Decisive latino winter 2014 v6

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DECISIV E o n i t a L

César Chávez

Hollywood Finally Tells His Story

TravelVerde

We Pick Destinations That Lower Your Carbon Footprint

Long-Term Review

®

The Best Source for Cultural and Consumer News Winter 2013

Green Tech

Engineering Innovations that Help You Save Gas

We Drive:

> 2014 Chevy Impala > 2014 Acura RLX > 2014 Mazda6 ...and more

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander

2014 Green Car Guide

The Newest Eco-Friendly Vehicles Get Your Subscription to Decisive Digital at www.decisivelatino.com

EL CAMINO SIN RODEOS. ES UNA CHEVY SILVERADO. Y MUCHO MÁS.

de High Country recamados en los reposacabezas. High

Presentamos la nueva Chevy Silverado High Country. Esta

Country está dotada de alta tecnología para el conductor,

Silverado cumple con la potencia y la capacidad que exiges

incluso una pantalla táctil de 8 pulgadas que sirve de interfaz

de las camionetas Chevy. Pero eso no es todo,

al sistema de info-entretenimiento Chevy

Silverado High Country viene con EcoTec3

MyLink** y al alto sistema de audio Bose®.

V8 de 6.2 L, el motor más potente que Chevy LO QUE CONSTITUYE A HIGH COUNTRY

ha ofrecido en esta categoría. Además tiene un uso inteligente de tres diferentes

ES NOTABLE. Un vistazo basta para darse

tecnologías para optimizar la potencia

cuenta de que Silverado es una camioneta

cuando lo necesitas y eficiencia en consumo

singular. Sobresalen los accesorios en cromo

de combustible cuando no.

INTERIOR EN CUERO DE CALIDAD CON CLIMATIZADOR

ALTOS ESTÁNDARES EQUIVALEN A BAJO RUIDO.

de High Country, desde su particular calandra hasta sus rines de 20 pulgadas. Además, esta camioneta incluye faros de halógeno, defensas

No hay camioneta de tamaño grande más silenciosa en la

delantera y trasera del mismo color de la carrocería y distintivo

carretera que Silverado: sus puertas selladas triplemente

de High Country en las puertas.

se incrustan en sus marcos y cuenta con sistema de escape calibrado. Al interior de High Country le hemos

Pulgada a pulgada, del cofre a la caja, todo de la nueva

dado tratamiento de lujo: cuero café de alta calidad que

Silverado High Country está diseñado para trabajar duro a tu

no encontrarás en otra Silverado. Los asientos delanteros

servicio. Descúbrelo por ti mismo en chevy.com/silverado; más

vienen con climatizador estándar y con los logos distintivos

de 13 millones de millas a prueba nos hacen aún más fuertes.

PRESENTAMOS LA NUEVA SILVERADO HIGH COUNTRY

*Según las aproximaciones de la EPA: 15 mpg en ciudad y 21 mpg en carretera (4x2); 14 mpg en ciudad y 20 mpg en carretera (4x4). **Para garantizar la funcionalidad total, se requiere Bluetooth® y smartphone compatibles. Algunos dispositivos requieren conectividad vía USB. ©2013 General Motors. Todos los derechos reservados. El emblema de Chevrolet® Chevy™ MyLink® Silverado®

EL CAMINO A HIGH COUNTRY. Nueva Silverado High Country: el nivel superior.

YOURchoices

06

THE GUIDE TO WHAT’S INSIDE VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 4 | WINTER 2013

FEATURE SET: ON THE COVER 05 SANTO CÉSAR

By Bel Hernandez Hollywood releases a biopic on the life of beloved labor leader, Cesar Chavez.

06 TRAVEL VERDE

12

By Valerie Menard We choose destinations that help you give back as well as get back to nature.

12 GREEN TECH

By Jeff Taylor What engineering innovations help you save gas?

By Christopher Jackson From hybrids to EVs, we look at the greenest vehicles yet to come.

THE USUALS:

INSIDE EVERY ISSUE 03 EDITOR’S LETTER 04 HEALTH 05 ENTERTAINMENT

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Chevy – www.chevrolet.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Valerie Menard EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Lyndon Conrad Bell.

ART DIRECTOR: Fran Sherman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jeffrey Luis Taylor, Christopher Jackson, Sylvia Melendez-Klinger Bel Hernandez MULTIMEDIA MANAGERS: Thuan Ngo DECISIVE MEDIA HEADQUARTERS: 8181 Professional Place, Suite 170, Hyattsville, MD 20785 Tel: 301-850-2858 • Fax: 301-390-1825 PRESIDENT & CEO: Randi Payton PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION: Joyce Gates BUSINESS MANAGER: Damon Redmond SALES DIRECTOR: Karen Payton

16 2014 GREEN CAR GUIDE

16

PUBLISHER: Randi Payton

DECISIVE AUTO LATINO 09 AUTO NOTICIAS 10 FIRST LOOKS

14 LONG-TERM REVIEW: MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

MARKETING AND EVENTS DIRECTOR: Tamika Brown UWA EVENT DIRECTOR: Rosalind Triche BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/ DECISIVE MEDIA DETROIT: Leonard Corbin PUBLIC RELATIONS: Margorie Staten INTERNS: Nyeelah Briscoe and Ronald Arroyo Decisive Latino magazine © 2013 is published four times annually as a newspaper-delivered publication and digital e-magazine by Decisive Media Your complete resource for research and opinion on consumer products and services Visit us at DecisiveLatino.com, email us at: latinoeditor@decisivemag.com.

For licensing and reprints of Decisive/Decisive Auto content, contact Nick Iademarco at Wright’s Media, Niademarco@wrightsmedia.com, Toll Free 877-652-5295

Urban Wheel Awards – www.urbanwheelawards.com Membership applied for October 2012

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DECISIVE LATINO

letter from the editor

Hello 2014!

W

ith our winter issue, we close out one year and set our sights on the next. For some, January may seem anticlimactic after December’s frolicking but I love its freshness and prospects of new beginnings and opportunities.

Each year, we devote the winter issue to the environment, focusing on cleaner living, from your diet to the car you drive.

But this year, we found a way to make this issue even more meaningful by featuring the late Cesar Chavez, co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW) union, on the cover. Some may wonder what he has to do with the environment but Latinos know that no leader has ever been closer to the Earth than Cesar Chavez, and this March, the first ever biopic about one of the most significant Latinos in history comes to a theater near you.

