Cars: Ford offers buyouts

2009-12-24T13:05:00.001-08:00

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Ford offers retirement, buyouts to all factory workers

Today's question:

Q: I have a Ford Freestyle and am iffy on the Flex. I like the interior but I really cannot fall in love with the exterior. I have been eyeing the Mazda CX-9 for a while.

A: I'm a Flex-lover. Can't get enough boxy styling. The GM crossover wagons (Traverse, Acadia, etc) are nice packages. I've never liked the transmission tuning, though, and they have an overall 'soft' feel that doesn't suit everybody. I like the Mazda CX-9 also. It was co-developed with the Ford Edge, but Mazda wanted a bit bigger vehicle with a 3rd row of seats. And Mazda went its own way on engine tuning and transmission choice, resulting in a very nice-driving crossover with lots of room.

Read the latest Test Drive chat



Volkswagen's stable: Company has a lot of brands				Drive On Mustang v. Camaro

Car dealers want to keep buyers of dying brands
By Sharon Silke Carty, USA TODAY

Pump prices stay flat even as energy futures spike
AP

Ford says Volvo sale to China's Geely may close by mid-2010
By Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY

GM picks outgoing Microsoft CFO to run finances
By Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer

Saab not dead yet, but auto industry challenges investors
By Sharon Silke Carty, USA TODAY

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After safety recalls, Toyota's reputation needs some TLC
By Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY

General Motors repays part of U.S., Canadian government loans
By Tom Krisher, Associated Press

Some schools are dropping driver's ed to cut costs
By Christine Armario, Associated Press


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Michael Schumacher is back with Mercedes, and we test drive the Mercury Milan Hybrid, in News Brake for Wednesday, Dec. 23

2009-12-23T10:47:00.001-08:00

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Michael Schumacher is back with Mercedes, and we test drive the Mercury Milan Hybrid, in News Brake for Wednesday, Dec. 23
12/23/09, 1:28 pm et
In News Brake: Michael Schumacher is making a comeback with Mercedes Grand Prix, Ford is poised to sell Volvo to Geely, and we take the Mercury Milan Hybrid for a spin . . . But Wait, There's More!...

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AutoWeek Daily Drive Wednesday, December 23, 2009

2009-12-23T06:46:00.001-08:00

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Ford expects to sell Volvo to China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group by the first quarter of 2010. Shown is the ...

Ford and Geely agree on Volvo sale, could finalize deal in early 2010

Ford expects to sign a deal to sell its Volvo car unit to China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group by the first quarter of 2010 and close the deal in the second quarter, the U.S. automaker announced today. Ford said that all of the deal's key commercial terms have been settled. Ford added that work still needs to be done before the deal is completed, such as Geely securing its financing and...

Michael Schumacher will make F1 comeback with Mercedes Grand Prix

Michael Schumacher will make a remarkable comeback next season with the Mercedes Grand Prix team, it was confirmed on Wednesday. The seven-time Formula One world champion quit Grand Prix racing at the end of the 2006 season after winning an all-time record 91 races (among 154 podium finishes)...

The 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid, an AW Drivers Log

SENIOR WEB REPORTER GREG MIGLIORE: The watershed moment in the Mercury Milan Hybrid came for me as I was dashing across town for a lunch meeting. Merging onto an expressway in close quarters where lanes begin and end rapidly, I was able to punch the throttle, bring the car up to speed to...

E85 makes inroads on cost and availability

Three years ago, we embarked on a Midwest road trip in search of what was then the Holy Grail of fuel: E85. Our findings weren't too positive--there were far more E85-compatible vehicles on the road in 2006 (5 million) than there were E85 pumps to fuel them (about 700 out of some 200,000 fuel...

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		2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, an AW Drivers Log EDITORIAL ASSISTANT JONATHAN WONG: Let's get the obvious out of the way. The Challenger is not something you would take to rip around a road course or to a local autocross (unless you want to mow over a bunch of cones). It's the modern interpretation of the old-school muscle car, and because of...
		Detroit auto show: Chrysler will show electric Fiat 500, sources say Chrysler will show off two vehicles at next month's Detroit auto show hinting at future collaborations under Italy's Fiat S.p.A, according to two sources familiar with the plans.Appearing on the Chrysler stand will be: -- An electric version of the Fiat 500 minicar.-- A Lancia Delta mid-size...

