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| Hyundai/Kia cancels plan for U.S. pickup |
| 2008-05-11 09:23:00 |
Hyundai's on-again, off-again plans to bring a pickup to the U.S. market are... um, off again, and possibly for good this time. The news that neither Kia nor parent company Hyundai will offer a pickup should not come as much of a surprise, considering the sorry state of affairs in the U.S. truck market. Timing, as they say, is everything, though Honda's unibody Ridgeline pickup has actually weathered the storm well. A possible front-wheel-drive unibody truck competitor from Korea could have offered another fuel-saving choice for U.S. consumers who like the utility of a pickup but balk at the poor fuel mileage of the standard-fare full-frame rear-wheel-drive platform. Hyundai's not ready to take that bet, though, according to company CEO Kim Dong-Jin, who ...
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| Ford sues to block importation of Mustang parts |
| 2008-05-11 09:22:00 |
While parts sales don't typically show up in quarterly earnings reports, they can comprise a big chunk of profits. Ford is protecting its parts investment by filing a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington against eight companies that are reproducing Mustang parts without the Blue Oval's consent. Ford parts affected are the hood, bumper, fender, side-view mirror and tail lamp assemblies, which are all covered under Ford's 14-year design patent on design elements. Chicago-based LKQ Corp and its Keystone Automotive Industries are named in the complaint along with several companies in Taiwan. Ford has already come out victorious in a similar case involving some of the same suppliers and the F-150,...
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| New McLaren supercar expected for 2010 |
| 2008-05-11 09:20:00 |
With the mostly unloved Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren set to get the official axe in 2009, the path is clear for the next McLaren-branded supercar to be unveiled. Expected to be built at its facility in Woking, England, McLaren has plans for the as-yet-unnamed vehicle to compete with Ferrari's incredible F430. Rumored to be powered by a 550-horsepower V8 engine featuring a basic design snagged from Mercedes and built by Mahle (that of the former Cosworth tuning fame), the power-to-weight ratio should handily outdo that of the Prancing Horse. Shortly after the new coupe codenamed P11 is unveiled, a convertible version is also expected.True hardcore McLaren enthusiasts should mark 2012 as the year that McLaren returns to form...
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| GM may divorce trucks and full-size SUVs |
| 2008-05-11 09:18:00 |
When the current GMT900 SUVs hit the market in 2006, gas prices were already near $3.00 per gallon, but the super-sized transports sold in prodigious numbers anyway. The reasoning from the General and its customers was that there were still people with big boats or trailers to tow, and unibody CUVs just aren't up to the task. In the two years that followed, gas prices have gone from pesky to pandemic, and buyers are leaving their body-on-frame SUVs by the thousands.The General isn't blind to the trend, and a report from Bloomberg says that GM may be ready to take the drastic step of separating the platforms of its trucks and full-size SUVs by 2012. The move is extreme because SUVs and trucks have saved development time and money by sharing a platform for m...
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| If you own this, you should probably be ordering the salad |
| 2008-05-11 09:16:00 |
People who eat at the wheel are a menace. An errant drip of ketchup can be the difference between a mundane commute and a starring role in an impromptu Richard Weyman film. To help further enable the noshing pilot, someone has invented a cupholder-mounted french fry holder. This is undoubtedly a harbinger of the motoring apocalypse. Seriously folks, if your in-car fry habit is such that you require a dedicated, purpose-built mount (with an integrated ketchup tray, no less), you probably need to re-evaluate your lifestyle. In an ironic twist more delicious than a McDonalds' french fry, this contraption is sold through the Improvements catalog. We're hard pressed to determine what this improves other than the chance of a fry-related mishap at highway speeds. According to the site, it's "not ...
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| Pit Bull mod adds underhood snarl to F-150 |
| 2008-05-11 09:14:00 |
Dogs are common sights in the cabs of pickup trucks. Sometimes you'll see one riding back in the bed. But underhood? Not so common, but that's exactly what Walter Witthoef found in the engine bay of his F-150. There, head poking up behind the motor, was a growling but otherwise healthy pit bull. Somehow, the dog wound up stuck inside the engine compartment, where it whiled away the time by using the fuel lines, distributor wires, some hoses, and pretty much everything else within reach as chew toys. After her discovery, Animal Services arrived on scene and freed the pooch, who was reunited with her people the next day. Hopefully they'll be willing to pick up the $1,000 tab for the additional damage she allegedly caused to Mr. Witthoef's ride. Bad dog! No biscuits! Thanks for the tip, Ben.[...
