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Nismo 370Z Yellow Edition makes its U.K. debut

2 Jul 2009 | 1:11 pm
Don't drink and drive this Fourth of July weekend

2 Jul 2009 | 12:59 pm
If Lexus and Mercedes Shared The LS and S-Class Platforms Who Would Then Make The Better Car?

2 Jul 2009 | 9:30 am
German Cash For Clunkers Program Raises Sales By 40% In June

2 Jul 2009 | 8:46 am
Mercedes-Benz denies any plans with Toyota

2 Jul 2009 | 8:27 am

egmCarTech
2011 BMW X1 officially revealed, coming to the U.S. in 2011

admin

2 Jul 2009 | 2:06 pm

After the image leaks we saw yesterday, BMW has finally revealed all the official details and high-res photos of the new 2011 BMW X1. “For the first time the features and qualities so typical of a BMW X model are also available in a premium vehicle in the compact segment,” says BMW. “With its superior drivetrain technology also comprising BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system and its both modern and variable interior, the BMW X1 offers ideal qualities for truly versatile mobility ensuring a genuine driving experience.” The 2011 BMW X1 will make its…
Lexus offering $2,000 discount on F-Sport Accessories in July

admin

2 Jul 2009 | 1:42 pm

Toyota’s luxury division Lexus announced that it is offering a 20 percent discount coupon for use on all F-Sport accessories in July. The coupon is worth up to $2,000 for accessories available on the, IS, IS C Convertible and the GS. F-Sport accessories include forged alloy wheels, braking system upgrades, sway bar kits and other items. Interested buyers can take advantage of the offer at valid Lexus dealerships. The coupon is limited to one per customer. You can download here and take it to your nearest Lexus dealership to get the discount. Lexus F-Sport Performance Accessories for IS…
2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS: It’s Finally Here

admin

1 Jul 2009 | 7:08 pm

We just took delivery of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS and I will be driving it around for the next 10 days (honestly, I can’t get myself to get away from it). I’ll be posting live updates throughout my test drive so you can follow me on Twitter and I’ll be sure to post live updates right here every single day. Make sure you ask all the questions you want - I’ll be sure to answer as many as I can. - By: Omar Rana
Volkswagen clean-diesels account for 26% of June sales

admin

1 Jul 2009 | 7:00 pm

Volkswagen of America today reported June 2009 sales of 19,027 units, an 18 percent decline over June 2008 sales. Volkswagen said that its clean diesel models posted their best sales month since their launch with a total of 5,072 units sold, or 26 percent of total sales. The Jetta SportWagen posted its best sales month ever with 1,982 units. Clean diesel sales accounted for 81 percent of Sportwagen sales, 40 percent of Jetta sedan sales and 29 percent of Touareg sales. “Volkswagen of America is encouraged by the momentum of our clean diesel TDI sales,” said Mark Barnes, Chief…
South Korean company to build low-speed electric-cars in the U.S.

admin

1 Jul 2009 | 2:53 pm

CT&T, a South Korean company, announced that it plans to manufacture and sell a low-speed electric-car for cities and gated communities in the United States. According to Automotive News, CT&T said that it will manufacture the electric-cars in the U.S. and will employ as many as 2,600 workers by 2013. CT&T also plans to manufacture batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles in the United States for other manufacturers. CT&T, a company that was founded by a former Hyundai executive Young Gi Lee, said that it looking to establish its headquarters in either South Carolina, North…

The Truth About Cars
Supply Chain Blues

Consumers have a hard enough time keeping all the brands and nameplates in the US market straight; trying to keep track of the myriad suppliers that make up the bulk of the industry is nearly impossible. Even here on TTAC, our well-informed commentariat often throws up its hands at the first sign of supplier coverage. [...]
Babe. Machine guns. Explosives. Old Car. TV Segment. Do the Math.
How Safe Is Safe Enough?

There are some seriously mixed messages coming out of the NHTSA today, which perfectly illustrate what I like to call the tyranny of safety. On the one hand, the NHTSA announced today that overall traffic fatalities dropped by nearly ten percent in 2008, hitting the lowest levels per vehicle mile traveled since 1961. Estimates for [...]
Chris’ Car Crests 100k!
China World’s Largest Car Market in First Half of 2009

The way it looks, China will severely trounce the USA as the world’s largest auto market in 2009. From January to June, Americans bought 4.8m units, a drop of 35.1 percent. China had sold more a month earlier. From January through May, Chinese had already bought nearly 5m units, up 14.29 percent from a year earlier. [...]

BBC TopGear: Cars and Autos News
Rolls-Royce’s new flagship

2 Jul 2009 | 9:24 am

Yes, it’s an actual ship by Rolls. It’s got a swimming pool and pirate cannons and everything…
X1 is out

2 Jul 2009 | 7:11 am

BMW’s new baby SUV will go on sale in October
Mazda3 gets stop-start

1 Jul 2009 | 4:40 am

Mazda’s Focus rival improves emissions and economy… but there’s no diesel option yet
Quick lime

1 Jul 2009 | 3:18 am

Jag brings hotted-up XKR Goodwood Special to, er, Goodwood
Gallardo goes rear-wheel drive

30 Jun 2009 | 7:46 am

Lambo turns four-wheel-drive Gallardo into rear-wheel-drive drift monkey…

Smartbrief: Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association
EPA Expands List of VOCs Controlled for Spray Paint Emissions Rule

1 Jul 2009 | 10:00 pm

The U.S. -More-
The importance of ethics

1 Jul 2009 | 10:00 pm

Establishing an ethical workplace is essential to running a successful company. -More-
Click your segment's logo below for all your current segment news

1 Jul 2009 | 10:00 pm

-More-
Prioritize planning

1 Jul 2009 | 10:00 pm

In an unstable economic environment, extensive budgeting is impractical, according to this article. -More-
Factoid #5: Digital Aftermarket Factbook 2010

1 Jul 2009 | 10:00 pm

The number of licensed drivers in the U.S. -More-

MSN Autos Latest News and Articles
A Convertible for Any Occasion

Charles Plueddeman

1 Jul 2009 | 6:52 pm

There’s a ragtop for any circumstance. Here are five with a purpose.
GM Cars Get Zero-Percent Financing

Greg Migliore

1 Jul 2009 | 6:25 pm

GM offers attractive financing on Pontiac G8 and other popular models.
Chevy Camaro Outsells Ford Mustang

the editors

1 Jul 2009 | 6:18 pm

For the first time in 15 years, more Camaros than Mustangs hit the road.
GM Loses Another Plant

Dale Jewett

30 Jun 2009 | 11:41 am

Northern California facility may produce the Toyota Prius instead.
Citroën GT Headed for Production

Dale Jewett

30 Jun 2009 | 11:26 am

For a cool $1.8 million, Citroën's supercar can be yours.

MSN Autos Latest Reviews
Review: 2009 Ford Focus

Evan Griffey

25 Jun 2009 | 7:30 pm

Can this small car dance the dance alongside it Japanese counterparts?
Review: 2009 Toyota Yaris Sedan

Evan Griffey

18 Jun 2009 | 10:06 am

The Yaris is purpose-built, affordable and reliable — but not a thrill.
Review: 2009 Kia Borrego

Larry E. Hall

10 Jun 2009 | 8:23 am

The wrong time for a very good SUV.
First Drive: 2009 Porsche Cayman PDK

K.C. Colwell

5 Jun 2009 | 2:48 pm

For the two-time 10 Best-winning Cayman, a little more bite is a good…
Flash Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 LT

the Editors of MSN Autos

4 Jun 2009 | 8:14 am

MSN Autos takes a quick spin in the fun yet frugal 2009 Chevy Aveo5.

Photostream from Daylife

AutoWeek - Latest Car News Feed
Green Cars: Report on hybrid and other alternative fuel cars

2 Jul 2009 | 10:44 am

In terms of green car technology, North America is just catching up to the rest of the world. As green technology costs come in line with the value to the consumer, we'll probably see more eco-friendly cars hit the street. Whether it's gasoline-electric hybrids, hydrogen fuel cells, electric, new-generation diesel or the next big thing, AutoWeek cover it on these pages.
Camaro vs. Mustang, and the latest on Jeremy Mayfield, in News Brake for Thursday, July 2:

2 Jul 2009 | 10:24 am

In today's News Brake: The Camaro bests the Mustang in sales for the first time since 1993; BMW confirms the X1 for the U.S., and Jeremy Mayfield can race as soon as this weekend, a judge says . . . But Wait, There's More!
Lexus offers coupons for F-Sport accessories in July:

2 Jul 2009 | 8:33 am

Lexus is offering a 20 percent discount coupon for use on all F-Sport accessories in July that's worth up to $2,000.
Ford posts best June sales performance in down market:

2 Jul 2009 | 8:15 am

In a month of sandbagged auto sales, Ford was the clear winner.
AMG makes a Mercedes-Benz E-class for the racing family man (or woman):

2 Jul 2009 | 7:34 am

Say you need a practical, roomy luxury sedan to use as a family car or for hauling business associates to big lunch meetings.

The Wheel Deal
Carry-all Cadillacs: 2010 SRX and 2010 CTS Sport Wagon

alextaylorwheeldeal

26 Jun 2009 | 12:29 pm

Now that Cadillac has been designated a core brand for the new General Motors, expect to see a rush of new vehicles bearing the traditional wreath-and-crest. Eventually, Cadillac wants to have a line of cars that matches Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, with models that come in small, medium, and large sizes. That would give Cadillac a range that faces off against Mercedes’ C-, E-, and S-class, or BMW’s 3-, 5-,and 7-series. For now, Cadillac only has the CTS in the center of its lineup. The larger Cadillac STS has been an underperformer; ditto for the smaller Saab-based Cadillac sold in…
Innovative Audi: 2009 Q5 3.2 quattro Tiptronic

alextaylorwheeldeal

10 Jun 2009 | 7:53 am

All but alone in the wreckage left by the automotive depression, the population of small crossover SUVs bearing upscale brands has been exploding. In the past several months, Mercedes, Audi, and Volvo have all added new small SUVs to their lineups. They are chasing the Lexus RX350, the segment’s longtime leader, which has just been redesigned to fend off the new competition. Small crossovers represent a profitable niche; Lexus sold 7,500 RXs last month. I’ve driven all three of these vehicles in the past several months, as well as the non-premium Toyota RAV4, and while they all have their…
Bankruptcy Baby: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro coupe

alextaylorwheeldeal

2 Jun 2009 | 8:25 am

How did Bob Lutz let the Camaro out of the design studio? I can claim only a shrunken six feet in height, and my close-cut and thinning hair is the opposite of Conan O’Brien’s pompadour, yet the top of my head scraped the roof of the sunroof-equipped Camaro. Lutz, General Motors’ legendary, and now retired, head of product development, is about four inches taller than I am, and his posture is much more erect. How does he squeeze into the driver’s seat? Okay, I’ve gotten seated in the car, and adjusted the seat — which is the same sensation as sitting in a well. I feel like…
Korean Kutie: 2010 Kia Soul Plus

alextaylorwheeldeal

15 May 2009 | 7:34 am

Are Americans ready to think small – this time for real? Plenty of import manufacturers think so, and increasingly American makers will too. U.S. buyers give up their trucks, SUVs, and V-8s only reluctantly. And why not? American cars are designed for American roads and American gas prices. The only time drivers think small is when small is cute (think Volkswagen’s Beetle in the 1960s) or when small is smart (if gas prices spike as they did last year). The way to lure drivers out of their big cars, and foreign manufacturers have learned this, is to convince them that small isn’t a…
Vulnerable Volvo: 2010 XC60

alextaylorwheeldeal

5 May 2009 | 8:34 am

Volvo is at a very delicate time in its 82-year history. Its president and CEO resigned nine months ago after a failed product offensive; its sales in the U.S. – its most important market – are down 46.4% this year; and Ford, which bought Volvo in 1999, has put it up for sale. Now comes the XC60, Volvo’s entry in the hotly-contested mid-size premium utility segment. By itself, it won’t be enough to turn the tide (it is a low-volume vehicle) but Volvo could use any kind of hit right now. Sad to say, it probably won’t find one in the XC60, a vehicle that does most things well,…

Auto news - CNNMoney.com
Auto supplier Lear to file for bankruptcy

1 Jul 2009 | 4:28 pm

Read full story for latest details.
Cool gadgetry for your car

1 Jul 2009 | 2:21 pm

Your car may not be new, but its gizmos can be - for as little as a few hundred bucks.
Weak auto sales continue into June

1 Jul 2009 | 1:32 pm

Most major automakers reported weaker than expected U.S. sales for June, proving yet again that the industry's pain hasn't ended. But there are some glimmers of hope.
New GM, old faces

1 Jul 2009 | 12:54 pm

General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson has argued this week that a bankruptcy court needs to approve plans to create a new GM, one unburdened by many of the contracts and liabilities of the past.
Hyundai's latest offer: Cheap gas

1 Jul 2009 | 7:31 am

With gas prices rising and car sales in the dumps, Hyundai is offering new car buyers gas at $1.49 a gallon for a year.

The Garage
VW of America Posts Strong Diesel Sales

Tom Williams

1 Jul 2009 | 9:13 pm

Here at The Garage we typically don’t get into much detail about the monthly sales reports we receive from various manufacturers, but when I received an e-mail from Volkswagen of America about their June 2009 sales, I took notice. Taken in whole, VW sales last month compared to June of 2008 are down 18%, but the real story here is that Jetta sales are up, thanks in large part to its TDI diesel engine. In fact, one out of four VW’s that left the dealer’s lot was powered by a diesel. An overwhelming 81% of all Jetta SportWagens, 40% of Jetta sedans, and 29% of Touregs sold…
GM Europe’s clouds of uncertainty.

John Heintzman

1 Jul 2009 | 10:41 am

Welcome to another chapter in the strange world once called GM Europe. Within a week the deal for Opel with Magna International and their Russian partners seems on the rocks. Saab is waiting for a loan from the European Investment Bank and is seeing production slow in comparison to orders. GM has rankled negotiations by insisting on a buyback clause which is strongly opposed by the government of Hesse the state in which Opel is headquartered. Roland Koch prime minister of Hesse has backed Magna’s bid. Sources say that Sberbank and Magna may withdraw their bid due to General Motors…
2009 BMW 335D: 3 is the new 5

Gary Grant

1 Jul 2009 | 7:38 am

My first introduction to the BMW 3 series came way back in the first half of the Eighties when a buddy’s private school girlfriend arrived at our public high school to pick him up in her new 320i. The car was small and sporty yet actually held 4 people. Even better, it was priced low enough that us poor high school students could actually envision the possibility of affording one. Unfortunately, this is the image I had in my head when I picked up our 2009 BMW 335D tester. Normally, when I review a car I don’t look at the press kit prior to driving the car. In this case, I had laid…
Happy Canada Day!

Gary Grant

1 Jul 2009 | 4:31 am

Related PostGallery: VARAC Historics on trackGallery: wandering the paddock at VARAC FestivalGroup 70+ slips and slides at MosportCone downA soggy day at Mosport for the VARAC Festival
Driven: Honda Insight EX

Tom Williams

29 Jun 2009 | 9:36 pm

Our “Driven” series highlights the several cars I was able to sample at IMPA’s Spring Brake 2009 event. These short takes are summaries of my driving impressions of the cars on the roads surrounding Bear Mountain State Park in Rockland County, New York. The calling card for Honda’s new Insight is that this is a hybrid car for everyone. Taken at face value, that’s a vague statement, so let’s distill what Honda is really telling buyers. Let’s start with the looks. The body is aerodynamic to maximize fuel efficiency, yet the Insight doesn’t look like it has…

NYT: Automobiles
Wheels: IndyCar President Tony George Resigns

By RICHARD S. CHANG

2 Jul 2009 | 1:05 pm

Tony George, the controversial president and chief executive of the IndyCar series and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, resigned from both positions.
Wheels: Mercedes to Celebrate Silver Arrows at Goodwood

By STEPHEN WILLIAMS

2 Jul 2009 | 1:05 pm

Mercedes-Benz will mark the 75th anniversary of their Silver Arrow racecars with a celebration at the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed in Britain.
Wheels: Does Quality Matter? The Mini Conundrum

By RICHARD S. CHANG

2 Jul 2009 | 1:05 pm

The problems that led to Mini’s dreadful score in the latest J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey seem to be the reasons why owners love the brand and its cars.
Clock Ticking on Accord to Sell Good G.M. Assets

By MICHAEL J. de la MERCED

2 Jul 2009 | 11:31 am

General Motors must complete the sale of its best assets to a new government-financed company by July 10 or risk losing its financing, a senior Treasury official said.
Wheels: G.M. and Chrysler Liability Differences

By CHRISTOPHER JENSEN

1 Jul 2009 | 5:58 pm

When it comes to injuries or deaths caused by safety defects, owners of G.M. vehicles are likely to get a much better deal than Chrysler owners.

detnews.com - Autos Insider
Lawyers wrap up; GM awaits judge's decision on sale of best assets

2 Jul 2009 | 2:26 pm

New York-- A judge ended the General Motors Corp. asset sale hearing at about 4 p.m. without signaling when he might decide whether to let the bankrupt automaker emerge as a new, largely debt-free company.
U.S. highway deaths fall to lowest level since 1961

2 Jul 2009 | 12:32 pm

Washington -- Traffic deaths fell to their lowest level since 1961 in the United States last year, the Transportation Department reported today.
Daniel Howes: Toyota's down, but not out

2 Jul 2009 | 12:32 pm

Could Toyota be mortal after all? For the third month in a row, Ford outsold the Japanese juggernaut in the United States, still a crucial and rich market amid this nagging recession.
Fiat brings innovation to Chrysler partnership

2 Jul 2009 | 11:32 am

Rinaldo Rinolfi may have the key to making Fiat SpA's partnership with Chrysler Group LLC work.
Scott Burgess: 2010 Chevy Camaro reinvents dream machine

2 Jul 2009 | 11:32 am

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro makes the pursuit of happiness much easier -- or at least much quicker.

Popular Science - Cars
The Extra-Terrestrial Vehicle Is a Futuristic, Fuel-Efficient Shell For Your Chevy Aveo

2 Jul 2009 | 1:12 pm

Would you believe it if someone told you this was a heavily modifed Chevy Aveo? Well you should, because the Extra-Terrestrial Vehicle takes the core of the GM vehicle and adds its own futuristic-looking shell on top, which also bumps the fuel efficiency up to 40 mpg. read more
Hybrid Anything: Retrofit Kit Wins Award

1 Jul 2009 | 8:22 am

It fits into a wheel hub and can double a car's fuel economy. That's the claim of Dr. Charles Perry, who says his plug-in hybrid retrofit kit can save America 120 million gallons of fuel per day. Big talk. But then, inventors betting on revolutionary uphevals need to talk as big as they think. The former IBM electrical engineer designed the kit to transform existing automobiles into hybrids by placing an electric motor inside each wheel. Perry recently took first prize for his invention at a green energy competition at the Tennessee Technology Development Corp. read more
Ten-Foot Aston Martin Cygnet Gets 50 MPG, Plays Sidecar to Your DBS

30 Jun 2009 | 11:32 am

At ten feet long, the Cygnet is two feet shorter than the Mini Cooper, and decked out in Aston Martin luxury. Based on the Toyota iQ, but with a few extra features including an upgraded interior and external detailing meant to match the luxury design of Aston Martin's significantly more expensive roadsters, the Cygnet -- which is currently a limited concept car that might debut next year -- seats three comfortably, or a fourth passenger can squeeze in behind the driver for a somewhat tighter ride. read more
Dean Kamen-Designed Electric Scooter Concept Can Run on Anything Flammable

29 Jun 2009 | 2:00 pm

The external-combustion engine predates its internal-combustion counterpart by nearly a century. Internal combustion won out for modern automobiles by way of its more robust production of horsepower and torque. But Segway inventor Dean Kamen is working up several new uses for the venerable Stirling external-combustion engine. The latest is a electric generator that can use almost anything that burns as fuel. It's the centerpiece of a new hybrid-electric scooter that may never need recharging. read more
Test Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

29 Jun 2009 | 12:23 pm

The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO reprises a work order first issued in 1989: an austere midsize car outfitted with a hotter engine and stiff suspension, which can carve canyons like an upmarket luxury sled and costs thousands less than such cars from, ahem, Those German Brands. This go-round, Ford’s added bold styling, a comfortable and attractive interior, tons of usable space, a twin-turbo V6, even more lateral grip and quicker responses. The result is a machine greater than the sum of its parts, and the best car Ford’s ever built. read more

Car and Driver
Car-Buying Negotiating Guide - Buyers Info

Car and Driver

2 Jul 2009 | 2:29 pm

Your best chance at getting a fair deal on a new car starts with these tips.If you walked up to the cashier at your local grocery store with a gallon of milk in hand and said, “It says $2.49 on this sticker, but I’ll give you a buck-fifty,” you’d be going home thirsty. If you walked into McDonald’s and said, “I don’t see a lot of people eating Big Macs today; I’ll take that value meal off your hands for just three bucks!” you’d leave hungry. But walk into a car dealership, and you areexpected to bargain with the salesman. Pay sticker, and you’re giving the dealer…
Hurst Announces Special-Edition Pontiac G8 and G6 Convertible

Jake Holmes

2 Jul 2009 | 12:38 pm

How’s this for unfortunate timing? Just two months after GM axed the Pontiac brand, Hurst Performance Vehicles announces modified versions of two Pontiac models.The tuning company will hand-build 52 “H.O.” copies of the 2010 G8. Details are sketchy, but the cars will be supercharged and ride on stiffened suspension. Like past Hurst special editions, white-on-gold and black-on-gold paint schemes, as well as forged wheels and a Hurst shifter, will be obligatory. Hurst also plans to offer ten modified G6 convertibles to serve as “parade and special event cars.” Whatever that…
2010 Lotus Evora - Second Drive

Car and Driver

2 Jul 2009 | 10:30 am

Expanding the Lotus lore. BY DAVE VANDERWERPThe inquisitive owner of a first-generation Elise we met near Inveraray, Scotland, calls it cheating. He’s referring to the fact that this all-new Lotus—the first in 14 years—comes with a stereo, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, and a stitched-leather interior, not to mention available navigation and a backup camera. Had we wished to really upset him, we could have brought up the stability control and automatic transmission that will soon be offered.Indeed, this is a very different car than the company’s intense, ultralight Elise and Exige…
2010 Lexus IS Convertible / IS250C / IS350C - Second Drive

Car and Driver

2 Jul 2009 | 10:04 am

The littlest Lexus turns on the ultraviolet.BY AARON ROBINSONSales charts spawned this baby. About a third of BMW 3-series sales are coupes and convertibles, and Lexus wants a seat at that buffet. Impulsive? Hardly. Introduced nine years ago and well into its second generation, the entry-level IS sedan finally gives birth to a convertible two-door kitten.In dealerships now, the IS250C and IS350C feature an aluminum hardtop roof that, in 20 seconds, marshals 15 electric motors and 37 sensors to split it into two panels, which seamlessly belly-flop into the waiting trunk. Ultraviolet bliss…
2009 BMW X6 xDrive50i - Short Take Road Test

Car and Driver

2 Jul 2009 | 9:12 am

You’ll pardon the styling.BY TONY QUIROGAMaybe it was an Oktoberfest-fueled decision, or maybe it came after a particularly trying meeting, but the volks at BMW seem to have said to themselves, “The gents at AMC really got it right in the early ’80s. Herr Bangle, make the X5 look more like a 1983 AMC Spirit, bitte, and we’ll call it the X6.”At least when you’re driving the X6, you don’t have to look at it. And after driving the X6, it’s likely that the styling will be forgotten or, at the very least, forgiven.It’s a prettier picture, mechanically. Despite its rhino-like…

Chrysler Blog
Recycling to Save Money and Help Environment

1 Jul 2009 | 1:12 pm

Employees at Chrysler are pitching in, helping the company's recycling efforts and saving a lot of money in the process.
Ram Ranked as Best Truck Ever (No Exaggeration)

29 Jun 2009 | 2:50 pm

The "best ever" - it's a trite phrase. But owners spoke up, and what they said indicates that Chrysler Group LLC is headed in the right direction. The Dodge Ram scored the highest scored the highest Total Quality score ever for a truck in the 15-year history of Strategic Vision Inc.’s study. The Total Quality Index (TQI) surveys owners to rate all aspects of the ownership experience from buying and owning to performance and driving. According to Strategic Vision; “Customers specifically noted that the Ram has the best added storage capability along with the best…
Restart Day

29 Jun 2009 | 1:39 pm

For the first time since the beginning of May, vehicles were rolling down the assembly lines at 7 Chrysler plants. For a look at the first day back at Warren (Mich) Truck Assembly, one of two plants where the Dodge Ram piokup is built, please watch this video.
Under the Pentastar: June 26, 2009

26 Jun 2009 | 10:49 am

This week's Under the Pentastar includes Eyes on Design, Cruise Nights at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum, quality improvments, and organizational changes.
Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Brands Improve Quality in Study

22 Jun 2009 | 1:30 pm

J.D. Power and Associates released its benchmark study on initial vehicle quality today, and the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands all showed improvement. In fact, the Chrysler Group improved faster than the industry as a whole. “Even in the face of unprecedented challenges, the Detroit automakers are keeping their focus on designing and building high-quality vehicles, which is a precondition for long-term success,” David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates, said in a press release. The J.D. Power study surveys vehicle owners and…

GM FastLane
Webchat: Andrew Farah Answers Your Volt Questions

Editor

25 Jun 2009 | 10:50 am

Chevrolet Volt vehicle chief engineer Andrew Farah took the first pre-production Volt for a spin this week and will be on FastLane to chat live with you about it at 4 p.m. EDT today.
First Pre-production Chevrolet Volt Charges Ahead … of Schedule

Editor

24 Jun 2009 | 1:40 pm

By Andrew Farah Chevrolet Volt Vehicle Chief Engineer Nearly two years ago, we put plans in motion to begin building the first pre-production Chevrolet Volts in May 2009. Back in February of this year, I hung a countdown clock on my office wall. It read 99 days, 23 hours and 59 minutes. The countdown had begun to the start of the first Chevrolet Volt pre-production vehicle - May 27, 2009. At the same time, I set a personal goal to be driving in one of these vehicles by the Fourth of July. Yesterday, I drove the first Volt pre-production vehicle - more than a week ahead of schedule, and due in…
GM = Green Motors?