Inspired by the non-violent teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Chavez employed hunger strikes and boycotts to bring attention to the plight of farm workers, the folks who labor in the fields to bring the produce we need to the market. At the time, they were treated with the same disdain as the insects that threatened the crops, sprayed by pesticides, housed in substandard conditions, and barely compensated.

I remember the last grape boycott in 1986 that Chavez called “The Wrath of Grapes” campaign and how it seemed to go on forever (16 years), but finally brought grape growers to the bargaining table to pay workers a living wage and improve

working conditions. I held true to the boycott, as did 17 million Americans, according to the UFW, but admittedly, it was a relief to eat them again.

You can read more about the biopic in Santo César (page 5).

As this is our green issue, we return with our annual 2014 Green Car Guide (page 16–19) and a look at the latest green vehicles available. According to Polk, the top five green vehicles among Latinos based on new vehicle registrations in 2012 were Toyota products—Prius, Prius c, Camry Hybrid, Prius v, and Lexus CT 200h. Hybrids are here to stay but will electric vehicles gain any traction?

Finally, we look at green destinations that might interest the eco-traveler. Eco-tourism has evolved beyond visiting natural wonders and enjoying the scenery. Today, a true green destination asks travelers to invest in the environment, e.g. via sweat equity with a clean-up effort, or supporting green hotels, or just being more informed about how you spend your green dollars. In Travel Verde (page 6), we offer three suggestions to entice you.

We look forward to 2014. Upcoming issue will feature millennials, education, and veterans. We’d like to hear from you on Facebook and Twitter @decisivelatino.

Prospero Año Nuevo, Valerie Menard Editor/Associate Publisher

WINTER 2013 | WWW.DECISIVELATINO.COM

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health

atoasttoyourgoodhealth

BY SYLVIA MELENDEZ-KLINGER

Start the countdown to a new you now to ensure success in the New Year!

Unfortunately, the holidays represent a time when most people take a break from their healthy habits. This year give yourself a gift that will keep on giving after the holidays and into the New Year—the gift of health and wellness. The gift of a healthier lifestyle for 2014 can be a jump-start to preventing obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, which currently affects approximately 11.8 percent of the Hispanic population, and heart disease, which continues to be the number one killer of Latinas in the U.S. Despite the high rates for obesity and related diseases, Latinos are highly concerned about their health. We all just need a little help making the right decisions that fit within our lifestyle and culture, especially as the holidays continue with many celebrations. Rather than see our traditional Hispanic dishes and busy lifestyles as obstacles to success, I’m suggesting some simple steps that are easy to implement, relevant to our culture and cause for celebration.

• Nutrition with Sabor For an overwhelming number of Latinos, the kitchen is the most important room in the house, and many prefer cooking traditional dishes at home. This is a great way to keep an eye on what you’re eating and how many calories you’re taking in. Adding more garlic, onions, cilantro or other fresh herbs is a simple way to increase the flavor while keeping your calories low in savory dishes. When it comes to sweet dishes and beverages, low and no-calorie sweeteners are a great way to cut calories without sacrificing taste. More than 6,000 foods and beverages contain low or no-calorie sweeteners, so look for low-calorie versions of your favorite flavors in everything from yogurt to chewing gum to Diet Coke!

• Get Active Wherever You Are We need to exercise more! Finding the time is the challenge. That’s why I propose some simple exercises you can easily do without leaving your house. Remember that any physical movement counts, so try lifting 20-ounce water bottles or soup cans while watching your

favorite TV show, dancing while cleaning, or even setting your phone far from reach so you have to run up a flight of stairs to answer it. It all counts toward your daily physical activity. Just stay active every day.

For the majority of Latinos, spending time with family is very important, so make sure your time together is active as well. When shopping for presents, pick a few that will keep your family in motion. Jump ropes, medicine balls, and stretch bands are a few inexpensive tools to keep you off the couch.

Plan active vacations together where you can incorporate bike riding, playing with animals, swimming, roller skating, etc.

• Take Care of Yourself with Preventative Measures As parents, we tend to give love and support to everyone around us leaving no time for ourselves. Remember to schedule a little time for yourself. Reduce daily stress with exercise, friendships, group affiliations, hobbies and laughing. For a special treat, go on a girls’ or boys’ weekend to any place you can escape with friends; visit aunts, uncles or cousins you have not seen in years—you will come back with so many great stories!

Most importantly, see your doctor at least once a year. Prevention is the best way to stay healthy. Early diagnosis of many conditions can be treated with minimal intervention. Your family will thank you forever. They will be grateful to have not only a great role model but a healthy one!dD

Sylvia Meléndez Klinger, registered dietitian and certified personal trainer, is founder of Hispanic Food Communications, a food communications and culinary consulting company based in Hinsdale, IL.

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DECISIVE LATINO

entertainment

SantoCésar

BY BEL HERNANDEZ

On March 28, 2014, three days before what would have been the late Cesar Chavez’s birthday, the biopic of the founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW) union will be released in theaters across America. It’s a film Mexican Americans have been waiting to see for over twenty years.

The Long Awaited Biopic of Venerated Latino Civil Rights Leader Heads to the Silver Screen

While the African American community has finally broken through some sort of glass ceiling on being able to tell their heroes’ stories, two last year with The Butler and 12 Years a Slave, American Latinos have yet to figure out how to get there.

After years of turning down requests for the rights to Chavez’s life story (writer/director Luis Valdez did manage to write a script back in 2004, but it stalled), the family finally sold the story rights to Oscar winning screenwriter Kier Pierson (Hotel Rwanda) in 2011. With script in hand, he took it to Diego Luna (Y Tu Mamá También) and Gael Garcia Bernal’s (The Motorcycle Diaries) Canana production company in Mexico. Funding was secured, mostly through Mexican sources, and the film was shot in Mexico in the summer of 2012 with Luna at the helm as director.

The cast is stellar with Michael Peña (American Hustle) in his first lead role in a feature, playing Chavez, America Ferrera as Helen, Cesar’s wife, Rosario Dawson as Dolores Huerta (UWA co-founder), Jacob Vargas as Richard Chavez, Yancey Arias as Gilbert Padilla, and John Malkovich (who is also a producer) plays Cesar’s adversary in the film. The rest of the cast and crew were, for the most part, Mexico local hires.

For Peña, a chance to play an American civil rights icon, was both an honor and a bit daunting.

“I’m not going to lie…it was a lot of pressure,” he told Fandango in a recent interview. “My dad and my mom [were] campesinos. They weren’t really getting paid fairly and so that was one of the reasons why they moved to America.”