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| Revolving License Plates Help Chinese Speeders |
| 2008-05-11 09:13:00 |
James Bond used them to elude Goldfinger's foot soldiers, but now revolving license plates have hit the open market in (where else?) China. Apparently over half of all speeders caught on camera in the south of the country get away scot-free by using false or occluded plates. A basic remote controlled plate switcher costs just 800 Yuan ($115), but more sophisticated gadgets that get the job done in just three seconds cost over twice that amount.So, would fitting one of these make your vehicle a Q Car?[Source: Reuters]...
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| Green Hellraiser: Caddy CTS-V storms Nordschleife in 7:59.32 |
| 2008-05-11 09:07:00 |
The badassery going in inside the supercharged LSA V8 stuffed under the domed hood of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V appears to translate well on the Nordschleife's graffiti-marked tarmac. GM announced today that John Heinricy exercised his right to life, liberty and the pursuit of a record time by wheeling a CTS-V with production-spec performance mods around the Nürburgring's north loop in 7:59.32, which is believed to be the "fastest documented lap time" for a production sedan. Even if that turns out not to be the case, it's pretty freakin' fast. GM shot video of the whole thing, which should be released in the coming days. Somewhere, Nissan engineers with furrowed brows are shoving the GT-R's 3.8L V6 into a G35 sedan...[Source: GM]PRESS RELEASE:2009 CTS...
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| Hyundai exec talks engine sharing with Mercedes-Benz |
| 2008-05-11 09:06:00 |
Hyundai, now a world-class engine manufacturer, may lend engine technology to Mercedes-Benz for a future four-cylinder powerplant. It was just a few short years ago that DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai banded together in the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) to build the so-called World Engine (pictured at right). The GEMA engine, with displacements ranging from 1.8-liters up to 2.4-liters, is found under the hood of more than a handful of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai products.While word isn't official, Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, President of the R&D and Corporate Product Planning and Strategy Divisions of Hyundai-Kia Motors, told Automobile Magazine tha...
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| Ferrari GT heading to Paris, teaser site launched |
| 2008-05-11 09:03:00 |
It's been photographed for months and referred to alternately as Dino and F149, but for now at least, the newest stallion from Maranello goes by the generic moniker, Ferrari GT. Today, the automaker launched www.ferrarigtcountdown.com where the car will be gradually revealed during the runup to the Paris Motor Show this September. Ferrari promises to feed us technical details, sound files and photos of the car between now and Paris. Right now you can see a few teaser images and hear the engine sing its sweet, sweet song as it starts up, runs up and down through the gears, and screams by at full tilt. The countdown timer on the site currently shows 10 days and 22 hours until something else ...
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| GM quits renting, buys headquarters for $626 million |
| 2008-05-11 09:01:00 |
One upside to a faltering real estate market is a plethora of good buys on property. General Motors took advantage of that fact by purchasing its Renaissance Center headquarters in Detroit for $626 million in cash. For another $200 million it picked up a couple of office buildings in Pontiac, too.GM spokeswoman Renee Rashid-Menem told The Associated Press that the company's lease was up for renewal on May 1, but they saw a good opportunity to get a deal on the place. She went on to say that as the real estate market improves, the company could sell the property and return to a lease arrangement.Here's an interesting piece of trivia many outside the Detroit area may not know. Henry Ford II and Ford's real estate division built the Renaissance Center in 1977. General Motors claimed it as its...