ALERT: Michael Schumacher will make F1 comeback with Mercedes Grand Prix

2009-12-23T05:54:00.001-08:00

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Michael Schumacher, the most successful driver in Formula One history, will make a comeback next season with Mercedes Grand Prix.

Michael Schumacher will make F1 comeback with Mercedes Grand Prix
By Quentin Spurring | 12/23/09, 8:41 am et
Michael Schumacher will make a remarkable comeback next season with the Mercedes Grand Prix team, it was confirmed on Wednesday.
The seven-time Formula One world champion quit Grand Prix racing at the end of the 2006 season after winning an all-time record 91 races (among 154 podium finishes) and 68 pole positions. Since then he has served as a trackside consultant for Ferrari, with which he won five of his titles. Schumacher will partner with Nico Rosberg in an all-German driving squad. Many Formula One insiders had anticipated a one-season deal, but Schumacher's new contract is for three years. Mercedes bought a stake in the former Brawn GP after the season and renamed it.
Schumacher, who will be 41 years old on Jan. 3, 2010, began his professional career as a member of the...

The Aston Martin One-77 clocks 220 mph, and Ford Syncs the Internet in its cars, in News Brake for Tuesday, Dec. 22

2009-12-22T10:33:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

The Aston Martin One-77 clocks 220 mph, and Ford Syncs the Internet in its cars, in News Brake for Tuesday, Dec. 22
12/22/09, 1:17 pm et
In News Brake: The Aston Martin One-77 clocks 220 mph, Cadillac teases a concept for the Detroit auto show, and Ford Syncs the Internet in its cars . . . But Wait, There's More!...

AutoWeek Daily Drive Tuesday, December 22, 2009

2009-12-22T07:19:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Aston Martin released this photo of the One-77 supercar being tested in southern Europe. The prototype was...

Aston says One-77 prototype hits 220-mph mark

Aston Martin's One-77 supercar looks fast--and it goes fast. The British luxury-car maker says a prototype of the One-77 notched 220.007 mph during testing in southern Europe. The speed mark was set in dry and windy conditions. The One-77 is powered by a 7.3-liter V12. The car's body makes extensive use of carbon fiber and aluminum, which keeps weight down. Aston plans to start...

Detroit auto show: Cadillac teases concept car

Another eye-catching Cadillac concept will break cover on Jan. 12 at the Detroit auto show. Cadillac released a teaser of the show car on Tuesday, and from it we can see elaborate headlight casings, a prominent grille that follows the brand's recent design language and impressive wheel arches....

Hylton wants one more Daytona 500

Don't look now, but veteran NASCAR driver James Hylton, 75, is working on plans to race in the 2010 Daytona 500 in February. "It's been a thorn in my side," Hylton says, that he came so close to qualifying for the race in 2007 and hasn't been able to since. After sitting out the Daytona 500 in...

Speed channel signs new deal to broadcast F1 races

The Speed cable channel has reached a new three-year deal with Formula One Management to broadcast Formula One races in the United States. The deal lets Speed keep broadcasting live coverage of F1 practice sessions and races, typically early in the morning for U.S. viewers. Four of the 2010...

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		Jimmie Johnson wins AP honor Jimmie Johnson, the first driver in NASCAR history to win four consecutive championships, has been named the Associated Press 2009 Male Athlete of the Year. Johnson's 42 votes from AP-member newspapers were easily enough to beat tennis star Roger Federer (30 votes), Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt (29) ...
		Ford truck-design boss leaves for job outside the industry Pat Schiavone, Ford Motor Co.'s truck design chief, is leaving the company for a job outside the industry.Ford spokeswoman Marcey Evans on Monday confirmed Schiavone's resignation, effective Jan. 4. She would not identify Schiavone's new company, other than to say it doesn't compete with Ford....
		NASCAR moves June Nationwide race from Milwaukee Mile to Road America NASCAR has moved its Nationwide Series race on Saturday, June 19, from the one-mile Milwaukee Mile to the 2.5-mile course at Road America near Elkhart Lake, Wis. NASCAR was forced to withdraw its Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series races from the oval at Milwaukee because of difficulties in...
		New version of Sync turns car into mobile wireless hotspot The next generation of Ford's Sync system will turn the car into a wireless connection hotspot.The wireless Internet connection is active when a cellular wireless card, also known as an air card, is plugged into the car's USB port. The connection can than be accessed by wireless devices in the car, ...

