Auto News 5

IZOD IndyCar Series' champion Dario Franchitti has been named the recipient of the Jerry Titus Award during the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association's All-America Team dinner. Full story...

British company Prodrive has launched the Impreza N2010, its latest FIA specification group N rally car. Full story...

With winter testing fast approaching, Renault F1 Team driver, Poland's Robert Kubica, made a beeline for Enstone, Great Britain last week to begin his preparation for the 2010 Formula 1 season. Full story...

New American carmaker Fisker Automotive has secured access to an additional $115.3 million in private equity funding to develop plug-in hybrid cars. Full story...

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. of Japan introduced the HSV-010 GT, the model which will compete in the GT500 class of the 2010 Super GT Series in home Japan. Full story...

After showing great potential in the first-ever 450 Supercross race at Anaheim, Ryan Dungey (Suzuki) won the second round of the 2010 AMA Supercross Series; grabbing the hole-shot and cruising away to a wire-to-wire win in front of a packed house. Full story...

Entries for the 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship closed on Friday December 15th, at midnight. Six makes will be represented, with 12 teams of two cars each, making a total of 24 cars on the grid. Full story...

DETROIT, - The 2010 North American International Auto Show Charity Preview black tie gala, one of the top single-night fundraising events in the nation, opened its doors to nearly 8,500 guests, raising more then $2 million for 12 local children's charities. This year, ticket sales represent a more than 25 percent increase over tickets sold in 2009. Full story...

NEW YORK, - According to findings by a third-party research group, the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) continues to be one of the most effective marketing opportunities for automakers looking to move metal. In fact, nearly three quarters of attendees polled at the 2009 NYIAS said they are somewhat to extremely serious about purchasing or leasing a vehicle in the near future and that attending the Show significantly increased their purchase consideration. Full story...

Premium vehicle manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover is reinforcing its commitment to deliver an outstanding customer experience with the appointment of David Betteley as Director, Financial Services. Full story...

The Mazda 5 is successfully proving that a little minivan can provide great big fun. With a dynamic body, snappy four-cylinder engine and available five-speed manual transmission, it's zoned in on enthusiast drivers after economical family transport. Full story...

Green is everywhere this year at the Motor City's NAIAS. A sea of hybrids and electric vehicles has flooded the entire show floor -- and every single manufacturer is responsible. This overflow of fuel-efficient automobiles promises big things for the future of mobility. Full story...

Jarno Trulli has admitted he flirted with a switch to Sauber in 2010 before deciding to join the new Lotus team. Full story...

Paul di Resta has revealed he is now very close to securing a full-time role in formula one. Full story...

Chevrolet today debuts the Camaro Synergy Special Edition with pricing starting at $26,790. Synergy will be produced in limited quantities from February to May. Full story...

Three times this week I've piled my teenage son and a smattering of his friends and related gear into the CR-V for a day trip to a local ski hill. On all three occasions, I have grown more appreciative of Honda's compact crossover SUV. Full story...

Chrysler's famous minivans get a major makeover in 2011. As such, Grand Caravan pretty much stays the course for model-year 2010. Full story...

Pedro de la Rosa is no longer favourite to become Kamui Kobayashi's teammate at the Sauber team in 2010. Full story...

President Ben Johnston went to the Autosport Show in Birmingham, England, this week to meet with European drivers and their managers and invite them to a special test exclusively for them in February. Full story...

The Road Before th Rolex 24 was ON last weekend at Daytona International Speedway. It was an occasion for drivers of the upcoming 48th edition to test their cars one final time before the action kicks in on January 30th to 31st. Full story...