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Automotive News (Page 1132)

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.

Toyota issues defense against accelerator pedal misinformation
By Jeffrey Zygmont on December 12, 2010 - 11:25AM
A Toyota press announcement responds to recent critics who equated a late November, 2010, technical service bulletin with another recall for accelerator pedal problems. While it displays a sensitivity to the issue, the Toyota response explains the nature and intention of the technical service bulletin in question.
Nissan entices twitters to plug Quest minivan
By Jeffrey Zygmont on December 12, 2010 - 9:09AM
Nissan sponsors a Saturday lunch and gabfest for lifestyle bloggers in California, aiming to fill Twitter with raves about the re-engineered Quest minivan, which is due to be launched early in the 2011 calendar year.
Electric vehicles demand quieter electric power steering units
By Frank Sherosky on December 11, 2010 - 7:06PM
Electric vehicles (EV) are very different from those powered by internal-combustion engines (ICEs). Any and all components that have moving parts may be heard within the interior cabin. Nowhere is that more obvious than the noise associated with electric power steering units, known as EPS mounted to the steering column.
Honda and Mazda Collaborating on B-Spec Stock Racing
By Keith Griffin on December 11, 2010 - 11:51AM
This is the year of the B class car and that continues with the announcement that Honda and Mazda have announced the joint formation of “B-Spec” Showroom Stock racing.
Chevrolet Silverado HD Selected as Motor Trend Truck for 2011
By Keith Griffin on December 11, 2010 - 11:29AM
Major automotive announcements usually aren’t made on the weekend, which is why it’s unusual that the Chevrolet Silverado HD was named Motor Trend Truck of the Year on a Saturday.
Ford electric van squeaks in at deadline
By Jeffrey Zygmont on December 11, 2010 - 9:21AM
One element of Ford's vehicle electrification program kept to its timetable, when Ford partners completed and shipped the first samples of battery-driven Transit Connect Electric vans just as 2010 approached its end.
Remembering Chuck Jordan, former GM design chief, dead at 83
By Frank Sherosky on December 10, 2010 - 4:04PM
Chuck Jordan, the legendary design chief that helped usher in the modern era of styling at General Motors with the Motorama cars, passed away on Thursday.
GM Wins Golden Spike Award for Chevrolet Volt
By Keith Griffin on December 10, 2010 - 4:01PM
As the railroads like to advertise, the most fuel-efficient vehicles are probably trains – especially when you factor in the amount of goods they carry. That’s why it is fitting the Chevrolet Volt was honored with the Golden Spike award.
Customers Stay Loyal To Brands with Fun-to-Drive Vehicles
By Keith Griffin on December 10, 2010 - 9:17AM
Attention car makers: new-vehicle owners want fun-to-drive vehicles, according to the 2010 customer retention study by J.D. Power and Associates. Buyers are staying loyal to brands like Ford for that reason.
Fender, Volkswagen, Panasonic Pair up on New Audio System
By Keith Griffin on December 10, 2010 - 7:15AM
In what might best be described as the ultimate automotive aural ménage a trois, Fender, Volkswagen, and Panasonic automotive have come together to create a new nine-speaker audio system for the Jetta GLI.
Hot Hatch Volkswagen Golf R Coming to the United States
By Keith Griffin on December 9, 2010 - 10:34PM
The European Volkswagen Golf R, a car lovingly called a hot hatch by the British, is coming to the United States by the end of 2011. Top Gear calls it “unbelievably good” – it’s about time it came to our shores.
Cyclone Power to run patented steam engine in land speed record attempt
By Frank Sherosky on December 9, 2010 - 7:42PM
Lest you think the steam engine for automobiles is dead, think again. Cyclone Power Technologies Inc. already has a compact, heat regenerative, external combustion engine that has been developed to achieve high thermal efficiencies and power-to-weight ratio. First things first, though. How about a land speed record?
The 2011 Chrysler 300 shows off on YouTube
By Patrick Rall on December 9, 2010 - 7:41PM
Chrysler has teased the 2011 300 as far back as 2010 Detroit Auto Show and with the 2011 Detroit show official debut of the new muscular luxury sedan just a month away, we get our first good look at the 2011 Chrysler 300 in the video linked below – courtesy of YouTube user carmgn56.
Dodge announces the schedule for the 2011 Viper Cup race series
By Patrick Rall on December 9, 2010 - 3:15PM
Dodge announced today that their Dodge Viper Cup, a spec series featuring an entire field of the race-ready Dodge Viper ACR-X will be returning in 2011 after the inaugural season ended up this October.
Ford unveils the 2012 Cobra Jet at PRI in Orlando Florida
By Patrick Rall on December 9, 2010 - 1:45PM
Today, the 2010 Performance Racing Industry show opened in Orlando Florida and among the head turning displays on the show floor, Ford Racing officially introduced the 2012 Cobra Jet Mustang.
