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Volvo has been forced to postpone redesigning two of its vehicles due to a lack of funds and increasing focus on new technology and vehicle segments. Originally, Volvo's XC90 SUV was scheduled to be redesigned for 2010, but will now instead receive a facelift, with the redesign expected to be postponed by two or three years. Similarly, the S60 sedan will be redesigned in 2010, rather than early 2009 as originally planned. The company has, however, hinted that it may be planning an all-new S40 sedan. Emerging markets such as Russia and China present a tempting target for luxury manufacturers...
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Chrysler considering merger, but nothing signed yetFollowing a number of weekend reports claiming Chrysler could be sold to General Motors comes the first official confirmation from its CEO that major structural reforms are being considered at the Auburn Hills carmaker. Bob Nardelli told employees in a memo today that Chrysler has been in...
James Martinez -
Roock RST 600 LM based on the Porsche 911 TurboRoock may not be as well known as some of its rival German tuning houses but the company does have a number of important motorsport titles under its belt including a class win at the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans. Roock’s latest creation, the RST 600 LM, has been built to celebrate the Le Mans...
Alex Kaufmann -
GM rules out launching minicar in U.S.General Motors confirmed at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show that its Chevrolet Beat concept car would enter production in South Korea and eventually be sold in Asian and South American markets. While previously there was talk that a production version of the Beat could eventually be sold in...
Alex Kaufmann -
Mitsubishi adds GSR-Premium model to Japanese Evo X rangeMitsubishi has introduced a new range of updates for its Japanese-spec Lancer Evolution X less than a year out from the car’s debut. Although the changes are limited to the Japanese market they could preview some planned revisions for the North American models as well. Highlighting the list...
Jeremy Weber -
Saab's next-gen 9-5 could be designed in the U.S.General Motors has traditionally designed many of its compact and mid-size cars at its Opel operations in Russelsheim, Germany. Now, however, the company may be looking to shift some of that duty to its U.S. offices, the better to design a car that will suit both U.S. and European tastes. Primary...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Luc Costermans of Belgium has set the land speed record for driving while blind at an airstrip in France. Reaching a top speed of 192mph (308.78km/h) in a Lamborghini Gallardo, Costermans busted the old record by more than 25mph (40km/h). Blinded four years ago in an accident, Costermans dedicated his record-breaking feat to former Formula One racer Philippe Streiff, who was paralyzed by an accident at the 1989 Brazilian Grand Prix, reports the BBC. The speed record isn't the first rather spectacular feat Costermans has accomplished since losing his sight, however. Two years ago he completed...
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New NHTSA study recommends 4.5% yearly increase in fuel economyFuel economy requirements and their corollary emissions laws are becoming the central focus of modern car development as governments around the world set higher standards. The U.S. has the NHTSA working on new CAFE standards, and a study announced today reveals that the recommended path will...
Jeremy Weber -
GMAC ceases all financing to buyers with credit rating below 700Automotive lending and mortgage firm GMAC has announced it will further restrict automotive financing by ceasing to offer any money to buyers with credit scores lower than 700. The move puts most American buyers out of contention for GMAC financing, as the average credit score in the U.S. is 680...
Nelson Ireson -
NAIAS could leave DetroitThe North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), or Detroit Auto Show, could be leaving Detroit for good. The Cobo Center, which plays host to the show each year, is being rapidly outgrown and more carmakers and models vie for attention at the show, and the organizers of the event are now eying...
Nelson Ireson -
Chrysler seeking partners for new 'Project D' mid-size sedansIn the wake of reports of a possible merger between Chrysler and General Motors, the company has begun looking for partners to build its mid-size platform. The new car will replace the Sebring/Avenger pair, and will likely feature alternative powertrains including hybrid and all-electric options...
Kenneth Hall -
Wheels And More Interprets The Eleanor Ford MustangMade famous by its role in the most recent incarnation of the classic film Gone in 60 Seconds, the 1967 Ford Mustang known as Eleanor is a fearsomely attractive vehicle, projecting an aggressive, dominant stance—the perfect vehicle for showing off some unique custom wheels. And that's the...
