Automotive News (Page 1244)

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.

It's that time of year: watch out for potholes

By Don Bain on March 28, 2011 - 1:32PM

As winter's snows recede and the buds begin to emerge on the trees, the potholes begin to grow in the blacktops. The Cherry Blossoms bloom and the tires go "kaboom" as they drop in and out of a 6-inch crater, two feet wide and half a yard long.

Volkswagen stock not severely affected by Jetta recall

By Frank Sherosky on March 28, 2011 - 1:06PM

Despite the news from MarketWatch that Volkswagen will recall 71,043 Jettas to fix the wiring for the anti-theft alarm system and horn, VW stock which trades as an ADR in New York under the symbol VLKAY is holding its own.

Lightweight steel making cars more efficient, safer: FutureSteelVehicle program in May

By Don Bain on March 26, 2011 - 6:32PM

A group of industrial steel experts will launch FutureSteelVehicle (FSV) at the 10th Annual Great Designs in Steel (GDIS) seminar May 18 in Livonia, Mich. FSV is a global, multi-million dollar program delivering auto body concepts that address radically different steel structures for modern powertrains, including advanced hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles.

AT&T reduces dependence on foreign oil with CNG powered Chevy vans

By Frank Sherosky on March 26, 2011 - 6:03PM

In keeping with its 2010 ranking among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine, AT&T is now putting 101 Chevrolet Express Cargo 2500 vans powered by low-emissions compressed natural gas into its customer service fleet.

Right to Repair Act considered in Connecticut

By Don Bain on March 25, 2011 - 4:28PM

Almost all the systems in the automobiles of today are monitored by an on-board computer. From the airbags to the tire pressure monitor, proprietary software is watching over it from under the hood. That fact tends to limit the vehicle owner’s options when it comes to repairs simply because only the dealer has the diagnostic codes.

Volvo C30 Electric could reach production in 2014

By John Matras on March 25, 2011 - 1:21PM

Volvo could have a battery-electric car in production and on the market as early as 2014, according to Leonard Stegland, president Volvo's Special Vehicles. That's dependent on Volvo being able to make a business plan for the Volvo C30 Electric, but beginning in the first quarter of 2012, Volvo begins testing a fleet of the battery-electric Volvo C30 coupes in daily tests in the U.S. Volvo will place fifty on the east coast and fifty on the west coast.

Tsunami, earthquake not impacting Nissan Americas

By Keith Griffin on March 25, 2011 - 12:04PM

Nissan Americas says it is well positioned to weather the problems caused by the Japanese earthquake and the ensuing tsunami and might be in a position to supply engines to Japan.

Buick LaCrosse with eAssist on par with highway fuel economy of compacts

By Frank Sherosky on March 25, 2011 - 11:37AM

The public is aware the new 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist™ is a luxury sedan that comfortably seats five adults, but few realize it will deliver highway fuel economy on par with compacts like the Mini Cooper.

Toyota to resume Japanese production of Prius, Lexus Hybrids Monday

By Don Bain on March 24, 2011 - 7:56PM

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announced this morning production would resume for three models in their plants in Japan. TMC will resume Japanese production on Monday for the Prius lineup along with the Lexus CT 200h and HS 250h.

Strangely, the best way to the New York Auto Show is by boat

By Don Bain on March 24, 2011 - 6:29PM

Though it seemingly defies logic, the quickest and easiest way to get to the New York Auto Show is via the NY Waterway. You can even book combo tickets online to jump the ferry to Manhattan's West 39th Street Terminal plus Auto Show admission at the nearby Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Subaru revs up for Denver Auto Show Mar. 30 - April 1

By Don Bain on March 24, 2011 - 6:02PM

Denver Auto Show is the Rocky Mountain resident’s best opportunity to see the cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs on the market today, despite not getting much national attention. Subaru, who has their best market in the Centennial State, is bringing an interactive cutaway display of the popular Legacy sedan, among other special features.

Carfax for Dealers app now available to Android smartphones

By Don Bain on March 24, 2011 - 4:18PM

On the heels of the Carfax app for dealers release for Apple iPhone and other devices last January, the Android app is now available so those who shop auctions have this invaluable resource at their side. With most Android-based mobile devices, dealers can access their Carfax account anytime and anywhere to enhance their evaluations of used cars.

BMW X3 uses 3D commercial technology developed by emotion3D

By Frank Sherosky on March 24, 2011 - 9:52AM

emotion3D provides BMW with a high-quality service for retargeting existing stereoscopic 3D content for viewing on glasses-free 3D screens. The BMW X3 is the first automotive commercial to use the technology.

Mazda MX-5 GT takes on heavyweight racers in Britcar endurance race series

By John Matras on March 23, 2011 - 10:56PM

The Mazda MX-5--commonly known in the U.S. as the Mazda Miata--will be playing giant killer as it takes on heavyweight names in racing including Aston Martin, Porsche, Lotus and BMW in the 2011 Britcar MSA British Endurance Championship. A specially-prepared lightweight MX-5 GT will compete in the "endurance" class, which allows heavily modified production car as opposed to the production class, which allows mods mostly related to safety.