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| MINI offers free driving lessons |
| 2008-05-11 08:59:00 |
My wife is a great driver, (of course you are, honey!) but that doesn't mean that I can't suggest improvements now and then. However, the folks at MINI know I don't like sleeping on the couch, and they're willing to take the heat on this one.On their Web site they're offering a handy "Drive Like A Pro" section full of useful tips to improve your driving. Anyone who has ever driven autocross will recognize many of them like sitting up straight, keeping things smooth, proper cornering technique and the best way to shift (again, smooth). There's even a basic heel-and-toe primer.And, thanks to the MINI's lessons, my wife now admits her husband is right that her hands should be at 9 and 3 on the wheel, not 10 and 2.She says I...
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| Spy shots: Fisker Karma makes an appearance in California |
| 2008-05-11 08:57:00 |
Up until now, the Fisker Karma hasn't really been much more than a pretty face to go along with a promise. That changes today, thanks to a spy photographer who was lucky enough to catch the upcoming plug-in hybrid sedan out testing in California. Lawsuits often seem to have a dampening effect on enthusiasm, so it's good to see the Karma out and about. We can clearly see that the body is the same shape as what we all saw at its introduction earlier this year in Detroit. What we don't know yet is what's powering those shapely curves down the road. The first inclination from Autocar is that a Volkswagen 1.4-liter four-banger will provide power to the lithium ion batteries via a generator, but we really can't be sure what's...
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| 9ff proves the GT9 is stupid fast, tops 253 mph |
| 2008-05-11 08:52:00 |
There are only a handful of cars that can strike fear into the Bugatti Veyron. The Koenigsegg CCX comes close with a top speed of 242.42 mph, and the SSC Aero Twin-Turbo is even faster, hitting a two-way average speed of 255.83 mph and officially taking the crown of world's fastest car back in September. These über-fast supercars will now be looking over their shoulders with the new kid on the block, the 9ff GT9. Based on the Porsche 911 GT3, 9ff stretches the chassis about a foot and chops the roofline for improved aerodynamics. A carbon-kevlar subframe houses a twin-turbo 4.2-liter flat-6 pushing out 987 bhp. Our German is a bit rough, but we can translate enough of Autobild's recent story on the 9ff GT9 to know they achieved ridiculous speeds in the super Porsche at the Papenburg high ...
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| Saab halts next 9-3 development, may radically downsize next-gen |
| 2008-05-11 08:44:00 |
Tougher emissions and fuel economy regulations in Europe and the United States have forced Saab to put the brakes on development of the next-generation 9-3. The current Saab 9-3 is built on GM's Epsilon platform. The next-gen model was set to be based on the longer and wider GM Epsilon II platform (used for the 2009 Saab 9-5). However, Saab and parent company General Motors are considering radically downsizing the model to fit GM's upcoming 'Global premium compact' platform - a size rivaling the Audi A3.GM design sources told Autocar that a smaller chassis would dictate new technologies to maximize interior room. These would include a slim modular roof assembly and slimmer doors with advanced side-impact technology. Gen...
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| Sam Hubinette filming Gallardo drifting commercial for Lamborghini |
| 2008-05-11 08:43:00 |
He usually spends his time behind the wheel of a Dodge Charger, but recently Samuel Hübinette made an exchange for something with a lower roofline. Lamborghini asked him to take a seat in a 2009 Gallardo for the filming of a European-market commercial set on the streets of Los Angeles and Palm Springs. Blowing tire smoke for the camera is nothing new to Sam since his blue Mopar-mobile has been featured in many a BF Goodrich tire commercial. Unlike the Charger though, the Gallardo isn't quite the towering elephant. It is also equipped with all wheel drive, a feature that requires a bit more driving finesse in order to pull off an extended slide...
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| Mazda Biante: JDM-only seating for eight |
| 2008-05-11 08:37:00 |
Meet the Biante, Mazda's new Japan-only 8-passenger minivan. The funky oversized headlamps, expansive greenhouse, and stylish frenched taillamps are the work of Iwao Koizumi, designer of the original Atenza (Mazda6 outside Japan) and CX-7.Mazda announced the Biante earlier this week, and details are still a bit thin thin. According to the automaker, the new people-mover's name is derived from the word "ambient" and will deliver the most interior space in its class when it goes on sale later this summer. We expect to learn more technical info then, but in the meantime, we've got a promo video after the jump as well as a high-res photo gallery below.If you can read Japanese, you can also stop by the official Biante website, which features a bunch of Gumby-lik...
