Powered by Global Auto Systems

Thursday, July 16, 2009

• Max Mosley, Controversial FIA Chief, Says He's Leaving, Endorses Jean Todt To Succeed Him Date posted: 07-16-2009
  Mosley says he won't run for re-election when his term ends in October, the second time he's made that statement.
• Bentley Readies "Unprecedented" Garage Sale Date posted: 07-16-2009
  Bentley Motors will hold its first parts and accessories sale in late September, offering everything from a 1950s handbook to a V8 engine block.
• NASCAR: Mayfield Tests Positive for Methamphetamine Date posted: 07-16-2009
  NASCAR says driver Jeremy Mayfield has tested positive for methamphetamine usage in tests conducted since Mayfield won a court fight to return to racing.
• Jaguar X-Type To Expire at End of the Year Date posted: 07-16-2009
  "Baby Jag" never lived up to lofty sales expectations.
• Beyonce Joins Parade of Celebrities Offering Freebies to Down-on-Luck Detroiters Date posted: 07-16-2009
  Beyonce, the superstar singer who serenaded President Obama at his inaugural, will donate free concert tickets to Michigan families hit hard by the downturn in the auto industry.
• Tuner Special: Mr. Norm 426 Hemi Challenger and Cuda Convertibles Date posted: 07-16-2009
  Starting with the 6.1-liter 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8, Mr. Norm chops the top off and raises output on both vehicles to 725 horsepower.
• Priced: 2010 Range Rover Date posted: 07-16-2009
  Land Rover's flagship model starts at $79,275; supercharged Range Rover nears $100K.
• Fiat Interested in Bertone - But for Production Capacity Only, Not the Brand Date posted: 07-16-2009
  Acquisitive Italian automaker clarifies that it wants the Grugliasco manufacturing facility and workers only out of Bertone.
• J.D. Power Study: Porsche Continues To Dominate As Most Appealing Auto Brand Date posted: 07-16-2009
  The results of J.D. Power and Associates 2009 APEAL study were released on Thursday, with Porsche again ranked first as the auto industry's most appealing brand. Suzuki ended up in last place.
• Mike Kimberley Retires From Lotus Date posted: 07-16-2009
  Chief executive cites health issues for his departure.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

• Feds Raise Alarm Over Drugged Driving Date posted: 07-15-2009
  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's first survey to test for drugs, as well as alcohol, discovers that more than 16 percent of nighttime weekend drivers are high on marijuana, cocaine and other drugs.
• Toyota Launches Mobile 2010 Prius Web Site Date posted: 07-15-2009
  iCrossing, a global digital marketing firm, has helped Toyota launch a mobile site that allows visitors to find a dealer, request a quote and even get the specs on a new third-generation Toyota Prius.
• Rusty Rescue of a Bugatti in Switzerland Date posted: 07-15-2009
  A 1925 Bugatti Brescia is pulled out of the drink at the bottom of Lake Maggiore.
• GM Design Boss: Still No Production Plans for Buick Riviera Concept Date posted: 07-15-2009
  In a wide-ranging Web chat, GM's design boss underscores that the automaker still has no intention of making a production version of the Buick Riviera Concept. This, despite a new era of "romantic" design at Buick.
• Hyundai To Unveil 2011 Sonata at 2010 Detroit Auto Show Date posted: 07-15-2009
  The CEO of Hyundai Motor America confirmed for Inside Line that the next-generation Sonata will debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
• Sleek 2010 Audi A5 Sportback Debuts in Germany Date posted: 07-15-2009
  The excitement surrounding Audi's 100th-anniversary celebration ramps up as the curious get a complete look at the 2010 Audi A5 Sportback, a five-door coupe that was teased a month ago. But a second, more mysterious model will make its world debut at festivities in Germany on Thursday, Audi says.
• Teased: Bugatti Bordeaux Date posted: 07-15-2009
  New four-seater slated to debut at Frankfurt show, according to Auto Express.
• Wagoner's Retirement Package Cut by $14 Million Date posted: 07-15-2009
  Ousted CEO will retire in August with an annual pension of $74,030, plus annual payments of $1.64 million for the next five years.
• Tesla Roadster Is TV Star Date posted: 07-15-2009
  Roadster featured in HBO's Entourage and TNT's Leverage.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

