Kenneth Hall, Author
Articles
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Small-scale British carmaker Ariel is perhaps best known for its skeletal-framed Atom two-seater, one of the lightest and most thrilling sports cars on the planet. Now, Ariel is considering expanding... -
Paris court declares FIA's 2010 rules legalA Paris court on Wednesday ruled against Ferrari, which last week requested an injunction against the FIA's budget cap rules for 2010. A one hour hearing was held on Tuesday at the Tribunal de Grande Instance, the equivalent of a high or crown court. In the media statement issued on Wednesday...
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Mitsubishi unleashes Evolution X FQ-330 SSTThere are many things not to like about the motoring climate in Europe, not the least of which are emissions taxes, omnipresent speed cameras and a dearth of open roads. But there is much to like as well, including the truly inspiring factory custom rally cars like the Mitsubishi Evolution X FQ-330...
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Opel Adds 'Sports Tourer' Body To Insignia OPC LineFollowing last month’s reveal of the 325hp (242kW) Opel Insignia OPC comes the wagon or ‘Sports Tourer’ version, which is set to go on sale in Opel and Vauxhall showrooms in the second half of the year. Like its sedan counterpart, the OPC Sports Tourer comes packing the same...
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Fiat not planning to close plants in Europe as result of Opel dealFiat and Magna are still working with the German government on the takeover of Opel from General Motors' European operations, but Fiat is already being forced to quell concerns that it might shut down European Fiat plants if it does acquire Opel. Today Italian Industry Minister Claudio Scajola made...
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Mosley compromises on two-tier system, Ferrari files court-action against FIAF1's insurgent teams will be back in deep conference early this week, as the battle over a budget-capped future continues. Following a meeting with Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone last Friday in London, the FOTA members have now resolved to sit down in Monaco on Tuesday, ahead of the...
Kenneth Hall -
We've all gotten the email telling us we've won eleventy million dollars and all they need is for us to submit our bank account details and 'socal (sic) security code'. But a new and enterprising... -
Bentley boosts environmental efforts by making cars 85% recyclableBentley may best be known for its hedonistic land yachts that can cost as much as a house, but lately the carmaker has become increasingly recognized for its environmental efforts. Bentley has already laid out a three-stage plan to reduce emissions of its fleet by 15%, launch new powertrains that...
Kenneth Hall -
Audi RS5 will use same 4.2L V8 as RS4, Cabrio model in the worksLate last month we brought you exclusive spy shots of a prototype for the new RS5, Audi’s upcoming M3 rival, and just like its rival from Munich the Audi super-coupe will be fitted with a naturally-aspirated and high-revving V8 engine. The engine will be the same 4.2L unit found under the...
Kenneth Hall -
New company aims to make supercar clubs affordableThe idea of pooling resources to get access to a wide range of the most exotic four-wheeled machinery available isn't new, though it is still rather exclusive. Groups like P1 International in the UK and The Supercar Club in Australia have built the genre over the past few years, while newcomers...
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Rare Porsche and other classics being auctioned at Brands HatchOnly a month ago we saw two of the rarest cars in the world being put up for auction - including a 1967 Ferrari 330 P4, as well as a 1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe that was expected to sell for between $10 million and $15 million. Potential buyers will now also be able to bid on a handful of other rare...
Kenneth Hall -
Porsche wins 'most recommended brand' title, Japan and Detroit dominate 'most recommended vehicles'Devoted Porsche owners have given the brand the top ranking in a survey designed to figure out which brand and model of car most new car buyers would recommend to other potential purchasers. The survey, which was given to around 25,000 people who had bought cars between September and December 2008...
Kenneth Hall -
Honda's FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle has grabbed lots of headlines, as has BMW's combustion-powered Hydrogen7 and Mazda's rotary RE line of vehicles, including the RX-8. But Toyota is working on a... -
Ford hopes to sell 5,000 to 10,000 Focus electric cars per yearElectric cars may be all the rage these days but making the technology cheap enough for mass-market will take some time. One of the leaders in this field is Ford, which is expected to have one of the first mass-produced all-electric cars on the market with its battery-powered Focus. Arriving in...
Kenneth Hall -
Car that chauffeured Hitler, Franco and Mussolini going up for auctionIt's not everyday that automotive history and geopolitical history converge, and even so it's rare that it's of such magnitude as the vehicle going up for auction by International Auction House (COYS). The 1939 Fiat Torpedo that was part of the fleet of the King of Italy during the early part of...
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FIA kills 'winner takes all' scoring system for 2010 - againNow you see it, now you don't. The controversial 'winner takes all' scoring system has now been erased from the 2010 sporting regulations. After the recent World Motor Sport Council meeting, the FIA published the rules for next year, and Article 6.1 of the sporting regulations said the drivers...
Kenneth Hall -
Mini celebrates 50 years of production at UK's Oxford plantTomorrow, May 8, 2009, marks 50 years to the day since the first Mini rolled off the production line at Plant Oxford, formerly known as Cowley. It's been a long and winding road for the British icon, but the Mini has made it through half a century of nearly continuous production despite passing...
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UK speed camera chief banned for speeding at over 100mphA special kind of justice was meted out in Britain on Wednesday, when Tom Riall, CEO of Serco - a speed camera supplier - was busted for driving more than 30mph (48km/h) above the speed limit. A court heard his case, fined him $450 and banned him from the road for six months. It might seem like a...
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Although most of the news of late tends to focus on GM and Chrysler, these Detroit-based carmakers are not the only companies trying to gain vital government support in order to stay propped up in... -
Opel planning electric city car based on Trixx conceptDespite its financial woes on the back of General Motors’ money troubles, Opel is still working on developing its own new models and technologies, including what could prove to be the European division’s first all-electric vehicle. While it’s long been anticipated that Opel would...
Kenneth Hall -
Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring safe from the axe through 2010As Chrysler pushes forward during its bankruptcy period and prepares for its new face and alliance with Fiat, many are wondering what will come along for the ride and what will be left behind. News today from within Chrysler reveals that the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger, as oft-maligned as...
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Audi Abandons Plans For R8 V12 TDIWhen Audi's R8 V12 TDI made its debut at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show, the world stood in awe of the sheer beauty of the idea: a fuel-efficient, torquey and potent diesel vehicle that could rival Lamborghinis and Ferraris in performance. But unfortunately new reports say the global industry downturn...
Kenneth Hall -
Saab open to Fiat takeoverThe last thing we heard about Saab was that the struggling General Motors division had up to 20 interested buyers and a May 20 deadline to restructure under the guidance of Swedish courts. Now it’s been revealed that Saab is open to talks with Fiat, which is currently eyeing a takeover of...
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Hybrid Nissan 370Z rumored to be in the worksThe Tesla Roadster proved that electricity and sport can mix well, but so far there's been little traction for hybrids in the performance space. Lexus, and soon Mercedes Benz, use the systems as power-adders for their larger sedans, but sports cars have been markedly devoid of hybrid assist. That...
Kenneth Hall