Meanwhile, Dawson was put at ease by Dolores Huerta herself when they met up at a Voto Latino event (Dawson’s non-profit dedicated to getting out the young Latino vote).

Huerta simply said, “Rosario, I am glad you’re gonna play me.

That’s awesome!”

Luna has talked about why he wanted to be involved in bringing Cesar’s story to the screen. He talked about his Mexican-American connection, his youngest son who was born in the U.S. More importantly, he simply felt that it was about time his story was told.

He worked very hard, along with the other eleven producers of the film, to make it happen.

Born in 1927 in Yuma, Arizona, Chavez moved to California after two years in the Navy. He learned about organizing by working for the Community Service Organization. In 1962, along with Dolores Huerta they co-founded the National Farm Workers Association which would later become the UFW. Chavez made a difference and inspired people all over the world. His work was specific to U.S. farmworkers, while his non-violent ways were in line with civil rights leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King.

With the premiere of this movie the world will have an opportunity to get to know what drove him and what personal sacrifices he had to make to help further the civil rights movement for Latinos in the United States. dD

WINTER 2013 | WWW.DECISIVELATINO.COM

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TRAVELVERDE Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at these Green Destinations

BY VALERIE MENARD

Generally, a green adventure would suggest a getaway to a tropical paradise, away from civilization and surrounded by natural beauty. While admiring nature, however, do you ever wonder if the hotel you’re staying at has adopted green protocols for waste disposal, energy conservation, or recycling?

Would you feel better if it did?

We’ve chosen three destinations that combine natural beauty with green activities and properties that will satisfy ecofriendly urges to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN

It’s been more than 40 years since Minneapolis was featured as the adopted town to the beloved Mary Richards, WJN television producer on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Today, the city may be more famous as the home to the Mall of America, or Target but it’s also the largest city in a state that’s known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” so how can it not appeal to nature lovers?

Well, it does get cold in Minneapolis but the fall and spring are lovely times to visit and escape the heat in other states.

For starters, Minneapolis has 197 park properties.

They include a 13.3-mile path for biking, walking, MTM STATUE LAKE OF ISLES and running, encircling the entire Chain of Lakes parkway. There’s 50 miles of paved trails that showcase lakes, parks, gardens, historical sites, beaches, golf courses, and diverse Minfood restaurants. neapolis neighborhoods and the Grand Rounds, National Scenic Byways composed Power shoppers, however will find the Mall of America (MOA), the largest indoor of seven districts, creates a 50-mile loop around the city. shopping mall in the country, irresistible, but don’t let green concerns stop you Fans of The Mary Tyler Moore Show might like to visit the Lake of Isles to see because the mall is greener than expected. the carriage house where Mary’s apartment was supposedly located and where she MOA does not use a central heating system; instead, it maintains 70-degree can be seen in opening credits walking along the lake. There’s also the sculpture temperature year-round with passive solar energy from 1.2 miles of skylights and garden at the Walker Art Center to see or the Science Museum to learn more about heat generated from store fixtures and lighting and the body heat from more than how the Earth functions.

40 million visitors. MOA recycles more than 60 percent of its waste—an average of With a growing Latino community, Minneapolis also offers a Latino 32,000 tons per year or the equivalent of more than 18,000 cars in a landfill. It also district in Midtown with more than one mercado and authentic Mexican recycles more than 2,400 tons of food waste to a local hog farm.

PROPERTY

RADISSON BLU

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DECISIVE LATINO

Radisson Blu There are only three Blu properties in the Radisson family, and one of them is in Minneapolis.

Beautifully accented inside by the work of interior designer Jim Hamilton and local artists, the Blu’s green focus includes reclaimed local wood used in the floor, walls, and furniture of the Firelake Lounge—all food waste is also recycled to area pig farms— triple-pane windows conserve energy as do LED lighting in 90 percent of the hotel and auto on-off switches in the rooms.

Attached to the Mall of America, the hotel also offers shuttle rides to the airport.

PORTLAND, OR

A list of green destinations isn’t complete without one of the greenest in the country, Portland.

Perhaps the great Northwest with its majestic forests, mountains, and coastal views inspires residents to keep the smog clouds away, but whatever the reason, Oregonians take pride in their eco-friendliness.

We encourage the boldest of eco-travelers to head west and take an emissions- and gasoline-free road trip to enjoy the scenery. Working with Nissan and Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Travel Oregon has constructed multiple routes that include free charging stations to accommodate electric vehicles (EVs).

An early adopter of EVs, Portland has invested in an infrastructure to support them with free charging stations around town beginning with a hub located near Portland State University on Electric Avenue.

Other perks include no state sales tax, four National Historic Trails, fourteen National Historic Districts, and more than 750 vineyards in Oregon producing more than 70 different varietals of wine grapes.

All of the above can be accessed in an EV thanks to the charging stations infrastructure along state highways. Home to more than 225 wineries, the Willamette Valley stretches for more than a 100 miles along Highway 99 West. A short drive from Portland, it has many charging stations along the way.

Visit the state’s most picturesque mountain, Mount Hood, and view the Colombia River Gorge along the way on Interstate 84 without contributing any emissions.

Families can head out along Interstate 5 to visit several highway stops with family attractions like the Enchanted Forest, “a magical place of cottages and gingerbread houses nestled on the side of a mountain,” or A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village, a riverfront park.

Back in Portland you can visit the International Rose Test Garden, Portland Saturday Market to find a hand crafted souvenir, and the Portland Art Museum.

PORTLAND WITH MT. HOOD IN THE DISTANCE.

PROPERTY

The best time to charge an EV is overnight so it only makes sense that travelers who opt for an EV road trip should stay at a hotel that offers free charging stations. The Crowne Plaza is one of two in downtown Portland with this service. It’s also one of the first Crown Plaza properties to achieve a silver level certification from Green Seal. Additional green initiatives at the property include hotel-wide recycling, kitchen composting, an energy-efficient HVAC system, a propane fueled airport shuttle, and a bike-lending program.

WINTER 2013 | WWW.DECISIVELATINO.COM

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SAN LUIS OBISPO WINECOASTCOUNTRY, CA

HEARST CASTLE

Beautiful scenery may be essential for a green vacation, but sometimes, natural wonders need to be cleaned. Strolling on the beach is nice but not when you stumble upon plastic bags, cigarette lighters, and old tires.