• Thailand: Ford Focus and Mazda 3 Production May Move Here From Philippines Date posted: 07-14-2009
  A major factory expansion by Auto Alliance Thailand may presage a move of Ford Focus and Mazda 3 production from the Philippines.
• Chevrolet Volt Wants To Friend You on Facebook Date posted: 07-14-2009
  Chevrolet uses Facebook to spread Volt love.
• 2007-'09 Volkswagen Touareg Recalled Date posted: 07-14-2009
  Volkswagen is recalling 14,416 of its 2007-'09 Touareg SUVs because the roof spoiler may become loose and detach from the vehicle.
• Rattner Quits as Auto Czar Date posted: 07-14-2009
  Former Wall Street investment banker - a chief architect of the GM and Chrysler bailouts - unexpectedly announces his departure from Washington.
• Ford Says New U.S. Fiesta Won't Come From China Date posted: 07-14-2009
  Partners refute report on Chinese Web site that Chang'an Ford joint venture will export Fiesta sedans to North America.
• Hyundai Equus Will Come to U.S. Date posted: 07-14-2009
  Korean-market Hyundai flagship sedan will be in U.S. showrooms as early as next year.
• GM's Larry Burns, Fuel-Cell Champion and Godfather of the Chevrolet Sequel, To Retire Date posted: 07-14-2009
  General Motors confirmed for Inside Line on Tuesday that Larry Burns, GM vice president of research and development and strategic planning, will retire later this year. Burns is the charismatic visionary and science geek who preached "now is the time to face reality" and embrace such vehicles as the Chevrolet Sequel with its fuel-cell technology.
• 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Preview: 2010 Kia Cee'd Date posted: 07-14-2009
  European compact gets a face-lift, including a new Kia "family face."
• 2009 BMW X5 and X6 Recalled for Brake Problem Date posted: 07-14-2009
  BMW is recalling an unspecified number of 2009 X5 and X6 vehicles because faulty rear brake discs could result in a loss of braking, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• Lutz: Pontiac G8 May Be Rebadged as Chevrolet Caprice Date posted: 07-14-2009
  One of Bob Lutz's first tasks in his new role at General Motors was to hold court on the GM FastLane blog. Among the tidbits revealed on Monday: The Pontiac G8 may be rebadged as a Chevrolet Caprice and sold to the police and the public; the Chevrolet Camaro convertible is still in the works; a Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon is a possibility.
• Nürburgring: 2010 Porsche Panamera Turbo Unofficially Takes Crown as Fastest Sedan Date posted: 07-14-2009
  The Porsche sedan beats out the CTS-V for fastest Nürburgring time in a sedan with a 7-minute, 56-second run by German rally driver Walter Röhrl.
• 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Preview: Peugeot RCZ Concept To See Production Next Spring Date posted: 07-14-2009
  2007 Frankfurt Auto Show concept, the 308RCZ 2+2, is going into production.
• Lexus HS 250h Launches in Japan, With North America To Follow in September Date posted: 07-14-2009
  The 2010 Lexus HS 250h debuts in the home market on Tuesday, with the marketing push already ramping up in the U.S. for the hybrid's September launch.