Editor

23 Jun 2009 | 11:40 am

By Beth Lowery GM Vice President, Environment, Energy & Safety Policy Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with hundreds of environmental professionals who were in Detroit to attend the Air and Waste Management Association’s annual conference and exhibition. I gave a formal speech, but the best part of the morning for me was the question and answer session that followed. I’d like to share some of the questions that were posed, along with my answers, and invite you to ask questions of your own about GM’s efforts to reinvent ourselves as a greener company. Electric…
What Quality Gap?

Editor

22 Jun 2009 | 12:37 pm

By Rick Spina North American Vice President, Quality Today’s quality announcement by J.D. Power and Associates suggest it’s time for perception to sling-shot its way into reality when people think about General Motors — especially when it comes to quality. When I hear or read disparaging remarks about GM vehicle quality, I get rattled because more often than not, the comments are not true. For all the naysayers out there … get this … in the J.D. Power & Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study, Cadillac, our flagship brand, improved by 19 percent since last…
Webchat: Let’s Talk About GM Quality

Editor

19 Jun 2009 | 3:07 pm

Please join Vice President of Quality for GM North America Rick Spina on Monday, June 22 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time for a one-hour live chat to discuss quality and GM’s results in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2009 Initial Quality Study. Looking forward to hearing from you. - Janine Fruehan, Communications Manager, Product Quality & Safety (Note: While we can’t address specific customer concerns in this chat, resolving them is very important to us. If you have any questions or concerns about a specific GM vehicle you can reach us 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, by calling the…

MotorAuthority - Latest News
Report: Alfa Romeo to sell re-branded Dodge cars in Europe

2 Jul 2009 | 9:50 am

Last week we brought you news of Alfa Romeo's plans for the U.S. and the support and enthusiasm that's growing over Alfa's attractive designs. This week there's news of cars going the other way across the Atlantic, this time Dodges to be re-branded as Alfa Romeos for Europe. It's not the only brand-switcharoo planned for Fiat and Chrysler, but it might be the most significant for Americans. Finding a way to meet Alfa Romeo's needs with re-purposed Dodge vehicles could help reinvigorate U.S. production and supply chains. Dodge Viper SRT 10 ACR Read more
Report: Cadillac XTS to replace DTS as full-size sedan

2 Jul 2009 | 9:19 am

Rumors of a replacement for Cadillac's aging DTS sedan have circulated the web for ages now, but today brings a report of what's finally going to happen. The new Caddy will get an XTS badge and will be designed to compete with BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus in the full-size segment. Currently the CTS is doing its duty in the mid-size sedan sector, holding its own in reviews and reliability surveys as well as sales. But the DTS isn't, since it's still based on the last generation of General Motors luxury sedan technology and design. Getting a replacement together was obviously derailed…
IND Distribution presents the first Dakar Yellow E92 M3 in North America

2 Jul 2009 | 9:10 am

Though it's often overshadowed by the fantastic E30, the E36 M3 has become a favorite of aficionados, and no color showed off that M3's pavement prowess as well as the brilliant Dakar Yellow. Now IND Distribution has taken that familiar color and laid it over the newest M3, and it's sure to stir a nostalgic feeling in every Bimmer-lover's hearts. But IND doesn't stop with the color. To ensure the new Dakar Yellow M3 - the first in North America - gets the respect it commands with its loud visual presence, IND added up-rated Brembo racing brakes, 18in HRE Monoblock racing wheels, a software…
Video: Steeda previews the 2010 Sport Edition Mustang

2 Jul 2009 | 8:32 am

Steeda carries a strong reputation within the Ford community as a builder and innovator of original custom parts and equipment. Nowhere is that rep stronger than amongst the Mustang crowd, and today Steeda has released some of the details on its upcoming 2010 version of its Q Series tuning program for the Ford Mustang. Though the vehicle was still under testing at Sebring as recently as June (see video below), the car will follow on in Q Series tradition with computer-designed and track-proven parts. Read more
Audi celebrating 100th anniversary with huge sculpture at Goodwood

2 Jul 2009 | 7:35 am

Centennial celebrations have been a common occurrence of late as the industry as a whole begins to push past the 100-year mark. This year marks Audi's 100th, and it's celebrating at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, in part with the 115ft (35m) 2009 Festival of Speed Central Feature (pictured). This isn't the first time Audi has celebrated a major milestone at Goodwood, but it is the largest center piece to date. Designed by the award-winning Gerry Judah, Lord March’s evergreen creative collaborator, the sculpture features two Audi cars – the legendary 1937 Auto Union streamliner as well as…

Automotive News
Suzuki offers free gas as sales plummet

2 Jul 2009 | 12:31 pm

American Suzuki, battling an industry-worst 78 percent decline in June sales, said it will offer three months of free gasoline on its SX4 compact-car line. The offer does not extend to the Grand Vitara SUV or any other Suzuki model.
Ford Canada sales jump 25% in June

2 Jul 2009 | 11:02 am

Ford Motor Co. of Canada was the No. 1 selling automaker in the country in June as it posted a 25 percent jump in sales over the same month a year earlier, the company said today.
Tony George out as Indianapolis Motor Speedway boss

2 Jul 2009 | 10:53 am

Tony George will no longer have day-to-day responsibility for running his family businesses, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Current Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Belskus is the new CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp.
Magna board set to approve Opel plans next week, Reuters reports

2 Jul 2009 | 10:01 am

Magna International Inc.'s board of directors is scheduled to approve on Tuesday a business plan for the acquisition of German carmaker Opel, two sources familiar with the matter said today.
GM says it could liquidate if sale not approved

2 Jul 2009 | 9:31 am

General Motors would be forced into liquidation if its proposed asset sale were not approved despite urging from dissident bondholders that another course be pursued, the company's lead bankruptcy lawyer said today.

Motor Trend
Chrysler/Fiat Product Plans Thicken: Rear-drive Alfa, Small Fiat Minivan Coming

2 Jul 2009 | 6:07 am

LY Architecture to UnderpinNew Alfa Flagship; Next-Gen Minivan Will Come in Two SizesAlfa Romeo has been looking for affordable rear-wheel-drive architecture to help relaunch the brand in North America. And now it has found the parts it needs in parent company Fiat's new acquisition, Chrysler Group. Parts from the LY architecture underpinning the 2011 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, will form the basis for Alfa's next flagship sedan, the 169. It replaces the discontinued front-wheel-drive 166. Photo Gallery: Chrysler and Fiat Future New Car Plans - Rear-drive Alfa, Small Fiat Minivan Coming -…
Scion iQ Coming By Early 2011

29 Jun 2009 | 5:06 am

Tiny Toyota Central to Automaker's Global Carbon Dioxide Reduction StrategyAs we predicted last year, Toyota is preparing its tiny iQ 3+1 city car for North America, badged as a Scion. The car could arrive late in 2010 as an 2011 model, or in early 2011 as a 2012. Under Scion's revived one-model-and-out strategy, the iQ would be replaced with something different after a single five-year cycle. Photo Gallery: Scion iQ Coming By Early 2011 - Scion new small car plans - Motor Trend Auto News
Under the Skin: 2010 Porsche Panamera

25 Jun 2009 | 8:06 am

A Peek Beneath the Sheetmetal of the most Radical Porsche in DecadesWe've driven the new Porsche Panamera in Germany, and we like it a lot. Here's a peek under the skin at some of the technical highlights of the most radical Porsche in decades. Photo Gallery: 2010 Porsche Panamera Technology Overview - Motor Trend
Scoop! Jaguar Extended-Range Hybrid Sports Car in the Works

12 Jun 2009 | 8:06 am

New Jag Roadster Set to Get 21st Century, Green-Economy BoostTiming on Jaguar's XE two-seat roadster may slip past its planned 2011 Geneva show introduction thanks to lean resources resulting from the global economic crisis. However, Motor Trend has learned that whenever it first appears, the sports car will get a 21st Century, green-economy boost in the form of a Chevrolet Volt-like powerplant. An electric motor with an extended-range three-cylinder gas engine is being engineered for the new-age E-Type, in addition (we hope) to Jaguar's conventional 5.0-liter and supercharged 5.0-liter V-8s.
RWD Does Not Have to Die

10 Jun 2009 | 9:06 am

Now the financial crisis, bankruptcies, and the 2016 CAFE has put the kibosh on that. Or has it? Here's how RWD will survive the decade.For those of us enthusiasts who reached driving age during the first oil crises, the 2010s are looking a lot like the 1970s. The V-8 as affordable, mainstream performance already is dead. That's okay, given the increase of direct injection and turbocharging. Photo Gallery: Rear Wheel Drive Car future - RWD Does Not Have To Die - Motor Trend

Jil McIntosh
This is an Aston Martin?

Jil McIntosh

29 Jun 2009 | 4:13 am

This is an Aston Martin. Well, it might be soon, if all goes according to plan. The car shown here is actually the Toyota iQ, a subcompact the company sells in Japan and Europe. But Aston Martin -- and this is not a joke -- has produced a concept vehicle from it, which it calls the Cygnet. According to the company, should the project go ahead, Aston Martin will sell a luxury version of this little machine, "akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht," according to the CEO. If ever you needed proof that the auto world's been turned on its head, I don't think you can do…
Oh, the irony ...

Jil McIntosh

27 Jun 2009 | 6:42 am

I was writing up some specs for a buyer's guide yesterday, and noticed that General Motors has discontinued an exterior paint color called Blue Chip ...
Confused about hybrids? Here's some help ...

Jil McIntosh

27 Jun 2009 | 6:04 am

Last week I was in Vancouver with Toyota, where part of the event involved a comparison of the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Ford Fusion Hybrid. My Toronto Star story, which dealt with the confusion buyers have about hybrids, can be found by clicking here.
Now it's special glass for California ...

Jil McIntosh

26 Jun 2009 | 6:06 am

I never thought I'd say this, but from an environmental standpoint, I feel a bit sorry for the automakers. The state of California has become the environmental hotbed, setting mandates that have required companies to produce vehicles that meet specifications unique to the state. I'm sure every car company breathed a long sigh of relief when the U.S. federal government finally agreed that California's fuel and emissions standards would apply everywhere. As one automaker told me, "We'll meet whatever you want -- just give us one number for everybody." And just…
In review: the Volkswagen Eos

Jil McIntosh

23 Jun 2009 | 5:53 am

On today's Canadian Driver, I have a review of the 2009 Volkswagen Eos. You can find it by clicking here.

Motorsport.com: news
BUSINESS: Changes afoot in IMS front office

30 Jun 2009 | 8:50 pm

Confirming rumors that had been speculated for the better part of a month, today the Indianapolis Motor Speedway officially announced a change in leadership within the track's management team. ...
MOTOGP: Changes afoot in IMS front office

30 Jun 2009 | 8:50 pm

Confirming rumors that had been speculated for the better part of a month, today the Indianapolis Motor Speedway officially announced a change in leadership within the track's management team. ...
NASCAR-CUP: Changes afoot in IMS front office

30 Jun 2009 | 8:50 pm

Confirming rumors that had been speculated for the better part of a month, today the Indianapolis Motor Speedway officially announced a change in leadership within the track's management team. ...
INDYCAR: Changes afoot in IMS front office

30 Jun 2009 | 8:50 pm

Confirming rumors that had been speculated for the better part of a month, today the Indianapolis Motor Speedway officially announced a change in leadership within the track's management team. ...
SCCA-WC: New team to join GT ranks with Mercedes

30 Jun 2009 | 12:31 pm

TRG (The Racer's Group) is planning a new challenge, jointly with the Texas-based Circle B Motorcars and the British RML Group (Ray Mallock Limited). The three companies are planning to enter the SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT series in Joliet, Illinois at the Autobahn Country Club for the July 24-26 event with a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT. ...

digg.com: Stories / Autos / Popular
New Cars That Fly, Run on Air & Reinvent Internal Combustion

2 Jul 2009 | 2:00 pm

A look at some of the alternative cars with revolutionary technology that are under development, from the Scuderi split-cycle engine to the air car by Zero Pollution Motors and the Terrafugia Transition flying car.
Software Engineer Builds Kick-Ass Electric Car [PICS]

2 Jul 2009 | 5:17 am

Over the course of the 2000 hour project, Atkinson fitted a 3-phase AC induction motor and 290 NiMH batteries along with a motor controller and some body work to remove accommodations for exhaust tips. The result is a silent but deadly Daytona capable of 0-60 MPH times around 8 seconds and a top speed of 100 MPH.
Home-Built 2700 HP Jet-Truck Is The Coolest Truck Ever!

1 Jul 2009 | 4:51 pm

In a bid to give his 2005 Ford F-150 more power, Jackson, Michigan native Chris Lentz strapped a Czechoslovakian Motorlet M-701 turbojet to the truck bed, creating a 2700HP jet-powered truck. It's the coolest truck we've ever seen.
Coming Soon: A Breathalyzer in Every Car?

1 Jul 2009 | 7:39 am

Congress may soon mandate that breathalyzers be installed in cars of convicted drunk drivers. Opponents worry that it's a first step toward high-tech breathalyzers in all cars
Aston Martin delivers a car to the masses

1 Jul 2009 | 1:10 am

James Bond screeches around hairpin bends in them with a beautiful woman at his side, while they are the car of choice for European royalty in which to parade themselves around the Continent's more opulent capitals. Now, at last, the opportunity to pop out to the supermarket behind the wheel of an Aston Martin will be more accessible.

Autosavant
Fiercer and More Powerful: Maserati’s Granturismo S

James

2 Jul 2009 | 8:21 am

By James Wong 07.02.2009 Maserati has listened to their customers’ requests for a more powerful, sportier version of their much-lauded sports tourer, the Granturismo. Their response comes in form of the Granturismo S - coming in two versions, one with the new MC-Shift Gearbox and another with a conventional torque converter automatic like in the standard GT. The [...]
Citroën Shows Off its New C3

Brendan

1 Jul 2009 | 8:55 am

Citroen unveiled its new C3 supermini this morning in Paris, and the new car gives a very good account of itself. More than ever, the C3 makes a statement. And, if this car could talk, it would say something along the lines of, “I’m smart, I’m young, I’m good-looking and I’m ready to do something fun.” In most auto markets of the world, that is a guarantee of sales success. And it appears the new C3 has the goods to be successful.
Apologies to our Readers

Brendan

1 Jul 2009 | 7:39 am

07.01.2009 Our server went down around 2 AM GMT this morning, and didn’t come back up until after 8 AM GMT this morning in most parts of the world. Our many readers in North America got the worst of it as 2 AM GMT falls during one of the many evening hours in the US and Canada, depending [...]
Diesel Comes To Town: A5 3.0TDI Quattro

James

29 Jun 2009 | 9:09 pm

By James Wong 06.30.2009 For the past week or two, Audi has been advertising its new A5 model over the radio here in Singapore where I live.. It illustrates a conversation between a petrol kiosk attendant and a driver of the all-new A5 turbo-diesel. The advertisement pretty much covered all the benefits of the car over a [...]
Joke or Masterstroke? Aston Martin Adapts Toyota’s Clever Baby

Andy

29 Jun 2009 | 5:15 pm

It sounds and looks for all the world like one of those joke news items car makers push out on the morning of April Fool’s Day. However, British supercar manufacturer Aston Martin is apparently deadly serious about building its own version of Toyota’s fashionable iQ city car - with a price-tag of around £20,000 ($33,000). The car will be based on the Cygnet concept. For those of you not familiar with the word cygnet, a cygnet is a baby swan.

Times Online
Cannonball run Britons banned from driving in France

Adam Sage in Paris

1 Jul 2009 | 5:00 pm

Two Britons have been banned from driving in France after being caught at speeds of up to 210km/h (130mph) in high-performance vehicles on a cannonball run from London to Saint-Tropez.
Aston Martin delivers a car to the masses with £20,000 Cygnet

Kevin Hackett

29 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

James Bond screeches around hairpin bends in them with a beautiful woman at his side, while they are the car of choice for European royalty in which to parade themselves around the Continent’s more opulent capitals.
Car shrink

Jonny Shrink

28 Jun 2009 | 9:48 am

Q I purchased a Daihatsu Fourtrak last year and the dealer had fitted a spare wheel cover with a huge advert on it. While I appreciated the dealer’s service, I don’t like having a billboard stuck on my vehicle. Is this a common occurrence?
Aptera: oodles of cool in the Google car

Jay Leno

27 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

The biggest problem with most electric cars is that they are adapted from conventional cars and you end up with something less than you started with. For example, you take a VW Golf, strip out the internals, add batteries and make it slower and heavier, with less range and fewer safety features.
Motor Mouth: The iPhone’s best trick: it works

Matt Rudd

27 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

At the start of last weekend, Apple launched its upgraded iPhone, the 3G S. By the end of the weekend, it had already sold a million of them. That’s a million people parting with serious cash in the depths of a recession for a phone.

MOTORSPORTS news - autosport.com
F1: Bulgaria looks to secure GP for 2011

2 Jul 2009 | 9:08 am

Bulgaria is looking to secure a place on the Formula 1 calendar in 2011 next week, when officials will meet with Bernie Ecclestone in Germany.
F1: Piquet: No 2008-like Renault turnaround

2 Jul 2009 | 8:38 am

Renault's Nelson Piquet believes the team will struggle to repeat the turnaround in form it achieved in 2008 in the second half of this year
WTCC: Nykjaer to make WTCC debut

2 Jul 2009 | 7:35 am

Danish Touring Car racer Michael Nykjaer will make his World Touring Car Championship debut at Oschersleben in September
F1: Dallara says F1 challenge 'fascinating'

2 Jul 2009 | 4:13 am

Gian Paolo Dallara says building a Formula 1 car for the Campos Meta team will be a 'fascinating' challenge for the Italian company.
WSR: Interview with James Walker

2 Jul 2009 | 2:42 am

Interview with James Walker

Headlight: The Digital Automotive Blog
Wikitude on wheels: Toward vehicular augmented reality

I recently picked up the T-mobile G1 running the Android OS and for the past few weeks have been comparing it side-by-side with a jail-broken iPhone still on AT&T. There are a lot of great applications for Android that have been created so far -- such as Ecorio (profiled in ...
How automotive marketers can leverage digital video technologies

Automotive marketing sits at a crossroads. As if macroeconomic conditions weren’t enough of a challenge, key media channels like TV are being subjected to radical transformation, including viewer fragmentation, ad avoidance behavior and fundamental shifts in the business models of all sides of the ecosystem. Auto marketers have historically ...
Can high tech save Chrysler?

At January’s Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler offered a forecast around the automaker's uconnect telematics system. The prototype: a touch-screen display that gives intuitive access to a fully connected hub, seamlessly merging a driver’s life inside and outside the car. We’re not there yet, but we’re getting closer: At the New York ...
Ford bets on social media for its next American compact

Next year, the Ford Fiesta makes its U.S. debut. The superefficient, sporty compact has proved enough of a success in Europe and Asia to draw the attention of American drivers, and their newfound thirst for all things small. It’s become an object of transatlantic envy — much of it expressed ...
Ford envisions wheels for the wired family

At the 2009 New York International Auto Show, Ford Motor Company (one of Razorfish’s clients) unveiled the Transit Connect Family One Concept. As with much of Ford’s conceptual thinking lately, connectivity assumes as much importance as cargo space or gas mileage. The production version of Transit Connect is a super-efficient, maneuverable ...

Car Lust
July 4 Weekend Open Thread

Chris Hafner

2 Jul 2009 | 7:13 am

I'm out on vacation until Tuesday morning, so here's the open thread for the holiday weekend. The usual rules apply. Possible topic for July 4: What car would George Washington drive? Thomas Jefferson? John Adams? Benedict Arnold? --Chris H.
1957 Chevrolets

Cookie the Dog's Owner

30 Jun 2009 | 4:52 pm

The 1955-57 "Tri-Five" or "shoebox" Chevrolets are among the most recognizable of all classic cars. The 1957 iteration, with its tail-finned rear quarter panels and available powerful small-block V-8, is probably the single best-known and loved American car of all time. Go to any old-car show or cruise-in anywhere on the North American continent this summer and I guarantee there will be at least one '57 Chevy on display--probably two or three. Whether meticulously restored to car-show perfection, or tricked out with side pipes and slotted mags and a jacked-up rear…
RIP, Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett

Chris Hafner

27 Jun 2009 | 5:17 pm

I'm not sure if you're aware of this, because it's gone under-reported by the news media, but we lost both Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett yesterday. While their families, fans, and the rest of the entertainment world will miss Jackson and Fawcett, we won't be dwelling on their lives or their influence in this space beyond offering our condolences--no doubt a disappointment to those who come to Car Lust for comprehensive hard-news and entertainment coverage. No, we'll be doing something almost as important--focusing on their impact on the world of vehicle…
1986-1989 Honda Accord

Chris Hafner

25 Jun 2009 | 1:27 am

Every so often, an automaker has a special run in which it can seemingly do nothing wrong; great car follows great car, and seemingly every product it touches turns to gold. I would argue that GM had a run like that in the 1960s, followed by Mercedes-Benz in the 1970s, Honda in the 1980s, BMW in the 1990s, and Toyota in this decade. These are the stretches in which a run of great cars builds the brand's reputation and a core of loyal customers that continue to buy over the following decades; in other words, the exact opposite of what GM did from 1975-1985. Besides the great cars, I…
Temptation

Chris Hafner

24 Jun 2009 | 11:46 am

A reader sent me an e-mail this morning asking if I would be interested in buying his Saab 900 SPG, which is enough impetus to trigger my "buy! buy! buy!" impulse. As I usually do when I'm the throes of heavy temptation, I then proceeded to splash gasoline all over the open flame. I generally try to avoid the Saab Network's excellent classified section, simply because after about five minutes there I find myself ready to sell my internal organs to buy all of the tasty late-model Saabs on offer there. My venturing into the TSN classifieds is like a gambling addict…

Cars! Cars! Cars!
Minivans Are Good For Something!

editorial staff

9 Jun 2009 | 7:16 am

WiFi in the minivan? A "VW" minivan? Will Brooke be there to make sure our IP addresses are correct? You know, nothing comes between us and Brooke.* Referenced articles Electronista: VW Routan gets in-car Wi-Fi *Well, nothing that isn't sticky.
Long Time!

editorial staff

1 Jun 2009 | 6:59 am

Scene: Walking along some street in Detroit Cars! Cars! Cars!: GM! GM: Cars! Cars! Cars! CCC: Long time no see, how you doing? GM: Doing OK. Long time no post, what up? CCC: Eh. All's been eerily quiet on the auto front. Like nothing's going on. GM: Uh... yeah. CCC: What you been up to? GM: Uh, nothing. It's worth pointing this out: General Motors Death Watch 1: GM Must Die. From early(ish) April '05.
Chrysler: Thanks, Sux0rs!

editorial staff

6 May 2009 | 4:27 am

Scene: Taxpayers run into Chrysler after a long absence (no emails, txts, phone calls) Taxpayers: Hey! C! Where you been? Chrysler: Oh, hey. (looks around) T: So, how you doing? I know things were looking tough. C: Right. Well, we met someone. T: Great! That's so... great! C: Yeah. He's Italian. T: Oh, wow! I'm so happy for you. C: Thanks! T: So... About that money we loaned you. C: Yeah... about that... Referenced articles CNNMoney: Chrysler won't repay bailout money
Silent But Deadly

editorial staff

29 Apr 2009 | 7:22 pm

Now we're not saying there's def an issue here, but the first time we saw a hybrid turn off the engine and still do stuff... well, friggin' bicycles are louder. Will silent cars kill? Will hybrids be forced to make artificial noise like digital cameras do? Will Alison Krauss* finally, good God finally, realize our love is just for the taking? Referenced articles Engadget: Pedestrian Safety Act of 2009 to investigate the dangers of silent automobile engines *1. We picked this snap because of see-throughness. We are shallow. 2. We are considering totally moving on from Alison because, good…
No More Pies

editorial staff

27 Apr 2009 | 7:46 am

Everyone knew Pontiac was over and that Saturn was likely to go away, but holy shit, GM is canning Saturn this year? 2009 is the last model year for Saturn. We suppose we shouldn't be taking it this hard because no one is buying any Ions. Or Vues. Or the other one thing. Car? In related news, Pontiac is also over. This doesn't come as any surprise at all. To anyone. Except the sphinc who just bought a G6 coupe. "Look at my bitchin' ride, yo!" (moments pass) "Doeth!" In more related news, everyone is fired and somehow the American taxpayers will own a majority in GM. Let's quote sphinc up…

CarDomain Blog
Caption Contest!

Rob Einaudi

2 Jul 2009 | 1:11 pm

We’re jumping the gun with the caption contest this week cause the entire CarDomain/StreetFire crew is gonna be taking tomorrow off to better prepare ourselves for the 4th of July. So anyway, here’s another classic from VWVortex, with an added closeup after the jump. You know the drill: Come up with a caption for the picture below by noon PST next Thursday. If you submit the funniest one, we’ll send you some CarDomain swag. Three entries per member max. Good luck!
Michael Jackson Impersonator Kicks Repo Man in Taint

John Coyle

2 Jul 2009 | 1:07 pm

When I was a kid, I worshiped Michael Jackson, and Thriller was the first record I ever bought. That said, I wasn’t terribly sad when I’d heard MJ had passed, because I’ve always pretended he died in 1984. That saved me a lot of unpleasantness over the years. Of course, tons of people are still crazy about him, and some of them fall behind on their DeLorean payments. I have to admit I was impressed with this fanatic’s dance moves—it’s a shame he didn’t throw in a moonwalk!
Caption Contest: This Week’s Winner!