Spyker makes another play for Saab, and a test drive of the Audi E-tron, in News Brake for Monday, Dec. 21

2009-12-21T11:06:00.000-08:00

Monday, December 21, 2009

Spyker makes another play for Saab, and a test drive of the Audi E-tron, in News Brake for Monday, Dec. 21
12/21/09, 1:41 pm et
In News Brake: General Motors gets another offer for Saab from Spyker, Peugeot blocks Audi for Sebring, and we drive the Audi E-tron . . . But Wait, There's More!...

AutoWeek Daily Drive Monday, December 21, 2009

2009-12-21T07:21:00.001-08:00

Monday, December 21, 2009

Audi says the production version of the E-tron will hit 125 mph....

Audi E-tron, an AW Flash Drive

What is it? The Audi E-tron is a concept supercar with an all-electric drivetrain. Top speed on the production version will be electronically limited to 125 mph, while 0 to 62 mph will come up in just 4.8 seconds, Audi says. While it looks an awful lot like an R8, and while it also has an aluminum spaceframe just as an R8 does, Audi says the only thing you see on the E-tron that is...

Ford bets customers will pay premium prices for the Fiesta

Ford Motor Co. will charge more than $23,000 for a fully loaded Fiesta, a new car smaller than the Focus. Ford thinks consumers are ready to pay premium prices for small cars, which long have been dominated by budget shoppers. "The price is out there, and we already have 1,000 orders," said...

Kentucky Speedway drops legal challenge, seeks Sprint Cup race

The decision by the founding owners of Kentucky Speedway to drop further legal action against NASCAR clears the way for the track to pursue a Sprint Cup date in 2011. All along, NASCAR had refused to deal with speedway chairman Jerry Carroll and his partners while their $200 million suit against...

Volume sales of plug-in Toyota Prius to begin in two years

Toyota will start leasing 150 of its Prius plug-in hybrids in the United States this winter and plans retail sales of tens of thousands in two years. The North American arrival, scheduled for around February, is part of a global rollout of 600 units. With a longer electric-only cruise range...

Peugeot vetoes Audi for Sebring

Audi's participation in the 2010 Sebring 12 Hours with an interim version of its R15 prototype has been vetoed by archrival Peugeot. The German manufacturer proposed taking this year's R15s fitted with 2010-spec engines to the American Le Mans Series opener in March. The move, which needed...

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		Spyker makes a new offer for Saab; General Motors will evaluate Spyker Cars said Sunday it had submitted a new offer for the Saab brand.Spyker CEO Victor Muller said an 11-point proposal had been handed to General Motors addressing each of the issues that arose during due diligence after the Dutch company originally bid for Saab.Muller said the new offer would...

Ford muscles up with a 5.0 for the Mustang, and Saab is done, in News Brake for Friday, Dec. 18

2009-12-18T10:32:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 18, 2009

Ford muscles up with a 5.0 for the Mustang, and Saab is done, in News Brake for Friday, Dec. 18
12/18/09, 1:11 pm et
In News Brake: Ford will drop a 5.0-liter V8 in the 2011 Mustang, Volvo electrifies the C30--again, and General Motors will shutter Saab . . . But Wait, There's More!...

Cars: Hyundai Tucson proves it's time to buy a Hyundai

2009-12-18T10:14:00.000-08:00

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Hyundai Tucson proves it's time to buy a Hyundai

By James R. Healey, USA TODAY

	PHOTOS/AUDIO: Hyundai Tucson with Healey's comments
	QUESTIONS? Ask them now for Healey's chat, 2 p.m. ET

Today's question:

Q: Did the various Kia Forte and Koup testers have cloth or leather seats? If both, what were your impressions of leather vs. cloth?

A: Cloth. I prefer leather in most any vehicle, however, because spills don't soak in and it's almost certain that you or a passenger will dump something sometime. Also interesting, even in cases where the maker swears there's no difference in seats, save for the covering, the cloth or the leather, one of them, usually seems to sit better.

