Cadillac XTS Lighting Reflects Luxury And Inspiration

New techniques in lighting design are adding to the dramatic presence of luxury cars, while also providing real-world functional benefits. The all-new 2013 Cadillac XTS luxury sedan contains more than 20 separate light sources that “greet” the driver in a carefully choreographed sequence when the key fob is pressed.

The new XTS, launching in the second quarter, includes LEDs embedded in the door handles, Cadillac-signature vertical LEDs in the headlights and taillights and ambient lighting in and around the car’s perimeter. In addition to extending the car’s design signature, the lighting provides convenience and helps provide additional security to drivers in parking lots at night.

Cadillac designers took advantage of consistent advances in LED technology to use lighting to convey drama and space alongside functional benefits.

“The new LED offerings now provide a new palette of color to bring more dramatic lighting effects that have never been available before,” said Christos Roustemis, Cadillac interior designer.

On the inside, cooler blue lights accent the car’s controls and instrumentation while warmer lights highlight passenger areas.

“We sketched each phase of the process to carefully choreograph how every important area inside and outside of the vehicle would come up and fade back down, similar to a production crew lighting a theater stage,” Roustemis said.

The palette of colors also needed to harmonize with the interior colors as well as light emanating from the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) main LCD screen and instrument panel. The task was to make the ambient lighting enhance the experience and minimize distraction.

Creation of dramatic effects and pleasing spaces has long been a trademark of lighting design, said Rosemarie Allaire, a California-based architectural lighting designer. She says advances in LED lighting have opened the way to new possibilities in lighting design.

“In cars, just as in architecture, lighting defines how we feel about a space. It is both artistry and user experience,” Allaire said. “For me, the beauty is in the blends, how you layer the affects, mix the light sources, and how you package it into the final product.”

The XTS lighting choreography is timed to the fraction of a second by the car’s central control system, and is cued by various triggers, such as the key fob, the doors and ignition switch. The car’s exterior lighting brightens the perimeter of the car to provide an added level of security and make the car easier to locate.

Cadillac first used a vertical lighting signature as an exterior design theme in 1948. In Cadillac’s Art & Science design language that has defined Cadillac for the last dozen years, designers use thin, vertical LED “light pipes” in both the front and rear corners of the car.

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology.

SOURCE: paddocktalk.com & egmcartech.com

We would like to thank our customer, who wrote this great review on our Chevrolet Buick North dealership. We appreciate your feedback!

"This was a great experience! Got the car I wanted for a price that was great! Robert Pinkosky made me feel at home & went over eveything with me carefully to make sure I understood. I will be going there again for my next car." - tq3

2013 Nissan Altima Accidentally Revealed

Nissan is celebrating 30 years of production at its Atsugi, Japan technical center, so it produced a commemorative video to mark the event. One problem, though: on its initial release, no one bothered to check the video for cars that shouldn’t be revealed.

Inside Line caught the first release of the video, which shows the undisguised 2013 Nissan Altima in all of its glory. Plainly visible are the car’s revised grille, new headlights and bold character lines.

Nissan clearly didn’t intend for the car to be displayed, so its tribute video was quickly pulled down and replaced by an edited version. There have been plenty of spy photos of the 2013 Altima, but all have shown the car in heavily disguised form.

Although the exact styling of the Altima was unknown until now, much of its content has already been revealed. The car will come to market with a heavily revised CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), said to reduce friction by up to 40-percent compared to the current unit.

For 2014, Nissan is planning an Altima Hybrid that will pair a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a compact electric motor integrated with the CVT. Technically a mild hybrid (since it can’t be operated on battery power alone), the Altima Hybrid is expected to return V-6 levels of performance with fuel economy up to 40 mpg highway.

The 2013 Nissan Altima is expected to make its North American auto show debut this spring, with sales starting in the later half of the year.

SOURCE: motorauthority.com

We would like to thank the author of this great 5-star review! Great work team!

"The buying experience was comfortable, informative and economical. My wife actually initiated the purchase and secured the deal. I specified the vehicle with her help and they went out of their way to locate the exact vehicle we wanted." - dleydig

We would like to thank Jim for sharing his experience with us!

"We have been buying from Kenny Ross Chevy for over 20 years to date! The past several years we have been dealing with salesmen Jim Pertigo. Simply said, if you want a non- hassle straightforward tell em what you want and what you need go see Jim!! He does what car salesmen supposed to do and that’s to get you the car you need at the price you want without fanfare! Recently, my 20 year old daughter bought her first car from him and he and the Finance office " wish I could remember his name, a dark green gentlemen" took the time out to congratulate her on doing such a fine job with her credit at such a young age! The deal was signed sealed and delivered but they really made it personal! Hats off to these guys and Kenny Ross. See ya when we need our next car." - Jim H.

Get the first look at the new 2013 Ford Mustang! What would your Inner Mustang look like?

A big thank you to the author of this fantastic review. Great work team!

