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Automotive News (Page 1111)

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.

Ford’s 2012 Focus Electric to have one cool battery
By Don Bain on June 14, 2011 - 5:39PM
When Ford’s new Electric 2012 Focus hits the streets later this year, it will have one cool battery thanks to a liquid temperature control system that will maintain the optimal thermal range for both charging or powering the motor, whatever the weather. The Electric Focus is the first all-electric, gasoline-free vehicle in the brand’s line, with four more models yet to be released during the next year and a half.
Chevrolet Camaro computer may just be the best Father's Day gift ever
By Gordon Block on June 14, 2011 - 4:11PM
This computer, shaped and styled to look like a new Chevrolet Camaro, would make your car-loving father or grandfather the envy of the neighborhood as it can serve as a very unique Father's Day gift idea for a car loving father.
BMW 1- and 3-Series 2-door coupe and vert to become 2- and 4-Series
By Patrick Rall on June 14, 2011 - 3:31PM
Just last week we reported that BMW had filed for the trademarks to “BMW M2” and “M2” and now we have a clearer idea of what those could be as several sources suggest that what we know now as the BMW 1-Series and 3-Series Coupe and Convertible will be known next year as the new BMW 2-Series and 4-Series.
Congressmen drive hard to extend autogas spiffs
By Hawke Fracassa on June 14, 2011 - 3:01PM
ROUSH CleanTech, the suburban Detroit company in the forefront of the American autogas movement, is lauding Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL) and Congressman Dan Boren (D-OK) for their support of the Propane Green Autogas Solutions Act of 2011, which will put a significant number of clean-burning propane autogas vehicles on American roads by extending tax credits.
Cyclone Power Technologies (Pink Sheets: CYPW) expands patent protection
By Frank Sherosky on June 14, 2011 - 2:10PM
Cyclone Power Technologies (Pink Sheets: CYPW), developer of the all-fuel, clean-tech Cyclone Engine, announced today that it is seeking international patent protection for its scalable waste energy recycling engine known as the WHE which stands for waste heat engine.
Awesome video of 240hp motorcycle racing up Pikes Peak
By Roman Rosa on June 14, 2011 - 1:35PM
Watch the awesome onboard video of Chip Yates riding a 240hp electric (yes, electric!) motorcycle up Pikes Peak on a practice run this weekend.
Opel and Vauxhall not for sale, according to GM CEO Akerson
By Gordon Block on June 14, 2011 - 11:00AM
Opel and Vauxhall were rumored to be up for sale by German media sources, but GM CEO Daniel Akerson has reassured Opel CEO Karl-Friedrich Stracke they will remain under GM ownership.
GM to invest $47 million In Defiance casting facility
By Patrick Rall on June 14, 2011 - 8:15AM
General Motors has announced that they intend to invest $47 million in their Defiance, Ohio casting facility to prepare the plant for increased output of components of the popular 1.4L 4-cylinder Ecotec and the next generation small block V8.
AMSOIL introduces OE 15W-40 synthetic diesel oil
By Hawke Fracassa on June 13, 2011 - 10:39PM
AMSOIL Inc. today introduced its new OE 15W-40 synthetic diesel oil to its family of lubricants for vehicles.
General Motors Venture LLC to invest $6 million in Protera Inc.
By Frank Sherosky on June 13, 2011 - 10:08PM
As part of a $30 million package to commercialize technology, including a rapid-charging transit system and other next-generation technologies that support innovation in the global transportation industry, General Motors Ventures LLC will inject $6 million, a 20 percent of the total stake in Proterra Inc., a leading maker of zero-emission commercial transit buses.
Subaru WRX STI breaks 21-year record on Isle of Man track
By Don Bain on June 13, 2011 - 7:32PM
Race driver Mark Higgins logged an all-time fastest lap by averaging 115.356 mph June 10 on the iconic Isle of Man TT Mountain Course. Higgins was driving a US spec 2011 Subaru WRX STI. The former record of 100 mph remained unchallenged for 21 years. His lap took 19 minutes 37 seconds with the WRX STI hitting speeds in excess of 162 MPH on the varied elevation course.
US production of Nissan LEAF electric car may be postponed due to Japan earthquake
By Gordon Block on June 13, 2011 - 6:28PM
The Nissan LEAF electric car is currently scheduled to start US production in December of 2012, but the Japan earthquake may cause a delay.
2012 Beetle
VW announces special 2012 Beetle Black Turbo Launch Edition
By Patrick Rall on June 13, 2011 - 2:24PM
Volkswagen announced today that orders are now being taken on the 2012 Beetle via a new online Vehicle Pre-Order (VPO) system and to add some incentive for hopeful consumers to use this system, VW is offering the special 2012 Beetle Black Turbo Launch Edition to the first 600 buyers.
Renault-Nissan Alliance to open second research office in Silicon Valley
By Gordon Block on June 13, 2011 - 1:07PM
The Renault-Nissan Alliance will be developing user-interface and smart-grid technology for future electric cars for both brands at the new facility located in Silicon Valley in California.