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| Snake Skin Green Hennessey Venom 1000TT up for sale |
| 2008-05-11 08:33:00 |
As if 1000 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 2.25 seconds and the huge rear wing didn't attract enough attention. It just had to be in Snake Skin Green. According to Hennessey, this is the first and only Venom Twin-Turbo in this color, and it's listed for sale on HennesseyPerformance.com. It comes with the 1200-horsepower upgrade option, VenomAero body kit, KW adjustable coilover suspension, Brembo brakes, lightweight wheels, and more. The car's new owner will also be able to make Bugatti Veyron owners green with envy as they see this Viper's taillights fading into the distance. Click away in the full-res gallery below.[Source: Hennessey Performance]...
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| REPORT: Racer dies in 24 Hours of LeMons crash |
| 2008-05-11 08:32:00 |
Jalopnik reports that one of the competitors at the 24 Hours of LeMons race at Altamont has tragically died in an accident on the course. At present, the identity of the victim, who was driving the #39 Volvo 242 Turbo pictured above, has not been released. According to Jalopnik's Murilee Martin, who is reporting on-site from LeMons and also competing in the event, the #39 car collided with a wall at high speed, and rescue personnel cut off its roof to extract the driver. Following the incident, LeMons organizers reportedly called off the rest of Saturday's racing. We don't know what's planned for Sunday, and strongly recommend you check Jalopnik for updates. Autoblog extends its heartfelt condolences and prayers to the fallen racer's family, friends and te...
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| Lamborghini to sell its wares on The Strip |
| 2008-05-08 07:04:00 |
Las Vegas is where the rich come to play and rich wannabes come to stay poor. Therefore, almost every luxury car brand imaginable has a retail shop there, including Ferrari. That's why it was surprising to learn that Lamborghini doesn't already have its own storefront on The Strip.Automotive News reports that the Bolognese company will remedy Nevada's lack of Lamborghini-branded Christmas candles and €422 military Lamborghini boots soon with its very own Lambo boutique. The store and a Lamborghini cafe will be located within the Palazzo Casino, and will be part of the first Lamborghini dealership on The Strip.To do some window shopping before visiting the new Vegas location, check out the Lamborghini Collection online.[Source: Automotive News]...
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| Audi R8 sold out "for months" |
| 2008-05-08 06:59:00 |
The Audi R8 has supercar looks and red-hot demand, so if you want to own the stunning German two-seater, you'd best get to the back of the line. Buyers of the mid-engine Audi have picked up every model that will be made for months, which tells us what we already knew: the R8 is a legitimate smash hit. Oddly, Audi isn't specifying how many R8s it has sold since the vehicle's introduction, and it's likely the German automaker won't go out of its way to ramp up production and risk ruining the all-wheel-drive supercar's buzz-factor.It's no surprise that the R8 is so successful on the sales floor, but the downside is that the vehicle's sustained popularity is keeping higher performance editions off the market. If a 420-hp 4.2L powerplant can take you to 60 mph in...
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| Strike forces GM to suspend truck and SUV orders |
| 2008-05-08 06:57:00 |
General Motors has informed its dealers that production of some of its 2008 full-size trucks and SUVs has been halted due to the ongoing American Axle strike. The affected vehicles include the GMC Yukon, Denali, Sierra heavy-duty regular and extended cab, its commercial-duty pickup and variants of Chevrolet trucks and Tahoes. According to the General, a basic lack of parts is the reason for the stoppage and dealer orders for the week of May 8th and May 15th have been cancelled. While a lack of production is bad news for any automaker, we can't help but think that it couldn't have come at a better time for the General as SUV and truck sales are down overall.[Source: Automotive News – sub. req'd]...
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| 2008 International Engine of the Year awards announced |
| 2008-05-08 06:55:00 |
And the grand winner is not surprisingly an engine from BMW, just like it has been for the last three years going back to 2005. The Bavarian automaker's 5.0L V10 won the award that year and in 2006, and BMW's luscious 3.0L twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine won it in 2007 and has repeated its performance by winning the International Engine of the Year Award again for 2008. We get it, BMW makes really good engines.There were 11 other categories in which engines from around the world were honored, and no less than five of those were also won by BMW. Check the list below to see what other automakers were able to wrest an International Engine of the Year Award from BMW.Best New Engine of 2008BMW 2.0L twin-turbo diese...
