2015 Cadillac Escalade

The 2015 Cadillac Escalade will turn heads and those who step inside the cabin will see luxury equal to Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Lexus or Infiniti.  “Cadillac’s ongoing growth provides the ideal stage for the new Escalade to move forward” Uwe Ellinghaus who is Global Marketing Manager states.

When first introduced in 1999 people were impressed and GM did very well with the Escalade. Later eve extended versions filled our streets.  Over the years improvements have been made throughout the Escalade.  Denali is a sub Brand of GMC. The Escalade is Cadillac’s Sub Brand and with the new model will sell well.

Many state that Ford’s introduction of the LARGE NAVIGATOR SUV made GM run to the design boards and compete. And how they did. They won as far as I am concerned. Today with the  4^th generation  Escalade they must be very proud. My son again states they have the best SUV ever made. Lincoln is today lowering their price by $10,000.00 to entice buyers.

GM designers and engineers worked together to make upgrades without bean counters saying NO!   That is why the interior is like a Range Rover. 

Dynamic front styling cues are enhanced by a highly detailed Galvano chrome grille that has a unique, almost brushed appearance. It is accented by full light-emitting diode – LED – lighting in the front and rear that creates unique, razor-like vertical light signatures. LEDs provide even, steady and very bright illumination, while delivering longer life and using significantly less energy than conventional lighting.

The headlamps incorporate the industry’s first Total Internal Reflection LED high-beam function, which consists of four vertically stacked crystal lenses and LEDs. The low beam consists of five crystal lenses and LEDs that create the light pattern. The Cadillac script is branded in the headlamp bezel. Tall, thin vertical LED taillamps reach to the top of the Escalade and feature the brand’s wreath-and-crest insignia, which illuminates in the dark. No price to replace them have been given to me. Many replacement LED lighting systems coat a fortune to replace! I do not yet have pricing for front or rear LED replacements.

The 20 inch rims look great. But, Cadillac offers a 22 inch rim. I believe that most customers will be happy with either or as they did before this all-new model go to after market rim/tire suppliers.

Today no young kid could afford their dream Escalade.  But, some older folks can. If you go with  standard model you have plenty of room for six passengers. The extended version offers room for eight. I would never wish to take eight passengers on a ten hour drive. Shoot me first!

The extended version is longer but the third row is not very good for 6 footers or above. The leg room is superb in first two rows but not in the rear third row.  Both versions of the Escalade are now on new frames. No longer truck frames and that makes the drive superb on the higway or Rodeo or Worth Avenue.

To enhance the journey  rear passengers in the Cadillac have all the newest infotanement equipment including the 12.3” reconfigurable instrument cluster and the 8” touchscreen multi-media interface and entertainment center by way of CUE (Cadillac User Experience) telematics, innovation which brings intelligence to the interior. CUE incorporates OnStar with Automatic Crash Response, navigation, weather reports, Bluetooth, climate control, USB ports, and my favorite, Pandora Internet radio. The weather button is detailed and precise and lists temperature hourly, daily or by each 36-hour period just like your Weather Channel phone app. OnStar will also feature 4G LTE and a Wi-Fi hotspot in future models. CUE does need a bit of work such as a faster processor to make it a bit more user friendly. And we’re still mystified as to why GM continues to go with a roof mounted DVD package which is not only a relic, but takes space away for a potential sky roof.  Cadillac added a 16-speaker Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system that is one of the best in the industry and will leave you with an opera hall experience. “An exceptional level of craftsmanship is found in the 2015 Escalade, and it all centers on the premium, layered materials and extensive use of cut-and-sew live stitching – the way fine furniture is produced,” said Eric Clough, director of design, Cadillac Interiors.

Cadillac as always been far ahead of most competitors on safety.   Ten year ago I drove a Corvette in the winter with Stabilitrak. It worked! Today Tadge at Corvette states he uses Winter tires and he has no problem running the NAIAS CAR OF THE YEAR winner on the roads on snow or ice. So if a Corvette can traverse this last winter with all the system them and Cadillac have get serious the Escalade will move you around the USA with no problem.