John Coyle

2 Jul 2009 | 12:01 pm

When I first saw this absurd mod, I almost wanted to call it case of over-thinking, but since that would imply some brain cells were involved, it really wouldn’t be accurate. I’m still trying to decide whether this intake fail demonstrates less knowledge than this custom brake fiasco, but that’s really irrelevant. Anyway, this week’s winner is tribaltatz, who came up with; “Now I can drive underwater!” It’s simple, to the point, and most importantly, funny. Congrats man. Tune in later today for the next installment of America’s best-loved…
1000HP Viper Races 911, Spins Out.

John Coyle

2 Jul 2009 | 10:49 am

Ma Mopar’s Viper is awesome because it’s about as complicated as a hammer. There’s no fancy traction control or electronic nannies to keep you out of the wall, there’s just a giant motor and the potential for trouble. And when you’re talking about a 1000HP Venom version, things are even more intense. So I wasn’t surprised when the Porsche bests the beast in this race, because hooking up all those ponies isn’t going to be easy, and Stuttgart knows how to make a car corner. But even though it’s way, way, too close for comfort, how cool does it…
What’s Next: Inflatable Cars?

Rob Einaudi

2 Jul 2009 | 10:45 am

The XP Vehicles Mini Utility Vehicle electric car prototype features “inflatable membrane construction for extreme durability” and a “removable power pack to recharge at home without (an) extension cord.” Heck, it even “floats in a water emergency.” No word on when you’ll be able to buy one, but you can read more about it on the company website. Via Autoblog Green

Hemmings Auto Blogs
Fire bug

Jim Donnelly

2 Jul 2009 | 9:02 am

All kinds of crazy stuff can be witnessed in the ads found in old dragzines. This one dates back to 1966, from the pages of Drag Racing, a copy of which was lent to us by Ed Rachanski in Nevada. It’s an “after” photo of Roy “Mr. Pitiful” Drew, an exhibition racer from Kansas City, who concocted this sort-of Volkswagen called the Black Widow. No 36hp mouse, it instead got its motivation from a rocket-engine rear axle produced by a once-infamous Florida company called Turbonique. Here, essentially, was how it worked: Turbonique geared an acutal rocket to a…
Cunningham planned a sedan?

Daniel Strohl

2 Jul 2009 | 5:00 am

Some of the most impressive post-war American cars came not from Detroit, but from West Palm Beach, Florida, where Briggs Cunningham built both his race and his street cars, the latter produced just as an excuse to continue building the former. But what if Cunningham had made more of an effort to actually produce a profit from his civilian enterprise and thus keep the company alive for a few years more? Certainly Briggs would have kept racing and developing his competition cars, but perhaps he might have expanded the civilian offerings, maybe by offering a sedan. Blasphemy? Imagination run…
Mini Whimsy

Mark J. McCourt

1 Jul 2009 | 9:15 am

I recently came across a stash of postcards that I’d picked up in a London MG-Rover-Mini dealership in 1998, and these amusing images underlined that the cheeky advertisements for the current BMW MINI aren’t all that new- these cars have been all about fun for decades. Enjoy! And the most classically British of them all:
The tag clearly said not to run your ‘57 Chevy through the dryer

Daniel Strohl

1 Jul 2009 | 5:08 am

So along with the Art Gerrick T-based lakes modified, we wanted to highlight another unusual, yet awesome, vehicle set to cross the block at RM’s upcoming Icons of Speed and Style auction: the Deal’s Wheels 2/3-scale 1957 Chevy. Designed by Dave Deal (who also had a hand in designing the Cheetah Transporter), the show rod was built by Jim Allen for Revell to promote the line of Deal-designed 1/25-scale model kits. From the RM catalog description: (Est.) 200 hp, 265 cu. in. Chevrolet V8 engine, four-barrel carburetor mounted within a non-functional GMC-style supercharger, GM Muncie…
Hemmings Challenge Vintage Car Rally Finale

joclair

30 Jun 2009 | 11:31 am

The final day of the rally had a total of six legs to complete and the winners of the day were Howard and Doug Sharp in their ‘32 Ford dirt track racer. They finished the day at only nine seconds off with a final score for day 5 of 5.67. Even three Aces on the day couldn’t catch them up to the leaders, as Corky Coker and Greg Cunningham finished the day only two seconds behind them and maintained the lead they had entering day 5 and taking the championship in both the gold division and the overall title. The Coker /Cunningham Roadster completed all 5 days of competition at only…

Consumer Reports Cars Blog
Cash for Clunkers not ready yet

Consumer Reports Cars Blog

2 Jul 2009 | 12:37 pm

Officially, the federal CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System) rebate system kicked off yesterday. But don’t drag your clunker down to your local dealership just yet. According to the government’s official CARS Web site, the program won’t be up and running until around July 23, 30 days after President Obama signed the “Cash for Clunkers” act into law. That’s because mechanisms for dealers to sign up for the program and to be reimbursed the rebate money may take a few weeks to implement. So, it may take a little bit longer before you can take advantage of the program. The CARS program…
What should Government Motors (GM) build?

Consumer Reports Cars Blog

2 Jul 2009 | 7:39 am

General Motors is effectively under new ownership. The mega-corporation has gone through dramatic changes this past year, and the GM that emerges from Chapter 11 will be much different than the domestic titan that dominated the global automotive industry for many years. It will divest itself of Hummer, Pontiac, Saab, and Saturn, along with far more employees than my heart and mind can calculate. Through its restructuring GM has found funding from you and me, managed by the federal government, along with a significant underwriting from our Canadian neighbors. For now, government is the…
First drives of Consumer Reports’ latest vehicle purchases

Consumer Reports Cars Blog

2 Jul 2009 | 6:00 am

At Consumer Reports we buy, anonymously, all the cars we test, about 80 per year, and put thousands of miles on each of them. So, we are constantly at dealerships buying new vehicles to put through our exhaustive test program consisting of more than 50 tests. As vehicles start the evaluation process, we share our initial, raw impressions through the "Logbook" posts on this blog. When vehicles start the test process, we provide initial First Drive reports on popular models before their road tests are completed. The most recent First Drives include the Dodge Challenger, Ford Fusion…
Personal Picks: Scooters and motorcycles

Consumer Reports Cars Blog

1 Jul 2009 | 9:01 pm

Summer has arrived, bringing with it warm days and elevated gas prices—conditions that make riding a scooter or motorcycle more appealing. If you are looking to buy your first two-wheeler, there are many things to consider, such as licensing, safety, and model choice. See our scooter and motorcycle report for buying advice, ratings, and safety information. For our report, we tested several small scooters (50cc), large scooters (125-150cc), and motorcycles (250cc). We have to confess, the staff enjoyed donning helmets and riding these bikes on our track and real-world streets. Through…
July 4th deals make some new cars cheaper than buying used

Consumer Reports Cars Blog

1 Jul 2009 | 12:45 pm

There’s no shortage of sales incentives available on new cars these days. And by comparing deals you can find some new vehicles that are as affordable as late-model used versions. In some cases, you can even buy a new car for less than a one-year-old model, when considering purchase price and interest on a five-year loan. For example, when we looked at Honda’s special low-interest financing offer, available through the 4th of July weekend, we found that a new 2009 Honda Accord LX-P would cost less and have lower monthly payments than a similar used 2008 model. The 2009 Accord would have…

Carscoop
More Reader Spy Shots: Kia's Small MPV Snapped in the Czech Republic

2 Jul 2009 | 1:44 pm

Carscoop readers Vladimir Pekulas and Jan Mlejnek bagged these shots of Kia's forthcoming mini-MPV on the highway near Mlada Boleslav in the Czech Republic. If you take a closer look at the pics after the jump, you'll see that the man sitting in the passenger's seat of the Kia test car retaliated against our readers by taking or pretending to...
Acura Integra Coupe with Porsche Front and Supra Bodykit from the Mixed and the Hideous

2 Jul 2009 | 11:55 am

And you thought that only Chinese customizers had serious issues... Well, here's a nice gem from eBay that might make you reconsider. According to the vehicle's ebay seller who is located in Wisconsin, the "fully customized" 1994 Acura Integra Coupe "show car" comes with a "Porsche 911 molded front end, a Mercedes-Benz hood, a Toyota Supra front...
BMW X1 Priced 7 to 11 Percent Lower than X3 and Relatively Close to VW Tiguan in Germany

2 Jul 2009 | 11:03 am

As well as publishing the official photos and specs of the X1, BMW has also confirmed pricing on its new compact SUV for many European markets. In Germany, the entry-level, rear-wheel drive X1 sDrive18i petrol model will go on sale in Europe from the beginning of 2010 with a starting price of €27,200. The range topping, all-wheel drive xDrive28i...
Nissan 370Z Yellow: Limited Edition Model with Racy Graphics

2 Jul 2009 | 9:24 am

Unlike Japan and North America, Europe has not taken delivery of the NISMO-prepped 370Z sports car and from the looks of it, this won't be happening any time soon. What Nissan does offer European buyers is special edition models like the German market 370Z Nurburgring and now, the UK market 370Z Yellow. This version of the 370Z is differentiated...
GM gets World's Fastest Man to Drive Insignia OPC at Goodwood

2 Jul 2009 | 8:38 am

General Motors' Vauxhall division announced today that World Land Speed Record holder, Andy Green, will be behind the wheel of the all-new, 325HP Insignia VXR (OPC for the rest of Europe) at this weekend's Goodwood's hillclimb course. Andy Green, a British Royal Air Force pilot, is the first and only person to break the sound barrier on land when...

The Truth About Cars
Supply Chain Blues

Consumers have a hard enough time keeping all the brands and nameplates in the US market straight; trying to keep track of the myriad suppliers that make up the bulk of the industry is nearly impossible. Even here on TTAC, our well-informed commentariat often throws up its hands at the first sign of supplier coverage. [...]
Babe. Machine guns. Explosives. Old Car. TV Segment. Do the Math.
How Safe Is Safe Enough?

There are some seriously mixed messages coming out of the NHTSA today, which perfectly illustrate what I like to call the tyranny of safety. On the one hand, the NHTSA announced today that overall traffic fatalities dropped by nearly ten percent in 2008, hitting the lowest levels per vehicle mile traveled since 1961. Estimates for [...]
Chris’ Car Crests 100k!
China World’s Largest Car Market in First Half of 2009

The way it looks, China will severely trounce the USA as the world’s largest auto market in 2009. From January to June, Americans bought 4.8m units, a drop of 35.1 percent. China had sold more a month earlier. From January through May, Chinese had already bought nearly 5m units, up 14.29 percent from a year earlier. [...]

National Motorists Association Blog
A Speeding Ticket By Mail? It Could Happen To You This Holiday Weekend

NMA

2 Jul 2009 | 7:00 am

This is our most recent national press release. Feel free to forward it your friends who may be traveling this holiday weekend. The Fourth of July is one of the busiest traffic days of the year and many motorists will be traveling to unfamiliar areas — often outside of their home state. Local residents are usually well aware of the quirks of their community’s traffic laws, but unfortunately most out-of-state visitors don’t have that luxury. While the majority of drivers are wary of increased holiday traffic enforcement patrols — and take measures to protect themselves from…
Getting Your Money’s Worth

NMA

30 Jun 2009 | 1:38 pm

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist Do you keep your cars forever? It’s the smart move, financially. The typical $20-something-k new car takes a five year loan before it’s paid off. But if you only keep it that long, you’ve basically spent your $20-something-k (less whatever you get back in trade) to rent the thing for that period of time. The money’s gone — and you’re starting all over — with another $20-something-k “investment” that will leave you another $20-something-k out of pocket five years from now. Do this dance over a lifetime…
Traffic Enforcement Dollars And Cents

NMA

25 Jun 2009 | 1:01 pm

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist Do you think it is ever a good idea to tie a money incentive to law enforcement of any kind? Not me. It is a guarantee of corruption and abuse. (See also: The War on Drugs.) Let’s consider just one specific example — the use of cameras to catch (and “process”) red light violators. It’s all about “safety,” right? Not so much. Here’s the truth: Automated enforcement began as a completely, openly “privatized” operation, run by a private company — which explicitly, brazenly, promised local…
Ticket Cameras Used To Convict Drivers Without Their Knowledge

NMA

23 Jun 2009 | 2:51 pm

The law in the state of Oregon (and other states as well) simply says that citations “may be delivered by mail.” There is an article on OregonLive.com today that illustrates why this is a major flaw in Oregon’s red-light camera system. The following excerpt from the OregonLive.com article, written by Stacy Mitchell, shows how this flaw can lead to drivers being convicted without knowledge of ever even having been charged: I live in Maine. Several weeks ago I received a call from someone working collections for Multnomah County. He said I owed the county $353. I was baffled.
How To Handle Yourself During A Traffic Stop

NMA

18 Jun 2009 | 8:44 am

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist It’s more likely than it’s probably ever been that you’ll get pulled over by a cop at some point in the near future. Not only are there more penny-ante laws and violations on the books than ever, state and local governments are dealing with major cash flow problems, just like the rest of us. They can’t raise taxes directly; that would spark a revolt of the masses at this point. But they can turn loose the cops — whose ticket books and radar guns serve as a very effective means of indirect taxation. So, first, be on the alert.

Automotive Headlines
U.S. Automakers Look to Crossover Car Segment to Energize Sales - VIDEO STORY

dse@theautochannel.com

2 Jul 2009 | 11:36 am
Presented By:

dse@theautochannel.com

2 Jul 2009 | 11:36 am
Ford Exceeds 12,000 Scrappage Orders

dse@theautochannel.com

2 Jul 2009 | 8:15 am
Vast 35-Metre Audi 'Monument' Takes Centre Stage at Goodwood

dse@theautochannel.com

2 Jul 2009 | 8:11 am
New Fiat 500 C in the UK

dse@theautochannel.com

2 Jul 2009 | 8:07 am

TheCarConnection.com
Gasoline Use Way Down--Especially In The Northwest

2 Jul 2009 | 12:30 pm

With the record-breaking spikes in gas prices last summer, followed by the economic downturn, it's not surprising that people aren't driving as much. A new report from the Seattle-based Sightline Institute verifies that per capita gasoline use is falling nationally, but focuses on how and why that the downward trend is most remarkable in ..
A Garage Sale For GM

2 Jul 2009 | 10:12 am

In the market for a golf course? How about a toxic dump? Perhaps a parking lot in Flint, Michigan is more your speed? Get your checkbooks ready, because those three properties and many other holdings are about to be sold off as "bad assets" by General Motors (aka "Old GM"), so that the General can emerge from bankruptcy court as a lean, mean, ..
Video: How To Drive A Model T

2 Jul 2009 | 9:47 am

It's one thing to love old cars. It's quite another to maintain them. Case in point: this clip, in which Ed Hebb--a volunteer at the Henry Ford Estate--gives an overview of the Ford Model T. While you're watching, imagine trying to walk your impatient teenager through all that. [YouTube via BoingBoing]
Clean Tech Investors Open Their Wallets A Little Wider--Especially For The Auto Industry

2 Jul 2009 | 9:30 am

Hot on the heels of yesterday's news that the auto sales slump may be slowing comes news that venture capitalists are growing more adventuresome--at least in the field of clean technology. And for now, the big winner is the auto industry. According to the Cleantech Group--a research firm based in San Francisco--94 clean technology outfits in ..
Video Break: A Timeless Tale Of DeLorean Lust

2 Jul 2009 | 8:23 am

Because (a) everyone we know is in standby mode, waiting for holiday festivities to begin, and because (b) we forgot to post this a couple of weeks ago when the episode first aired, here's a wee clip from American Dad that should speak to all the weekend tinkerers out there. Between the cookouts, the fireworks, and the PBR, we hope you get ..

PR Newswire: Auto & Transportation News Releases
U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for July 2

1 Jul 2009 | 9:01 pm
The OC Super Fair Announces Complete Action Sports Arena Schedule

1 Jul 2009 | 8:13 pm
Continental Airlines Reports June 2009 Operational Performance

1 Jul 2009 | 4:28 pm
Summer Driving Tips for a Safe Traveling Season

1 Jul 2009 | 3:43 pm
25th Anniversary of Record-Setting Solar Car

1 Jul 2009 | 3:33 pm

msnbc.com: Autos
Smart in court, Chrysler struggles in showroom

2 Jul 2009 | 1:48 pm

The latest numbers on auto sales show that Chrysler needs to quickly figure out how to navigate the car market as deftly as it did bankruptcy court.
Cup holders paved way for interior car design

2 Jul 2009 | 1:35 pm

The cup holder, in its modern automotive incarnation, is about 30 years old. It achieved industrial-design celebrity status in the 1980s, and it's been proliferating ever since.
The cars that will likely set the pace in 2014

2 Jul 2009 | 1:32 pm

Expect these new models to hit the road in the next five years.
Auto sales declines show signs of steadying

2 Jul 2009 | 4:32 am

U.S. car and truck sales showed signs of stabilizing in June after a year of sharp declines, but every major automaker except Honda Motor Co. reported lower sales than in May.
Official: No funding for GM after July 10

1 Jul 2009 | 5:53 pm

A senior member of Obama’s auto task force testified Wednesday that the government will not continue to fund GM’s operations if the automaker doesn’t get approval to sell its assets.

Autoblog
Hyundai starts accepting Cash-for-Clunkers trade-ins early

John Neff

2 Jul 2009 | 3:28 pm

Filed under: Car Buying, Hyundai 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring - Click above for high-res image gallery While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration doesn't plan to release its final rules and regulations for the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), otherwise known as Cash-for-Clunkers program, until July 23rd, Hyundai has decided that its customers don't have to wait. Alexandria Hyundai in Alexandria, VA has already accepted the first trade-in and doled out its first rebate. The clunker is a 15-mpg 1995 Ford Explorer, and Katherine Michon of Arlington, VA traded it in for a $4,500…
Ford attacking X Games with star-studded trio of Fiesta rally cars

Noah Joseph

2 Jul 2009 | 2:58 pm

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchbacks, Ford Tanner Foust's 2009 Olsbergs MSE ROCKSTAR Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery Ford knows better than most that the way into an American car buyer's heart is through motor racing, so the latest step in Ford's North American "Fiesta Movement" is the deployment of the compact hatchback which we've driven and enjoyed on several occasions on America's most popular rally circuits.Following its entry in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Ford will be fielding a team of rally-prepped Fiestas in the upcoming X Games, the 15th running of the famous…
Goodwood Festival of Speed featuring 135-foot monument to Audi

John Neff

2 Jul 2009 | 2:25 pm

Filed under: Audi, Lifestyle, UK Goodwood Festival of Speed Audi Sculpture - Click above for image gallery of more GFoS sculptures The Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place this weekend, and every year the Earl of March, who manages the 12,000-acre Goodwood estate that hosts the event, commissions a giant art piece honoring that year's featured marque. Audi is the featured marque this year, which is timely since the Ingolstadt-based automaker is also celebrating its centennial. This year's sculpture that was commissioned for Audi is a big swoosh of tire tracks with a 1937 Auto Union…
New pics of production Spyker Aileron hit the interwebs

Frank Filipponio

2 Jul 2009 | 1:57 pm

Filed under: Coupes, Supercars, Spyker 2010 Spyker C8 Aileron - Click above for image gallery Boutique Dutch carmaker Spyker unveiled its elongated and streamlined C8 Aileron back in March in Geneva, and we saw its North American debut in New York a month later. Those were show car versions of the upcoming production model based on the concept car we had seen in Geneva and Pebble Beach the year before. We've seen the imposing coupes from every possible angle, inside and out. They are finely crafted, uniquely engineered, rolling works of art, like a plutocrat's timepiece on wheels. What we…
REPORT: BMW 335i Gran Turismo dialed in for 2011

Damon Lavrinc

2 Jul 2009 | 1:27 pm

Filed under: Wagons/Estates, BMWAccording to a report by InsideLine, BMW is set to expand its wagonesque line-up by one in 2011 with the introduction of the 335i Gran Turismo. The 3 series-based crossover takes its inspiration from the 2011 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, with a sloping X6-like hatch that will feature the same two-stage tailgate on the 5 series GT, allowing owners to open either the small trunk or complete hatch.IL's sources say that two-, four- and five-seat configurations will be available, along with a range of diesel and gasoline engines, including at least one petrol-powered…

Auto Express: News
Audi's Goodwood monument revealed

2 Jul 2009 | 9:53 am

Audi's 35-metre high structure will form the centre-piece for the Festival of Speed
Lamborghini Gallardo goes rear-wheel drive

2 Jul 2009 | 4:38 am

Special edition 'LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni' honours legendary test driver and ditches 4WD
Hyper-XKR hits Goodwood

1 Jul 2009 | 8:24 am

Jaguar is bringing a special XKR to Goodwood
Renault Master Van snapped

1 Jul 2009 | 4:21 am

The Master is back – and it’s bigger than ever.
Next Vauxhall Meriva spotted

1 Jul 2009 | 2:45 am

Vauxhall's new small family MPV spied

The Motor Report: Auto News And Reviews
Aston Martin DB9 Road Test Review

Mark Bedford

2 Jul 2009 | 6:13 am

WHEN ROAD-TESTING the Ford GT supercar back in December, the first thing that came to mind with its bullish behaviour was how far from a car like an Aston Martin it was. My thoughts then were, “… power, beauty and soul, this is not.” Let me tell you, the Aston Martin DB9 is the ‘real McCoy’, and, unlike the Ford GT, the absolute embodiment of those three words. Any of the Aston Martin DBs - carrying the initials of the company’s founder, David Brown - are among the most stylish automobiles ever made. The current DB9 is arguably one the most beautiful cars…
F1: Ferrari Dismisses Alonso Speculation; Reports Of Jean Todt To Replace Mosley Also Scotched

Simon Chiarelli

1 Jul 2009 | 10:10 pm

Renault driver Fernando Alonso. Photo by Syahrizan Ariffin. FERRARI HAS dampened speculation Fernando Alonso will be announced as its new driver ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in September. Spanish newspaper Diario AS claims Ferrari has agreed to a deal to bring the two-time World Champion to Ferrari next season and replace Kimi Raikkonen, who is currently languishing in 10th place in the driver’s standings. Alonso was expected to arrive at Maranello in 2011, but Ferrari’s struggles, combined with Raikkonen’s lack of form was reported to have prompted the…
Report: Toyota To Provide Platforms For New Benz Small Car Range

Kez Casey

1 Jul 2009 | 10:10 pm

WITH THE NEXT GENERATION of Mercedes-Benz A and B-Class small cars in the planning stages, there is mounting speculation that the next generation of small cars to wear the three-pointed star may be spawned from an unlikely alliance. German publication Auto Motor und Sport, believes that Daimler could make use of a Toyota platform for the next generation A and B Class. As the only front-wheel-drives in Mercedes-Benz’ line up, pairing with another manufacturer would make economic sense, saving on the considerable development costs for the platform. For Toyota Europe, adding another product to…
2010 Opel Meriva MPV Spied Testing In Europe

Mike Stevens

1 Jul 2009 | 9:49 pm

THE FUTURE of GM Europe marque Opel may be something of a big question mark at the moment, but that fact hasn’t stopped the German manufacturer going about its business. New photos of the European market 2010 Opel Meriva undergoing testing have surfaced this week, revealing a streamlined body bearing styling elements shared with its Insignia and Astra stablemates. Based on the Meriva concept revealed at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show (above), the production version of the 2010 Opel Meriva looks as though it will share the unique kink featured in the rear passenger window of the concept.
RACV Survey Finds Economic Downturn A Blessing To Car Running Costs

Mike Stevens

1 Jul 2009 | 8:46 pm

A SURVEY of 75 cars by Victorian insurer and automotive club RACV has revealed a silver lining to the economic downturn, with the cost of owning and running a car falling by an average seven percent in the past 12 months. The RACV survey points to competitive purchase prices, lower service costs, loan interest, registration and tyres, along with day-to-day running costs and depreciation, as the main areas where car owners are benefiting. The Hyundai Getz S stands as the cheapest car to own, with average running costs coming in at $114.65 a week - down from $122.83 in 2008. Tipping the other…

Luxvelocity
A look at the Breitling Airwolf Raven Chronograph SuperQuartz Watch

Luxvelocity Staff

1 Jul 2009 | 7:45 pm

WatchesIf your a fan of Breitling watches then this new Breitling Airwollf Raven Chronograph SuperQuartz may be just what you are looking for. I myself have always been a fan of Breitlings since I encountered them being worn in "The Skulls" movie.What makes this Breitling watch so special besides it being a Breitling? How about the SuperQuartz movement:From aBlogtoRead.comThis watch is different because it is of the few that has the cool SuperQuartz calibre 78 movement. This is the movement that the famous and popular Aerospace models had. Yes, it is a quartz movement, but it is…
The GTbyCitroen becomes a reality in London (video)

Luxvelocity Staff

1 Jul 2009 | 6:49 pm

Up until about a week ago the GTbyCitroen was just a virtual car in the Gran Turismo video game world. It basically made a video game debut where drivers could test it out in the virtual world of Playstation 3. The real life concept gave the residents of London a treat by gracing them with its striking design and throaty engine note. View the video below to see the car taking it to the streets. Where else can you see the GTbyCitroen?Those heading to the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year will be able to see the GTbyCitroen in its glorious form there. At the festival the GTbyCitroen…
Fastest Jaguar at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2009

Luxvelocity Staff

1 Jul 2009 | 6:12 pm

The fastest Jaguar ever will make its UK debut later this week at the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed. The Jaguar's XFR Prototype made its record-breaking run at the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah last November, reaching a stunning top speed of 225.675mph. The XFR Prototype, which will be driven by Rocketsports Racing owner, Paul Gentilozzi, the man behind the wheel at Bonneville, appears in Goodwood's 'First Glance' category. A one-off Jaguar XKR will join the 'Supercar run', driven by Mike Cross, Jaguar's Chief Engineer of Vehicle Integrity.
NOVITEC ROSSO Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M

Luxvelocity Staff

29 Jun 2009 | 6:47 pm

How can you make a Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M, built in a limited edition of just 499 vehicles, even more exciting and more exclusive? Easy, just take it to NOVITEC ROSSO, the world's leading refiner of the sports cars from Maranello.There the open-top lightweight model is fitted with the NOVITEC ROSSO RACE Bi-Compressor engine with 696 hp / 512 kW. It propels the Ferrari to a new top speed of more than 330 km/h. Numerous uncompromising sporty options such as 20-inch wheels, sport springs, a lift system for the front axle and exterior and interior accessories round out the product…
La Dolce Vita Automobili Announces Special Lancia Display (new ad)

Luxvelocity Staff

29 Jun 2009 | 6:39 pm

Fast Lane Daily
BMW 335i GT, Gumpert Apollo Speed, Hurst Tuning, Shakedown - 07/02/2009

Fast Lane Daily

2 Jul 2009 | 10:33 am

A German supercar builder one-ups itself, a famous muscle-car name drops its latest tuners and what does this thing want? All that plus the world of racing through the eyes of a maniac. It’s Shakedown with Leo Parente. Hosted by Derek DeAngelis.
Lambo LP550-2, BMW X1, Scion iQ, Tong Jian S11, McLaren Hybrid - 07/01/2009

Fast Lane Daily

1 Jul 2009 | 10:13 am

A new BMW SUV is revealed ahead of schedule, a Chinese car pays homage to exotics, and is McLaren working on a hybrid supercar? Hosted by Derek DeAngelis.
Audi Ur Quattro, NovitecRosso 16M, Segway Scooter, Aston V12 Vantage - 06/30/2009

Fast Lane Daily

30 Jun 2009 | 9:06 am

A German tuning shop tweaks a top-line V8 Ferrari, the inventor of the Segway has a new electric scooter on the drawing board, and you won’t believe what it runs on. All that plus, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage could find its way to the US after all. Hosted by Derek DeAngelis.
Aston Martin Cygnet, Hyundai Equus, Lotus Evora, Lamborghini Gallardo - 06/29/2009

Fast Lane Daily

29 Jun 2009 | 9:46 am

Hyundai takes aim aim at a top Lexus, a new Lotus shows up in California, and Is this the next Lamborghini Gallardo? Hosted by Derek DeAngelis.
BMW 7-Series Hybrid, Corvette GTR, Lincoln MKX, Batman Tumbler - 06/26/2009

Fast Lane Daily

26 Jun 2009 | 10:43 am

BMW 7-Series Hybrid spotted on the Nurburgring, Specter Werks upgrades the Corvette GTR, a man builds a Batman Tumbler in his garage, and FLDetours. Hosted by Derek DeAngelis.