Monday, July 13, 2009

• For Korea Only: Hyundai Avante LPi Hybrid Date posted: 07-13-2009
  Home-market version of Elantra runs on electricity and liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG.
• Japan: Nissan Skyline Crossover Date posted: 07-13-2009
  Nissan Skyline Crossover is the Japanese version of the Infiniti EX.
• 2009 SEMA Preview: Tjin Edition Camaro SS Date posted: 07-13-2009
  Award-winning designer/tuner is selected by GM to join "Camarofest" at the annual SEMA show.
• Mercedes-Benz Working on Electric Plug-In SLS Supercar Date posted: 07-13-2009
  AMG Mercedes engineers are moving forward on a plug-in electric version of the upcoming SLS.
• 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster Pricing Announced Date posted: 07-13-2009
  The 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster will start at $37,690, including a $720 destination charge, when it goes on sale in September.
• Cleveland Browns' Donte Stallworth Released After Serving 24 Days for DUI Manslaughter Date posted: 07-13-2009
  With his professional life still in limbo, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth, 28, was released on Friday from a Miami jail after serving just 24 days for DUI manslaughter.
• Webber, Red Bull Supreme in German GP Date posted: 07-13-2009
  Once-dominant Brawn GP suddenly found itself struggling as Australian Mark Webber led a Team Red Bull 1-2 sweep in the German Grand Prix Sunday.
• It's Official: Dodge Viper Gets a Second Chance at Life Date posted: 07-13-2009
  "The new leadership gets it," crows Mike Accavitti, president and CEO of the Dodge brand, in a video announcing that Chrysler will continue to build the Dodge Viper SRT10.
• Leaked: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Date posted: 07-13-2009
  Quasi-official image of upcoming SLS AMG appears in German and Dutch publications.
• Honda Confirms CR-Z and Fit Hybrids for 2010 Date posted: 07-13-2009
  Japanese automaker confirms two new hybrids, expands production of Insight to meet growing HEV demand.

Friday, July 10, 2009

• Formula 1 Update: Ongoing Dispute Threatens Status of Australian Grand Prix Date posted: 07-10-2009
  The ongoing bickering between Formula 1 race teams and the administrators of the international grand prix series is trying the patience of race organizers as well as fans.
• Abu Dhabi: Barbican Turbo 2009 Is a Tuner Show With a Twist Date posted: 07-10-2009
  It's the second year for Middle East's "premier custom, tuning and motorsports festival."
• British Company Offers Supercar Driving Experience for the Young Date posted: 07-10-2009
  A license isn't even required for the drive - as long as the youngster is 4 feet 10 inches or taller he or she can pilot anything from an Audi to a Lamborghini.
• Jim Russell Partners With Mitsubishi for New Driving School Date posted: 07-10-2009
  The Jim Russell Racing Drivers School will use 2008 Lancer Evolutions as the training vehicles for its latest program.
• Japan: Fiat Creates Buzz With 500 Ad Campaign Date posted: 07-10-2009
  Being Italian is even more attractive to Japanese after the latest Fiat 500 ad campaign.
• Mamma Mia! Lotus Hooks Up With Hertz in Italy Date posted: 07-10-2009
  Lotus announces a new marketing deal with Hertz Italiana starting in mid-July.
• GM CEO: Hummer "Deal Can Get Done" Date posted: 07-10-2009
  GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson gave an update on the sale of the Hummer and Opel brands on Friday. He predicted in regards to Hummer: "Our expectation is that this deal can get done." Opel negotiations continue, he added.
• GM Expects New Products Will Lead It Back to Success Date posted: 07-10-2009
  Reconstituted automaker will reduce its U.S. focus to just 34 nameplates in 2010.
• Old Hand Lutz "Unretiring" to Take Key Post at New GM Date posted: 07-10-2009
  Bob Lutz, 77, the high-profile former GM executive who championed such cars as the Cadillac Sixteen Concept and created a firestorm a year ago when he said global warming is "a total crock," is back in a pivotal post at the New General Motors.
• GM Tries "Experiment" With eBay New-Vehicle Sales Date posted: 07-10-2009
  General Motors announces an "innovative new partnership with eBay in California to revolutionize how people buy vehicles online." But GM president and CEO Fritz Henderson on Friday warns: "Experiments are experiments. You don't roll them out [nationwide] until you figure out if they work."
• "Tell Fritz" Web Site in Works To Boost Accessibility to GM CEO Date posted: 07-10-2009
  GM will launch the "Tell Fritz" Web site next week, it says, in order to put GM president and CEO Fritz Henderson closer to the consumer. GM tells Inside Line that it won't be written by underlings, but by the boss himself.
• No Change to GM Logo in Works, Says GM CEO Date posted: 07-10-2009
  The media buzz that General Motors plans to change the background color of its corporate logo from blue to green to visibly signal the rebirth of the automaker is quashed on Friday by GM president and CEO Fritz Henderson.
• "New GM" Exits Bankruptcy Date posted: 07-10-2009
  Greatly shrunken auto company emerges with four U.S. brands, far fewer employees and dealers ¿ and $48 billion in debt; Lutz "unretires."