Alex Kaufmann -
The long-awaited and much anticipated Volkswagen Robust pickup truck has been canceled for European and North American sale, but the project is still alive and kicking as indicated by the recent ‘Pickup’ concept vehicle unveiled at last month’s 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover, Germany. The United States was expected to be the vehicle’s single biggest market but analysis of fuel prices and market demand prompted VW to change its original plans and only offer it in emerging markets such as South America, Russia and possibly China. Those markets are quickly...
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Chevrolet starts trials for WTCC Cruze race carThe all-new Chevrolet Cruze is an important model for General Motors globally, so from the start of its development there have been plans to eventually enter it into the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). The international race series competes in Europe, Africa, South America and the...
Kenneth Hall -
Infiniti plans updates for 2010 EX crossoverInfiniti is updating its EX luxury crossover less than a year out from its original launch in response to customer criticism that it lacks rear-passenger space. The vehicle’s striking design and already generous standard equipment list were not enough to woo customers who tended to buy more...
James Martinez -
Mercury’s next model will be developed in EuropeWith no new models in the pipeline after the 2011 model year, it was feared that Ford could axe Mercury in order to focus on improving its more upmarket Lincoln label. However, Ford execs, including CEO Alan Mullaly, have consistently stated that Mercury was safe and in July revealed that a new...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
First of seven Schumacher skyscrapers confirmed for Abu DhabiLast November we first reported that Michael Schumacher, along with a handful of other sporting celebrities, would lend his name to a multi-million dollar skyscraper project to be built in the United Arab Emirates. We can now report that the project has been fully signed off and construction for...
Alex Kaufmann -
Update: GM approached Ford before ChryslerCapping off a week that saw General Motors’ share price take a 31% hit in a single day comes a new report claiming the carmaker is in talks with Chrysler over a possible merger deal. According to an inside source familiar with the talks, GM approached Chrysler more than a month ago to discuss...
James Martinez -
Mini recently revealed a concept version of its upcoming crossover model at the Paris Motor Show but didn’t go so far as to give it a name. Until now most sources, including this one, reported that Mini’s new crossover will be called the ‘Crossman,’ however the carmaker’s global sales and marketing chief Ian Robertson has now confirmed the new model will go by a different name. Speaking with Australia’s GoAuto, Robertson said “I can assure you it won’t be known by that name.” When asked if the vehicle could be called the ‘Maxi’...
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Toyota announces pricing and specs for iQ minicarFollowing the launch of the iQ minicar at the recent Paris Motor Show, Toyota has now announced final pricing and specifications for its striking minicar. The company has already started taking orders in the UK and other parts of Europe, and is currently offering two different trim levels. First...
Jeremy Weber -
Next-gen Chrysler PT Cruiser sketchedThe PT Cruiser has enjoyed a long and surprisingly successful run since its debut in 2000, but rumors of its demise have been spreading for some time. Nevertheless, a graphic designer has taken the time to envision what the PT Cruiser might look like if it were to live on for another generation...
Alex Kaufmann -
More Details On Toyota's Plans For A Full Hybrid Lineup By 2020Earlier this year, Toyota claimed it would have a hybrid in every facet of its lineup by the decade beginning in 2020, and company executives have since confirmed that plan. Emphasizing the importance of the automobile’s environmental impact and the role hybrids can play in reducing the...
Nelson Ireson -
iPod, Bluetooth connections available on record number of carsIt's no secret that cars have been growing to more closely resemble computers over the past decade. Now things have advanced to the point that over half - 58% - of all 2009 model year cars in the U.S. will feature some form media player or iPod interface. The 50% figure may not be particularly...
Nelson Ireson -
More details on planned Volkswagen, Audi mid-engine roadsterVolkswagen is reportedly working on an affordable mid-engine sports car along the lines of the Lotus Elise and Toyota MR2, which it plans to release sometime early next decade. A concept of the car is slated for debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month, and now Audi is also reported to be...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran