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  • 2009 vw jetta tdi 006

    The downturn in vehicle sales around the world is affecting nearly every carmaker in some way or another, but not equally in each market. Volkswagen, for example, has been on a four-year downturn in the U.S., with 2008 merely marking a particularly rough spot. But the company is working to turn that around, planning the launch of several new models and aiming for the 'sweet spots' of the U.S. market. A full five new models will hit the U.S. over the next several years, including an all-new sedan that remains cloaked in secrecy, reports The Detroit News. The German makers of the people's car...

  • ferrari racing days 2008 008
    Schumacher Shows Off At Nürburgring Ferrari Racing Days Event

    Seven-time Formula One world champion and one of Ferrari's most important development drivers, Michael Schumacher, joined his Italian benefactors on Germany's legendary Nürburgring this past weekend to show off at the wheel of the California, the FXX and his F2004 F1 car. Also on the program...

  • wiesmann mf5 motorauthority 004
    Wiesmann releasing 20th Anniversary special edition version of MF3, MF4 and MF5

    Niche German sports car manufacturer, Wiesmann. is celebrating its 20th birthday this year, and to mark the anniversary the Dülmen based manufacturer is releasing special '20th Anniversary Editions' of it's MF3 two-seater roadster, the MF4 closed-top Grand Tourer and the M5-powered MF5, which...

  • Maserati GranTurismo in white
    Maserati On Target For New Sales Record

    Despite the dire state of most of the industry, there have been a few consistent bright spots, and Maserati is now set to join them. The builder of luxury sports cars has already sold 40% more vehicles than it did last year, and that figure could still be going up. Through August, Maserati has sold...

  • 2009 Mercedes Benz SL
    Mercedes likely to build dual-clutch transmissions in-house

    A number of carmakers have leapt to the forefront in gearbox technology by contracting automotive parts suppliers to design and engineer advanced dual-clutch transmissions for their cars. While some companies like Volkswagen and BMW have developed their own dual-clutch gearboxes, others, such as...

  • Active Wheel
    Michelin’s Active Wheel technology in detail

    Michelin’s Active Wheel technology has been around for the past couple of years but actual applications of the electronic powertrain and handling management system are still hard to come by. Over the years the technology has been showcased in a number of concepts, and at this week’s...

  • The Porsche Cayenne won its APEAL category

    Rumors of Porsche adding a diesel powertrain to the Cayenne have been making the rounds for months, but with almost nothing in the way of official confirmation, and more than one official denial, the existence of an oil-burning Porsche will remain just speculation. Most reports have suggested that Porsche was planning to use an Audi sourced V6 turbodiesel in its Cayenne next year, but according to a spokesman at this week’s Paris Motor Show Audi is yet to give authorization for use of its engines. Speaking with AutoTelegraaf, the spokesman said Porsche has made no announcement on a...

  • 2008 Lada Revolution 3
    Lada presents Revolution 3 concept at Paris Motor Show

    The first Revolution was a single-seater race car concept developed by Russia’s Lada, which made its debut back in 2003 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The original concept was powered by a 1.6L petrol engine developing 215hp (160kW) and was capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in about 6.5...

  • Toyota announces 0% financing on 11 models
    Toyota announces 0% financing on 11 models

    After universally sour September sales, the car industry is reeling despite the longer-term boon that the $25 billion loan deal may provide. Weak credit is believed to be the primary culprit of the especially low sales figures, and so Toyota is taking steps to combat that problem by offering its...

  • Volvo ReCharge plug-in hybrid concept
    Volvo's green future to be driven by hybrids, turbos

    The flotilla of cars and concepts unleashed at the Paris Motor Show this week has largely been about vehicles that we'd seen coming for some time or design concepts that won't be seen for years, if at all. Seeking the middle ground, Volvo has taken the opportunity to reveal its plans for a...

  • Safer driving through video games
    Playing video games could lower your auto insurance rates

    Video games get a lot of blame for social effects they may or may not deserve, but a new pilot program with insurance company Allstate hopes to prove video games can enhance reflexes and improving driving safety. Targeted at drivers aged 50-75, the program could result in reduced rates for drivers...

  • EU carmakers want $55 billion loan package
    EU carmakers want $55 billion loan package

    American carmakers recently secured a $25 billion loan guarantee from the federal government, and now their European counterparts are seeking the same sort of deal from the European Commission. Asking for a somewhat more significant $55 billion in loans, the industry has the money earmarked for...