GM to offer an auto trans, performance traction system on Camaro ZL1
By Patrick Rall on June 13, 2011 - 12:19PM
While speaking at the Camaro homecoming at the Oshawa production facility, the lead man for the Camaro offered a few choice comments on the upcoming 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, including the fact that the super muscle car will feature the performance traction management system from the Corvette ZR- along with an automatic transmission and even more horsepower.
Toyota nurtures science in schools with cash
By Hawke Fracassa on June 13, 2011 - 10:36AM
Toyota today awarded $500,000 in 2011 TAPESTRY grants to 50 U.S. science teachers, furthering a 21-year-old program that to date has given out more than $10 million to almost 1,200 teachers in America.
Lincoln dealerships to invest $1 million in showroom renovations
By Gordon Block on June 13, 2011 - 8:51AM
Lincoln dealerships will be required by Ford to do up to $1 million in renovations to their showrooms in two years as Ford makes big plans for the luxury brand's future.
Saab joins forces with a second Chinese group
By Patrick Rall on June 13, 2011 - 8:32AM
Saab and parent company Spyker Cars NV have announced that the group has entered into a second memorandum of understanding with a Chinese automotive firm – this time partnering with Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile Co. as the Swedish automaker works to climb out of its recent cash crunch.
How the Web will make jobs easier for Mich. truckers
By Hawke Fracassa on June 12, 2011 - 9:50PM
The Michigan Department of State is now doing vehicle-registration transactions for truck drivers online with IRP Online.
2011 Metro Beach Blast from the Past Car Show roars with enthusiasts
By Frank Sherosky on June 12, 2011 - 9:26PM
Metro Beach on Lake St. Clair northeast of Detroit was the place to be today. The combination of cooler weather delayed the appearance of fish flies, but not the beach atmosphere, nor the hot rods and a fine crowd of people which made for a great day as the video and slideshow will tell.
Pike Research says Stop-Start technology enables less fuel consumption at lower cost than full hybrids
By Frank Sherosky on June 12, 2011 - 11:46AM
Call them what you will, but stop-start vehicles (SSV) that go by the names of micro hybrids and idle-stop vehicles enable gasoline engines to turn off when vehicles are slowed down or stopped. The net effect per Pike Research is up to 10% less fuel consumption, less emissions and at a cost lower than full hybrids.
GM, Ford, others may get 'connected vehicle' technology in 2013
By Hawke Fracassa on June 11, 2011 - 8:04PM
Clinics are planned for drivers in six U.S. cities so the U.S. Department of Transportation can test technologies that show how drivers react to "vehicle-to-vehicle" communications that, if fine-tuned, will enable cars on American roads to avoid accidents and save the lives of occupants.
Car companies team to further 'Future of Transportation'
By Hawke Fracassa on June 11, 2011 - 7:08PM
About 10,000 professionals and politicians will meet in Orlando this fall to analyze and review future technologies and intelligent vehicles aimed at making transportation economically and environmentally better, safer and more convenient for everyday people.
NHTSA Director stands squarely in the path to progress
By Don Bain on June 11, 2011 - 5:16PM
The chief of the National Highway Traffic Safety Association showed his concern for the drivers of America at the annual 2011 Detroit Telematics Conference by stating, “A car is not a mobile device.” In so doing he also revealed a nebulous grasp of the industry’s current direction and the importance of technology currently under development to the future of transportation in the U.S. and beyond.
2014 Ford Mustang: Lighter and faster, a pony car the whole world can enjoy
By Roman Rosa on June 11, 2011 - 3:36PM
Rumors are exploding all over the internet about the future of the Mustang and the new model coming out in 2014. If true, we are going to see the Mustang dragged kicking and screaming to the tastes of the world.
GM adds free scheduled maintenance for two years for Certified Pre-Owned vehicle
By Gordon Block on June 11, 2011 - 12:06PM
Free scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, is now part of GM's Certified Pre-Owned program, which covers the Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC brands.
Reality Internet: Porsche GT3 crew will dish on race day
By Hawke Fracassa on June 10, 2011 - 6:29PM
Porsche Cars North America is entering a 911 GT3 Cup race car with a specially formed pit crew of six employee enthusiasts at the Porsche Carrera World Cup race on June 25.
The continuing quest to covert automotive heat to electric power
By Don Bain on June 10, 2011 - 5:26PM
It’s a simple concept with broad ramifications: combustion engines lose a lot of the energy in the fuel they burn to radiant heat, which in theory can be converted back to electricity by appropriately placed thermoelectric devices. Thus, heat in the engine compartment and exiting via the tailpipe could be redirected to recharge the battery and run the lights, wipers, steering and computer systems that make modern cars safer.
2011 BMW Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe loses its shine for a limited run build
By John Matras on June 10, 2011 - 4:58PM
Matte matters for BMW owners, or at least it will to the 19 lucky buyers of the limited-run 2011 BMW Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe that will sell out in a matter of minutes when a special phone line opens for reservations on June 16.
Want to save money? Don't buy a motorcycle
By Roman Rosa on June 10, 2011 - 4:49PM
With gas prices at the level they are, many of you might be considering buying a motorcycle to save a bit of money. While it's true that you can get enough performance to crush even the fastest super cars, while getting Toyota Prius gas mileage, the true cost of motorcycle ownership might startle you.
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