Jaguar sheds 850 jobs, remains in aid talks

Since Tata purchased Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford earlier this year, things have been looking decidedly up for both brands. Jaguar even posted its first sales increase in two years in May, largely as a result of the successful XF debut. Now, however, the realities of the global economy are catching up, with the company announcing today that 850 agency workers at the West Midlands operations will be axed. The announcement came just hours before Jaguar bosses met with the British government to plead for federal aid.
2010 Jaguar XF-R

Mini introduces entry-level ‘One’ Clubman

Though the excitement over the 2009 Detroit Auto Show is just starting to settle - its public days still remain in the future - already carmakers are gearing up for and releasing the cars that will be at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. BMW's Mini brand is among the first, revealing the new Mini One Clubman, positioned as the entry-level trim for the brand. A four-cylinder engine generating 95hp (70kW) powers the One Clubman as standard, but a special 73hp (55kW) model is also available for the Mini One (non-Clubman), offering lower fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and pricing than ever before.
2010 Mini One and One Clubman

Rolls Royce set sales records in 2008 despite economic downturn

The automotive industry's story in 2008 has become a familiar one: high hopes dashed on the rocks of a stormy economy. But not all brands and carmakers fared poorly despite the general malaise - including some, like Rolls Royce, that actually set new records. Total sales for Rolls Royce cars were up 20% in 2008, an increase of just 202 cars. But at Rolls Royce's typical retail prices, that's about $60 million in additional revenue, all based around a core of Phantom models including the Drophead, Extended Wheelbase and Coupe.
Rolls Royce 'Hyperion' Drophead Pebble Beach

GM receives additional $5.4 billion in federal funding

The $17.4 billion bridge loan package signed into action by President Bush late in December has begun disbursement, with General Motors receiving $4 billion earlier this month and now the second instalment of $5.4 billion as well. This additional funding comes at a crucial time for the General, whose COO Fritz Henderson warning earlier this week that the company would run out of cash by March without the second instalment. GM has now received $9.4 billion in funding and expects to get a final $4 billion payment on February 17 when it faces a deadline to submit a restructuring plan to Congress.

Chrysler design chief hints at Fiat-infused North American portfolio

Following the announcement this week of a proposed acquisition of a 35% stake in Chrysler by Italy’s Fiat Group, Chrysler’s chief designer Ralph Gilles has given some insight into the thought processes going on behind locked doors at the two companies. Chrysler and Fiat execs are currently meeting to determine the North American portfolio created by their new alliance. Speaking with Automotive News, Gilles revealed that in the months that will follow, Chrysler execs will visit the design studios at Fiat and figure out what vehicles from the Italian auto giant are most suitable for the North American market.

Spy shots: 2010 Saab 9-5

The Saab 9-5 is long overdue for an overhaul, with the current model first hitting the streets as far back as 1997. A totally redesigned model was rumoured to make an appearance last year but its release was pushed back due to limited resources at Saab and the introduction of the facelifted 9-3. Saab’s parent company General Motors has since confirmed that the car will now make its debut later this year along with the new 9-3X crossover. Underneath the heavy camouflage of this prototype for the new 9-5 is a heavily revised version of GM’s FWD Epsilon II platform, which is also shared by Opel for its new Insignia range.
Next generation Saab 9-5 rendering

Michigan representatives ask for $25B in new loans for auto industry

The first $13.4 billion in auto industry loan funds have been disbursed to General Motors and Chrysler, but already Michigan's congressional representatives are seeking another $25 billion in industry loans. The funds would be targeted at suppliers and carmakers, with some funds set aside to help offset the unemployment attendant to the industry's contraction. The new funds are proposed as part of the $825 billion stimulus spending package the White House is already planning to submit to Congress, reports the Detroit Free Press.

Chrysler confirms new 300, Dodge Durango and Jeep model

Brand new versions of both the Dodge Durango SUV and Chrysler 300 are coming in the next couple of years, kicking off a product renaissance at Chrysler that will include the launch of 24 new or updated models over the next 48 months. The information comes from the carmaker’s CEO, Bob Nardelli, who also confirmed that a new brand new Jeep model is in the works. In a letter sent to Chrysler employees late Friday, Nardelli revealed that the company will build a new Durango at its Jefferson Avenue North plant in Detroit alongside the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is also due next year.

