Auto News 5

Since its launch in the summer of 2006, the Nissan Versa has been a popular choice in Canada. The subcompact category was lukewarm a few years ago, but things are heating up now that the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 have been delivered into their respective showrooms. Expect the Mitsubishi Colt and VW Polo to follow, although neither one have been officially announced yet. Full story...

Former Formula 1 driver Kimi Raikkonen could return in Formula 1 alongside Robert Kubica at the Renault F1 team next season. Full story...

Mercedes-Benz Canada is pleased to announce the official start of the Sprinter on Tour program. This informative and practical series of driving events is one of the first such programs in the country to recognize the unique requirements and business critical demands exclusive to the light-duty commercial vehicle sector. Specifically designed to promote safe driving and improved fuel economy, the national tour also demonstrates the many advanced systems and key elements that have allowed the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to set benchmarks with respect to technology, safety, fuel efficiency and overall performance in its segment. Full story...

Sauber confirmed on Tuesday morning that Pedro de la Rosa is leaving the Swiss team with immediate effect. Full story...

Red Bull must follow Ferrari's lead and appoint a clear number 1 for the remaining races of 2010. Full story...

A 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage sold for a world record price of E414,500 (CDN$ 550,000 approximately at issue time) at the Bonhams auction held during the 'Weekend de l'Excellence Automobile' on the former site of the French Grand Prix circuit of Reims-Gueux, on Saturday 11th September 2010. It exceeded its pre-sale estimate of E300,000- 400,000. Full story...

During the recent Grand Prix of Italy, the Scuderia Ferrari team managed to execute one of the fastest pit stops ever performed during a Formula 1 race, allowing Fernando Alonso to vault ahead of race leader Jenson Button. Full story...

GP3 series' driver Rio Haryanto has earned a test drive in a Virgin Racing VR-01 Cosworth Formula 1 car at the end of the year. Full story...

The hopes of American sports car enthusiasts will be realized. Audi announced today that it is bringing the 360-horsepower Audi TT RS coupe to the U.S. market by the third quarter of 2011. Full story...

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Chrysler Group LLC today announced details of the new 2011 Chrysler 200 mid-sized sedan. Offering consumers exceptional craftsmanship inside and out, a refined and spirited driving experience, innovative technology, an abundance of standard safety features and an extraordinary level of standard content, the 2011 Chrysler 200 is an exciting alternative for customers that want style and substance, all at a surprising value. Full story...

Today, the Fiat Brand releases the first images of the Fiat 500 Sport model, which like the original 500  (Cinquecento) from more than 50 years ago, features iconic Italian design,  and is developed to be an ultra-efficient and stylish option forNorth American drivers.  Full story...

Hyundai will kick off an intensive period of product launches by unveiling two important new models at this year's Paris Motor Show. First of these exciting new models is Hyundai's new B-segment MPV, named ix20. The ix20 is the second European model to adopt Hyundai's new 'fluidic sculpture' design language which helps differentiate it from the boxy 'minivan' image typically associated with the segment. Full story...

Although it has been a tough slog, two of the biggest names at Ford say that the blue oval team is ready to take on the Chase and end Jimmie Johnson's streak at four NASCAR Sprint Cup titles. Full story...

The BMW X3 made an interesting statement when it first debuted back in 2004. It was one of the first compact SUVs created by a premium brand, and a brand that was predominantly known for sports sedans. Full story...

Toyota Motor Corp. plans to introduce six new hybrid vehicles by the end of 2012 and bring an electric vehicle to the U.S. market that year as well. Full story...

A123 Systems opened an advanced automotive battery factory today in Michigan that President Obama heralded as 'central to the next generation of cars. Full story...

British carmaker Mini is branching out and bringing an electric scooter concept to this year's Paris motor show. Mini teased the Scooter E Concept by posting some sketches on its Facebook page. Full story...

British carmaker Mini is branching out and bringing an electric scooter concept to this year's Paris motor show. Mini teased the Scooter E Concept by posting some sketches on its Facebook page. Full story...

NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: The CX-7 is an impressive crossover that presents well in style and function. This engine returns more than adequate power, with smooth acceleration aided by the efficient six-speed automatic transmission. Full story...

In today's News Brake: A recap of the weekend's racing action, the Mazda BT-50 prepares for its debut, and we test-drive the 2011 Nissan GT-R . . . But Wait, There's More! Full story...