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.

By Armen Hareyan Jul 28 2011 - 10:59am

Kia finds a smart way to compete with Fiat 500 and Ford Ka

How many nail bottles of nail polish will it take to pain a new Kia is one of the questions the company tackles in a new Picanto ad by targeting women and competing with Fiat 500, Ford Ka and Renault Twingo. It's called Kia Picanto nail art animation.

By Frank Sherosky Jul 28 2011 - 9:39am

2011 CAR Management Briefing Seminar Update: Economic plan overriding Obama mileage plan

As leaders of the auto industry share their vision of the industry’s future and its connection to success at the start of the CAR Business Seminars in Traverse City tomorrow, running from August 1 - 4, many wonder if President Obama's new mileage proposal is being drowned in the news by the debt plan, or lack of it.

By Armen Hareyan Jul 28 2011 - 7:31am

Mercedes-Benz MLC 2015 takes aim at BMW X6

Although the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML has just presented to us, the German manufacturer decides to give it a big brother, which should be called C and ML. Its mission is to confront the popular BMW X6.

By Hawke Fracassa Jul 27 2011 - 10:53pm

Economists push U.S. to elevate fuel rules

The U.S. government on Friday will announce fuel rules for new cars and trucks that will be assembled in America from 2017 to 2025. As politicians weigh what makes sense, economists are lobbying hard for substantially better fuel-economy standards.

By Don Bain Jul 27 2011 - 8:58pm

Auto dealer's video inventories linked to Facebook users

Liquidus, a multimedia and video marketing firm, announced the launch of its new Socialink Facebook application yesterday, enabling car dealers to provide customers a video of every vehicle in inventory to the multitudes of Facebook users.

By Don Bain Jul 27 2011 - 7:12pm

British Green Racing gets a boost from HaloIPT

Remember racing those little 1/32nd scale cars around an electrified track? Now drivers will be maneuvering their full size race cars about a track using inductive power transference to charge the vehicles as they race. Electricity is powering the future of British Green Racing thanks to an agreement between Drayson Racing Technologies and HaloIPT.

By Gordon Block Jul 27 2011 - 12:16pm

Infiniti builds QX-powered luxury boat with the help of Tennessee technical students

Infiniti has donated a QX56 to the Nashville State Community College to give automotive technicians in training the chance to be part of a very unique project: to build a luxury boat powered by the SUV's 400hp V8 engine.

By Patrick Rall Jul 27 2011 - 11:31am

The 308hp 2012 Cadillac SRX priced at $36,060

When the 2012 Cadillac SRX hits the streets later this year, it will be powered by a new 3.6L V6 churning out 308 horsepower – more power than either of the 2011 model year engines offered – but that comes with a slight price increase as the 2012 SRX starts at $36,060 including a destination charge of $875.

By Patrick Rall Jul 27 2011 - 10:43am

Chrysler’s SRT brand could offer supercharged 2013 models

The 2012 SRT models including the Dodge Charger SRT8, the Dodge Challenger SRT8, the Chrysler 300C SRT8 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 are just hitting the streets but an exciting rumor has Mopar lovers looking to next year as it has been whispered by the masses that the SRT brand could offer a supercharged package for the 2013 model year.

By Frank Sherosky Jul 27 2011 - 10:06am

White House revises 2025 CAFE Standard proposal from 56.2 to 54.5 mpg

Who knew that a 1.7 mpg change in CAFÉ standard proposal could make such a difference in attitude and acceptance by the auto industry?

By Hawke Fracassa Jul 26 2011 - 8:55pm

Ford, ROUSH, Blue Bird team on new green school bus

The next-generation Blue Bird propane-powered Vision school bus, complete with a Ford engine and ROUSH fuel system in tow, made its debut today at an expo in Reno, Nev.

By Patrick Rall Jul 26 2011 - 4:38pm

Saab cannot pay salaried workers this month

Even with the multi-million dollars investment deals with various hedge fund and Chinese distribution deals, things are still going downhill for Saab as now the Swedish automaker has announced that they will be unable to pay salaried workers this month.

By Richard Gray Jul 26 2011 - 2:46pm

Mini Cooper plans 10 models for 2013 with an expected plug-in

The Mini Cooper is maximizing the configurations for its third generation by offering 10 different concepts that include engine and drive choices.

By Patrick Rall Jul 26 2011 - 1:32pm

Ken Block introduces a new Ford Fiesta multipurpose racer

The world of rally cross, stage rally and gymkhana racing have slowly shoved their way into the mainstream auto racing world and with the 2011 X Games just a few days away, Ken Block and the folks from the Monster World Rally Team have introduced the Ford Fiesta HFHV – or Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle.

By Patrick Rall Jul 26 2011 - 11:48am

Porsche Designs builds a high performance bicycle

The folks at Porsche Designs have entered yet another new market as they have introduced a line of high performance bicycles offering high performance features – and a very high price.