GM turns down $3 billion Canadian bailout offer

General Motors has turned down an offer of $3 billion in short-term aid from the Canadian government, although the company remains locked in talks with officials from the State of Ontario about longer-term restructuring. The information came directly from Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who told local media on Friday that GM had not called upon the aid “for reasons that were their own.” GM spokesman Stew Low has since confirmed that the company will not be drawing on the Canadian loans for now, during an interview with The Windsor Star.

2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5GT - First Drive Review

We tend to like Subarus around here, thanks to their all-weather fun factor and funky spirits. Seldom do we find much to dislike that their reasonable-for-an-all-wheel-drive-vehicle prices can’t explain away. But the 2009 Impreza GT leaves us scratching our heads.

Basically an Impreza with the same 224-hp motor found in the 2008 WRX and nice-looking, multi-spoke 17-inch wheels, the Impreza GT offers more performance than the 170-hp Impreza without the more hard-core inclinations of this year’s new WRX. It adds to the base Impreza comfort items like climate control, a sunroof, and larger front brakes, too.

But after our time with it, we found that no matter how many features it may boast, there’s just no getting away from the fact that the Impreza GT still feels like an economy car. There is no big rush of power to distract you from the tinny sheetmetal. The hard, shiny plastics on the dash and doors are unacceptable even in far cheaper cars these days, and the lack of a usable center armrest is but further evidence of budget-minded design.

Keep Reading: 2009 Subaru Impreza 2.5GT - First Drive Review

2010 Toyota Prius US pricing

The redesigned 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid goes on sale in the US from late May with Toyota today announcing pricing will begin at US$22,750 - which in an ideal world would mean an Australian price tag of $32,560.
A stripped-down base model version will join the line-up late this year for just US$21,750.
The third-generation Prius comes with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine producing 73kW which combined with the car’s electric motor can produce a total of 100kW.
The US Prius comes in five trim levels and includes standard safety equipment across the range such as ESP with Traction Control and ABS.
The second model in the range, priced at US$22,750, adds push-button start, a six-speaker stereo system, six-way adjustable driver’s seat and seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag.
The most expensive trim level, at US$28,020 includes Bluetooth, heated front seats, an eight-speaker JBL system and 17-inch alloy wheels.
© Source: caradvice

Nurburgring Webcam Video Link

For those of us that are an ocean away from the super cool Nurburgring where unlimited speed and prototype testing for new cars are continually tested, this link might be the next best thing. Here is a Nurburgring Webcam Link that updates itself every minute! Let us know if you get a glimpse of anything hot!

I have included a couple screen shots of some Porsche and BMW’s that I have seen, but nothing crazy yet.

GM Reducing Output To Align With Market Demand

General Motors Corporation (NYSE:GM) announced today that, due to certain business developments, it is scheduling multiple down weeks at 13 assembly operations in North America. Under this plan, approximately 190,000 vehicles will be removed from GM's North American production schedule in the second and early third quarter of this year.

Karmann Files for Insolvency

The Board of Management at Wilhelm Karmann GmbH filed for insolvency proceedings in Osnabrueck, Germany in April. The reason is the threat of inability to pay the imminent financial obligations. It is the goal - together with the preliminary court-assigned insolvency administrator - to lead the newly restructured Karmann group into a secure future and to maintain as many jobs as possible.

TSS1100GP: Three-cylinder two-stroke superbike from Australia

Based in Australia, two-stroke engine specialists TSS are working on a brand-new superbike, which will be fitted with a custom-built two-stroke engine! According to the TSS website, “While the current crop of four-stroke litrebikes can be said to be fast, they are not necessarily thrilling in the same measure. And never will they make quantum overnight leaps in power/weight ratio, or overall bike weight, or in terms of power delivery.”

