Automotive News (Page 1093)

Automotive News

This section of Torque News provides the latest auto news and updates from the car manufacturers. Every day number of news stories and editorials are published here that give our readers an overview of what is happening in the automotive industry. Read this section daily to find out about new cars, vehicle reviews and car pictures. Torque News is an automotive news website by Hareyan Publishing, LLC, dedicated to covering the latest news, reviews and opinions about the car industry.

Dodge Viper ACR destroys production Nürburgring record with a 7:12

By Patrick Rall on September 14, 2011 - 11:04PM

The Dodge Viper has been out of production for over a year but after watching the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the Porsche 911 GT2 and the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition bump the Viper from the top spot, Chrysler’s SRT division headed back out to the famous German race course with stunning results as the 2010 Dodge Viper ACR ran a lap of just 7:12.13 – easily putting the Viper back atop the list of the fastest production vehicles around “the ‘Ring”.

Drunken driver walks away and out of jail after freak crashes

By Hawke Fracassa on September 14, 2011 - 9:55PM

A drunken Canadian driver of a Mazda6 survived even though he crashed into six other vehicles as he crossed several lanes of traffic in the city of Winnipeg on Tuesday. When his car came to a stop, police in Winnipeg arrested him, and later released him. Two people were hurt. All seven drivers survived the mayhem.

2012 Scion xD gets a price increase but Bluetooth, HD Radio now standard

By Keith Griffin on September 14, 2011 - 9:25PM

Toyota USA has announced a price increase for the 2012 Scion xD that arrives in dealers in October but you have to really dig deep into the press release to find the news.

GM Engineer Uses Head Phone Technology to Up Fuel Economy in 2011 Chevy Equinox

By Kate McLeod on September 14, 2011 - 9:19PM

The name of the game these days in engine refinement is better fuel economy. General Motors engineer, Jim Vallance and his colleagues took a page from stereo headphone technology to achieve a higher fuel economy on the 2011 Chevy Equinox.

Mazda thrives as sales of one car zoom 196% entering 2012

By Hawke Fracassa on September 14, 2011 - 8:50PM

Gasping economies in the United States and Mexico aren't afflicting Mazda, which for now has the world by the tail as it gears up for an even more prosperous 2012. This is because its 2011 sales figures are through the roof in both countries and continue to accelerate. One car's sales jumped almost 200% last month.

Alfa Romeo Announces in Frankfurt More Delays In Its Return to the U.S.

By Kate McLeod on September 14, 2011 - 7:33PM

Alfa Romeo, after leaving the U.S. market in 1995, is delaying its return again. Alfa had announced plans to bring a two-seater, based on its 4C Concept car, to the U.S. in 2012. The vehicle would come to the U.S. as part of Fiat-Chrysler. It now says the vehicle will come to the U.S. in 2013.

Wrightspeed launches Geared Traction Drive: a breakthrough in Electric Drive

By Don Bain on September 14, 2011 - 5:42PM

Wrightspeed has revealed its Geared Traction Drive (GTD), consisting of an integrated inverter, electric motor, and two-speed transmission. Just 12 months after first round funding, the company has accomplished what the leaders in the automotive industry have not.

1969 Chevy Camaro, voted Best Chevy of all Time

1969 Camaro edges out 1970 Chevelle SS for Best Chevy of All Time

By Frank Sherosky on September 14, 2011 - 5:32PM

As part of Chevrolet's Centennial celebration, fans were asked to vote for their favorite vehicle from Chevrolet’s 100-year history, of which the 1969 Camaro won.

Toyota teams with universities for research on safety issues

By KC Kelly on September 14, 2011 - 5:01PM

Toyota Motor Corp. is teaming up with several United States Universities in order to conduct research projects on safety issues facing the auto industry. The collaboration between Toyota and universities will signify a great modification in the way Toyota conducts research.

Obama pushes 'made in America' agenda to students in Raleigh

By Hawke Fracassa on September 14, 2011 - 4:36PM

President Obama spoke to students at North Carolina State University in Raleigh today to promote the new American Jobs Act, which he says will alleviate chronic unemployment for auto workers, teachers and others. He also pressed forward the idea that Americans must be known again for the quality of their manufacturing skills.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic undergoes crash test at Milford

2012 Chevy Sonic awarded Top Safety Pick by IIHS

By Frank Sherosky on September 14, 2011 - 4:34PM

The IIHS tests vehicles to determine how well they protect occupants in front and side crash tests, in rollovers via a roof strength test, and in simulated rear impacts to evaluate seat and head restraints for protection against neck injuries; and the 2012 Chevy Sonic scored well enough to deserve Top Safety Pick.

Land Rover Defender DC100 concept at Frankfurt

Land Rover Defender concepts reveal revolutionary new technology at Frankfurt Auto Show

By Don Bain on September 14, 2011 - 3:55PM

Land Rover’s Defender concept cars have radical new capabilities that would have saved some American drivers from being stalled by the recent torrential rains about the country – sonar sensors that can determine if water is too deep to pass through!

Rolls-Royce adding EVs to fleet despite great sales, expansion

By KC Kelly on September 14, 2011 - 3:01PM

The ultra-luxury Rolls-Royce brand is talking about bringing to the market an all new hybrid, or soley battery powered vehicle. Although consumers have not been asking for electric vehicles from Rolls-Royce, the brand believes EVs will keep the brand competitive in the market today.

The Toyota FT-86ii Concept shows up at Frankfurt with little change

By Patrick Rall on September 14, 2011 - 1:59PM

Earlier this month, Toyota offered a teaser video of their FT-86ii sports car ending with a mention of this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show leading many to believe that we would see something new on the Toyota version of the joint venture with Subaru but as the show has come, what we have is the same FT-86ii that we have seen at past auto shows – except it’s orange.

