Auto News 5

After presenting the X6 Active Hybrid in Toronto last year, it's the new 7-Series' turn to show off the gas and electric powertrain. Jointly developed with Chrysler and GM, BMW's version of the hybrid unit features two electric motors and a 4.4-litre V8 that is said to develop over 400 horsepower. An 8-speed automatic is part of the deal, and the ActiveHybrid should offer a 15% fuel consumption improvement over the conventional 7-Series. Full story...

The world's best-selling hybrid is about to get a well-deserved makeover. The new Prius is powered by a hybrid powertrain that is 90% new, according to Toyota. Combined fuel economy now averages 3.8 L/100 km, a 7% improvement, while developing 22% more power. Full story...

Official Formula 1 tyre supplier Bridgestone may now have settled on how to differentiate its compounds of dry-weather slick tyres in 2009. Full story...

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada announced their Canadian Car of the Year and Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year this morning at the Toronto Auto Show. The Hyundai Genesis luxury sedan beat out the Mazda6 and Toyota Corolla, while the Ford Flex captured the award away from the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and Subaru Forester. Full story...

It won't be very green this year at the Audi stand. Sure, the Q7 TDI will be there as well as the compact Q5, but the big news is the Canadian intro of two high-performance models. Based on the new-generation A4, the 2010 S4 drops the 340-hp V8 for a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 that develops 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Gearbox choices will include a 6-speed manual and a new 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic automatic. Full story...

True to the form of its formula one team rivals, Force India will not organise a formal launch for its 2009 car. Full story...

Bad news continues to flow out of Donington Park, providing ammunition to the cynics who doubt the circuit can host the British grand prix from 2010. Full story...

Former Formula 1 competitor Ralf Schumacher has secured a new contract to remain in the German touring car series DTM in 2009. Full story...

General Motors today notified employees that it will reduce the number salaried workers from 73,000 to 63,000 on a global basis this year. The announcement comes as the world's economy deteriorates, credit dries up, and shoppers ultimately wind up buying less vehicles. Full story...

Ford has just announced the introduction of a small, electric commercial vehicle in North America by 2010. It's called the Transit Connect and it's part of the American automaker's strategy to market electric vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrids in the next four years. Full story...

Zoom-Zoom is alive and well at your Mazda dealer. The new Mazda6 proves that. As a winner in the family car wars (between $22,000 and $30,000) in the Automobile Journalist's Association of Canada (AJAC) Canadian Car of the year testing, the second-generation Mazda6 is now a finalist in the Canadian Car of the Year Awards. Full story...

Simon Sproule, corporate vice president of global communications at Nissan Motor Co., will be leaving the carmaker to head public relations at Microsoft Corp. Full story...

Chrysler completes the overhaul of its Dodge Ram pickup lineup by taking the wraps off the new 2010 heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 models at the Chicago auto show. Full story...

When the 2009 Cube arrives at dealers in May, Nissan will offer more than 40 accessories. Full story...

PARIS (Reuters) -- French automotive parts supplier Faurecia launched a 450 million euro ($583 million) capital increase plan on Tuesday after posting full-year results that showed a drop in operating income and a widening net loss. Full story...

Ford is taking the cover off what may be the ultimate stealth-mobile at the Chicago auto show: the understated 2010 Taurus SHO. Full story...

As General Motors prepares to present its viability plan to the U.S. Treasury Department next week, product chief Bob Lutz says GM's business model won't work if the market deteriorates further. "Stability is one thing. Full story...

The ContiTech Power Transmission Group has developed a timing belt for lifetime use on Volkswagen AG's common-rail diesel engines, the supplier says. Full story...

German supplier Preh GmbH is producing the electronic center stack panel for the 2010 Lincoln MKZ sedan. The contract is Preh's second with Ford Motor Co. Full story...

General Motors' restructuring plan, demanded by the federal government, is coming together, but work remains to be done, GM CEO Rick Wagoner said today. Full story...