NAIAS 2016: Chevrolet unveils new 2017 Cruze Hatchback

Text and photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Detroit, MI - Chevrolet unveiled a new Cruze Hatchback here at the North American Internatonal Auto Show (NAIAS). Adding more choice to one of its most popular modes, the 2017 Cruze hatchback will begin shipping in the fall and it will be assembled by GM's Ramos Arizpe, Mexico plant.

The hatchback, which has the same 106.3-inch wheelbase at the sedan, will be offered in LT, Premier and an RS package. Pricing was not revealed although it shouldn't be too far off from the sedan which should start under $18,000.

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SlideShow: A look at the Buick Avista Concept from NAIAS 2016

Detroit, MI: Ushering a new generation of Buick design and engineering, the Buick Avista Concept was revealed yesterday and was one of the most exciting announcements prior to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) a sports coupe with a 2 X 2 configuration, the Buick Avista features interactive touchscreen interiors and boasts a 400 HP V6 twin-turbo engine. Based on the Camaro plartform, it symbolizes Buick's return to high-performance sportscars and is one concept that many hope would go into production in some shape or form.

NAIAS 2016: Buick unveils sporty Avista Concept

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Detroit, MI -  Buick took the wraps off its surprise Avista sports coupe concept which brings a new level of sporty performance, luxury and technology to Buick's stable of of vehicles. The Avista is a swoopy, sexy affiar that is actually buiilt on the Camaro platform but which channels the sleek look of a thoroughbred grand tourer from Jaguar or Aston Martin. 

The surprise reveal at a Buick event in downtown Detroit, the Avista Coupe drew a lot of attention when it rolled into the stage. While this is a concept car which exists with no guarantees that it will ever make production, it did attract a lot of attention and the general consensus from guests and journalists on the floor was that Buick should make a vehicle that incorportates many of the lines and the proposed technologies that the Avista offers.

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Facebook Messenger has over 800 million monthly users now

Whether you like Facebook Messenger or not, a lot of you use it. Facebook recently announced that the messaging service now has over 800 million monthly active users, which puts Facebook’s messaging platform closer to WhatsApp’s 900 million user mark that they hit back in September. Facebook has worked on innovating the service last year and introduced new features like video calling and bringing businesses and customers together with Businesses on Messenger.

What’s in store for Messenger in 2016? Facebook’s Vice President of Messaging Products David Marcus didn’t go into specifics but one of the things is they seem to still be working on Facebook’s AI-based virtual assistant, M, and they’re developing how to better interaction on the service. “At Messenger we’re thinking about how we can help you interact with businesses or services to buy items, order rides, purchase airline tickets, and talk to customer service in truly frictionless and delightful ways. It is so much easier to do everything in one place that has the context of your last interactions, as well as your identity (no need to ever login), rather than downloading apps that you’ll never use again and jumping around from one app to another.” Marcus said.

Source: Facebook + Mashable