Car Tech: An automotive blog from CNET
Fisker's good Karma

Wayne Cunningham

2 Jul 2009 | 2:03 pm

The Karma is a plug-in hybrid with four doors and a GT-style body.(Credit: CNET) Amongst the different alternative fuel strategies playing out, Henrik Fisker is betting big on plug-in hybrids. At a recent dinner speech, he said plug-in hybrids, or PHEVs, will be the dominant type of car for ...
BMW 7 Series gets xDrive, M Sport package

Antuan Goodwin

2 Jul 2009 | 10:44 am

(Credit: BMW of North America) BMW's flagship 7 Series will be updated for the 2010 model year with two all-wheel drive variants on the 750i and long wheelbase 750Li. In line with BMW's naming scheme, the new models will be known as the 750i xDrive and the 750Li ...
Bad Ass American Rides Pt. 4: '68 Dodge Charger on a Test Drive

Gary Spencer

2 Jul 2009 | 9:00 am

So far this week we've taken a look at some bad ass cars that have come from the good ol' US of A. So far we've seen some Chevys and some Fords, but I think it' due time for Dodge to represent. So here we go with video ...
Automakers scrap diesel plans

Automotive News

2 Jul 2009 | 5:00 am

(Credit: Automotive News) Mainstream carmakers have put the brakes on nine diesel-powered vehicles that had been scheduled for 2010. Honda, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Nissan, and Toyota have halted diesel programs because of spiraling costs and other problems. Financial problems halted the programs at some companies. Others, like Toyota, are looking elsewhere for fuel economy. "We are banking heavily on hybrids," said Toyota spokesman Curt McAllister. Only German automakers--Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW--have followed through with plans to launch U.S. diesels on time. Most…
F-150 jet truck, all it needs is wings

Suzanne Ashe

1 Jul 2009 | 7:41 pm

Every man's got to have a hobby, but Chris Lentz fulfilled a lifelong dream by mounting a Czechoslovakian-built M-701 turbojet in the bed of an F-150 Ford truck.The Motorlet M-701 runs on kerosene and puts out 1,962 pounds of thrust at 15,500 rpm.

mpgomatic.com
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Review

mpg-o-editor

2 Jul 2009 | 10:13 am

MPG-o-Matic Ford Fusion Hybrid Review Summary: The Ford Fusion Hybrid sets a high mark in the growing four-door sedan hybrid segment with its capability to cruise under electric power at speeds up to 47 miles per hour (MPH). When driven under the right conditions, the Fusion Hybrid achieves remarkable fuel economy. Just as importantly, this car makes no compromises, with plenty of technology, style, and comfort. Think that the American auto industry isn’t capable of producing a world-class hybrid? Think again. The Ford Fusion Hybrid takes the crown among the current crop of stealthy hybrid…
2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible Review

mpg-o-editor

23 Jun 2009 | 7:45 pm

MPG-o-Matic MINI Cooper S Convertible Review Summary: Like its solid roofed siblings, the MINI Cooper S Convertible drives like nothing else on the road today. With slot-car handling, a willing turbo-charged power plant, one-of-a-kind styling, and excellent fuel economy, the S Convertible delivers a marvelous open air driving experience. (more…)
2009 Volkswagen CC Review

mpg-o-editor

16 Jun 2009 | 4:56 pm

MPG-o-Matic Volkswagen CC Review Summary: The four-door Volkswagen CC Luxury Sedan delivers a positively delightful fuel-efficient driving experience, with ample power and surefooted handling wrapped in a unique design. (more…)
2009 Nissan Altima Review

mpg-o-editor

8 Jun 2009 | 9:45 am

MPG-o-Matic Nissan Altima Review Summary: The four-door Nissan Altima 2.5 S sedan provides a winning combination of ride, comfort, style, and fuel economy. The 2009 Altima is available in five models, with three different drive trains. Our test unit was equipped with the base 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine which produces 175 horsepower (HP) and 180 foot pounds of torque. The inline four can be mated to a Xtronic CVT transmission or six-speed manual transmission (in the S version). (more…)
2009 Toyota Yaris Review

mpg-o-editor

30 May 2009 | 8:45 am

MPG-o-Matic Toyota Yaris Five-Door Liftback Review Summary: The 2009 Toyota Yaris Five-Door Liftback excels in the hotly contested compact hatchback market by delivering remarkable real-world fuel economy and unique styling in a zippy little hatchback package. Under the hood, the 2009 Yaris Five-Door Liftback is equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 106 horsepower (HP) and 104 foot pounds of torque. The inline four is exclusively mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. (more…)

World Auto News & Reviews
Fiat 500C Convertible Goes on Sale in the UK

kleo

2 Jul 2009 | 8:32 am

The UK is the first market in the world to receive the new convertible or rather, the closest you’ll get to a convertible version of the retrotastic Fiat 500 without chopping the rooftop off at custom shop. The 500C went on sale in the UK today, Thursday, 2 July, priced between £11,300 and £14,100. Customers [...]Copyright © 2007 World Auto News & ReviewsThis feed is intended only for the personal, not commercial use. Fingerprinted: 90d0c6d8260d58aaac9f48zz16bf68a5
2010MY Mitsubishi Pajero SUV gets More Powerful Diesel Engine

kleo

2 Jul 2009 | 8:28 am

Mitsubishi’s European division has launched the 2010MY Pajero, which is also known as the Shogun and the Montero in some markets in Europe as well as other parts of the world. The minor model year facelift brings a prepped up version of Mitsubishi’s 3.2-liter inline four turbo diesel engine that now makes 200HP and 441Nm [...]Copyright © 2007 World Auto News & ReviewsThis feed is intended only for the personal, not commercial use. Fingerprinted: 90d0c6d8260d58aaac9f48zz16bf68a5
Insignia-based Cadillac DTS replacement to be called XTS?

kleo

2 Jul 2009 | 8:22 am

Cadillac, which has recently shown an affinity for the letter X, will reportedly replace the aging DTS full-size flagship with a Canada-built model based on the upcoming Epsilon II architecture called XTS. If a recent report is to believed, the XTS will be built alongside the Chevrolet Impala and Camaro at GM’s Oshawa, Ontario, assembly [...]Copyright © 2007 World Auto News & ReviewsThis feed is intended only for the personal, not commercial use. Fingerprinted: 90d0c6d8260d58aaac9f48zz16bf68a5
Fiat considering co-branding Dodge, Alfa Romeo

kleo

2 Jul 2009 | 8:20 am

Fiat’s Alfa Romeo brand will finally be returning to the United States early next decade, but the legendary Italian brand will likely be sold under the Dodge banner. Moreover, any Dodge vehicles that make the trek to Europe will likely be badged as Alfa Romeos. Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne views the Alfa and Dodge [...]Copyright © 2007 World Auto News & ReviewsThis feed is intended only for the personal, not commercial use. Fingerprinted: 90d0c6d8260d58aaac9f48zz16bf68a5
BMW X1 Confirmed For US in 2011

kleo

2 Jul 2009 | 8:19 am

It was confirmed today that the BMW X1 is planned to debut in the United States in calendar year 2011. The X1 has been conceived with the flexibility to offer traditional rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations, as well as a wide variety of gasoline and diesel powertrain choices. In light of rapidly [...]Copyright © 2007 World Auto News & ReviewsThis feed is intended only for the personal, not commercial use. Fingerprinted: 90d0c6d8260d58aaac9f48zz16bf68a5

L.A. Times - Auto Industry News
O Canada! Ford's No. 1

2 Jul 2009 | 1:57 pm

For the first time in more than half a century, Canadians bought more Fords than GM vehicles last month.
Carmakers say June sales report is a sign of progress

2 Jul 2009 | 12:00 am

Sales in the U.S. declined 28% last month compared with June 2008. But that's the smallest drop since September. For a key indicator of industrial strength and consumer confidence, a 28% year-over-year decline would seem nothing short of disastrous.
VW turbo diesels -- a summer sales blockbuster

1 Jul 2009 | 3:29 pm

Volkswagen's version of the Apple iPhone 3GS -- the TDI turbo diesel line-up of cars.
$1.49 gasoline today only, compliments of Hyundai

1 Jul 2009 | 11:10 am

For two hours of one day at one gas station in L.A., gas is pretty much half price.
GM to pull out of joint venture with Toyota at California plant

30 Jun 2009 | 12:00 am

General Motors says it and Toyota can't agree on what vehicle to build at the NUMMI plant in Fremont. The move jeopardizes the future of the last vehicle assembly plant in California. America's auto crisis has stretched beyond the Midwest all the way to California.

Automobile
We Drive International's Harley-Davidson LoneStar

2 Jul 2009 | 1:07 pm

Did the neighbor just pull a Ford Harley-Davidson F-450 into the drive? If your cycle-loving ego can’t stand to be surpassed, we’ve got the ultimate way to settle the score in your favor: the International LoneStar...
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness: Think Small

1 Jul 2009 | 8:07 pm

The current state of the automobile industry - so grim and dismal, it's grismal - is on one level very easy to explain. For a single fact reveals all: car sales have crashed, falling from about 17 million in the U.S. in...
Showdown in the parking lot: Dodge Ram vs. Ford F-150

30 Jun 2009 | 2:06 pm

Everyone seemed a little shocked when I, the office’s token transplanted New Yorker, expressed interest in driving the two largest vehicles currently in our fleet, the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150. “Have you ever driven...
Our Golden Age

29 Jun 2009 | 10:06 pm

Did car enthusiasts in the late 1960s know they were in a swiftly passing golden age? Were they able to appreciate it? This I wondered as I hustled through a back road the other day in a Subaru WRX, tasting the bittersweet...
Aston-badged Toyota iQ?

29 Jun 2009 | 5:06 pm

Aston has announced that they're grafting their signature grille onto a Toyota iQ and selling it as the Aston Cygnet. What's with the April Fool's joke in June?

Jalopnik
Toy Car Wall Art [Car Art]

Matt Hardigree

2 Jul 2009 | 2:30 pm

When you get to a certain age, people start judging your collection of toy cars. We're guessing this may be part of the motivation for this attractive piece of car-based art. [Apartment Therapy via Tchochkes]
Commenter Of The Day: Hiking The Appalachian Trail Edition [Commenter Of The Day]

Matt Hardigree

2 Jul 2009 | 2:00 pm

We're not sure what, exactly, Mark Sanford was thinking when he disappeared without telling his wife, his staff, or anyone where he was going. We're not sure why his staff thought it was a good idea to tell the press he was "hiking the Appalachian Trail." We're not sure why he came back and admitted to an affair. We're not sure why, after everyone seemed to accept it, he admitted to fooling around with other women without "crossing the ultimate line." We're not sure why he told the press he wanted to try and love his wife again. But after seeing this smashed Challenger SRT8, reader Maxx…
Ten Worst Stations To Wait For A Train [Trainlopnik]

Matt Hardigree

2 Jul 2009 | 1:30 pm

Trains are appealing because there's nothing like the power of a big diesel locomotive or the ability to drink heavily while traveling. There's also nothing like these ten stations where even the most ardent train lover wouldn't wait. Michigan Central Station Where: Detroit, Michigan Serves: Formerly Amtrak, Michigan Central Railroad Why we wouldn't want to wait there: In addition to no longer having service, the Michigan Central Station has fallen into disrepair like almost everything else in Detroit. It's so scary they use it for Michael Bay films (Transformers, The Island, Four Brothers).
How Many Drinks Was That? Summer Sales Edition [Official Car Pundit Drinking Game]

2 Jul 2009 | 1:16 pm

Ray Wert, our intrepid half-in-the-bag leader hit the BBC last night to give his two cents on June auto sales. Follow along with the only official car pundit drinking game and help us answer — how many drinks was that?
The Saddest Thing You'll See All Day: Jaguar E-Type Fire [Car Fires]

Ben Wojdyla

2 Jul 2009 | 1:15 pm

The Jaguar E-Type is on every car-nuts must-have list as one of the most lust-worthy road-going cars ever produced. This guy managed to finally buy his own. It caught fire on the way home. I work at a fire department in the Atlanta area and thought you guys might enjoy these pics. They're of a 1971 Jaguar that apparently had just been purchased that day and somehow caught fire before the guy got home with it. I never found out what caused the passenger compartment fire or how devastated the new owner was but that's a friend of mine putting it out. And just so you know, he's not sitting there…

Formula1.com - Latest News
Six teams to attend Goodwood Festival of Speed

2 Jul 2009 | 6:04 am

There may not be a Grand Prix this weekend, but don't be fooled - the majority of Formula One teams will still be in action at the UK's Goodwood Festival of Speed. Brawn, McLaren, Ferrari, Williams, Toyota and Red Bull are all scheduled to attend the annual three-day celebration of motorsport, which gets under way on Friday.
McLaren and Kovalainen bound for Moscow

2 Jul 2009 | 2:35 am

McLaren have confirmed that the team will be heading to Russia later this month to take part in the Moscow City Racing event. The annual motorsport festival, which is expected to attract thousands of Muscovites, will be held on July 19. Heikki Kovalainen will be in action in the British team's championship-winning MP4-23 for the spectacle, which will take place on a 4.5-kilometre street circuit right in the heart of the Russian city, with St Basil's Cathedral, Red Square and the Kremlin all providing stunning backdrops.
Alguersuari replaces Hartley as Red Bull reserve

1 Jul 2009 | 2:24 am

Red Bull have announced that Spanish teenager Jaime Alguersuari will serve as their reserve driver from next weekend's German Grand Prix. Alguersuari, who became the youngest-ever British Formula Three champion last year, replaces fellow Red Bull junior driver Brendon Hartley, who has held the post since May's Spanish race. With the ban on in-season testing, Red Bull views the appointment of a third driver as part of its young driver training programme, allowing a driver to follow all activities of the F1 teams over a race weekend, explained the team in a statement. Having benefited…
Bridgestone reveal tyre specifications for upcoming races

1 Jul 2009 | 2:24 am

Bridgestone have confirmed which dry-weather tyres will be available to the teams at the next five races. Although super-soft and medium rubber will be used at next weekend's German Grand Prix, the Japanese company plan to disregard their allocation rationale for the 2009 season, and bring adjacent compounds to the Hungarian, European, Belgian and Italian events. So for the upcoming race at Hungaroring and August's European Grand Prix in Valencia, super soft and soft compounds will need to be used, while at the Belgian and Italian Grands Prix teams will be allocated soft and medium rubber…
Fans invited to sample Abu Dhabi circuit

30 Jun 2009 | 3:09 am

With just over four months to go before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix makes its maiden appearance on the Formula One calendar, anticipation is building. And to boost interest in the Yas Marina circuit all the more, race organisers have unveiled an online 'Virtual Driver Experience', which gives fans the chance to enjoy a sneak preview of the new track. There is so much interest in the Yas Marina Circuit and the race here in Abu Dhabi that the Virtual Driver Experience is a great opportunity for motor sports fans to get as close to the action as possible before race day, explained Richard…

KickingTires
Suzuki Offering Free Gas Incentive for Summer

Stephen Markley

2 Jul 2009 | 12:32 pm

Suzuki is offering three months of free gas to anyone who purchases a new 2009 Suzuki SX4 sedan or crossover through Aug. 31. It’s also offering $2,000 cash back on all SX4 models equipped with a manual transmission. That deal is good for the same time period. Suzuki’s free-gas offer may not carry quite the same weight as all the gas offers from last year. At $2.63 a gallon nationally, gas prices are a far cry from last year’s prices of more than $4 per gallon. It just isn’t the terrifying economic boogeyman it was in 2008. The pre-paid gas cards also equal less than $300 in terms of…
Gas Prices Low Going into Fourth of July Weekend

Stephen Markley

2 Jul 2009 | 11:30 am

There’s good news for those traveling this Fourth of July weekend: Gas prices have stayed relatively cheap, and have even fallen a bit. The national average for gas is $2.629, down from $2.667 a week ago, according to AAA. Diesel matches gas exactly, averaging $2.629 as well. Compared with last year, this is pretty much a vacationer’s dream. A year ago, gas averaged $4.092 and diesel had hit $4.767. And both were still on their way up. Strangely, however, AAA predicts a 1.9% drop in travel this weekend even though gas is significantly cheaper. AAA predicts 37.1 million people will travel…
EPA Rates 2010 Subaru Outback at 29 MPG on Highway

Stephen Markley

2 Jul 2009 | 10:04 am

Subaru is talking up the EPA’s gas mileage estimates for the 2010 Subaru Outback, and with good reason. The 2010 Outback manages an impressive 29 mpg on the highway, 22 mpg in the city and 24 mpg combined, all with all-wheel drive standard. That puts it ahead of most SUV competitors and pricier AWD wagons from Audi and Volvo, and Subaru says it managed to do so while increasing interior room 7%. Credit the 170-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine and Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission. Add to that a starting price of $22,995 (not including destination), and Subaru…
Family Vehicles Selling Again

David Thomas

2 Jul 2009 | 9:35 am

When the economy and car sales started tanking last summer, I pointed out that a major economic indicator was that family-friendly vehicles were seeing their sales flatline. In June, despite still-negative numbers from all manufacturers, crossovers both large and small — and even some SUVs — saw sales start to pick back up. Overall, Ford had a pretty good June, with sales down just 10% compared with June 2008. Its Flex crossover, which was slow to take off, had its best sales month ever, hitting sales of 4,784. The Ford Escape — which handled itself well during the bout of high gas…
Reader Review of the Week: 2009 Dodge Journey

Stephen Markley

2 Jul 2009 | 8:11 am

Real-world experience with a car can be far more valuable than any other. For instance, what if the size of your family, combined with one inconvenient car seat, throws off your experience with an otherwise enjoyable car? “New Owner” in Virginia Beach just bought a 2009 Dodge Journey and will take you through the pros and cons of that vehicle with meticulous detail. Read his review and then post your own here. First of all the pros: I love the looks of the SXT. I have the 19-inch rims, roof rack and the slightly tinted front windows. The Journey handles very well. I can't wait to put…

HowStuffWorks: AutoStuff Daily RSS Feed
2010 Chevrolet Camaro

28 Jun 2009 | 11:00 pm

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro marks the return of this General Motors division's iconic "pony car." Many of the styling cues are derived from the 1969 Camaro.
How Aerodynamics Work

28 Jun 2009 | 11:00 pm

Most people never think about driving through a wall; however, drivers do it each and every day -- except the "wall" is actually a wall of air and your car's aerodynamics help you break through it.
17 Silly and Unusual Motorcycle Names

28 Jun 2009 | 11:00 pm

Our list of odd motorcycle names spans more than a century of motorbike history. Some are hard core, some are goofy, and some of them are just plain weird.
CG Auto is on Facebook!

28 Jun 2009 | 11:00 pm

CG Auto makes it easy for you to stay in the know. Check us out on Facebook.
Amazing Auto Facts

28 Jun 2009 | 11:00 pm

From the first "horseless carriages" to the latest concept cars, drivers have always been curious about what makes a car go. Get a random automotive fact on this page and see what makes these machines so fascinating.

Speedhunters
RANDOM SNAP >> AWD WAS NOT MENT FOR GRIP

Linhbergh Nguyen

2 Jul 2009 | 1:20 pm

...but used for levitation! Since this is the start of an awesome AWD themed month, I figure we would start off with something a bit light hearted and fun. To add a bit more fun, view this shot while listening to the, also, iconic "The Thieving Magpie...(read more)
VIDEO ROLL>> A RACE TO THE CLOUDS

Rod Chong

2 Jul 2009 | 9:45 am

(Please visit the site to view this media) It's worth remembering that Pikes Peak is coming up later this month.... What better way to get in the mood for this epic event than to check out this 1990 film entitled "Climb Dance" . It features...(read more)
RANDOM SNAP>> 1400 HORSEPOWER AND COUNTING...

Rod Chong

2 Jul 2009 | 8:49 am

I was on the phone just now with Andy Barnes from the UK Time Attack/NFS European Drift Series and was discussing our plans for AWD month with him. He suggested I look up this brand new Evo 8 drag car run out of the UK from an outfit called JR Motorsports...(read more)
DESKTOPS>> CRAWFORD PERFORMANCE TIME ATTACK STI

Linhbergh Nguyen

2 Jul 2009 | 8:00 am

Since this is the start of an awesome AWD themed month, I figure we would start off with a desktop of Tarzan Yamada driving the Crawford Perfomance STI down the main straight of Buttonwillow Raceway at the first round of this year's Redline Time Attack...(read more)
DESKTOP>>NFS-EDC ROUND 4 WINNER

Ross Ianson

2 Jul 2009 | 4:26 am

For the winner desktop this round i give you Mark Luney flat in fifth on his final run from Brands Hatch. available in both standard 1600 and widescreen 1900 from the desktop section -Ross I'Anson...(read more)

oneighturbo.com
Accessories and lifestyle for the new Volkswagen Polo

Corey Beaman

2 Jul 2009 | 7:01 am

In time for the launch of the new Polo, Volkswagen Accessories presents a wide range of Genuine Accessories and the Polo collection. The products with which the company allows you to experience the Polo feeling on the road and in everyday life are trendy and sporty, precision-fitting, quality tested and premium. Just like the new [...]
Sneak preview of the Audi Stand at Goodwood

Corey Beaman

2 Jul 2009 | 6:47 am

Looks to be a good time! Contact us if you will be there and would like to cover it for oneighturbo.com Related posts:Audi armada at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Rallye dos Sertoes: Volkswagen’s Sainz and Al-Attiyah separated by three seconds

Corey Beaman

2 Jul 2009 | 6:45 am

Rallye dos Sertoes, Leg 08, 01 July 2009 Volkswagen’s internal duel for the lead at the Rallye dos Sertoes has become even more dramatic two days before the end of the cross-country rally through Brazil. The factory pairing Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz Senra (E/E) decided the eighth leg between Petrolina and Juazeiro do Norte in its favour with [...]
Video: Autocar reviews the Porsche Panamera Turbo

Corey Beaman

2 Jul 2009 | 6:14 am

The Porsche Panamera is really growing on us! As the reviews are coming out along with video, the Panamera really carries itself well on the road. Sounds like Porsche did get it right. Related posts:Porsche Panamera spotted in the Netherlands
SEAT faces the WTCC race number 100 in the lead

Corey Beaman

2 Jul 2009 | 6:04 am

The WTCC races being held next 5 July on Oporto’s urban track will be memorable for two reasons. On one hand they mark the championship’s 100th race, and on the other, they signal the half-way point of this season with the SEAT Sport team currently leading both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ classification. SEAT’s first place standing [...]

NihonCar.com
Honda Modulo Kit for the 2010 Stream

30 Jun 2009 | 1:02 am

We had the Mugen kit, and now here's the Honda Modulo kit for the 2010 Stream. Including a redesigned front and rear spoiler as well as redesigned sideskirts, an optional interior, white and blue a... Reader Comments
The Next Aston Martin to be a Pimped Toyota iQ?