Fancy a brand-new two-stroke superbike that's lighter and more powerful than a stock ZX-10R? TSS will build one for you, with a 1098cc two-stroke triple...!
Pics: TSS, via Motorcycle Daily

And hence, the TSS1100GP Kawasaki Triple project, where TSS will use three 366cc cylinders with “extravagant tranny porting and cutting-edge porting characteristics,” to build their own 1,098cc triple. TSS have set a target of 250 rear wheel horsepower at 9,500rpm and close to 200Nm of torque. According to TSS, not only is this easily achieveable, but their 1100 triple will even be as much as 25 kilos lighter than the Kawasaki ZX-10R’s four-stroke inline-four.
TSS say they’ll be building five of these 1,098cc two-stroke triples, which they will use in their own custom-built superbikes. The chassis, suspension and other running gear will be stock Kawasaki ZX-10R units. According to these Aussies, they can also build twins of up to 1,146cc, triples of up to 1,725cc and fours of up to 2,200cc. So if you feel a bit of two-stroke madness coming on, you can get in touch with them via the email addresses mentioned on their website here

Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP : 2009

Drawing inspiration from classic sports cars, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice coupe was created for drivers who appreciate both dramatic styling and balanced performance.

Bell Aurens Longnose : 2008

One look onto this very special offroadster is enough to get the impression one had missed out on something for centuries in the history of classic British automobiles. This evolution of a Series Land Rover 109 is likely to search for drafts or indications of such a special edition in the archives of the 60ties and 70ties of this traditional brand from Solihull.

Chrysler HEMI Heritage

In 1966, Chrysler began offering a slightly tuned-down version of the 426 HEMI race engine (called the "street HEMI") as an option in Plymouth Belvederes, Dodge Coronets and Chargers. The era of the true muscle car had arrived.

Honda Civic the vest car 2009

In recent years the Civic has been used in a wide variety of racing series, particularly in Japan. It is also used in touring car races in Europe and the United States. In the UK, the Civic is used in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) with Synchro Motorsport, and in endurance series such as Barwell Motorsport and Cartek Motorsport. In 2002, Honda entered the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) with a works effort to win the title in the new Civic Type R.
Honda Civic

Honda Civic

Honda Civic

Honda Civic

Honda Civic

What does Chrysler's restructuring plan have in store for the Viper?

Long before factors like bankruptcy and Fiat's involvement, Chrysler was looking to offload the Viper line. Several potential buyers were reportedly being considered, but months down the line no deal has been announced. In the meantime, of course, Chrysler has announced it will be filing Chapter 11 before restructuring in a new partnership with Fiat. But what of the Viper at this point?
According to emerging reports, it could face the axe. Chrysler says it is still considering offers on the Viper line, but an in-depth analysis of the company's restructuring strategy suggests that the Viper would fall into "OldCo", the term applied to Chrysler's liabilities and bad assets that will be shed during the bankruptcy process. The Conner Avenue Assembly plant where 115 workers build the Viper is one of several earmarked for potential closure, along with Chrysler's facilities in Newark, Twinsburg, Kenosha, two plants in St. Louis and the Detroit Axle factory. Although the Viper is an entirely different beast to the exotica built by Fiat subsidiary Ferrari, considering what the Dodge supercar represents, we couldn't imagine Fiat being too eager to keep the Viper alive.

The Viper isn't the only Chrysler product at risk, however, as several trucks – including the Dodge Ram, Dakota and Jeep Wrangler, believe it or not – could also be shed as Chrysler aims to streamline. Follow the link for the full analysis.[Source: Inside Line]

Kia Soul Concept Cars 2009 2010

Kia Soul is a subcompact, mini MPV produced in South Korea for the global market. It was designed at Kia's design center in California, and unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Production began in late 2008, with the first vehicles appearing at European dealerships in February 2009 and North American dealerships in March 2009, as a 2010 model
Kia Soul

Ferrari, Renault Threaten To Pull Out Of Formula One

Ferrari and Renault have both issued official statements this week threatening to pull out of next year's FIA Formula One World Championship due to the FIA's decision to introduce two new sets of technical regulations.

Ferrari and Renault join a growing number of teams including Red Bull, Toyota and BMW that have also threatened to leave the sport for 2010. The new technical regulations state that the FIA will give certain advantages to budget capped teams, causing a major disrupt in the competitive nature of the sport.

