Auto News 5

According to four-time Formula 1 world champion Alain Prost, France's only formula one driver Sébastien Bourdais is "too negative". Full story...

After the successful unveiling of the new MINI Convertible this spring, MINI dips its toe into the stylistic future of travel. Teaming up with renowned brands Airstream and Republic of Fritz Hansen(TM), the carmaker has embraced the theme of "mobile living" in developing an innovative design study with a down-by-the beach feel. The collaboration has spawned a unique combination of a 6.80-metre-long Airstream trailer and a modified MINI Cooper S Clubman, one whose appeal extends beyond the reaches of the watersports scene. Full story...

The Ford Fusion Hybrid team will attempt to drive more than 1,000 miles for more than 43 continuous hours - on a single tank of gas, raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the process Full story...

On April 20th 2009, the opening day of the Auto Shanghai 2009, Volkswagen along with its two joint ventures Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen, unveiled a new locally produced car, the Passat New Lingyu, in a large booth illustrating the essence of Volkswagen's brand claim "Das Auto". Full story...

Ingolstadt/Wolfsburg/Martorell - A production site for the Audi Q3 was chosen today: the SEAT site in Martorell, Spain. Manufacture will begin in2011 with an annual production capacity of up to 80,000 units. The total investment will amount to around E300 million. Full story...

With its win in the large sedans category of the German readers' poll "Classics of the Future 2009," the Mercedes-Benz CLS underlines just what a positive impact it has on the Mercedes brand image, as perceived by classic car fans. Full story...

Look closely, and you might notice the BMW 3-Series has quietly gained a smidge of additional energy and sophistication for 2009. New lights brighten up its revised face, a wider track sets off the backside, and some new sculpting encourages light and reflections to play off the body. It's all done with respect to the discreet styling that 3-Series owners have grown to love. Full story...

Maserati North America Inc. said CEO Marti Eulberg has resigned after less than a year with the company. Her interim replacement will be Raffaele Fusilli, Maserati's global commercial director. Full story...

Maserati North America Inc. said CEO Marti Eulberg has resigned "to pursue other opportunities." The interim replacement will be Raffaele Fusilli, Maserati's global commercial director. Full story...

For Audi to build vehicles in North America, it would need higher volume and a local supplier network, says Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. Full story...

Autobytel Inc., the third-party lead generator for auto dealers and manufacturers, said today it has received an unsolicited buyout bid from software firm Trilogy Enterprises Inc. Trilogy already owns 7. Full story...

The V8 engine, a symbol of power and prestige for more than a century, is looking more and more like an endangered species. Full story...

The redesigned 2010 Prius hybrid goes on sale in late May at a base price of $22,750, including freight. Later this year, a stripped-down base model will go on sale for $21,750, including shipping. Full story...

Chrysler LLC's lenders have offered to take equity in a restructured automaker allied with Fiat SpA in exchange for writing off about 35 percent of the $7 billion they are owed, according to people with knowledge of the closed-door talks. Full story...

The shift to electrified vehicles has prompted AVL Powertrain Engineering Inc. to open a battery lab in its Ann Arbor, Mich., tech center. AVL plans to open the lab this spring. Full story...

The V-8 engine, a symbol of power and prestige for nearly a century, is looking more and more like an endangered species. Full story...

The redesigned 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid goes on sale in the United States in late May with a base price of $22,750, including freight. The figure is above Honda's new Insight hybrid, which went on sale last month listing at a base of $20,470. Full story...

The redesigned 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid goes on sale in late May at a base price of $22,750, including freight. Later this year, a stripped-down base model will go on sale for $21,750, including shipping. Full story...

Italy Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said today he backs a possible Fiat-Chrysler alliance. Full story...

2009 Honda Fit Sport - Four Seasons Update - April 2009

Is it possible to get safety, utility, value, fuel economy, and perfect driving dynamics in one package? No - although our Four Seasons Honda Fit comes close.

Months in fleet: Three
Miles to date: 5,564

Photo Gallery: 2009 Honda Fit Sport - April 2009 Four Seasons Update Review - Automobile Magazine

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