Auto News 5

Volkswagen is and always will be proud of their GTI -- and with reason. The Beetle may have put the people's car on the map, but the GTI brought the brand to everyone's lips.

Briton Dan Wheldon collected a cool $2.5 million for winning the Indianapolis 500 last Sunday.

PHOENIX, Arizona - Heat waves shimmering off the hot tarmac, a group of automotive media gathered at Firehawk raceway watched two identical Honda Civics free-roll down gigantic Hot Wheels-style ramps. Since we're here to learn about the newest Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 low rolling-resistance tire, we're only marginally surprised to see the Ecopia-clad Civic coast to a stop about 25 metres further than the vehicle clad in conventional Bridgestone Turanza tires.

Exactly two weeks ago, Autoblog Green reported that Porsche was planning to use an F1-style Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) to improve fuel economy across its entire range without sacrificing performance. However, a high-level source just responded by qualifying the project as ''nonsense''.

The 2011 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Canada will be held next week, June 10-11-12 on the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit in Montreal. Here's the schedule of a busy weekend.

French rally driver Sebastien Loeb cancelled out an overnight deficit of 47.7s to Citroen team-mate Sebastien Ogier to win Rally Argentina for the sixth time in his career.

Toro Rosso, Red Bull's second formula one team, is being sold.

The FIA is keeping a close eye on the aftermath of Lewis Hamilton's Monaco grand prix.

I've heard numerous times in my career that we city folks are not well-equipped to evaluate pickup trucks. Although I would have agreed with the naysayers up until recently, today, in 2011, I say nah! And here's why. These so-called work trucks have never been more civil, posh and comfortable. Unless specified with the very minimum levels of kit, pickups are now as luxurious as many luxury cars.

Tony Fernandes has denied he will have to change the name of his formula one team.

While it seemed like a Cadillac hybrid crossover was well underway behind closed doors at GM, those endeavours have recently been unplugged as plans to continue with the new vehicle were brought to a halt, according to Reuters.

Pirelli has admitted a rule tweak could have ensured an exciting finish to the weekend's Monaco grand prix.

Audi green light for small electric car, reviving legendary badge and set for Frankfurt show debut

Renault has appointed Carlos Tavares, Nissan's top executive for the Americas regions, as its new chief operating officer. Tavares will assume his new duties by July 1, Renault statement.

Renault has appointed Carlos Tavares, Nissan's top executive for the Americas since 2009, as its new chief operating officer.

Volkswagen is to formalize its offer for German truckmaker MAN in the coming days, marking another milestone in the German automaker's bid for global dominance.

Volkswagen wants to start producing its Tiguan model in North America, to help cut costs, a German magazine reported, citing management sources. The Tiguan is currently only produced in VW's Wolfsburg plant in North Germany.

Ford of Europe CEO Stephen Odell is among a lineup of top industry executives who will speak at the Automotive News Europe Congress in June.

Fiat plans to buy the remaining stake in Chrysler owned by the U.S. and boost its holding to 57 percent by the end of 2011. The Italian automaker has notified the U.S.

Automotive News Europe will host a Webinar highlighting the need for clear, streamlined business models . Hyundai Europe's Chief Operating Officer Allan Rushforth will be among the speakers.