Automotive News (Page 1108)

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.

The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 sets a new best at the Ring

By Patrick Rall on June 24, 2011 - 6:05PM

It’s been a great month for the Chevrolet Corvette, with the mighty ZR1 setting a new American production car record at Germany’s Nürburgring early this month and now the 2012 Corvette Z06 has set a new personal best of 7:22.68 around the world’s most well-known road course.

Celebrating Jeep's 70 Years at the Chrysler Museum

By Don Bain on June 24, 2011 - 5:46PM

This weeklong celebration coincides with the Jeep Brand’s July 15 anniversary observance, the date the U.S. Army signed a contract with Willys-Overland to become the lead producer of the military reconnaissance vehicle. Free admission, a program for Jeep enthusiasts and a specially-themed cruise night are all highlights of 70 Years of Jeep Week at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum, sponsored by the Dana Holding Corporation , July 12 – 17.

The final Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 is sold

By Patrick Rall on June 24, 2011 - 5:31PM

According to the folks at Bugatti, the final Veyron EB 16.4 has been sold to a customer in Europe and while the Grand Sport model remains available, all 300 of the Veyron EB 16.4 hardtops have been sold.

Monaco’s imminent nuptials get Lexus LS 600h Laundaulet

By Don Bain on June 24, 2011 - 4:07PM

When His Serene Highness Prince Albert II weds his fiancé, Ms. Charlene Wittstock, at the Palace on the Rocher July 2, they will then tour the principality in a custom hybrid Lexus with a space-age, see-through polycarbonate roof. The full hybrid vehicle will be able to drive nearly every inch of he tour in full electric mode, underscoring the Lexus commitment to environmental stewardship.

No Money, Big Problems. SAAB bankruptcy drama simplified

By Roman Rosa on June 24, 2011 - 2:32PM

Poor Saab, they just can't catch a break. Yesterday they began to get pushed towards bankruptcy, not from outside pressures, but from within. Two Saab worker's unions said that they will start a legal process that would surely induce the Swedish automaker to file for bankruptcy.

UAW votes to strike at GM Orion Plant

By Patrick Rall on June 24, 2011 - 1:54PM

UAW Local 5960 voted Wednesday in favor of a strike by workers employed by LINC Logistics, a company that provides third-party labor for General Motors at their Orion Production Facility in Michigan.

Fiat 500 the Coolest Car for under $18,000 according to Kelley Blue Book

By Gordon Block on June 24, 2011 - 1:13PM

The Fiat 500 tops the list of ten cars that kbb.com has chosen as the Coolest Cars for under $18,000.

Ram HD trucks get a new 6-speed transmission in 2012

By Patrick Rall on June 24, 2011 - 12:59PM

Chrysler has announced that when the 2012 Ram HD trucks hit the market later this year, they will feature a new optional 6-speed automatic transmission for models with the Cummins Turbo Diesel for those who don’t care for the standard 6-speed manual transmission.

'Operation Repo,' 'Lizard Lick Towing' drive reality TV

By Hawke Fracassa on June 24, 2011 - 11:41AM

There are some great half-hour reality shows on cable that show us what it's like to lose our cars. And it ain't pretty. Two that are must-watch TV are "Operation Repo" and "Lizard Lick Towing" on truTV.

More aluminum making its way into cars annually

By Don Bain on June 24, 2011 - 2:42AM

Part of the U.S. auto industry’s rebound from the global recession is based on the greater use of aluminum in American built vehicles and as federally-mandated fuel efficiency requirements kick in the amount of the light weight metal used can only increase. Automotive manufacturing rose by 38 percent during 2010 and continues to grow at a rate of 11 percent over last year during 2011.

Volkswagen Sets Seven-Year Sales Record for May

By Richard Gray on June 24, 2011 - 1:13AM

Volkswagen sales in May totaled more than 30,100 vehicles, producing the strongest sales month for the manufacturer in more than seven years, according to figures released by the company.

39 million drivers on highways this Independence Day

By Don Bain on June 23, 2011 - 8:12PM

That estimate might be under the actual number, however, due to the lull in gas prices and the Presidential announcement of the release of national reserves to hold prices down. AAA’s projection of 39 million drivers venturing at least 50 miles from home is down 2.5 percent from 2010. The holiday weekend projections covers Thursday, June 30 to Monday, July 4.

Detroit 2.011 Autobeat Insider Conference addresses auto industry's new best practices

By Frank Sherosky on June 23, 2011 - 7:28PM

The past three years have transformed the global auto industry in ways that insiders know have redefined the “rules” for auto industry success. Today’s inaugural Autobeat Insider Conference, Detroit 2.011 at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, Michigan, focused on emerging best practices.

Is Sally trading her Mustang for a scooter?

By Don Bain on June 23, 2011 - 7:01PM

Despite the current lull in gas prices and the government’s recently announced actions to keep prices low and stimulate the economy, the Motorcycle Industry Council has announced sales of motor scooters jumped 49.6 percent during the first three months of 2011. Inside info from Allstate Insurance suggests female buyers may be leading this trend. Almost three times more women requested quotes for scooter insurance in 2010 versus men.

