Auto News 5

FREIBURG, Germany - Hansjorg von Gemmingen has driven more than 65,000 kilometers (40,000 miles) in his Tesla Roadster (http://www.teslamotors.com/blog/one-year-one-roadster-40000-miles)in one year, earning him distinction as one of the highest mileage Tesla owners in Europe. Full story...

Based on the already impressive Chevy Ute SS, (sold as the Pontiac G8 in the US and the Holden Ute SS in Australia) the 535bhp 590lb.ft 6-litre supercharged V8 SuperUte is a pick-up with supercar credentials offering 4.5-second 0-100km/h acceleration, dramatic overtaking ability and elasticity. SuperUte is also more economical and greener than standard while still remaining docile, gentle and easy to drive. Full story...

With its global launch near, the all-new Ford Focus takes on the role of official vehicle for the 2011 International CES, considered the largest technology trade show in the world. Full story...

Formula 1 teams McLaren and Toro Rosso have revealed on Wednesday their line-ups of the Young Driver tests to be held at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi next week. Full story...

The logo of the Bank of Moscow will be featured on the Renault R30 cars this weekend in Abu Dhabi for the final race of the season. Full story...

KV Racing and Lotus are currently working on expending their collaboration and 2011 and the Malaysian-owned car company is apparently ready to commit to the Indianapolis-based team for the next few years. Full story...

The V8 Vantage N420 brings a new dimension of sporting prowess and dynamic ability to the V8 Vantage range. Successor to the special edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007, the Vantage N420 is based upon the standard 4.7-litre, 420bhp, 180mph V8 Vantage and is available as a Coupe or Roadster, and with a six-speed manual or optional Sportshift automated manual transmission. Full story...

ART Grand Prix (the team of Frederic Vasseur and Nicloas Todt that wanted to become the 13th F1 team) has announced it would terminate its Formula 3 programme and not be taking part in any Formula 3 series in 2011. Full story...

Cosworth Group engine and electronics announced as key components in BLOODHOUND SSC in 1000mph world land speed record attempt in 2012 Full story...

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG four-door coupe will make its world debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, open to the public November 19-28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Other new Mercedes-Benz models at the L.A. Auto Show will include the redesigned CL coupe and R-Class crossover lines as well as the all-new E-Class Cabriolet. In addition, an update about the launch of the fuel cell-powered Mercedes-Benz F-CELL car will take place during a press conference at the Mercedes-Benz exhibit. Full story...

Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. will debut the Toyota RAV4 EV during the Los Angeles Auto Show media days, on November 17 at 2:50 PM at the Toyota booth in South Hall at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer, TMS, will speak at the news conference. Greg Bernas, chief engineer, Toyota Technical Center, and Shigeki Terashi, president, Toyota Technical Center, also will be in attendance. Full story...

Nissan Canada today released pricing for the 2011 Nissan Murano which will go on sale this week at dealers nationwide. With a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at just $34,498, the 2011 Murano is up to $4000 less than the 2010 model and provides a variety of value-packed options for the Canadian consumer. Full story...

RICHMOND HILL, ON - BMW Group Canada today announced that Manfred Braunl will assume the role of president and CEO, effective January 1, 2011. Braunl replaces Franz Jung who becomes president of BMW Italia effective January 1, 2011. Full story...

The 2010 SEMA closing parade is really representative of what this show is all about! Exhibitors were showing off their cars; Germans, Americans, Asians... Everybody was there, reminding everyone of the United Nations, but with a whole lot more of performance and without politics! Full story...

Inspired by the Mercedes CLS, RIDES Magazine's Hyundai Sonata Turbo looks like a mean Korean machine ready to eat the streets. Full story...

Recently, at the AJAC's annual banquet, Matthieu Lambert was twice recognized as having taken some of the best pictures submitted to a Jury in both the published and unpublished categories. Full story...

Battery maker A123 Systems Inc. will supply lithium-ion cells to SAIC Motor Corp. for use in an electric vehicle as the U.S. startup expands ties with China's largest domestic carmaker. Cells made by A123, part-owned by General Electric Co. Full story...

GM told prospective investors that its peak $19 billion operating profit projection requires the U.S. market to return to near-record levels of 17 million sales, said two people familiar with the presentation. Full story...

U.S. Full story...

Electric car maker Tesla Motors posted a sharply wider net loss than a year earlier, but said development of its new Model S sedan was on schedule. The automaker said its net loss widened to $34.9 million in the third quarter from $4. Full story...