  • Ferrari will never make a sedan, says Montezemolo

    Ferrari has stated emphatically that it will never build a four-door model. The statement comes on the heels of Lamborghini's revelation of the Estoque four-door supercar at the Paris Motor Show. There has also been a prevalence of late of sports car manufacturers expanding their model ranges with some not-so-sporty models, sparked by Porsche's success with the Cayenne SUV. But while luxury sports car marques are expanding their segment coverage in order to squeeze as much profit as they can out of the ailing car market, Ferrari remains resolute in its conviction to never build a four-door...

  • SsangYong C200 Crossover Concept
    Ssangyong C200 crossover concept debuts in Paris

    Ssangyong showed the first fruits of its relationship with Shanghai Automotive Industries Group (SAIC) at the Paris Motor Show today, signalling the start of a major product offensive set to take place over the next five years. The new concept vehicle is a compact crossover called the C200 and it...

  • 2009 Chrysler 300
    Chrysler raises prices on all 2009 models by an average $500

    Chrysler has revealed that the pricing for its 2009 model vehicles will be increased by an average of $500, in line with rising raw material and labor costs. In addition to this, Chrysler will be raising the price for shipping by about $50 per vehicle, reflecting the increased cost of...

  • 2008 Peugeot HYmotion3 Concept
    Peugeot HYmotion3 Compressor debuts in Paris

    Combining elements of both a scooter and a car, the HYmotion3 Compressor is the latest concept to come out of Peugeot. Featuring the carmaker’s new 'HYmotion' hybrid technology, the result is a three-wheel-drive vehicle that features an electric motor in each of its two front wheels and a...

  • 2008 Peugeot RC HYmotion4 Concept
    Peugeot RC HYmotion4 concept makes Paris Motor Show debut

    Peugeot has joined sister-brand Citroen by releasing yet another concept vehicle based on PSA Group’s new HYmotion4 AWD hybrid system. The new concept is called the RC HYmotion4 and according to Peugeot it is a ‘Touring Car Coupe’ that features a number of engineering and...

  • 2009 toyota avensis paris 005
    Toyota's Avensis sedan finally revealed

    The third-generation Avensis sedan has been released at the Paris Motor Show, along with the Urban Cruiser compact SUV. The Avensis will continue to be built at Toyota’s Burnaston plant in the UK, and is set to go on sale in January next year. Like the Urban Cruiser, the Avensis will focus on...

  • peugeot prologue concept 002

    Peugeot's Prologue Concept, revealed today at the Paris Motor Show, is a preview of the 3008 compact crossover vehicle expected to be launched next year. With one eye to the future and the other on the present, the Prologue combines characteristic Peugeot styling with tomorrow's direction. The Prologue draws obvious styling cues from the French carmaker’s current SUV and minivan offerings, including the more recent 4007 SUV. Trademark features include the egg-crate grille and pronounced nose. The single air intake helps create the effect of an off-roader, while the lower front panel...

  • toyota hybrid x concept 002
    Lexus to sell Prius-based vehicle in Europe

    We've known for a while that Toyota is planning an update to its blockbuster Prius hybrid, but word has just leaked out today that Lexus may be getting a Prius-based 'lifestyle' wagon. The concept is expected to be on display, alongside the new Prius, at the 2009 North American International Auto...

  • citroen hymotion4 wrc rally car 005
    Citroën C4 WRC HYmotion4 Hybrid Rally Car Concept

    Billed as the first WRC rally car to be equipped with a hybrid energy recovery system, the Citroen C4 WRC HYmotion4 features an advanced adaptation of the HYmotion4 AWD hybrid system found in a number of Peugeot and Citroen concepts at this year's Paris Motor Show. This particular implementation of...

  • renault clio r3 models 022
    Renault Sport Clio R3 racing range gains new Access version

    Though the brand isn't sold in the U.S., Renault is known the world over for its Renault Sport brand and rally-bred hot hatches. The Clio Renault Sport R3 Maxi is one such vehicle, and now the French company has developed a lower-cost Access version to make entry into rally racing even easier...

  • 2009 Renault Megane Coupe
    Renault announces new Fluence sedan for 2009, electric plug-in expected by 2011

    Just yesterday Renault hinted at its intention to build a mass-produced electric vehicle with its Z.E. concept, and now the French manufacturer has confirmed that they will launch a lower-medium sedan next year with an electric variant arriving in 2011. The new sedan will go by the name 'Fluence'...

  • 2009 mitsubishi colt official photos 002
    Mitsubishi's new Colt does away with diesel, gains Ralliart edition

    Late last week Mitsubishi revealed details about its planned lineup for next month’s Paris Motor Show, announcing the debut of three new vehicles including one never-before-seen model. The lineup was to include the upcoming Lancer Sportback, first revealed back in June, the new Racing Lancer...

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