzlers that need it most.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Popular Mechanics honors Ford's SYNC originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Blue Devil Corvette: Fact vs. fiction courtesy of P.M.

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

With all the rumors surrounding the hyped-up Corvette, Jim Dunne over at Popular Mechanics wanted to get some answers, so he went to the source - well, a source, at least.

According to the "largest Corvette dealer in Michigan" the Blue Devil/SS 'Vette will get a singular supercharger, will cost upwards of $100k and could possibly push out the current Z06 to be the dominant Corvette in the General's lineup. Only 3,000 abnormally-aspirated, Corvette supercars will be built over two years, with 1,500 units being allocated for sale each year.

The shocker? According to the unnamed dealer, none of GM's manual transmissions are up to the task of handling all the ponies produced by the blown powerplant. The solution: it's getting an automatic.

The one question that wasn't answered (or possibly even asked) is "when?" We're putting our money on Detroit or Chicago, but considering all the misinformation out there; we'd suggesting talking to a dealer.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Blue Devil Corvette: Fact vs. fiction courtesy of P.M. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2009 Acura TSX

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 09:13:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Acura, Honda

Yesterday, Ben Stewart over at Popular Mechanics had a close encounter of the prototype kind while spending some time on the Angeles Crest Highway in So. Cal. He caught a glimpse of a camo'd current generation Accord sitting in a local lot and, knowing that it could be driven away at a moment's notice, began snapping pics of the moribund mule.

Now, an Accord sporting an ill-fitting bra is nothing to get too excited over, until Ben figured out that it's actually the next generation Acura TSX in drag. Supposedly, underneath the body panels is the "new" TSX chassis, necessitating those awkwardly flared fenders, housing 225/50ZR17 tires.

He came to this unlikely conclusion after noticing a few other TSXs following the mule (comparison testing) and when he got back to the office, Stewart made few calls. Turns out that the upcoming TSX will be built on an all new platform, likely using the turbo mill that's found in the new RDX, with the option of sending power to all four wheels.

What's it going to look like you ask? Less crease, more swoop is the short answer. But if you need a bit more detail than that, check the Honda Sports4 Concept that debuted at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Spy Shots: 2009 Acura TSX originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Feb 2007 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Auction Action: 2006 Durangoneer on the block

John Neff — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Classics, SUV, Auctions, Dodge, Jeep

I don't envision myself needing the power and capability of an SUV any time soon in my life, but the Durangoneer is one ute I would drive just for fun. It's a HEMI-powered 2004 Dodge Durango chassis that's been shortened and strengthened wearing the body of a 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer - early SUV looks with late model technology and capability. The Durangoneer was built as a project car for Popular Mechanics and was apparently at this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas, but we must've walked right by it. It's understandable, though, since it takes a few seconds to realize you're not actually looking at an '88 Wagoneer. The Durangoneer is being auctioned off next month at RM Auction's annual "Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona" auction on January 19th. What's more, any cash this thing brings in over and above $35,000 will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Follow the jump for more pics and a press release that contains additional info on the Duragoneer.

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading Auction Action: 2006 Durangoneer on the block

Auction Action: 2006 Durangoneer on the block originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments