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GM has confirmed that production at half of its North American plants will need to be adjusted as consumer demand shifts from large pickups and SUVs to smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles. It’s not all bad news as the plants responsible for GM’s car and crossover models will see increased overtime and faster production times. Many of its plants for its pickups and SUVs, however, will be closed for up to 12 weeks despite production numbers already cut by the three-month UAW strike at American Axle earlier this year. The adjustment will see GM’s pickup and SUV production...
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Audi-reconstructed Auto Union Type D to run at Goodwood FestivalThe legendary Auto Union "Silver Arrow" Type D race car, built in 1939, will be reconstructed by Audi Tradition as a special feature for the UK's Goodwood Festival of Speed this July. Built to be 'absolutely authentic', the 420hp (313kW) 12-cylinder vintage racer will be driven by Nick Mason, Pink...
Nelson Ireson -
Update: Pontiac confirms no manual gearbox for 2009 G8 GTUpdate: Rumors circulating around the web have indicated the 2009 Pontiac G8 GT was to receive a six-speed Tremec manual transmission option, but the official word from Pontiac's communications manager Jim Hopson is that no such option will be available. Only the G8 GXP, the LS3-equipped...
Nelson Ireson -
2009 Nissan Maxima priced to start below $30,000Having teased the new Maxima for several days before its New York Auto Show debut earlier this year with hints of bringing back the 4DSC - Four-door Sports Car - moniker, Nissan has finally released full pricing information on their new sedan. Starting at just under $30,000 in the U.S., the car...
Nelson Ireson -
2009 Acura TSX receives IIHS Top Safety PickThe new 2009 Acura TSX midsize sedan has won the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award in the Institute’s latest round of testing. To qualify, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the institute's front, side, and rear tests and be fitted with...
Kenneth Hall -
EU tire makers oppose tire noise regulationsA package of proposed mandatory safety features under consideration for European Union member nations has generally been well-received. One provision, however, has raised concern among tire makers that road safety could actually be compromised rather than improved. Reducing tire noise without...
Nelson Ireson -
The French GP at Magny Cours is a favorite of many Formula 1 drivers due to its challenging layout and high demand on driver skills. Its rather remote location and lack of off-track entertainment have jeopardized its future as a host site for Formula 1, however. Regardless, experiencing a lap of the track with the commentary of BMW Sauber driver Nick Heidfeld is something no racing enthusiast should miss.
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Mazda targeting 30% cut in fuel consumption by 2015Mazda has announced that it will cut vehicle fuel consumption 30% by 2015 with a completely renewed powertrain lineup and a new generation of lighter vehicle platforms and fuel-saving technologies. Some of the initiatives include using lightweight technologies, introducing engine stop-start...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Ford suspends Boss V8 programFalling demand for powerful pickups and SUVs plus soaring fuel prices has forced Ford to rethink its big-block V8 program and will likely see it stop production of some powertrain units in coming months. Inside sources have revealed that suppliers have been asked to stop production of a new 6.2L V8...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Update: 2009 Audi A6 range facelift spy shotsUpdate: A few weeks back we spy images of an undisguised prototype for the upcoming facelifted Audi A6 sedan and now we have images of the car’s Avant wagon and Allroad siblings. As the images reveal, the only major changes for the updated model is the new front end with a single frame grille...
Nelson Ireson -
Update: 2009 Porsche 911 faceliftUpdated with official video and pictures. Porsche has continued its tradition of only implementing minimal changes to the styling of its iconic 911 range for the latest 2009 model year facelift, but the changes taking place under the new sheet metal are quite the opposite. This is because the new...
Ralph Hanson -
Analysts warn of dependence on foreign batteriesAs focus in the auto industry shifts from conventional petrol and diesel powered models to a new generation of hydrogen fuel-cell, all-electric and hybrid vehicles, demand for components to support the new technology is skyrocketing and those companies that have been in the business for years are...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Yesterday we saw images of BMW’s next-generation 7-series saloon testing at the Nurburgring and now we have the first shots of its long-wheelbase (LWB) cousin. As expected, the LWB model features an extended wheelbase and stretched rear doors to accommodate extra space for rear-seat passengers. The latest spy shots also reveal more of the car’s rear-end, revealing the outline of the new bumper plus the design of the exhaust tips and diffuser. The new BMW 7-series is expected to be officially revealed next month before make its world debut at the London Motor Show. It will...