"IT WAS A VERY ENJOYABLE AND REWARDING EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH BOB KASTLER. OUR FIRST CONTACT WITH BOB WAS WITH THE PHONE AND WHEN WE FIRST MET HIM 2 DAYS LATER AT KENNY ROSS HE HAD ALREADY HAD SEVERAL OPTIONS FOR US TO CONSIDER. THIS SAVED A LOT OF TIME AND BECAUSE OF BOB'S EXPERENICE AND HELP WE DECIDED ON A GREAT MALIBU THAT WE ARE VERY HAPPY WITH. BOB WAS VERY PATIENT, KNOWLEDGEABLE AND COURTEOUS AND BECAUSE OF THIS SANDRA AND I ARE VERY HAPPY WITH OUR DEAL WE RECEIVED AND WE WILL RETURN IN THE FUTURE. WITH THIS KIND OF SERVICE WE WILL STAY IN THE KENNY ROSS FAMILY FOR A LONG TIME." - jmb377

We would like to thank our amazing customers for writing these fantastic reviews on our Chevrolet Cadillac dealership!

"These guys are awesome to deal with!! Never had a better experience buying a vehicle!!  Got super trade-in amounts!! We will be back when the time comes again!!" - vae915

"My wife & stopped at kenny ross to look at a 2007 pontiac solstice they had, not thinking we would be driving it home. Paul did everyting we asked of him to get us in that car. This was the best experience i ever had buying a car and found out also it can be a fun one. Thanks again Paul & everyone at Kenny Ross!! GOD BLESS!!" - fedwards09

Congratulations to our Chevrolet North Huntingdon dealership who won the Mark of Excellence Award for 2011!

Our Chevrolet North Huntingdon has been recognized for their performance in the 2011 GM Mark of Excellence program, placing the dealership among some of the highest performing dealers in the country. They exceeded their 2011 sales goal and Customer Satisfaction Index goal by remaining dedicated to their customer's ultimate satisfaction and providing excellent service throughout the dealership. Congratulations and great work team!

Chevrolet Vehicles Help Make Movie Magic

Lights, camera, start your engines! For one night each year, Hollywood gathers to honor the best in the movie industry. Yet, an often unsung star in these films seldom receives the credit it deserves – the automobile.

Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac have produced some of the toughest, fastest, most stylish and most cutting-edge American-made vehicles to have appeared in countless films. From classics like American Graffiti (1973) and Rain Man (1988) to modern action movies like the TRANSFORMERS franchise (2007, 2009, and 2011) and The Matrix Reloaded (2003), General Motors vehicles have been scene stealers in some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters.

“The high-profile association with a blockbuster and classic movies gives Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac wonderful exposure to those not familiar with the brand,” said Steve Tihanyi, general director Branded Entertainment & Marketing Alliances. “We are always looking for unique ways to humanize and expose our vehicles to new consumers and there will always be a certain ‘cool’ factor in starring on the big screen.”

Most recently, the Chevrolet Camaro sports car took a starring role as Bumblebee in the TRANSFORMERS (2007),TRANSFORMERS: Revenge of the Fallen (2009) and TRANSFORMERS: Dark of the Moon (2011). Two Chevrolet Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition vehicles were offered by Chevrolet that sold about 3,000 units, transferring the big screen appeal to the roadway.

The Camaro wasn’t alone among Chevrolets to appear in the TRANSFORMER’s franchise. The Corvette Stingray Concept and a 1965 Chevrolet Malibu also had cameo roles. All three are now part of GM’s Heritage Collection.

“Cars have a lot in common with movies, and there is an often an emotional connection between the audience and the featured car,” said Elliot Wilhelm, film curator for the Detroit Institute of Arts and founder of the Detroit Film Theatre. “You often hear audible groans or see cringes form the audience when a beautiful car is destroyed in a movie.”

Vin Diesel did just that with a Corvette in the 2002 action thriller “xXx” – narrating as 18 cameras filmed the dive from the 730-foot Forresthill Bridge in Auburn, Calif. A stunt double parachutes to safety before Vin’s character, Xander Cage, escapes with buddies waiting at the river bed below. Diesel later used a weapons-modified 1967 Pontiac GTO as his ride.

Who could forget director Tim Burton’s Batmobile from Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992)? It was a “bat”-customized Chevy Impala? Or the 1959 Cadillac that was the chase of Pink Cadillac (1989)? Here are others but hardly a complete list:

• American Graffiti (1973) – In the coming-of-age movie that helped launch the Hollywood careers of Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard and Harrison Ford, a 1955 Chevrolet One-Fifty and 1958 Chevrolet Impala were an ode to the car culture of the 1960s.
• Smokey & the Bandit (1977) – The “Bandit,” played by Burt Reynolds, is a maverick racecar driver behind the wheel of a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am. The movie led to two sequels and for Pontiac’s 50th anniversary, 15,567 special Black and Gold edition Trans Ams were created.
• Ghostbusters (1984) – In the 1984 comedy, a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Ambulance is introduced to audiences worldwide as, “a hunk of junk.” Saved by Ray Stantz, played by Dan Aykroyd, the car is converted into the ultimate ghostbusting machine – the Ectomobile.
• Rain Man (1988) – After inheriting a 1949 Buick Roadmaster Convertible from his father, Tom Cruises’ character, Charlie Babbitt, and his brother Raymond, played by Dustin Hoffman, spend the majority of Rain Man behind the wheel of the classic Buick that helps bring the two together.
• Demolition Man (1993) – Many of the cars in the 1993 action, sci-fi movie starring Sylvester Stallone, Wesley Snipes and Sandra Bullock were GM concept and prototypes vehicles, including a 1991 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept, 1992 GM Ultralite and GM Lean Machine. The 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 that was used in the movie is currently on display at the GM Heritage Center.
• The Matrix Reloaded (2003) – In the sequel to the 1999 blockbuster, the Cadillac CTS gets into the action serving as the vehicle of Trinity, Neo and Morpheus. The GM Heritage Collection houses the actual vehicle used during filming, complete with bullet holes.