Thursday, July 9, 2009

• 2010 Scion xD Pricing Announced Date posted: 07-09-2009
  The 2010 Scion xD gets a $150 price increase, says Toyota, along with a new audio system and standard vehicle stability control.
• Will GM Logo Undergo Extreme Makeover? Date posted: 07-09-2009
  Media reports say General Motors may change the background color of its corporate logo from blue to green to dramatically illustrate that it is leaner and greener as it gets set to emerge from bankruptcy.
• Megan Fox Washed Director Michael Bay's Ferrari for Transformers Part Date posted: 07-09-2009
  As part of her audition for Transformers, Megan Fox reportedly washed Michael Bay's Ferrari at his house on film.
• "New" GM Debuts Friday Date posted: 07-09-2009
  GM to leave Chapter 11 and sell its good assets to a new, largely government-owned company on Friday.
• Jay Leno Pulls Cover off the All-New 2010 Jaguar XJ Date posted: 07-09-2009
  Brand-new car with next-generation aluminum body will hit the roads by early 2010.
• Smart Launches Online Social Network Date posted: 07-09-2009
  New Destination Smart Web site aims to attract and link U.K. owners.
• Tuner Special: Fesler-Moss Camaro Date posted: 07-09-2009
  The Arizona-based tuner has three packages for the 2010 Camaro, ranging from its $15,000 "Enhancement" package to its $110,000 homage to Chevy's '69 muscle car.
• Unveiled: Fiat Panda 4x4 Adventure Date posted: 07-09-2009
  The Italian automaker pitches its new soft-roader at "those at one with nature, with a love of outdoor activities, but also for professionals in the agricultural and forestry sectors."
• Tuner Special: Sportec SPR1 T80 Date posted: 07-09-2009
  The Porsche 911 gets even hotter this summer.
• Feds Release 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan Crash Results Date posted: 07-09-2009
  The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan earns the highest five-star crash test ratings in front and side crash tests, reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It gets slightly lower marks in rollover ratings, with a four-star ranking.
• 2010 Kia Forte Koup Set for Late-Summer Launch in U.S. Date posted: 07-09-2009
  Kia said on Thursday it will launch its Scion tC fighter, the 2010 Kia Forte Koup, later this summer.
• China Passes U.S. in First-Half Car Sales Date posted: 07-09-2009
  China is now the world's largest auto market, with sales through June of 6.1 million vehicles; both Ford and GM report increases.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

• Europe: Refresh for 2010 Peugeot 207CC Date posted: 07-08-2009
  A midcycle restyling for Europe's best-selling coupe-cabriolet.
• Brazil: Politicians Talking to Chinese Automakers Date posted: 07-08-2009
  Official Brazilian government visits have the aim of getting Chinese companies to come to Brazil. So far Jianghuai Automobile (JAC), Chery and BYD have shown interest.
• Leaked: 2010 Jaguar XJ Photos Date posted: 07-08-2009
  Here's your first look at the redesigned XJ sedan, sans camouflage.
• BMW Might Kill 5 Series Wagon in Favor of GT Crossover Date posted: 07-08-2009
  You haven't been buying the 5 Series wagon. Now BMW tells us it might kill the wagon altogether to make room for the 2010 5 Series Gran Turismo.
• Top Player at Japan's All-Star Games Will Get a Mazda Axela Date posted: 07-08-2009
  At next week's national All-Star baseball games in Japan, the player judged the most exciting will be awarded a new car. But it won't be a Camaro or an Escalade. It will be an Axela, also known as the Mazda 3.
• Tuner Special: TechArt Cayenne Diesel Date posted: 07-08-2009
  Aero body kit and engine upgrades enhance the look and performance of Porsche's big oil burner.
• Wienermobile Loses Its Spiritual Driver: Oscar G. Mayer Dies at Age 95 Date posted: 07-08-2009
  Retired chairman of the famous hot-dog company has died at age 95.
• Toyota Gives Up on Fuji Speedway for Formula 1 Race Date posted: 07-08-2009
  Japan GP will be at Honda-owned Suzuka circuit this fall and again in 2011; no word on the 2010 race's venue yet.
• Sims 3 Game Offers 2010 Toyota Prius Download Date posted: 07-08-2009
  Players of the popular Sims 3 game can add the 2010 Toyota Prius to their virtual worlds.
• Atlanta Motorsports Park To Unveil New Green Track Design Date posted: 07-08-2009
  Noted F1 designer Hermann Tilke to create world's first "eco-friendly" circuit.
• Former Acura NSX Body Designer Becomes New Honda CEO Date posted: 07-08-2009
  New chief of Honda will grapple with economic downturn, which has been less tough on the automaker than many competitors.
• New Bentley Will Break Cover at Pebble Beach Date posted: 07-08-2009
  Official name for "Grand Bentley" will be revealed in August at the annual Concours d'Elegance.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