With the May 29th deadline for official entries looming, it appears that only the Williams, Force India and Brawn team will make the entry date for next year's world championship. Rumors are quickly spreading that there could be a split in F1, not unlike that of Indycar and CART, and we all know how well that ended. A full list of the 2010 FIA Sporting Regulations can be seen HERE. (Photo Credit: Flickr) [via FormulaOne: 1, 2]

Bentley Supersports Biofuel

Well, whatever they eventually name it, it seems not even ultra-luxury automakers like Bentley are immune to the required eco-sensitivity of our times. And why not? We should all do our part. If Willie Nelson can start a bio-diesel fuel company then, yes, Bentley should have this. At the Geneva auto salon earlier this year Bentley premiered a Continental GT that runs on ethanol and called it the Continental Supersports, for lack of a more appropriate name, apparently.
And the upside is that the E85 version is a better performer, upping the power quotient on the 6.0 liter W12 engine to 630 hp, 20 hp more than the GT Speed and 78 more than the standard Continental GT. 0 to 100 km/h comes in at under 4 seconds (3.9 s). Another marked improvement over the GT and GT Speed, which come in at 4.8 and 4.5 seconds, respectively. There's also a modest jump in top speed - 329 km/h compared to 322 (GT Speed) and 318 km/h (Continental GT).
But the improved performance does not necessarily reflect the power of the E85 (ethanol) fuel. Bentley has put the Continental on a diet to the tune of 110 less kilograms through the use of carbon fiber components. There's also a new Quickshift gearbox that makes changes twice as fast as the previous iteration of the transmission. It also has a wider track at the rear by 50 millimeters.
The spy shots seen here are of the Continental Supersports arriving at the track at Nurburgring for a little exercise. Cosmetic differences to the standard Continental GT are minimal, with a different rear bumper and tailpipes and larger air intakes at the front, which improve cooling to also help increase those performance numbers.
Whoever will be driving this, though, you can bet they won't be whistling On the Road Again. Willie, you interested?
© Source: worldcarfans

MotoCzysz range of electric motorcycles

Assuming testing goes off without too much drama, MotoCzysz plans to enter an electric motorcycle in the upcoming TTXGP zero-emissions time trial at the Isle of Man. Motorcycle Daily got the chance to talk to Michal Czysz about the new development, and a few interesting tidbits were gleaned.
According to Czysz, the E1PC came about after an employee asked for permission to borrow the frame from a Yamaha YZF-R1 to create an electric motorcycle to enter in the TTXGP. Apparently, Czysz thought it would be better to design a new bike from the ground up using an advanced carbon fiber frame that's been designed to accept a modular powertrain. This design will reportedly allow for a range of electric motorcycles all based on the same basic underpinnings.
The entry-level electric MotoCzysz machine would cost under $20,000 and use a relatively small motor and battery pack, allowing for around-town riding with short bursts on the highway. A higher-spec model could go for $50,000 or more and would use a much larger battery pack (Czysz suggests it could be as large as the Chevy Volt's 16 kWh unit) enabling it to hit speeds of 150 miles per hour and have additional range.
© Source: autobloggreen

2009 Fiat 500 by Diesel

The Fiat 500 by clothing designer Diesel features the following options:
Exterior
Specific alloy wheels with Diesel logo
Yellow painted brake calipers on 1.4 version
Diesel side mouldings
Specific wing mirrors
Mini mouldings and bonnet
Diesel log on the back
Interior
Denim seats with specific Diesel design
Diesel logo on gear lever knob.
Diesel logo on yellow special instrumentation
Typical Jeans 5th pocket on the front seats side
Available in Green Diesel, Bronze, and Black.
© Source: seriouswheels

“The Last Thing You Want Is A Driver Whingeing In The Press.”

A fascinating profile of Brawn GP’s main man from 2001 reveals a ruthless drive for team victory—and a dislike for the kind of public bickering his driver Barrichello has just done.

Following Brawn GP’s interesting change of tactics during last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix—which contributed to denying Rubens Barrichello his first win since 2004—the Brazilian was rather vocal in his disappointment. Here’s what he told SpeedTV after the event:

If I get the slightest sniff of the fact that they have favoured Jenson, I will hang up my helmet tomorrow. But I know Ross [Brawn] wouldn’t do that. He asked me to drive for him and he knows I want to race fairly with Jenson.

