Auto News 5

This is Hollywood, so count on the usual glitzy product debut action at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which begins this week. The real surprise has to do with who will be supplying the star power. Full story...

When BMW brings out the Megacity electric vehicle in 2013, it will launch more than a small city car. The Megacity EV will be no less than BMW's first stab at an environmentally benign car for the 21st century. Full story...

After four years of hyping its curvy, fluid Nagare styling philosophy -- but developing only one production vehicle with the look -- Mazda has changed design course. Now the Japanese carmaker wants to go with a simpler, more upscale style. Full story...

Yes, Virginia, there really is a new GM -- at least, by the numbers. Higher unit sales. Lower incentives. Higher transaction prices. Declining fleet sales. A continuing discipline in production and inventories. Profits in North America. Full story...

Earlier this year, AutoNation CEO Mike Jackson put on hold his ambitious plans for acquisitions and renovations as he waited for the industry to stabilize and the price of dealerships to drop. Now, with 13 million in annual U.S. Full story...

After decades of fits and starts, underperformance and promises of renewed ambition, Audi is on fast-forward with its North American plan. Full story...

A new Dodge sedan that is expected to reach 40 mpg will be key to Chrysler's recovery strategy and to meeting stricter U.S. fuel- economy standards. Full story...

Who here has never dreamed of taking a luxury car on a road trip, enjoying the sights and sounds of the engine revving on the most beautiful roads in the World? I know myself and everyone here at Auto123 would give everything they have to do this, and one lucky son of a gun just did it! Full story...

LOS ANGELES, CA - Buick unveils the 2012 LaCrosse with eAssist,(tm) a new fuel-saving technology that increases fuel economy by 25 percent compared to the four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain in the 2011 LaCrosse. The eAssist technology provides class-leading highway fuel economy of 37 mpg, while maintaining the luxury, performance and value expected from Buick's flagship sedan. Full story...

AirAsia owner Tony Fernandes on Monday admitted he is not ruling out a name change for his formula one team in 2011, named Lotus Racing this season. Full story...

As the world was awaiting confirmation of a deal for the 2011 Formula 1 season between the Hispania Racing Team and Toyota Motorsport on Monday, a media statement issued by Toyota says that the deal has collapsed over unpaid bills. Full story...

Chop Shop Customs showcased their 1970 Nova at the 2010 SEMA show in Las Vegas, giving everyone a glance at their capabilities when it comes to building exciting cars. Full story...

SAN FRANCISCO - Site of the most famous car chase scene in cinematic history, San Francisco's rolling streets were a fitting reminder of the potent legacy established by the 1968 Dodge Charger R/T squatting on the pier before us. Full story...

SONOMA, California - From the utilitarian, Dakota-based SUV of the nineties to the ungainly bloat of the second generation Ram lookalike, the Dodge Durango emerges for 2011 as a balanced, nicely designed premium crossover with a surprisingly well-crafted interior. Full story...

Los Angeles, CA - The world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible, delivers the open-air exhilaration of a convertible while extending the versatility of the Murano in exciting new ways. With room for four adults, space for golf bags or luggage (even with the top down), and a premium level interior, the Murano CrossCabriolet represents a breakthrough in concept and design. Set to go on sale in early 2011. Full story...

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- The Chrysler Brand is experiencing a rejuvenation, and product is at the heart of it, replacing its full lineup with either all-new or significantly improved vehicles in just the next few months. As a sign of that change, the recently introduced all-new Chrysler winged badge logo will rightfully adorn all this new metal as it rolls out to the public. Full story...

ROCKLEIGH, N.J. - Preparing to take a road trip this holiday season? While it's a time to be thankful and merry, Irv Gordon - who as the first person to drive 2.8 million miles in the same car has taken more road trips than anyone - encourages people to also be keenly alert on the roadways. Full story...

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel is the new FIA Formula 1 World Champion, and the youngest in history, after a fascinating Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Full story...

By claiming victory on Sunday in Abu Dhabi, young German driver Sebastian Vettel of the Red Bull Racing team became the youngest World Champion in the history of Formula 1. Full story...

Sir Richard Branson left Abu Dhabi on Sunday with an AirAsia stewardess uniform in his luggage. Full story...