I remember being at the GM test track and using their first magnetic ride control and also the first front end crash avoidance system. I met with some of the engineers that developed the systems and they were sure all future GM vehicles would benefit from the technology.

Cadillac’s Magnaride or Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension system, is standard, delivering precisely controlled driving performance. And at its core, Escalade is an SUV with the capabilities of a full-size truck, enabling a trailering rating of 8,300 pounds on the standard model and an 8,100-pound rating on Escalade ESV. That’s more than Mercedes-Benz GL550 (7,800 pounds), Lexus LX 570 (7,000 pounds) and Land Rover Range Rover (7,716 pounds).

They were right! Now GM has Driver Awareness Package and Drive Assist Package plus what I love adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, front and rear automatic braking and a lot more.

Cadillac’s small block produces 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, 17 more horses and 43 more lb-ft than its predecessor. Off the line the torque allows the driver to get to 60 miles per hour in under six seconds. Amazing when the Escalade weighs in at 5,900-pound SUV. The new model Cadillac states is the most fuel-efficient Escalade since the Hybrid model was discontinued, thanks not only to the features mentioned above, but also active grille shutters and other aerodynamic tweaks. In the short-wheelbase, four-wheel-drive tester, EPA estimates sit at 14 miles per gallon in the city, 21 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg combined.

Cadillac expects pricing to begin at $72,690 for a 2WD Escalade and up to $86,790 for a 4WD Escalade ESV Premium. As my son states this is PRIMO! Pimp ride and all the stars will want to drive it. He is right but the safety technology make this one of the best vehicles outside GMC  Denali and Chevy Suburban.

At our Florida location Bruce Jr and I towed a lot of boats with every manufacturers vehicles for tow boat and other magazines.  On the flat lands of Florida many do well with gasoline enhanced engines. I believe that the newest Escalades will handle any towing we need from Bradenton to Key West.  I hope they will follow my suggestions for the last ten years and add as Fiat-Chrysler have done on Jeep and their RAM 1500 a diesel. Why diesel. Towing first. Torque and longevity. At Bosch we discussed the advantages and they are too log too detail today.Volkswagen and Audi have proven that Diesel is an alternative to hybrids and electric. They have been selling like hotcakes. For years I have praised Diesel and many companies who stated they would never enter in North America with a Diesel have now brought them here.

With all the technology and back up cameras and surround cameras the towing of trailers, boats has become safer and easier. The camera allows me to position the vehicle and trailer hitch so quickly and with safety to the vehicle it is remarkable.

Competitors in 4 wheel drive/all-wheel-drive would be the BMWx5 X drive,Infiniti Q70 AWD, Land Rover Ranger Rover Sport, Lexus GX460 AWD,Porsche Cayene S, Mercedes ML 550 4 Matic, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, and Lincoln Navigator.

Cadillac is winning more and more customers daily. Their vehicles are amazing!

Bruce Hubbard

Bonnie Lynch

Brad Hubbard

JB Hubbard

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

100 BEST DRIVES IN NORTH AMERICA

ROAD TRIPS

2015 MAZDA MX-5 2TH ANNIVERY EDITION SOLD OUT!

-->

IRVINE, Calif., May 20, 2014 MAZDA’S PR release: The microsite countdown was set to 10:25 AM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) today and within 10 minutes, all 100 of the 2015 MX-5 Miata 25^th Anniversary Edition models were dutifully reserved. The pre-order program was set to run through 11:25 AM PDT on May 31, 2014 or when 250 customers were registered, whichever came first. The extended end date proved unnecessary as the consumer anticipation and fervor with which the limited-edition model was sold was not entirely unexpected but a pleasant surprise nonetheless.

"It is no secret the MX-5 Miata 25^th Anniversary Edition is a specially-crafted 'Thank you' to every MX-5 fan – former, current and hopefully future," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "The enthusiasm surrounding the MX-5 since its debut in 1989 has been nothing short of phenomenal, and we sincerely appreciate every single person that has experienced the absolute joy of driving in an MX-5 – whether behind the wheel or as a passenger. Since day one, this vehicle has been a true driver's car and we hope to continue to build upon its dynamic legacy for generations to come."