SOURCE:  3d-car-shows.com

Thanks to the author of this great review. We love hearing from our customers!

"I bought a Cruze from Bob. He was pleasant to work with and got the deal completed quickly. He found us the exact car we were looking for. Thank you very much, Bob." - toro88

Thanks Tim for sharing your great experience with us!

"My salesperson made me feel welcome, important and comfortable upon arrival and throughout my purchase process. He work to help me find a vehicle that fit my "wants" as well as my firm budget. I was very pleased and excited about my new car purchase and I highly reccomend Kevin Dunker at Kenny Ross Chevrolet - North Huntingdon branch!" - Tim

Nissan Project 370Z: You choose the suspension

Nissan knows how passionate fans of the company's 370Z can be. The enthusiast community has long embraced the Z as a capable performer right out of the box and a willing platform that accepts a wide range of aftermarket modifications. The Japanese automaker has something special planned for this year's ZDayZ event in May. Each year, Z fans from all over the country descend on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina, and this time, they'll have a chance to take a look at a very special vehicle when they aren't bombing down the infamous Tail of the Dragon.

The company is building the ultimate 370Z track car by allowing fans to vote which components will be used in the project, and they've turned to Autoblog for help picking one of the vehicle's most important systems: the suspension.

In order to keep things civil, the choices have been limited to three options from some of the biggest names in aftermarket handling. Follow the jump for a look at the choices and cast your vote. Polling will be open for a full week before the figures are tallied.
Before we get started, let's take a look at why we want to abandon the stock suspension hardware to begin with.

Manufacturing a sports car is an effort fraught with compromise. Buyers want a machine that's both fun to fling down their favorite stretch of road and capable enough for weekend track jaunts without being harsh enough to pummel their kidneys into puree. According to Bruce Robinson, senior development engineer with Nissan, ride comfort was one of the largest complaints about the last generation 350Z.

"It had a little bit of understeer, so we wanted the car to be a little more neutral," Robinson said, "and the ride quality, impact harshness and freeway hop wasn't as good as some of our customers wanted."

As a result, the U.S. market 370Z offers a more compliant ride thanks to revised spring and damper rates, even compared to its European counterpart, and the vehicle's shorter wheelbase helps negate some of the understeer issues found in the 350Z. While that means you're less likely to spill your coffee the next time you clip an expansion joint, it also means the stock 370Z is saddled with more body roll, pitch and lean than we'd like out of a dedicated track machine.

The solution is to send the stock springs and dampers packing for more aggressive bits. Aftermarket suspension kits typically have a number of advantages over the factory hardware. In addition to stiffer spring rates, most offer adjustable dampers, either with customizable bound, rebound or both, as well as adjustable ride height. Those variables allow the suspension to be tailored for each track depending on the quality of the road surface.

Nissan says that for 2013, the company plans to introduce new shocks for the rear of the 370Z Sport. Until then, we have an aftermarket suspension to pick.

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Option #1: NISMO S-Tune Springs and Dampers

Few people know vehicles better than the engineers at NISMO, and the tuning arm has long been synonymous with impressive performance. With factory-backed testing and development, the parts are designed specifically for your chariot of choice. In our case, that means the 370Z. NISMO offers an S-Tune suspension package that includes both springs and dampers. The pieces drop overall ride height by slightly less than half an inch and boast improved spring, bound and rebound rates. Of course, NISMO hardware also carries a limited Parts and Accessories warranty straight from the factory and can be installed by your local dealer. Those are big benefits for those who would rather skip spinning their own wrenches. Look to pay around $1,200 for the set, uninstalled.

In this case, cost is no object and the hassle of installation isn't on our heads. While the S-Tune pieces are a good first step toward giving the 370Z sharper handling on the road, they lack the adjustability required of a good track set up. With fixed bound, rebound and ride height, the dampers and springs won't help us pull every last tenth out of our track heathen.

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Option 2: KW Variant 3

If you've even pondered improving your vehicle's suspension, odds are KW needs no introduction. The company is favored by race teams and manufacturers alike for its proprietary valve technology. The Variant 3 line is designed to provide track-levels of adjustability while still retaining street car manners. That's an ideal Goldilocks set up for a vehicle that pulls double duty as daily driver and weekend warrior.

The kit can drop the car anywhere from a little more than half an inch all the way down to two inches below stock in the front and a little below half an inch to 1.8 inches lower than factory in the rear. With progressive spring rates on all four corners, the system is capable of delivering a comfortable ride until the going gets twisty. At that point, the springs firm up nicely, requiring more pressure to compress each coil.

Unlike most aftermarket coilover kits, KW doesn't rely on rigid springs for grip. Instead, the handling comes courtesy of the advanced valving inside each damper. The Variant 3 system offers a total of 16 clicks of adjustability for both rebound and bound in low-speed settings, while parameters for high-speed piston movement remainfixed for safety.

All told, the kit will set you back $2,299 for springs and dampers on all four corners. If we were putting our money down, it would go toward the Variant 3 coilovers.

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Option 3: APEXi S1 Damper System

Apex Intergration has evolved into a one-stop shop for performance modifications. From intakes to exhaust systems and nearly everything in between, the company specializes in high-quality aftermarket components engineered and tested by industry professionals. When it comes to suspension, the company's S1 Damper System is a solid contender. The pieces are 100 percent made in Japan, which, as the prophet Marty McFly reminds us, is where all the best stuff is made.