• Bentley Continental GT Transformed Into Pop Art Sculpture Date posted: 07-07-2009
  A Brazilian artist creates a one-off Bentley Continental GT decorated with a "large, happy flower," polka dots and a red heart. It will go up for auction in September.
• 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Preview: Volvo XC60 R-Design Date posted: 07-07-2009
  U.S. dealers will get a new sporty edition of Volvo's compact crossover SUV in spring 2010.
• Solemn Motorcade Marks Michael Jackson's Funeral Date posted: 07-07-2009
  The King of Pop's funeral procession was dominated by Range Rovers and Rolls-Royce Phantoms — high-end rides appropriate for the man Berry Gordy eulogized as "the greatest entertainer that ever lived."
• Tuner Special: Hennessey Z700 Corvette ZR1 Date posted: 07-07-2009
  Hennessey updates its Z700 package with a new supercharger, exhaust and intake system, which help the Hennessey Corvette ZR1 jet to 60 mph in a claimed 2.9 seconds.
• Transformers' Optimus Prime Visits Letterman for Top Ten Date posted: 07-07-2009
  The robot star of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen joins Letterman for the "Top Ten Things That Sound Cool When Spoken by a Giant Robot."
• Fiat Inks a China Pact With Guangzhou Auto Date posted: 07-07-2009
  After failed deals with Nanjing Auto and Chery, the Italian automaker taps the Chinese partner of Toyota and Honda.
• Watch the Making of the 2010 Roush Mustang on Speed TV Date posted: 07-07-2009
  Speed will air a behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the fifth-generation Roush Mustang on July 20.
• Unveiled: Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster Date posted: 07-07-2009
  Two seats, 12 cylinders, 677 horses - only $1,825,000.
• Jay Leno To Unveil Jaguar XJ in London Date posted: 07-07-2009
  World debut of the all-new sedan will take place at Saatchi Gallery with the comedian/talk-show star behind the microphone.
• Confirmed: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour Date posted: 07-07-2009
  No official images yet, but Honda confirms its new Accord-based crossover will go on sale this fall.
• 2009 Volkswagen Routan Recalled Date posted: 07-07-2009
  Volkswagen is recalling 18,500 of its 2009 Routan because an omission in the owner's manual did not mention that objects should not be placed over or near the air bag on the instrument panel.
• Ford Ka Soundtrack Released on iTunes Date posted: 07-07-2009
  Ford has released the music track composed for its recent Ka European TV campaign. It is available to download through iTunes.
• Porsche To Display Panamera Gran Turismo at Monterey Classic Car Week Date posted: 07-07-2009
  Porsche will show off its upcoming four-door during Monterey Classic Car Week in California in August.

