Auto News 5

Two leading U.S. economists predicted a return to more normal economic conditions by the end of 2010. As a result, they forecast U.S. light-vehicle sales will reach 14 million units in 2011 and grow to old levels of 17 million and above by middecade. Full story...

Suzuki has scrapped plans to offer hybrid and V-6 engine versions of its new Kizashi sedan. That's because those versions were meant to use technology borrowed from General Motors, which sold its 20 percent stake in Suzuki in 2008. Full story...

Nissan's new Juke and#8220;sport crossand#8221; may be the brand's smallest new entry. But not entirely, especially when it comes to engine revs. The car is scheduled to reach U.S. Full story...

New York - Lincoln today introduces its first hybrid - the new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid - a premium midsize car poised to be the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America. Full story...

American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) arrives in Manhattan -- a city known for and populated by its many imports -- for the global introduction of its 2011 Kizashi Sport at this year's New York International Auto Show. Full story...

The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG will surely be one of the most talked-about cars of 2010. Just in case that was not going to happen, Mercedes has just revealed the GT3 edition. Uh, booooyaah! Believe it or not, this car is intended for customer use. Sales will commence in autumn 2010, and homologation of the GT3 variant will be done in time for the 2011 racing season. For the moment, the FIA has not determined the maximum output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 because of the "Balance of Performance" principle. Let's bet it'll still be a lot... Full story...

It was originally called Nissan Qazana and presented as a prototype. Then in Geneva last March, it took the shape of a true production vehicle and was officially renamed Nissan Juke. Now here it is in North America, Nissan's new compact crossover even making an appearance somewhat on the sidelines of the New York show. Full story...

Since the beginning of the 2010 Formula 1 season, Canadian company Processia Solutions is a new technical partner of the famed Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team. We recently met with directors of the two companies to see how new rules and regulations call for innovative ways to work in F1. Full story...

According to British publication Autosport, Nick Wirth, the technical director of Virgin Racing F1 team, said his company would cover the expenses for modifying the VR-01 chassis. Full story...

The extreme climate, hot and humid, has led the Malaysian Grand Prix to be dubbed the 'toughest race of the year' for the drivers who will endure cockpit temperatures above 40°C and lose around three kilos in weight. And it's just as tough for the pit crew in their fireproof suits, boots and helmets. Full story...

At the New York Auto Show today, Hyundai unveiled its 2011 Sonata Hybrid, changing the game in hybrids with unique approaches in hybrid powertrain design, battery technology and vehicle appearance. The Sonata Hybrid is Hyundai's first hybrid in the U.S. market. Full story...

Visually influenced by the Fuse Sports Coupe Concept which was unveiled at the 2009 Montreal Auto Show, the new tC carries the 2.5 litre I4 engine producing 180hp from the Camry SE. Some of its concept-inspired features are the similar rear quarter-panel window line and xB-style blacked-out A-pillars. The new tC still maintains the all-glass roof, roomy interior, hatchback design and orange-coloured dash instruments. Full story...

New York - At its press conference at the New York International Auto Show, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced it plans to launch its all-new SKY Concept* powertrains into the U.S. market, beginning as early as 2011. Full story...

Fresh from its World Debut in Geneva, Volvo's anticipated S60 finally breaks cover in the New World. Sleeker and sexier than ever, the new car should garner at least as much attention as did the 850 back in 1993, essentially announcing a revival at Volvo design. One way or another, this next generation Swede's got lots going for it including a 304 hp turbocharged 3.0L I-6. If Volvo plays their cards right, this may be the car to help them regain some lost ground. Full story...

Bentley Motors is showcasing its fastest, most potent drop-top ever - the new 2011 Continental Supersports Convertible - during the New York Motor Show beginning this week. The newest addition to the Continental model range features a 621-horsepower, twin-turbocharged W12 engine that is capable of running on both gasoline and E85 bioethanol, making it both powerful and environmentally conscious. Full story...

New York - At the New York Auto Show, Chevrolet reveals the compact 2011 Cruze Eco. This high-efficiency model is powered by a 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine with variable valve timing that achieves an estimated 40 mpg on the highway when combined with a six-speed manual transmission. Cruze Eco is expected to deliver the best fuel economy in the compact segment, while offering midsize car presence. Full story...

They've been teasing us for a while now, but we finally have more information on the Canadian version of the Mazda2 subcompact. Full story...

Boston, MA - Rapier Automotive is betting that its new supercar will capture the very essence of the thin, light, fast, and well-balanced thrusting swords that were made infamous by the sport of Fencing and that also carry its name. Based out of Boston, Massachusetts, Rapier Automotive has been methodically preparing its mid-engine supercar for the past five years and is now taking orders. Full story...

We can almost see all the spinoffs now: Countryman Hillbillies Edition, Deep South Countryman, Countryman P (for Pilgrims...). OK, sorry, a little of topic there... We gather by the interest and buzz surrounding the 4-door and AWD Mini Countryman that it will be a hot seller for BMW's premium small car make. The only problem we can find is that it should have been launched 3 or 4 years ago. Full story...

Loosing 208 kg (460 lb) is no easy task for anyone but Volkswagen managed to get their behemoth in the gym. What we also got as the weight dropped was a few new cleaner and yes, more powerful engine choices. Like the Cayenne, the words hybrid and diesel can now be used in the same sentence. In true Volkswagen fashion, the new family face, first introduced on the MKVI Golf, adorns the Touareg however the remainder looks very familiar. Full story...