Auto News 5

Spa-Francorchamps will re-open at the end of next week, after an access tunnel beneath the Belgian GP venue collapsed in late March. Full story...

Vista, Calif. - Directed Electronics has recently released new security features for its award-winning Viper SmartStart. Introduced in October 2009 as the industry's first iPhone remote car starter, Viper SmartStart continues to redefine the security category that Viper has led for over two decades. Full story...

The questions are legitimate and short: A Street-legal Audi R8 with rear wheel drive? And with a 560 HP supercharged engine? The answer is also short. Yes it exists! At MTM! The snow is hardly gone from Germany's streets that the noble tuner from Wettstetten is announcing their latest project: the MTM R8 GT3-2, with the last digit standing for the number of powered wheels. Full story...

Supercars are a staple at any show. Actually, most makes were present in one form or another. Only Ferrari was absent from the NY Auto Show floor. Here then, is a list of some of the cars that caught my attention. As always, they are listed in no particular order however the SLS AMG GT3 would probably have ended up on top any which way... Full story...

BMW of North America, LLC today introduced a personalized smartphone application for its Roadside Assistance service in the United States. BMW Roadside Assistance is included as part of BMW Ultimate Service® with every new and Certified Pre-Owned BMW model, and is also available as a per-year subscription for older models. Full story...

After having placed second in the final point standings of the Formula Two Championship last season, Canadian Robert Wickens, who has lost the support of Red Bull faces a new challenge this year as he will contest the maiden season of the new GP3 series. Full story...

Panther Racing and Vision Racing will team up this coming May to enter Ed Carpenter for the Indianapolis 500 as it will also enter the No. 4 National Guard car of Dan Wheldon. Full story...

Ever wanted to know Jenson Button a little better? Ever wanted a glimpse inside his life outside the cockpit and see what really makes him tick -- away from the race track? Full story...

According to drivers that are familiar with the Barber Motorsports Park, passing should not be as easy and frequent as it was in the two opening races of the 2010 IZOD IndyCar series season. Full story...

I'm on a roll. As far as I'm concerned anyways. And no, as you can tell by what I will be writing about, I'm not high-rollin' or pimping it out in performance or luxury cars. In fact, since the beginning of 2010, with the exception of the Mercedes S400, I've been testing out vehicles exclusively with hatches. And, believe it or not, I've got tonnes more coming my way in the near future. This is proof-positive that a hatchback is a very popular option in the 21st Century. Full story...

Last Friday I was shattered to read the article penned by my colleague Marc Bouchard. Apparently, Nissan is refusing to sell the Leaf in Canada if the federal government fails to offer any purchase credits. No subsidies, no Leaf. No two ways about it. Full story...

Audi improved the performance of its R15 Plus in the second free practice session held at the Paul Ricard HTTT circuit in France in preparation for the opening round of the Le Mans Series. Full story...

Ford Motor Co. unveiled plans to build a small SUV in Brazil for global markets, boosting its investment plan in the country over the next five years by 500 million reais ($281.4 million). Full story...

Knute Qvale, who with his brother Kjell helped introduce Volkswagen's Beetle to the U.S. Northwest, died March 11 at the age of 87. Full story...

Group 1 Automotive Inc. paid CEO Earl Hesterberg $3.3 million in 2009 -- about the same as he made the prior year -- as the retailer ended losses and its stock price tripled. Full story...

Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc., reacting to record recalls, is creating and#8220;rapid responseand#8221; teams of engineers and technicians to evaluate customer reports of unintended acceleration. Full story...

Toyota Motor Corp. knew about flaws that could cause unintended acceleration more than 3 1/2 years before it recalled cars and trucks to fix the defects, according to company timelines. Full story...

Toyota Motor Corp. knew about flaws that could cause unintended acceleration more than 3 1/2 years before it recalled cars and trucks to fix the defects, according to company timelines. Full story...

Muscle cars from the late 1960s and early '70s. Modern performance cars. They're pretty much a microcosm of why our species has a carnal lust for sheetmetal. And a wide selection of these icons will hit the auction block this summer in San Diego. Full story...

In today's News Brake: Ferrari's fastest road car ever, upgrades for the Audi TT and the Infiniti G will get Mercedes power ... But Wait, There's More! Full story...