Brawn was quick to retort in a BBC interview:

We don't have a one and a two driver. They’re both on equal terms and conditions. Once he [Barrichello] got back and we talked things through he was fine. Rubens is a great team player. Everyone is working so well together and Rubens and Jenson recognise that. The fact we have such a great atmosphere drives us on and we don’t want to lose that. We’ve been completely honest with the drivers. They know the situation and their engineers know that—there’s no favouritism.

It’s interesting to put his remarks in context with a profile of Brawn for The Independent in July 2001. Back then, he was technical director of a resurgent Ferrari, celebrating their first driver’s title since Jody Scheckter’s world championship in 1979. Brawn was a key element of the Ferrari team which included general manager Jean Todt, chassis designer Rory Byrne and drivers Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello—the latter clearly treated as a “two driver”. They would go on to command Formula One for the next four years, with Schumacher taking every world championship between 2000 and 2004.

At the time the interview was published, the level of sheer dominance they would demonstrate—where Schumacher would lock up championships in mid-summer—was not yet evindent. Their first balls-out year was 2002. The year when, during the Austrian Grand Prix, Rubens Barrichello would be ordered to slow down in the last lap (see video) to allow Schumacher to take victory—his fifth out of six races in a season where he would win 11 races out of 17 and stand on the podium every single time.

Here’s the most interesting bit:

“We all kick bums inside the team, Michael included,” Brawn says. “But if he’s unhappy about something he’ll sit down with Jean [Todt, general manager] and me and tell us so. He’s not going to do it in public because he cares about the people here and he’s also intelligent enough to realise he will have more effect working internally than going to the press.

“As soon as people go to the press the others resent it. The last thing you want is a driver whingeing in the press. I’m surprised more drivers haven’t sussed that.”

Brawn and Todt have had to spell out that message to their other driver, Rubens Barrichello. The Brazilian has complained on a couple of occasions about the “favouritism” shown to Schumacher. The reality, as Barrichello will now appreciate, is that his team-mate is the best in the business and it makes competitive and commercial sense for the team to back him.

Formula One is a team sport like no other. Hundred of millions of dollars and the collective effort of hundreds of people focus on two drivers—and only one can become world champion. And while letting teammates compete would perhaps drive both of them to greater performances, look what happened with McLaren in 2007, where Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton were at each other’s throats in dominant cars for the whole season, including the penultimate race in Brazil—allowing Kimi Räikkönen to edge past them both and take Ferrari’s sole post-Schumacher world title.

Perhaps Barrichello has just had the incredible bad luck over the years of always getting a superior teammate along with a superior car. And a boss who likes to make the trains run on time.

Source: The Independent

Toyota To Lease 150 Plug-In Hybrids In European Test, U.S. By 2010

Toyota will lease over 150 experimental Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHV) to selected European fleets with France as the first country participating in the three-year pilot. Toyota will bring some PHV testers stateside starting in 2010.

Toyota to lease over 150 experimental PHVs in Europe

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) will lease over 150 units of its experimental Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV), to selected fleet customers across Europe as a critical next step towards commercialisation. France will be the first country to participate in the three-year pilot, with discussions ongoing in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands. Based on Toyota's full hybrid technology, the new PHV will come equipped with a powerful lithium-ion battery, extending the vehicle's range in electric vehicle mode for a silent and zero-emissions drive. The first wave of PHVs will reach Strasbourg in late 2009.

‘In the future, the PHV will be the perfect complement to Prius. It offers a low carbon transport solution for customers wanting to drive longer distances using electricity, while still experiencing the traditional benefits of a full hybrid,' said Tadashi Arashima, President and Chief Executive Officer of TME. ‘There is no better time to put our new PHV through its paces. We have to assess its performance in a variety of markets with different infrastructure constraints, driving conditions and customer expectations,' he added.

Toyota's PHV overcomes the obstacles historically associated with electric vehicles – e.g. high battery weight and costs, and limited cruising range – while enhancing the benefits of Toyota's full hybrid technology. On the new generation Prius, these benefits include best-in-class CO2 emissions of just 89 g/km, exceptional fuel efficiency, seamless acceleration and quiet driving.