Faster than the dial-up connections of yore, 250 registrants accessed the 25^th anniversary pre-order microsite. Registered customers will be contacted directly by MNAO, of which the first 100 verified will be given the opportunity to pre-order an anniversary model. Upon verification of purchase intent and transmission selection, the customer's information will then be forwarded to the dealership of their choosing to finalize the transaction. The anniversary model will arrive in dealerships beginning late summer, as will the rest of the 2015 model-year MX-5 Miata lineup.

Pricing for the MX-5 Miata 25^th Anniversary Edition starts at $32,205[1] MSRP vehicles equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and at $32,655 MSRP for those equipped with an automatic. There are no additional packages available and all anniversary models are equipped with a Power-Retractable Hard Top.

Additionally, MX-5 Miata 25^th Anniversary Edition owners each will receive a custom-crafted Tourneau watch and display winder box. The Swiss-made, stainless steel watch sports Italian-made genuine leather black straps with contrast Mazda-signature Soul Red stitching and a deployant buckle. At 42 millimeters in diameter, the watch features a genuine sapphire crystal face with an anti-glare coating, as well as a genuine sapphire crystal on the see-through case back to showcase the watch movement and rotor. The exhibition case back features a 25-jewel ETA 2824-2 movement with special two-tone Cotes de Geneve decor.  Each watch and display set also will feature MX-5 and 25^th Anniversary logos.

During the 1960s and 1970s, numerous lightweight and fun-to-drive sports cars offered nimble handling and free-spirited open-air motoring. In the 1980s, Mazda decided to resurrect this spirit with a new roadster for the modern age. Using the latest engineering techniques of the time, Mazda developed the MX-5 and announced it at the Chicago Auto Show in February 1989 as a reminder that driving could still be fun despite ever-stricter safety and quality standards. Through a variety of product improvements and full-redesigns in 1998 and 2005, the body has been kept lightweight and weight distribution optimized in order to enhance driving, safety and environmental performance, while preserving the pure driving fun that is unique to a lightweight open-top sports car.

Total production volume of the Mazda MX-5 exceeded 920,000 units in December 2013, and the model continues to hold the Guinness World Record for the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car. To date the model has received more than 200 awards from around the world, including Car of the Year Japan 2005-2006.

BRUCE HUBBARD

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

BMW GROUP CAR SHARING EXPANDS IN SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco, CA – May 8, 2014… BMW Group subsidiary DriveNow, a flexible, premium car-sharing program, will expand to offer street parking in multiple neighborhoods in San Francisco, beginning in select areas of the Mission District and will add 80 electric BMW ActiveE vehicles to the existing fleet, increasing the total number of ActiveE vehicles in the San Francisco Bay Area to 150. DriveNow members will have the opportunity to name the 80 electric vehicles in a two-week social media challenge.

Later this month in the Mission District, members will be able to use the DriveNow app or website to locate, reserve and park cars on specific streets between Potrero Avenue and Folsom Street and between 16th Street and 26th Street. DriveNow members will be informed by the in-car screen and the DriveNow app which streets are in a “green zone,” or a DriveNow drop-off zone, designating that it is approved for parking. If a DriveNow member attempts to end a reservation in a non-sanctioned DriveNow drop-off zone, the in-car screen will alert the driver that the reservation cannot be ended, and if applicable, help identify the appropriate streets for parking.

“DriveNow with street parking is available in several cities across Europe, and it has been a very successful business model, so we are pleased to bring street parking to the U.S.,” said Richard Steinberg, CEO of DriveNow USA. “By expanding our offerings in San Francisco, our members will find it is more convenient than ever to find and park a DriveNow vehicle.”

The 80 vehicles, from members of BMW’s Electronaut program who previously leased the ActiveEs, will be available on San Francisco streets and at 17 DriveNow locations around the San Francisco Bay Area, including Palo Alto, the San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport. DriveNow is also working on additional station expansion around the Bay Area, including San Jose International Airport. DriveNow is a cost-effective solution for airport transfers.