Read the latest Test Drive chat



Mystery Car: Can you identify this lucky jalopy?				Drive On Here's a list of EPA's most climate-friendly cars

Qatar acquires 17% stake in VW, becomes No. 3 shareholder
AP

Saab story: GM to end the line after Spyker sale collapses
By Sharon Silke Carty, USA TODAY

CarMax 3Q profit beats expectations on stronger sales
AP

Oil jumps above $72 as supplies fall, wiping out last week's declines
By Chris Kahn, AP Energy Writer

Uncertainty about Saab's future hits family hard
By Sharon Silke Carty, USA TODAY

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New GM CEO has plans to repay funds
By Sharon Silke Carty, USA TODAY

GM auctioning historic Flint complex
By David Runk, Associated Press Writer

Toyota to start selling plug-in hybrids in 2011
By Yuri Kageyama, AP Business Writer


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AutoWeek Daily Drive Friday, December 18, 2009

2009-12-18T07:26:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 18, 2009

The 2011 Ford Mustang will get a new 5.0-liter V8 making 412 hp. Shown is the 2010 model....

2011 Ford Mustang: Five-Point-Oh is now 412 hp

To Ford Mustang fans, 5.0 means a lot, and the new 2011 5.0-liter V8 Mustang will deliver 412 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, company officials said on Thursday. The information was supposed to be embargoed until Dec. 28, but news leaked out shortly after the announcement in Dearborn, Mich. The new 5.0-liter Mustang produces 83 hp per liter yet will return 25 mpg, according to Ford marketing boss...

GM to shut down Saab

General Motors will shut down Saab after the automaker wasn't able to conclude a deal to sell the brand to Spyker Cars, GM said on Friday. “Despite the best efforts of all involved, it has become very clear that the due diligence required to complete this complex transaction could not be...

2010 Toyota Sienna, an AW Flash Drive

What is it? The third generation of Toyota's modern minivan, it comes in five trim levels, in front- or all-wheel drive and with your choice of four- or six-cylinder power. The 3.5-liter 266-hp V6 likely will get all the media attention, but the option of a 187-hp 2.7-liter four will give ...

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		Detroit auto show: Volvo rolls out another electric C30 Volvo is bringing another battery-powered electric C30 to the Detroit auto show in January. This one grabs the baton from an earlier prototype shown at the Frankfurt show in September, which was drivable. The Detroit show car, however, adds a full interior with instrumentation and enhanced battery...
		Patrick to make Nationwide debut in California Danica Patrick will make her NASCAR debut in the Feb. 20 Nationwide Series race at Auto Club Speedway at Fontana, Calif. She will drive the No. 7 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in the 200-lap, 300-mile race.Team co-owner Kelly Earnhardt Elledge confirmed the date on Thursday, and added that Patrick's ...
		Buick prices LaCrosse four-cylinder model, due early next year The Buick LaCrosse will get a four-cylinder engine that could get up to 30 mpg early next year. The LaCrosse, Buick's highly touted new sedan, will start at $26,995 with this powerplant.The direct-injection 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder makes 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. It's the third engine...
		GMC gives Acadia the Denali treatment GMC is giving the Acadia crossover the Denali treatment, creating a new top trim level for the model lineup.The Acadia Denali goes on sale in fall 2010.Changes to the Acadia to create the Denali version include a chrome mesh grille, 20-inch wheels and tires, and redesigned front and rear bumper...

ALERT: GM to shut down Saab

2009-12-18T06:20:00.001-08:00

Friday, December 18, 2009

GM to shut down Saab
By Dale Jewett | 12/18/09, 9:12 am et
General Motors will shut down Saab after the automaker wasn't able to conclude a deal to sell the brand to Spyker Cars, GM said on Friday.
“Despite the best efforts of all involved, it has become very clear that the due diligence required to complete this complex transaction could not be executed in a reasonable time," GM Europe president Nick Reilly said in a statement.
"In order to maintain operations, Saab needed a quick resolution. We regret that we were not able to complete this transaction with Spyker Cars. We will work closely with the Saab organization to wind down the business in an orderly and responsible manner. This is not a bankruptcy or forced liquidation process. Consequently, we expect Saab to satisfy debts, including supplier payments, and to wind down...

BMW reveals an electric 1-series concept, and GM speeds up future product, in News Brake for Thursday, Dec. 17

2009-12-17T12:02:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 17, 2009

BMW reveals an electric 1-series concept, and GM speeds up future product, in News Brake for Thursday, Dec. 17
12/17/09, 2:25 pm et
In News Brake: BMW pulls the cover off the Concept ActiveE, the finalists for North American Car and Truck of the Year are set, and General Motors speeds up its future products . . . But Wait, There's More!...