Eco-friendly travelers who’d like an opportunity to give back to nature will appreciate the Stewardship Travel Program offered by WineCoastCountry, a group of ten communities in San Louis Obispo County. Throughout the month of February, travelers who head west can select a variety of activities to help rebeautify this region of San Luis Obispo County along the Highway 1 Discovery Route, midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. With more than 70 unique activities or ways to contribute, travelers can spend a few hours meeting elephant seals in San Simeon, planting seedlings at the Audubon Sweet Springs Nature Preserve (Los Osos/Baywood), or cleaning up Avila Beach.

Afterwards, reward yourself with whale watching, kayaking, wind surfing, visiting area state parks, aquariums, museums, or historical monuments. Many more activities are listed on the website, winecoastcountry.com including a Pacific Coast Wine Trail to savor and the Hearst Castle to explore.

During this time, local restaurants will also serve special seafood dishes that support environmentally responsible choices.

For those who can’t make the tour in February, there’s another annual beach clean up in September.

PROPERTY

AVILA LA FONDA

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DECISIVE LATINO

HIGHWAY ONE

All properties along Avila Beach offer beach clean-up kits but the Avila La Fonda may offer particular appeal to Latino travelers. While modern amenities abound, the inn was constructed to emulate a nineteenth century Mexican village. Built with couples in mind, the property’s casitas include two-person Jacuzzis, thermostat controlled fireplaces, and a complimentary VIP welcome bar. Each evening offers wine tasting from local wineries with hors d’oeurves. On the green side, all wine bottles are recycled saving 200–300 bottles from the landfill. They’re sent to a local company, Glassed Over, and turned into candles. Ninety percent of hotel trash is recycled, and housekeeping uses green cleaning products. Guests also receive a reusable tote bag to comply with San Luis Obispo’s bag free ordinance.dD

DECISIVE AUTO LATINO

AUTONOTICIAS Chrysler Pledges $110,000 Sponsorship to NSHMBA Chrysler Group LLC expanded its commitment to the Hispanic community and the development of future Hispanic business leaders by sponsoring the National Society of Hispanic MBAs’ (NSHMBA) 24th Annual Conference and Career Expo held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio.

The Chrysler Group’s sponsorship of the annual event provided a unique opportunity for the company to identify, engage and recruit talented Hispanic business leaders of the future.

“An investment in education will provide one of the best returns possible for a corporation or individual,” said Reid Bigland, head of U.S. Sales and president and chief executive officer-Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC, who delivered a keynote address at the conference.

As part of his keynote address, Bigland announced a pair of donations intended to expand Chrysler Group’s commitment to the development of future Hispanic business leaders: • The Ram Truck brand donated a certificate (valued at $35,000) good toward the purchase of a new Ram truck. NSHMBA conducted a raffle for the certificate with proceeds directed to the organization’s general fund and mission.

• The Chrysler Foundation awarded NSHMBA a $75,000 grant to fund scholarships for students with Hispanic heritage whom are pursuing a MBA or MBA-equivalent degree at accredited institutions.

Since 1986, The Chrysler Foundation has awarded nearly $850,000 in scholarships to Hispanic students.

Ricardo Rodriguez-Long Awarded for Excellence Joining a select group of recipients that has included Mary Peters, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ricardo Rodriguez-Long recently received the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) Chairman’s award for excellence in media. He is the first Hispanic journalist in the 99 years of the organization to receive the award.

Rodriguez-Long has helped the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the MIC by increasing their reach to the Hispanic community at-large and generating Spanish-language public service announcements that encourage safe riding.

He assisted the MIC with an upcoming tire guide video in Spanish, and he’s behind numerous Hispanic broadcast and online media placements

featuring a wide variety of motorcycles. Since 2004, he has been an on-air radio host on the weekly Garage Latino at 690 AM in Southern California. The show reaches over 250,000 Hispanic’s every week and has a companion website.

“Being a Hispanic immigrant has given me the understanding of the nuances and differences among all different ethnicities that make America great,” Rodriguez-Long writes. “I am not sure when I became the ‘vehicle’ to pass along useful information between the general market and Hispanics, but it’s a role I am very comfortable with. Credibility and access to accurate information has always been important to me.”

Toyota Donates Ten Trucks to San Antonio Charities Celebrating ten years since breaking ground for its Tundra truck plant, Toyota donated ten trucks to thank the community for a decade of support, trust and friendship. Team members, suppliers, and guests celebrated the anniversary at the plant.

Designated “10 for 10,” the ten area non-profits and institutions to receive a Texas-built Tundra or Tacoma include: • Christian Senior Services Meals on Wheels • Floresville Independent School District • Habitat For Humanity of San Antonio • Northside Independent School District • San Antonio College, Challenger Center • San Antonio Fire Department • San Antonio River Foundation • Somerset Independent School District • Southwest Independent School District • South San Antonio Independent School District Toyota Texas represents a $2.2 billion investment and assembles Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks. The plant has an annual capacity to produce 200,000 trucks and directly employs 2,900 workers. Seven of its 21 on-site suppliers are minority joint ventures—six of which are locally owned—and combined with the plant, total employment is nearly 6,000.

GENERAL MOTORS DETROIT-HAMTRAMCK ASSEMBLY BEGAN SHIPPING 2014 CADILLAC ELR ELECTRIC LUXURY VEHICLES TO DEALERSHIPS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013 IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN. THE ELR’S DRIVING RANGE, WHICH COMBINES BATTERY-ONLY ELECTRIC POWER WITH A RANGE-EXTENDING GASOLINE-POWERED ELECTRIC GENERATOR PROVIDES TOTAL DRIVING RANGE EXCEEDING 300 MILES. (PHOTO

BY JOHN F. MARTIN FOR GENERAL MOTORS)dD

WINTER 2013 | WWW.DECISIVELATINO.COM

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DECISIVE AUTO LATINO

FIRSTLOOKS/REVIEWS

Ram ProMaster

Chevy Impala

Nissan NV200 10

DECISIVE AUTO LATINO

Inspired by its Italian sibling, the Ram ProMaster gets a redesign for 2014. With more than 30 years of proven utility in the commercial van business, the Fiat Ducato, platform imbues the ProMaster with added nimbleness as well as bestin-class fuel efficiency, cargo capacity, and total cost of ownership. The purpose-built, full-size van comprises the first shared truck collaboration with Fiat Professional.

The Fiat Ducato is now in its third generation with more than 4.5 million sold worldwide so it’s safe to say the ProMaster rides on pretty solid shoulders. Available in two roof heights, three wheelbases, and four body lengths, it also offers both a chassis cab and cutaway from the factory.