Though the S1 system makes use of a standard 65 mm spring, the lower case design allows the vehicle's height to be adjusted without changing the spring rate. Pretty handy. Speaking of ride height, the coilovers can alter the vehicle's clearance by plus or minus 1.3 inches. With 20-way adjustable dampers and adjustable camber built right in, these are the Swiss Army knife of suspension. The S1 Dampes carry a 784 pound/inch spring rate in the front and a 672 lb/in rate in the rear, and the $1,690 price tag places it squarely in the middle of our three options.

SOURCE: autoblog.com

The 2013 Pathfinder - in testing camouflage - shows off its capability and enhanced features as it endures 1500 miles of extreme cold weather!

The 2013 Pathfinder - in testing camouflage - shows off its capability and enhanced features as it endures 1500 miles of extreme cold weather from Colorado to Alaska, going through blizzards, snow and mud. Check this out to take a closer look!

Thank you Dale for writing this fantastic review on Ben and our dealership! We absolutely love hearing from our customers.

"I was refered to Kenny Ross to get my first vehicle from a dealer. I called and spoke with Ben Stuart in the special finance department. Ben kept in touch with me over the whole weekend and not only helped me get financed for my first vehicle, but the vehicle he found for me was the exact truck I wanted. The whole process was very quick and easy. Ben acted very professional and kind. He has done a lot for me during the process and got me in the truck I love driving. I can assure that my next vehicle will be bought at the same dealership. The customeer service from Ben was outstanding and the way he handled my request from what vehicle I wanted down to the price was a remarkable example of how every salesman and dealership should be. I felt comfortable during my purchase and Ben made it feel like we've know eachother for years. Definitely a 11 out of 10." - Dale F.

Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Previewed for American Market

The Chevrolet Cruze Diesel made a nice dent in the European, Asian, African, and South American markets last year selling 33,000 units. Now, the popular diesel option will make its way into the U.S., trying to ride on the success wave it is already experiencing worldwide.

The diesel engine that will power the Cruze is being developed at GM’s design center in Torino, Italy, with input coming daily from the GM engineers in Pontiac, Michigan. A truly global design team, GM engineers in Russelsheim, Germany are also working on building some specialized components for the engine like the accessory drive and acoustic cover.

The U.S. market has a different way of looking at diesels, with the notion that diesel motors are only meant for big rigs and tractors. The global design approach will help the new diesel powertrain excel in the American market says GM, as the Europeans know how to build a great diesel engine, and the Americans know how it needs to look, sound and smell to appeal to the U.S. consumer.

“The market for diesel cars in the U.S. is small at present, but is expected to grow due to Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements and expected increases in gas prices,” said Mike Omotoso, a powertrain analyst at LMC Automotive. “So far, the German automakers haven’t had any diesel car competition in North America. GM could do well with it, particularly with younger buyers who don’t have the old prejudices against diesel.”

The diesel Cruze will be available in 2013, and will be an interesting venture for GM, being the first of the big three to offer a diesel option in the USA in a family sedan. “In terms of outward appearances, the difference between the diesel and gasoline engine is going to be difficult to discern,” says Mike Siegrist, 2.0L diesel assistant chief engineer.

The American variant of the Cruze diesel is targeting the 50 mpg mark, and will likely by named the Chevy Cruze Eco-D.

SOURCE: autoguide.com

 

We would like to thank our amazing customers for writing these fantastic reviews on our dealership!

"I was looking for a "hard to find" 2012 Nissan Frontiercrew cab with the sport appearance package. I first reached out to Kenny Ross Nissan via the internet and within an hour Christy Engle responded. Though out the whole experience, Christy kept me well informed and found the exact truck I wanted a few days later half way across the state. She even drove out to pick it up which took most of her day. The price was great and hassle free. My wife liked Kenny Ross due to their service dept., which she takes her 2006 Pathfinder in for service.Fair and upfront, no B.S.. Also was suprised of the lifetime powertrain warranty thru the dealership. They were the only nissan dealership that I had spoken to that did'nt claim that "they are the largest nissan dealership in the tri-state are and can do what noone else can." I had heard that from four dealerships in the pittsburgh area! Very happy with the experience and love my new truck." - jcunik

"We have purchased several cars in the past from Kenny Ross, but this is our first time dealing with Rob Clay. We appreciated his no pressure style and ended up purchasing a used Nissan with no hassle. When it's time to purchase a new truck in a couple years, we will definately seek Rob out to deal with him again." - fg55

"My husband and I have purchased/leased several cars from Kenny Ross over the years and we have never been disappointed. They always give us a fair deal and great service. Three years ago we switched to Nissan and the great service has continued. Mike Baumann did an exeptional job of working with us to get us where we needed to be in our recent leasing of a new 2012 Rogue. It's a pleasure dealing with such knowledgable,friendly sales people. A very positive experience all around!!" - jplocinski

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Thank you Clarence & Judy for sharing your experience with us!

"i came in for service. mr. walsh was answering a question for me.the conversation was information that lead to me purchasing a used car from the dealership.  mr .walsh is a very nice fellow, gave me the information i needed to help me make up my mind. he also was very courteous to my wife and she saw a good deal there.  i want to thank mr. walsh for his time." - Clarence & Judy M.