29 Jun 2009 | 1:38 am

The Next Aston Martin to be a pimped Toyota iQ? I had to read this press release several times, but Toyota will supply a uniquely styled iQ-based vehicle called the "Cygnet" to Aston Martin in Euro... Reader Comments
Mugen Kit for the 2010 Honda Stream

28 Jun 2009 | 7:03 pm

Last week Honda released a little facelift for their Stream Mini Van, and along with this release Mugen and Modulo has a kit ready for this people carrier. Today here's the Mugen Kit that includes... Reader Comments
Honda Refreshes thier Stream in Japan

24 Jun 2009 | 12:51 am

Launched in Japan early 2006, the Honda Stream is another JDM only car that you many not see in North America or Europe. You can read our review of the Reader Comments
355ps Autech Nismo 370Z Unleashed in Japan

22 Jun 2009 | 11:22 pm

Fans of the almighty 370Z get ready to push the limit of your beloved mythical coupe with the arrival in Japan of the new and improved Autech Nismo 370Z. Tuned to bring you the most of your Z, you ... Reader Comments

Unabashed Gearhead Gnarlyness
P = M x V

Diego Rodriguez

30 Jun 2009 | 9:27 am
How to drive a 911, part LXXI

Diego Rodriguez

29 Jun 2009 | 1:36 am
UGG Ferrari Friday

Diego Rodriguez

26 Jun 2009 | 8:03 am
Lots of carbon fiber goodness

Diego Rodriguez

25 Jun 2009 | 7:42 am

This article about the Colnago EPS is simply breathtaking. Beautiful stuff, done to the hilt.(yes, they used the wrong photo to picture a Ferrari in the article, but the rest is good...)
How to drive a 911, part LXX

Diego Rodriguez

22 Jun 2009 | 4:35 pm

Inside Line Automotive News
GM Sets First-Half China Sales Record

1 Jul 2009 | 5:29 pm

Bankruptcy doesn't seem to have hampered the reputation of General Motors with Chinese consumers, who purchased a record 814,442 vehicles from GM and its local partners in the first half of 2009.
Goodwood Festival of Speed: One-Off Jaguar XKR Goodwood Special

1 Jul 2009 | 5:21 pm

Jaguar brings a high-performance arsenal to Goodwood, including a one-off Jaguar XKR Goodwood Special, the record-breaking XFR Prototype from Bonneville, and several past Le Mans winners.
NASCAR Confirms Jeremy Mayfield Tested Positive for Meth

1 Jul 2009 | 5:08 pm

NASCAR has revealed that Sprint Cup Series driver Jeremy Mayfield tested positive for methamphetamines.
BMW Gives Green Light to 2011 335i GT Hatchback

1 Jul 2009 | 5:03 pm

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/news/2009/0701/2011.bmw.335i.gt.front.160.jpg
Tesla Files for Eberhard Lawsuit Dismissal

1 Jul 2009 | 1:19 pm

In the latest volley fired in the battle between Tesla Motors and deposed co-founder Martin Eberhard, Tesla has filed a legal motion through San Mateo County, California courts asking to get Eberhard's lawsuit for libel, slander and breach of contract dismissed.

AutoJab
Jaguar Land Rover Posts £280m Loss Over 10 Months

Alex

2 Jul 2009 | 1:55 pm

There’s a looming threat of additional job cuts over at Jaguar Land Rover, especially after the company revealed that it has posted a loss worth £280 million (around $463 million) in 10 months. This development was confirmed by the automaker’s parent corporation, India-based Tata Motors. Tata Motors released information that sales of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles dropped by 32 percent over a period of 10 months up to the end of March. That’s a drop from 246,000 units to 167,000, which hardly makes the immense loss surprising. “There has already been 2000 job losses. We…
Hyunda Offer Gas Price Lock at $1.49 a Gallon

Alex

2 Jul 2009 | 1:54 pm

Hyundai is really taking the fight to ailing US automakers. I’ve been a staunch critic of their cars but I really have to hand it to their marketing team this time. Even with the Cash for Clunkers program, Hyundai is set to get the sweet end of the deals. Anyone who wants to buy a car in this economy should look into getting a Hyundai if only for financial reasons. For one, they do offer a buy-back program that covers you at no risk of worsening your credit score at any time you lose your job. Who wouldn’t want that security. Their latest offering now aims to address the recent…
The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni

Alex

1 Jul 2009 | 1:53 pm

Talk about getting decent rewards for being a loyal employee. Forget “Employee of the Month” plaques or trophies, this guy’s got his name attached to a product’s brand name. Valentino Balboni is now part moniker of the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2. Balboni started out with Lambo as a mechanic apprentice who eventually got bumped up to testing almost all new Lamborghini models – a task that was personally asked of him by the Lambo founder himself. The LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni can be considered his ultimate reward for his service. The number designations…
2010 Jaguar XF Will Get a Supercharged 470 HP Variant

Alex

1 Jul 2009 | 1:53 pm

With sales down, Jaguar is just relentless with their publicity and press releases. They have just announced that another XF variant will enter the Jag lineup. It will be a supercharged version that would pack a whopping 470 horses. Power will come from a supercharged 5.0 L AJ-V8 Gen III engine that was showcased in last Detroit Auto Show. The 470hp boasts of a 12% increase over the 4.2L XF and can generate 424 lb/ft of torque. This gives the car a not-at-all slow 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. Aside from the beefed up engine, the car will also feature a computer-controlled variable damping…
JE Design’s 205 BHP Scirocco

Alex

30 Jun 2009 | 2:23 pm

JE Design will be giving diesels a bigger boost, especially at a time that diesel vehicle sales seem to be spiking in the United States, with their new high-performance tweaks for the Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI. This new range tops out at a 205 bhp model and adds to JE Design’s portfolio which includes a take on the Scirocco coupe. The JE Design Scirocco 2.0 TDI starts out by tuning the 2.0-liter TDI power plant, boosting power from 140 horsepower to an improved 180 horsepower. Top speed is improved a bit, from 128 mph to 132 mph, but it’s in torque and power where the…

Best Used Cars | Why Buy Used Cars
World’s Lowest Mileage 1950 Chevy

Eric Miltsch

25 Jun 2009 | 10:31 pm

This is quite possibly the best used car story of all time, or the greatest automotive urban legend. (I checked high and low and appears to be real.) Either way, its a cool tale of the world’s lowest mileage 1950 Chevrolet. Tip of the hat to @jimmyadusa for this great find. 1950 Chevrolet Club Coupe - 437 original, actual miles Purchased new by Mr. and Mrs. Jessie Trueblood of Modesto. Shortly after purchasing this car, Mr. Trueblood took a day off to go fishing. While waiting for the “big one” to bite he witnessed a woman fall out of her boat. Mr. Trueblood jumped in to…
3 More Helpful Automotive iPhone Apps

Eric Miltsch

23 Jun 2009 | 12:43 pm

The newest version of the iPhone was just released and over 1 million units have already been snatched up. Besides the games your kids will probably load on it for you, a ton of valuable apps will make your life easier. Here’s 3 more automotive iPhone apps everyone should add to their phone. These applications help you shop for used cars, help reduce the stress of an accident and help locate the lowest gas prices in your area. And the best part, they’re all free. Web2Carz. Browse used cars with this simple, yet detailed search application. Enter the desired make/model and the…
How DriverSide.com Helps Used Car Owners

Eric Miltsch

16 Jun 2009 | 9:01 am

Drivers are keeping their vehicles longer than ever before. The average age of a pickup truck is now over 9 years old; the historical average is 7.5 years old. Accurate, concise and timely information is very important for used car owners. DriverSide.com is positioning itself as a key website for that very niche. They even bill themselves as “The Website For Car Owners” with the ultimate goal of making car ownership easy and personalized via the information provided within DriverSide.com. The site is loaded with content - helpful sections include: Recall Notices Service &…
Are Car Buyer’s Incentive Plans Working in TX and CA?

Eric Miltsch

26 May 2009 | 7:34 am

Auto sales worldwide are expected to plummet to the lowest they have been in over 15 years. Is this what the new car industry has to look forward to? The weak economy, the record high fuel prices and the rising cost of these new vehicles means that the seaports are going to stay piled up with thousands of new foreign and domestic cars. This surplus means that, at the moment, it’s a buyers market for new cars and really great deals are on offer from the manufacturer down to the car dealerships everywhere. The states of Texas and California are also trying to sweeten some of these deals…
Top Honors for Dodge Ram 1500

Eric Miltsch

15 May 2009 | 11:38 am

The Dodge Ram 1500 earned the highest marks from Edmunds Inside Line in their annual full-size pickup trucks review. A strong achievement considering the competition: Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra. The comprehensive truck comparison looked at intended purpose items such as rugged, off-road riding and towing abilities and performance Browse through 13 different reviews of the Dodge Ram 1500, all from one location, on MotorMouths.com. Truck enthusiasts in the market for a new ride should definitely make the extra research effort. Between a healthy market supply of used…

Cartype : Articles
Saab 96 : 1960

30 Jun 2009 | 2:22 am

The Saab 96 was introduced in 1960 and was produced until January 1980, a run of 20 years. Like the 93 it replaced, the 96 was a development from the old Saab 92 chassis and, on account of its improvements and modernisation, it opened new markets for the company. It was the car for which the marque Saab became internationally known.
Aston Martin Cygnet : 2009

29 Jun 2009 | 6:00 am

Aston Martin has developed a new luxury commuter concept; the "Cygnet" which will offer customers a distinctive, intelligent and exclusive solution for urban travel in style and luxury.
Audi gets top ratings for safety

29 Jun 2009 | 2:56 am

The latest Audi models have garnered top ratings for safety in four prestigious tests. The Audi A4 and Q5 achieved a top five-star rating in the new and more stringent Euro New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) safety tests. The U.S. National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed this outstanding collision performance and gave both cars a five-star rating in all categories. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a U.S. consumer protection organization, proclaimed the Audi Q5 its �Top Safety Pick� � the best buy when it comes to safety.
Tagged vehicles

28 Jun 2009 | 12:10 pm

Lately, I have noticed that, at least in Chicago, this level of disrespect has moved on from buildings, walls, glass and sidewalks to actual cars.
Make Mine Electric

28 Jun 2009 | 7:49 am

Make Mine Electric is a company dedicated to improving the world we live in. They want to make owning and driving an electric car the cool thing to do.

Ridestory
Which brand should General Motors keep?

Andrew

18 Jun 2009 | 3:50 pm

Survey says...Pontiac! Unfortunately, General Motors may be making a big mistake. According to Advertising Age, a survey recently completed by CarGurus asked potential car buyers which GM brand they would like to see survive the cuts. They chose Pontiac. The survey had almost 1,700 respondents, with 44% naming Pontiac, 27% choosing Hummer, 20% selecting Saab and only 9% picking Saturn. Now the respondents picking Pontiac really isn't a stretch. Pontiac is known as GM's performance brand, dating back to the birth of the muscle car era in the '60s. Now the rest of the survey results are a bit…
Road Test: 2009 MINI Cooper S Clubman

Andrew

16 Jun 2009 | 10:14 pm

I just finished another long term test, this time in BMW's latest version of the MINI, the Clubman. Since BMW took over MINI, the car has taken on a new life, building on an already unique brand and creating an all new following. The Clubman version of the MINI expands on it even further. With an extended wheelbase and split rear barn doors, the Clubman gives MINI buyers another choice at being just a little different. Where's the nearest track? I was expecting the MINI to handle like a go cart but I thought it would come at the expense of a smooth ride. I was wrong. BMW has done an excellent…
First Impressions: MINI Cooper S Clubman

Andrew

9 Jun 2009 | 10:59 pm

In the Ridestory Garage I'm fortunate again to have extended access to another car, this time a MINI Cooper S Clubman. Since BMW took over MINI, the car has taken on a new life, building on an already unique brand and creating an all new following. The Clubman version of the MINI expands on it even further. With an extended wheelbase and split rear barn doors, the Clubman gives MINI buyers another choice at being just a little different. What's different? Potential MINI buyers will find one characteristic of the Clubman very appealing. And that's size. The Clubman is longer and definitely…
The 2009 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este

Andrew

30 Apr 2009 | 3:22 pm

Some amazing photography from this Concorso A stunning 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Berlinetta Touring won 'Best of Show' at the 2009 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the grounds of Villa Erba in Cernobbio, which is about 25 miles north of Milan, Italy. I received the release about the Concorso from the BMW Press Group but only decided to post about it when I saw the beautiful photography taken during the event. Unfortunately, the weather turned gray on Sunday, with rain throughout the day. It didn't seem to turn visitors away though. “The great response from the public despite the poor…
Road Test: BMW 328i

Andrew

26 Apr 2009 | 3:12 pm

Can I keep this a little longer? "Boy, I could get used to this." I lost count how many times I said that to myself as I drove the BMW. I got spoiled waking up each morning knowing that my commute would be in one of the best sports sedans in production today. I knew following my First Impressions of the BMW 328i that I would have a hard time going back to my Scion tC. Daily driver Let's cut to the chase. If you're in the market for a sporty four-door, money spent on a 3-series BMW would be a wise investment. You have the convenience of the extra set of doors and room for four adults, wrapped…

The German Car Blog
Audi A7: Coming end of 2010

1 Jul 2009 | 3:24 pm

The Audi A7 will come end of 2010 and is clearly targeting the Mercedes CLS and Porsche Panamera.Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi A7Source: Auto Motor und Sport
Audi A6 3.0T quattro: US review

1 Jul 2009 | 3:20 pm

Nice review here of the Audi A6 3.0T quattro. Have a read!Nestled between the cylinder banks is a belt-driven compressor huffing enough air through the manifold to deliver 300 peak horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque between 2,500 and 4,850 rpm. In the A6, the engine was developed to deliver instant, seamless acceleration at freeway speeds. And it does. Flawlessly. The belt driven blower means
VW Passat CC: Winner of Red Dot Design Award

1 Jul 2009 | 3:16 pm

The VW Passat CC has won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award.The red dot award is just the latest award the CC has collected for its exterior design. Other awards already nabbed include the IF Product Design Award 2009 and the Australian International Design Award.The process behind choosing the winners for the red dot awards is exhaustive, with design experts from all over the world
Porsche Panamera S: Review

1 Jul 2009 | 3:12 pm

Interesting review here of the Porsche Panamera S.It’s a highly impressive car. The ride is Mercedes S-class smooth in the softest of three suspension settings; the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox manages to be both silky smooth at car park speeds and engagingly direct – with no loss of refinement – at faster speeds; and the V8 is a peach. For the most part you’ll barely hear the engine, but
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder: New photos released

1 Jul 2009 | 3:08 pm

Lamborghini has release some nice new photos of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder. Enjoy!Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 SpyderSource: Autoblog

The College Driver News
Say good bye to red turn signals

2 Jul 2009 | 2:25 pm

The findings of a study conducted by NHTSA have shown that amber colored turn signals reduce collisions by about 5%. Because of this, NHTSA is fumbling with the idea of mandating all auto manufacturers to switch to amber colored lenses. Source: Cars.com via Autoblog Photo: BestRated1's Flickr
FIAT Panda Crash Test

30 Jun 2009 | 6:58 pm

In an effort to show how environmentally friendly their vehicles are, FIAT decided to show some of the most adorable animals being involved in a crash test. Though it effectively showcases the safety of their smallest vehicle, the 500, every time I look at the picture I keep feeling like something is very wrong here. Source: Coloribus
North Carolina bans texting while driving

30 Jun 2009 | 1:12 pm

North Carolina will become the 14th state to ban texting while driving. The law goes into effect on December 1, 2009. North Carolina will join Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Washington in banning texting for all drivers. Source: IIHS
Toyota Develops Wheelchair Controlled by Brain Waves

30 Jun 2009 | 12:50 pm

Though mind controlled objects and interfaces have been around for years, none have ever been used to quickly and safely navigate a physical object, until today. Toyota claims to have developed the fastest brain analyzing system, parsing about 8 signals per second. When the system was mated to wheelchair, the user is able to move forward, left, and right almost instantly. In order to stop the wheelchair, the user must puff out his cheeks. Though this is a huge step forward for personal mobility, Toyota says they have no plans to commercialize the technology. Source: Daily Mail
Scion iQ on sale in 2011

29 Jun 2009 | 10:46 pm

Motor Trend has confirmed that the iQ will go on sale in the US either as 2011 or 2012 model but with few minor changes. For starters, the bumpers will change so they meet US standards; this will lengthen the vehicle by about an inch and a half. By using smaller rims, the iQ also be six inches shorter than concept pictured above. Since the Scion iQ will touted as a premium vehicle for urban areas, the interior will be receiving higher quality plastics. Scion is also is not sure which engine the iQ will be fitted with. The engine bay can accept engines ranging from 1.0 liter 3 cylinder to a…

SafetyNewsOnline_en
June 8, carhs.training Stand at ESV 2009 in Stuttgart

SafetyNews

8 Jun 2009 | 5:29 am

carhs.training will present their training offer at the fair of the ESV Conference in Stuttgart starting at 15. till 18. of June 2009. Information about AZWV-accredited courses will be provided there, too. In addition to that the new version of the SafetyWissenPoster will be available at the stand of carhs.training (No. 13). Visit us at the ESV and get your personal copy of the Poster featuring the new Euro NCAP rating.
June 8, American Study: Higher Seat Belt Use Could Save Many Lives

SafetyNews

8 Jun 2009 | 5:29 am

A U.S. Department of Transportation study estimates that 1,652 lives could be saved and 22,372 serious injuries avoided each year on America’s roadways if seat belt use rates rose to 90 percent in every state. The new research report, based on 2007 data, also estimates that seat belts saved a stunning 15,147 lives that year. “Wearing a seat belt costs nothing and yet it’s the single most effective traffic safety device ever invented,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We want to let the American people know that by failing to wear your seat belt, you not only risk serious…
June 8, Human Modeling - The only Symposium 2009 worldwide in Stuttgart

SafetyNews

8 Jun 2009 | 5:28 am

The application of numerical simulation incorporating digital Human Models characterizes the next exciting step in automotive development. Applying human models in comfort, ergonomics, occupant safety and other disciplines promises to overcome limitations imposed by the use of real humans or their mechanical surrogates. The second “Human Modelling Symposium” is hold on 18th and 19th June 2009 in Stuttgart (Germany) as a post conference event right after the 21st ESV conference to give participants of the ESV the possibility to visit the 2009 Human Modelling Symposium. With the cancelation…
June 8, Communication for Motorcycles - TU Darmstadt presents first results of cooperative project MoLife at ESV conference

SafetyNews

8 Jun 2009 | 5:28 am

The Institute of Vehicle Technology at the TU Darmstadt (FZD) and carhs.communication are currently developing a motorcycle-based communication and warning system in a cooperative project "MoLife". Among others possibilites of sensor based detection of high risk situations are determined to create warnings and send them via wireless communication to other road users. FZD will present the first results at this year's ESV in Stuttgart (stand 39). In addition to that FZD will exhibit a prototype equipped with communication technique and vehicle dynamic sensors. more.. (german)
June 8, NHTSA: Department of Transportation doubles Roof Strength Standard for Light Vehicles in 2012

SafetyNews

8 Jun 2009 | 5:26 am

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced tough, new roof standards that will significantly strengthen vehicle roof structures and improve rollover crash protection. “Rollovers are the deadliest crashes on our highways and today's rule will help occupants survive these horrific events,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. The new regulation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will double the current roof strength requirement for light vehicles weighing up to 6,000 pounds. It specifies that both the driver and passenger sides of the roof must be…

Cars for Girls
Cool Car News & Awesome Sites

Tina

1 Jul 2009 | 4:00 am

Since it’s Wednesday, I thought I would share more Cool Car News and Awesome Sites sent to me by Cars for Girls readers over the last few weeks. I hope you find something fun - or at least interesting - in today’s road trip around the web! Just in time for summer, Hyundai offers a $1.49 price lock on gas. The Curious Car Collection of Michael Jackson with slideshow. MSN shows us the Eight Dumbest Car Thieves. How old is your car? Here are ten cars that seem to last forever. Geekologie shows us that the Stealth Dodge Challenger was built by the Air Force. Aston Martin…
Cash for Clunkers Program: 10 Things You’ll Need to Know

Tina

29 Jun 2009 | 3:30 am

The Cash for Clunkers legislation - now known as the Car Allowance Rebate System (C.A.R.S.) - has become a reality and I’m sure we all have a few questions about the program. Below are things you’ll want to know about the program. 1.What Qualifies as a Clunker? A “clunker” is defined as a vehicle which is currently drive-able and must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date. It must also have a fuel economy rating of 18 mpg or less. 2. How Does The Program Work? Trade your clunker in for cash, which is used towards the purchase of a brand new and much more fuel efficient…
How to Avoid Car Theft

Tina

26 Jun 2009 | 4:30 am

Summer brings on many things; warm weather, driving with the top down, cruising with our windows open – and car theft, which, according to the Insurance Information Institute, peaks in July and August. Since July is Auto Theft Awareness Month, designed to educate drivers to be more vigilant in protecting vehicles from theft as well as to provide information to vehicle owners should theft occur, I thought I’d pass along the following tips on how you can take preventive measures to keep your car secure. • Consider using a security device, such as a steering wheel lock or a gear shift…
Top 10 Coolest New Cars under $18,000

Tina

22 Jun 2009 | 4:30 am

Kelley Blue Book says that when they put together last year’s list of the 10 Coolest New Cars under $18,000, gas was almost four dollars a gallon and fuel efficiency was more fashionable than frugal.Â This year, while the price of gas has so far not reached the four dollar mark, the economy is certainly in a sad state â€“ which makes affordability a definite factor, and probably even more so this time around. Kelley notes that as far as trends go, thereâ€™s a heavy emphasis on personality these days, as well as technology and versatility. This year â€“ just as before…
Best, Worst Cities for Road Rage

Tina

19 Jun 2009 | 4:00 am

For the first time in four years, New York has unseated Miami to claim the title as the worst city in the U.S. for road rage. According to the fourth annual In Driver’s Seat Road Rage Survey, New York moved from its No. 3 position last year to claim the No. 1 spot this time around.Â Â Rounding out the five worst cities for road rage? â€¢Â Dallas/Fort Worth â€¢Â Detroit â€¢Â Atlanta â€¢Â Minneapolis/St. Paul The survey also named a new city as the most courteous: Portland, Oregon, which is followed by Cleveland, Baltimore, Sacramento and Pittsburgh. To boost…

INAUTONEWS cars news, automotive market, car companies, pictures of car
Toyota denies in talks to cooperate with Daimler

mircea

2 Jul 2009 | 6:12 am

Toyota Motor Corp denied on Thursday a report that it was considering building derivatives of Mercedes-Benz’s A-Class and B-Class cars on its own platform to better utilise its European plants in the long term. “We are denying this completely,” Toyota spokesman Yuta Kaga said in Tokyo. “There is no truth to anything written in the article.” Citing [...] > Read complete article inside...
VOLVO EXTRA LOW HEIGHT ARTICS FOR BRIAN YEARDLEY CONTINENTAL

mircea

2 Jul 2009 | 6:09 am

Six new Volvo FH-480 Euro 5 low height tractor units have entered service with Featherstone, West Yorkshire-based international logistics operator Brian Yeardley Continental Ltd. The new Volvo’s are operating with a fleet of brand new Krone ‘mega’ trailers hauling ADR freight, white goods and chemicals on Yeardley’s full load and groupage service to and from [...] > Read complete article inside...
BCA reveals Silver as the top used car colour in 2009

mircea

2 Jul 2009 | 6:06 am

Leading vehicle auction company, British Car Auctions (BCA), has published details of the most popular used car colours sold in the first three months of 2009. With data covering 125,000 vehicles, Silver took the number one position at nearly 25%, posting a 1.5-point increase since last year. Blue was toppled from the top spot, falling by [...] > Read complete article inside...
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid ‘Car of the Month’ for June

mircea

30 Jun 2009 | 2:23 pm

Since its introduction earlier this year, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid has garnered an impressive list of accolades, including the title “Most Fuel Efficient Mid-Size Car in America.” Today, the Fusion Hybrid receives another honor as it is named the NADAguides.com “Car of the Month” for June. With its long list of technological features, great [...] > Read complete article inside...
# One million T5s built since the start of production in March 2003

mircea

30 Jun 2009 | 2:21 pm

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles produced the one millionth vehicle of the VW T5 series today at the Hanover plant. The vehicle is a Transporter Van 1.9-litre TDI 62 kW in Tornado Red. The VW T5 is and remains the number one in its segment for new registrations in Europe and Germany,’ commented Stephan Schaller, CEO of [...] > Read complete article inside...

Auto & Vehicles Videos
Mustang Burnout

1 Jul 2009 | 6:16 am

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Salisbury, NC Windshield Repair and Replacement

1 Jul 2009 | 1:41 am

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Formula 40 / Senior Superbike race, round 3, 2009 May 17

30 Jun 2009 | 10:56 pm

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$897up Hempstead - Houston Transmission repair shop 800-301-7360

30 Jun 2009 | 7:49 pm

http://tranone1.com/hempstead-tx-transmission-transmissions.html $897up Hempstead TX Transmission Repair 800-301-7360, Free Quote, Lifetime Pro-Rated Warranty, FREE Tow, Automatic-Manual TransmissionsAuthor: boique56Keywords: $897up Hempstead Houston Transmission repair automotive transmissions automatic transmissions manual transmissions standard transmissions Free Quote TX Metro Free Towing 125 Miles Houston Katy Spring Cypress Tomball Galveston Clear Lake Waller Spring Valley Hempstead Magnolia Jersey Village The Woodlands Sugar Land Conroe Montgomery differential repair Added: Wed, 01 Jul…
2008 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE ! North End Motors Canton, MA

30 Jun 2009 | 5:42 pm

This 2008 Nissan Altima SE has Precision Grey Metallic Exterior with Black Leather Interior and 24k Miles. This FWD, Sedan Car is loaded with 3.5L, 6-Cyl Engine. For more details go to; www.northendmotors.comAuthor: moeknow2Keywords: 2008 Model Altima Used Nissan in Canton Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 2008 Auto Dealers in canton MA Used Sedan Cars Canton Preowned Vehicle Dealers in Canton Used autos Altima with low miles & good condition Added: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:42:56 GMTVideo codes to display this video on your website!http://www.livevideo.com

Cars4Causes Blog
Cars 4 Causes Adds it Up: Two Automobile Tax Deductions this Year!

