Automotive News (Page 1138)

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.

Nissan's new XTRONIC CVT. Photo courtesy of Nissan USA.

Nissan Unveils New Generation XTRONIC CVT

By Don Bain on October 13, 2011 - 4:36PM

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled its new generation XTRONIC Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for 2.0 to 3.5-liter engines and a new Hybrid System for front-wheel drive vehicles. Both developments represent important steps towards Nissan's stated goal of improving the fuel economy and environmental performance of internal-combustion vehicles.

Audi A7 2012: Long Roof and Headlights Define Beauty

By Armen Hareyan on October 13, 2011 - 4:19PM

Some have called the 2012 Audi A7 3.0T a sedan, others have called it a coupe. Our review concludes that it’s just a great looking beautiful car with many goodies.

An image of someone using the IBM smartphone EV charging app

Can Electric Vehicles help create a smarter, more stable power grid?

By Don Bain on October 13, 2011 - 3:14PM

IBM Research announced today it has teamed with EKZ, the electricity utility provider of the Canton of Zurich in Switzerland to produce a smartphone app adding convenience to Electric Vehicle (EV) charging, as well as providing real-time information to utility providers so they can better manage power grid loads during peak usage – a challenge set to grow as more electric vehicles hit the road.

Nissan working on in-house hybrid drivetrain, possibly to resurrect the Altima Hybrid

By Gordon Block on October 13, 2011 - 12:41PM

Nissan demonstrated an all-new hybrid system they can call their own at a test-drive event at their Oppama proving grounds yesterday, hinting that it may go into a resurrected Altima Hybrid.

Saab gets some Chinese money, lives to see another day

By Patrick Rall on October 13, 2011 - 12:16PM

As Saab teeters on the edge of bankruptcy while attempting to shelter themselves under the protective arm of the Swedish government during corporate restructuring, the struggling Swedish automaker has reportedly received the first chunk of a $97 million dollar bridge loan with help from one of the Chinese firms hoping to buy into Saab.

A teaser of the 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer

GM says no 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer for the US market

By Patrick Rall on October 13, 2011 - 11:46AM

Yesterday we brought you the news that General Motors would unveil a new 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer at the 2011 Dubai Motor Show and while we questioned whether or not the new sport ute would be available in the US, GM has stated that they have no immediate plans to offer the new SUV in the USA.

UAW locals responsible for Explorer, F150 reject new Ford contract

By Patrick Rall on October 13, 2011 - 10:12AM

Since Ford and negotiators for the UAW came to an agreement on a tentative 4-yar labor contract on October 4th, local branches of the UAW have been tasked with voting to ratify the new deal but Ford’s union workers in Chicago (Explorer/Taurus plant) and Detroit (F150 pickup plant) have given the “thumbs down” to the new contract – two local branches that previous voted to strike.

North American Car and Truck Semi-finalists Going to Hell

By Keith Griffin on October 13, 2011 - 10:08AM

The road to hell is paved with good intentions unless you're talking about Hell, Mich. Next week its roads will be filled with the semi-finalists for the North American Car and Truck of the Year.

Analyst recommends Porsche stock as new 911, Boxter target record sales

By Armen Hareyan on October 13, 2011 - 9:54AM

The success of Porsche is growing. The company is targeting record sales in 2013 by revamping its 911 and Boxter models. One German analyst recommends buying Porsche stock.

Cadillac introduces CUE which will improve driver connectivity

By Adam Yamada-Hanff on October 12, 2011 - 4:51PM

Cadillac is introducing a a new in-vehicle system, the Cadillac User Experience (CUE). The CUE system will have natural voice recognition, amazing customization options, and 3.5 times more processing power than available systems currently.

Nissan's technological advances in auto safety revealed

By Don Bain on October 12, 2011 - 4:34PM

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. released its latest safety technologies today to help reduce fatal and serious injuries caused by auto accidents, using improved data processing of vehicle cameras enabling the detection of people, vehicles, road hazards and obstacles about the vehicle. The Acceleration Suppression for Pedal Misapplication and Multi-Sensing System with Rear Camera help drivers avoid accidents as part of the "Safety Shield" concept.

UAW-Chrysler contract yields small bonuses, no raises for veteran auto workers, again

By Hawke Fracassa on October 12, 2011 - 3:43PM

Here are the specifics of a four-year deal the UAW struck with Chrysler Group LLC today that has many Chrysler workers upset. The tentative agreement goes to Chrysler's 26,000 UAW rank and file now for ratification or rejection.

Saab's still alive, investment deal with Pang Da and Youngman promising

By Gordon Block on October 12, 2011 - 12:50PM

Saab is insisting that its lifeline investments from Chinese companies Pang Da and Youngman are still valid and progressing, despite reports to the contrary.

GM confirms and teases 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer based on new Colorado

By Patrick Rall on October 12, 2011 - 12:42PM

General Motors announced today that the popular Chevrolet Trailblazer will return for the 2013 model year with the new SUV based on the global platform of the new Chevrolet Colorado mid-sized pickup.

2012 Kia Rio 5 door has an attractive price starting below $14,000

Review: 2012 Kia Rio 5-Door Substantial Improvement in Many Ways Including Price

By Keith Griffin on October 12, 2011 - 11:51AM

The hot spot in the automotive world right now is the B class or sub-compact segment as most folks know it. Sweet in that hot spot is Kia with the 2012 Rio five-door hatchback currently in dealers and the four-door sedan that rolls out by year’s end. The base 2012 model has the same price as the 2011 model but much more value.

Tesla Roadster at the BPI 2011 Ride and Drive

The Business of Plugging In 2011: Media drives EVs at Ride and Drive

By Frank Sherosky on October 12, 2011 - 10:49AM

The Business of Plugging In 2011, a Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Michigan held a Ride and Drive event on October 11 for the media. With representation by Eaton, GE, GM, Ford, Mercedes-Benz-AMP and Tesla, what are the best three combo-words to describe the experience?