A big thank you to Nick for writing this great review on our Kenny Ross Chevrolet Buick North dealership!

"This dealership has the absolute best deals on low mileage chevy's around. You can find a low mileage 2010 or 2011 for way below sticker price. Great deals, and Rob Clay is an excellent salesman. I have purchased 2 cars so far in my life, both from Mr. Clay. My family deals only with Rob Clay, he always gets us an excellent price and does not waste our time showing us high mileage junk. A+++ rating." - Nick L.

We would like to thank the author who wrote this great review on our Kenny Ross Chevrolet dealership!

"We have bought all of our vehicles from Kenny Ross and are always satisfied with the exceptional quality of service and great prices. Our salesman Jim Perego is who we really enjoy dealing with in buying our vehicles. We thank you Jimmy for all of your excellent service and will continue to come back to you for any other vehicle purchases we decide to make. Thank you again Jimmy." - chernort

We would like to thank the author of this great review. We love hearing from our customers!

"This is the second vehicle we have purchased through this dealership. On this occasion we dealt with Tom Baglio. This was the most pleasant car cuying experience we have ever had. Tom listened to what we wanted and worked with us to find the vehicle we wanted rather than trying to sell us into a vehicle he needed to move or just thought we should buy. During the purchase process, Tom's knowledge of the vehicle was obvious. He was able to explain many of the features and their specific operation in easy to understand terms. We never felt any pressure to buy any particular vehicle, accessory, or add-on items. He dealt fairly and in a very straightforward manner. He maintained super communications throughout the buying process and addressed any questions we had courteously and promptly. An outstanding salesman provided an outstanding experience! And, I must mention that the young lady who handled the financial details and paperwork was exceptional in her knowledge and explanation of the deal to us. She was also very courteous and friendly as was all of the staff we have encountered at Kenny Ross-Somerset. We highly recommend this dealership, and Tom Baglio specifically, to anyone looking for a vehicle in the Chevrolet/Cadillac line." - DJREF50

Ford Becomes First Automaker to Earn Top Honors for Supporting Women-Owned Businesses

Ford Motor Company was named as one of America's top corporations for its support of women-owned suppliers, the first time an automaker has earned the award.

The Women's Business Enterprise Council (WBENC) selected Ford for its 13th annual listing of America's Top Corporations for Women's Business Enterprises. It is the only national award honoring corporations for world-class programs that level the playing field for women's business enterprises (WBEs) to compete for corporate business.

Ford earned the award for developing and driving innovative best practices across its organization that result in productive business partnerships with women entrepreneurs and valuable products and services for their customers.

In 2011, Ford spent $1.06 billion with women-owned suppliers in the U.S., a 22 percent increase from $866 million in 2010. Since 2009, Ford has more than doubled its sourcing with women-owned businesses.

The increase in 2011 includes higher spending with suppliers that are playing a key role in Ford's expanding portfolio of high-quality, safe, fuel-efficient products equipped with smart technologies. Examples include:

• Dura Automotive Systems, an Auburn Hills, Mich.-based company that is owned by Lynn Tilton's Patriarch Partners investment company. Dura, which makes a variety of control systems, engineered assemblies and other products, supplies the award-winning heated power rear sliding window for the F-150 pickup
• Systrand Manufacturing, a Brownstown, Mich.- based company owned by Sharon Cannarsa. Systrand is producing machined parts for the next generation of Ford's hybrid transmission that will be used in the new Ford Fusion Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid
• Dakkota Integrated Systems, owned by Andra Rush and based in Holt, Mich. Dakkota won a contract to produce fascias and headliners for the redesigned Ford Explorer, which more than doubled sales in 2011 from 2010, finishing the year with 135,704 units sold in the U.S.

"Building a financially healthy, diverse supply base is a central part of the Ford purchasing strategy," said Tony Brown, group vice president, Ford Global Purchasing. "We are proud to receive this recognition, and we hope it brings renewed attention to this important segment of our supply base."

SOURCE Ford Motor Company

Thank you to the author of this great review. We love hearing from our customers!

"John was very laid back and we didn't feel any type of pressure. He answered all of our questions and helped us choose the right vehicle. We were very impressed with his knowledge of vehicles. It was a pleasure working with him." - hgoldstrom

Thank you Nancy for your spectacular review!

"I HAD A VERY GOOD EXPERIANCE SHOPPING FOR MY NEW BUICK REGAL AT KENNY ROSS,JOSH PHILLIPS WAS EXTREMELY HELPFUL AND KNOWLEGEABLE ABOUT WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR AND WANTED IN MY NEW VEHICLE I WOULD DEFINITLY BUY THERE AGAIN." - NANCY C.

A big thank you to the author of this awesome review. We appreciate it!

"The employees were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I got the vehicle I wanted at a reasonable price, including the help with financing. This is the second vehicle I have bought from this location and will continue to shop there in the future. Thank you again so much Kevin, Don, and Dave, I appreciate everything you guys did for me and love my new Equinox!" - hdunk13

Kenny Ross Chevrolet Buick wins Pennsylvania's Chevrolet Dealer of the Year award on DealerRater!

Congratulations to our Kenny Ross Chevrolet Buick store, which won Pennsylvania's Chevrolet Dealer of the Year award on DealerRater!! Well done team!

Penn Jillette and the Nissan LEAF Headline in Las Vegas

For 35 years Penn Jillette has been making news as part of the beloved magical and comedic duo Penn & Teller.