Lorraine

1 Jul 2009 | 3:39 pm

The federal government’s recently announced new car sales tax deduction is terrific news if you’re planning to donate a car to charity this year. With this program, you may qualify for two tax deductions – that’s right, two: one for the car you are donating, and one for the new car you purchase. Much of the media talk around the subject of new car tax deductions has been focused on the Car Allowance Rebate System (the so-called “Cash for Clunkers” program). But, while this program may benefit some new car buyers with a trade-in vehicle, it does not pencil out for everyone. Tax…
A Day for Our Kids: Cars 4 Causes Spreads the Word

Lorraine

5 Jun 2009 | 10:23 am

This year’s annual Ventura Education Partnership SummerFest brought an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 people together for a day dedicated to our kids’ education. And we were there. The day started off with a 5K run/walk, and ended with all of us tired, a little sunburned, and a lot happy at what we accomplished. In case you weren’t there, the VEP SummerFest is a day-long event of fun, music, healthy foods and physical fitness events. This year, there was a climbing wall, hula hoops, a drum circle, great music, a booth dedicated to birds and another to reptiles. (Just from that, you can see…
Car Donation Helps Boost Morale for Our Troops

Lorraine

1 May 2009 | 5:50 pm

Tom Fick, a former naval lieutenant and a longtime member of the Television Academy’s nonfiction peer group, put 2 and 2 together and came up with 120,000. That’s 120,000 DVDs sent each year to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and to wounded members of the armed forces rehabilitating in military hospitals. Tom Fick, Project Hollywood Cares, with the donated car he received through Cars 4 Causes We were amazed. He certainly proved to us what a difference an individual can make. His original brainstorm was to collect the “for your consideration” movies sent to members of the Academy…
One Artist, One Car, Lots of Hope

Lorraine

27 Apr 2009 | 8:15 am

Cars 4 Causes® sometimes receives requests from charitable organizations for car donations for individuals in need. One recent one that we were able to match with a car through the Cars 4 Causes Car Give-Away Program, was sent by the Los Angeles-based charity, Echoes of Hope. The happy artist: Laron Wallace stands with John Huffman, president of Echoes of Hope, who appealed to Cars 4 Causes® for a car donation. The charity wrote to us on behalf of a young artist, Laron Wallace. The young man was “in dire need of reliable transportation,” wrote John Huffman, president of Echoes of Hope.
Donate a Car to a School

Lorraine

23 Apr 2009 | 4:52 pm

When the State of California recently cut $11.6 billion out of the public education budget, the losers were our young students. Art, music, physical education – all the “extras” — face a high probability of getting cut. What a loss this is! What can a parent to do to help? We’ve identified a few ways: Volunteer for your child’s classroom Volunteer for your school PTA Donate money to your child’s school And we’re adding another: Donate a car to your California school of choice. Donating Cars to Schools of Your Choice We’ve set up a Save Our Schools section of Cars 4…

My MileOne
2009 Honda Ridgeline

admin

1 Jul 2009 | 7:28 am

Honda decided to enter the lucrative North American pickup truck segment in 2006 with its Ridgeline. Many were skeptical, journalists and the general public alike, but the vehicle won several awards in its first year. For 2009 onward, the Ridgeline received a modest update to freshen its appearance and improve features. The biggest changes are up front with an all-new, Pilot-inspired grill, a reworked bumper cover and two extra sets of lights down low — one set acting as daytime running lights, the other as fog lights. The rear of the updated Ridgeline boasts a freshened set of tail…
Tire Safety and Maintenance

admin

22 Jun 2009 | 8:50 am

As the old TV commercial says, there’s a lot riding on your tires. Indeed, tires could well be the most important system on your vehicle, given that they affect every performance parameter from handling and acceleration to braking and ride comfort. So it’s no surprise that maintenance on your tires should command as much respect, if not more, than on all the other parts and systems of your car. Trouble is, most drivers just don’t think about the condition of their tires. A Department of Transportation study dating back to 2001 features some pretty eye-popping numbers: 60 to…
2010 Karma by Fisker Automotive

admin

18 Jun 2009 | 7:56 am

In the midst of the worse automotive industry crisis in a generation, a new car company is planning to emerge with an almost one million square-foot plant in Monroe, Louisiana. The new Fisker Automotive company, is rumored to produce high-mileage, gas-powered automobiles. The plant is said to produce up to 1,500 jobs averaging $40,000 per employee. The estimated impact on the economy in the next 15 years could be up to $20 billion. The new brand boasts top end hybrid vehicles getting which could get up to 100 miles to the gallon running on a hybrid system. This is great news, correct? Except…
Penske Will Acquire The Saturn Brand

admin

15 Jun 2009 | 7:25 am

Transaction would save more than 13,000 jobs; preserves renowned brand and retail network Detroit — General Motors Corp. and Penske Automotive Group today confirmed details of a proposed transaction under which Penske would acquire the Saturn brand. If completed, the deal would save more than 350 dealerships and 13,000 jobs at Saturn and its retailers in the United States, and would preserve the customer-focused Saturn brand. The proposed transaction is part of GM’s rebuilding efforts outlined in the viability plan that was submitted to the U.S. government earlier this year. Under the…
How to Get your Car to Go the Distance

admin

9 Jun 2009 | 7:47 am

If you love your car, you might dream of making it to the one-million-mile mark, too. But can it be done? The consensus seems to be that with regular maintenance and the necessary parts replacements over the years, most modern cars can go the distance. According to Edmunds, the top five ways to make your car run “forever” are: Follow your service schedule, check fluids and tire pressure regularly, go easy during startup, use a single high-grade fuel, and drive smart. If you don’t know much about maintenance basics, there are plenty of online resources available, as well as…

Porsche Cars, Products and Lifestyle at 993C4S.com
PCA Parade Mobil1 Time Speed Distance Rally

993C4S

1 Jul 2009 | 4:08 pm

As those of you who have been following our reports know, we’ve been in Keystone, CO following the Porsche Parade courtesy of Mobil1. Today’s Mobil 1 TSD Rally, which drew a hearty number of participants in various Porsche models (and even a couple of reporters in a signal-green GT3 masquerading as a Ford Focus), was our reason for attending the parade. We had eagerly anticipated joining other Porsche lovers on their scenic adventure. For those of you unfamiliar with this type of event, a TSD rally is a Time-Speed-Distance contest where two participants — a pilot and co-pilot…
Porsche PCA Parade: Concours Report

993C4S

30 Jun 2009 | 3:23 pm

As if Porsches of various vintages were not beautiful enough on their own, setting the Porsche Parade’s Concours at the Keystone Ranch Golf Course added the perfect backdrop in which to enjoy our favorite cars. When we arrived the fairways were already scattered with Parade attendees and volunteers enjoying the cars on display, and we were happy to join them. The Historic Display section greeted us first, and there were quite a few memorable cars there. There was a widespread display of rare cars including a 1960 Carrera Abarth, a 356 Super-90 GT, and a 1966 906, always a crowd favorite.
Updates and Pictures from the Porsche PCA Parade 2009

993C4S

30 Jun 2009 | 9:36 am

It’s a beautiful day in Keystone, CO! Keystone sits between snow caps and is surrounded by lakes and a river, which makes the setting all the more perfect for the 2009 Porsche Parade. On the drive to Keystone, our 3 ¼ cylinder rental Ford Focus lacked the torque needed to attack the mountain passes, but it sure coasted beautifully once we managed to clear them. Luckily Motorsport Editor Christian Maloof was at the helm, as slow hands were crucial on this trip. It was on one such majestic coasting sessions that we caught up to our first P-car of the week, a midnight blue Cayman S. Oh, how…
Free Mobil1 Oil, The PCA Parade and Driving PDK at Barber Motorsport Park

993C4S

28 Jun 2009 | 9:10 pm

As you read this post, the PorschePurist.com team is spread across the US at various Porsche related events. This week we are at the PCA Porsche Parade in Keystone, Colorado (courtesy of Mobil1) and in Birmingham, Alabama at the Barber Motorsport Park to drive the Cayman and Boxster with PDK and see how they perform on the track. We’ll be blogging, Tweeting and updating as much as we can from the various events. With regard to the PCA Parade and Mobil1, don’t forget that you have until Tuesday night to enter our contest to win one (1) of five (5) cases of Mobil1 oil and one last…
Porsche to VW: Backoff!

993C4S

27 Jun 2009 | 9:17 am

Just moments ago, Porsche Automobil Holding SE released a joint statement from Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, and his Deputy Uwe Hück on the Ultimatum by Volkswagen and the State of Lower Saxon (more on the ultimatum after the release): “We trust that as in the past we are planning a successful future together with VW to the benefit of both Companies. Hence, we are deeply concerned and irritated by the wording of the ultimatum. We will not give in to such pressure or blackmail. Such action does not help anybody. It is detrimental to the entire cause. This is not…

Karl on Cars
Tweets on Cars: Carriage ride in the...

2 Jul 2009 | 1:18 pm

Carriage ride in the park! I'm such a tourist. Link
Tweets on Cars: NYC Cool Car (and...

2 Jul 2009 | 12:46 pm

NYC Cool Car (and bike) Count. Saw 1 Ferrari F430 Spider by Trump Tower and 2 bikes (Triumph & Ducati) in soho.
Tweets on Cars: Great day in soho....

2 Jul 2009 | 10:53 am

Great day in soho. Just finished lunch with @raywert after grabbing coffee with @juliaroy. Feeling so @hipandconnectedtocoolpeople right now
Tweets on Cars: Center of the universe?...

1 Jul 2009 | 3:17 pm

Center of the universe? No, that's wherever I'm am. But this could be a close 2md. And I am here right now... Link
Tweets on Cars: Under the Apple Store...

1 Jul 2009 | 10:02 am

Under the Apple Store "cube" -- just finished browsing FAO. Then off to Central Park (at least a corner of it).

Auto Observer
Led by Surging Ford, June Sales Ratcheted Reassuringly

1 Jul 2009 | 10:52 am

By Dale Buss, Michelle Krebs and Bill Visnic Automakers expressed more optimism about the U.S. car market despite the fact that overall sales in June fell by 28 percent compared with a year ago, to 859,420 vehicles. That represents only a slight improvement in year-ago comparisons over results for the first five months of this year. Jesse Toprak, executive director of Industry Analysis for Edmunds.com, characterized the month cautiously. "It means, if nothing else, that things are not getting any worse, although things are not getting that much better, either. There was a lot of…
GM Kicks Off Second Half With 72-Hour Sale

1 Jul 2009 | 9:48 am

General Motors announced a 72-hour sale offering zero-interest financing for 72 months on some 2009 and 2010 models to get the second half off to a quick start. In addition, GM is promoting its 74 models eligible for the Cash for Clunkers program to kick in later this month.
GM Bankruptcy: "Bad" GM Wind-Down To Cost $1 Billion Plus

1 Jul 2009 | 9:41 am

NEW YORK -- The cost to wind down the "bad General Motors" after a sale of its good assets to the U.S. Treasury is rising to more than $1 billion, a company representative testified Tuesday. Albert Koch, appointed GM's restructuring chief who will head the old, bad GM if a sale is completed, testified in bankruptcy court that a wind-down would cost "slightly in excess of $1.25 billion." The funds, more than the $950 million budgeted, will be used to dispose of assets the "new GM" ditches and to pay some creditor claims.
June Car Sales Expected To Show Some Stabilization

1 Jul 2009 | 9:16 am

Automakers selling vehicles in the U.S. report their June sales Wednesday, and the results are expected to show some stabilization in the business or at least a slowing of the decline. The Seasonally Adjusted Annualized Rate (SAAR) is expected to come in at its highest level so far this year and could touch 10 million vehicles, according to a forecast by Edmunds.com, parent of AutoObserver.com.
June Is Priciest Ever for Automaker Incentives, Edmunds.com Reports

1 Jul 2009 | 5:42 am

SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- Automakers spent more in June on incentives than any June on record, Edmunds.com reports. The average automaker incentive was $2,930 per vehicle sold in June up $489 -- or 20 percent, from a year ago, Edmunds.com estimates. Incentives were down a scant $22, or 0.8 percent, from May. "June incentives have never been higher, but we anticipate that the tide is about to turn," said Jesse Toprak, Edmunds.com's executive director of Industry Analysis. "The effects of recent production cuts are starting to be felt, and as supply dwindles, incentives will…

Green Car Advisor
Hitachi Reportedly to Raise Lithium-Ion Battery Output for Hybrid Vehicles 70-Fold

2 Jul 2009 | 12:51 pm

Hitachi Ltd, Japan's biggest industrial electronics group, reportedly plans to boost production capacity for lithium-ion batteries for hybrid cars at an estimated cost of $200 million to $300 million, targeting a 70-fold increase by 2015. Capacity will initially be raised more than 600 percent by next autumn, the Nikkei business daily reported today. Hitachi has already received orders for lithium-ion batteries for 100,000 hybrid autos that General Motors plans to sell from next year, Nikkei said. With an eye toward winning orders from domestic and other overseas carmakers, Hitachi will…
Renault-Nissan Alliance Signs MOU with Utility to Install EV Rechargers in Lombardy

2 Jul 2009 | 12:05 pm

The Renault-Nissan Alliance, which has plans to offer electric vehicles in the U.S. beginning next year, announced today that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Italy's A2A energy company to promote EV sales in the Lombardy region next year. Right, N-R's zero-emissions concept car. The significance of this news is that despite the financial turmoil in the automotive industry these days, one of the first automakers likely to bring a plug-in electric vehicle to market is forging ahead with efforts to create the infrastructure needed to support the vehicles. In this case,…
Unique 'Solar Ship' Packed With Toyota Priuses Cruises Into the Port of Long Beach

2 Jul 2009 | 2:16 am

Hundreds of solar panels contribute up to 40 kilowatts directly into the Auriga Leader's electrical system. By Scott Doggett, Contributor The Auriga Leader, the first pure car carrier partly powered by solar energy, called on the Port of Long Beach Wednesday to unload a cargo consisting chiefly of Toyota Priuses (pictured right). Rising more than seven stories out of blue-green water, the ship sported 328 solar panels affixed to the top deck to offset diesel fuel consumption and reduce air pollution. The 656-foot, 60,000-ton vessel can carry more than 6,200 cars at a time and regularly…
World's Largest Natural Gas Station for Heavy Trucks Opens At L.A. Port Complex

1 Jul 2009 | 7:07 pm

A natural gas tractor approaches pumps at new facility in Southern California's major port complex. Twin 25,000-gallon tanks tower over site. As part of the ongoing effort to clean up the air at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, truckers are being required to get rid of older, dirty diesel tractors and replace them with clean diesel or cleaner natural gas models. Quite a few are opting for natural gas - which has far fewer particulate pollutants and a lot less carbon content that diesel - and to to serve the growing demand for the fuel, Clean Energy Corp. has just opened what it…
Wanna Trade a Clunker for a New Ride? We've Got the Eligible Cars and Trucks List

1 Jul 2009 | 6:28 pm

How often do we get to run a picture of a stompin' Ford F250 pickup in the Green Car blog? Well, it is one of the vehicles that can be purchased with the credit you'll get for trading-in an eligible clunker. For the complete list of cars and truck that meet the Cash for Clunkers purchase requirements, click here. And for the vehicles that meet the clunker trade-in requirements, click here. Happy hunting.

Straightline
Goodwood Festival of Speed: Brit-style Burnouts

2 Jul 2009 | 3:00 pm

The annual Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place this weekend, July 3-5. You might not have booked your airfare to England yet, but fortunately you can use your friend the Internet to take a good look at what has become one of the foremost celebrations of automotive culture. The Brits don't have a tradition of burnouts in the parking lot, so instead they do hillclimbs. And the Goodwood Festival of Speed is essentially a 1.16-mile hillclimb in someone's front yard, only this someone is the Earl of March and his estate at Goodwood becomes a stage for fast cars, famous people, and…
"Bad" GM Likely To Cost $1B or More to Wind Down

2 Jul 2009 | 1:39 pm

Lost among all the talk about the sparkly "new" GM is the leftover business of the "old" GM. You remember that GM right? The one with all those pesky liabilities, old factories and unwanted brands. Well, according to testimony by Albert Koch, GM's appointed restructuring chief, winding down the bad GM could cost "slightly in excess of $1.25 billion." He went on to say that the wind down could take two to three years while CEO Fritz Henderson added that environmental concerns could push the amount even higher. AutoObserver: "Bad" GM Wind-Down To Cost…
Wood, Childress Among Nominees for NASCAR Hall of Fame

2 Jul 2009 | 12:12 pm

Ahead of tonight's announcement of the nominees for the first NASCAR Hall of Fame induction class, NASCAR has revealed that Glen Wood and Richard Childress are among the group. Wood was a pioneer of the modern-day pit stop, and Childress shares the record of 11 owner championships in NASCAR's three national series. Lee Petty, the first driver to win three Sprint Cup championships, and Cale Yarborough, the first to win three consecutive championships, have also been announced as nominees. The 25 names were determined by a 21-member committee that includes NASCAR officials and owners of…
NASCAR: Mayfield Cleared to Race At Daytona

2 Jul 2009 | 11:37 am

A judge ordered a temporary injunction that will allow Jeremy Mayfield to race this weekend at Daytona. Mayfield was suspended indefinitely after failing a random drug test. The injunction was ordered after the judge determined there "the likelihood of a false positive was substantial." according to an AP report. Mayfield owns his own team, but may not have enough funding to run at this weekend's Coca Cola 400 at Daytona. Nascar.com: Mayfield has suspension lifted by federal judge
SUPER-SAVINGS!!!!!: Lexus Offers 20% Off On F-Sport Gear!!!!

2 Jul 2009 | 9:28 am

To help launch its expanded line of F-Sport racy doo-dads, Lexus is offering this 20 percent coupon good through July for any F-Sport item. The company now offers the stuff -- from intake to exhaust and wheels to engine covers -- for IS convertible and GS models. Because the stuffy Lexus is somewhat unaccustomed to such tactics, we've helped the company by adding a coupon-appropriate red starburst to their sober looking coupon. Lexus is distributing the coupon through enthusiast web sites and has also provided it to dealers directly for use. Feel free to print out the one below and take…

Long-Term Road Tests
2009 Nissan 370Z: Truckin'

2 Jul 2009 | 2:48 pm

During my time in our 370Z, it managed to nothing but confuse me. I thought liking this thing would be a slam dunk. You see, I like coupes. I like sitting low. I like sports cars. I like the way this car rides. I like the stereo. I even like the way this car looks. But... ...for some reason, I just wasn't getting it. I knew what I liked about the Z, but I couldn't put my finger on what I didn't like. Then, with great relief, I figured it out. I'd rather have the truck this drive-train belongs in; the Nissan Frontier. Kurt Niebuhr, Photo Editor @ 8,352 miles
2010 Honda Insight EX: Consumer Reports Is Wrong... IMHO

2 Jul 2009 | 2:45 pm

I read about Consumer Reports' dislike of the 2010 Honda Insight with some surprise: Among hybrids, the Mk II Insight simply is not a bad car. Does it drive like other Hondas? Absolutely not. But I thought by now we all knew, that until we find a smaller, lighter solution than nickel-metal hydride (and even lithium-ion) batteries, hybrids will be weird, awkward things to drive. CR noted, "The Insight... is nothing like the [Honda] Fit on which it is based." No, of course it isn't. But among all the hybrids I've driven in the last 5 years, the 2010 Honda Insight…
2008 Pontiac G8 GT: Fuel Economy Update

2 Jul 2009 | 1:54 pm

You may have noticed that the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT was absent from this week's monthly fuel economy summary. There's no sinister hidden meaning here. I'd simply used it as my airport car for a trip overseas and was unable to cough up the data. So here it is, your Pontaic G8 GT lifetime fuel economy summary through June, 2009. Best tank: 24.0 mpgBest Range: 351 milesWorst tank: 12.0 mpg Lifetime average: 17.6 mpg For comparison, the official EPA combined fuel economy rating for this car is 18 mpg, so we've pretty much nailed it. The average mpg figure represents 23,783…
2008 BMW 135i: Better Steering Than the 7 Series

2 Jul 2009 | 12:29 pm

A few days ago I heard Oldham complaining about the steering feel in the 750i. He said it felt too artificial, too light and just plain screwed up. I thought for sure he was nuts. Every time I drove the big 7 it felt fine to me. A little light maybe, but not anywhere near as awful as Oldham was making it out to be. Then I got in the 1 Series last night and before I had even left the parking garage I knew what he was talking about. The steering is the 135i is dead on. Sure, it feels a tad heavy at parking lot speeds, but it's all in the name of road feel. Get up to speed and it lightens up…
2009 Hyundai Genesis: Electronics and Liquids Don't Mix

2 Jul 2009 | 12:07 pm

Our Hyundai Genesis' iDrive-like audio/nav controller is located right next to the front cupholders. Normally, this is just fine. However, the close proximity of electronics to the cupholders could be a problem if you were to spill a beverage. Or, even better, you might bring in a bottle of soda, shake it up real good and then open it right above the front cupholders. Who would be so foolish to do that? Well, me, it seems.

Up to Speed
O Canada! Ford's No. 1

Ken Bensinger

2 Jul 2009 | 1:19 pm

Our neighbors to the north are known for their impeccable manners, searing slapshots and driveways filled with General Motors sedans with bench seats and snow tires.Not anymore. For the first time in more than half a century, Canadians bought more Fords than GM vehicles last month. Despite a market as weak as the one the U.S. is enduring, Ford dealers moved 27,408 cars and light trucks in Canada in June, according to numbers released today. That's a 24.6% increase compared with June of last year, a truly shocking result considering what has been happening to the auto business. Bankrupt…
Auto News Roundup 7-02-09: Camaro trounces Mustang and Challenger, Alfa Romeo may be badged Dodge, New Mini Miata coming

Joni Gray

2 Jul 2009 | 11:53 am

-- Camaro trounces Mustang and Challenger in June sales. Edmunds -- Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, says he's obligated to stay at Tesla until the Model S launch. Reuters -- Fiat is considering co-branding Dodge and Alfa Romeo when product comes to U.S. LeftLaneNews-- Mazda reportedly working on a smaller Miata: the MX-2 Roadster. Motor Authority-- Toyota has entered into talks with Daimler about a potential partnership. LeftLaneNews -- Joni Gray
VW turbo diesels -- a summer sales blockbuster

Jon Alain Guzik

1 Jul 2009 | 2:26 pm

The automotive market is a lot like the personal technology market -- if you really need to upgrade, you can snag something that’s super-cool, way different or just plain awesome. These, mind you, are all technical terms used in reviews of cellphones, bleeding-edge computers, hi-def LCD TVs and the new video game system of the moment, but they occasionally can be used in automotive journalism, too. If silicon-based gadgets are to fly off the shelves, they had better be great, and the same goes for cars. That said, Volkswagen recently announced that last month it sold 19,027…
Auto News Roundup 7-1-09: GM's July 10 deadline may be at risk, Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni is unveiled

Joni Gray

1 Jul 2009 | 1:06 pm

-- General Motors must complete sale of "good assets" by July 10 or risk full government funding. Leftlanenews.com-- Hundreds of 2005-2008 Prius owners are using social networking to complain about defective HID headlights that Toyota won't cover. Autoblog -- The Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni is unveiled, named after its legendary, recently retired, test driver. Edmunds-- R.L. Polk study says states that vote Republican buy more American cars, and sates that vote Democratic buy more imports. Autoblog-- Joni Gray
$1.49 gasoline today only, compliments of Hyundai

Joni Gray

1 Jul 2009 | 11:00 am

If you're planning a big driving trip this holiday weekend and you happen to be in the Los Angeles area near Hollywood Boulevard and Bronson Avenue, today's your lucky day -- between the hours of noon and 2 p.m., that is. To promote its latest car-buying spiff, Hyundai is running a $1.49 gas promotion at one gas station in Los Angeles, one in New York and one in Chicago -- for two hours only. Because we aren't allowed to announce this until 11 a.m. today, your proximity to the location, or your willingness to use your existing tank of gas to travel there, will save you more than…

Sports Car Digest
Rolls-Royce and Bentley Auction Results – Bonhams

Sports Car Digest

1 Jul 2009 | 4:00 am

Bonhams held its 2009 Rolls-Royce and Bentley Cars sale at the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club Annual Rally at Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire on Saturday, June 13th. Top seller on the day was lot 219 a 1912 Rolls-Royce, 40/50hp Silver Ghost, Roi-de-Belges Tourer (...) Read the rest of Rolls-Royce and Bentley Auction Results – Bonhams © Sports Car Digest for Sports Car Digest - The Sports, Racing and Vintage Car Journal, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Want more on these topics ? Browse the archive of stories filed under Auctions, Collectors
1972 Daytona 6-Hour – Peter Revson & Alfa Romeo

Sports Car Digest

30 Jun 2009 | 9:00 am

Recollections of the 1972 Daytona 6-Hour Continental - Peter Revson & Alfa Romeo By Louis Galanos Within the racing community in 1972 Peter Revson was a household name. The previous year he became the first American (...) Read the rest of 1972 Daytona 6-Hour – Peter Revson & Alfa Romeo © Sports Car Digest for Sports Car Digest - The Sports, Racing and Vintage Car Journal, 2009. | Permalink | 7 comments | Want more on these topics ? Browse the archive of stories filed under Race Cars, Race Profiles
2009 Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance Poster – Peter Hearsey

