Automotive News (Page 1135)

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.

Freescale Semiconductor to make next generation ECU for Chery Automotive

By Frank Sherosky on March 20, 2011 - 8:27PM

Freescale Semiconductor announced it is providing advanced microcontroller (MCU) technology to Chery Automobile, one of China’s largest automotive manufacturers, for the engine control unit (ECU) in future Chery vehicle models.

Mercedes showrooms to debut 2012 C63 AMG Coupe in America by September

By Frank Sherosky on March 20, 2011 - 11:16AM

The new C63 AMG Coupe joins the successful C63 AMG Sedan and makes its U.S. showroom debut in September 2011.

Chevy Volt owners reporting positive gas mileage stories

By Frank Sherosky on March 19, 2011 - 2:33PM

News thus far is surely positive for the Volt. By recharging their Volt regularly, owners are easily surpassing the 93 miles per gallon equivalence, or MPGe, on full electric operation and an overall 60 MPGe composite fuel economy during extended-range operation.

Lingenfelter muscles up 2008-2010 Dodge ponycars with the Dodge Challenger Supercharger Package

By John Matras on March 18, 2011 - 11:56PM

There is that sinking feeling when the latest and greatest version of the car you already own comes out, as owners of 2008 through 2010 Dodge Challengers know all too well. Fortunately, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering has a cure for that and then some. It's the Dodge Challenger Supercharger Package, and installed on the 6.1-liter Hemi, it's good for 500 rear wheel horsepower. Or using the usual estimates, about 590 horsepower at the flywheel, according to Lingenfelter.

Monkeys disassemble Mercedes

By Don Bain on March 18, 2011 - 8:26PM

The monkeys in England’s Longleat Safari Park had not seen a car in a long time so officials at the park decided to give them one of their own. What happened is exactly what might if you parked your Mercedes in one of the more questionable neighborhoods of any city in the world. The locals tore it apart.

Infiniti reports sales surge, launches M hybrid campaign

By Don Bain on March 18, 2011 - 6:30PM

If you were watching March Madness on St. Patty’s Day yesterday, you may have noticed an ad or two for he new Infiniti M Hybrid. Though not the first Asian manufacturer to add green technology as a performance enhancement, one look at the M Hybrid and you’ll know this is not your father’s green car.

Honda, Mazda, Suzuki update production stoppages

By Patrick Rall on March 18, 2011 - 3:16PM

Honda Motor Company announced today that they are extending their production stoppage caused by the Japanese earthquakes, tsunamis and chain of nuclear blasts; Mazda and Suzuki have both planned to restart production at a few of their plants originally shut down from the quakes.

Masuko says Mitsubishi Evo may not be dead yet

By John Matras on March 18, 2011 - 1:45PM

The Evo X - or as it's officially known, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X - is destined for the scrapheap of history. Those in the supposed know have reported that with Mitsubishi's new self positioning as a green company, the battery electric iMIEV a case in point, high performance cars are on the way out.

Hyundai recalls 190000 Elantra sedans for airbag risk

By Patrick Rall on March 18, 2011 - 1:39PM

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Hyundai have issued a recall for 2007-2009 Elantra sedans for an airbag system sensor that could cause the airbags to open incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury to smaller passengers (especially children) in the event of an accident.

Continental recalls tires on 65,000 Ford F250 and F350 Super Duty pickups

By Patrick Rall on March 18, 2011 - 1:00PM

Continental Tire has issued a voluntary recall of tires with the NHTSA from their Continental ContiTrac light truck tire series, pertaining heavily to the original equipment tires of the 2008 and 2009 Ford F250 and F350 Super Duty pickups.

GM strengthens European operations with Stracke appointment

By Frank Sherosky on March 18, 2011 - 9:42AM

General Motors (NYSE: GM) named Karl-Friedrich Stracke CEO of Opel/Vauxhall, effective April 1, in order to put the best leadership in place.

Mini Cooper Police Cruiser Will Fight Texting and Driving

By Keith Griffin on March 18, 2011 - 7:47AM

At first blush, a Mini Cooper as a police cruiser is a ridiculous idea, unless of course it's being used as a public relations tool in the fight against texting and driving. Then, it becomes a ridiculous idea for a serious cause.

Chrysler avoids stoppages after Japanese earthquake and tsunami

By Patrick Rall on March 17, 2011 - 6:21PM

Since the earthquake and ensuing tsunami hit Japan last week followed by a series of aftershocks and repeated nuclear power plant explosions, automakers around the world have been forced to take a good long look at their component inventory and the Chrysler Group has offered their first statement since the natural disaster hit.

Honda issues 2011 Civic fuel pump recall

By Patrick Rall on March 17, 2011 - 5:48PM

American Honda has issued a recall for select 2011 Civic models over a concern with the fuel pump that could greatly increase the risks of fire in the event of a rollover accident.

Lamborghini future models forecasted, including Gallardo replacement

By Patrick Rall on March 17, 2011 - 4:48PM

The new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 has drawn most of the media attention as the newest supercar from Sant’Agata, but according to the Inside Line, it could be a busy few years for the Italian supercar maker with a variety of new models could see production.