Chevy Spark to follow Volt and Malibu Eco in 2013, but for select drivers

By Armen Hareyan on October 12, 2011 - 10:21AM

General Motors (Public, NYSE:GM) this morning announced its new all electric urban minicar 2013 Chevy Spark. This electric car, coming to US market, will be for sale only in limited quantity and only for select types of drivers. The stock market welcomed today's announcement, sending GM stock up 3.33 percent at the time of this writing.

Chrysler and the UAW heads agree on new labor contract

By Patrick Rall on October 12, 2011 - 9:29AM

Reports out of Detroit indicate that the Chrysler Group and the United Auto Workers union have come to a tentative agreement on a new labor contract that is expected to add around 2,100 jobs thanks to over $4.5 billion in facility investments around the country.

Kia Celebrating Its Success as It Launches 2012 Rio and Soul

By Keith Griffin on October 11, 2011 - 11:47PM

At the national media launch of the 2012 Kia Rio and 2012 Kia Soul in Austin, Texas, company executives were singing the Korean manufacturer’s praises and emphasizing that it’s not going to be overshadowed by its corporate sibling Hyundai.

Bob Weed and John Hipchen of Copper Development Assoc at BPI 2011

Copper Development Association scores well at The Business of Plugging In 2011

By Frank Sherosky on October 11, 2011 - 8:51PM

The Copper Development Association did more than just spread the word at The Business of Plugging In 2011 about the value of copper induction motors now used by Tesla Motors in their electric vehicles. It gave new insight to attendees of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) conference.

Tesla and Panasonic enter into new supply agreement

By Adam Yamada-Hanff on October 11, 2011 - 6:19PM

Panasonic and Tesla, the electric car company, have finalized a supply agreement for lithium-ion battery cells to be used in Tesla's new electric sedan, the Model S. The automotive-grade lithium-ion battery cells will be provided by Panasonic, which is the world’s leading battery cell manufacturer.

A pedestrican crossing sign indicates one place where TRW's system could help.

TRW takes auto/pedestrian collision avoidance to the next level

By Don Bain on October 11, 2011 - 5:39PM

TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. is today demonstrating its latest cutting-edge pedestrian detection and accident mitigation system that utilizes advanced signal processing algorithms to instantly process data from a video camera and radar sensors while working with electronic stability control to automatically brake a vehicle reducing the severity of an impact on a pedestrian.

The Petersen Automotive Museum pays tribute to the car

By Adam Yamada-Hanff on October 11, 2011 - 3:15PM

The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is a stunning automotive history museum, dedicated to showcasing the automobile and its impact on American life and culture. On multiple floors the Museum houses some of the most fascinating vehicles you will ever see.

UAW-Chrysler contract bargaining back in session

By Hawke Fracassa on October 11, 2011 - 10:34AM

Chrysler Group LLC and the UAW resumed bargaining this morning after taking time off Monday to rest after days of round-the-clock negotiations on a new four-year contract left negotiators close but short of an agreement, and exhausted.

Ford's Health & Wellness tech to be discussed in San Diego

By Don Bain on October 10, 2011 - 6:52PM

Ford Researchers have developed in-car health and wellness apps and services to monitor people with various medical problems so they can manage their condition and yet still get about town. Ford's senior technical leader, K. Venkatesh Prasad, will discuss these innovations at a "Health and Wellness Connectivity Services on the Go" with Anand Iyer, COO of WellDoc, and H. James Dallas, SVP at Medtronic at the Wireless Health 2011 Conference held Oct. 10-13 in San Diego.

Ford to receive Breakthrough Award for industry-first rear inflatable seat-belt

By Adam Yamada-Hanff on October 10, 2011 - 5:00PM

Ford is about to receive Popular Mechanic's prestigious Breakthrough Award for its industry-first safety innovation, rear inflatable seat belts. This is part of the well-respected magazine's seventh annual Breakthrough Awards.

The Business of Plugging In 2011 in Dearborn, Michigan runs Oct 11-13

The Business of Plugging In 2011 opens today, focuses on widespread adoption of PEVs with Ride and Drive

By Frank Sherosky on October 10, 2011 - 4:39PM

The Business of Plugging In 2011, a Plug-in Electric Vehicle Conference will open at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Michigan and runs from October 11 - 13, uniting automotive, utility and new technology thought-leaders with policy makers, financiers and researchers as they focus on widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (PEV). [See updates from Torque News via here and Twitter, especially Ride and Drive report.]

A screenshot from the BMW Group Facebook page

The new BMW 3 Series to have streaming world premiere on Facebook

By Patrick Rall on October 10, 2011 - 2:18PM

The folks at BMW have announced that they will debut the new BMW 3 Series in Munich, Germany on October 14th, 2011 and for those who cannot attend in person, the German automaker will also offering streaming video on Facebook of the 3 Series world premiere.

Chevrolet says the Colorado pickup will come to the United States

By Gordon Block on October 10, 2011 - 1:07PM

Chevrolet says that the Colorado that made its debut in Thailand last week will make its way to the United States; however, General Motors is remaining tight-lipped on other details regarding the drivetrain, price, and release date.

The wheel of the Bentley Continental GTC

Bentley SUV to feature high-powered W12 engine

By Don Bain on October 10, 2011 - 1:01PM

When the long awaited Bentley SUV comes to market in 2015, it will feature a W12 engine similar to that released in the Supersport Cabriolet this year. An engine which will, in the luxury convertible, catapult you from zero to 60 in 3.9 seconds – in a car weighing 2.5 tons.

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