Auto News 5

Canadian race car driver Patrick Carpentier will be back behind the wheel of the NASCAR Sprint Cup car later this season to compete in at least three races. Full story...

Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli resume testing of its new, 2011 Formula 1 tires on the super fast circuit of Monza, home of the Italian Grand Prix. Full story...

The Scion xD is a cool little sub-compact 5-door that serves as Scion's entry-level ride. It's generously equipped for its MSRP of $17,200, and it's totally customize'able with Toyota's long list of TRD bits and pieces. Without adding any of the dealer-installed components available to personalize one's xD, it's an attractive looking ride that conveys a sense of sportiness in both sight and sound. I appreciate the vehicle's clean lines and attractive proportioning; I also like its slightly brazen exhaust note. Full story...

GP2 Series' organisers revealed Tuesday the name of the thirteen teams signed for the next three years. Full story...

Bernie Ecclestone has vowed to keep the F1 calendar at a maximum of 20 races per season. Full story...

The Virgin Racing Formula 1 Team announced that it has signed Belgian driver Jerome D'Ambrosio in an evaluation role for four of the remaining five Grands Prix of the 2010 season. Full story...

Two names, Citroën and Lacoste, have come together with a shared vision - to cultivate boldness, creativity and optimism.  The result of these common values: the new Citroën Lacoste concept. Full story...

First Look: Lotus Elite Concept

Pointing towards profitability.

Lotus hopes to completely reinvent itself by 2016 and the Elite is our first glimpse at what the brand's future holds. If all goes according to plan, the production Elite will hit the streets in April of 2014 and Lotus will become profitable around the same time. New Lotus Group CEO Dany Bahar doesn't hide the fact that the little British brand hasn't made money in more than 15 years and that trend needs to be reversed immediately.

Photo Gallery: Lotus Elite Concept - 2010 Paris Auto Show - Automobile Magazine

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Full story...

R. L. Polk and Co. has named Tim Rogers president of the automotive information and marketing company's business unit, replacing Joe Walker. Polk said Rogers will oversee all business objectives, policies, and strategic direction at the company. Full story...

GM has announced a demonstration project to explore market needs and customer acceptance of battery electric vehicles in Korea. Full story...

Ford Motor Co. has hired former Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai designer Joel Piaskowski to head all exterior design for Ford in the Americas. The assignment includes all Ford brand and Lincoln models, Ford Motor spokesman Alan Hall said today. Full story...

Senior officials from the UAW plan to travel to Italy next week for a meeting with Fiat S.p.A. CEO Sergio Marchionne and a pitch to bring jobs to the United States for its suppliers. Full story...

Nissan's local partner in China, Zhengzhou Nissan Co., Ltd. (ZNA), has staged an inauguration ceremony for its second plant in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China. The new plant will increase annual production capacity at the ZNA venture to 200,000 units in FY2012 from the current 60,000. Full story...

The small Jeep arriving in 2013 will open the brand to a wider range of buyers because it is expected to be the brand's lowest-priced model, Jeep's top executive said today. Full story...

Former Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz designer Joel Piaskowski joins Ford Motor Co. on Oct. 1 as head of exterior design for Ford in the Americas. Full story...

Lamborghini has released another teaser photo--the third of six--of the supercar that it will debut at the Paris show. Full story...

The Citroen Lacoste concept for the Paris motor show combines bench seats, an inflatable canopy and fashion design cues into a unique small car. Full story...

Hyundai Motor America said today that it plans to build its redesigned 2011 Elantra sedan in Alabama this fall ahead of when it goes on sale in early 2011. Full story...

The Citroën Lacoste concept for the Paris motor show combines bench seats, an inflatable canopy and fashion design cues into a unique small car. Full story...

General Motors Co. today began regular production of the Chevrolet Equinox in the Oshawa, Ontario, assembly plant as a part of the 'Equinox Shuttle' plan, designed to increase production of its two top-selling crossovers. Full story...