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| Obama picks worst car ever to come out of Motown |
| 2008-05-08 06:54:00 |
There can be absolutely no doubt that Detroit automakers created some horrendous products over the years. The '70s was a particularly low point, as the Big 3 struggled to cope with new safety, emissions and fuel economy standards. This past weekend, U.S. Senator and Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama was pontificating as politicians are wont to do, and he declared to an Indianappolis radio station that the car in which he learned to drive, a Ford Granada, was the worst car ever to emerge from Motown. The 1975-82 Ford Granada was an absolutely awful car from its baroque styling to its awful build quality. As I entered college in the mid-'80s, I was looking for a used car and a friend's dad had a '79 Granada for sale. I took it for a test drive and after the high beam switch went t...
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| Man moons speed camera, fine won't be so funny |
| 2008-05-08 06:52:00 |
There are times in everyone's life when you have an idea that sounds brilliant when explained in the audience of friends, but in practice is "exposed" as pure idiocy. The passenger of a BMW X5 gave a Cramlington, UK speed camera an uncensored view of his backside in an obvious attempt at humor, but in the end (no pun intended) the stunt could result in some hefty fines. Since local authorities weren't amused by the Braveheart salute, the passenger could receive tickets for public indecency and for not wearing a seat belt. Well, that is if the driver is willing to rat on his or her offending comrade.While we admit this is kind of funny at first blush, mostly because we never before noticed that a BMW grille looks a little li...
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| Toyota halts 2008 Highlander sales as part of recall |
| 2008-05-04 16:14:00 |
Slightly more than 90,000 Toyota Highlanders are being recalled for a seatbelt problem in the third row. The recalled crossovers are all 2008 models built between May of 2007 and March of this year. The stock belts could prevent secure mounting of a rear-facing child seat in the third row, and dealers will install a redesigned part on affected Highlanders. The problem with the third row belts hasn't spawned any complaints or injuries, and owners will be notified starting in June. Still, Toyota has put the brakes on Highlander sales until current stock is retrofitted and assembly lines are resupplied with the new part.[Source: AP via WCVB]...
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| Time for a Change: F1/Carbon GMT watch |
| 2008-05-04 16:11:00 |
We like drivers' watches here at Car News, but we have to admit they're all mostly the same. Watchmakers will differentiate their products by employing different materials like titanium, ceramics and carbon fiber, or by signing licensing agreements with various automakers, but by and large they all look the same. Of course, we only realized that when we had a look at the radically different F1/Carbon GMT concept watch (pictured above) from designer John Pszeniczny (a name which is surely easier to pronounce than it looks).The innovative timepiece has a digital display (gasp!) that will show the time at any of the 18 race tracks on the 2008 Formula One calendar. Like an actual F1 car, it's constructed from carbon fiber, meta...
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| Chrysler execs doing house calls |
| 2008-05-04 16:08:00 |
If you have a Dodge Ram in the driveway and someone claiming to be Jim Press calls you asking if you're satisfied with your truck, it just might be him. Chrysler recognizes that it has a customer service problem, and the Pentastar is going to extraordinary lengths to correct it. Its top 300 executives and directors are participating in a program called "Customer First" that puts a priority on -- you guessed it -- the customer. The executives, even guys named Nardelli, Press, and LaSorda, are responsible for at least one customer call per day, and all execs will man at least one shift at Chrysler's customer call center.The Pentastar elite are also partaking in a three month competition to see who can generate the most sales. We don't know what the prize i...
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| Hard times means some Icelanders can't keep on truckin' |
| 2008-05-04 16:07:00 |
In Iceland, the leviathan you see in the picture above is called a "jeep." Here in the U.S., it would be called a massively tricked out F-350 Super Duty, or probably just "monster truck." The 6,000 members of Iceland's 4x4 club use them to explore the barely reachable sections of the island nation, trusting 4-foot-high studded tires and a bevy of custom modifications to get them back to civilization.The problem is that Icelanders are having their own currency issues, with a free-fall even worse than the dollar's being just the start. When gas is almost $8 per gallon, that puts a fill-up somewhere around the $500 mark. And that puts a hurting on everything -- especially when you have to spend even more money getting your truck hauled out of the ice it just fell through. Not that any of this...
