Auto News 5

FRANKLIN, Tenn. Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) is opening reservations for the Nissan LEAF zero-emission, all-electric vehicle on May 15 to the general public. The reservation process is a first step in securing a place on the list to purchase or lease a Nissan LEAF. Full story...

Ford's all-new 2011 Fiesta - an Internet star even before it goes on sale this summer - will now stand out on the highway with an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified 40 mpg rating, making it the most fuel efficient car in its class. Full story...

The first project of the future cooperation between Tesla Motors, Inc. and the new BRABUS business division Zero Emission celebrates its world debut at the 2008 Essen Motor Show. BRABUS presents an exclusive customization program for the Tesla Roadster, the world's first electrically powered production sports car. Full story...

Andrew Ranger, who will be at the Iowa Speedway to kick-off his season in NASCAR K&N Eastern Series, had the occasion to get acquainted with his new car last week when he took part in a short practice session at Lime Rock. Full story...

Brazilian Rubens Barrichello has denied claims he recklessly endangered his Formula 1 rivals after crashing out of Sunday's Grand Prix of Monaco. Full story...

Team Red Bull Racing driver Mark Webber banished any doubts about him being a true championship contender on Sunday as he dominated a second Grand Prix in succession. Full story...

Poor weather in Indianapolis had forced the postponement of the rookie orientation practice that was supposed to be held on Saturday but yellows for light drizzle on track repeatedly interrupted Sunday's session. Full story...

Jérôme d'Ambrosio clinched victory in race 2 of the GP2 series in Monaco after leading the pack from start to finish. Full story...

The BMW M3 driven by Muller-Farfus-Alzen-Lamy won the prestigious 24 Hours of the Nurburgring after it benefited from a string of problems that hampered the leaders. Full story...

Most race fans think driving an Indy car on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a piece of cake. Look: there are just four corners and they're all taken flat out! Mmmm... Reality is quite different from that. Full story...

WINDSOR, ON, May 17 /CNW/ - Chrysler Canada today announced Canadian pricing for the most advanced generation of its Jeep(R) Grand Cherokee. With roots dating back to Grand Wagoneer and with over 4 million Grand Cherokees sold, Jeep continues to redefine the luxury SUV segment. Pricing for the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 will start at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $37,995, excluding Freight of $1,400, representing a $3,650 reduction from the outgoing 2010 model. Full story...

Michel Fabrizio (Ducati) and Leon Haslam (Suzuki) divided the honours during this World Superbike doubleheaders held at Kyalami in South Africa Full story...

Josh Hayes (Yamaha) had a dominant week-end in California, as he swept the AMA Superbike doubleheader that was run on Infineon's 2.32 hilly miles. Full story...

Justine Musk says she wants a pricey Tesla Roadster, 10 percent of her husband's stake in the carmaker and $6 million. "I really, really want one," she said on a blog she posted on May 8 about the $109,000 Roadster. Full story...

Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda traces today's quality and financial woes to 2003, when the company began an unbridled global expansion, and says winning over new customers in the wake of the crisis will be a challenge. Full story...

Given the size of the Ford Fiesta, this shouldn't be much of a surprise--the littlest Ford in the United States has been rated at 40 mpg on the highway. A fuel economy rating that high is typically recorded by vehicles with hybrid powertrains. Full story...

The U.S. Treasury Department is interviewing Wall Street bankers to advise the government on an initial public offering of General Motors Co., the Wall Street Journal reported. Full story...

Renault said in Monaco that it wants to build its team around Robert Kubica. As for Mark Webber, he is F1's man of the moment, but on Saturday he was not in the mood to confirm the latest paddock rumour. Full story...

Only 12 cars saw the checkered flag in Monaco. In front of them all, the Red Bull of Mark Webber who becomes the first Australian in more than 50 years to take the honors in the Principality. Full story...

The F1 chief executive caused a stir this weekend when he indicated he was helping the struggling Spanish team to financially survive its debut season. Full story...