Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Editor
Articles
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Given the popularity of long-wheelbase (LWB) models in Asia, particularly in China where a high proportion of premium cars owners prefer to be driven rather than tackle the traffic themselves, it was... -
Opel to enter Astra OPC in Nurburgring 24 hour raceAs this year’s Nurburgring 24 hour endurance challenge approaches several more carmakers have announced plans to enter the comp. The latest is General Motors, which plans to enter a race-prepped version of its Opel Astra OPC in the grueling event. The standard Astra OPC features a 237hp...
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Chevrolet Volt prototypes reach 40 miles in electric-only modeGM has reached another milestone with the development of its upcoming Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid. Vice Chairman Bob Lutz revealed earlier this week that prototype versions, which started real-world testing only last month, have already reached the target electric-only driving range of 40 miles...
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GM unlikely to build Cadillac CTS convertibleWhile the Cadillac CTS coupe is confirmed for production in June of next year a convertible version of the svelte two-door is shaping up to be just a dream as latest reports claim GM has dropped plans for such a model. Despite the positive reception received by the CTS Coupe Concept at...
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Ferrari Concept 2008 inspired by the F430Ferrari appears to be a source of inspiration for a number of up-and-coming young designers with the likes of Idries Omar, Emre Husmen and now Luca Serafini all using the Italian exotics as inspiration for some of their best works. The latest design, dubbed the Ferrari Concept 2008, is based on the...
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Update: Spada Codatronca supercar enters productionUpdated with official images. The Spada Codatronca is the creation of designer Ercole Spada and his son Paolo as well Italian tuning shop UK Garage, and after months of testing the project has now officially entered the production phase. The first model will be the new Codatronca TS (Turismo...
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Following the results of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash testing of the Smart ForTwo last month, which showed the tiny two-seater only achieved average results, comes a... -
California willing to work with carmakers on emissionsWhile the U.S. government has implemented a fleet-wide fuel efficiency standard of 35mpg by 2020 for carmakers (plus an interim mandate of 31.6mpg by 2015), California is planning to implement its own ruling of 36.8mpg by 2016. The issue has been a major headache for carmakers as California...
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Lamborghini to launch global certified used-car programLamborghini will soon have a certified used cars vehicle program in place with news today the Italian supercar manufacturer is planning to roll-out a worldwide dealer program with the U.S. and Europe first in line. CEO Stephan Winkelmann announced that the certified used cars will only be available...
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Chrysler-badged Chinese cars to be sold in Mexico next yearThe first fruits of the Chrysler-Chery partnership may be realized as early as next year with news today that a Chinese-built car will be sold wearing Chrysler badges in Mexico within the next 12 months. The new car is the Chery A1 hatch (pictured) and it will be the first global model spawned from...
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John McCain reveals plan to tackle greenhouse emissionsRepublican presidential candidate John McCain revealed this week his plan to fight global warming, promising to increase funding for alternative fuel vehicles and power generation as well as introduce a market-based cap on greenhouse gas emissions. Under his plan, McCain predicts by 2012 greenhouse...
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Nissan reveals 'GT 2012' five-year business plan, confirms Infiniti G37 convertibleNissan today announced its financial results for the 2007 financial year and released its official five-year strategy plan dubbed the Nissan ‘GT’ 2012 (‘G’ for growth and ‘T’ for trust). The carmaker made a net operating profit of $6.91 billion in the past year...
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Ford will soon add a new version of its North American Focus coupe, which has been updated for the 2009 model year with a sporty new look, improved performance and a revised interior. The Focus has... -
Spyker and Lotus sign parts and platform sharing dealSports car manufacturers Lotus and Spyker have worked closely together for the past four years and the longstanding relationship has finally culminated in a new platform and parts sharing deal signed yesterday. Under the new ‘Parts and Platform Commonality Agreement’ (PPCA), Lotus will...
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Lexus IS 250 SR with new sport pack goes on sale in UKLexus has expanded its line-up in the UK with the introduction of a new special edition model based on the entry-level IS250 sedan. The new car, called the IS250 SR, is fitted with a number of performance and styling accessories but unfortunately the output from the 2.5L V6 remains unchanged. This...
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Toyota loses appeal against Prius patent caseToyota’s appeal for a case it lost last year against American technology company Paice LLC has been rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court, which means the Japanese giant will now have to pay Paice up to $4.3 million in damages. The case involved Toyota using a technology for its petrol-electric...
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GM resumes production at five plants, plans to shut Windsor in 2010GM has resumed production at five plants that had been affected by an 11-week strike at its supplier American Axle. The sites include the Oshawa plant in Ontario, responsible for the Chevrolet Impala and Silverado as well as the GMC Sierra, the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico, which builds the HHR...
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GM to position Opel (Vauxhall) upmarketGM's plans to invest $14 billion in Opel by the end of 2012 were announced just last week, as well as their plans to introduce 20 new models for Opel in this time period. But some more details have come out about the investment, most notably the General's plans to market Opel as a more 'upmarket'...
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The U.S. is the single biggest market for Lamborghini so it comes as little surprise the Italian supercar brand will be setting up a separate sales company exclusively for the country – the... -
Update: Alfa Romeo MiTo Interior RevealedUpdated with new interior images. Last year Alfa Romeo burst onto the supercar scene with its deliciously daring 8C Competizione. Smooth, flowing original lines spoke of a redefinition of the company’s styling language, and as these leaked official images reveal the carmaker’s new...
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Continuing UAW strikes leaves GM customers strandedGM dealers and customers are beginning to feel the effects of the United Auto Worker strike at American Axle, as well as the UAW walkouts in two GM factories. Despite GM's most recent attempt to buy off workers from American Axle with a $200 million payout, the General has had to cut production...
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Renault-Nissan developing $2,500 car with BajajThe low-cost vehicle segment is heating up as global automakers recognize the potential of selling an affordable car to emerging markets, such as India and China, which comprise over a third of the world's population and is seen as the next boom for the automotive industry. Tata's $2,500 Nano has...
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Massa takes chequered flag at Turkish GPFelipe Massa became the first driver since his former Ferrari teammate Michael Schumacher to win three consecutive races at the same circuit with a first place title at this weekend's Turkish GP. Kimi Raikkonen's run to third place closes his championship lead to Hamilton, and now Massa, to 7...
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Ford tells shareholders to hold off on Tracinda offerFord has told its shareholders to hold out for an official appraisal from the Blue Oval before taking action in regards to a tender offer from the Tracinda Corporation. The investment firm, belonging to billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian, is offering to purchase 20 million shares at a price of...
Viknesh Vijayenthiran