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Monthly Archives: June 2009

Asian and European Automakers Expected to Outpace Big 3 Production in the US by 2012

More bad news for Detroit's automakers, a new study from Grant Thornton LLP's Corporate Advisory and Restructuring Service estimates that by 2012 they will produce less vehicles on US soil than their Asian and European competitors. Although domestic automakers are expected to return to profitability by 2012, their production will be outpaced by import automakers like Toyota, VW, Hyundai and...

GM Announces New 2.4L Engine for 2010 Buick LaCrosse

GM has announced that the 2010 Buick LaCrosse is going to offer a new 2.4L four-cylinder in addition to the two V6 engines. The Ecotec 2.4L direct-injected four-cylinder puts out 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. It's mated to a six-speed automatic and is expected to get 30 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city. Buick...

Lexus Leads 2009 JD Power Initial Quality Study

J.D. Power and Associates has released its 2009 Initial Quality Study (IQS) with Lexus taking the lead this year with only 84 problems per 100 vehicles. This year's top five nameplates were Lexus followed by Porsche, Cadillac, Hyundai and Honda. Hyundai managed to move up to the number 4 spot from 13th position in 2008 and Cadillac moved up...

Chrysler Considering RWD Replacements for the Sebring and Avenger

Besides the 300 and Challenger, Chrysler doesn't really anything else exciting in its car range. The current Sebring and Avenger mid-size sedans don't even come close to their Camry/ Accord competitors, so now Chrysler is trying to figure out a way to bring the 200C concept to life. The 200C concept was shown at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show in...

Ford Unveils the Glass Roof Equipped 2010 Ford Mustang

Ford has unveiled the 2010 Ford Mustang with the glass roof option and just in case you're worried about the sun's rays, the roof blocks out 90 percent of UV rays. Ford even claims that roof's UV-filtering capability is equal to wearing SPF 50. The glass roof option adds another $1,995 to the price of either the V6 Mustang or...

Audi A5 Sportback Not Headed to the U.S.

Yesterday Audi released two teaser images of the upcoming Audi A5 Sportback, which will debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Now comes word that Audi has no plans to bring the vehicle to the US. The A5 Sportback will be available with a choice of two gasoline or three diesel engines. The two gas engines will be...

Chrysler PT Cruiser Will Stay in Production Until End of 2010

It has been reported for quite a while that Chrysler was going to eventually kill the PT Cruiser. The latest reports had slated its death for this summer, but since the automaker now has a new owner it looks like the little wagon will continue in production for a little longer. The PT Cruiser officially went into production at the...

2010 Kia Forte Hits the Road at $13,695

Kia has announced the pricing for the all-new 2010 Kia Forte. The base Forte LX starts at $13,695 plus destination charges. The Forte EX begins at $15,795 and the top of the line SX trim begins at $17,195. The base Forte LX and EX models are powered by 156 hp 2.0L four-cylinder that can be paired to either a 5-speed...

Toyota Has No Plans to Restart Camry Solara Production

Last summer Toyota decided to kill the slow-selling Camry Solara Coupe, but continued production of the drop-top version. Production of the drop-top Solara stopped in December, but Toyota had hoped to restart production. "I think there was some hope that eventually during the spring/summer months the market would bear a need," says TEMA spokesman Rick Hesterberg. "We kept the tooling,...

Koenigsegg and Norwegian Investors to Buy Saab According to Swedish Television

Luxury car maker Koenigsegg and a group of Norwegian investors have signed a letter of intent with GM to take over Saab according to Swedish television. Final details of the deal have not been finalized. Full Story: Reuters

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