Hyundai markets to loyal fans ahead of college football

By KC Kelly on September 14, 2011 - 1:44PM

It's now college football season and Hyundai is planning on capitalizing on the millions of fans across the United States who will be glued to the television watching the popular sport.

Shortage of Used Vehicles Traces Back to the Collapse of Lehman Brothers

By Kate McLeod on September 14, 2011 - 1:41PM

Beginning this week, there will be a major shortage of late model used cars according to a report in Automotive News (subscription only). The cause of the shortage is rooted in the economic crash that occurred with the collapse of Lehman Brothers three years ago. Sales of new cars, an important economic factor, were effected by the collapse of the investment house.

Mercedes-Benz introducing compact B-Class to attract younger drivers

By KC Kelly on September 14, 2011 - 1:20PM

Mercedes-Benz is moving towards a future of manufacturing some smaller, compact cars in Germany and bringing them to the United States. This will be the first time the luxury car maker has thought small – in size of car that is – not in quality or luxury.

Toyota's interactive online Camry Effect unites Camry owners

By KC Kelly on September 14, 2011 - 1:19PM

The Toyota Camry Effect, brought to light by Toyota, is a brand new initiative to give Toyota Camry drivers in the United States an innovative and interactive online experience. The Camry Effect is a way that approximately seven million Camry drivers in the United States can share their best memories.

Ferrari 458 Spider at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

The Beautiful Hostesses of the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

By Armen Hareyan on September 14, 2011 - 1:05PM

Auto shows are not only about cars, but also about the beautiful hostesses and models that present them during the show. France Soir has complied a very interesting slideshow of the most beautiful hostesses of the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Saab to face first bankruptcy hearing on September 26th

By Patrick Rall on September 14, 2011 - 12:55PM

After being denied protection by the Swedish government, Saab and parent company Swedish Automobile are open to bankruptcy claims with the first such court hearing scheduled for September 26th, 2011 – the day that could very well see the struggling automaker officially forced into bankruptcy.

The Chrysler 200 makes its Lancia Flavia debut in Frankfurt

By Patrick Rall on September 14, 2011 - 11:33AM

The newest joint venture between the American Chrysler Group and Fiat was introduced at this week’s 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show as the Chrysler 200 Convertible turned Lancia Flavia Cabriolet was introduced in production form as expected – although the sedan version of the 200 will not be making the trip across the pond as a Lancia model.

UAW posts strike pay policy for Chicago Explorer, Taurus plant workers

By Patrick Rall on September 14, 2011 - 11:07AM

The end of the current Ford-UAW contract expires at 11:59pm tonight and although there has been no official word of a coming strike, the UAW Local in charge of the Chicago Assembly Plant where the Ford Explorer, Taurus and Lincoln MKS are built has posted the strike-time pay policies on their website – showing that a strike could be nearing as Ford’s labor contract expires.

Mercedes CEO at Frankfurt Auto Show 2011

New Infiniti to be built on Mercedes-Benz Architecture on 2014

By Armen Hareyan on September 14, 2011 - 9:37AM

Infiniti is getting a second breath as Daimler and Nissan will cooperate to build a new model by 2014, it was announced at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show by Renault-Nissan CEO.

GM Chevy Volt propulsion technology at 2011 NAIAS

GM needs more IC engine tech than BMW rumor has to offer for Volt propulsion

By Frank Sherosky on September 14, 2011 - 9:28AM

Despite an unconfirmed rumor set off by Der Spiegel Online that General Motors and the German automaker BMW are seeking some sort of cooperative arrangement with IC engine and electric propulsion, probability seems high, logical on the surface, but less of a win-win, at least for GM.

Volvo, Mercedes-Benz Fully Present at Comtrans Auto Show in Moscow

By Don Bain on September 14, 2011 - 12:39AM

While the attention of the car industry is on the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show a special auto show, called Comtrans, kicked off in Russian capital Moscow yesterday displaying commercial vehicles. Major truck and commercial vehicle makers of the worlds are at COMTRANS displaying their entire lines and here is why it makes perfect sense.

Surprises contained in KBB's Top 10 Chevys of All Time

By Don Bain on September 13, 2011 - 8:55PM

Chevrolet is celebrating their 100th Anniversary, so kbb.com looked back through time to select the most significant design and product advancements during the long history of THE most successful segment of General Motors.

Toyota ramps up production big time on 2012 cars and trucks

By Hawke Fracassa on September 13, 2011 - 6:49PM

Toyota’s production of 2012 cars and trucks for sale in the United States and Canada is at 100% and recovery from the March 11 quake in Japan has exceeded expectations, an executive for the Japanese car company told reporters in Los Angeles today.

Mercedes-Benz premieres at Frankfurt Auto Show with F125 research concept car

By Don Bain on September 13, 2011 - 6:31PM

Mercedes-Benz, marking their 125 years of automotive history, will offer several world and European debuts a the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show today, notably including the F125 research concept car, which takes a visionary look at future technical developments in the luxury market.

Production of the Fisker Sunset Convertible confirmed in Frankfurt

By Patrick Rall on September 13, 2011 - 4:27PM

Many expected that the new Fisker Surf shooting brake would be the big Frankfurt Motor Show news from the US-based automaker but we have also learned that when the Surf hits the streets in 2013, it will be joined by the Fisker Sunset – a convertible based on the architecture of the Fisker Karma sedan currently amidst production.

LeaseTrader.com says parents favor one-year leases for high school seniors

By Frank Sherosky on September 13, 2011 - 4:06PM

Imagine no down payment and extreme short-term fuel surge for parents of high school seniors in their final year before they go off to college.

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