Powered by a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 or a 3.0-liter I4 EcoDiesel, and paired respectively to a six-speed automatic transmission and an

electronically controlled six-speed automated manual, the ProMaster has a payload capacity of up to 5,145 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 5,100 pounds.

The ProMaster’s segment exclusive frontwheel-drive system also improves fuel economy as well as versatility.

The standard sliding door on the passenger side can be paired with an optional sliding door on the driver’s side with openings based on roof height. In the rear, an available two-position rear clamshell door swings open up to 260-degrees, folding almost flat to the side of the van. All three door openings enable forklift pallet loading and unloading.

Pricing for the upfitter-friendly Ram ProMaster van starts at $29,625.

—Valerie Menard

The new Chevy Impala returns for 2014 and Chevrolet has done the iconic nameplate proud.

Extreme attention to detail inside combines with advanced technology under the skin, elevating this full-size sedan.

The striking candy apple or Crystal Red Impala I drove included my favorite safety feature, blind-side warning as well as a rear parking sensor—you can keep the back-up camera, I’ll always argue that the sensor is more intuitive, especially at night.

Offered with three engine choices including two four-cylinders, I drove the 3.6-liter V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. As equipped, the test Impala had an EPA estimated fuel economy of 19 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. I achieved an

average fuel economy of 22.1 mpg.

Electric power steering and an enhanced suspension improve ride and handling.

The recurring chevron design cues, white accent piping on the beige leather seats, and ice blue interior lighting reflect the attention to detail and care taken by chief interior designer Crystal Windham.

The MyLink infotainment system, however was a little less impressive. Modeling iPad functionality, it was less sensitive to touch and sweeping gestures. It’ll take some getting used to.

Added LTZ features included a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and navigation.

Pricing for the 2014 Impala starts at $27,670.

Pricing for the Impala as tested came to $39,505.

—V.M.

With the launch of the 2013, NV200, most notably as the latest model for the New York Taxi, it’s now sold in more than 40 countries.

Appealing to small businesses, the compact cargo van is more than 4.5 feet shorter and 2.5 feet lower than the Nissan NV 2500/3500 High Roof Cargo Van. It is no less versatile, however, with an 82.8inch cargo length, 54.8-inch cargo width and 53.0-inch cargo area height. Its low cargo floor liftover height (21.1 inches) and tall roofline gives the NV200 cargo capacity of 122.7 cubic feet. Payload is estimated at 1,500 pounds on the S model.

The standard integrated mounting points allow installation of racks and shelves without

drilling into the sidewalls, and six available floor mounted cargo hooks in the cargo area.

For added utility, the passenger seat folds down for use as a worktop or lunch table, or for hauling longer items such as pipe or lumber.

Powered by an efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 131 horsepower and 139 lb.–ft. of torque matched to the Xtronic CVT transmission, it earns an estimated city/highway fuel economy of 24/25 mpg. For 2014, Nissan plans to introduce the e-NV200 zero emission van to be marketed and sold worldwide.

The 2013 Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo is available in two well-equipped models, NV200 S and NV200 SV. Pricing starts at $20,850.

—V.M.

Mazda6

Acura RLX

interesting detail included the climate control that utilizes a digital roll bar display, `a la slot machines, for setting the temperature.

Extra features included Advanced Pre-Collision that warns drivers of an impending impact. At speeds lower than 24 mph, it automatically brings the LS to a full stop. Other innovative safety technology added to the test vehicle comprised Active Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a blind spot monitor.

Powered only by a 4.6-liter V8, the LS sets itself apart as one of the last luxury sedans equipped with a standard big engine.

Available in rear-wheel or AWD, pricing for the 2014 LS 460 L starts at $79,350. The as-tested price came to $98,854.

—V.M.

Mazda continues its winning ways with the 2014 Mazda6 mid-size sedan. Introduced in 2013, it has earned several accolades, particularly regarding its design and technology.

I recently drove the Mazda6 i Touring. From the onset, I was pleasantly surprised by the six-speed manual transmission, not just for its availability but also for its ease of function. A six-speed automatic is also offered.

A 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine that produces 184 horses and 185 lbs.–ft. of torque, powers the third generation Mazda6 with SKYACTIV-G. City/highway fuel economy is an estimated 25/37 mpg. I averaged 28.6 mpg with the gas gauge still reading full after traveling 70 miles.

Had the test model included the i-Eloop regenerative engine braking technology that converts a vehicle’s kinetic energy into electricity to power

all the car’s electrical systems, fuel economy could have soared to 28/40 mpg.

Regarding safety, Mazda has outpaced its competitors by offering premium technology at an affordable price. The test model included the blind spot warning system, one of my favorites, as well as rear cross traffic alert.

A 60/40-split fold-down feature is standard for the rear seats for added utility, plus, the sedan still comes with a CD player! Improvements could be made to the digital displays that are a dull grey making them hard to read during the day.

Mazda intended for the Mazda6 to stand out among a crowded field, not just for its design but also fuel economy and functionality and so far, job well done.

Pricing for the 2014 Mazda6 starts at $21,785.

The as-tested price came to $25,010.

—V.M.

To be honest, I wasn’t a fan of Acura’s front fascias. Something just didn’t look right. Well, whatever it was, it’s fixed, particularly on the all-new RLX sedan. Driving the RLX with Advance through Austin turned more than a few heads.

The cherry cola brown exterior paint initially caught my eye as well as the world’s first Jewel Eye LED headlights.

The flagship sedan brings new technology to the segment including the standard next-generation AcuraLink connected car system, and Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, while adopting others, like haptic controls.

Powered by an all-new 310-horsepower directinjected 3.5-liter V6 engine matched to a Sequential SportShift six-speed automatic with paddle shifters, the RLX has an EPA city/highway fuel economy

rating of 20/31 mpg. I averaged 21.6 mpg.

Unique to Acura, the Precision All-Wheel Steer enhances performance.

Very nicely equipped with creature comforts, the RLX comes with tri-zone climate control, hill start assist, a power moonroof, and the ELS audio system with Pandora compatibility. At this price, however, the wood accents should be real.

New safety technology includes blind spot information and lane departure warning. The Advance Package on the test model added Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, parking sensors in the front and rear, and heated and ventilated seats, among other features.

Pricing for the 2014 starts at $49,345. The astested price came to $61,345.

—V.M.dD

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DECISIVE AUTO LATINO

Lexus LS 460 L

The ultimate offering for Lexus next to the LS 600h hybrid, the Lexus LS 460 luxury sedan is quite a garage full. Increase the wheelbase a few more inches and you have the LS 460 L. I drove the long wheelbase version recently and with barely an inch to spare at either end, the roomy LS 460 L managed to squeeze in.

