Auto News 5

News 18 Apr, 2013

First pictures and details have been released of the production-ready 350bhp Volvo S60 Polestar

News 19 Apr, 2013

The Lamborghini Aventador LP720-4 50 Anniversario has debuted

The UK launch of Peugeot's 208 'hot hatch' sports variant - the 208 GTi - was accompanied, understandably, by some looking back at the brand's widely respected history in that area of the market.

The Bosch Group expects slightly improved economic growth this year and its own sales to grow by 2-4%

Yves Bonnefont has been appointed deputy CEO of Citroën, assisting Frédéric Banzet, from 16 April.

Volvo is set to report an operating loss in China for 2012 of between 2 billion to 4 billion Swedish crowns ($308 million to $615 million) as weak car sales and a costly new factory weighed on results, a Swedish daily newspaper reported on Thursday.

Volvo is set to report an operating loss in China for 2012 of between 2 billion to 4 billion Swedish crowns ($308 million to $615 million) as weak car sales and a costly new factory weighed on results, a Swedish daily newspaper reported on Thursday.

German supplier Bosch forecasts its sales will increase as much as 4 percent this year as growth outside Europe makes up for a recession in the region.

Takata, the airbag manufacturer that last week was cited in the recall of 3.4 million vehicles made by Japanese automakers, will book an annual extraordinary loss of $307 million.

Takata, the airbag manufacturer that last week was cited in the recall of 3.4 million vehicles made by Japanese automakers, said on Thursday it will book an annual extraordinary loss of $307 million.

Mercedes released pictures and details of the Concept GLA ahead of its debut at the Shanghai auto show. The production version will launch next year as a competitor to the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.

BMW will offer extra services to attract drivers to its "i" electric-car lineup, including occasional use of fuel-powered models.

BMW will offer extra services to attract drivers to its "i" electric-car lineup, including occasional use of fuel-powered models.

A massive vehicle recall by four Japanese automakers because of faulty airbags underscores the perils of huge global supply chains as companies increasingly rely on a handful of suppliers for common or similar parts.

GM said the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Turbo Diesel will deliver an estimated 46 miles per gallon on the highway, besting the company's initial target by four mpg.

Ferrari's Felipe Massa believes he has ‘a lot' to do to beat Fernando Alonso.

Despite outqualifying his teammate in the opening two rounds of the 2013 Formula 1 season, the Brazilian has finished behind Alonso in each of the three races. However, Massa believes he must operate at the top of his game to beat his double world champion teammate.

"I think a lot of people around the world talk about him (Alonso) as the best driver so I have a lot to do and a very important job and I think that's good,” said Massa in Thursday's press conference for the Bahrain Grand Prix. “If you don't do the perfect job you know you are going to be behind.”

Photo: WRi2

Massa also admitted he enjoys the pressure from working alongside Alonso and despite the daunting task, believes it has helped him improve as a driver.

“You're always under pressure because you need to be perfect every day,” he continued.

“I like it, I think it's nice and we always need to grow and get better and that's what I try to do every day. In terms of experience you learn a lot working with a good, strong team-mate.”

Because of anticipated bad weather, IndyCar officials were forced to postpone the Rookie Orientation Program for the Indianapolis 500. It has been announced that it will now take place on the opening weekend of practice for the race.

The track session, which is designed to allow Indy 500 rookies to gradually get up to speed on the 2.5-mile oval, was originally scheduled for April 11.

The program will now be incorporated into the opening weekend of track activity for the 500, May 11-12.

Four drivers are currently scheduled to take part in the rookie session: AJ Allmendinger (Penske), Conor Daly (AJ Foyt Racing), Indy Lights' frontrunner Carlos Munoz (Andretti Autosport), and Tristan Vautier (Schmidt Peterson Motorsports).

IndyCar also confirmed that it will try to find an additional slot for any rookie drivers who are not able to drive during the opening weekend.

BMW's new Concept X4 sports activity coupe will make its debut this weekend at Auto Shanghai 2013, and we now have additional pictures to whet our appetite.

You can see the X3-based vehicle in its ''comfort zone,'' from downtown to the outskirts. It's said to give a pretty accurate preview of the upcoming production model that will hit the market next year.

Further details such as technical specs and pricing will be announced at a later date.

Photo: BMW

Chevrolet used the Edmonton Motor Show to announce initial performance data and fuel consumption ratings for the all-new 2014 Silverado 1500 full-size pickup truck, which will officially launch later this spring.

The new 5.3L Ecotec3 V8 engine delivers 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, it's not only more powerful than the previous unit, but also more fuel-efficient: 8.7L/100km highway for 2WD models, and 9.0L/100km highway for 4x4 models.

Moreover, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers a completely redesigned cabin that's stronger and quieter, as well as class-leading towing capacity of 11,500 lbs.

Later in 2013, a 6.2L Ecotec3 V8 and a 4.3L Ecotec3 V6 will join the lineup. Specs and pricing will be revealed in the meantime.

Photo: Chevrolet

Kelley Blue Book has revealed its list of the 10 best green cars of 2013, highlighting the impressive selection drivers now have to travel more efficiently.

1. Nissan LEAF (electric)
2. Tesla Model S (electric)
3. Ford Focus Electric (electric)
4. Chevrolet Volt (electric with extended range technology)
5. Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (plug-in hybrid)
6. Ford C-MAX Energi (plug-in hybrid)
7. Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid (hybrid)
8. Honda Fit EV (electric)
9. Toyota Avalon Hybrid (hybrid)
10. Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (hybrid)