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| Seven Hybrids Approved for Volume Production in China |
| 2008-05-04 16:04:00 |
Shanghai, May 4 (Gasgoo.com) Seven new-energy models produced by joint ventures and homegrown automakers in China have been granted approval for mass production, reported Information Times yesterday.The report said these new-energy models, including SVW Passat fuel cell hybrid, SGM 7240, FAW CA7130, and four hybrid buses from Dongfeng Motor, Beiqi Foton as well as Changan Auto, are expected to go on sale one or two months after receiving approval from China's economic regulatory body National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).Along with these models, Chery's A5 hybrid has also got NDRC's approval for mass production in early April. The automaker said it would produce the model right after Beijing 2008 Summer Olym...
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| GM Could Use Wuling to Compete with Tata Nano - VIDEO ENHANCED |
| 2008-05-04 15:55:00 |
Shanghai - May 4, 2008: US auto giant General Motors is likely to up its stake in its Chinese venture SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co (SGMW). The growing interest in the joint venture is the result of GM's strategy to make cheap small cars to compete with the recently displayed under-$2,500 Tata Nano.Wuling is an integral part of GM's overall growth strategy in China, in terms of both product development and sales. The American auto giant is satisfied with its stake in the joint venture and the relationship with the two partners in China. GM holds a minority share in its mini-vehicle Chinese-owned SGMW.AS one of the cheapest GM-badged nameplates offered anywhere, the current low-cost minivan Chevrolet Spark or Chevy Spark (sharing the "design" inspiration with ...
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| Mercedes-Benz At Auto China 2008: Details Of The U.S. Bound GLK-Class |
| 2008-05-04 15:51:00 |
2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK ClassThe Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, the versatile new member of the Mercedes sport utility vehicle family, will make its U.S. dealer showroom debut in January 2009 as a 2010 model.Powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine the 2010MY GLK350 will form the basis of the U.S. lineup, and will be offered in both 4MATIC and two-wheel-drive versions, riding on standard 19-inch 10- spoke wheels with 235/50 tires. The GLK features a 108.5-inch wheelbase and boasts unique design language which sets it apart from the rest of the highly successful Mercedes-Benz family of SUVs that includes the M-Class (which spurred the trend toward more car-like SUVs), the larger GL-Class, the crossover R-Class and the iconic G- Class.Showcasing bold exte...
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| Pontiac G8 GXP To Debut At New York Auto Show |
| 2008-05-04 15:34:00 |
A few weeks ago we brought you news that GM was preparing to introduce a GXP variant for the Pontiac G8 sedan. Now the company has officially released information regarding the model ahead of its New York Auto Show debut.Power comes from a slightly detuned version of the LS3 6.2L V8 engine found in the Corvette. Producing 402hp and 402 ft-lbs of torque in the GXP, the car has a healthy increase of 41 hp and 16 ft-lbs of toque over the GT version. GM estimates a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a quarter mile time of 13 seconds flat at 108 mph.Making an appearance on the G8 options list for the first time is a six speed manual transmission. Both automa...
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| Pontiac G8 Sport Truck Unleashed |
| 2008-05-04 15:32:00 |
The legendary Chevrolet El Camino truck is carved into US car history in its very own, unique and special way. Its beginnings can be traced back to 1959 when the first generation, based on the Chevrolet Brookwood, was conceived to compete with the Ford Ranchero. Sales were not as expected, and in 1960 the El Camino was discontinued.1964 saw the return of the El Camino, this time based on the Chevrolet Chevelle. Two more generations followed which were based on the Chevelle until 1978 when GM revealed the smaller, fourth generation El Camino based on the Chevrolet Malibu. In 1987 production of the Camino was discontinued once again.Today, the El Camino has started yet another chapter with the unveiling of the Pontiac G8 ...
