Auto News 5

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone has continued to cast doubt on the inaugural running of next year's New York street race.

With the F1 chief executive claiming organisers no longer have a valid contract, race officials have nonetheless expressed confidence the event will still take place as scheduled in mid 2013.

But Ecclestone said on Friday: "They are way behind with a lot of things.  I don't think they will get it ready in time."

Britain's Express newspaper said Turkey, having dropped off the calendar last year, could replace New York.

Okay, here's the thing: an American company has partnered up with Audi to develop a way of producing renewable fuel using photosynthesis.

When exposed to light and carbon dioxide (CO2), a genetically modified bacteria can produce liquid fuel, namely ethanol. In a not-so-distant future, it will even be able to produce diesel.

All it takes is 3 cm plastic tubes that stretch over 100 metres and are filled with non-potable water, CO2, and the aforementioned bacteria. Then, let the sun do its magic.

In order to supply the global automotive fleet, 200,000 square kilometres of tubing would be necessary - equal to about 2% of Canada's surface area.

The dream is closer to becoming a reality than you may think. A first experimental site and plant already exist in the U.S., and commercial production will likely begin in 2014... at around 32 cents per litre!

Source: Le Journal du Siècle

History/Description: Now replaced by the new Chevrolet Orlando, the HHR was a crossover wagon that rode on the same platform as the Chevrolet Cobalt, was powered exclusively by 4-cylinder engines and offered up retro styling, a flexible cabin, and relatively low operating costs.

Look for a 2.2L engine with 143 horsepower or a 2.4L with 172. Engine output was increased slightly in 2007, and all models got a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission that drove the front wheels.

2006 Chevrolet HHR (Photo: General Motors)

Shoppers should note that LS models were the more “basic” HHR units, while LT models were more loaded.

Look for feature content including Bluetooth, a sunroof, keyless entry, power accessories, leather-wrapped accents, and more. An HHR “Panel” variant was also available with no rear seats or rear windows, and was geared towards delivery business owners.

What Owners Like: Ride quality, handling, fuel mileage, and interior flexibility were all highly rated by HHR owners taking to the web. Smooth and refined powerplant performance was also noted.

What Owners Dislike: Fussy seat controls, manual transmission shifter feel and rearward visibility alongside blind spots were among the HHR's more common complaints.

Common Issues: Key concerns on a used HHR tend to centre around electric steering system failure, which could cause a loss of power assist. This may startle drivers and could result in an accident. Thankfully, a recall addressed this situation. Your local GM dealership can check that all recall-related work has been performed to the vehicle you're considering if you provide them with its VIN number.

Check the automatic gear shifter for proper operation, ensuring it slips smoothly between the gears with no hesitation or difficulty. A faulty shifter button, cable and/or brake interlock switch could be to blame if that's not the case. You'll also want to note the ease of starting the engine and removing the key when it's time to turn it off. Some owners have reported issues with the ignition key.

Double-check for proper operation of the climate control blower fan, and note any moisture in the carpeting in the front passenger footwell.

2009 Chevrolet HHR (Photo: General Motors)

Continue reading 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR Pre-Owned

Engineering consulting firm Ricardo has named longtime Magna executive Thomas Apostolos as its new president.

Land Rover has sold more than 6,000

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said today that it will review a request to investigate 1.6 million 2005-12 Ford Escapes for alleged engine problems.

The 2014 Subaru WRX coupe was caught out on the open road on Oct. 4. Could it be a possible BRZ-based STI? Enthusiasts can only hope.

Federal safety investigators are probing consumer complaints that certain 2003-2004 Honda Odyssey minivans and Pilot SUVs can roll away after the key has been removed from the ignition.

General Motors of Canada said today it will add a third shift to the flexible manufacturing line at its assembly plant in Oshawa, Ontario, so that it can meet demand for its Chevrolet Impala sedan.

Also in this episode: Volkswagen mulls moving some production of the

What is it?

General Motors said it plans to close its hydrogen fuel-cell research operation in upstate New York and move it to Michigan. The move is scheduled to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2013.

Our friends at Hooniverse have put together an interesting and insightful perspective on the growth of the BMW 5-series from the E28 to the new F10.

Scale-model builders can't help but sweat the small stuff. Hobbyists spend hoursand#8212;days evenand#8212;sanding, gluing, painting and polishing bits and pieces of plastic to create miniature facsimiles of their dream vehicles.

We pitted Chuck D's Olds 98 against Sir Mix-a-Lot's Buick Deuce in the Hell Garage last week, which had the Hell Garage Demons putting

Nissan, looking to bolster tumbling sales of its Leaf electric car, will roll out a budget variant next year in a bid for a more-affordable sticker.

Mazda is riding a wave of success thanks to its entertaining CX-5 crossover. The brand's U.S.

Former Saab and current Spyker, CEO, Victor Muller, says he wanted to end the association with the Swedish automaker and its Griffin logo long before current owner, National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) was forced to drop the iconic symbol.

Fiat chief executive Sergio Marchionne is ready to buy General Motors' European Opel/Vauxhall subsidiary if GM's alliance with Peugeot, Italian daily Il Sole-24 Ore reported, without citing sources.

Hundreds of workers at Schlegel Automotive Europe in Coalville, Leicestershire, were left devastated by an announcement on 4 October, that the company had gone into administration, key UK auto workers union Unite said.