The DriveNow community is invited to name the 80 additional ActiveE vehicles through a two-week challenge on Facebook and Twitter to help develop personalities for the new electric cars. Submissions for the new ActiveE names should follow this protocol:

• Use the letters “A” and “E,” as in “ActiveE”;
• Use the letters “E” and “V,” as in “electric vehicle”; or
• Use the letters “B,” “E” and “V,” as in “battery electric vehicle.”

The letters could be used consecutively or as first and last names, such as ArchiE, EVita, BEVerly or Escape Vehicle. The selected names will appear on the car sticker, in the DriveNow app and on the DriveNow website. The social media challenge is open May 9-23, 2014.

By the end of the year, DriveNow has committed to extending street parking to include areas of Bernal Heights, Haight Ashbury, Noe Valley, North Panhandle (NOPA), Alamo Square and Potrero Hill in San Francisco.

DriveNow members can pick up and return vehicles to any DriveNow station or delineated parking spot; the available DriveNow vehicles, along with their charging status, are displayed on an interactive map on the DriveNow website and in the DriveNow app on Apple App Store or Google Play.

BMW is committed to encouraging the development of mobility options that will reduce emissions and congestion and improve the quality of life in the San Francisco Bay Area, which remains the third most congested city in the U.S. The DriveNow car-sharing program provides drivers with access to BMW’s ActiveE electric cars with zero emission driving at 11 public stations locations in the San Francisco Bay Area, in addition to six corporate locations, dealerships and ChargePoint electric vehicle charging stations.

Launched in Europe in 2011 and now available in Munich, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Cologne and Hamburg, DriveNow is a part of BMW i, a BMW brand focused on developing sustainable premium mobility solutions. DriveNow is a tool to introduce new customers to the BMW brand and electric mobility. It helps attract younger customers to the BMW brand before they own their own vehicle. Globally, the average DriveNow member is 10 years younger than the BMW Group’s young MINI customers.

 BRUCE HUBBARD

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

2014 CHEVROLET DETROIT BELLE ISLE GRAND PRIX COMING SOON

GET READY FOR ONE OF THE BEST GRAND PRIX RACES EVER IN DETROIT MICHIGAN.

THANKS TO CHEVROLET, PENSKE, QUICKEN, COMERICA, AUTOWEEK AND OTHERS I EXPECT THIS RACE TO BE THE BEST OF THE BEST. SO MANY DRIVERS TOLD ME THEY LOVE BELLE ISLE TO DRIVE ON.  I REMEMBER WHEN IT WAS ON STREETS OF DETROIT. THEN YEARS LATER ON BELLE ISLE. THANKS TO PENSKE AND HIS FRIENDS BELLE ISLE TURNED OUT TO BE THE BEST SPOT FOR THE RACE. NOW THAT THE TRACK HAS BEEN IMPROVED THANKS TO INPUT FROM DRIVERS I EXPECT THIS TO BE THE BEST RACING CIRCUIT SEEN IN YEARS.

THESE ARE SOME OF THE VEHICLE TO BE DRIVEN AT THE 2014 CHEVROLET BELLE ISLE GRAND PRIX. CADILLAC ON THE LEFT , INDY CAR AND THE NORTH AMERICAN CAR OF THE YEAR THE CORVETTE STINGRAY. I PHOTOGRAPHED THEM LAST FALL WHEN WE REVIEWED PLANS FOR THE MAY JUNE GRAND PRIX.

The 2014 Chevrolet Quicken Grand Prix will again be exciting. Improvements by the State of Michigan and Penske and other sponsors will show off the Island that the famous land scape architect Frederic Law Olmsted envisioned. The State of Michigan recently put into the State Parks system Belle Isle.

I have been at numerous press meetings on  what shall take place this year. GM, Cadillac and Chevrolet are behind the event 110%.  Look at some of the GM vehicles we will see racing over the weekend.

Seen here are some of the drivers for this years race discussing with the press their love of the event.

THE SHIRTS ARE PART OF KID ROCK'S PARTNERSHIP SEEN ON SOME OF THE DRIVERS FOR THE 2014 RACE.

The Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix is a partner with a popular, hometown brand as it was announced today that Made In Detroit will serve as the official provider of merchandise and collectibles for the 2014 Grand Prix, which will be held May 30-June 1.

