SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

(Chevrolet images)
When the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt makes its debut late this year, it will have an EPA-estimated range of 238 miles. “While range is important, we knew Bolt EV owners would want more — more space and more power — and the Bolt EV delivers,” said Bolt EV Chief Engineer Josh Tavel. “Our team took special pride in optimizing every aspect of this vehicle, especially its impressive range and ride dynamics.” The Bolt EV will have an expected MSRP below $37,500 and before available federal tax credit of up to $7,500. Editor-In-Chief's Note: With outstanding range, usable cargo space, and a suite of technology and safety features, the Bolt EV is a very impressive package. Chevrolet will now have the pure electric Bolt, the extended range gas-electric Chevrolet Volt and the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid in their lineup. -PMD 

(PPG Automotive Refinish)
Jerry Covington, a longtime fixture in the world of motorcycles with a career spanning 40 years, is recognized as one of the most talented and innovative custom bike builders in the industry. He was inducted August 10th into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Sturgis, South Dakota, in appreciation of his dedication to promoting and advancing the sport and culture of motorcycling. His shop, Covington’s Customs, is located in Woodward, Okla., where Covington and painter Bruce Mullins use PPG products to turn out motorcycles and cars with exceptional award-winning finishes. During the recent Hall of Fame induction weekend, one of Covington’s bikes won seven major awards in several prestigious competitions including Best Use of Paint (Perewitz Custom Show) and Best in Show (Baddest Bagger Show). Dermie Close’s PPG-painted 1948 Chevrolet Pickup took the Grand Champion award - first place - in the Summit Racing Show-n-Shine competition August 6th in Reno, Nev. The contest, part of the annual Hot August Nights six-day event, was Close’s first competitive victory. The immaculate pickup named “Dream Truck” was a 20-year project Close personally worked on in his spare time at his home garage in Henderson, Nevada. He did all the body and mechanical work himself; when it was time to finish the truck, Close was assisted by painter Joseph Torres. Close and Torres used a number of PPG products to give the truck its glossy Desert Sage paint job.
(PPG Automotive Refinish)

(Porsche images)
Porsche will unveil the all-new Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid at the Paris Motor Show. Powered by a new 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 (330 hp and 331 lb.-ft.) and an electric motor (136 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque), the plug-in hybrid vehicle generates 462HP of total system output and 516 pound-feet of total system torque, which is transferred to all four wheels. The new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid always starts in electric mode and has a maximum all-electric range of 31 miles and a maximum speed on battery power of 86 mph. It accelerates from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds and achieves a top track speed of 172 mph.
The second-generation Panamera features the newly designed Porsche Advanced Cockpit, with two seven-inch screens on either side of the analog tachometer. In addition, a 12.3-inch touchscreen functions as the centralized Porsche Communication Management (PCM) control and display unit. The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid features hybrid-specific displays similar to those found in the Porsche 918 Spyder.
In contrast to the electro-hydraulic system of the previous model, the decoupler on the new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is actuated electromechanically by an electric clutch actuator (ECA), for shorter response times. Similar to the other second-generation Panamera models, a new Porsche eight-speed Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission is used to transmit the power to the wheels. This transmission replaces the eight-speed automatic torque converter transmission in the previous model.
The new 2018 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is expected to become available in North America by summer 2017. Pricing will be announced later but needless to say, it won't be cheap. The other Panamera models will be available here beginning next January.

(Mercedes-Benz images)
Mercedes-AMG is introducing two roadster variants of its two-seat AMG GT sports car. The AMG GT C Roadster (above) has an output of 550HP and peak torque of 502 lb-ft, and other stuff like a variable performance exhaust system, wider rear fenders, a wider track, wider wheels, active rear axle steering, an electronically controlled rear axle locking differential and AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension. The "entry level" AMG GT Roadster gets by with 469HP and 465 lb-ft of torque. The Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster and Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster will arrive in US dealers one year from now.