AutoWeek Daily Drive Thursday, December 17, 2009

2009-12-17T07:11:00.001-08:00

Thursday, December 17, 2009

The Mini Cooper S still excels with its fun driving character....

The 2009 Mini Cooper S, an AW Drivers Log

SENIOR EDITOR FOR NEWS BOB GRITZINGER: Still crazy, after all these years--how many years has it been since the new Mini burst on the scene with its retro-cool good looks and unbelievably fun driving character? Mini arrived as a 2003 model, updated once since then, and remains one of the best fun cars on the market. This one, with the turbo inline-four and six-speed manual, is the best of...

GM speeds development of cars delayed during battle for survival

With bankruptcy behind it, General Motors is speeding up the development of vehicle programs that had been delayed. One car, the next generation Chevrolet Malibu, will go on sale in two years. In August, GM executives said that car would debut a year later, in 2012. “Once we got out of...

Toyota refugee Kobayashi gets Sauber F1 seat for 2010

Kamui Kobayashi's racing performance in Formula One for Toyota in Brazil and Abu Dhabi has landed him a Sauber seat for 2010. The Toyota test driver appeared to have no future in F1 as he stepped in after Timo Glock was injured. But Kobayashi garnered attention by holding off Jenson Button in...

Detroit auto show: BMW electrifies the 1-series with Concept ActiveE

BMW will flip the switch on the second phase of its heavily cloaked Project i city-car initiative at the Detroit auto show with the unveiling of a plug-in electric version of the 1-series coupe. Known as the Concept ActiveE, the new four-seater foreshadows a production version set for a limited...

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		FIA amends 2010 Formula One rules Under revised 2010 Formula One rules announced by the FIA, midseason substitute drivers can qualify for one test day at a circuit not on the current schedule if they meet certain criteria.Previously, teams were only able to perform limited aerodynamic tests during non-grand prix weekends. This led...
		Car, truck award finalists named The Buick LaCrosse, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Volkswagen Golf are the three finalists for the 2010 North American Car of the Year award.Finalists for the companion North American Truck of the Year award are the Chevrolet Equinox, the Ford Transit Connect and the Subaru Outback.The finalists in ...

Mini heads for the beach and Rinspeed dreams of a city car, in News Brake for Wednesday, Dec. 16

2009-12-16T12:35:00.001-08:00

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Mini heads for the beach, and Rinspeed dreams of a city car, in News Brake for Wednesday, Dec. 16
12/16/09, 3:25 pm et
In today's News Brake: Mini heads for the beach, Rinspeed dreams of a city car, and Aston Martin completes its makeover of the Toyota iQ . . . But Wait, There's More!...

AutoWeek Daily Drive Wednesday, December 16, 2009

2009-12-16T07:44:00.001-08:00

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The Aston Martin Cygnet concept....

Aston Martin reveals the Cygnet city-car concept

Today we're getting a first peek at the curious pairing of Aston Martin and Toyota with the release of official pictures of the Aston Martin Cygnet concept. The car is being billed as a luxury commuter ride for urban areas. It's a Toyota iQ with a restyled front end with Aston Martin's styling cues. No one will mistake this thing for a Vantage, but Aston Martin says development will...

The 2009 Toyota Highlander, an AW Drivers Log

SENIOR EDITOR FOR NEWS BOB GRITZINGER: This could be the ultimate do-everything vehicle that everyone needs, able to tow a 3,500-pound load, carry seven passengers or load up a pile of gear with the entire cargo area available. Add to that the fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine--I got 24....

Rinspeed unveils its electric UC concept vehicle for Geneva

Rinspeed, the Swiss creators of crazy concepts for the Geneva auto show, have turned their attention to urban mobility, unveiling on Wednesday the UC electric commuter vehicle. The two-seater is powered by an electric motor that makes 91.5 lb-ft of torque. It has a range of 74.6 miles and a top...

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		General Motors is seeking 'motivating, inspirational' CEO, Whitacre says General Motors Co.'s board is looking inside and outside the automaker for “a motivating, inspirational leader” to be its next chief executive, said Ed Whitacre, chairman and interim CEO.Whitacre said candidates don't need to be an existing CEO or even have strong auto credentials. But...
		Lotus snags Ferrari designer Another Ferrari man is heading for Lotus.Donato Coco will take over as director of design for the British company on Jan. 4. He follows in the path of new Lotus CEO Dany Bahar, who was a sales executive for Ferrari.Previously, Coco was director of design and development for Ferrari, where he worked ...

