Auto News 5

Toyota is pushing a new global theme of "progressive luxury" for its Lexus brand, including a greater focus on hybrids, advanced telematics and sporty packages. Full story...

On my recent tour of the completely redesigned Michigan Assembly plant for Ford, I had a chance to get a sneak preview of what the future will look like for this domestic car company. Full story...

BMW announced the upcoming launch of the new MINI Paceman Concept, a coupe-looking, Countryman-sized vehicle that pioneers a new genre called ''Sports Activity Coupe.'' Full story...

The Corolla returns for 2011 with a mild mid-cycle refresh, which includes revised headlights and grille, taillights, bumpers and trunk lid. The 16-inch alloy wheels for the LE and S trims get a new design, and new paint colours will be also be offered. Full story...

Hot on the heels of 'crashgate', a new scandal involving Nelson Piquet and his son is set to emerge. Full story...

Four drivers tie in the standings after an epical battle for the title. Full story...

Luca di Montezemolo thinks formula one could survive without its famous name. Full story...

Here's a video of the first test of the new Mini All4 that will be raced in the Dakar held again in South America at the end of December and January. Full story...

The Corolla returns for 2011 with a mild mid-cycle refresh, which includes revised headlights and grille, taillights, bumpers and trunk lid. The 16-inch alloy wheels for the LE and S trims get a new design, and new paint colours will be also be offered. Full story...

If you weren't aware already, the Acura CSX (previously known as the EL) is a Canadian-only offering. The compact entry-level Acura has proven to be popular in the past but now, as the car (and its twin, the Civic) is getting older, steam has clearly run out. Full story...

The most succesfull Cobra in American racing history will cross the block at the upcoming Mecum Kissimmee Auction next January, in Florida. This 1963 Shelby Cobra Dragonsnake CSX2093 was the 93rd Cobra built and one of just eight cars modified with the Shelby-developed Dragonsnake package. This package was designed to maximize drag racing performance. Depending on options, it could cost as much as US$8,990, a heafty amount in the 60s. This cas dominated several NHRA classes from 1964 to 1968, being driven first by drag racer Bruce Larson, later of USA-1 Funny Car fame, and later by Ed Hedrick. According to Mecum's history specialists, this Cobra was so successful in the 1965 NHRA season that it overshadowed Shelby's factory-sponsored Dragonsnake - much to Shelby's dismay. Thereafter factory support for the privateer effort began to dry up. In a recent story, Gordon McDonald of Dragzine.com wrote that "previous Dragonsnakes have sold for as much as US$1.5 million". This will make the Kissimmee auction particularely interesting to follow. This very special Cobra is only one of over 1,750 collector cars that will cross the block at the Mecum auction. This Full story...

GM is currently collecting over 160 kilometres of the booms used to contain the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico to make parts for the Chevrolet Volt. Full story...

In a secret Swedish location, 2003 World Rally Champion Petter Solberg gives Neil Cole an exclusive tour of his some of his amazing cars, with history attached. Full story...

For this momentous occasion, Derek D takes off for Germany, set to tackle the Nurburgring. Full story...

A press conference has been called for Monday and we have learned that Tony Kanaan will officially be named as the new driver of the de Ferran/Dragon team for the upcoming IndyCar series' season. Full story...

BorgWarner has acquired HaldexTraction Systems for 205 million USD. This acquisition will allow the company to accelerate its growth in the all-wheel drive market, adding to its large portfolio of automotive solutions. Full story...

GM announced the recall of 8,356 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs. Apparently, on some of these vehicles the software in the Integrated Center Stack can deactivate the heating, air conditioning, defroster, audio controls and panel illumination. Full story...

Ford announced that the 2012 C-MAX, a crossover wagon with seating for up to seven, will make its North American debut at the 2011 NAIAS in Detroit. Full story...

While sifting through the always interesting trademark listings, we came upon the fact that Evoque has not yet been registered in North America by Land Rover. We did however notice that LR1 and LR5 have. Full story...

Like any year in the auto industry, 2010 saw its fair share of company ups and downs, industrial comings and goings, and a fair old sprinkling of corporate drama. We covered it all on just-auto. Editor Dave Leggett sifts through the lot and picks out a few highlights from the year just gone, month by month. Part one covers the first half of the year, with part two looking at the second half to follow later this week. Full story...