He has headlined at The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for the past decade, and has enjoyed sold-out runs on Broadway, world tours, Emmy-winning TV specials and appearances in everything from Letterman to Leno, Friends to The Simpsons. And, on Feb. 19, he can be seen among the cast of NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice.

Earlier in February Jillette made news of a different kind by purchasing a Nissan LEAF in his hometown of Las Vegas, “when I car shop all I say is ‘how comfortable is the seat, and how good does the radio sound?’” He continued, “because it (LEAF) is electric, the radio sounds really wicked good.”

Jillette has plans for his NISSAN LEAF, including using it on his 11-mile commute to work at the Rio, and painting it a distinctive pink to match the other vehicles in his fleet. Keep your eyes peeled for this new super star making its way through Las Vegas’ Strip, driven by one of the city’s most-beloved magicians.

“I have many friends in show business, and they all have many cars that they change all the time. I don’t. I think I’m going to like it and I think I’m going to have it about eight years,” said Jillette.

2013 Cadillac XTS to get 'active' safety system

Starting this fall, General Motors will offer an "advance active safety and driver assistance system" on the 2013 Cadillac XTS.

The Driver Assistance Package is the first General Motors system to use sensor fusion, which can alert drivers of road hazards and help them avoid crashes. It is a "significant milestone toward the development of self-driving vehicles," GM said.

The system's use of radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors enables advanced safety features, such as rear automatic braking, land departure warning, side blind zone alert.

"We believe sensor fusion will enable future active safety systems to handle a greater number of inputs to provide 360 degrees of crash risk detection and enhanced driver assist features," said Bakhtiar Litkouhi, GM research and development lab group manager for perception and vehicle control systems.

"A system that combines the strengths of multiple sensing technologies and expertly manages those inputs can provide advisory, warning, and control interventions to help drivers avoid collisions and save lives," Litkouhi said.

Sensor fusion also is a building block in the development of semi-autonomous and fully autonomous vehicles, which are designed to maintain lane position and adapt to traffic environments. GM said more sophisticated self-driving technology that could enable semi and fully autonomous driving could available by the end of the decade.

SOURCE: theprovince.com

Thank you Coleen & Michael for writing this tremendous review on our dealership! We appreciate it!

"My husband and I bought our second Camaro the other day. It has been 19 years since our last red camaro. The first one we traded in at Kenny Ross in Irwin. This one is even better! I gave 5 stars for our experience with Kenny Ross Chevrolet-Buick-Nissan in Zelienople. The President of the company came over when we were doing some paperwork with Ed Casciato. Ed was great. We had a good time with him. Even getting onstar started was fun. Even with my husband trying to rush everything to get home before the snow storm. We had some good laughs! Poor Ed, he wanted to help us with everything but the Mr was in a rush as usual. Don't worry Ed, Although you told us to call you with any questions, I think we're ok. If not, I know you'll be there to help. Pres. Jim DeFilippo was the nicest guy. Although he probably has tons to do, he made it a point to come and talk to us. My husband was asking for a bit of the touch up paint to match the car. Although we could have filled out a form to get some, Jim brought back us our paint! He was very nice and helpful. We were even ok with the price of the vehicle. The lady that did the financing was cute too. Jim stopped in when she was counting our cash and getting the paperwork signed. He said she likes money and you could tell. She was smiling big when she counted out the money and it was over $10000.00. That would have me insane. I suggest everyone take her lots of cash to count. hahahaha! Thank you guys at Kenny Ross Zelienople for such a great experience! We plan on keeping this camaro for a long time. Hope to come back when we're ready for another!" - Coleen & Michael

A big thank you to the author of this fantastic review. Great work team!

"This dealership is highly recommended from my family. I bought my first car brand new here. Larry Parker was more than helpful in finding a car that was affordable and satisfied my needs. My experience was so great that nine months later my brother was looking for a car. He stopped at Kenny Ross Ford to check out what they offered and ended up driving out of there with a brand new Ford Focus. A month later my father was looking for a vehicle and ended up buying a brand new Ford Fiesta. With all of our experiences at Kenny Ross Ford, not only is Larry Parker a great sales representative, the entire staff throughout the process helped my family adjust what was needed to leave with new cars. I have also had my car serviced from Kenny Ross Ford and every time my expectations are met. Kenny Ross Ford is a dealership that has the friendliest and most helpful staff. I highly recommend this dealership!" - Krr4771

Car Review: The 2012 Buick Regal offers a new sportier GS trim to the line-up this year

Debuting last year with a reintroduction, the 2012 Buick Regal is even better this year. The new year also sees several new options introduced to the market: a hybrid and a sportier version called the GS. 

For starters, not only does it handle well, but it looks good too and you will look good driving it. Falling into the entry-level luxury sedan category competition for this one is the BMW 328i and the Infiniti G25, both hard shows to follow in the world of performance handling. Otherwise, competition is squarely faced with the Acura TSX, Volvo S60 and even the sister Buick LaCrosse.

There are three trim levels on the 2012 Buick Regal: the Base, Turbo and GS. Features on the base include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, fog lights, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

You can also upgrade the Base with a Premium 1 package, which will add on a keyless ignition/entry, remote starting, and rear parking sensors.

If you opt for the Turbo Buick Regal, then the Premium 1 package comes standard and also comes standard on the eAssist models.

The Buick Regal comes in three distinct trims.