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Lamborghini offers lifetime Sirius radioProof that competition exists between carmakers even at the extreme upper end of the market, Lamborghini has signed an exclusive deal with Sirius to provide its satellite radio service in the Raging Bull's cars. The first model so equipped will be the Murcielago. Starting with the 2009 model year...
Nelson Ireson -
Infiniti to launch entry-level coupe based on new Z-carNissan is hard at work developing its next-generation Z-car for launch next year, but according to latest reports the car’s mechanical package will eventually spawn a brand new coupe for the upmarket Infiniti brand. Nissan execs hinted at the project at the Nissan 360 media event in Portugal...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
GM to shed further 18,657 workers through buyoutsUpdate: GM has confirmed that an additional 18,657 employees will be cut from its workforce through the use of buyouts and retirement incentives, and about half of these will be from its Michigan facilities. While GM isn’t expected to replace all of the workers who leave, some openings will...
James Martinez -
Alfa Romeo MiTo Officially UnveiledAlfa Romeo's MiTo hatch has been turning heads for months since several photos of the car leaked ahead of the official reveal. Today the final specifications and a host of new pictures have come out, though U.S. fans will have to wait a bit longer to find out if the model will be coming their way...
Nelson Ireson -
Premium fuel sales plummet as prices approach $4.50/galNaturally aspirated sports cars and turbocharged cars of all types are the primary sources of real, requisite demand for premium fuel. Most cars, even luxury and upscale passenger cars, get along just as well on regular gasoline as on premium. But now, even owners of cars that require the...
Nelson Ireson -
Redefining the meaning of a good customer experience, Nissan's UK GT-R sales program will be offering buyers of the everyday supercar a chance to participate in special Race Academy events at the track in Silverstone and on the legendary Nurburgring. The program consists of one-on-one instruction with 45 minutes behind the wheel of the GT-R and a session instructing the buyers how to drift a Nissan 350Z. Once the initial session is done, participants will have the opportunity to do more instruction with the eventual attainment of a Motor Sport Association official racing license. Real benefit...
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Saab 9-3 production stays in Sweden, Germany to build new 9-1 compactGM has confirmed today that its next-generation Saab 9-3 will be produced at the carmaker’s Trollhattan plant in Sweden, leaving the Ruesselsheim plant in Germany free to produce the next Saab 9-5 and a brand new compact car likely to be based on the 9-X BioHybrid concept revealed at...
Kenneth Hall -
Ferrari's next supercar rumored to be based on Millechili ConceptFerrari surprised many last year when it rolled out the FXX Millechili, a concept vehicle constructed from plastic and cardboard representing the supercar company’s strategy for improving its image in the eyes of environmentalists. With talk of biofuel capable models and even hybrid-electric...
Ralph Hanson -
NHTSA to investigate 2.7m GM models over engine firesThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has intensified an investigation of 21 GM truck and SUV models manufactured between 2006 and 2008 because of the possibility of an engine compartment fire. More than 2.7 million vehicles are now subject to the investigation, which...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Opel Insignia to feature front camera safety systemOpel’s new Insignia sedan will debut with a dual-function front camera system designed to read passing speed limit and no-overtaking signs and relay this information to the driver via the instrument panel, as well as a lane departure warning feature. Known as the ‘Front Camera...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran -
Update: Volkswagen reveals pricing for 2009 Jetta TDIUpdate: Filling in the final piece of the 2009 Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen puzzle, Volkswagen today announced the pricing for the car's return to the U.S. At base prices of $21,990 for the sedan and $23,590 for the SportWagen, VW is likely to get a good response from U.S. buyers ready to make a...
Nelson Ireson