Auto industry attempting to hire more CAD operators and engineers
By Frank Sherosky on December 9, 2010 - 1:30PM
Two years since many CAD operators in Detroit were laid off, separated or early retired, the auto industry is starting once again to show interest in hiring. Question is, will they be able to find qualified candidates in time for the upcoming programs?
EV and hybrid auto engineers to rely on new acoustic options
By Frank Sherosky on December 9, 2010 - 10:10AM
Excessive weight may be the enemy of fuel mileage for any car model, but so is noise to an electric car, which produces its own noise with its high-frequency electric motors. Design engineers, therefore, must battle to achieve balance between those two requirements. Enter suppliers like 3M with their Thinsulate(TM) material.
Kia recalls 7700 2011 Sorento SUVs over brake failure risk
By Patrick Rall on December 9, 2010 - 8:53AM
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall of almost 7,700 2011 model year Sorento sporty utility vehicles over a concern of improperly machined rear brake calipers which could allow the brake fluid system to leak.
Kia steps toward cult status
By Jeffrey Zygmont on December 9, 2010 - 7:56AM
Dealer experience suggest that Kia, once considered a seller of second-rate, used-car alternatives, today is becoming so well liked by American drivers that it is approaching cult status for some. A dealer now sees customers who are actively engaged by Kia vehicles and acutely interested in the company's plans and activities.
Media still misrepresenting Chevy Volt's propulsion system
By Frank Sherosky on December 8, 2010 - 5:45PM
The auto industry may be embracing the age of electrification, but the media still doesn’t fully understand it yet, including descriptions within Ward’s 10 Best Engines list.
Auto Glass and Inflated Towing Claims On the Increase
By Keith Griffin on December 8, 2010 - 5:01PM
Thieves are always looking for an easy way to make a buck. The latest trend is auto glass and inflated towing claims, according to a report issued by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
BMW shows off their new 1-series M Coupe
By Patrick Rall on December 8, 2010 - 4:43PM
The upcoming BMW 1-Series M Coupe is one of the most anticipated performance BMWs in years and it will make its grand debut next month at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Luckily, BMW is as eager to show it off as we are to see it and today they posted a commercial-esque video on YouTube giving us our best look yet at the new trimline.
Aston Martin One-77 supercar almost sold out
By Patrick Rall on December 8, 2010 - 4:01PM
Aston Martin shook up the supercar world when they rolled out their super exclusive, ultra powerful One-77 with a price tag of roughly $1.87 million but over the course of the past year, 60 of the 77 examples being produced are already spoken for.
General Motors developing hydrogen infrastructure in Hawaii
By Patrick Rall on December 8, 2010 - 1:55PM
General Motors announced today that with help from various Hawaiian companies, agencies universities and The Gas Company (one of the state’s largest utility providers), the company will make strides to secure the hydrogen infrastructure by the year 2015.
Ford Escape and Kuga replacement Concept to debut at 2011 Detroit Auto Show
By Patrick Rall on December 8, 2010 - 12:59PM
Ford will debut a new crossover concept in near-production form next month at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show and while the name is not yet known, this Ford Focus-based crossover will likely fit under the One Ford plan, replacing the Escape in North America and the Kuga in other markets.
Ward's names their 10 best engines for 2011
By Patrick Rall on December 8, 2010 - 11:41AM
Ward’s Auto has named their top 10 engines for the 2011 model year and while the list is dominated by European models, American automakers took home a few acclamations for engines that are vital to the success of those companies.
GM Robonaut 2 the Most Human-Like Robot Ever
By Keith Griffin on December 8, 2010 - 11:07AM
GM says it Robonaut 2 that will fly to the Space Station in February is the most human-like robot ever. Human autoworkers should be concerned.
BMW Aims To Stay in Front with Sales Pace
By Keith Griffin on December 8, 2010 - 9:18AM
Germany’s three main luxury marques (Mercedes, BMW and Audi) are engaged in a feverish sales battle to see who attains world market dominance.
Hyundai may split, make new luxury brand
By Jeffrey Zygmont on December 8, 2010 - 8:42AM
Hyundai has gone public with plans to possibly create a new luxury auto brand in the U.S., splitting its operations and perhaps even establishing an entirely new dealer body to carry its premium models. According to reports in the business press, Hyundai might call the new division Genesis, taking the name from its Genesis luxury sedan launched in 2008. In addition to the Genesis and the new Hyundai Equus, future luxury models could follow the creation of the new division.
Is a hydrogen and internal combustion engine marriage in your future?
By Frank Sherosky on December 7, 2010 - 11:34PM
Not all follow-ups to news releases communicate proper emphasis, especially when it comes to Detroit and its technologies. Case in point is the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) media release on its website, which showcased a hydrogen-powered bus as representative of advance vehicle technologies. Deemphasized by most in the follow-up automotive press was the fact that the engine was internal combustion, not a fuel cell.
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