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J.D. Power study identifies top seats for your tush

File under News your fanny can use: The seating systems in the Ford Escape and Edge, the Audi A3, Chevrolet Cruze, Kia Cadenza, Porsche Cayenne and Toyota Tundra received top marks in a new J.D. Power study on seating and seat belt quality and satisfaction. The J.D. Power 2017 Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study asked more than 77,000 new owners and lessees of 2017 model-year cars and light trucks to rate their vehicle's seats and seat belts within the first 90 days of taking ownership. The survey is broken up into seven vehicle segments and scored on total seat problems per 100 within each segment, with awards presented to the seating system supplier. Canadian auto supplier Magna won three of seven first-place awards for its seating systems in the A3, Escape and Edge. Ireland-based Adient got top marks for its seats in the Cadenza and Cayenne. Lear Corp. won for the Cruze, and Avanzar Interior Technologies scored highest for seats in the Tundra. J.D. Power says its study is intended for automakers and suppliers with quality and satisfaction information to be used in developing and marketing seating systems. "But the results are just as interesting to a consumer audience," the company says. "After all, some drivers spend a considerable amount of time behind the wheel, and it's helpful to know which vehicles offer the most comfortable seats for those long commutes." Ain't that the truth. Ford was the only automaker whose seat systems, both manufactured by Magna, received top honors in two segments: the Escape for mass-market compact SUV and the Edge for mass-market midsize/large SUV. J.D. Power says it used 22 attributes to measure seat quality, three measures of seat belt quality and 12 to measure satisfaction. Awards were presented to the seating suppliers. Related Video: Image Credit: Audi Auto News Design/Style Audi Chevrolet Ford Kia Porsche Toyota Safety JD Power seats

Is Buick's surprise Detroit concept a Camaro-sized coupe?

Tomorrow night marks the unofficial start of the 2016 Detroit Auto Show. Keep your eyes peeled for a number of reveals, including a surprise debut from Buick. Yes, Buick. And we think it's going to be something really hot. According to a report from Bloomberg, the Tri-Shield's secret car could be a Camaro-sized sport coupe concept. As Bloomberg explains, it'd certainly gel with the impression the company is trying to put out – that it's no longer a brand for those with one foot in the grave. Introducing a sports coupe, even as a concept, could certainly reinforce that message. And if it happens to make production – which is not a certainty, Bloomberg's secret source says – it could certainly help Buick drive its average buyer age down from 59. Bloomberg doesn't offer any speculation on Buick's new coupe, but we have no problem making educated guesses. Our most reliable conjecture is this: it will ride on General Motors' Alpha platform, which underpins both the Camaro and the Cadillac ATS. And with a certain twin-turbocharged V6 in the GM stable, we've got an idea of what kind of engine could be shown. That speculation will have to suffice for now. But don't worry, we'll have official details, live images, and video tomorrow when Buick unveils its new concept in Detroit's Eastern Market.

2017 Chevrolet Trax brings its fresher face to Chicago

The 2017 Chevrolet Trax's facelift does wonders for the compact crossover's looks. There's nothing overly offensive about the model's current design, but it's rather drab, especially at the front. As you can see from these live photos from the Chicago Auto Show, the revised Trax simply looks more modern than the current model. It now wears narrower wraparound headlights that integrate nicely with the upper level of the grille. The lower portion of the front end gets a more angular shape, and there are big crevices for the foglights. The rear also has small revisions, including new taillights and tiny changes to the bumper. With this refresh, Chevy has brought its little CUV's looks closer in style to the brand's stalwart sedans, the Cruze, Malibu and Impala. Inside, the Trax now features analog instruments for the speedometer and tachometer, but there's still a big screen on the right side to display vehicle information. The CUV also gets Chevy's seven-inch MyLink infotainment system that buyers can option with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE support. Active safety tech like side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision alert, and lane departure warning are available on the 2017 model, too. While the 2017 Trax looks a lot better, it's the same vehicle mechanically. It won't arrive at dealers until this fall, but you can check one out now in our gallery above. Related Video: Chevrolet Introduces 2017 Trax Fresh design, premium interior complement safety, connectivity enhancements CHICAGO – Building on its early success and the rapid growth of the segment, Chevrolet today introduced the 2017 Trax – a more expressive take on one of America's best-selling small SUVs. Contemporary design elements, including an all-new front-end appearance, and a new premium interior compose the visual updates, while new available active safety features and a new infotainment system – with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility – expand its range of customer-focused technologies. "In the fastest-growing segment, Chevrolet Trax's momentum is sure to continue with great design enhancements, premium details, and the latest technologies," said Steve Majoros, director of marketing, Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers.