Auto News 5

New York - Recent auto shows have been dedicating a lot of space to new hybrid and electric models. And New York is no exception. However, in the Big Apple visitors can do more than simply admire the newcomers - they can drive them too.

This morning we got behind the wheel of a "Silver Ice Metallic" Chevrolet Cruze Eco, and headed for Port Perry, Ontario. Cruze returned Chevrolet back into the thick of the compact car market. With the newly introduced Cruze Eco model, Chevrolet is now hoping to get back into the conversation that concerns over-achieving fuel-efficient small cars (notwithstanding the plug-in Volt).

The organizers of the New York International Auto Show announced the winners of the 2011 World Car of the Year awards - including World Car, Green Car, Performance Car and Design.

The Team Lotus Formula 1 organisation could be set to tie up with Caterham Cars, a famous British specialist sports car marque.

The Hyundai Equus's styling may not be directly attempting to pull the wool over anyone's eyes, though the droves of people who stop curiously to check it out may suggest otherwise. Hyundai doesn't put their stylized "H" badge anywhere on the Equus, inside or out, other than the trunk lid. Even the rims and steering wheel wear the Equus's flying 'bird' badge instead--which is repeated on the front of the hood.

Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica, who's been seriously injured in a scary rally accident two months ago, is finally giving news to his fans.

For 2011 the official pre-race Le Mans test is back and in its old early season slot. The one day session takes a slightly different format to that of the past, with cars not entered for the race able to run.

Today, we finally got the confirmation that the mysterious Scion concept to be displayed at the New York International Auto Show is the FR-S, basically a near-carbon copy of the Toyota FT-86 II introduced earlier this year in Geneva.

With all the emphasis on fuel economy, more and more drivers are turning to small cars. In addition to the always-reliable Honda Fit, the cute Hyundai Accent and the high-tech Ford Fiesta, they will now have a number of new alternatives to choose from, including the 2012 Nissan Versa unveiled today at the New York International Auto Show.

Kia Motors today globally unveiled the all-new 2012 Rio sub-compact sedan at the New York International Auto Show. Scheduled to join the Kia Motors lineup this fall - along with its hatchback sibling unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and shown today for the first time in North America - the all-new Rio ushers in the next chapter of Kia Motors' ongoing design-led transformation with previously unseen levels of eye-catching design, advanced technologies and sophistication in the small car segment. With all-new ISG technology and class-leading horsepower and fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon , Rio promises consumers impressive fuel efficiency without sacrificing power or fun-to-drive performance.

After teasing consumers and the media with a picture of the redesigned 2012 Impreza 4-door, Subaru hosted its official world debut yesterday at the New York International Auto Show.

The product that began Kia Motors' design-led transformation returns to New York with a fresh and updated look, more power, and the same funky demeanour consumers have come to love from the compact crossover. Kia Motors today pulled the cover off the mid-cycle update to its iconic Soul urban passenger vehicle at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). The wildly successful Soul is fine-tuned for 2012 with a significant number of technology and powertrain enhancements with an emphasis on delivering more power and improved fuel efficiency.

"The new 2012 Jaguar range is our finest yet. Every one of our models fully embodies the brand ideals - innovation, bold design, and effortless high performance. Our designers and engineers strive continuously to keep Jaguar ahead of the competition - creating cars that stand apart from mainstream premium offerings, while remaining accessible to an ever wider spectrum of customers." - Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars

After three action-packed races in Australia and Asia, Sauber F1 Team Principal Peter Sauber talked about the performance of the Ferrari-powered C30 and his two drivers, Kamui Kobayashi and rookie Sergio Pérez.

Luca di Montezemolo has made clear his opposition to the 2013 engine rules.

The Chrysler 300 is a legendary machine that won the NASCAR series in 1955 and 1956 and was the first car to use a 300-hp, American-built V8. Drawing on this inspiring history, the automaker came up with the 2012 SRT8 variant of the 300, unveiled yesterday at the New York Auto Show.

The period between February and March was the "worst I've experienced in 20 years at McLaren", the British team's technical director has admitted.

Yet another racer has died at Interlagos, the scene of November's formula one season finale.

These tires are designed to offer solid performance all year long with SUVs, crossovers and other light-duty trucks. Their sporty-looking tread makes them drivable any day of the year (except in provinces where winter tires are mandatory), however drivers are advised not to use them in deep snow and when temperatures drop below -7° Celsius. As large-diameter, low-profile tires, they represent great sporty alternatives to stock tires.

According to the highly talented engineer, Giorgio Ascanelli, Sebastian Vettel is in Ayrton Senna's league, but Michael Schumacher is not.