Auto News 5

Daimler AG is in advanced talks to buy a stake in sports car maker Porsche Automobil Holding SE, German publication manager magazin reported on Friday on its Web site, citing financial sources. Full story...

The Qatar Investment Authority could acquire more shares in ailing German sports car maker Porsche Automobil Holding SE than previously thought, German magazine Focus said. Full story...

German automotive lighting manufacturer Hella KGaA Hueck and Co. said on Friday it has signed an increased 550 million euro ($765.7 million) forward start loan, extending an existing loan by two years. Full story...

Continuing its tradition of introducing distinctive and unique limited editions, smart Canada today announced the arrival of the smart fortwo edition limited three. Finished in exclusive melon green metallic paint with 12 spoke, 15" alloy wheels, production of this stylish new smart fortwo will be restricted to just 180 units to ensure individuality and exclusivity. Full story...

Arese, Italy - Alfa Romeo will be celebrating its centennial in 2010 and rejoining the North American market at the same time. In preparation for these two events, we thought it would be interesting to visit the Alfa Romeo Museum located in Arese, in the suburbs of Milano, in order to get re-acquainted with this prestigious brand. Full story...

As one of North America's most popular passenger cars, the Toyota Camry offers even more for Canadian drivers, with the new 2010 Toyota Camry XLE. This new model features all of the dynamic styling and "no compromise" suite of standard equipment found a V6, but delivers it in a a new 2.5 litre four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission that delivers Toyota's "more power - less fuel" advantage. Full story...

Asheville, North Carolina - The auto journalists on hand for the launch of the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus really did their homework. They attended the whole program, were all ears during the various speeches and drove this great American sedan over hundreds of kilometres while paying attention to every little detail. Full story...

A fuel-efficient, direct injected Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder engine will be the third engine offered in the 2010 Buick Allure luxury sedan. Backed by a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission, the new powertrain combination is expected to deliver fuel economy of 7.8 L/100 km highway and 11.8 L/100 km city (U.S. estimated figures)-making Allure one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment. Full story...

The J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study, or IQS, serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership. The study is used extensively by manufacturers worldwide to help them design and build better vehicles and by consumers to help them in their vehicle purchase decisions. Initial quality has been shown over the years to be an excellent predictor of long-term durability, which can significantly impact consumer purchase decisions. The study captures problems experienced by owners in two distinct categories: design-related problems, and defects and malfunctions. Full story...

FIA president Max Mosley has dismissed as a joke his reference to some members of the FOTA teams alliance as 'loonies'. Full story...

Once again, after having dominated most of the Iowa race, Ryan Briscoe was denied victory in the closing stages of the race; this time around by Dario Franchitti who earned his second victory of 2009. Full story...

Stefano Domenicali has blamed development money wasted on KERS as the reason for its competitive struggle in 2009. Full story...

On Thursday of this week, FOTA, the Formula One Teams Association, plans to speed up preparations for next year's breakaway world championship. Full story...

Montreal's mayor Gerald Tremblay says the revival of the Canadian grand prix depends upon formula one resolving its crisis. Full story...

Unveiled to the world for the first time at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, the new Fiat 500C pays homage to the original 1957 Fiat 500 and its fabric roof, but also offers innovative solutions in terms of mechanical design, engines and comfort. All this in line with the most authentic Fiat tradition of giving people access to segment firsts in content and technology. Full story...

Ford is playing for keeps, and the automaker is proving it once again with the introduction of its all-new 2010 Taurus, a large sedan that will make more a than few competitors blush. Full story...

The Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California always brings in an unusual winner. Sunday's Toyota/SaveMart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup race was no exception. Full story...

Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas won their first race of the season in Saturday's EMCO Gears Classic at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in the Grand-Am Rolex Series. Full story...

The BMW Team Italy-Spain won both the WTCC races at Brno with Alex Zanardi and Sergio Hernandez, proving once again that they are the outfit to beat when the series visits the Czech Republic. Full story...

The American rider took his eighth World Superbike victory of the season on Sunday morning at the Misano WSB round, and followed this up with a disappointing 8th in the afternoon race. Full story...