Owned by Detroit music legend, Kid Rock, Made In Detroit (MID) has established itself as one of the top clothing manufacturers and distributors in the Midwest. With a unique style and flair befitting the Motor City, Made In Detroit will create a full product line for the 2014 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix.

At the North American International Auto Show in January of 2014 the Corvette won car of the year. It is so impressive even on the Nuehemberg race track that few Ferrari's or Lambroghini's can match the abilities.

Tadge  Juechter told me and Bonnie Lynch our editor that all his designers are left handed. Means they have abilities that few can match. I must agree for the new Corvette is amazing.  Bang for the buck is amazing also.  For years the Corvette sales have fallen. Not now for demand for the new generation is high.

In these photos taken at this years Detroit NAIAS shows the frame of the Corvette and numerous models including one with Corvette's head designer Tadge Juechter and our editor Bonnie Lynch. He won with the Corvette North American Car of the Year for 2014!

The GM Chevrolet Belle Isle 2014 event will be the race to be at this summer in Detroit Michigan.  The design of the track with bleachers and superb viewing area locations allow enthusiast a wonderful race experience. Tickets for the event will be demanded by all Detroit Belle Isle Race lovers.





Not just the race will bring families into Belle Isle but the numerous events including shows and bands day and night. Then consider what the Detroit Yacht  Club is exhibiting throughout race week. Members are showing off what the club offers to families and businesses. With the State of Michigan taking over Belle Isle means enhancements to the Island never seen in 30 years.

 

Adding even more excitement and bringing an extreme element to the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, it was confirmed today that the SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Truck (SST) Series will compete at next summer's event, May 30-June 1, 2014.

In only its second season and coming off a wildly-popular debut in 2013, the SST Series will compete on the 2.3-mile Raceway at Belle Isle Park street circuit with two races run during Grand Prix weekend. The high-flying trucks will launch from a standing start for each race and they jump ramps that will be set up on the Grand Prix race circuit.

With trucks expected to reach speeds in excess of 120 mph, launching more than 15 feet in the air and covering distances more than 75 feet on Belle Isle, the SST Series is unique in the sense that all trucks are identically prepared and delivered to drivers in race-ready condition. Drivers do not have an advantage over others because they have a bigger budget or greater technology. Drivers are assigned SST crew members who make minor adjustments at a driver's request. The rules are specific as to what changes are permitted on the trucks so that the technology in the trucks remains equal.


April 2014 Media and sponsors and winner of last years Indy 500 Tony Kanaan appeared. He was amazing on stage. His love of the race was thanks to his father. He praised his father over and over. He loves his family so much. He was so happy to win last years big race and finally his son could say he was not a looser!  He loves Detroit except for the 20 plus screws in his arm from the accident he had on the previous Belle Isle Track. He said he was happy they took out his corner where the accident occured.

 

THE CAR TO BE DRIVEN AT THE MAY 30 TO JUNE ONE GRAND PRIX 

IN APRIL TONY KANAN AND JIM CAMPBELL OF CHEVROLET AND BUD DENKER MET AT COMERICA PARK TO DISCUSS THE UPCOMING CHEVROLET BELLE ISLE GRAND PRIX.

THE ATTACHED PHOTOS ARE SOME TAKEN AT PREVIOUS EVENTS. EXCITEMENT THIS YEAR OF THE GREAT GRAND PRIX EVENT WILL SHOW SIMILAR IMAGES PLUS A LOT MORE. EVERY DAY WE WILL DISPLAY ON brucehubbardphotography.IFP3.com images. Also Auto Channel.com. All images will be displayed on my photo site after each day of racing.

 STAGING OF FERRARI, VIPER AND CORVETTE VEHICLE MAKE THE CROWDS AT THE CHEVROLET BELLE ISLE GRAND SMILE.

THE FOUNTAIN AT BELLE ISLE IS SURROUNDED BY MANY SPONSORS AND THEIR GUESTS DURING THE LONG WEEKEND EVENT.

ONE OF THE MANY AERIAL PHOTOS BRUCE HUBBARD HAS TAKEN ON BELLE ISLE. IN THIS ONE WE SEE THE DETROIT YACHT CLUB AND DETROIT LOOKING THEIR BEST. TO SEE OTHERS GO TO BRUCEHUBBARDPHOTOGRAPHY.IFP3.COM.

