James Martinez, Author
Articles
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The Dodge Challenger was one of the most widely anticipated cars of the recent past but while the HEMI-powered V8 models stole most of the thunder, it remains a fact that a large portion of sales is...
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Hyundai releases new drift videos with Rhys Millen
Hyundai is trying extra hard to make its new Genesis Coupe, and the latest effort to promote the vehicle - as well as several upcoming ones – is a new series of videos whose release will be staggered over the coming months. The first of these videos focuses on the Genesis Coupe – in...
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Shocker: Women find expensive cars more attractive
Readers, you may want to hold on to your rocking chairs as the following news will likely come as a stunning shock to you. There's no easy way to put it, but women find men with expensive cars more attractive than those with cheaper cars. The 'groundbreaking' study, led by a UK university, revealed...
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Take a virtual test drive with Michael Schumacher on Ferrari’s latest website
Ferrari plans to launch an updated version of its official website this Sunday to coincide with the season opener for the 2009 F1 series. The site – www.ferrari.com - has been completely revamped and now offers users, whether they’re clients, car nuts, or motor racing fans, a behind the...
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Porsche secures $13.6 billion finance deal, targets VW takeover
Porsche has managed to refinance an existing loan to source an additional $13.6 billion, securing the company's ability to takeover German auto giant Volkswagen AG. Currently, Porsche already holds over 50% of VW's stock but intends to eventually increase this stake to 75%. The original loan was an...
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Obama backs EPA proposal that could lead to national emissions framework
For some time now the American environmental movement, especially in regards to CO2 emissions from cars, has been held back by state-specific legislation that makes it difficult to demand uniform change across the nation. A new proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), however...
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Research from a Swedish medical institute has led to some surprising conclusions about alcohol and driving: that the most damage caused in accidents where alcohol is a factor comes from a greater...
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Audi A2 reaches concept stage, electric version in the works
Most major automakers are working on a new generation of compact vehicles to help meet tough emissions and fuel-economy standards set to roll in over the next couple of years. One of the most active in the industry is Audi, which is reportedly working on a handful of new models all positioned below...
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Fiat will launch first dual-clutch transmission this year in the Alfa Romeo MiTo
Fiat will finally see the introduction of its first dual-clutch transmission later this year, with the stylish Alfa Romeo MiTo hatchback first in line to receive the fuel-saving gearbox. The particular unit is a six-speed gearbox with a dry dual-clutch system that was developed by Fiat Powertrain...
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First look at America’s Liv Inizio electric supercar
Small companies developing electric supercars with Ferrari-rivalling performance may seem fairly common these days, and the latest entrant into this niche market segment - the Liv Inizio - seems determined to follow in the footsteps of other fledgling electric car start-ups. EV Innovations, the...
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VW promoting Chattanooga plant with new visitor center
While many Americans are struggling to make ends meet during the current financial crisis, the people of Chattanooga, Tennessee, have a brighter outlook thanks to the construction of a new Volkswagen plant that will help boost local employment. Production isn’t scheduled to start at the plant...
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Bankruptcy rumors hurt residual values for GM and Chrysler
General Motors and Chrysler just can’t seem to get a break. Not only are they dealing with one of the worst market slumps to hit the auto industry in decades, fears of bankruptcy are turning away potential customers in droves and now those same fears are also sending residual values of their...
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An ambitious project to bring high-speed rail to the U.S. is underway by private investors, with a route between Detroit and Lansing among the first rail lines on the drawing board. The Interstate...
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Report: BMW’s M division moving to four and six-cylinder turbos
BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer recently revealed plans to phase out diesel V8 engines across the board, but as drastic as this sounds it could be just the tip of the iceberg for the carmaker’s future plans to shakeup its powertrain lineup. BMW’s hallowed M division could also be affected by...
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GM already working on second and third-gen plug-in hybrid technology
GM has already sunk $750 million into the development of the upcoming Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid and resigned itself to the fact that the car won't be profitable for several years, but that hasn't stopped the company from starting development on the second and third generations of the car's...
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GM open to idea of higher fuel taxes
In a surprise turnaround, General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner has suggested that an increase on federal fuel taxes in the U.S. was an idea "worthy of consideration". Wagoner said that guaranteeing a minimum price of $4 a gallon on petrol, an idea proposed by AutoNation car dealership boss Michael...
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More powerful direct-injected Infiniti M and G models on the way
Infiniti’s 3.7L V6 engine from the current G lineup of cars already has one of the highest specific horsepower outputs of any production naturally aspirated V6 engine, with the most powerful unit, found in the G37 Convertible, delivering a healthy 328hp (245kW). However, in less than a year...
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Nissan reviewing U.S. diesel plans
Diesel engine sales have stagnated in the U.S. due largely to lingering perceptions of the clattering, foul smelling contraptions of the 1970s and earlier. It hasn’t helped that many carmakers have been reluctant to even offer them because of the relatively high cost of emissions...
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With all the financial strife General Motors finds itself in, the last thing it needs are product recalls bringing into doubt the quality of its vehicles. Unfortunately for GM, a product recall is...
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Vorsteiner goes for racing look with new 'V-RT' kit for the Porsche 911 Turbo
California’s Vorsteiner Race Technologies has created yet another bodykit for the 997 Porsche 911, but while the firm’s previous kits were for the more mundane Carrera, the latest has been designed exclusively for the high-performance Turbo. After painstakingly forging the design of the...
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Unique Performance customers offered hope with signing of new deal by Shelby
About two years ago a Texas-based custom car manufacturer by the name of Unique Performance was found to be guilty of ‘title washing’ their cars, which eventually saw the owners of the operation arrested and charged and the business shutdown. Unfortunately for the scores of customers...
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Hollywood celebrities to take part in Toyota-backed charity race
Toyota will be hosting a celebrity race next month with a star-studded field of competitors intended to draw audiences and help raise funding for numerous charities. A total of 20 drivers will compete and already confirmed for the event are a number of A-list actors including Keanu Reeves, who...
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Jay Leno poking fun at Detroit with ‘Comedy Stimulus Plan’
On last night’s episode of The Tonight Show Jay Leno announced his plan for stimulating America with what he does best – telling jokes. Leno will make an appearance in Detroit early next month to perform his standup act and hopefully cheer up many of the employees (both current and...
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Kia Prices All-New 2010 Soul Hatchback
Kia the recent Los Angeles Auto Show to display the North American version of its new Soul hatch, which is now on sale in the U.S. as a 2010 model. Pricing for the car leaked on several internet forums late last year, and now Kia has made it official, revealing that the stylish hatch will be...
James Martinez