At the high-end of the lineup, the LS 460 L easily measures up to its segment, with a gorgeous interior featuring leather seating and matt finished wood and aluminum accents, and a 12.3-inch, split-screen, high-resolution multimedia display.

Signature features like the available Siri Eyes Free Mode technology that engages iPhones for hands-free, telephoning, navigation, access to iTunes, and other functions elevate the LS. An

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greentec Environmental Advancements that Save Gas and the Environment The automobile as it currently exists is undergoing a dramatic change, a “greening” if you will, to become a more fuel-efficient, less-polluting vehicle using technologies that are new to consumers. The majority of these changes are happening under the skin. Here’s a rundown of some of the technology leading automakers are using to improve miles per gallon (mpg) and reduce environmental impact.

Active Aero/Grille Shutters One of the most “visible” of the green technologies, like the ones seen here on the Chevy Cruze, these integrated shutters are electronically controlled and automatically close airflow through the lower grille opening when air intake is least needed, improving aerodynamic performance and enhancing fuel efficiency.

Adaptive/Dynamic Cruise Control This next generation feature, available on the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander, adjusts the driver selected set speed in response to current road conditions, but also to predicted road conditions-all onboard and in real time, with no Internet connection or stored databases.

Auto Stop/Start This feature seamlessly turns off the engine when a vehicle stops, while an advanced battery powers vehicle accessories and systems in place of the engine-saving fuel. The engine restarts instantly when the driver begins to release the brake pedal. Ford Motor Company has years of experience with Auto Start-Stop via its electrified powertrain hybrid and plug-in hybrid offerings and in Europe where the feature is popular.

Cylinder Deactivation/Variable Displacement If you use the onboard fuel economy monitor on your car you can see the difference coasting (and cruise control) make verses hard acceleration on your fuel economy.

Taking this a step further; cylinder deactivation employed on vehicles with larger V8s saves gas by “turning off” cylinders once you reach a steady or “cruising” speed as you need less cylinders to maintain speed. Chrysler employs this system (Displacement on Demand) on vehicles powered by 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engines.

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BY JEFFREY TAYLOR

DECISIVE AUTO LATINO

chnology Electric Power Assisted Steering Electric Power-Assisted Steering is quickly becoming the standard over mechanical systems as these systems improve fuel efficiency three to five percent by deducing parasitic and mechanical inefficiency.

High Mileage, Powerful Small Displacement Engines Automakers are showing a renewed interest in turbocharging and are using technology advances to boost the power a four cylinder to a six cylinder and a six cylinder to the power of an eight cylinder while retaining the smaller engine’s fuel economy and cutting emissions. Ford is the leader in this arena with their EcoBoost line of engines.

Low Rolling Resistance Tires These tires minimize wasted energy as they roll using a combination of compounds, along with tread design to reduce heat and tire deformation thus improving vehicle fuel efficiency. Approximately five–fifteen percent of the fuel consumed by a typical car may be used to overcome rolling resistance. A 2003 California Energy Commission (CEC) preliminary study estimated that adoption of low-rolling resistance tires, like these on the Toyota Prius v could save 1.5–4.5 percent of all gasoline consumption.

New Transmissions Mileage-aiding seven, eight and nine-speed transmissions with electronic “drive by wire” are the standard. A new generation six-speed automatic transmission can improve fuel efficiency by four to six percent over a four and five speed of half a decade ago. Going a step further, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), first adopted by Nissan in 1992, has a variable gear ratio instead of a constant one. In this arrangement, the gears always operate at peak efficiency, no matter the driving scenario. Because the powertrain always runs efficiently, these CVT equipped cars get better fuel economy (up to eight percent improvement) and they also offer reduced carbon dioxide emissions (up to ten percent lower).

Driving Green To help save money at the pump and reduce your carbon footprint you need to be familiar with the owner’s manual to make sure you’re properly using features like the fuel economy monitor, when to perform fuel-saving steps like tune-ups, proper tire inflation and replacing air filters. Driving techniques, vehicle features and maintenance all help reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

Green technology (pioneered on hybrid and electric vehicles) is taking over the automotive industry and it encompasses electrics, hybrids, plug-ins or cars that use alternative fuel sources and improvements in engines, transmissions, cylinder deactivation, tires, engine shut off and aerodynamics. These “green” improvements provide cost savings as well as a more environmentally responsible means to travel. dD

WINTER 2013 | WWW.DECISIVELATINO.COM

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LONG-TERM

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander written by Valerie Menard

The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander and I first met at the launch in Bend, Oregon last March. We got much better acquainted this winter when it was delivered to me in October at the start of a three-month loan. The elegant crossover impressed me with its versatility and technology.

The all-new Outlander is the only compact crossover in its class to offer seven-passenger available seating. While I don’t normally have a lot of passengers to haul, I took full advantage of this at Christmas when I joined my family in Bryan, Texas. My fifteen-year-old, 5’11”nephew made a beeline for the back seat, seeking the most private area of the vehicle. Admittedly, he had to sit at an angle to fit comfortably.

The particular model I drove, the Outlander GT S-AWC, is the top-of-the-line model, which meant I got to try cool upgrades like Super AllWheel-Control (S-AWC) all-wheel-drive system, a bigger engine, and Rockford-Fosgate premium sound system, CD player included!

We don’t normally get much snow but this has been an unusually cold winter in Texas so

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I engaged the S-AWC in icy wet conditions just to feel a little more secure on the road. It also continued to save fuel by allowing the vehicle to function as a twowheel-drive. Sensors will instantaneously reactivate 4WD when deemed necessary (poor road or weather conditions, etc.).

Powered by the 3.0-liter 24-valve V6 engine with 224 horses and matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Outlander’s fuel economy is pretty impressive. A 2.4-liter four cylinder matched to a continuously variable transmission is the base powertrain.

The EPA estimated fuel economy for this model should come in at 20 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. While I accumulated more than 2,600 miles overall, most were in the city, but I did take two road trips, one to Dallas

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and the other, as mentioned, to Bryan. Fuel economy varied. The onboard fuel economy calculator that resets after each restart, recorded average mpg of 18–28.5, generally hovering between 24–26 mpg. My total gasoline bill came to $200.

The ECO-mode button, standard on all models, seemed to enhance fuel economy and it reportedly reduces emissions by slightly lowering engine power on initial acceleration as well as the airflow volume of the air conditioning.

