Latest News From Bumper to Bumper Radio

2018 MDX Sport Hybrid features an upgraded user interface with standard Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration

Two new sporty red exterior colors

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 31, 2018 -- The 2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid begins arriving at Acura dealerships tomorrow, boasting an upgraded user interface and additional in-vehicle technology plus two new exterior colors, Basque Red Pearl II and San Marino Red. Pricing begins at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP1) of $52,100 (excluding $995 destination and handling). Distinguishing the Sport Hybrid from the rest of the MDX lineup is the brand's signature three-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive™ system, which it shares with the 2018 NSX supercar and RLX Sport Hybrid.

The Acura MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time2 and has recently claimed AutoWeb's 2018 Buyer's Choice Award for the Luxury SUV category.

The 2018 MDX Sport Hybrid showcases Acura's Precision Crafted Performance DNA with its 3.0-liter, i-VTEC™ V6 engine and three-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system. With 321-peak horsepower3 and 289 lb.-ft. total peak torque on tap, the MDX Sport Hybrid is Acura's most powerful production SUV ever built. And, despite turning out 30 additional horsepower and a 45 percent higher EPA city fuel economy rating as compared to the conventionally-powered MDX SH-AWD, the MDX Sport Hybrid carries a nominal premium of only $1,500 over the conventional MDX SH-AWD®.

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 23, 2018 -- Move over polluters, the Toyota Mirai, one of the world's first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, has surpassed 3,000 sales in the Golden State. Having reached this new milestone, Mirai make up more than 80% of all hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the United States.

Move over polluters, the Toyota Mirai, one of the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, has surpassed 3,000 sales in the Golden State.

"Toyota remains at the forefront of developing and deploying hydrogen fuel cell technology, and we believe strongly in its potential to help realize a more sustainable and zero-emissions society," said Bob Carter, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor North America, Inc.

"From our success in launching the Mirai to our work in building the world's first megawatt-scale carbonate fuel cell power generation plant, Toyota is proud to bring to market new uses for this versatile technology."

The Toyota Mirai, a four-door, mid-size sedan, is a zero-emission hydrogen vehicle with an EPA estimated driving range rating of 312 miles and 67 mpge city/highway/combined. Its performance fully competes with traditional internal combustion engines – but uses no gasoline. With a refueling time of approximately five minutes, the Mirai creates electricity using hydrogen, oxygen and a fuel cell, and emits nothing but water vapor in the process.

Today’s national gas price average is $2.54, which is only one cent more than last week. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that while gasoline demand modestly decreased (146,000 b/d), gasoline inventory increased by 3.6 million bbl. Combined, these two factors resulted in minimal impact on the national average this week. On the week, gas prices increased for 41 states with Florida seeing the largest jump at the pump with a nine-cent increase.

“For consumers, the questions is how high are gas prices going to go in 2018,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “Since 2014, gas prices decreased as much as 20 cents in the first three weeks of the year. This year, gas prices are five cents more than on January 1 of this year, a possible indication that prices in 2018 will likely be more expensive than last year.”

Today, motorists can find gas for $2.50 or less at 58 percent of gas stations nationwide.

Quick Stats

The largest yearly changes in the top ten markets are: California (+39 cents), Indiana (+37 cents), Michigan (+32 cents), Alaska (+30 cents), Oregon (+28 cents), Hawaii (+28 cents), Montana (+28 cents), Ohio (+27 cents), Illinois (+25 cents) and Tennessee (+25 cents).

The nation’s top ten least expensive markets are: Texas ($2.29), Missouri ($2.30), Alabama ($2.30), Mississippi ($2.31), South Carolina ($2.32), Arkansas ($2.32), Arizona ($2.34), New Mexico ($2.35), Oklahoma ($2.35) and Tennessee ($2.36).

Watch All The Action on Velocity Beginning at 1 p.m. MST and During a Special Six-Hour Simulcast on Discovery Channel and Velocity From 4-10 p.m. MST Saturday, Jan. 20

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Jan. 16, 2018 – The Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction is poised for a historic “Super Saturday” this weekend as some of the most high-profile vehicles are scheduled to cross the auction block. Viewers at home can catch all of the heart-pounding action beginning at 1:00 p.m. MST on Velocity, and then during a special, unprecedented six-hour simulcast on Discovery Channel and Velocity from 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. MST.

“We are off to a spectacular start this week at our 47th Annual Scottsdale Auction with a record opening weekend and, with more than 1,700 cars on the docket, we are building up all week to a ‘Super Saturday’ that is going to absolutely rock the house,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “For the first time ever, Discovery Channel will broadcast live on Wednesday in prime time, and Saturday’s simulcast will bring a historic day to viewers at home on Discovery Channel and Velocity.”

Among the highlight vehicles included in Saturday’s simulcast are four high-profile charity vehicles:

New fuel efficient, clean diesel car, pickup, SUV choices debuted at NAIAS

DETROIT, Jan. 17, 2018 -- Clean diesel technology got a major boost at the 2018 North American International Auto Show as six auto manufacturers announced new clean diesel options for passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks.

"These announcements demonstrate a strong commitment to clean diesel technology as a fuel-efficient choice for consumers, and for achieving cleaner air and fuel economy targets," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum.

"This new generation of clean diesel vehicles has been more scrutinized and evaluated than ever before. Consumers that choose diesel in their next vehicle will experience the unmatched combination of no-compromise driving performance, very low emissions, fuel efficiency, operating range and towing capacity. In the lineup of available alternative fuel vehicles, diesel is the only one with choices in all vehicle segments – sedans, light trucks, SUVs, vans and luxury performance.

Bumper Audio Clip of the Week

Bumper to Bumper helps a listener who is having an intermittent electrical issue with her vehicle.