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Monthly Archives: September 2009

Tesla Model S Platform to be Used for Other Models…Minivan, CUV and Utility Van

While we wait patiently for the introduction of the Tesla Model S, Tesla has announced that the platform of the seven passenger sedan will be used for derivatives including a minivan, cross-over utility vehicle and a utility van for fleets. The announcement was part of a release from Tesla about the automaker's plans for $465 million in low-interest loans from...

Jaguar Reportedly Working on an XF-Based Five-Door Coupe

According to Inside Line, Jaguar is currently at work on a compact five door coupe based on the XF. Think of it as a competitor to the Audi A5 Sportback. The coupe is codenamed RD7 and it has suicide-type rear doors and a side-hinged tailgate. Jaguar had been considering three and five door versions, but has decided to move forward...

Toyota Issues Urgent Recall of 3.8 Million Vehicles

Toyota is issuing its largest recall in the automaker's history due to an issue with floormats. The Federal Department of Transportation has issued an "urgent" warning to owners of several Toyota and Lexus models advising owners to remove the driver's side front floor mats to keep them from getting in the way of the accelerator and brake pedals. This notice...

Fiat Unveils Abarth 500 R3T in San Remo

Fiat unveiled the rally-spec Abarth 500 R3T at the 51st Sanremo rally. The Abarth 500 rally version will be type approved for Group R3T. It's powered by a 1.4-liter four-cyl with a Garret GT 1446 fixed-geometry turbocharger that puts out 180 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed sequential transmission with a multiplate self-locking differential and twin plate clutch. 17"...

Hyundai Unveils Equus Limo for VIPs

Hyundai has developed a stretched version of its flagship Equus sedan. The Equus Limousine is 300 mm longer than the regular version and is longer than most of its competitors in Korea. To differentiate it from the Equus sedan, the stretched version features a new horizontal cross-bar grille. The Equus Limousine can be powered by either the Lambda 3.8L...

Tokyo 09' Preview: Mazda to Debut Next-Gen SKY Powertrains and Kiyora Concept

Mazda has released official images of its next-generation SKY powertrains and the Kiyora concept that will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show next month. The SKY-D' diesel engine, SKY-G' direct injection gasoline engine and SKY Drive' high-efficiency automatic transmission define "Mazda's approach to developing next-generation powertrains that will significantly improve the eco-friendliness and dynamic performance of all Mazda...

Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger to Live on Until Late 2012

The Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger midsize sedans were pretty much dead under Chrysler's former owner, Cerberus Capital Management, but now that Chrysler has a new owner, the sedans have a new lease on life. Cerberus had originally planned to kill the Sebring and Avenger at the end of 2010 and close the Sterling Heights, Mich., factory where they...

Chrysler Brand to Sell Fiat 500 in U.S.

Since it's unveiling many people in the U.S. have been hoping that the Fiat 500 would eventually be sold here. Well now that Fiat and Chrysler have hooked up our wish has come true. Its been confirmed that the Fiat 500 will be sold through Chrysler dealerships when it is released and it will be the only Fiat badged...

Confirmed: 2011 BMW M5 Loses Two Cylinders and Gets Turbocharged V8

As expected, the next-gen BMW M5 is going to ditch its current 5.0L V10 engine for a smaller turbocharged V8. BMW insiders have confirmed the change, but did not give any details about the V8. It's safe to assume that the M5 will be powered by the same turbocharged 4.4L V8 that is in the M versions of the X5...

2011 Hyundai Sonata Will Not Offer a V6

When Hyundai unveiled the all-new Sonata in Korea, a V6 engine was not mentioned in the press release. Only 2.0L and 2.4L 4-cylinders were mentioned for the Korean market. Well it looks like when the US-spec Sonata is unveiled it will also not receive a V6. According to Hyundai only 15 percent of the Sonatas currently sold are equipped...

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