Auto News 5

According to The Detroit News, GM has decided to build the high-performance version of its upcoming Buick Regal sedan. Full story...

Tesla Motors has purchased the former NUMMI factory in Fremont, California, where it will build the Model S sedan and future Tesla vehicles. As recently as April of 2010, the NUMMI factory was used by Toyota to produce the Corolla and Tacoma vehicles using the industry-leading Toyota production system. It is one of the largest, most advanced and cleanest automotive production plants in the world. Full story...

Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced that they intend to cooperate on the development of electric vehicles, parts, and production system and engineering support. The two companies intend to form a team of specialists to further those efforts. TMC has agreed to purchase $50 million of Tesla's common stock issued in a private placement to close immediately subsequent to the closing of Tesla's currently planned initial public offering. Full story...

Lotus Racing has apparently elected to shift design focus on their 2011 car in hopes to beat the opposition. Full story...

The Ford Flex has been turning heads for almost two years now. And in that time, one thing has remained constant - the customer's love for the style and personality the Flex brings to the driveway. With that in mind, Ford announces the latest addition to the Flex lineup, Flex Titanium - a highly contented vehicle with individual style that will stand out in the world of more traditional crossovers and sport utility vehicles. Full story...

Lotus Racing has apparently elected to shift design focus on their 2011 car in hopes to beat the opposition. Full story...

Designer Peter Schreyer has quite an impressive resume. Among others, he's the mastermind behind the Audi TT and Volkswagen New Beetle, two cars that literally brought their respective brands back to the forefront of the global design scene. When such an expert decides to lead a team of bright young stylists at a company like Kia, every product and idea is thoroughly revisited and improved. Full story...

Annapolis, MD - Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley (D) today signed two bills into law that will support advanced vehicle propulsion technology and help spur early consumer acceptance of electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt. Full story...

FAZZT Racing's driver Alex Tagliani set the third fastest time Wednesday at the end of the practice session on the oval of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Full story...

The Mercedes GP Formula 1 team is apparently working on an F-duct system that does not need to be controlled by the drivers. Full story...

Here are some NASCAR news prior to the All-Star race in Charlotte. Full story...

The FIA, the Formula 1 governing body on Thursday admitted a "lack of clarity" in the rules led to the last-lap Monaco Grand Prix controversy. Full story...

Red Bull had to modify an element of its rear diffuser during the recent Monaco grand prix weekend. Full story...

Karun Chandhok has tersely insisted he is "not worried" about the future of the struggling HRT team. Full story...

In one fell swoop, Dr Helmut Marko has dismissed the title threat posed by figures including reigning champion Jenson Button, the 2008 runner-up Felipe Massa, Mercedes' works team, and seven time world champion Michael Schumacher. Full story...

A formula one foray for Volkswagen would probably see the Audi or Porsche names above the garage doors. Full story...

Are you a child of the eighties? If so, you know that Hyundai was building Ponies and Excels while we wore Hypercolor shirts and drooled over cars like the Nissan 300ZX, Mazda RX-7 and Toyota Supra. Full story...

General Motors Co.'s new marketing chief, Joel Ewanick, plans to shift primary responsibility for Chevrolet advertising to Goodby, Silverstein and Partners, AdWeek reported, citing sources familiar with the move. Full story...

Chrysler Group today released photos of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which goes on sale in mid-June. Full story...

It's coming in June, and now we finally know what it looks like: Chrysler released images of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Wednesday afternoon. Full story...