News

The Latest Automotive News from Around the World

• Toyota Kicks Off Leasing for Its New Fuel-Cell Hybrid
  The Japanese automaker said on Friday it will begin leasing its Toyota FCHV-adv to Japan's Ministry of the Environment on September 1.
• Chevy Volt Unmasked on Transformers 2 Set Is "Not Production Vehicle," but Close
  General Motors on Friday insists that the Chevrolet Volt shown in a new video from the set of Transformers 2 is not the real deal, but it could be the real body.
• Lutz Goes Begging As Obama Sets Timetable To End Addiction to Oil
  Barack Obama has a lot to say about cars as he accepts the Democratic nomination for president. At the same time, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz makes a plea for federal loans for Detroit automakers.
• Lexus Rolling Out AWD Versions of LS 460, LS 460 L
  The luxury sedan gets a set of all-wheel-drive variants.
• Volkswagen Moves Past Ford in Car Sales
  In another sign of the rise and fall of the Motor City, Volkswagen overtook Ford in the first half of the year as the world's third-largest carmaker in vehicle sales.
• Scott Pruett Released From Hospital After Crash at Brand-New Track
  The sports car racer recovers from a crash in practice at New Jersey's Thunderbolt Raceway, and his team will go to the backup car.
• Opel Unveils Ecoflex Versions of 2009 Corsa and Astra
  GM's European division is set to launch its first models in the environmentally friendly Ecoflex lineup.
• Edmunds Forecasts August Sales Decline
  Industry sees slight uptick since July, but still lagging the previous year; Detroit Three suffer more losses.
• New Audi TTS Spanks Competition on the Road, at the Gas Pump
  When Audi launches the high-performance TTS version of the TT coupe this fall, it brings V8-crushing performance and compact-car fuel economy.
• GM Recalls 2008 Buick Enclave and 2007-'08 GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook
  GM is recalling 88,809 2008 Buick Enclave and 2007-'08 GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook vehicles for a problem with the windshield wipers.
• 2008 Moscow Auto Show: Lada C-Cross Coming in 2012
  Midsize crossover would share components with Renault and be priced from less than $20,000.

• Phil Hill, American F1 Champion, Dies at 81
  Phil Hill, the first American to win the Formula 1 driving championship, has died at 81, and he'll be remembered for far more than his driving exploits.
• BMW Mulls Building More in U.S. With Latest 3 Series
  E90 3 Series production could be added to Spartanburg plant by 2011.
• Ford Unveils New 2010 Mustang Badge
  Ford says its new badge is a "faster-looking steed."
• Hummer Leads the Pack With Incentives
  Hummer has the highest average combined customer and dealer incentives per model at a whopping $5,400, according to a new study from Consumer Reports.
• Europe: Lotus Adds a Few More of Its Clark Type 25 Elise SC for Europe
  Lotus is building 25 more of these limited-edition Elise SCs for mainland Europe.
• 2008 Moscow Auto Show: Renault Stolitsa
  Locally assembled Logan and derivatives joined by Turkey-built Symbol and Korea-built Koleos.
• Australia: Holden Captiva SUV Gets Greater Fuel Efficiency
  Diesel-powered 2WD version claimed to be Australia's most fuel-efficient medium-size SUV.
• One Last Trip to the Beach: Fiat Portofino Show Van
  The Italian brand is set to premiere its beach buggy show van this weekend at the Caravan Salon.
• Hyundai Genesis Gets Five Stars from NHTSA in Crash Testing
  The Korean automaker's flagship sedan got top ratings in front and side-impact crash tests.
• Viper Loyalists React with Optimism to Uncertain Future for Dodge Supercar
  Fans of the 600-horsepower Viper are more concerned with what the supercar becomes, not who owns the name.
• 2008 Moscow Auto Show: Citroën's New C4
  French automaker proves it cares about Russia market by unveiling new hatchback and coupe at Moscow show.

• Chrysler Confirms It May Sell off Dodge Viper
  After eight months of relentless industry buzz about Chrysler's possible discontinuing of the Dodge Viper, the automaker on Wednesday confirms that it is exploring "strategic options" for the iconic car.
• 2010 Lincoln MKT Caught on the Roads of Death Valley
  Already announced for production, the upcoming 2010 Lincoln MKT is out testing in the heat of Death Valley, California.
• More Key Details Emerge About the Chevrolet Volt
  GM confirms its upcoming electric car will have iPod connectivity, USB audio ports and Bluetooth. But more tantalizing questions, such as the buzz about a September unveiling, remain fuzzy.
• Audi Motorsport Revs Up Race Version of R8 for the Common Man
  The German automaker says it's been "inundated with enquiries about a race version" of the R8 for customer use. It fires back with a GT3 version of the R8 that will be out next fall.
• 2008 Moscow Auto Show: Mazda Officially Unveils Kazamai Concept
  The wedge-shaped crossover was specifically developed for the growing Russian market and may hint at a future compact vehicle, such as the CX-5.
• MG Backpedals on Plans To Bring TF to U.S.
  Don't look for a triumphant return of the iconic British sports car to the States just yet. An executive tells Austin Rover Online that "the U.S.A. isn't on the short-term radar."
• Australia: Holden Barina Gets a New Look
  Small three- and five-door hatchback gets an update.
• Move Over, Nissan Cube: Daihatsu Introduces Move Conte Minicar in Japan
  Daihatsu says four passengers can comfortably ride in this kei car that has a wheelbase shorter than a Fiat 500's.
• 2008 SEMA Show Preview: Hurst/Hemi Challenger Set for Debut
  Production of this limited-edition Dodge Challenger is set for 2009. As you might expect, it comes with the mandatory "pistol grip" Hurst shifter.
• Tuner Special: Project Kahn Lotus Elise
  Lotus joins forces with the tuning house of A. Kahn to create an even sportier Elise.
• My Own Worst Enemy: Christian Slater, Chevy Camaro Star in New TV Show
  Chevy Camaro and Traverse star alongside Christian Slater in new NBC series.
• Police Fleet Managers in U.K. Get an Eyeful from Lexus Lineup
  Conference of cop-car buyers ogles a lineup of Lexus hybrid and gasoline vehicles in full police livery.