Monday, July 6, 2009

• 2009 Seoul Auto Show: Gemballa Cayenne GT750 Date posted: 07-06-2009
  German tuner Gemballa made its Korean debut at the 2009 Seoul Auto Show with three models, headlined by its Porsche-based Gemballa Cayenne GT750 and GT700.
• GM's Opel Still in Play as China's Beijing Auto Submits Bid Date posted: 07-06-2009
  Beijing Automotive Industry Holding (BAIC) submits a $900 million bid for GM's Opel unit. Meanwhile, negotiations continue with Magna and RHJ.
• GM CEO Fritz Henderson Blogs on the Bankruptcy Date posted: 07-06-2009
  GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson weighs in on Monday morning with his thoughts on Sunday night's ruling about the GM bankruptcy. He promises "an exciting line of new products."
• Mugen Euro Developing a Honda Civic Type R Date posted: 07-06-2009
  European arm of the Honda tuner confirms it will make a prototype, but insists there are no production plans - yet.
• Alfa Romeo Milano Images Surface on Facebook Date posted: 07-06-2009
  Blurry images of the upcoming Alfa Romeo Milano have surfaced on Facebook. A sibling to the Alfa MiTo, the Milano is slated for import to the U.S. in 2011.
• India: More Juice for the Honda Jazz Date posted: 07-06-2009
  Honda may offer a 110-horsepower version of its 1.5-liter engine in the India-spec Honda Jazz, known to us as the Honda Fit.
• LAPD: Expect Traffic Jams During Michael Jackson Memorial Date posted: 07-06-2009
  The Los Angeles Police Department tells Inside Line that a tight security perimeter went into place on Monday around the Staples Center here in advance of the Michael Jackson memorial on Tuesday — and will stay in place until Wednesday.
• Former Ford President, Defense Secretary Robert McNamara Dies Date posted: 07-06-2009
  Robert McNamara, 93, the first person to lead Ford Motor Company from outside its founding family, has died. He served as U.S. Secretary of Defense during the unpopular Vietnam War.
• "New GM" Born: Judge Approves Sale of General Motors Assets Date posted: 07-06-2009
  A federal judge clears the sale of key General Motors assets ¿ including Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick and GMC ¿ to a so-called New GM, clearing the way for a stripped-down company to emerge from bankruptcy this fall.
• Chrysler Adds New Members to Board of Directors Date posted: 07-06-2009
  Former Michigan governor James Blanchard is among the appointees.
• Weekend II: Transformers Takes in Another $42.5 Million Date posted: 07-06-2009
  Robots ¿ and cars ¿ battle dinosaurs to a draw at the box office.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

• Nissan Set To Kick Off Local Production in Vietnam Date posted: 07-02-2009
  As a further indication of the growing clout of Vietnam in the world market, Nissan said this week that it will begin local production there and launch its first model assembled in Vietnam by next year.
• OnStar Goes to China Date posted: 07-02-2009
  The first OnStar application outside North America will be introduced in December in selected vehicles from Shanghai General Motors.
• Tuner Special: Zolfe Orange Classic GTC4 Date posted: 07-02-2009
  The British specialty carmaker has released a new edition of its track-day car. The Zolfe Orange Classic GTC4 makes 285 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque.
• Brazil: Fiat Strada Adventure Crew Cab Rolls Out Date posted: 07-02-2009
  The Brazil-market Fiat Strada Adventure Crew Cab is the first Strada pickup truck to offer a real backseat.
• 2010 Detroit Auto Show Being Promoted Via Facebook, Twitter Date posted: 07-02-2009
  The NAIAS Facebook page already has 69 fans, while its Twitter account has 54 followers.
• 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Preview: Citroen C3 Date posted: 07-02-2009
  The redesigned Citroen C3 supermini hatchback boasts a panoramic "Zenith" windshield/roof.
• 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Preview: 2011 BMW X1 Date posted: 07-02-2009
  Fourth crossover released by German automaker, but it won't reach the U.S. until calendar year 2011.
• Toyota Recalls 2009 Lexus GX 470, 2006-'09 Toyota Sienna Date posted: 07-02-2009
  Toyota is recalling 1,281 2009 Lexus GX 470, 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser and 2006-'09 Toyota Sienna vehicles because mislabeling could cause them to be overloaded.
• NASCAR's Jeremy Mayfield Cleared To Race at Daytona Date posted: 07-02-2009
  A U.S. District Court Judge issued a temporarily injunction that lifts NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Jeremy Mayfield's drug suspension and allows him to race at Daytona this weekend.
• Hurst To Build Limited-Edition Pontiac G8 H.O. Date posted: 07-02-2009
  Anachronistic name from the muscle-car era attempts one last dance with GM's soon-to-be-defunct brand
• 2010 Subaru Outback Rated 24 City/29 Highway Date posted: 07-02-2009
  EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2010 Subaru Outback are out, and the all-wheel-drive wagon earns a 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway EPA rating with its new continuously variable transmission (CVT). It goes on sale at the end of August.
• Sting Like a Bumblebee: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Is Early Sales Champ Date posted: 07-02-2009
  New Camaro trounces Mustang and Challenger in June sales.
• Karl Malden, Star of The Streets of San Francisco, Dies at 97 Date posted: 07-02-2009
  Karl Malden, 97, the Oscar winning actor who may be best known to road warriors for his American Express commercials admonishing them, "Don't leave home without it," died Wednesday. His body of work includes TV's The Streets of San Francisco and the 1954 movie On the Waterfront.
• Plans for Mega-Motorcade for Michael Jackson's Funeral Appear To Fizzle Out Date posted: 07-02-2009
  Plans for an elaborate motorcade to take Michael Jackson's body from Los Angeles to his Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County, California, appear to have been scrapped, according to media reports.
• Automaker Optimism Prevails Despite Still-Weak June Car Sales Date posted: 07-02-2009
  Despite continued weak sales in June, auto company executives were optimistic the worst is over.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