GM closes Shreveport plant due to shortages from Japanese earthquake

By Patrick Rall on March 17, 2011 - 3:26PM

General Motors announced today that they would be suspending production at their Shreveport Louisiana production facility next week (March 21st) due to a parts shortage caused by the earthquake and ensuing tsunami in Japan.

The Chrysler Premier Event gives buyers a chance at a free new vehicle

By Patrick Rall on March 17, 2011 - 2:10PM

Last night, the Chrysler Group’s 2011 Premier Event began with special incentives on new models, including $25 gift cards and a chance at a free 2011 vehicle just for stopping in and taking a test drive.

Volkswagen-Porsche merger questionable due to legal issues

By Patrick Rall on March 17, 2011 - 12:58PM

The Volkswagen Auto Group (VAG) had originally planned to merge with Porsche Automobil Holding SE by the second half of 2011 but with massive lawsuits outstanding against Porsche, VAG may have to hold off on the merger until sometime next year – leaving Porsche SE scrambling to secure new investment options to carry the company until the merger occurs.

Toyota granted access to financial information in unintended acceleration cases

By Patrick Rall on March 17, 2011 - 11:42AM

Toyota Motor Corp. has been granted access to the personal financial information of the 81 plaintiffs suing the automaker for economic losses stemming from the unintended acceleration issues after the legal counsel for the plaintiffs had attempted to block the automaker’s access to this personal information.

Smaller engines account for 46 percent of Chevrolet retail sales

By Frank Sherosky on March 17, 2011 - 11:41AM

It’s official. Chevrolet sales stats prove consumers are indeed moving toward fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines to save on their transporation budgets. Question is, what's next?

High-performance Honda CR-Z Mugen to be developed by Mugen Euro and Honda (UK)

By John Matras on March 17, 2011 - 11:20AM

Honda won't be left out of the hot hybrid club, not if Mugen Euro has anything to say about it. The U.K-based branch of Honda's long-time tuning partner Mugen will produce a one-off prototype of a Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe with performance modifications to both its 1.5-liter gasoline engine and its IMA system electric motor with suspension and body enhancements to go with it.

Chrysler sues Detroit-based company over use of new slogan

By Patrick Rall on March 17, 2011 - 10:38AM

During a record-setting two minute Super Bowl commercial featuring Detroit native Marshall Mathers (known better to most at Eminem) rolling through the Motor City in a 2011 Chrysler 200, Chrysler unveiled their new company slogan “Imported From Detroit” - and due to the usage of that new slogan Chrysler Group is suing Detroit-based retailer Pure Detroit.

NADA predicts demand for efficient used cars will outstrip supply

By Don Bain on March 17, 2011 - 12:20AM

The National Auto Dealers Association (NADA), the preeminent resource for auto professionals, expects the price of gas to have an across-the-board effect on the price of used cars and trucks, as well as trade-in values.

Opinion: Toyota Losin' for a Reason

By Armen Hareyan on March 16, 2011 - 7:48PM

The notion that Toyota's damaged reputation is simply the result of growing “too big too fast” must have come from the Recall King's marketing department. Defective products - in and of themselves - cannot possibly account for the barrage of government fines, criminal charges, lawsuits, and investigations.

Product Alert: Everclear Oil not good for your car

By Don Bain on March 16, 2011 - 6:54PM

The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA), an independent authority on automotive lubricants, has announced a strident warning regarding Everclear 5W-30 Motor Oil, stating it can damage motor parts and may result in a voided warranty.

Yang replaces Lee as R&D chief as Hyundai advances alternative powertrains

By John Matras on March 16, 2011 - 2:59PM

Coming in the face of Hyundai's surge towards alternative fuel vehicles, Hyundai's research and development chief Lee Hyun-soon has resigned citing personal reasons and been replaced by Yang Woong-chul, currently president of the Hyundai Motor Research and Development Center in Namyang, South Korea.

The NHTSA considering banning shut-off switches for EV noise

By Patrick Rall on March 16, 2011 - 2:14PM

The US Federal Government ruled in early January that hybrids and pure-electric vehicles that make little noise while driving must include external noisemakers to alert pedestrians but with automakers offering shut-off switches for these audible warning system, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is considering banning these types of switches.

German automakers evacuate employees from Japan over nuclear risks

By Patrick Rall on March 16, 2011 - 1:30PM

BMW And Volkswagen Auto Group both urged European citizens living in Japan and working for the automakers’ Japanese operations to head back to Germany with the looming danger of nuclear explosions.

Toyota unintended acceleration lawsuit evidence dispute

By Patrick Rall on March 16, 2011 - 12:42PM

Lawyers representing both Toyota Motor Corporation and the huge group of individuals suing the automaker for claims relating to “unintended acceleration” have reportedly almost come to terms on to the plaintiffs accessing Toyota’s electronic coding that controls their throttle system.

Aero Tec Laboratories sponsors Team Steam to break the world speed record

By Frank Sherosky on March 16, 2011 - 11:54AM

Aero Tec Laboratories will sponsor the Cyclone-Williams' Steam Vehicle, powered by a Cyclone Power Technologies Inc. (Pink Sheets: CYPW) steam engine, in its attempts to become the fastest steam-powered car on earth.

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