Auto News 5

NEW YORK - As New York becomes the center of the automotive universe for the 10-day run of the New York International Automobile Show, it's time to celebrate our area's love of the car. For starters, there are the press conferences where thousands of journalists from all over the world come to see the latest unveilings from the automakers. Then, just two days later, the Show opens to the public for its annual automobile extravaganza where in addition to the world and North American debuts, we've assembled a host of other scorching-hot new 2011 vehicles that are just a few weeks away from hitting the new car showrooms. Full story...

This year and for the last 22, the Automobile Protection Association (APA) and Protégez-Vous (PV) have released their always anticipated new and used car annual guide. As with the other 21 printed editions, as a reader and wise consumer, you'll find a plethora of info on the vehicle that might be tickling your fancy especially if you're in market for a used automobile. Full story...

Frenchman Alexandre Prémat, driving a 2008 Audi A4 DTM, set the pace on the first day of DTM testing at Valencia on Wednesday. Canadian Bruno Spengler was 4th, but fastest of the 2009 cars drivers. Full story...

According to rumours in the Albert Park paddock on Thursday, the FIA has asked Bridgestone to consider supplying a more extreme selection of tyres at future grands prix. Full story...

The Virgin Racing Formula 1 team has been given a green light by the FIA to make a substantial change to its 2010 chassis. Full story...

Jeff Burton, in the Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet paced the second and final day of spoiler testing at the one and-one-half mile Charlotte Motor Speedway. Full story...

Jim Morrison wants Canadians to have fun in the snow. As Chrysler's Senior Manager of Product Planning, it's his job to devise attractive pricing schemes for the vehicles and packages within Chrysler's numerous brands. Full story...

Three leading formula one drivers on Thursday leapt to the defence of formula one, after a fortnight of criticism about the "show" in Bahrain. Full story...

The BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands have been active in the Web 2.0 world for some time: Their pages on Facebook, YouTube and other sites offer prospective customers and fans information and dialog options. Since 22 March 2010, the BMW Group also has had a "BMW Group View" profile on Facebook, along with a YouTube and a Twitter profile also under the name "BMW Group View". Full story...

Sauber is expected to race their C29s in Australia fitted with their own version of the infamous McLaren F-duct device that stalls the rear wing at high speeds. Full story...

Formula One supermo Bernie Ecclestone on Thursday said he is pushing to organise a grand prix on the streets of New York. Full story...

I don't know for sure what to call the new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour and, frankly, neither do the company's reps. Halfway between a sedan and a wagon, the misleading configuration even hints at a coupe -- which it isn't. As for its massive, Grendizer-style nose, it looks like it was ripped off from some rugged 4x4. Why such a drag show? Full story...

Nissan Canada Inc. will give Canadians their first look at the all-new 2011 Nissan NV(Nissan Van) during the 2010 CMX - CIPHEX National Trade Show and Learning Forum at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, March 25-27. Full story...

The history of BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH has been defined by a long track record of concept vehicles and technological innovations which generated pioneering impetus for the development of series vehicles, components and systems. The influence of research projects exerts varying effects on series development, depending on the subject focus and complexity. Full story...

The 2011 Ford Mustang with a new V-6 engine will be priced under the rival Chevrolet Camaro when it arrives at dealerships next month. Ford Motor Co. says the 3.7-liter V-6 version will start at $22,995, including shipping. The Camaro with a 3. Full story...

At least four closed Chrysler Group dealerships were told today by company representatives that they are to receive letters of intent beginning their reinstatement process, according to a leader of a rejected-dealers group and a dealer lawyer. Full story…

Michigan's attorney general on Wednesday subpoenaed Toyota Motor Corp.'s U.S. arm for information on recent safety recalls regarding unintended acceleration. Full story...

General Motors Co. slashed its sponsorship budget by 60 percent from pre-bankruptcy levels, and the days of multimillion-dollar rights deals may fade as the U.S. automaker looks to connect more effectively with consumers. Full story...

SENIOR EDITOR FOR NEWS BOB GRITZINGER: Well-equipped, nice leather appointments, good audio system, AWD–thatand#8217;s all fine, but itand#8217;s still hard to wrap my head around a $28,000 Suzuki. Full story…

California dealership Estes Automotive Group has filed a federal lawsuit seeking $30 million from Hyundai Motor America and Hyundai Capital America, claiming the automaker failed to keep its promise of helping out the struggling franchisee. Full story...