2015 Hyundai Elantra GT Priced from $19,625

2015 Hyundai Elantra GT Priced from $19,625
BMW 2 Series Getting Turbo Three Cylinder from MINI
A Virtual Tour of Ford’s Rouge F-150 Plant
Aston Martin Seeks New Funding to Expand Lineup

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The 2015 Hyundai Elantra GT will begin arriving dealerships this month with a $19,625 starting price including destination.

Powering the 2015 Hyundai Elantra GT is a 2.0-liter engine with 173 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque and returns 24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with the six-speed automatic transmission. As a carryover model, the 2015 Elantra GT doesn't see any major changes although the price for the Tech Package has been reduced by $350. The Tech Package adds a seven-inch touchscreen display with navigation and rearview camera.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT Review

Other premium features available on the 2015 Elantra GT include standard cooled glove box, standard heated front seats, standard driver's blind spot monitor, LED tail lights, 10-way power driver's seat including power lumbar support, Dual Automatic Temperature Control with Clean Air Ionizer, leathers seating surfaces, automatic headlights, side mirrors with integrated turn signals, standard steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls and standard Bluetooth hands-free system with voice recognition.

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BMW 2 Series Getting Turbo Three Cylinder from MINI

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The BMW 2 Series is adding new entry-level engines to its lineup that will make the car more affordable, but there's a catch.

The German automaker has announced the launch of the BMW 218i Coupe, which is powered by the same 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine found in the MINI Cooper. The smaller three-cylinder engine provides 136 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque and the automaker claims that it will get the European equivalent of 42 to 46 MPG while being able to accelerate 0-60 in under nine seconds. Trouble is, it won't be sold in the U.S.

Along with the new 218i, BMW will also be introducing the 220d which will feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine with 190 hp and will be capable of hitting 62 mph from a standstill in 6.8 seconds. The lineup in the U.S. will remain the 228i and the M235i in both coupe and convertible forms with BMW xDrive all-wheel drive available as an option.

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A Virtual Tour of Ford’s Rouge F-150 Plant

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The Rouge, a sprawling industrial complex, is the heart and soul of Ford manufacturing. Today it's home to the brand-new F-150 pickup, arguably the company's most important product but the heritage of this facility stretches back decades.

Over the years Model T components, flathead V8 engines and even the Mustang have been built there. It was an all-American monument to vertically integrated manufacturing. Raw materials like coal, iron ore and wood arrived at one end and finished automobiles rolled out the other.

During its zenith during the 1930s more than 100,000 people worked there. To support all those employees there was an on-site hospital, a private police force and even a multi-station fire department. It truly was a city of its own.

Celebrating this rich history the Rouge is actually open to the public. You can tour the facility and watch trucks being assembled as they roll down the line. Join us for a virtual trip through this legendary facility.

For more information about taking a tour of this manufacturing plant including hours of operation and admission costs visit TheHenryFord.org.

[View the story "Take a Virtual Tour of Ford's Rouge Plant" on Storify]

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Aston Martin Seeks New Funding to Expand Lineup

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With the Lagonda nameplate now taken by a limited production sedan, has Aston Martin scraped all plans for an SUV model?

According to a recent report, the British automaker is seeking financial assistance in order to expand its range of models, including the addition of an SUV to its lineup. The company is preparing to raise funds in hopes of turning around its sales under a new boss. It appears that Aston Martin is working on plans to issue new shares or bonds while extending its current recovery strategy by three years to 2020.

Despite luxury car sales booming worldwide, Aston Martin has struggled, selling just 4,200 vehicles last year falling far short of its all-time high of 7,300 in 2007. The fundraising is expected to generate between $156 and $234 million.

New CEO Andy Palmer recently unveiled the Aston Martin DB10 which will be James Bond's new concept starring in the upcoming movie Spectre. Depending on how long it takes Aston Martin to get its SUV off the ground, it may be late to the party considering Bentley and Maserati are well on their way with Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce not far behind.