Summer's high time to guard against vehicle theft

By Don Bain on June 23, 2011 - 6:07PM

Summer is prime time for vehicle theft, with July and August ranking as the months with the most auto theft incidents of the year. July 4th has the dubious distinction of ranking #3, according to the latest FBI data, of holidays with the highest reports of auto theft. Theft protection authorities caution consumers to not grow complacent about the security of their vehicles by not using common sense to protect themselves from becoming victims of this insidious crime.

Spy Video: Busted! Husqvarna 900 found on streets of Italy

By Roman Rosa on June 23, 2011 - 3:51PM

This video was shot by an enthusiast in the streets of Italy of the new Husqvarna 900 street prototype. This bike is more important than itself. It truly represents the direction BMW wants to take with the brand as a whole.

Winnebago looks from within to name top boss

By Hawke Fracassa on June 23, 2011 - 9:33AM

A longtime engineer and manager has been named chief executive officer of Winnebago Industries, the Forest City, Iowa, company that manufactures recreational vehicles. The new boss: Randy Potts, president of the company since January. He retains that title also.

Tony Hawk's Ford Mustang Goes on Auction to Benefit Youth

By Richard Gray on June 23, 2011 - 1:04AM

The "hawkized" Ford Mustang commissioned by skateboarding megastar Tony Hawk is on an auction block for the second time in seven months, and both auction sales benefit charities.

TrueCar.com reports roadsters reaping summer discounts right now

By Don Bain on June 22, 2011 - 7:06PM

Summer is at its wondrous glory and nothing compares to a drive in the open air in a fine convertible automobile – at least for some. Right now several manufacturers have their hard or soft-top “decapotables” going for a discounted price, in some cases up to 11 percent. If you apply that to a BMW 3 series roadster, that can add up to nearly $5,000, but deals are also to be found on less expensive, higher mileage models.

AAA preparing to recharge stranded EVs this year

By Don Bain on June 22, 2011 - 5:55PM

The American Automobile Association (AAA), the premiere U.S. motorist group, is in the process of obtaining recharging trucks in major markets in preparation for the inevitable need for mobile electric vehicle recharging as the Nissan Leaf and coming Ford Focus Electric become more common in our cities.

Cargo room is king on 2012 Toyota Prius v

By Hawke Fracassa on June 22, 2011 - 4:59PM

Toyota has a lot riding on its old standby, the Prius. But it's hardly a risk. The best-selling hybrid car in the world might be 14 years old, but as the Prius name gets older, the 2.1 million-plus people who keep buying it are saying with their wallets that it's getting better. And for 2012 there's a new choice: Three versions, so far, of the Prius v, which is big on cargo space and stingy on fuel consumption.

Reaction to Fed end of QE2 by bond market will surely affect auto industry

By Frank Sherosky on June 22, 2011 - 3:48PM

If you want to know what will affect the auto industry next, look no further than the response of the bond market to the Fed Chairman, Ben Bernanke's post meeting news conference.

Fisker begins hiring for Delaware production facility

By Patrick Rall on June 22, 2011 - 3:08PM

Fisker Automotive plans to begin a comprehensive job creation program focusing on their new Delaware production facility as they prepare for their second production vehicle with this first round of hiring bringing roughly 120 new jobs to the Delaware area.

GM parts supplier, UAW vote for strike authorization at Chevrolet Sonic plant

By Gordon Block on June 22, 2011 - 2:42PM

The UAW parts supplier LINC Logistics Co. is fighting for a wage increase at GM's Orion plant in Detroit, where production of the Chevrolet Sonic subcompact will commence in August.

Funny Video: Drag racer loses something important at 200mph

By Roman Rosa on June 22, 2011 - 2:39PM

When you go racing, you need everything to be perfect. You need to have the proper amount fuel, the correct number of wheels and even a device to steer whatever contraption you're attempting to race. In fact, many race teams take untold hours to make sure no bolt is left un-torqued and no tire is left uninflated.

Ford expanding intelligent vehicles with Driver Safe technologies

By Frank Sherosky on June 22, 2011 - 2:23PM

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is rapidly expanding its use of SYNC® technology in a commitment toward intelligent vehicles that can wirelessly talk to each other.

Ford, Tesla honored at the 2011 American Business Awards

By Patrick Rall on June 22, 2011 - 12:52PM

Monday night, the 2011 American Business Awards were handed out at a gala event at New York’s Marriott Marquis Hotel with Ford Motor Company and electric car company Tesla taking home awards in a variety of categories.

Ford Ranger production to end on December 22, 2011

By Patrick Rall on June 22, 2011 - 12:09PM

Ford Ranger enthusiasts and workers at the Ford Twin Cities Assembly Plant got some bad news via a UAW letter as it has been announced that production of the Ford Ranger will come to an end on December 22, 2011 – ending the 28 year run of the popular compact pickup.

Buick LaCrosse to get higher-horsepower V6 for 2012

By Gordon Block on June 22, 2011 - 11:57AM

The Buick LaCrosse midsize luxury sedan will get a revised 303hp direct-injected V6 for the 2012 model year, with no fuel mileage penalty.

Ford and Maritz Research studies concur - fuel economy is key to new vehicle purchases decisions

By Frank Sherosky on June 22, 2011 - 11:49AM

If the industry truly believes the Ford and Maritz Research studies that fuel economy is truly key to vehicle purchase decisions, then why does the auto industry still dole out its engine technologies in measure, especially with the 2016 government mandates hanging over their heads?

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