Certain design features of note include the Klingon-esque grille that adds to the gas saving aerodynamics of the front fascia and intricately configured rear taillamps. The test Outlander was also a beautiful shade of dark blue, specifically, Cosmic Blue.

Navigation has been less friendly than I would like. Admittedly, part of that was attributed to operator error—I misread the address/intersection function as one word—but I’ve used several navigation systems, most recently in the Infiniti Q60, and had no trouble. Heading to Dallas, it produced a longer route than MapQuest.

The interior could use more accent lighting, especially under the center dash, and the entertainment displays were hard to read during the day. However, the entertainment system was also one of the easiest to use for programming radio and satellite stations. The display allowed you to choose between FM1 and FM2 by touching the screen rather than scrolling to find them as most system do.

Testing a vehicle over the holidays offered many cargo carrying opportunities and the Outlander’s 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the two rear rows of seats folded flat was put to good use. I successfully loaded two Christmas trees, Christmas gifts, and two dollies to help a friend with a move.

Getting the second row to fold flat, however, was less intuitive than other systems. The headrests had to be removed and then the 60/40-split second-row seat had to be released by pushing down it to lift up so that the seat back could fold flat. Confused? So was I but in the end, I managed.

The compact crossover segment has been a boon for automakers, attracting young families with the promise of versatility and fuel economy. Over the last three months, the Outlander has come through on the above as well as safety, winning the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick.

The test model came well-equipped with optional equipment like a lane change warning system that was a little hyper sensitive but a nice on a road trip, plus the collision impact warning system promoted in the Outlander commercials. It really works—I tested it at the launch in Oregon. I would still like to see a blind sport warning system and while a back-up camera is helpful, I prefer a parking sensor, especially at night.

Overall, the Outlander was a treat to drive and good value.

The base price on the 2014 Outlander is $23,820 with destination fees. The test model started at $28,620 but with extra equipment, the as-tested price came to $34,720.dD

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2014

green car guide

F

Compiled by Christopher Jackson

uel efficiency is on the rise in all segments of the car market. Most car manufacturers have turned their engineering might to improving fuel economy as well as power, leading to many impressive advances with all types of powertrains, from conventional gasoline engines to alternative-fuel cars and hybrids.

Hybrids aren’t uncommon any more. Almost every manufacturer now makes a hybrid, and with several new hybrid-electrics coming on the market for 2014, the choices have gotten even broader. A growing number of battery-electric vehicle and plug-in hybrids are also on the way.

The “greening” of the industry has reached conventional gasoline engines as well. Volvo, Mazda and Ford have introduced new, high-efficiency gasoline powertrains that match or beat some of the hybrids, but at a much lower cost.

Here’s what’s new in “green” cars for 2014.

t AUDI TDI For 2014, Audi has expanded its diesel offerings. Audi’s 3.0-liter six-cylinder direct-injection turbodiesel engine has been boosted to 240 horsepower, and it’s now available on the A6, A7, A8 and Q5. With 428 lb.–ft. of torque on tap, Audi’s new diesels are the epitome of smoothness, as well as offering 5.5-second 0–60 times on the A6. Fuel economy is rated at 24 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 38 mpg on the highway for the A6 and A7. The Q5’s 24/31 mpg numbers are impressive too. Pricing for Audi’s new diesels starts at $46,500 for the Q5, $57,500 for the A6, $66,900 for the A7 and $82,500 for the A8.

BMW I3 u Chosen as the Urban Green Car of the Year by Decisive Media, BMW’s compact electric city car is hitting the streets in Europe and North America. The ultra-light carbon fiber body structure and aluminum body panels provide a high-tech environment that sets the i3 apart from the average electric car. With a 170-horsepower electric motor and a low-mounted lithium-ion battery pack, the i3 also exhibits exemplary handling. A powerful regenerative braking system offers “onepedal” driving in the city, collecting the maximum amount of power to recharge the batteries.

The i3 also offers a high level of smartphone integration, so you can check the status of the battery, schedule charging, and pre-condition the climate control from your phone. It’s a good start for BMW’s new high-efficiency brand. The 2014 i3 stickers for just over $41,000.

t BMW I8 With Fisker all but gone, there’s room for a new sexy luxury plug-in hybrid, and the BMW i8 is prepared to step into that role. The styling takes the exotic look of the i3 to extremes and this vehicle rolls up to the curb like a supercar with butterfly doors and emotional sheet metal. The i8 is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and drives the rear wheels, coupled with a 131-horse electric motor driving the front wheels. It doesn’t sound like the stuff of gearhead dreams, but BMW says the combo produces a combined 420 lb.–ft. of torque and results in 4.4-second 0–60 runs. Like the i3, a wide range of connectivity and premium features is available. The 2014 i8 is priced at $135,700.

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2014 Green Car Guide

t CADILLAC ELR Cadillac’s much-anticipated range-extended electric sports coupe may have Chevrolet Volt parts at its core, but it’s likely to become the brand’s technological flagship when it hits the streets.

Styled with influence from the Converj concept, the ELR is a handsome 2+2 wrapped around a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack powering an electric motor that puts out 295 lb.–ft. of torque. It’s got a range of 35 miles on full-electric power, and over 300 miles with the 1.4-liter gasoline engine that’s on board to charge the battery. ELR pricing starts at $48,290.

CHEVROLET CRUZE DIESEL u The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze becomes one of the first cars in its class to switch to diesel power as Chevy brings the 2.0-liter turbodiesel over from Europe to boost fuel economy. It works, too; the already-impressive Cruze returns 46 mpg on the freeway with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 151-horse turbodiesel’s 264 lb.–ft. of torque deliver respectable performance, and the Cruze’s comfortable commuter status is only reinforced by a 717-mile range. Pricing starts at just over $25,000.

t CHEVROLET SPARK EV Chevy’s tiny Spark has compact, city-friendly dimensions that make it a natural for a fullelectric powertrain, and it meets its competitors from Honda, smart and Fiat in the gasolinefree arena. The 105kW electric motor delivers 140 horsepower and 400 lb.–ft. of torque, making the Spark EV surprisingly peppy. Zero–60 takes less than eight seconds, and it gets about 82 miles of range to a full charge. Regenerative braking is included, and an SAE combo charger that allows fast DC charging is included. The 2014 Spark EV is currently available in California and Oregon. The starting price is just over $26,000.

