Auto News 5

State and federal law enforcement agencies raided dealer Denny Hecker's suburban Minneapolis headquarters and other Hecker properties Wednesday. Full story...

The Senate today beat back a Republican attempt to strip a scaled-back "cash-for-guzlers" bill from a spending package for U.S. troops, clearing the way for the measure to be passed and sent to President Barack Obama for his signature. Full story...

Michigan's congressional delegation today urged General Motors to locate its new small-car assembly plant in Orion Township, locking horns with Tennessee and Wisconsin lawmakers who also are bidding for the $600 million-$700 million factory. Full story...

Admittedly, when I sat behind the wheel of the all-new 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring for the first time a few months ago, I was impressed. Of course, it didn't have anything to do with excessive opulence or electrifying performance. No, it was more about day-to-day satisfaction. Full story...

Kingston, Ontario - Toyota Canada will reveal today the pricing of the 2010 Toyota Prius. This announcement will coincide with the deliveries of the first units to select Canadian buyers across the country. Full story...

Kingston, Ontario - Toyota Canada will reveal today the pricing of the 2010 Toyota Prius. This announcement will coincide with the deliveries of the first units to select Canadian buyers across the country. Full story...

Twenty-four hours before the Friday deadline, FIA president Max Mosley has made a final offer to rebel formula one teams in a bid to end the sport's political crisis. Full story...

The 2009 season is the last year of a long-term contract that had American female driver Danica Patrick race in the IndyCar series for team Andretti Green Racing. The young lay has admitted that she has interest in switching to the NASCAR series. Full story...

Ford Motor Company will be the featured automaker of the 2009 SEMA Show taking place Nov. 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. "Ford has always been a strong supporter of SEMA and our industry," said Christopher J. Kersting, president and CEO of SEMA. "We are pleased to announce their participation as Vehicle Manufacturer of the Show and to be collaborating with them on several branding and technology programs." Full story...

For the fifth time in a row, a jury of 64 leading motoring journalists from over 30 countries has voted the 2.0-liter FSI the "International Engine of the Year" in the 1.8 to 2.0-liter category. Full story...

The Formula One Teams' Association announced on Thursday night that it is setting up a breakaway championship. Full story...

As part of its long-term viability plan and recent decision to phase out the Pontiac brand, General Motors has decided to discontinue production of the Pontiac Vibe by the end of August 2009. The Vibe is produced at the New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMMI) facility jointly operated by GM and Toyota in Fremont, California. While no replacement for Vibe production has been determined, GM and Toyota remain in active discussions regarding potential future production at NUMMI. Full story...

Mike Beamish, executive vice president and board member, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWGoA) today joined local elected officials and community leaders in the grand opening of the company's $30 million parts distribution center in Jacksonville, Fla. Full story...

Negotiations to revive the axed Canadian grand prix in Montreal are still taking place, according to reports in the country. Full story...

Norwegian Petter Solberg will still test a Peugeot 307 WRC as the former World Rally Champion considers a switch from a Citroen Xsara to a 307. Full story...

Less than a week after announcing that it would cut in its backing of both Nationwide and Truck Series teams, General Motors will also back down on its financial support for its main teams competing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Full story...

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone this week met in London, Great Britain with a potential promoter for a revived Canadian grand prix. Full story...

Kingston, Ontario - Toyota Canada will reveal today the pricing of the 2010 Toyota Prius. This announcement will coincide with the deliveries of the first units to select Canadian buyers across the country. Full story...

First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

The bull with serious snort.

Rooted in legend, steeped in technology, and dressed to thrill, the Ford Taurus SHO is finally here to save the day for Ford if not the entire beleaguered domestic auto industry. Weighing heavily on the shoulders of this twenty-first century Hercules is the task of convincing reluctant buyers to open their hearts and pocketbooks for an American sedan with sporting intentions.

Photo Gallery: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO - Ford Sport Sedan Review - Automobile Magazine

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U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg said on Wednesday he would try to strip a $1 billion proposal designed to spur auto sales from a war spending bill, an initiative carmakers say is crucial for industry recovery. Full story...