Sports Car Digest

30 Jun 2009 | 5:00 am

Peter Hearsey of the Automotive Fine Arts Society has been selected to create the official poster artwork for the 2009 Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex. The 12th annual drive will take place August 13, 2009, and trace portions of historic 17-Mile Drive and other thrilling coastal roadways. Hearsey’s painting honors the talents of legendary coachbuilder Zagato by featuring a 1965 Alfa Romeo TZ2 Competition FIA GT Berlinetta. It will be on display during the AFAS art exhibit at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 16, 2009, on the 18th fairway of…
2009 Le Mans Legends Results

Sports Car Digest

29 Jun 2009 | 9:00 am

Le Mans cars from 1949 to 1965 provided spectacular entertainment for the crowds, as Ferraris and Jaguars, Porsches and Astons and the rest of the colorful 61-strong grid fought fiercely for race honors in the 2009 Le Mans Legend, the historic support race which takes place a few hours before the start of the modern Le Mans 24 Hours. Back in 1965, the 24-hour race was a glittering triumph for Ferrari, with the marque placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall…and while it wasn’t quite an all-Ferrari podium for the 2009 Le Mans Legend, the Prancing Horse did manage to take 1st and 3rd places.
Icons of Speed & Style Auction – RM Auctions

Sports Car Digest

29 Jun 2009 | 5:00 am

The sale of an unprecedented private collection of historic American racing cars, vintage hot rods and custom show cars will be presented by RM Auctions. This one-day auction event, billed as Icons of Speed & Style is set for September 26, 2009, at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California. Approximately 80 vehicles and several lots of period hot rod and ‘kustom kulture’ memorabilia will be offered “without reserve.” (...) Read the rest of Icons of Speed & Style Auction – RM Auctions © Sports Car Digest for Sports Car Digest - The Sports,…

The CarGurus Blog
BMW X1 Set for 2011 U.S. Release, but Does it Makes Sense?

tgriffith

2 Jul 2009 | 10:57 am

BMW has been teasing the arrival of its newest compact SUV for a long time, but yesterday officially confirmed it would arrive in the U.S. sometime in 2011. The X1 shares the somewhat awkward styling of the X3, but is smaller and has less interior space and less power, all at a cost that probably will reach X3 levels once properly optioned out. Frankly, I think the arrival of the X1 should mean the demise of the X3. Why on earth would BMW offer such similar models, considering the X3 is such a slow seller? Seems to me like a GM-style mistake! Regardless, the X1 will debut in Europe this fall…
Camaro Smokes Mustang in June Sales

tgriffith

2 Jul 2009 | 7:01 am

The 2010 Camaro smoked the competition in June Camaro versus Mustang is nothing new, though for the last few years, Ford has had the advantage of having very little muscle-car competition. It’s been a bitter rivalry since the 1960s, though, and now the rivalry is renewed and even includes the trio-completing Dodge Challenger. Folks love to debate their muscle cars and point out why their favorite kicks the tailpipe of all others. For now, though, the bowtie-wearing Camaro is the champ, at least in terms of June sales numbers. GM says 9,320 Camaros were sold last month, compared to…
Nummi Is No More

tgriffith

1 Jul 2009 | 1:30 pm

A Pontiac Vibe rolls off the line at Nummi Maybe you’ve never even heard of New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. After all, it has kept a fairly quiet public profile since its 1984 debut. I guess GM and Toyota didn’t want to make a huge deal about the two fierce competitors working together. But the Nummi plant in Fremont, California, has quietly built more than 6 million vehicles, including the current variations of the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Tacoma, and Pontiac Vibe. The partnership gave Toyota a head start on the American market in the mid-’80s and gave GM an up-close…
Consumer Reports: Honda Insight Disappoints

tgriffith

1 Jul 2009 | 8:31 am

I can’t remember Consumer Reports ever not liking a Honda. In a recent press release, though, the popular consumer magazine thrashes the new hybrid Insight, saying, The Insight is the most disappointing Honda Consumer Reports has tested in a long time. The Insight is a noisy, stiff-riding car with clumsy handling that is nothing like the Fit on which it is based. Ouch. They go on in the lengthy press release, but I’ll spare Honda more embarrassment here. Not from Jeremy Clarkson, though, who was even more blunt when he said, It’s terrible. Biblically terrible. Possibly the worst…
Aston Martin to Rebadge the Toyota iQ

tgriffith

30 Jun 2009 | 12:16 pm

Aston Martin's Cygnet concept, based on the Toyota iQ Apparently, a lot of people think the Toyota iQ is a good idea. Our original post on the minuscule Toyota questioned whether or not the car made sense for the United States, especially with gas prices well below the $4-per-gallon mark. I remain skeptical, even though a lot of great comments made valid arguments. If one thing can change my mind, though, it’s Aston Martin. Toyota iQ The elite car maker is taking the tiny iQ and giving it a new super-luxo skin, complete with a new grill, headlights, trademark side vents, leather…

Car Envy
GTbyCitroen Hits London Streets

Peter

1 Jul 2009 | 3:32 pm

I knew that my 23rd birthday was a big deal, but I had no idea that Citroen chose that very same day to prowl the streets of London, England in the GTbyCitroen. I would normally call this car a concept, but a new report has just annouced that Citroen will make 6 units of the [...]
Pic of the Day: Pagani Zonda PS

Peter

1 Jul 2009 | 11:58 am

Doesn’t look like any Pagani Zonda you’ve ever seen before? That’s probably because it isn’t. For some one individual, the Zonda Cinque or Roadster F weren’t special enough. He needed a one-off so he commissioned Pagani to do just that, using his initials for the vehicle moniker. Power is said to be around 650 hp [...]
Top Gear: Hypercar Drag Races

Peter

1 Jul 2009 | 8:34 am

When I was watching Episode 2 of Season 13 earlier, there was more to the episode than just the Stig photocopying himself. There were also two staggering drag races. The first pitted the new Lamborghini Murcielage LP670-4 SV (and breathe) against the Mercedes SLR McLaren 722. The second saw the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 go tête-à-tête [...]
Aston Martin Cygnet: Toyota iQ In Wolf’s Clothing

Peter

30 Jun 2009 | 6:14 pm

If ever there were a sheep in wolf’s clothing the Aston Martin Cygnet would be it. You’re looking at a Toyota iQ that will be re-badged and re-branded as a member of the most sporting British carmaker today: Aston Martin. Initially at least, the iQ Cygnet will only be available to current Aston Martin owners [...]
2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni

Peter

30 Jun 2009 | 4:00 pm

Wait Peter, you’re saying, don’t you mean the LP560-4, not LP550-2? Why did the first number drop by 10, and the second by 2? And who is Valentino Balboni? Well, Lambo has decided to make a lighter, rear-wheel-drive version of its AWD Gallardo. The “2″ indicates the number of wheels driven, and the 550 is the [...]

Bush's Auto Blog
Supercar BBQ: Three Ferraris, a Lamborghini and a McLaren All Burn This Month

Bush's Auto Blog

16 Jun 2009 | 8:22 am

Within the past 30 days, supercars have been inexplicably catching fire and is begging the question, what's the deal? The only thing I can think of is the fact that most of these cars have probably been sitting for many months through winter and spring and now are emerging from their hibernation.Most likely, while sitting, small problems could arise and very well be enough to result in a fireball of epic proportions. At least, that's what those in Maranello and Sant'Agata want us to think.So far, just within the past 30 days, we've seen a McLaren, Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari 612, F430 and…
AmericanMuscle.com You Kill it, We Grill It Barbecue Cook off Contest

Bush's Auto Blog

3 Jun 2009 | 7:47 pm

It’s come to our attention that not all of our customers are out cruising the streets or lighting up the tracks in their super-tuned Mustangs 24/7. As it turns out, many of them spend ample time pony’d up to the barbecue searing, smoking and delivering meticulously rubbed and marinated meatiness to fork and knife pounding carnivores everywhere.Well let it be known that we at American Muscle are hungry too. We’ve been known to sink our teeth deep into a hearty steak and chew like rabid dogs thrashing our heads until only bone remains. But we digress. With the summer grilling season now…
G-Power Introduces 500 hp Supercharged BMW M3 Tornado

Bush's Auto Blog

2 Jun 2009 | 11:32 am

G-Power is far from new to the BMW tuning game. The company's name is nearly synonymous with "super-fast BMW." Their latest creation, the G-Power M3 Tornado is no exception.Creating a very impressive 500 horsepower from the BMW M3's 4.0 liter V8 is achieved with the use of a T1-518 ASA centrifugal supercharger. With only 0,3 bar of pressure created, the supercharger helps to add 80 horsepower. Just enough to hit the 500 hp bragging point. In addition to added horsepower, torque is also upped from 295 lb/ft to over 350 lb/ft.The added power and torque is enough to rocket the Tornado from 0-200…
$2 Mil McLaren F1 Goes Up in Flames

Bush's Auto Blog

2 Jun 2009 | 10:48 am

The owner of this McLaren F1 had just brought his beloved $2 mil supercar out of a 6 month hibernation only to see the rare automotive masterpiece catch fire in one of the most expensive bonfires ever imagined.Yesterday, before the McLaren could even stretch it's legs, an onlooker alerted the owner of apparent smoke coming from the car's carbon fibre engine bay. Before anyone could react, carnage ensued. Fire from the 6 liter BMW V12 quickly spread and engulfed the entire car. Unfortunately, the damage deemed the car a total loss.Of course, the owner was insured. In fact, though valued at…
No RS For You! Ford Focus RS Not Coming to the US

Bush's Auto Blog

31 May 2009 | 4:40 pm

Autocar recently interviewed Ford's Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development director, Jost Capito and found out some bad news for US consumers. The Ford Focus RS will not be coming stateside.Capito explained why the Focus RS will not see US shores; "We'd like to, but the base car isn't homologated for North America, and that's too costly a job to carry out just for a niche vehicle like the RS," said Capito.So there you have it, apparently we, as US car enthusiasts are not worth the added cost or effort to accommodate such an awesome car from a car maker who depends on…

Ride Lust - Motion + Mobility
Cadillac XTS Slated for Production in 2011

Nathan Redden

2 Jul 2009 | 11:50 am

Those of you waiting on the DTS/STS replacement had better have a seat. Your new big-body Caddy will be ready in two and a half years. The National Post is reporting that Cadillac’s new XTS will be assembled in Canada’s Oshawa, Ontario plant. This is a big win for the factory already producing the current Chevrolet Camaro in addition to the upcoming Buick Regal and Chevy Impala. No further details about the car were provided, but production is slated to begin December of 2011. [National Post]
2010 Steeda Sport Edition Mustang On the Way!

Chris

2 Jul 2009 | 10:59 am

For those of us who are just so tired of Steeda (now based out of my father’s home town of Valdosta, GA) waiting and waiting to release its own unique image of the most widely tuned car in the world, the Q-series, there is now the Sport Edition Mustang, sporting parts already available in the parts catalogue. For the low low price of $6,995 (and I’m not being sarcastic), you get a completely revamped suspension, including upgraded billet lower control arms, sport springs, as well as 20-inch chrome wheels. Also included in the package is a sport shifter, underdrive performance…
858 Horsemen of the Apocolypse: Sportec SPR1 T80 Heralds End of Days

Alex Kierstein

1 Jul 2009 | 4:33 pm

Here’s a crazy metric that the eggheads at Sportec figured out that helps put this nutso Swiss tuner 911 into perspective: 214.5 horsepower. At each wheel. At an astonishing 8200 RPM, mind you. Basically, this all-wheel-drive 911 will destroy the fabric of the universe with its tires. Einstein is spinning in his grave, and the insurance companies are running for the hills because they certainly don’t want to pay out on your life insurance policy. 0-62 MPH happens in 3.0 seconds, and 60-telephone pole will happen after an additional 4 seconds. There's 858 HP in there!!! Other…
Add This to Your Porsche Blasphemy Scrapbook: Electric 911 Forthcoming?

Alex Kierstein

1 Jul 2009 | 1:57 pm

Ruf 911 showing battery pack. It has been a strange couple of days in the auto world. First, you have Aston Martin badge-engineering a tiny Toyota city car. Now, this. Porsche’s R&D director, Wolfgang Dürheimer, sat down with German mag Motor Zeitung and claimed that Porsche has been working on an electric version of the stored 911 sportscar, and idea first tried out by Ruf with their Greenster concept. First water-cooling, now electricity? When will the insanity stop? Ruf electric 911 prototype. Actually, don’t get your favorite pair of driving lederhosen in a knot, because…
Object d’Lust: Pagani Zonda PS, One-Off Special

Alex Kierstein

1 Jul 2009 | 7:10 am

So there’s rare, and there’s rare. The Zonda isn’t exactly a Camry to begin with, so your chances of dinging one with a shopping cart are pretty low. But how about having your own special model? If you’re one Peter Saywell of the UK, you’d commission Pagani to build you one. Word is that Mr. Saywell wanted a Zonda Cinque, but all 5 were sold. This is the result of that frustration – a bespoke model bearing his initials. Lucky bastard. Fundamentally, this is still a Zonda, just with some tweaks and unique bits. It’s no Glickenhaus P4/5, sure, but…

Car Throttle
Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni

James

2 Jul 2009 | 1:32 pm

To the Lamborghini faithful, the nameValentino Balboni holds a lot of meaning. Valentino was Lamborghini’s official test driver and product refinement guru going as far back as 1973, and he’s recently retired. To celebrate Balboni’s work at the raging bull, they’ve come out with a new model commemorating him in the best way possible – a Lamborghini, exactly as he would’ve wanted it. Based on the smaller Gallardo, the LP550-2 Valentino Balboni is the only Lamborghini in the lineup that’s purely rear-wheel-drive. The Gallardo, which was designed to…
2008 Alfa Romeo 8C Road Test

Tim

2 Jul 2009 | 3:41 am

Test Vehicle: Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Coupe The hardest part of this review is knowing where to start. This car is as rare as hen’s teeth. There are to be only 500 made of the Alfa Romeo 8C, and only about 50 to make it to the US, so the fact that I am about to drive this is not lost on me. Pictures have circulated on the web and their various tubes for a while of this car, but *sigh* good god, it is jaw dropping in the paint. If there was a naked woman on the 8C’s bonnet, you’d want her to get off it. Honestly, it’s just ridiculous. Curves everywhere. The body is…
Random Capture: Acid Trip Jaguar?

James

1 Jul 2009 | 9:35 pm

Thank God Jaguar still has a sense of humor. They’ve had a rough go at it lately – after all, they were tossed aside just when things were getting good with Ford. Jag’s now owned by Indian manufacturer Tata, which is pretty ironic when you think about it. They’re doing better than ever these days product-wise, at least: a lot of enthusiast rags have been proclaiming the new XFR to be the reigning king of heavyweight sport sedans, like the M5 and E63. But sales haven’t been pretty, and Jag’s never really sold well in the first place. So, in what I…
Move Over Mustang; Camaro Tops The Pony Car Charts

Tony

1 Jul 2009 | 2:48 pm

The Camaro is officially back. Yes it’s back as in being produced again back, but also back as in capturing the hearts and minds of the motoring public. The Camaro is the car to have on the automotive scene right now, and that must feel really good for General Motors. Bankruptcy, what bankruptcy? Camaro buyers don’t seem to care. The Ford Mustang is pretty much a perennial best-seller, doing well for Ford consistently over the years. When the original Camaro came out in the 1960’s it sort of missed the initial pony car craze and it wasn’t until the late 1970’s…
Hurst Produces 2 Limited Edition Pontiacs

Tony

30 Jun 2009 | 10:35 pm

Hurst and Pontiac have a long history over the years together, producing high-performance Pontiacs for the consumption of performance enthusiasts. The company was particularly big in the 1960’s, heyday of the muscle car, modifying vehicles for AMC, Chrysler (Plymouth), Ford, Oldsmobile and Pontiac. It’s fitting then that they would be producing two new models for Pontiac now. The models getting the Hurst treatment are the G8 and G6. The G6 seems like an odd one but the G8 is perfect for it, with it’s excellent RWD performance. Limited edition? You bet. Called the 2010…

Driving Sports
Tony George Out at Indy and IRL - Will Anyone Notice?

MediaSpigot LLC

1 Jul 2009 | 4:35 pm

Sometimes when you get canned, it’s a big blowup. There’s yelling, weeping, recrimination, maybe even the odd coffee cup thrown through a window. And sometimes it’s just the sad epilog to a sadder story. That seems to be the case with Tony George and yesterday’s announcement that he’s been canned from his position as President of Indianapolis [...] Related posts:Honda officially kills (or sells) its F1 teamNASCAR’s woes for 09
RT @KickingTires Subaru sales …

MediaSpigot LLC

1 Jul 2009 | 1:03 pm

RT @KickingTires Subaru sales up 3% best June ever. Related posts:Mercedes Posts Big Sales in ChinaSubaru only down 8 percent for NovemberVolvo, Porsche Sales Crash Related posts:Mercedes Posts Big Sales in ChinaSubaru only down 8 percent for NovemberVolvo, Porsche Sales Crash
New Video: Metal Mulisha’s own…

MediaSpigot LLC

30 Jun 2009 | 11:30 pm

New Video: Metal Mulisha’s own Brian Deegan at STPR Rally http://bit.ly/PZMiI Related posts:Ken Block Owns Susquehannock Trail RallyRally Norway Onboard VideoSTPR 2008 Live Archive 2 Related posts:Ken Block Owns Susquehannock Trail RallyRally Norway Onboard VideoSTPR 2008 Live Archive 2
RT @KirianRally X Games News! …

MediaSpigot LLC

30 Jun 2009 | 6:04 pm

RT @KirianRally X Games News! Ford to compete w/3 Fiesta’s for Foust, Deegan, & ‘99 Indy 500 winner Kenny Brack: http://tinyurl.com/ox6del Related posts:Foust to replace Pastrana in ROCDSTV Live #3 - Auto NewsDSTV 7: News, Mazda5, Q&A Related posts:Foust to replace Pastrana in ROCDSTV Live #3 - Auto NewsDSTV 7: News, Mazda5, Q&A
And now for something complete…

MediaSpigot LLC

30 Jun 2009 | 3:57 pm

And now for something completely different: http://bit.ly/h1W8g (Todays VBlog) No related posts. No related posts.

Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle
June 2009 Corvette Sales

2 Jul 2009 | 8:49 am

<P>Chevrolet dealers delivered 1,396 Corvettes last month according to the latest sales report from General Motors. The number is slightly off last month's 1,643 and ends five months of consecutive growth. GM finished second quarter with 4,446 Corvettes deliveries compared to 3,052 in the first quarter. For the calendar year, sales are off 49.9% compared to last year. [More]<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/CorvetteBlogger/~4/34M37I9wgmQ" height="1" width="1"/>
Corvette Coupe Tops Strategic Vision's 2009 Quality List

1 Jul 2009 | 11:01 am

Just a week after JD Power announced the Chevrolet Corvette as the best Sports car, Strategic Vision's 2009 Total Quality Awards bestows the same title on the 2009 Corvette Coupe. Not only did Corvette perform better than any other car in its "Premium Coupe" class, its score of 938 was higher than any other class winner in the survey. [More]
Corvette Ad Watch: 1953 Corvette is "America's Sensational Sports Car"

30 Jun 2009 | 11:42 am

[More]
First Corvettes Rolled Off Flint Assembly Line 56 Years Ago Today

30 Jun 2009 | 7:51 am

Fifty-six years ago today, the very first production Corvettes were completed and rolled off a temporary assembly line at Chevrolet's Customer Delivery Center in Flint, Michigan. All the Corvettes were hand-built and for the first time in a mass produced vehicle, a revolutionary material called fiberglass was used instead of steel to make the body panels. [More]
[VIDEO] 1967 Corvette Sting Ray Burnout at Bloomington Gold

29 Jun 2009 | 8:49 pm

It's always fun when you see a guy riding a classic Corvette hard. In this video from last weekend's Bloomington Gold parade, the owner of this Riverside Red '67 Coupe decides to show how a real burnout is done. [More]

The rightpedal weblog
BREAKING: Official BMW X1 pictures

1 Jul 2009 | 1:06 pm

These pictures are being referred to as 'leaked' in the blogosphere, and we are happy someone was a bit naughty. We showed you spy pictures of the baby Bimmer SAV a few weeks ago and as you can see here, no surprises: a handsome vehicle with typical BMW design cues inside and out. With the X1, scheduled to be unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show this fall, BMW takes straight aim at its German rivals: Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Aah, nothing like a good duel. The rivals: Audi Q5 Mercedes-Benz GLK Volkswagen Tiguan 2010 BMW X1 [Source: Autoblog]
Hyundai will pay for your gas for one year

30 Jun 2009 | 5:04 pm

You must have already seen the Hyundai Assurance ads on TV that promise to take back your Hyundai for up to a year after purchase should you lose your job. Other manufacturers started copying Hyundai, a company that is unrivaled in taking advantage of its local rivals' woes through well-times incentives backing up solid products. Well, Hyundai itself has now copied another car company, namely Chrysler, by introducing the Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock program. The Korean maker, who already offers the best warranty in the US at 10 years/100,000 miles, guarantees you a year's worth of regular,…
VIDEO: Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV in the desert

30 Jun 2009 | 4:38 pm

This headline should read 'video of Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV makes grown man weep from envy.' The grown man would be, well, me. And the video would be by none other than those damn lucky Brits at the BBC. I serve at your pleasure, so far be it from me not to shamelessly share with you another pirated clip of TopGear that had my heart racing earlier today. Watch Hammond wring out the last in line of the glorious Murciélago line that will be replaced by what is surely to be a capable, modern but less outrageous Audi next year. PS: Was that video not enough? Don't worry,…
Consumer Reports slams 'disappointing' Honda Insight

30 Jun 2009 | 4:27 pm

I guess this proves that the Japanese don't like good cars: a while ago, we reported that the Honda Insight had briefly become Japan's best-selling car. That very car has now been called 'the most disappointing Honda Consumer Reports has tested in a long time'. Those are the words of one David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports; Auto Test Center. He continued, 'The Insight is a noisy, stiff-riding car with clumsy handling that is nothing like the Fit on which it is based. Also, Electronic Stability Control is only available on the highline EX version.' It is thus that the Insight…
VIDEO: The greatest drag race ever? Veyron vs. F1

30 Jun 2009 | 12:04 pm

On the latest installment of every car fan's favorite show, TopGear, Hammond and the Stig finally enacted what may be the greatest production car drag race of all time: the iconic McLaren F1 and the Bugatti Veyron. Yes, the long-standing fastest car in the world against the car that dethroned it.Warning: do not watch if you have a heart condition as your pulse is bound to shoot up![Source: YouTube]

Motorlogy.com
Jaguar Announced XF Supercharged Model

admin

29 Jun 2009 | 8:27 am

Jaguar today announced the introduction of the 2010 Jaguar XF Supercharged, the fourth and newest member of its acclaimed XF lineup. The vehicle, a mid-year release, is powered by a 470 hp version of the 5.0-liter supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III engine that debuted at this year’s Detroit Auto Show. The XF Supercharged will go on [...] Related posts:Jaguar Has Revealed The New XKR And XFR Jaguar has revealed the new XKR and XFR at...Jaguar To Offer HD Radio Technology Across Its 2010 Line Jaguar today announced that it will offer HD Radio...BMW’s New Top Model: The 760Li Sedan The…
Nissan’s Plan for Zero-Emissions Vehicles

admin

23 Jun 2009 | 9:59 am

Nissan today said it has been conditionally approved by the U.S. Department of Energy for a $1.6 billion loan to modify its Smyrna, Tenn., manufacturing plant to produce zero-emissions vehicles and state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery packs to power them. The loan, announced by the U.S. Department of Energy, is among the first three loans under the Advanced [...] Related posts:Volvo Uses Sun Simulation To Ensure Low Interior Emissions In Cars All new models are verified as if they were parked...Converj: The “Cadillac” Of Electric Vehicles General Motors unveiled a further glimpse at the…
Subaru Announces EPA figures for 2010 Legacy

admin

22 Jun 2009 | 2:48 am

Subaru of America today announced the EPA fuel economy results for 2010MY Legacy. The 2010 All-Wheel Drive Legacy achieves up to 26 mpg combined and 31 mpg highway, despite having grown in size in almost every dimension. Specifically, the Legacy 2.5i CVT now exhibits better fuel economy (EPA combined) than such Front-Wheel competitors such as Honda [...] Related posts:New 2010 Subaru Legacy at NY Auto Show Subaru today announced that the all-new 2010 Legacy sedan will debut...2010 Subaru Outback Makes Debut in NY Subaru made a surprise introduction today, revealing the all-new 2010…
2009 Volkswagen Touareg BlueMotion Launched

admin

18 Jun 2009 | 8:36 am

A BlueMotion version of the Touareg is now available to order, offering improved fuel efficiency and emissions of 219 g/km, well below the tax threshold of less than 225 g/km. Prices for the most efficient version of Volkswagen’s luxury off-road vehicle start at £34,150 on the road RRP for the entry level model and rise [...] Related posts:Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion Concept Car It is still a concept – the most fuel...2009 Volkswagen Golf GTD Launched The Golf model lineup has been growing by leaps and...Volkswagen Claims First and Second Place of the 2009 Dakar Rally Volkswagen made…
Nissan Announces Pricing on 2009 NISMO 370Z

admin

17 Jun 2009 | 2:54 am

Nissan announced pricing for the all-new 2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z, which goes on sale today at Nissan retailers nationwide. The new, second-generation NISMO Z continues the tradition of the original, offering unique performance and design attributes that true sports car enthusiasts are looking for – including a functional aerodynamic body design, 18 additional horsepower and [...] Related posts:Nissan Announces Pricing on New 2009 cube Nissan announced complete pricing on the 2009 Nissan cube,...2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster at NY Auto Show Less than a year after the introduction of the…

autoMedia Auto News Blog
Editor’s Choice: Haute Haulers

Editor

2 Jul 2009 | 1:13 am

I have an affinity for high-performance wagons, having learned to drive using my parents’ 1969 Ford Country Squire LTD station wagon, with a 7.0-liter, 429 cubic inch V8. It was big and fast—although... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
Buick Announces 2010 LaCrosse with 2.4-liter Four-Cylinder Ecotec Engine

Brandy Schaffels

1 Jul 2009 | 10:25 am

When Buick revealed its 2010 LaCrosse, people were impressed by its gorgeous looks, and well-positioned pricing that makes it competitive in the luxury sedan marketplace. However, the biggest news... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
Special Edition: 2010 Kia Soul Denim

admin

29 Jun 2009 | 1:30 pm

Kia injected some much-needed personality into its lineup with the funky, Scion-fighting Soul. (Read the full Kia Soul preview.) Without skipping a beat, the Korean automaker is bringing out its... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
Summertime Car Buying – How to Drive a Great Deal

admin

29 Jun 2009 | 1:00 pm

With summer comes a new wave of new-car incentives as dealers seek to offload the 2009 models and make room for the soon-to-arrive 2010s. This summer, dealers are hungrier than in years past, with... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
autoMedia CARnival June 26, 2009: What's happening this week in the auto blogs?