• GM Sets First-Half China Sales Record Date posted: 07-01-2009
  Bankruptcy doesn't seem to have hampered the reputation of General Motors with Chinese consumers, who purchased a record 814,442 vehicles from GM and its local partners in the first half of 2009.
• Goodwood Festival of Speed: One-Off Jaguar XKR Goodwood Special Date posted: 07-01-2009
  Jaguar brings a high-performance arsenal to Goodwood, including a one-off Jaguar XKR Goodwood Special, the record-breaking XFR Prototype from Bonneville, and several past Le Mans winners.
• NASCAR Confirms Jeremy Mayfield Tested Positive for Meth Date posted: 07-01-2009
  NASCAR has revealed that Sprint Cup Series driver Jeremy Mayfield tested positive for methamphetamines.
• BMW Gives Green Light to 2011 335i GT Hatchback Date posted: 07-01-2009
  The German automaker has confirmed it will build the 3 Series variant of the Gran Turismo hatch.
• Tesla Files for Eberhard Lawsuit Dismissal Date posted: 07-01-2009
  In the latest volley fired in the battle between Tesla Motors and deposed co-founder Martin Eberhard, Tesla has filed a legal motion through San Mateo County, California courts asking to get Eberhard's lawsuit for libel, slander and breach of contract dismissed.
• BMW X1 Crossover: Official Images Surface Date posted: 07-01-2009
  Photos of the BMW X1 crossover have been leaked, showing its resemblance to the X1 Concept unveiled at last year's Paris auto show.
• GM's 72-Hour Sale Includes Pontiac G8 Date posted: 07-01-2009
  General Motors has announced a "72-Hour Sale" that offers zero-percent financing for up to 72 months. Most Pontiacs are covered, including the Pontiac G8 GXP, as are several Chevrolet and GMC full-size trucks and SUVs.
• Unveiled: Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni Date posted: 07-01-2009
  Named for the company's legendary - and recently retired - test driver, the Balboni edition will be limited to 250 units and priced starting at $219,800.
• Tony George Steps Down as Indy Racing League and IMS Chief Date posted: 07-01-2009
  Tony George, grandson of Indianapolis Motor Speedway savior Tony Hulman and controversial founder of the Indy Racing League, has stepped down from his position of leadership of both racing institutions and the family-owned Hulman & Co.
• Michael Jackson's Funeral Cortege May Include a Mega-Motorcade Complete With Horse-Drawn Carriage Date posted: 07-01-2009
  Michael Jackson's funeral procession to his Neverland Ranch on Thursday morning will include a 30-car motorcade, say media reports. But Britain's The Sun tabloid said Jackson's body itself will be placed in a glass coffin and transported by horse and carriage to the public funeral service.