Concepts NREC to focus SAE 2011 World Congress on matching turbochargers to engine designs

By Frank Sherosky on March 23, 2011 - 10:30PM

Concepts NREC will focus SAE 2011 World Congress on the importance of matching turbochargers to engine systems in meeting performance requirements. It will exhibit in booth 1112, April 12-14 at Cobo Center in Detroit, Mich.

General Motors talks up the Corvette ZR1 in a new ad

By Patrick Rall on March 23, 2011 - 8:55PM

This past weekend brought the racing world the 59th running of the 12 Hours of Sebring but before General Motors was permitted to enter their race-built Corvette ZR1 in the American LeMans Series (ALMS), they were asked to modified the ZR1 for the race - by removing 168 horsepower.

Japanese earthquake and tsunami may cause domestic delays of Prius V minivan

By Patrick Rall on March 23, 2011 - 7:58PM

The 9.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan on March 11th caused a great deal of damage, complicated by the ensuing tsunami, aftershocks and nuclear power risks and because of the impact to the Japanese supply chain, Toyota may be forced to delay the Japanese launch of their new Prius V minivan.

Car computer, GPS can be hacked, research shows

By Don Bain on March 23, 2011 - 3:48PM

If you have a modern car with GPS, emergency call service, computerized starting, braking and so on, the possibility is quite real criminals are now learning to circumvent your security and take control of such systems, open doors, start it up without a key and disable locator signals as they go for a joy ride to your friendly neighborhood chop shop.

Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy for Teens

By Keith Griffin on March 23, 2011 - 2:26PM

The news that Mercedes-Benz wants to start a teen driving academy all of the sudden makes being 16 again sound appealing.

GM stock sell-off pushing against the 30 level

By Frank Sherosky on March 23, 2011 - 10:52AM

In its 19th week of trading since its IPO, GM stock has broken all levels of IPO price support; and now amid a general market sell off and a new low, is testing the psychologically significant 30 price level.

EA rolls out new video of Need for Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed featuring Tommy Milner

By Patrick Rall on March 22, 2011 - 9:10PM

Electronic Arts has offered up a new demo video showing their upcoming Need for Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed being with the Corvette C6.R making a lap around Mazda Laguna Seca while piloted by pro racer Tommy Milner.

Auto prices to go up as Japanese earthquake, Libyan conflict impact market

By Don Bain on March 22, 2011 - 8:58PM

Japanese auto production has fallen to only 35 percent of their former output as a result of the Tohuko earthquake and tsunami, according to IHS Automotive Insight. Still the situation in Libya has an impact as well. "It's volatility that really drives people to smaller cars," said Aaron Bragman, an analyst for the auto authority.

The 2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio expected to debut in the 2011 New York International Auto Show

By Patrick Rall on March 22, 2011 - 7:10PM

Reports indicate that the 2012 Fiat 500 Cabrio (convertible to most in the US) will make its grand debut for the North American market at the 2011 New York International Auto Show starting in late April.

Automotive fraud stalking the internet

By Don Bain on March 22, 2011 - 6:42PM

As more and more people turn to the web as a way to save money and make informed automotive purchasing choices, the process of buying a car has gotten easier. This ease has created a new group of potential victims for those who use scams to relieve the unsuspecting of their hard earned cash. Here's how to avoid being taken.

Production begins of the Fisker Karma electric luxury sedan

By Patrick Rall on March 22, 2011 - 4:52PM

The sexy-sleek Fisker Karma electric-first hybrid sedan has been floating around the auto show circuit for a few years now but the reality of seeing a Fisker on the open road is about to go way up as production for the cutting-edge luxury sedan has officially begun in Finland.

GM slows production at another plant due to Japanese crisis

By Patrick Rall on March 22, 2011 - 1:51PM

General Motors was the first American automaker to shut a plant down due to the string of disasters in Japan and yesterday, GM announced more downtime as the Tonawanda engine plant in Buffalo, New York saw one of their production lines halted due to the Japanese earthquake, tsunami and nuclear explosions.

Chinese Chevrolet Camaro to debut at the Auto Shanghai 2011 with a new name

By Patrick Rall on March 22, 2011 - 12:37PM

The Chevrolet Camaro is one of the most well-known names in the history of the American automotive industry but when General Motors’ famous sports car makes its debut in China it will known as the 科迈罗.

Jaguar recalls 2010 XF and XK models for a power steering fire risk

By Patrick Rall on March 22, 2011 - 12:05PM

Jaguar and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have announced that the luxury automaker is recalling select 2010 XF and XK models for a power steering line failure that could cause loss of power steering and in the worst cases, this line problem could become a fire risk.

Ford Racing 2011 Mustang GT sets production car world record

By Patrick Rall on March 22, 2011 - 10:53AM

Behind the wheel of a 2011 Ford Mustang GT modified with only (dealership available) Ford Racing parts, NASCAR driver David Ragan has set the production car world record at Bristol Motor Speedway as part of the World’s Fastest Half-Mile Speed Trials.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, C63 AMG Estate are 2011 F1 safety and medical service cars

By John Matras on March 22, 2011 - 10:50AM

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate have been chosen to perform safety and first medical service at Formula 1 races for the 2011 season.

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