The Mercedes-Benz E-class convertible breaks cover, and Shelby American is back, in News Brake for Tuesday, Dec. 15

2009-12-15T12:55:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The Mercedes-Benz E-class convertible breaks cover, and Shelby American is back, in News Brake for Tuesday, Dec. 15
12/15/09, 3:38 pm et
In News Brake: The Mercedes-Benz E-class convertible is revealed ahead of the Detroit auto show, GM CEO Ed Whitacre lays out job qualifications for the next honcho, and the Shelby American name is back . . . But Wait, There's More!...

AutoWeek Daily Drive Tuesday, December 15, 2009

2009-12-15T07:23:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Mercedes-Benz touts the all-season capability of the new E-class convertible. Note the Aircap wind blocker...

Detroit auto show: Mercedes E-class convertible joins the family

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the final member of the redesigned E-class line with official photos of the E-class convertible, which replaces the CLK in the Mercedes lineup. The open-top E-class will make its formal debut at the Detroit auto show in early January and is set to reach U.S. Mercedes showrooms next May, about one month before the E-class wagon arrives. While the convertible shares ...

2009 Honda CR-V EX-L, an AW Drivers Log

COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA OROSCO: This CR-V worked well for a weekend of family stuff and errands, which was perfect to see what the CR-V could do. Yes, there is a bit of hesitation when jumping on the expressway or going up hilly areas and such, but straight out, this little ute can be fast. And...

Branson has big ambitions for Virgin Racing Formula One team

Virgin Racing's Formula One plans were finally unveiled in London on Tuesday, months after it became clear that the company was abandoning Brawn GP to rebrand the start-up Manor GP team. Having announced Timo Glock as a driver, the team confirmed that former Manor F3 driver Lucas di Grassi will...

Shelby brings back ‘Shelby American' name for performance-car business

Carroll Shelby's performance-car business is returning to its roots. Shelby Automobiles is changing its name to Shelby American--the original banner used by his sports-car business and the historic Le Mans-winning cars in the 1960s. Shelby says the switch is in honor of the 45th anniversary...

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		ALMS: Simon Pagenaud joins Patrón Highcroft French sports-car star Simon Pagenaud will join the Patrón Highcroft racing team in the American Le Mans Series in 2010.He will team with David Brabham. Pagenaud replaces Scott Sharp, who is moving to the GT2 class with his own Ferrari team.Pagenaud, 25, goes to Patrón Highcroft after two seasons...
		Audi teases A1 subcompact Audi has released a teaser shot of a new premium subcompact, the A1, which will be revealed at the Geneva auto show in March.The shot is a graffiti-style teaser and reveals very little. Still, it appears to be a fairly bold design, with a prominent front end, short front overhang and large wheel...
		Crew chief Addington switches Busch teams Longtime NASCAR crew chief Steve Addington has gone from one Busch brother to another. Addington, who helped Kyle Busch win 12 races in two seasons at Toyota-based Joe Gibbs Racing, is the new crew chief for older brother Kurt Busch at Penske Racing.Addington, 45, takes over a Dodge-based team that ...

Saab technology is sold to the Chinese, and the Honda Element lives on, in News Brake for Monday, Dec. 14

2009-12-14T10:06:00.001-08:00

Monday, December 14, 2009

Saab technology is sold to the Chinese, and the Honda Element lives on, in News Brake for Monday, Dec. 14
12/14/09, 12:47 pm et
In News Brake: Saab sells some of its technology to raise cash, Lotus draws a pair of aces to drive for it in 2010, and the Honda Element will continue . . . But Wait, There's More!...

AutoWeek Daily Drive Monday, December 14, 2009

2009-12-14T07:51:00.001-08:00

Monday, December 14, 2009

All-wheel drive adds about 200 pounds to the Infiniti G37X coupe....

The 2009 Infiniti G37X Coupe, an AW Drivers Log

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT JONATHAN WONG: The all-wheel-drive version of the G37 coupe was new for 2009, as was the seven-speed automatic transmission. With the new drivetrain configuration, it seems primed to be a decent alternative to the Audi A5, a car for which many of us around here have fallen hard. It wasn't much of a stretch to add an all-wheel-drive model since Infiniti had it in the...