Brandy Schaffels

26 Jun 2009 | 2:09 pm

It's the week ending June 26, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. The biggest news of the week is... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Easy Car Blog
Hyundai Are Happy About Their Junes Sales In The US

Dean

2 Jul 2009 | 2:59 pm

Hyundai has said that they are happy about their increased deliveries over the past few months. The Korean automaker has announced that their sales raised over 3 percent in May, while they out-sold Dodge for the first time in June. However, the company still faced a 24 percent drop in sales for June 2009 when [...]
GTbyCitroen Will Be At Frankfurt & Enter A Limited Production Run

Dean

2 Jul 2009 | 2:30 pm

Citroen has said that they will create the GTbyCitroen into a limited production run, where the final model will be on show at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. It was said that there will only be 6 units built, and they will have a price tag estimated around 1.1 million pounds. Sources have [...]
Sportec Modifys The Porsche 911 Turbo To A Crazy 858 Horsepower

Dean

2 Jul 2009 | 2:18 pm

Porsche’s 911 Turbo with 480-HP has been modified by Sportec. The Swiss tuner has revealed a new version of the 911 Turbo which features a 3.6-litre flat six with 858 horsepower and 642lb-ft of torque. The power will go to all four of the wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. Sportec’s 911 Turbo will have a [...]
New Porsche Management In Three Different Regions

Dean

2 Jul 2009 | 7:22 am

Porsche has announced that they will change the management in three growth regions, starting on the first of August. The automaker has announced the new management for the Canadian, Russian and Latin American offices. It was said that Dr. Thomas Startzel started at the regional office in Miami, Florida where he will be responsible for the [...]
Official Details On The BMW X1 SUV - Mega Gallery And News!

Dean

2 Jul 2009 | 6:56 am

BMW has officially revealed the X1 SUV. The unveil features over 180 images, along with news on the car. The new entry-level SUV from BMW will fit under the X3 SUV and it will rival the Toyota RAV-4, Honda CR-V and the Volkswagen Tiguan. The BMW X1 SUV is pretty much identical to the X1 concept [...]

MotorMouths.com
How to Start (and Drive) a Model T

John

2 Jul 2009 | 1:24 pm

Just in case you were wondering. By the way, here’s how Ford is doing these days.
Subaru Burnishes its Legacy

Ben

1 Jul 2009 | 4:58 pm

Subaru’s Legacy sedan has long been a quirky also-ran in a class dominated by Camrys and Accords. It has fans who appreciate its all-wheel drive, but it has never won widespread popularity with critics or consumers. However Subaru has rebooted it for 2010 offering 3 very different powertrains, and the redesigned model is scoring an [...]
Truck, Meet Barrier

John

30 Jun 2009 | 4:30 pm

This is why you have seatbelts.
Dead Cars

John

29 Jun 2009 | 4:04 pm

This is oddly transfixing. Also, how many specific models can you ID?
The Prius, Reconsidered

Ben

27 Jun 2009 | 5:52 pm

Just days after Jay Shoemakers’ merciless 55-point drubbing of the Toyota Prius, fellow TheTruthAboutCars.com contributor Paul Niedermeyer has countered with a glowing 94-point review. And while Shoemaker savaged every aspect of the “eco-worrier,” Niedermeyer is clearly smitten with the whole package: There are very few inanimate objects which inspire my personal appreciation, respect, and interest as [...]

ecomii car blog
Cash for Clunkers

Ted Nelson

1 Jul 2009 | 8:17 am

I’ve been hearing a lot about the “Cash for Clunkers” bill passed by congress–officially the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS)–but hadn’t seen all the details. So, I decided to do a little research to figure out what vehicles qualify for trade-ins and purchases, as well as the terms of the rebate. The CARS program provides a $3,500 or $4,500 voucher to trade in an old, inefficient vehicle for a new, more efficient vehicle. This comes across as a little unfair from an individual perspective: it rewards those who owned inefficient old vehicles to start, and…
GM Bankrupt

Ted Nelson

4 Jun 2009 | 7:09 am

After a decades long fight to regain its balance and stand tall once again, the auto giant has finally been brought all the way to its knees. The news hardly came as a surprise, with government loans propping up the company for months. After failing to convince its creditors to trade $27 billion in debt for a 10% stake in the company GM had no choice but to file for bankruptcy, joining its competitor Chrysler. The question now is what will become of GM if and when it gets back on its feet. For starters, the giant is likely to lose a few pounds in the operating room. (more…)
Toyota Kelp Car: Wave of the Future

Marie Oser

21 May 2009 | 8:06 am

Bioplastics, an emerging technology that uses plant resins to make biodegradable and compostable plastic from renewable resources, is a field that is constantly evolving with new materials and technology. This technology actually creates plastic resins by fermenting the starches and sugars in corn, sugarcane and other plants into lactic acid. The lactic acid is converted into a plastic substance, which is heated and shaped before being used in product manufacture. The production of bioplastics results in the emission of far less carbon dioxide than traditional plastics, and is being used for…
Greening the Playing Field

Christie Nash

3 May 2009 | 8:44 pm

According to Jefferey Langholz and Kelly Turner in their book, “You Can Prevent Global Warming (and Save Money!): 51 Easy Ways,” it is estimated that a six-mile round trip in a car results in eight pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. In our Ultimate Frisbee League, this is the approximate distance from downtown to our playing fields. Taking this fact to heart, my friend Grant Conrad began to observe the number of cars that were driven to each game. Recognizing that many of these car trips could be eliminated if we would simply organize ourselves to carpool (more…)
EPA: GHGs Threaten Public Health

Ted Nelson

30 Apr 2009 | 9:48 am

On Friday April 17th the EPA confirmed a 2007 Supreme Court ruling that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are pollutants and a threat to the public health of current and future generations. These findings open the door for the Obama administration to take action to regulate GHGs down the road. More immediately, they place pressure on congress to pass GHG legislation or lose control over the matter. Massachusetts Representative Edward Markey: “It is now a choice between regulation and legislation. EPA will have to act if Congress does not act.” Besides the ramifications on industrial…

Indian Autos blog
Suzuki Kizashi Interiors photographed at Kansas USA

Dave

2 Jul 2009 | 12:09 pm

Three lightly camouflaged Suzuki Kizashis were spotted outside a Kansas hotel by a Carscoop reader. This time around, the cars interiors can be viewed in greater detail. The Speedo and Tachometer are set deep, much like Alfa Romeo instrument panels. The knobs and buttons are quite well organised, but confined to the center stack. There are a few chrome bits running accross the beige dashboard, lending an upmarket feel to the interiors. The quality of plastics used looks better than in other Suzukis. Infact, this cars does not have many things in common with its sibbligs like the SX4 and the…
New Fiat Grande Punto debuts at the Frankfurt show

Jaz

2 Jul 2009 | 11:59 am

The refreshed Fiat Grande Punto a.k.a. Punto Evo will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show this September. This is the next model from Fiat, although not a brand new one, it has significant changes worthy to call it a new car. The introduction of the Multiair technology will boost fuel economy and suppress emission levels. It will also get more exciting interiors including a dashboard made out of better materials and a new design that would put the current one’s to shame. The 1.4-liter engine which pelts out 105 hp, will get a 15 hp rise, thanks to the new technology and ECU mapping.
Spied - 2011 Suzuki Swift

Jaz

2 Jul 2009 | 11:31 am

We did not cover the first batch of the next generation Suzuki Swift’s image since they technically did not reveal anything. But the new shots we got here is clear and confirms the next generation Suzuki Swift will be bigger than the current car. The design will be more rounded, and hopefully the rear leg room is improved as well. Expect a similar suspension and handling, as these are strengths that took the Swift to the top of the charts all over the world. Under the bonnet, nothing shocking is expected to happen. So the 1.3-Multijet is bound to stay, 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6-liter petrol…
Report - Maruti Suzuki Ritz petrol is preferred over the diesel

gauravsikri

2 Jul 2009 | 8:24 am

The Maruti Suzuki Ritz Petrol preferred over the diesel one, reports have revealed. According to the dealers only 30% of the Ritz sold till now are the diesel 1.3 ltr and the rest are 1.2 ltr petrol versions. Generally in this particular segment the sales of the diesel variant is more than the petrol due to a host of reasons, but in the case of the Ritz, it is different. If we look at the Suzuki Swift sales, the petrol and diesel models are evenly split and sometimes the diesel sales are more then that of the petrol. Some of the possible reasons for this shift are The petrol Ritz is…
Question of the day - What is this?

Jaz

2 Jul 2009 | 6:48 am

The last two questions were easy pickings. After the answers started pouring in, I wondered what I was thinking when I put in those questions. Yesterday’s answer - Fiat Palio Stile Congratulations to all of them who got it right. Today’s question isn’t very easy (I think) Identify this car. Indians should recognize this, probably the only ones who would recognize it. Put in your answers in the comment box below. Some of your answers will not appear till tomorrow’s question is up along with this answer.

vLane
Old school Bentleys on the road

1 Jul 2009 | 3:13 pm

It's not often you see a museum worthy car being driven at all, much less on the road where gawking drivers can run into them, but here are a couple of 80 year old Bentleys in all their glory. I was lucky enough to come across these on Vancouver Island last week. They had just returned from an adventure up the West Coast of Canada and Alaska with other Bentleys of various vintages. According to the event's website, one of these cars had 13 tire changes, so it wasn't easy going by any means. These were the days before almost any safety rules or equipment existed, so no bumpers, even. Active…
Cash For Clunkers and CARS questions answered!

1 Jul 2009 | 2:32 pm

With President Obama having signed the Cash for Clunkers (official name: Car Allowance Rebate System) into law, there are a huge number of questions before the program takes effect before July 27, 2009. It might be time to trade up… To start: it may be a good idea to take your old, beaten used car off of that eBay auction. With a maximum of $4500 in cash available to eligible new car buyers, you need to prove to the government that you've owned your car for over a year. Other points are that your vehicle must be less than 25 years old, your old car should get less than 18 mpg, and that you…
2010 Seat Bocanegra: Zorro's car has arrived!

1 Jul 2009 | 12:18 pm

I used to watch Zorro on Sunday mornings, and absolutely loved the two Zorro movies. But what if his horse, Tornado, died and the masked hero needed a faster way to get around? En garde! (Ok, we know that's a French saying…) I think Zorro would love the Seat Ibiza Bocanegra, which is not sold in the US. (Yes, Europeans get cool cars. Get over it.) The Ibiza is based off the small Volkswagen Polo hatchback, which is about the same size as our Honda Fit. Powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged — and — supercharged motor with either 150 or 180 horsepower, Zorro may be in for a fun ride. Named…
2011 BMW X1

1 Jul 2009 | 11:34 am

Is the BMW X3 too large for you? Or the 3-Series Wagon too practical? Well, BMW has the car for you! I like the look, though… These first shots of the European model show a vehicle not unlike the current X3, just a little lower to the ground. Based off of the 3-Series platform, the X1 is another upscale urban runabout destined to pit crazed 30-something women against each other in the battle for the last parking space outside of Crate & Barrel. Or is that too harsh? Will the X1 have the cojones to lure more than image-conscious buyers? More photos and info after the fold. [Source:…
Working-Class Hero: Ford P71

1 Jul 2009 | 11:17 am

The Ford P71 has inspired a generation of drivers to react with a Pavlovian mixture of fear and hatred every time we see the blacked-out grill or dog dish wheels in our rearview mirror. A shame, but it'll qualify to be traded in under Cash for Clunkers. It can only mean one of two things; a nasty, vindictive police officer lurking behind us, or a nasty, vindictive cab driver waiting to cut us off and say lewd things about our female blood relatives. And since you can't buy a P71 from a Ford dealer, chances are it will have been driven by one of these two types. The P71 is based on the…

GlobalMotors.net
Porsche and Volkswagen at loggerheads again

Volkswagen’s had wanted to buy 49 percent of Porsche as part of a merger on Monday, but it offer was rejected by Porsche, which said that a sale of the unit would incur a financial penalty that would make the deal impractical. Deeming the offer ‘unfeasible’ Porsche spokesman, Frank Gaube said that deal was impractival [...]
Toyota’s deal with Aston Martin

For the first time ever, Toyota has agreed to build and supply a car to an outside car maker. Toyota will be making the car for Aston Martin. Called the Cygnet, the car will be ultra small and though based on the IQ model will be substantially different. The car will be sold in Europe [...]
Toyota’s brain wave technology may help the driver

Toyota has made surprising inroads in brain wave technology to drive vehicles. It has actually successfully tested driver brain wave control which works in real time. The Brain Machine Interface (BMI) kit used by Toyota responds to the user’s controlling thoughts in 125 milliseconds rather than the several seconds typical for such kit, used by [...]
Mercedes ML 2012 - spy shots

The Mercedes Benz ML Class is expected to make its debut in 2011, but its prototype has already been captured test driven in heavy camouflage by cameras. The car looks quite similar to the 2009 model, but has a somewhat more compact body. The roof and beltline are also similar, but finer details are not [...]
GM-Toyota joint venture terminating

Though GM has had a fruitful and long standing relationship with Toyota, the Nummi venture is ending. GM has been unable to reach an understanding with Toyota regarding a new product plant at Fremont, California. And since it is in the process of downsizing, this is one venture which will not see the light of [...]

AskPatty - Automotive Advice For Women
A Reminder to Not Drive Drunk This Fourth of July

AskPatty - Automotive Advice for Women

2 Jul 2009 | 11:55 am

The Century Council sent me an innovative eCard for the July 4th holiday that reminds viewers to stay safe this Independence Day and not drive drunk. Click below to start the video, or you can also view the eCard here at The Century Council. I first learned about The Century Council and its efforts to stop underage drinking when we reported on the organization's support of Brandon Silveria and his "Make the Right Choice" Program. The Century Council is a national not-for-profit organization funded by distillers dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking; through…
Hyundai Tackles High Fuel Prices With $1.49 Per Gallon Guaranteed For A Year

Brandy S

1 Jul 2009 | 2:54 pm

With gas prices expected to push over $3 per gallon during the upcoming summer travel months, Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock guarantees a year's worth of gas at $1.49 per gallon on most Hyundai models leased or purchased between July 1 and August 31, 2009. Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock complements the current Hyundai Assurance program and Hyundai's 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty, and is available with special rebate and financing options on individual models."Hyundai Assurance is a unique platform because it enables us to partner with consumers in ways that address their immediate concerns," said…
Three Key Tips to Fuel Savings at the Pump for Fourth of July Travelers

AskPatty - Automotive Advice for Women

30 Jun 2009 | 12:18 pm

With summer travel season half over and the Fourth of July weekend approaching, drivers know it is more important than ever to properly maintain their vehicles to ensure maximum gas mileage. To get the most out of a tank of gas, experts suggest that, in addition to properly inflating tires and practicing conservative driving habits, motorists should be diligent about changing their worn and dirty spark plugs, replacing clogged air filters, and maintaining a clean fuel system."These three easy, low-cost routines can help motorists save quite a bit of money at the pump," says Jay Buckley,…
Why Synthetic Motor Oils Are Recommended for Today's Advanced Automotive Engines, Part 1

AskPatty - Automotive Advice for Women

29 Jun 2009 | 2:13 pm

From changing consumer demands, to regulatory requirements calling for greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions, the global automotive market is constantly evolving. At the heart of this evolution is the ongoing transformation of the traditional, internal combustion engine, which has powered vehicles around the world for much of the last century. Over the past decade, manufacturers have made extraordinary advances in automotive design and engine technology. Now these engine design advancements, such as turbochargers, gasoline direct injection, variable valvetrain systems, clean diesel…
Road-Ready Chevy Volt Hits The Streets

AskPatty - Automotive Advice for Women

25 Jun 2009 | 5:53 pm

Just a little more than two years after the Volt was first introduced as a concept to journalists at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, the first pre-production versions of Chevrolet's extended range electric vehicle have hit the asphalt.Until now, we've only seen test cars that don't run on their own power, or test powertrains running inside other vehicle bodies. These are the first versions of the actual vehicle consumers will be able to buy, and they look pretty similar to the photos we published back in September. In case you've been living inside a cave for the last couple…

Car & Caboodle
Making a Splash at the Huntington Beach Hyatt

ciaran

1 Jul 2009 | 9:39 pm

My family and I may live in Southern California, but we never miss a chance to escape to one of the local beach resorts. So when we got a chance to check out the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa with its new “Slyders’ water playground, our bags were packed before we could get a confirmation number. Yes, Slyders was everything it had promised to be - a fabulous, $4 million complex complete with three water slides that drop into a splash pool, a main pool, a wading pool for the little ones and an oversize hot tub. The kids never got out of the water, except for…
Lexus RX 450h Hybrid: A Control Freak Mom’s Dream Ride

ciaran

29 Jun 2009 | 8:51 am

I’m going to start off this Lexus RX 450h review with the following disclaimer: My favorite car that I have ever owned was the original Lexus RX 300. I bought this car when it first came out and loved it all through the three year lease term it was mine. I loved it so much I did the possibly tacky deed - I had the silver L gold plated. When I was pregnant for the first time, my husband drove me around in this car so I could finally get some sleep. That is how comfy the seats were. So you see, me and the Lexus Rx series? We go way back. I wasn’t particularly thrilled however, when…
Hitting the Road: Off-Roading in Our New Car

allison

25 Jun 2009 | 10:10 am

We’d only been driving 2 hours when my husband decided it would be a great idea to drive off the highway and onto the salt flats. Let me just put it this way: it took as much time getting our car out of the mud/salt as it did getting from our house halfway to Wendover, Nevada. And let me just say, having your new SUV stuck in 3 feet of salty mud in the 100+ degree heat? Not my idea of a good time. This is what it looked like from the rear. And the side. And this is what ‘Petit Travels’ looks like spelled out of beer bottles discarded on the side of the road. What the…
The Ritz Carlton with Kids is the Best of Both Worlds

ciaran

22 Jun 2009 | 9:25 pm

Family Time at the Ritz Carlton Dream Vacation Checklist: The Kids Want: To Frolic in the pool To play on the beach To go on a fun scavenger hunt Restaurants that serve food they like and have crayons and coloring books To be treated kindly by hotel staff, despite the fact that they leave a crumb trail Complimentary Pool Noodles and Boogie Boards Organized activities just for them You Want: Poolside Cocktails Beach Valets to schlep your towels, toys, chairs, umbrellas A chance to enjoy your gourmet dinner on your own and take a romantic stroll on the beach one evening Spectacular Views in a…
Versailles Cuban Restaurant - An LA Family Classic!

ciaran

22 Jun 2009 | 5:06 pm

Looking for a family friendly place to fill up in LA? Take the family to Versailles! This unpretentious restaurant is a favorite with Los Angelenos from all income brackets. Portions are generous and the food is delicious. Don’t be surprised to spot a celeb at this restaurant. You’ll be dining with Angelenos “in the know” at both locations (on La Cienaga, near Beverly Hills or in Venice Beach). The wait staff is friendly, the tropical milkshakes are legendary and the arroz con pollo alone is worth the trip. Try the ropa vieja if you like beef. And take it from…

CarZi
Hennessey LS9 Camaro SS Video

Anthony Carbone

2 Jul 2009 | 10:26 am

Back in April 2009 we presented some Hennessey Camaro SS Pictures & Details. Here is a video of the World’s First LS9 Powered 2010 Camaro SS by Hennessey Performance Engineering. Only 24 will be produced and will be priced at $110,000 and includes a 1-day track performance driving course at Lonestar Motorsports Park. Watch this short video and listen to the LS9 fire up and rev a couple times. This is the engine found in the new Corvette ZR1. Related Hennessey Camaro Posts Hennessey Camaro SS Pictures & Details [Source: YouTube.com]
Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Pictures

Anthony Carbone

29 Jun 2009 | 12:19 pm

Here are the first leaked pictures of the new 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2. Yes the dash 2 signifies a RWD V10 Lamborghini Gallardo which will deliver at least 550+hp. Details regarding these photos are light at the moment, but rest assured we will bring you them the day they become available. Until then just enjoy these pictures! CLICK PHOTOS FOR FULL SIZE PICTURES [Source: NetCarShow.com]
Novitec Ferrari 430 Scuderia 16M Pictures & Details

Anthony Carbone

29 Jun 2009 | 11:51 am

If the Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M isn’t exclusive and powerful enough for you, then you might want to consider getting in line for a NOVITEC ROSSO RACE Bi-Compressor Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M which delivers 696hp with 682Nm torque for a 330+ km/h top speed. The NOVITEC Scuderia Spider 16M does 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, and will reach 200 km/h in less than 9.7 seconds. Related NOVITEC ROSSO Posts Novitec Alfa Romeo MITO Pictures & Details Novitec TuLesto Pictures & Details Novitec F430 Tu Nero Novitec F430 Race Pictures & Details Novitec 430 Scuderia PRESS RELEASE…
2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake

Anthony Carbone

26 Jun 2009 | 12:08 pm

The 2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake package is just around the corner. The upgrade will offer several performance options in excess of 700+ hp. Checkout the pictures and details for all options the package has to offer. Package Price: $29, 495 (630 HP), $33, 495 (700+ HP) Standard Features: • Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple 630 HP supercharger • Shelby/Super Snake hood with pins • Carbon fiber body components • SHELBY deck lid letter kit • Super Snake badging (front grille and front fenders) • Sequential tail lights • Shelby Super Snake striping • Front and rear brake duct kit •…
Audi R8 V10 Video Review

Anthony Carbone

26 Jun 2009 | 10:33 am

Checkout this Sepang Blue Pearl Audi R8 V10 Video Review. Could the new Audi R8 V10 be the new ideal daily driver supercar? She shares the same engine as the Lamborghini Gallardo. Related Audi R8 V10 Posts Audi R8 V10 Photo Gallery [Source: YouTube.com]

GlamCar.com
Artist Creates Life-Size F1 Car Out Of Styrofoam

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27 Jun 2009 | 3:51 pm

Remember as a kid when you’d pick up any ol’ scrap of material and create an amazingly complex tank or heavily fortified hillside bunker? How about a life-size F1 car replica… out of Styrofoam? Michael A. Salter never grew out of that art-for-scrap mode of thought as evidenced by his life-size and fairly accurate replica Formula One race car made entirely from recycled styrofoam pieces. The installation is currently on display at the South Waterfront John Ross Residency Gallery in Portland, Oregon and also features some of Salter’s 2D works.
Lotus becomes title sponsor of Lotus Challenge Series

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27 Jun 2009 | 3:49 pm

After attending the second event of the 2008 Lotus Challenge Series last May, we were convinced the up-start had potential. Lotus Cars USA seems to agree and has become the title sponsor for the 2009 season. In its inaugural year, the series stuck to California for six of its events, along with two races at the Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada. For 2009, the campaign is expanding to ten events in the western US, including stints at Laguna Seca and Infineon, with four more events planned in Texas. The series – part track day and part time-attack – brings together Lotus…
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - Better action, worse storyline

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27 Jun 2009 | 3:47 pm

We played with Transformers as kids and have a considerable appetite for anything automotive, making the second installment of the Transformers film franchise a must watch in an otherwise uninspiring summer blockbuster season. While we didn’t dare hope for a compelling story line, we were pretty sure Director Michael Bay wouldn’t let us down with regards to special effects. We hit the theater to see if Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen lived up to the considerable hype, and basically got exactly what we expected. Hit the jump to check out our brief review. As you’ve…
World Series edition Renault Clio and Megane aren’t exactly home runs

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27 Jun 2009 | 3:45 pm

With nearly every automaker launching special editions by the boatload, it’s hard to point a finger and claim one is really bilking it more than the others. Especially not at Renault, which typically applies the special badge treatment to limited editions of its rippin’ Renaultsport hot hatches. So you’d figure that if the French automaker were to launch a special line to honor its own one-marque formula racing series, it’d bring the goods, right? Unfortunately that doesn’t appear to be the case with the World Series special edition Clio and Megane. Not to be…
Mulally: Ford boosting production to meet demand

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27 Jun 2009 | 3:43 pm

More good news comes from the Blue Oval camp today as Ford CEO Alan Mulally has said that the automaker plans to “[increase] production to support the desirability of Ford products.” Despite a downturn in new car sales, Ford – the only member of the Detroit 3 automakers that has not filed for bankruptcy protection in the last two months – has actually managed to gain a few ever-important percentage points of market share from its global rivals, including fellow American automakers General Motors and Chrysler. In related news, Mulally says that Ford is well on its way to…

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