Auto News 5

To keep its leading position in China, Volkswagen AG is considering adding a domestic brand to penetrate China's fast-growing entry-level segment.

Little by little, Fiat is tightening its hold on Chrysler following the bailout measures designed to save the Big Three back in 2009. After increasing its stake to 30% two weeks ago, the Italian company has just confirmed its intentions to gradually up it to 46% in June and become the majority shareholder with 51% by the end of the year.

The rapid degradation of certain Pirelli tires dramatically changed the issue of the inaugural three Grands Prix of the season for some drivers. But this is nothing new in Formula 1, as managing tire wear has often been the key to success.

What was considered pure science fiction a few years ago in Back to the Future 2 has become reality, thanks to researchers at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Spain. They created a miniature version of the mythical AMC DeLorean, renamed "DalH2Orean" that runs on aluminum (Al) and water (H2O) alone.

Although he's conquered the high banks of the 2.5 mile Daytona International Speedway; team owner/driver, Michael Waltrip, is a rookie at LeMans' famed eight-mile Circuit de la Sarthe.

If you've already had the chance to drive a Dodge Viper or simply ride along as a passenger, you'll agree that the world "brute" probably sums it up best, what with the maniacally potent engine and the almost total lack of electronic assistance that leaves no room for mistakes.

When Mitsubishi unveiled its ''Jump 2013'' mid-term business plan last January, the days of the Eclipse - coupe and Spyder - and Endeavor SUV were numbered. However, instead of 2013, as originally planned, these models will meet their demise next August, the Japanese automaker said today.

We all know how important it is to maintain your car and keep it clean, but the results of study lead by scientists at Queen Mary University in the U.K. will probably make you rethink the frequency and method of your interventions. You see, according to them your steering wheel is host to nine times more germs than a public toilet seat.

Imagine yourself sitting on a café's terrace, on a busy city street, on a sunny afternoon. The sidewalk is bursting with passers-by, smiling and laughing, enjoying the beautiful day, just as you are. While you're admiring fine examples of the opposite sex and fine automobiles drifting through your eyesight, a late-model Aston Martin rumbles by.

The iconic NSX is arguably the ultimate Honda/Acura ever created. With exotic car looks, an almighty V10 engine and a relatively-affordable price considering the available performance, it had all the ingredients to become a classic. So when rumours of a possible successor began circulating around the web, many fans understandably jumped with joy.

It's a relatively new trend, but Korean automaker Hyundai is trying their hardest to become a giant pain in the ass to the most well-established and best-selling automakers on the continent. On some levels, that's not much of a surprise. In recent years, Korea's proven they can build and sell some of the most striking models on the Canadian market-- and their latest work, the 2011 Elantra, might be the most important one yet.

While a dark shroud still covers the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series, the team at BenzInsider recently got some exclusive information. The car will reportedly feature the current 6.2L V8 engine with a few tweaks and produce 507 horsepower instead of the regular 451.

The special Test Day of the 24 Hours of Le Mans was run this past weekend, in preparation for the grand classic endurance race which will be held in eight weeks.

Hispania is set to establish a British office, according to internet reports in Spain.

Bernie Ecclestone has indicated he's ready to quit if Rupert Murdoch takes control of the sport.

British motorsport web site Autosport.com has learned that the Yas Marina circuit of Abu Dhabi will be altered in order to improve overtaking.

McLaren team boss is convinced Lewis Hamilton will drive for his team for may years.

Hispania is set to establish a British office, according to internet reports in Spain.

As usual you can count on V12, our new supercharged blog, to bring you the hottest videos from around the world. Our latest Top 5 will kick off your week on a high note. Check out a Ferrari F430 and Toyota Corolla racing backwards, a Russian driver drifting his way into a parking spot, a gravity-defying Fiat 500 going through a loop, a forklift driver taking care of an illegally parked car and the new promo for the Ford Shelby GT500.

Porsche aims to increase its worldwide dealer network nearly 30 percent. 'Right now we have 700 dealers globally. By 2015, we will probably have 200 more,' sales and marketing boss Bernhard Maier told Automotive News Europe.