Honda to offer second-gen Element

Although the Element has been a disappointing seller, Honda plans to offer a second generation of its quirky crossover rather than treat it as an experiment. The company is hitting a key demographic with the Element that it does not reach with the vehicle's platform sibling, the CR-V, said John ...

Saab says asset sale to BAIC gives it cash for a fresh start

Saab believes that a deal to sell some key assets to Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings Co. will help secure the money-losing automaker's future. "The money will finance the new Saab and contribute to a good start under new ownership," Saab spokeswoman Gunilla Gustavs said without revealing...

Lotus F1 confirms Trulli, Kovalainen

The new Lotus Formula One team has a good chance to achieve its ambition of being the best of F1's newcomers in 2010 after signing former Grand Prix winners Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen. Trulli had been linked with the drive for some time, thanks to his connections with technical director...

Sponsorship scam hits Mercedes GP

The German media has revealed an alleged sponsorship scam that could leave a massive hole in the budget of the new Mercedes GP Formula One team. Before Mercedes' announced its takeover of the Brawn GP team last month, Brawn apparently agreed to a giant sponsorship deal with the Henkel consumer...

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		NASCAR notes: Kentucky Speedway loses legal challenge; Kyle Busch forms truck team Kentucky Speedway has lost its antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. for conspiracy to keep the track from getting a Sprint Cup race.The three-judge panel at the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals said the track didn't prove that NASCAR and ISC worked with other tracks to ...

A race-ready Dodge Viper is revealed, and a review of the Tesla Roadster Sport, in News Brake for Friday, Dec. 11

2009-12-11T10:19:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 11, 2009

A race-ready Dodge Viper is revealed, and a review of the Tesla Roadster Sport, in News Brake for Friday, Dec. 11
12/11/09, 12:56 pm et
In News Brake: The 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X is revealed, an update on Formula One, and we review the 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport . . . But Wait, There's More!...

Cars: Ford's Lincoln MKT crossover SUV rides high with inner style

2009-12-11T09:40:00.001-08:00

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Ford's Lincoln MKT crossover SUV rides high with inner style

By James R. Healey, USA TODAY

	PHOTOS: See more of the 2010 Lincoln MKT
	MORE TEST DRIVE: Archive of Healey's columns
	SIDE BY SIDE: Compare this vehicle to others

Today's question:

Q: The Kia Koup evokes obvious comparisons with the Honda Civic - but how does it compare with its own older brother, the Kia Optima? Their price points are very, very close indeed.

A: Optima is bigger, heavier, comes only as a four-door sedan; no coupe (Koup) version available. But it has an optional V-6. Except for the base Optima with 4 cyl and manual trans, Optima pricing seems notably higher than Forte/Koup (couple thou' or more higher).

Read the latest Test Drive chat



Photo Gallery Luxury, classics and electrics				Drive On Alleged Tiger Woods companion turns up on bike calendar

GM delays European restructuring plan until January
APOnline

General Motors' executive suite sees mass turnover
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GM replaces Chevy brand manager, Buick chief quits
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D.C. junks car safety inspections: Will others, too?
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Volkswagen to buy 20% of Suzuki for $2.5B
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Congress seeks compromise on GM, Chrysler dealers
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GM nears hiring new CFO, repaying some of its U.S. loans
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Gas engines quietly upstage electric cars at L.A. auto show
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EPA's carbon dioxide emissions ruling could raise energy costs
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GM investing $700M in Michigan for Volt
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AutoWeek Daily Drive Friday, December 11, 2009

2009-12-11T06:46:00.001-08:00

Friday, December 11, 2009

The 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport...

2010 Tesla Roadster Sport: Electric chic gets quicker--it's EV with attitude

One thing that surely anybody alive and breathing just about has to love is mashing the accelerator pedal in an electric car--more so if it's an electric car designed primarily to thrill you. Except for drag racers and guys who regularly pilot those reverse bungee-cord human-slingshot rides at state fairs--and maybe even them, too--the thrill of silently and suddenly ker-thwapping yourself to ...

The 2009 Nissan Cube Krom, an AW Drivers Log

EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: I must say, this is one of the ugliest things on the road, but like an ugly mutt, I kinda like it. I guess I've liked all the rectangular boxes on wheels that have come along, from the Honda Element to the Scion xB to this. The reason comes down to seating...

BMW plans changes for M3 for Le Mans

BMW will need to make changes to its controversial V8-powered M3 if it is to achieve its target of racing in the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2010. BMW announced plans last weekend to contest the French endurance race with the GT2-spec M3 that Rahal Letterman Racing ran in the 2009 American Le Mans...