THE DYC DOES ALL THEY CAN TO PROMOTE THE CHEVROLET BELLE ISLE GRAND PRIX. THEY ARE GETTING EXCITED AS IS WE ALL ARE IN DETROIT ON THE UPCOMING RACES.


DETROIT THEN HAS TWO OTHER AMAZING EVENTS THAT FOLLOW THIS SUMMER. THE GOLDCUP HYDRO PLANE RACES. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING AND LONGEST RUNNING RACES IN DETROIT. 

THE HYDROPLANES AMAZE ALL AND RUN FROM THE BELLE ISLE BRIDGE BACK TO THE FAMOUS DETROIT YACHT CLUB AND THEN CURVE TO THE SCHOENITH'S SPECTACULAR ROOSTERTAIL TURN. I HAVE BEEN PHOTOGRAPHING THIS EVENT SINCE 1962 WHEN LEE SCHOENITH AND JERRY SCHOENITH RACED IN THE GOLD CUP.

THE OTHER DETROIT EVENT WE RECOMMEND IS THE BAYVIEW MACKINAW SAIL RACE.

BRUCE HUBBARD
BONNIE LYNCH
BRADLEY HUBBARD
AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

EVENT INFORMATION:

The Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix returns to the Motor City May 30-June 1, 2014. The event will feature the cars of the Verizon IndyCar Series, the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, the Pirelli World Challenge Series and the trucks of the SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Truck Series. The weekend collectively is referred to as the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix and it will feature the Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans IndyCar doubleheader.

WHEN: 
Friday-Sunday - May 30-June 1, 2014

WHERE: 
The Raceway at Belle Isle Park road course

TRACK LENGTH: 
2.3 miles

BROADCAST COVERAGE (Subject to change):
Saturday, May 31, 2014 Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans Dual #1 (Verizon IndyCar Series)
Live national television coverage: ABC (Time - 3:30 pm)
Live Local television coverage: WXYZ
Live local radio coverage: WDFN (1130 AM)
Live national radio coverage: IMS Radio Network and Sirius satellite XM Radio Channel 94 (Verizon IndyCar Series)

Sunday, June 1, 2014 Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans Dual #2 (Verizon IndyCar Series)
Live national television coverage: ABC (Time - 3:30 pm)
Live local television coverage: WXYZ
Live local radio coverage: WDFN (1130 AM)
Live national radio coverage: IMS Radio Network and Sirius satellite XM Radio Channel 94 (Verizon IndyCar Series)

Saturday, May 31, 2014 Chevrolet Sports Car Classic presented by the Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers (TUDOR United SportsCar Championship)
Live national television coverage: FOX Sports 1 or 2 (TBD; Time: - 12:00 pm)
Live local radio coverage: WDFN (1130 AM)
Live national radio coverage: MRN Radio Network and Sirius satellite XM Radio Channel 90

Sunday, June 15, 2014 Cadillac V-Series presented by the Metro Detroit Cadillac Dealers (Pirelli World Challenge)
Taped national television coverage: NBC Sports Network (Time - 2:30 pm)
Re-air: Saturday, June 21, NBC Sports Network (Time - 12:00 am)

Sunday, June 21, 2014 SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks Series
Taped national television coverage: NBC Sports Network (Time - 12:30 am)

EVENT SCHEDULE: 
Below is the basic schedule of events for the 2014 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. The full detailed weekend schedule will be posted closer to the event and all events are subject to change.

Friday, May 30 (Comerica Bank Free Prix Day) 
Verizon IndyCar Series practice and qualifying, TUDOR United SportsCar Championship practice and qualifying, Pirelli World Challenge Series practice, SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Truck Series practice, qualifying and Race #1.

Saturday, May 31
Verizon IndyCar Series warm-up and the Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans Dual #1, TUDOR United SportsCar Championship practice and Chevrolet Sports Car Classic presented by the Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers, Pirelli World Challenge Series qualifying and Cadillac V-Series Challenge presented by the Metro Detroit Cadillac Dealers Race #1, SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Truck Series practice, Verizon IndyCar Series and TUDOR United SportsCar Championship autograph sessions.