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| Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept in New York |
| 2008-05-04 15:29:00 |
Suzuki plans to debut the latest in its Kizashi series of design concepts at the New York Auto Show in March. The Concept Kizashi 3 is an upscale sports sedan, and based on early sketches released by Suzuki, could be close to production. The Concept Kizashi 3 will be joined on the New York stand by the Concept Kizashi and Concept Kizashi 2. It will be the first North American appearance for the Kizashi concept series.Inspired by the theme of a "dynamic athlete in motion," the Kizashi concepts hint at a new design language for Suzuki's automotive lineup. With the recent introduction of the Equator pickup truck, Suzuki has hinted strongly at plans to expand the lineup further with a flags...
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| Acura TSX at New York auto show |
| 2008-05-04 15:25:00 |
At the upcoming New York International Motor Show Acura will display their brand new second generation TSX, last week Acura released a teaser image and a tit-bit of information. Full details of Acura's new sport sedan have been posted on the VWVortex forums well before the show. The all new Acura TSX is specifically designed for YUP's and image seekers with its “keen design, performance and advanced features”.The 2nd generation TSX has grown on all fronts, measuring and additional 2.4 inches in overall length, 3 inches in width, 1.3 inch longer wheelbase and a 2.6 inch wider track. Power comes from a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine producing 201 hp with 172 lb-ft of torque which meets the EPA's Tier 2-Bin 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV standards, a f...
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| Audi Q5 to Debut at Beijing Motor Show |
| 2008-05-04 15:22:00 |
Audi Q5 dominated the headlines over a month ago when several so-called ‘first images’ of the five-seater SUV found their way through various websites online. It was initially reported to make its world debut at Geneva, but this speculation was quashed when Audi announced its Q7 V12 TDI sometime later instead. After a month of silence, rumours over the debut of the Q5 are now surfacing again.Autoweek reports that the Q5 will be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show next month, packed with Audi's new seven-speed DSG/S-Tronic. It will be based on Audi’s MLP platform (which apparently will also underpin Porsche’s upcoming five-seater SUV), with a longitudin...
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| Nissan Intima Production and Auto Show Ready |
| 2008-05-04 15:20:00 |
At the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show Nissan revealed the Intima Concept, a sedan which looked pretty close to production ready. Today, the Chinese Autobloggers came across two (very low res) spy photos of what looks very much like the finished Intima. The futuristic taillights and exhaust tips have been dropped, to no great surprise, but overall shapes seem to have survived in what could be Nissan's flagship in China. Now that these images have surfaced, it is only fair to assume that the new Nissan will make its world debut at next months Auto China in Beijing.The Nissan Livina Geniss was launched at the 2006 Guangzhou International Motor Show. Currently the Nissan Livina range consists of the Livina and Livina Geniss. Could...
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| Volvo recalls 65,000 cars because of airbag problem |
| 2008-05-03 15:40:00 |
There is not much to say about this other than the fact that these kinds of things happen once in a blue moon in every major company and the graceful thing to do is accept that there is a mistake and that is being rectified. Volvo has done exactly that and I remember very recently even Nokia having had corrected one of the major problems in their cell phone batteries. When it regards to customer safety, there cannot be a compromise and it is wonderful and nice to watch that these companies are following the bare basics well.Swedish automaker Volvo Cars said Monday it had decided to recall 65,000 cars worldwide because of a problem with airbag software. Volvo Cars spokeswoman Maria Bohlin said the models affected were the V70 ...
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| A look in to the future: Aston Martin super car makes a stunning debut |
| 2008-05-03 15:35:00 |
This is absolute fun to take a look at and something that is more than just brilliant. Take a spectacular design, add to it amazing body work and great engine under to hood. Then just give it the best possible package around for a car on road and then top it off by making it an Aston Martin. That pretty much would be my second favorite car after a Ferrari and for good reason too. Now it is a totally different fact that I cannot really ever buy any one in near future, but then- never say never!There have been rumors on the internet that Aston Martin is planning to produce a new super car that will compete against the like of Bugatti Veyron and Mclaren SLR. The concept will be a two-sea...
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