By Frank Sherosky Jul 26 2011 - 11:08am

AeroVironment (Nasdaq: AVAV) expands relationship with Nissan into Canada

AeroVironment (Nasdaq: AVAV) announced that it is expanding its relationship with Nissan internationally into Canada as its official home EV charging station and installation provider for the Nissan LEAF. AeroVironment was selected as a result of its leadership in EV infrastructure.

By Patrick Rall Jul 26 2011 - 8:59am

Chrysler reports $370 million net loss in 2011 Q2

The Chrysler Group announced the results of their second quarter for 2011 and unlike the first three months of 2011, the smallest of the Detroit Big 3 posted a loss of $370 million – much of which was due to the company’s aggressive efforts to pay off the government bailout loans.

By Hawke Fracassa Jul 25 2011 - 9:42pm

Fla. expo pushes virtues of propane autogas

The 11th annual National Motor Vehicle and Aviation Workshops and Exposition for federal fleet managers runs through the end of this week at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando. There, managers nationwide will learn how propane autogas can cut down on their operating and maintenance costs without harming performance or affecting the reliability of their vehicles.

By Gordon Block Jul 25 2011 - 9:23pm

Nissan LEAF earns five-star NCAP rating

The Nissan LEAF is the first 100% electric vehicle to receive the NHTSA's highest five-star crash rating.

By Roman Rosa Jul 25 2011 - 4:55pm

Ducati leading the way with a huge 61% increase in sales

Ducati increased their sales 61% in this quarter on the back of a fantastic range of new and updated motorcycles and a whole lot of self-improvement.

By Hawke Fracassa Jul 25 2011 - 12:32pm

Honda introduces its future style: The 2012 CR-V Concept

The fourth-generation street Honda CR-V will be in dealer showrooms by December, and today's introduction of the 2012 Honda CR-V Concept shows off the style future Hondas will follow.

By Patrick Rall Jul 25 2011 - 12:15pm

Chrysler repays TARP loans six years early

Late last week, the Chrysler Group announced that they made some $560 million in payments to the US Federal Government and the UAW – officially paying off the TARP loans (Troubled Asset Relief Program - more commonly referred to as bailout loans) six years ahead of schedule.

By Frank Sherosky Jul 25 2011 - 10:50am

Ford stock depends on hybrids winning reliability race as well as efficiency

New technology oftentimes experiences a decrease in initial quality and reliability. Not so with Ford's hybrid technology, which is good news for Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) stock holders.

By Hawke Fracassa Jul 24 2011 - 9:06pm

Rockstar race car rocks at New England rally

The Rally America Championship ended at the New England Forest Rally in Newry, Maine, with Rockstar Energy Drink car drivers Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard in first place. It was their second straight year on top.

By Hawke Fracassa Jul 24 2011 - 5:58pm

Level 5 makes Honda its Le Mans teammate

Level 5 Motorsports of Madison, Wis., has changed teams, aligning itself with Honda Performance Development as it closes out the 2011 season with the manufacturers’ new LMP2 car, beginning with the Six Hours of Silverstone in September.

By Hawke Fracassa Jul 24 2011 - 4:09pm

Hybrid electric car battery pioneer up for sale

Energy Conversion Devices (Nasdaq: ENER), a pioneer in battery technology in the automotive industry since 1982 and a leading global maker of thin-film flexible solar laminate products and systems, is making plans to sell its Ovonic Battery Co. subsidiary.

By Frank Sherosky Jul 24 2011 - 12:00am

Chevrolet confirms diesel for 2013 Cruze

In addition to efficiency of the Cruze Eco, Chevrolet has now confirmed the rumor is true; an even more efficient diesel variant will be offered for the 2013 model year.

By Hawke Fracassa Jul 23 2011 - 7:53pm

Toyota, Braun give gift of mobility to paralyzed newlywed

The world can be a selfish and unforgiving place. This is a hard truth, especially in an America that can be so cold it's easy to believe nobody cares. Every once in a while, there is an exception to the rule. Such a bright spot portends hope and inspiration that not all is lost for the rest of us. A blushing bride's road from tragedy to triumph, with help from friends like Toyota and The Braun Corp., is proof of that.

By Gordon Block Jul 23 2011 - 6:13pm

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series officially revealed

The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series has made its debut at the German Formula 1 Grand Prix, continuing Mercedes' insane line of race-bred cars for the street.

By Hawke Fracassa Jul 22 2011 - 11:11pm

UAW will press for more money, jobs for Chrysler workers

It's time to follow the money. Contract talks begin Monday morning at Chrysler Group LLC headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., between Chrysler executives Scott Garberding and AI Iacobelli and UAW bosses Bob King and General Holiefield.

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