Sunday, June 1
Verizon IndyCar Series warm-up and the Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans Dual #2, Pirelli World Challenge Series Cadillac V-Series Challenge presented by the Metro Detroit Cadillac Dealers Race #2, SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Truck Series qualifying and Race #2.

TICKETS: 
Tickets are now on sale for the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. To view information on ticket plans and to purchase tickets, please click here.  Tickets may also be purchased by calling 866-464-PRIX (7749) or visit the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix office in the GM Renaissance Center, 300 Renaissance Center Drive, Suite 2311, Detroit, Mich.

SPONSORSHIP: 
For information on sponsorship packages for the 2014 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, please contact Tavi Fulkerson at the Fulkerson Group - tavi@fulkersongroup.com or (248) 593-9740

HOSPITALITY: 
For information on hospitality options for the 2014 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, please contact Tavi Fulkerson at the Fulkerson Group - tavi@fulkersongroup.com or (248) 593-9740

FOOD VENDOR: 
For food vendor inquiries at the 2014 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, please contact Sheila Brown at Andiamo Catering and Events - sbrown@splendidplates.com or (248) 643-6000. 

BELLE ISLE IMPROVEMENTS:
Since the Grand Prix returned to Belle Isle in 2007, event organizers have made over $7 million in lasting improvements to Belle Isle:

• Installing over 230,000 square feet of new concrete for road improvements and other modifications for more exciting competition
• Repairing damaged lighting and drainage systems
• Renovation of Scott Fountain, the Belle Isle Casino and the Belle Isle Boat Club
• Installing over 460,000 square feet of concrete for paddock area and fan interaction to provide a cleaner and more comfortable race experience
• Installing new pedestrian bridges and playscapes
• New concrete areas also be used by park visitors for parking and community events and activities year round

COMMUNITY IMPACT: 
The Grand Prix generated over $46 million in total spending for the Metro Detroit region in 2013.  Over 95,000 people attended the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix events in 2007, 2008 and 2012.

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Visit the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix on Facebook
Follow the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix on Twitter

2015 MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition

IRVINE, Calif. (May 1, 2014) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today launched an all-new microsite as part of its pre-order program for the 2015 MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition. This exclusive web portal will feature a countdown clock to 10:25 AM PDT, May 20, 2014, which is when the pre-order system will be open for interested consumers to place their name in a queue to purchase one of the 100 special edition roadsters. 

Pricing for the 2015 MX-5 Miata’s full lineup also was released today, with the vehicle starting at $23,9701 MSRP for soft top-equipped vehicles and $28,665 MSRP for those equipped with a Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT). Pricing for the anniversary model, which will be available only with a PRHT, starts at $32,205 MSRP. 

1 Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

“The MX-5 Miata is not about making history but about taking innovation a step further,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “Twenty-five years after the vehicle was introduced, the MX-5 continues to be the benchmark for light, responsive and fun-to-drive roadsters. It is the genesis from which every Mazda since has been born. With the fourth generation MX-5 on the horizon, we look forward to reinventing the segment once again.” 

When the MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition microsite opens, interested parties will be asked to complete a registration form where they can select their choice of transmission and preferred Mazda dealership location. The first 100 verified registrants will be given the opportunity to pre-order an anniversary model. Any attempt at multiple entries will void that participant’s offer and disqualify them from the program. The pre-order program will run through 11:25 AM PDT, May 31, 2014, or when 250 customers have registered, whichever comes first. All 100 MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition buyers will go through an exclusive pre-order process for their vehicle. Registered customers will be contacted directly by MNAO to confirm purchase intent. Upon verification, the customer’s information will be forwarded to the dealership of their choosing to finalize the transaction. Mazda Announces Pre-Order Program for Special 2015 MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition Model 2/4 watch and display winder box. The Swiss-made, stainless steel watch sports Italian-made genuine leather black straps with contrast red stitching and a deployant buckle. At 42 millimeters in diameter, the watch features a genuine sapphire crystal face with an anti-glare coating, as well as a genuine sapphire crystal on the see-through case back to showcase the watch movement and rotor. The exhibition case back features a 25-jewel ETA 2824-2 movement with special two-tone Cótes de Genève décor. Each watch and display set also will feature MX-5 and 25th Anniversary logos. Mazda Announces Pre-Order Program for Special 2015 MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition Model 3/4 