There is also a Premium 2 package that will cost you a little more on the Base and Turbo trims with automatic xenon headlights and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system.

A Premium 3 package can be had on the Turbo trim with 19-inch wheels and adaptive suspension dampers as well as standard, sport and t tour drive modes. The Premium 3 package is standard on the Regal GS with additional Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, front sport seats and front parking.  The exterior and interior in the GS also have a sportier feel as well.  For options on the GS there’s a sunroof and a navigational system.

The 2012 Buick Regal Base has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder under the hood with 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo trim ups that to a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 220 horsepower and 260 pound feet of torque. You get as standard a six-speed automatic transmission on both the Base and Turbo or you can choose the optional six-speed manual. 

Under the Regal GS hood it is the turbo engine with a boost in the exhaust that takes the horsepower in this one up to 270 with 295 pound feet of torque. The six-speed manual transmission is the standard here, but you can have an automatic as an option.

Safety on the 2012 Buick Regal includes antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control, front seat side-impact and full-length side curtain airbags. Starting at the Premium 2 package, there is also rear-seat passenger side airbags.

Inside the 2012 Buick Regal, you will find a clean-feeling and good-looking cabin. Notice the arced dash, but also the seats are just plain comfortable too.  The knobs and buttons are well-placed in the center, but be warned there are a number of buttons to learn.  The headroom in the backseat could be a problem for a taller passenger.

The trunk is 14.2 cubic feet, not very large for longer trips, which is surprising since the 2012 Buick Regal is the perfect road trip car in every other way.  If you pack light though, this luxury sedan will get you there with ease.

The cabin is quiet while driving and the ride is easy and smooth.  For a redesign there’s a lot to like in the 2012 on this one.

Should You Need to Know: With the choices in trims: Base, Turbo and GS, it’s certain that one of these models will fit every personality.

SOURCE: washingtontimes.com

We would like to thank our amazing customers for writing these fantastic reviews on our dealership!

"Hoping my car would last my family another 6 months, I was unfortunate to realize that after about 2 weeks of issues, the repairs were going to cost almost as much as the vehicle was worth. Once this was realized, the option to bump up our future plans to trade-in appeared to be the only option. I had been researching vehicles that would fit our soon-to-be family of five, so an SUV was a good option. Nothing stood out more to me than the Chevy Traverse. This vehicle was roomy as the middle row captain seats would make it easy for my five year old daughter to fit in the back. I found Kenny Ross to have the best price online for a 2009 Chevy Traverse with everything plus more of what we were looking for. The price was excellent compared to others with the same mileage and features. We called our local Kenny Ross Chevrolet Buick in Zelinople and promised it to be there the next business day. Sure enough, we test drove it, reviewed all the features and made a deal. The vehicle has been perfect for us and will be perfect for our addition to the family coming in July." - carrieczar

"We had only went to Kenny Ross to test drive a Tahoe and compare it. We ended up leaving there in a Certified used Tahoe! They gave us good value for our trade and worked to get us a great rate. All the sales staff was very friendly and not pushy at all. Josh especially went to bat for to get us more for our trade. We hope to buy from him again!" - ebohonak

"Robert Clay is a great sales man. He helped me find a good car for a good rate and gave me the best deal out there. I will definitely be going back to him and referring him to my family and friends." - Nicole L.

Thank you to the authors of these great reviews on our Kenny Ross Chevrolet Cadillac store. We appreciate it!

"I purchased my first new car with the help of Jon Kiser. I was nervous, but Jon explained everything well and didn't pressure me. He made the whole process easy and smooth. I got the car that suited me best and I was comfortable with the price. I would highly recommend Jon and the dealership for their great service." - megsmcc80

"Jack & Diane were very friendly,informative, and not pushy. Jack worked with us to get the price to where we could afford to trade. Jack showed us several cars,in different price ranges. We test drove two to help decide. we got some initial figures and went home to think about our options. Jack kept in contact with us ansering questions that came up,until we made our final decision." - dad351

Auto - LEISURE The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 convertible will blow you away

Because a 200 mph muscle car isn’t crazy enough, Ford introduced a  convertible version of its ridiculously powerful 2013 Mustang Shelby GT500 at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, complete with the hardtop’s 650 hp supercharged 5.8-liter V8 engine.

Engineered by Ford’s SVT performance division, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary at the show this year, the convertible GT500 features the same aerodynamic bodywork as the coupe, with the one very obvious difference being the roof.

“The engine and exhaust are just going to be in your ear,” says SVT Chief Engineer Jamal Hameedi.

Both the coupe and convertible ride on a high-performance suspension system with available electronically controlled dampers that can be switched between comfort and sport modes, the latter for improved handling. New gearing in the transmission takes advantage of the motor’s prodigious 600 lb-ft of torque.

An advanced traction and stability control system offers several modes that incrementally decrease level of its intervention, as well as a launch control feature for the drag strip, where you probably shouldn’t be taking a convertible – at least not before you install a roll bar. If you do, an optional Track Package ads coolers for the engine oil, rear differential and transmission.

“Nothing has been left unturned to make this car a balanced, complete package,” Hameedi says.

Driving the point home, the new convertible is 3.5 seconds a lap faster around the challenging Sebring International Raceway road course than the 2012 GT500 hardtop was.

Smartly, and sadly for some, the top speed of the convertible has been electronically limited to 155 mph for safety reasons.

Pricing has not been announced, but the GT500 Convertible will go head to head with the 580 hp Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible when they both go on sale later this year.

