Nelson Ireson, Senior Editor
Articles
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Lotus and Jaguar have joined forces to produce a unique engine architecture capable of operating on either alcohols, such as ethanol or methanol, or petrol. Codenamed Omnivore, the engine project... -
Chrysler reveals PT Dream Cruiser at WoodwardThe Woodward Dream Cruise, Detroit's annual rolling car show, has spawned a fifth special edition of the PT Dream Cruiser. The fourteenth special edition of the PT Cruiser, the PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 is a purely cosmetic tweak of the standard vehicle, with production limited to 1,750 units for...
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Mazda preparing new powertrains for next-gen carsSo far Mazda has taken a somewhat unconventional route to improving fuel efficiency of its vehicle fleet, focusing on lighter materials and new designs instead of rebuilding its powertrain lineup. It has done the company well, but to move to the next level of efficiency the carmaker is also...
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U.S. hybrid owners among the most loyalBrand loyalty is a highly-sought after attribute in a customer base, from the carmaker's perspective, and according to data compiled by Experian Automotive, American hybrid buyers are among the most loyal car shoppers around. Fully 47% of hybrid buyers buy the same make (brand) of car when shopping...
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Carroll Shelby and SAAC end legal quarrelFans and owners of Carroll Shelby's creations in the Shelby American Auto Club (SAAC) have come to a resolution with the man himself, ending the battle that started earlier this year. The basis of the disagreement was over Shelby's perception of the club's use of his image and likeness for profit...
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Mercedes Attention Assist to enter production in 2009Nodding off at the wheel is one of the chief hazards facing drivers, especially during long trips and during late-night jaunts. To counteract the threat of falling asleep while driving, Mercedes Benz developed the Attention Assist system, shown late last year in near-production form. The company...
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Carmakers are struggling and the global economy is straining under the weight of high oil prices, but cars haven't been this affordable in nearly 30 years. Calculated by relating the number of weeks... -
Dutch university trialing air-cleaning paving stonesThe Dutch University of Twente is collaborating with the town of Hengelo to trial a new kind of paving stone that absorbs airborne pollutants. Based on Japanese technology, the stones have already passed basic effectiveness demonstrations, and are now being tested on a larger scale. The stones work...
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GM settles shareholder lawsuit for $277 millionThe end to a lawsuit filed against General Motors by a German bank in 2006 is drawing near, as the carmaker prepares to pay out $277 million as a settlement. The payout will no doubt be felt dearly at GM, but it's equally likely that the decision to settle is financially preferable to litigating...
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Recycled plastics to help industry cut costsFuel isn't the only substance in a car made from oil. Many synthetic plastics are also petroleum-derived, and automakers are looking to recycling as a way of reducing the costs of the flexible material. So far the plans don't include much in the way of using recycled plastic on the user-interface...
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Chevrolet begins Aveo production at new plant in MexicoIn an effort to ramp up availability of its small cars for the North American market, General Motors has officially started production at its San Luis Potosi complex in Mexico. The plant will be building the Daewoo-based Aveo (Aveo5 model pictured)for sale throughout the continent. The plant...
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Hamann boosts Mini Cooper performanceGerman tuner Hamann may be better known for their work with Porsche, Ferrari and BMW, but they have also been known to turn their attentions to small hatches from time to time. The Fiat 500 recently received the Hamann treatment, and now the Mini Cooper gets a set of performance upgrades as well...
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You may not know him by name, but Frank Stephenson is the man responsible for the designs of the Mini Cooper, the Fiat 500 and the Alfa Romeo Mi.To - three of the most lauded hatchbacks of the last...
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10th Gumball 3000 Rally starts today in San FranciscoToday marks the start of the 10th Anniversary Gumball 3000 Rally, a sort of intercontinental supercar scramble. Beginning in San Francicso, then sweeping down the Pacific coast through Los Angeles to San Diego before heading east to Las Vegas, where it will leave the U.S. and fly to North Korea...
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Saleen introduces SMS 296 Supercharger for the Dodge ChallengerSteve Saleen and his new company SMS revealed today its SMS 296 Supercharger, the first in the company's upcoming line of high-performance aftermarket parts. The unit is built to fit 2005-2009 HEMI 5.7L and 6.1L V8s, meaning most of the SRT and R/T line from Chrysler's various brands will benefit...
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Switzerland considering extremely tough anti-car lawSwitzerland's political system, like that of California and several other states and nations, allows for individuals to propose legislation upon the gathering of enough signatures to support the bill. One such proposition by the youth section of the Swiss Green Party would ban all vehicles weighing...
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Ford shelving F-100 development in favor of EcoBoostExecutives at Ford are so enthusiastic about the possibilities for fuel efficiency in their EcoBoost forced-induction engines that they have decided to shelve plans for a smaller 'F-100' pickup truck. Likewise, importation of the Ranger from South Africa to the U.S. has also been canned in favor of...
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Update: Honda's dedicated hybrid to debut at ParisUpdate: Inexpensive and fuel-efficiency focused, Honda's new dedicated Prius fighter will be taking off its wraps at the Paris Motor Show, according to the latest reports. The new car is hoped to give Honda renewed vigor in the struggle against Toyota's ascendancy to the top of the hybrid ranks...
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Danish audio-video masters Bang & Olufsen have announced today their partnership with Mercedes' AMG performance division. They join Audi and Aston Martin as the company's primary automotive partners.
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Transformers Corvette reportedly GM's Centennial ConceptFor weeks rumors about the Corvette-like car appearing in behind-the-scenes shots of the new Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen movie have been circulating. No one has known for sure what the car is, but the latest report indicates it's a Corvette Centennial Design Concept due for debut early next...
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Toyota's TRD supercharges the Tundra and SequoiaNot widely recognized as a performance parts leader, but rapidly becoming one, TRD (Toyota Racing Development) has revealed a supercharger system for its Tundra and Sequoia pickup and SUV. Featuring the same basic Eaton four-lobe system found in the Cadillac CTS-V and Corvette ZR-1, the new...
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2009 Ford Mustang marks pony car's 45th anniversaryThe 2009 Ford Mustang announced today focuses on updates and added equipment, since it is primarily a carry-over model from the 2008 version. A panoramic glass roof, more luxurious premium trim options, a new security package and several special edition models are the primary features in the 2009...
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Saab to announce $365 million loss for 2007Though the report is still unofficial, Saab is believed to have posted a $365 million loss for 2007. The company is framing the result as an improvement on its figures for 2006, especially since the loss from operations in 2007 was smaller than the preceding year in spite of sales being down 7,800...
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Mercedes sues Cobasys for failure to deliver batteriesMercedes Benz filed a law suit against battery supplier Cobasys last week for failure to deliver batteries as required under their contract. The holdup in supply could push back production of the company's hybrid ML450 SUV (concept pictured), even though it is not due to hit the streets until late...
Nelson Ireson