Auto News 5

On Wednesday November 3, at the FIA's headquarters in Paris, France, the members of the World Motor Sport Council met ahead of this year's FIA General Assembly week. Full story...

Mazda North American Operations will debut the all-new North American version of the popular Mazda5 multi-activity vehicle at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. Since its launch in 2005, Mazda5 has redefined the compact van by offering seating for six (US version) in three easily configurable rows, as well as styling and dynamics simply not found in any other vehicle in this segment. Furthermore, the original Mazda5 was the first compact van with two sliding rear doors. This type of insight and fun to drive engineering is found in all Mazdas, and is defined by the term "Zoom-Zoom." Full story...

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia - Canadians are buying more and more compact crossovers, so automakers have been multiplying their offerings in that segment. Full story...

The Renault V8 engine to be used by Sebastian Vettel in Brazil this weekend in his Red Bull RB6 has already contested two grands prix, it has emerged. Full story...

Buick reveals the production version of the 2012 Regal GS, an even sportier expression of the Regal sport sedan that went on sale earlier this year and has attracted new buyers to the Buick family. Powered by a high-output, exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the GS delivers an estimated 255 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque for a 0-60 mph performance of less than seven seconds. Full story...

The Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder concept makes its UK debut today at MPH The Prestige and Performance Motor Show at Earls Court in London. For the first time, British motoring enthusiasts visiting the annual celebration of performance motoring will be able to lay their eyes on one of the most exclusive cars in the world. Full story...

Today's highlight video consists in some carefully selected cars and trucks that we feel deserve a little extra attention. Of those, look for the Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, HPA-built Jeep Wrangler TDI and AWD twin-turbo VR6 Scirocco, Chop Shop Customs' 1970 Chevy Nova, a glimpse of Mr Foose and the über-cool Abt Audi R8 GT R. For those that have a penchant for women over cars, you will also be served. Full story...

Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) hosted its eighth annual Gran Turismo Awards at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show last night at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, celebrating automotive design excellence and showcasing the latest franchise offering, Gran Turismo 5. Each year, the Gran Turismo Awards offer SEMA show exhibitors the opportunity to join the ranks of the famed Gran Turismo racing franchise - one of the top-selling video game franchises of all time with more than 56 million units shipped worldwide - with a feature spot in a future Gran Turismo title. After reviewing more than 100 entries, the judging panel and Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi himself, crowned Best Hot Rod winner, Mark Stielow for his 1969 Chevy Camaro as the 2010 "Best in Show." Full story...

Toyota brand boss Bob Carter said today the automaker will launch special leasing and purchase deals within weeks to boost flagging volume. Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. reported October U.S. sales fell 4 percent from a year earlier. Full story...

ADESA Inc. has acquired Premier Auction Group, which includes six auction sites, and is building a greenfield auction site in Las Vegas, the used-vehicle auction giant said today. The acquired auction houses are Bay Auto Auction in Bay City, Mich. Full story...

American Suzuki halted its free fall last month by posting a 17 percent sales gain, its first monthly increase in more than two years. Suzuki sold 2,043 vehicles in October, compared with 1,748 in October 2009. Full story...

A few days before Christmas in 2000, BBK Ltd. founder B.N. Bahadur got a call from an assistant treasurer at Delphi. Full story...

U.S. Supreme Court justices signaled they may be divided, perhaps evenly, in a case involving Mazda Motor Corp. that could open automakers to more consumer lawsuits over vehicle safety. Full story...

The Morgan Motor Co. will relaunch the Morgan Threewheeler after a 58-year hiatus, the British automaker said on Wednesday. Full story...

General Motors has announced preliminary financial results for the third quarter that point to significant profit and have created the conditions for the start of its IPO. Full story...

General Motors has announced it has commenced a public share offering. The IPO is a key part of plans to repay the US government's US$50m bailout for the then bankrupt company in 2009. Full story...

General Motors has announced it has commenced a public share offering. The IPO is a key part of plans to repay the US government's US$50m bailout for the then bankrupt company in 2009. Full story...

Highlights from the SEMA show, and Subaru finds a new advertising theme . . . But Wait, There's More! Full story...

Honda unveiled a CR-Z hybrid outfitted with Mugen accessories at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas and announced it will offer a limited run of 300 similarly styled kits this spring. Full story...

Nov. 2 was the latest release date announced for Gran Turismo 5, but it has sadly come and gone with still no game on store shelves. Full story...