Source: foxnews.com

Cadillac ATS earns GM another Most Watched Ad Ever title!

When spending big dollars on a Super Bowl ad buy, companies would do themselves well to remember that the successful spots aren't just the ones being talked about the next day. The ads that more eyeballs actually saw while watching the game were also worth their weight in focus groups.

For the second year in a row, General Motors is claiming that it aired the most watched ad during the most watched event in U.S. TV history. We are speaking of the 30-second spot entitled "Green Hell" featuring the Cadillac ATS that aired during the game's most tense moments, right after the official two-minute warning was reached. The time was 9:37 PM EST and, according to analysis by Kantar Media, more people were watching NBC's broadcast at that time than any other.

And since this year's Super Bowl was again viewed by another record audience – 111.3 million viewers in the U.S., not to mention over a billion worldwide – the ATS ad therefore becomes the most watched advertisement on television in U.S. history.

We said this is the second time that GM has claimed this crown. The first was with last year's Camaro commercial called "Miss Evelyn." To see the two most watched spots in U.S. television history back-to-back, just follow the jump.

Source: AutoBlog.com

Thank you Tia2012 for your kind 5-Star review on Dealerrater!

"I would recommend them to anyone looking for a new/used car."-Tia2012

 

Ford launches production of Focus, the most fuel efficient petrol-powered Ford ever!

• Production begins in Saarlouis, Germany of Ford Focus 1.0-liter EcoBoost – Ford’s most fuel efficient petrol vehicle ever
• The new Focus 1.0-liter EcoBoost 100PS delivers class-leading fuel efficiency of 4.8l/100km (58.9 mpg)* and CO2 emissions of 109g/km. The 125PS model returns 5l/100km (56.5mpg) with CO2 emissions of 114g/km
• The 1.0-liter EcoBoost will be introduced to more Ford models including the C-MAX and all-new B-MAX in 2012

COLOGNE, Germany, Feb. 02, 2012 – The Ford Focus powered by the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine began rolling off the assembly line this week in Saarlouis, Germany, setting a new benchmark as Ford’s most fuel efficient petrol-powered vehicle ever.

The Focus 1.0-liter EcoBoost 100PS offers class-leading economy of 4.8l/100km (58.9mpg) alongside CO2 emissions of 109g/km. The turbocharged, direct injection engine also is available on the Focus in a 125PS version that returns 5l/100km (56.5mpg) with CO2 of 114g/km.

The Focus 1.0-liter EcoBoost achieves diesel engine standards of performance thanks to a steady engine torque of 170Nm between 1,400rpm and 4,500rpm.

“Production of the first Focus 1.0-liter EcoBoost is an important milestone for Ford,” said Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO Stephen Odell. “Developing an engine this small and fuel efficient that still delivers good power and driving fun in a Focus-sized car would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.”

The new 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is produced at Ford’s engine plant in Cologne, Germany. . Ford invested €134 million ($200 million) to develop a special high-tech line at the Cologne Engine Plant to build the engine. Later this year, production of the engine also will begin in Craiova, Romania. European production capacity could eventually reach 700,000 engines per year.  

The 1.0-liter EcoBoost illustrates just how much Ford and the entire auto industry have been able to continually improve the internal combustion engine, a technology that has been around well over a century.

For example, the 2.9-liter engine that powered the iconic Model T delivered fuel economy 11.3l/100km, while cranking out 20PS – numbers that were impressive in their time. 

The first generation Ford Fiesta’s 957cc engine from 1976 was roughly the same displacement as the 1.0-liter EcoBoost.  The EcoBoost, however, delivers 64 percent more power and 38 percent lower fuel consumption

The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine was developed by Ford experts across Europe, including engineers at Ford’s European Research and Advanced Engineering Centre in Aachen, Germany, and the Dunton Technical Centre, UK.

 

Editor’s note: Ford’s Saarlouis assembly plant in Germany celebrated 40 years of production in 2010 and is the main European assembly plant for Ford’s first truly global car, the new Focus.

• Saarlouis employs approximately 6,500 workers
• The first model ever assembled at the plant was the Ford Escort Mk1

Courtesy of Ford News

 

 

Thank you Eileen for the 5-Star Review on DealerRater!

"I would highly recommend KENNY ROSS to all my friends and family. Rob and ALL the staff were friendly and eager to please." -Eileen

Cadillac's Superbowl ad reveals the new 2013 Cadillac ATS

DETROIT – The on-road performance of the  2013 Cadillac ATS compact luxury sedan will be the focus of a new advertising spot this Sunday during  the U.S. television broadcast of Super Bowl XLVI.

The 30-second spot is available today on Cadillac’s official YouTube channel and Facebook page.

“The ad showcases what will make ATS a serious new challenger against the world’s best compact luxury cars,” said General Motors Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick. “It’s an opportunity to reach a big audience with the message that Cadillac is expanding into new territory.”

The all-new ATS is Cadillac’s entry into the world’s most significant luxury car category. The straight pitch is a contrast to many Super Bowl ads, which use humor and other devices unrelated to the product being pitched.

“The car is the total focus of the ad, with actual testing footage of the ATS,” Ewanick said. “Competing head-to-head in an elite class requires authentic performance.”    

The all-new 2013 ATS begins production this summer at the Lansing (Mich.) Grand River plant.  

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillac.com.

Courtesy of Cadillac News Media