Denver Auto Show Blog

First Drive: 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi

Friday, 21 September 2012 10:00

Hybrids are old hat by now, and range anxiety proves that consumers aren’t quite ready to switch to pure electrics just yet.  That leaves a new middle ground for hybrid plug-ins, like the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi.  A marriage between the best of both technologies, these vehicles plug in to charge, but when the electricity runs out, fall back on hybrid engines to keep the car running.  The C-MAX Energi has three driving modes: EV Now (electric only), EV Auto (electric/gasoline blend), or EV Later (gasoline only).  It achieves a combined fuel rating of 95 MPG-e (its sister, the C-MAX Hybrid, achieves 47 MPG).  Check out the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi at the Show this year, and see how it stacks up against its strong plug-in hybrid competition, like the Chevy Volt and Toyota Prius Plug-In.

Celebrate Good Times

Thursday, 13 September 2012 12:05

We celebrated a very special birthday at the 2012 Denver Auto Show!  We helped Karina throw a surprise 50^th birthday party for her husband Mike, a long-time fan of the Denver Auto Show.  We were so excited to help Karina, Mike and their family and friends celebrate this special day.  There was food, drinks, cake and even a Lamborghini!  If you or someone you know would like to celebrate a special day in style at the Denver Auto Show, email Alexandria Pudney.  Happy birthday again to Mike, and we can’t wait to see you next year!

First Drive: 2013 Aston Martin Vanquish

Tuesday, 17 July 2012 15:48

Mr. Bond's other Aston.

 The DB5 may be the most iconic vehicle in its history, but in a year  that brings the debut of the latest 007 adventure, Aston Martin also  ushers in a revival of the Vanquish.  The sleek head-turner made it's  first splash (literally) in 2002's Die Another Day (no, seriously --  remember the melting ice palace?), buoying it to the upper ranks of  movie cars.  The new Vanquish evolves from the DBS, with luxurious  inspiration from the the exclusive One-77.  The lavish attention to  detail on the interior (such as hand-stitched leather) is carried over to the mechanics under the hood (or "bonnet", as Bond would say).  Aston Martin's flagship V12 engine has been tweaked to deliver 565 bhp and 460 lb-ft of torque, resulting in 0-62 mph in 4.1  seconds and topping out at 183 mph.  Utilizing an updated Touchtronic 2 transmission that's shaken, not stirred, the Vanquish is only available as an automatic.  The Vanquish is set to conquer these shores next year, estimated at around $300,000.  In the meantime, pay homage to 007 in November's Skyfall, and check out the current Aston Martin lineup at the 2013 Denver Auto Show!

First Drive: 2013 Dodge Dart

Monday, 09 July 2012 11:30

 What's the hottest segment in the auto industry right now?   Forget the SUVs and people carriers of old, because compact  cars are on fire.  With their small dimensions and light weights,  compacts have become the consumer's weapon of choice to combat  rising gas prices.  With the stylish 2013 Dart, Dodge aims to make a  splash in the compact segment and appeal to younger, economical  buyers.  The brand's first vehicle to be built on Fiat technology, the  Dart is highly customizable, with unbundled options.  Buyers can choose from 12 exterior colors, 14 interior color combinations, 4 grilles, 6 wheels, and 3 engines and transmissions.  It also offers affordable luxury, with standard features like a back up camera starting for under $20,000.  With an entry model that achieves 160hp and 36mpg (all without sacrificing safety features like 10 standard airbags), the 2013 Dart is an excellent red-hot addition to a segment that has traditionally been ruled by the most boring shades of beige.  Don't miss it at the Show this year!