The mid-level Club is available with either a soft top ($26,905 MSRP) or PRHT ($28,665 MSRP). Regardless of head cover the standard manual transmission adds another gear stroke to six as well as a shock tower brace. Dark Gunmetal 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in sticky 205/45R17 Bridgestone® Potenza RE050A tires are standard as are back-in-black details with black outside mirrors and head lamp bezels. A black front air dam and rear diffuser are included as well as a seat back bar garnish displayed in a glossy dark gray motif. 

For Club models equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, the Suspension Package comes standard, featuring a sport-tuned suspension, Bilstein shocks and a limited slip differential. Available only with a color-contrasting black top, specialized exterior “Club” graphics and badges round out the finishing touch to an attractively bold MX-5 look. The Club theme continues into the interior with a body color-matching decoration panel featuring trim-specific graphics. Red contrast stitching is featured on the black cloth seats. In Sport models, black upholstery with black stitching is standard while leather seats are standard in Grand Touring models in either black or Spicy Mocha. Sport and Grand Touring models have a dark gray decoration panel.

The Convenience Package available on the Sport trim comes as standard equipment on Club models as does a leather shift knob, contrast red stitching on black cloth seats, a dark gray contoured surround meter around the gauges and a body-color dash panel. 

The upscale Grand Touring, also available with a soft top ($27,550 MSRP) and PRHT ($29,450 MSRP), sits on 17-inch silver aluminum alloy wheels packaged with 205/45R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A performance tires. Available with either a black or Spicy Mocha cloth soft top or a body-colored PRHT, the interior features the Sport’s Convenience Package as well as leather-trimmed seats with five heat settings, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink®, an in-dash six-disc CD changer, leatherette door trim, a Bose® seven-speaker premium surround sound audio system, silver seat back bar trim and a leather-wrapped parking brake.

Available packages for Grand Touring models are the Suspension ($650 MSRP) and Premium ($1,390 MSRP) packages, both of which must be ordered together. The Suspension Package, available only on manual transmission vehicles, features a sport-tuned suspension, Bilstein shocks and a limited slip differential. The Premium Package offers an anti-theft alarm, a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, xenon headlights, the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System and Sirius Satellite Radio with a four-month complimentary subscription (Sirius Satellite Radio is an available standalone option on Sport and Club models). Mazda Announces Pre-Order Program for Special 2015 MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition Model 4/4 

Starting at $32,205 MSRP, the top-of-the-line 25th Anniversary Edition model offers trim-exclusive features such as hand-selected pistons, connecting rods and flywheel to deliver an engine that revs more freely with extraordinary response and acceleration. With only 100 vehicles for sale in the U.S., all anniversary models are outfitted in a deep Soul Red Metallic exterior coat with A-pillars, windshield surround, outside mirrors and a standard PRHT in contrasting Brilliant Black. Seventeen-inch Dark Gunmetal aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza RE05A 205/45R17-84W tires and black front combination lamp bezels complete its premium exterior look.

The interior is outfitted with exclusive Almond leather seats and door trim. A satin chrome finish is used on the louver rings, gauge cluster meter rings and inner door handles. Brilliant Black reappears in the form of the seatback garnish with Piano Black featured on the steering wheel spokes. Genuine black leather wraps the steering wheel, parking brake lever, armrests and manual transmission shift lever boot. Also making an encore is the contrast color theme with distinctive red stitching used throughout all soft touch points. The decorative instrument panel features a hand-painted Piano Black and red paint gradation with aluminum alloy pedals offering added interior flair. 

Exclusive 25th Anniversary Edition badging is tastefully etched into the leather headrests and stainless steel door scuff plates. On the exterior, a single anniversary badge is mounted onto the driver’s side front fender and features an identifying serial number.

BRUCE HUBBARD

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP