Ralph Hanson, Author
Articles
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Soaring demand for compact and fuel-efficient vehicles in the U.S. has seen sales of the diminutive Smart ForTwo outstrip expectations, causing its distributor, Penske Automotive Group, to increase... -
Audi boosts output of entry-level A5 in EuropeAudi has updated its entry-level A5 model, adding more power while reducing fuel-consumption and emissions. The base A5 in Europe will now be available with a 178hp (132kW) 2.0L TFSI engine instead of the former 1.8L TFSI, and its average carbon-dioxide emissions have been reduced by as much as 9%...
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BMW reveals 2009 model year updates for M rangeBMW will be introducing a host of updates for its M range of cars for the 2009 model year, with a number of styling and mechanical changes, plus increased equipment found on the latest M3, M5 and M6 models. Major changes include the introduction of BMW’s new iDrive system throughout the range...
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Chevrolet to replace Aveo with new compact car based on Groove or Trax conceptGeneral Motors has confirmed that the Chevrolet Aveo will be replaced in the U.S. by 2011 with a new compact car based on either the Groove or Trax concepts from last year’s New York Auto Show. The production version of the third concept, the Beat, will be sold solely as a global model and is...
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Chrysler reports $515 million first quarter lossFollowing yesterday's announcement from Ford that it had lost a staggering $8.7 billion in the second-quarter of the year comes news that Chrysler lost a much less substantial $515 million in the first-quarter. The latest result represents the financials for both Chrysler and its finance arm, and...
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Mercedes to cut production at Alabama SUV facilityFor the first time since Mercedes-Benz began building cars in Alabama, production numbers will be reduced because of shrinking demand for the large SUVs the Tuscaloosa site is responsible for. The plant's 3,869 employees produce the GL-Class and ML-Class SUV's, as well as the R-Class crossover. The...
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Prototypes of a new X6 model with a unique front bumper, featuring the aggressive styling of BMW’s M cars, were spotted testing at the Nurburging recently. Initially, these prototypes were... -
Ford lineup to be completely upgraded by 2010, six European models confirmed for U.S.Coinciding with news of an $8.7 billion second quarter loss, Ford also announced today its latest North American restructuring plans and future product developments for the Ford, Mercury and Lincoln brands. The biggest impact is the considerable shift in Ford’s North American product plans...
Ralph Hanson -
Ford reports $8.7 billion Q2 net lossFord has reported an $8.7 billion net loss for the second quarter of the year, with declining sales of large pickups and SUVs and a pre-tax special charge of $8 billion largely to blame for the poor result. The special one-off charge included impairments of $5.3 billion for Ford North...
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GM testing Saturn Vue plug-in hybridsWhile all eyes may be turned towards Chevrolet's upcoming Volt plug-in hybrid, other brands under the General Motors umbrella are also set to offer plug-in hybrids to help improve the carmaker’s fleet average fuel economy levels and become more competitive in a world of record high fuel...
Ralph Hanson -
Update: 2010 Ford Mustang set for Los Angeles Auto Show debutUpdated: A source from Ford has confirmed that the 2010 Mustang will debut at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, with full information and details for the update scheduled to be revealed for the first time on November 19. A prototype version of the car recently made an appearance at the...
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FortuneSport confirms production plans for new RT.SNiche sports car manufacturer and motorsports company FortuneSport, based in Atlanta, Georgia, has confirmed plans to launch its first production sports car with the unveiling of this new teaser. The new car is called the RT.S and it’s expected to go on sale by late 2010 or early 2011 with a...
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We’re used to seeing plenty of modified BMWs from the German tuners, but rarely do we see a Japanese customizer give the Teutonic saloons and coupes the aftermarket treatment. Wald... -
Saleen introduces new SuperShaker induction systemSaleen's Aftermarket Division, SpeedLab, announced today the introduction of a new technology for its forced induction models dubbed the SuperShaker. The new performance modification continues the tradition of the classic shaker hood but is designed to increase the efficiency of supercharged...
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Subaru prepping 375HP Impreza WRX STI conceptSubaru will display three new special edition Impreza WRX vehicles at this week’s London Motor Show, including a brand new concept version dubbed the WRX STI 380S. The car’s name refers to its 380 metric horsepower rating, which translates to a final output of 375hp (280kW), and...
Ralph Hanson -
Obama endorses $4 billion aid package for Detroit 3While President George W. Bush has admitted his distaste for any bailout schemes for the Detroit 3, Senator Barack Obama has proclaimed support for a $4 billion aid package to the American auto industry, which would see research and development into fuel efficient vehicles boosted. The aid package...
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New Fiat platform could be used for bigger Mini modelBMW and Fiat confirmed earlier this month that both companies were investigating the possibility of co-operation in the areas of components and architectures for their respective Mini and Alfa Romeo vehicles, as well as the sharing of dealerships and service centers in North America. BMW is...
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Jaguar plans return to profitability with new high-end modelsSince announcing the completion of the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata, managers have been talking about pushing the brands upmarket so they can make more profit per vehicle rather than selling them in larger quantities. Such a move is important because Jaguar’s yearly sales sit at...
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Volkswagen has released its own maritime-inspired vehicle based on its Touareg SUV and called the North Sails Concept. The new design study comes only months after Audi launched the similarly-themed ... -
Eaton to supply supercharger for new Audi TFSIAmerican OEM firm Eaton Corporation has announced that its Twin Vortices Series (TVS) supercharger has been chosen by Audi for its new 3.0 liter TFSI V6 engine. The new engine will go into production later this year and will be used for a range of Audi models including the new S4 and possibly even...
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Spy Shots: Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec CUpdated with new images. We first heard about the latest edition Spec C back in April when reports emerged claiming Subaru was working on building a lighter and more hardcore version of the new Impreza WRX STI. Prototypes of the new car have since been spotted testing at the Nurburgring, identified...
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Mexico's Mastretta MXT to debut at London Motor ShowMexican sports car manufacturer Mastretta will debut its MXT sports car at next week’s London Motor Show before the car first goes on sale next May with an expected price tag of £32,999 (approximately $66,010). The lightweight two-seater weighs just 900kg and is capable of reaching...
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Production Buick Invicta, Next-Gen Cadillac SRX And New Chevrolet Cruze Coming By 2010General Motors Company's [NYSE:GM] latest press conference effectively revealed the company's entire strategy for combating the current fuel crisis. Rick Wagoner and Bob Lutz, both key representatives in product development at GM, have revealed that the automaker will be becoming more and more...
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London Motor Show debut for Nice Ze-O all-electric MPVThe Nice (No Internal Combustion Engine) electric car company is a British manufacturer of full electric zero-emission vans, hatchbacks and scooters, and is set to unveil a new sports car concept at next week’s London Motor Show. The company has also announced that it will also showcase a new...
Ralph Hanson