Ralph Hanson, Author
Articles
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In a bulletin sent out to dealers today, Nissan has explained a number of changes to be made to the GT-R gearbox management software that will go into immediate effect for all future models sold in... -
Ford Fusion Hybrid qualifies for maximum tax credit of $3,400Tax credits designed to give buyers incentives to buy more efficient cars are anything but new - the Toyota Prius has benefited from similar schemes for several years. Now Ford's Fusion Hybrid, as well as the Mercury Milan Hybrid, qualify for the maximum tax credit as well, giving buyers a $3,400...
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Hennessey debuts 705hp ZR700 CorvetteAmerica's most powerful native supercar, the Corvette ZR1, has reigned for just a few months, and already the tuners are having at it, cranking up power to even more absurd levels. Hennessey's latest creation, dubbed the ZR700 for its 755hp (526kW) output, is a prime example. Blowing through the...
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Wiesmann adds special edition GT MF4-S to lineupNiche German sports carmaker, Wiesmann, recently celebrated its 20th birthday and to mark the anniversary the Dülmen-based manufacturer will be releasing a string of special '20th Anniversary Editions' models over the course of the year. The first of these special editions has just been revealed...
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Tesla announces Model S Concept, explains price hikes in town hall meetingThe burgeoning electric car field was just hitting its stride when the bottom fell out of the market last year, and the tough position that has left carmakers like Tesla in has forced some changes to be made. But that's not stopping the company from moving ahead with its product development plans...
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Automakers, legislators to meet concerning EPA emissions waiversPresident Barack Obama this week kept a campaign promise that could potentially allow California and other states to set their own fuel economy and vehicle emissions standards by signing a memorandum to the Environmental Protection Agency requiring it to reconsider California's application for a...
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The recently announced alliance to be forged with Fiat notwithstanding, Chrysler's current position in the market is regarded as precarious by buyers and analysts alike. Vice Chairman Jim Press is... -
Michigan International Speedway looking to start vehicle connectivity trialsVehicle-to-vehicle communication is the next big wave in active vehicle safety but the technology is still in its infancy and will require substantial cooperation between carmakers and governments to get off the ground. Several carmakers have taken the initiative to develop the technology already...
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Toyota to build more cars in North America than ChryslerToyota's North American car output will surpass Chrysler's for the first time during the first quarter of 2009. The two companies' downward trajectories will soon cross, leaving Toyota as the third largest domestic producer behind Ford and General Motors. Both Chrysler and Toyota are sharply...
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Ford confirms it won't need any loan moneyAs the economy and the car industry transform to lighter, more compact versions of their previous selves, the primary agent of change is cash. Ford CEO Alan Mulally took an opportunity this weekend to re-affirm his company's ability to stand on its own, without government-backed loans, however...
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Report: Fiat and Chrysler alliance will see seven new models sold in U.S.The proposed alliance between Chrysler and Fiat Group will reportedly see seven new vehicles introduced to the U.S. market, with most of the cars expected to be produced at idle Chrysler plants across North America. According to sources that have seen the product-sharing agreement, several of the...
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Porsche Readying Stripped-Out Cayman 'Clubsport'Porsche engineers were recently spotted testing a high-performance version of the Cayman at Germany’s Nurburging circuit, which is expected to be a new ‘Clubsport’ or ‘RS’ model. The car will be a stripped-out racer designed for track use and is expected to make its...
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The $17.4 billion bridge loan package signed into action by President Bush late in December has begun disbursement, with General Motors receiving $4 billion earlier this month and now the second... -
Tesla raises prices on all-electric RoadsterTesla has delivered 150 all-electric Roadsters to its first lucky customers and still has another 400 or so eagerly awaiting their chance to hop behind the wheel of the ground-breaking sports cars. Unfortunately for those waiting individuals, Tesla has decided to increase the price of its Roadster...
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Toyota confirms iQ under consideration for U.S.Toyota’s new iQ minicar is set to go on sale in Japan and most parts of Europe very soon, but there are now indications from one of the carmaker’s top officials that the diminutive hatch could make its way to the United States. There has been plenty of speculation that the iQ could be...
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Ford launching dual-clutch transmission in U.S. in 2010In the never-ending pursuit of efficiency, performance and smooth power delivery, the next step forward for many carmakers is the adoption of the dual-clutch transmission. Once the province of high-end performance cars, dual-clutch units have been finding their way into everyday vehicles from...
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Mazda-Ford relationship strained, weakeningThe tight and mutually beneficial relationship between Ford and Mazda has been an exemplar of symbiosis in the auto industry, but now that Ford has sold off its controlling interest in Mazda, that cooperation may be difficult or impossible due to legal roadblocks. Already the two companies are...
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September U.S. launch for Mark VI Volkswagen Rabbit and GTIVolkswagen will bring its sixth-generation Golf and the more performance oriented GTI to the United States by September, with production scheduled to begin for the American-spec cars during the tail end of June. The new Golf will once again be badged as the Rabbit and is expected to be slightly...
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One very passionate Camaro enthusiast at this year’s Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, has bid $350,000 for the rights to come away with the keys to the first retail... -
Saleen reveals SMS 570 Dodge ChallengerAmerican performance carmaker Saleen and its new SMS supercar offshoot has finally revealed its first official product, the Signature Series performance line based on the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T. The lineup will consist of two new vehicles, the SMS 570 and SMS 570X Challengers, both fully...
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Alfa Romeo Mi.To RIAR limited editionThe Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo (RIAR) is a 1,000-member-strong organization of Alfa Romeo fans and collectors. Celebrating its 46th anniversary this year, the RIAR has released a special-edition Alfa Romeo Mi.To hatchback. Styled in a monotone gunmetal grey that lends an air of stealth to the...
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Corvette ZR1 rolling chassis pulled from GM Heritage Collection auctionThe rolling Corvette ZR1 chassis that was originally scheduled to be sold at this year's Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction has reportedly been pulled from the auction without any reason given. One possibility is that the chassis may have already been sold or donated by General Motors. The...
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Ford and Navistar end 30 year dealFord and engine supplier Navistar International have finally ended a dispute over the supply contract for a diesel engine that has been ongoing for several years. The two companies have reached a settlement that brings the legal fight to an end and effectively dissolves a partnership that has...
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2009 Detroit Auto Show winners and losersIn the midst of one of the toughest years the car industry has had to face and government loan programs getting underway, the 2009 Detroit Auto Show was set to be a touchy dance with public sentiment. In the end the expectations proved true, and the restrained and carefully orchestrated displays...
Ralph Hanson