FORD u Ford has expanded its electric- and hybrid-electric lineup quietly, broadening its offerings to four, with a fifth on the way. The C-Max multi-purpose vehicle is a hybrid-only, and it and the Fusion Hybrid are also available as plug-in hybrid “Energi” models. Ford’s battery-powered electric Focus also continues for 2014. Ford’s hybrid family is beginning to nip at the heels of the Toyota Prius in sales numbers, and that should be accelerated when the upcoming Transit Connect gets a hybrid or electric version, as Ford has promised it will. Ford’s upgraded SYNC system also allows smartphone connectivity, so owners can remotely check on the status of battery charging and other features.

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2014 Green Car Guide

HONDA FIT EV u With just a year left until the all-new Fit arrives, the electric version of Honda’s smallest entices buyers with a dramatic drop in price. In June, Honda dropped the price of a Fit EV lease from $389 a month to $259. The deal also offered no down payment, unlimited mileage and a 240volt home charging station that drops charging time to under three hours. The Fit EV sports a range of about 82 miles from its 92-kW electric motor. Total price of the 2014 Fit EV is $36,625.

t INFINITI Q50 HYBRID Infiniti’s new sport sedan entices with a hybrid version as well. The newest Infiniti’s sexy sheet metal means that you don’t have to look frumpy while saving gas. Powered by a 302 horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6, the Q50 Hybrid enhances its efficiency with a 67-horse 50kW electric motor. Driven by a seven-speed automatic transmission, this sport-luxury hybrid starts at $44,300. An all-wheel drive version is also available, for $46,100.

INFINITI QX60 HYBRID u The hybrid version of Infiniti’s seven-passenger crossover takes a slightly different path, using a compact 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission.

A15 kW electric motor assists, bringing the total system horsepower to 250. Infiniti says the system provides improved fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Regenerative braking is included to recharge the batteries, and freeway fuel economy is increased to 26 mpg, which extends the QX60’s range to over 500 miles. MSRP starts at $44,550.

t MAZDA SKYACTIV To date, the driving-fun experts at Mazda haven’t shown much interest in hybrid development.

Instead, Mazda’s engineers have focused on making more efficient gasoline engines. The gamble has paid off, with the introduction of the SKYACTIV engine series. Rather than adding expensive technology, Mazda has focused on lightening the internal components and revising its manufacturing procedures to optimize efficiency across the board. Whatever black magic Mazda’s done, it’s paid off, and the new SKYACTIV-equipped Mazda3 gets up to 40 mpg on the freeway without having to add a battery pack. A diesel SKYACTIV engine will debut in the Mazda6 this year. The gasoline SKYACTIV engines can be had in the current Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5.

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2014 Green Car Guide

t MERCEDES B-CLASS ELECTRIC DRIVE The funky, one-box B-Class has been available in Canada for a few years now, but it finally goes on sale in the U.S. for 2014 with a twist—they’ll all be electric. The B-Class is powered by a 100 kW electric motor that produces about 134 horsepower and 228 lb.–ft. of torque. Reported range is about 115 miles, and Mercedes says it’ll charge in two hours with a 240-volt charger.

The low-mounted battery pack means that this high-roofed do-all has a very stable ride, and Mercedes’ usual complement of luxury equipment like a navigation system is available. Pricing has not yet been announced.

PORSCHE PANAMERA S E-HYBRID u Porsche’s ultra-fast executive transport went green in 2013, but it’s actually taking influence from Porsche’s racing cars rather than the Toyota Prius, and Porsche’s improved it for 2014.

The hybrid-electric system works similarly to one developed for Porsche’s racing cars, and now includes a 95-horsepower boost from its electric motor. A new lithium-ion battery provides more capacity, and Porsche’s charger can replenish it in about two and a half hours on 240V power. The Panamera S E-Hybrid easily rips off 5.2-second 0-60 runs and tops out at 167 mph.

In other words, it drives just like a Porsche. Pricing starts at $99,000.

t SUBARU XV CROSSTREK HYBRID Subaru’s first hybrid is based on the go-anywhere XV Crosstrek compact wagon. To boost the XV Crosstrek’s economy, Subaru combines its signature 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine with a 13.4-horsepower electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery buried under the rear floor. A continuously variable transmission and integrated starter-generator provide automatic start-stop capability. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid is a full two-mode hybrid and can run in full-electric mode, or use the electric motor to assist the gasoline engine under power. Active grille shutters help to improve aerodynamics as well. Pricing starts at $25,995.

VOLVO ENGINES u Like Mazda, Volvo has taken a different path to improving fuel efficiency. This year will see the debut of its new Drive-E engine family. These conventional gasoline engines have been tweaked throughout similarly to Mazda’s SKYACTIV engines to return high power and impressive fuel economy from small displacement. Emissions have been reduced as well. The new 2.0-liter Drive-E four-cylinder is supercharged and turbocharged and returns 302 horsepower. The Drive-E engine family will become available on the S60, V60 and XC70 later this year. The engines are also fully prepared to be mated to .

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pavingthepath TO GLOBAL DIVERSITY

The Annual Urban Wheel Awards (UWA) event is held each year during the press run-up to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The official multicultural event held in conjunction with the NAIAS, the awards promote diversity and inclusiveness of people of color in the automotive industry.

The program brings together celebrities, automotive executives, international media, government representatives, and the multicultural community. It is also the business-to-business component of the Decisive Media platform. The event attracts hundreds of leaders and influencers, and in the process, generates relevant content, which we deliver to large-scale audiences. This enables hundreds of organizations to establish and strengthen relationships with the auto industry through mainstream and multicultural auto media.

Hosted this year by actor Morris Chestnut and comedienne Maria Costa, the event is to be held on Sunday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Marriott Renaissance in Detroit.

Morris Chestnut’s breakthrough role was playing “Ricky Baker,” the college-bound football star whose life was tragically cut short by gang violence in John Singleton’s seminal film; Boyz ‘N the Hood. The living personification of the phrase tall, dark, and handsome, Morris Chestnut has carved out a niche for himself as one of the go-to heartthrob leading men in modern romantic cinema.

Currently starring in one of the hottest films of the year—The Best Man Holiday—Morris Chestnut is one of Hollywood’s most popular personalities.

Over the past few years, Maria Costa has proven herself a force to be reckoned

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with. The DVD of her one-woman comedy concert film—Macho Men and The Women Who Love Them - Live from the Kodak Theater—is available worldwide on Netflix and Amazon. The live version of the show is currently touring the country. Critically acclaimed, the Detroit native’s new film—Viva America— was nominated for a 2013 Imagen Award for excellence in Latino film and television and she is slated to receive a star on the Detroit Walk To Fame later this year. dD

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