Jacksonville International Car & Truck Show Blog

First Drive: 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi

Friday, 21 September 2012 09:59

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, and see how it stacks up against its strong plug-in hybrid competition, like the Chevy Volt and Toyota Prius Plug-In.

First Drive: 2013 Aston Martin Vanquish

Tuesday, 17 July 2012 15:45

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 www.astonmartin.com.

First Drive: 2013 Dodge Dart

Monday, 18 June 2012 13:58

 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!

All About JADA

Monday, 18 June 2012 13:48

The Jacksonville Automobile Dealers Association, sponsors of the Jacksonville International Car & Truck Show, uses programs like the auto show to support children in need.  A large portion of the proceeds from the Car & Truck Show are used to fund children and family charities in Northeast Florida. In fact, the Association just reached (in January) a milestone of $1,000,000 in Charitable and Community Service Donations (2001-2012).  JADA will be supporting in 2012:

Read more: All About JADA