Toyota to unveil low-cost car next month

Toyota said it will unveil a concept of its new car for emerging markets at the New Delhi auto show on Jan. 5. The Japanese automaker plans to sell the low-cost compact car in markets such as India, Russia and Latin America. Code-named EFC (Entry Family Car), the model is expected to cost...

F1 teams again look for ways to increase passing during races

The FIA’s Formula One Commission has given what is described as “a strong mandate” to its Sporting Working Group to develop another round of proposals for improving the Grand Prix show. Last season the working group, made up of delegates from both the FIA and the teams,...

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Kia thinking big and an auction house looks to China, in News Brake for Thursday, Dec. 10

2009-12-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Kia thinking big and an auction house looks to China, in News Brake for Thursday, Dec. 10
12/10/09, 2:05 pm et
In today's News Brake: Kia may be thinking big; we spy the Honda CR-Z in production form; and Steele and Russo want to bang the gavel in China ... But Wait, There's More!...

AutoWeek Daily Drive Thursday, December 10, 2009

2009-12-10T06:54:00.001-08:00

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Russo and Steele wants to expand in China but faces challenges. Shown here is a Porsche at one of its recent...

Under the hammer, overseas: Russo and Steele explores classic-car auction in China

It's ambitious, it's unprecedented and it's loaded with pitfalls. But if it can be pulled off, it could serve as a template for international growth for American auction houses. Russo and Steele is expanding into China and has announced plans this fall to form a joint venture with a Chinese company as a foothold. The short-term goal: promote the Russo and Steele brand overseas. Long range:...

Mazdaspeed 3 SEMA show car is a nice combination of show and go

This Mazdaspeed 3 wagon and its Mazda 3 sedan sibling looked awfully cool when we saw them at SEMA. The graphics alone were so nicely done that they almost seemed too subtle for the show that was the birthplace of the fluorescent pink windshield wiper and pulsating neon undercarriage lighting....

The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT, an AW Drivers Log

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Chevy chief Dewar replaced by James Campbell, will leave GM

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Michael Schumacher is back with Mercedes, and we test drive the Mercury Milan Hybrid, in News Brake for Wednesday, Dec. 23

AutoWeek Daily Drive  Wednesday, December 23, 2009

ALERT: Michael Schumacher will make F1 comeback with Mercedes Grand Prix

The Aston Martin One-77 clocks 220 mph, and Ford Syncs the Internet in its cars, in News Brake for Tuesday, Dec. 22

AutoWeek Daily Drive  Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Spyker makes another play for Saab, and a test drive of the Audi E-tron, in News Brake for Monday, Dec. 21

AutoWeek Daily Drive  Monday, December 21, 2009

Ford muscles up with a 5.0 for the Mustang, and Saab is done, in News Brake for Friday, Dec. 18

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AutoWeek Daily Drive  Friday, December 18, 2009

ALERT: GM to shut down Saab

BMW reveals an electric 1-series concept, and GM speeds up future product, in News Brake for Thursday, Dec. 17

AutoWeek Daily Drive  Thursday, December 17, 2009

Mini heads for the beach and Rinspeed dreams of a city car, in News Brake for Wednesday, Dec. 16

AutoWeek Daily Drive  Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The Mercedes-Benz E-class convertible breaks cover, and Shelby American is back, in News Brake for Tuesday, Dec. 15

AutoWeek Daily Drive  Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Saab technology is sold to the Chinese, and the Honda Element lives on, in News Brake for Monday, Dec. 14

AutoWeek Daily Drive  Monday, December 14, 2009

A race-ready Dodge Viper is revealed, and a review of the Tesla Roadster Sport, in News Brake for Friday, Dec. 11

Cars: Ford's Lincoln MKT crossover SUV rides high with inner style

AutoWeek Daily Drive  Friday, December 11, 2009

Kia thinking big and an auction house looks to China, in News Brake for Thursday, Dec. 10

AutoWeek Daily Drive  Thursday, December 10, 2009

AutoWeek Daily Drive Wednesday, December 23, 2009

AutoWeek Daily Drive Tuesday, December 22, 2009

AutoWeek Daily Drive Monday, December 21, 2009

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AutoWeek Daily Drive Friday, December 11, 2009

AutoWeek Daily Drive Thursday, December 10, 2009