A PHV can be driven as an electric vehicle for city commutes, while for high-speed, long-distance journeys it operates as a full hybrid, with its petrol engine serving as both a power source and battery generator when required. The battery is charged during driving, deceleration or braking, or by connecting its plug to a standard electrical point at home or at work.

In partnership with EDF, Toyota has been road-testing a PHV (equipped with a Nickel Metal Hydride battery) in Europe since 2007. Around 100 units of the new lithium-ion PHV will be leased to selected fleet customers and public bodies in Strasbourg, France, for a period of three years.

Part of the Strasbourg-based PHV fleet will come equipped with an innovative charging system that ensures safe charging, communication between the plug and the vehicle, identification of the vehicle and automatic invoicing of electricity. A large number of charging points will also be established in users' homes, the offices of business partners, in public parking lots and on public roads.

Toyota will deploy over 500 new PHVs globally – including in Europe, Japan and the US – by 2010.

Blind Man Wins Chance To Drive 2010 Mustang [Ford Mustang]

Roger Keeney, who is blind, won seat time in a 2010 Ford Mustang. It's either especially noble of Ford to arrange this drive or they're completely desperate for new customers. [Online Athens via Mustang Blog]

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP: Last Drive

You probably won't still be able to buy a 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP, but today we'll try to think of a single reason why you shouldn't.

Why you should buy the Pontiac G8 GXP:
You like the idea of a four-door Corvette with a gigantic backseat and a capacious trunk. Power and capability are more important to you than plush surroundings, plus when cut you bleed red, white and blue all over your pleated polyester Sansabelt slacks. You think a combination of power and practicality will attract the opposite sex and you like that the power part can at least be hidden from them if necessary. You have an eye for a performance bargain and are good-natured when it comes to living with a few little imperfections.

Why you shouldn't buy this car:
You prefer the idea of a two-door Corvette and don't mind spending several extra grand to get one. You wouldn't know power if it kicked you in the ass or handling if it failed to roll over on you in a tightening hairpin, but you can tell split-grain from full-grain leather at a glance and you know the thread count of your sheets by heart. You think that either much more expensive cars or much less threatening cars impress the opposite sex. You believe fast four-doors should be made by stoic sausage-gnashing umlaut junkies and no one can convince you otherwise.
Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: Yes
Fashion Victims: No
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: Yes
Tuner Crowd: No
Hairdressers: No
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: No
Working Stiffs: No
Technogeeks: No
Poseurs: No
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: Yes
Golfing Grandparents: No
Very Serious Businessmen: Yes
Sheiklets: No

Also Consider:
• BMW E39 M5
• Lotus Carlton
• Mercedes W124 AMG Hammer
• 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
• 1964 Pontiac GTO

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Pontiac
• Model: G8 GXP
• Model year: 2009
• Base Price: $37,610
• Price as Tested: $40,905
• Engine type: 6.2-liter V8
• Horsepower: 415 HP @ 5900 rpm
• Torque: 415 Lb-Ft @4600 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Curb Weight: 4000 lbs
• LxWxH: 196.1" x 74.8" x 57.7"
• Wheelbase: 114.8"
• Tires: 245/40R-19 94W
• 0 - 60 mph: 4.7 seconds
• Top Speed: 155 MPH (electronically limited)
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 13/20 MPG
• NHTSA crash test rating: N/A

Man builds world’s smallest street-legal car, gets 70 mpg

What you’re looking at here is possibly the world’s smallest street-legal car built by a UK man - Perry Watkins. Watkins has previously been in the record books three times for having the world’s lowest car - what he calls a ‘Flatmobile.’

His latest creation is based on a little Postman Pat toy-car that stands just 39 inches tall and 26 inches wide (imagine getting in-and-out of one of those). 47-year old Watkins took out all the unnecessary equipment and added a steel frame to the fiberglass shell.

Power comes from a 150cc single-cylinder engine mated to rear-wheel-drive system. Watkins says that the car returns a whopping 70 miles to the gallon and can travel at speeds of up to 40 mph.

2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost pricing starts at $47,760

Ford says that by 2013, more than 90 percent of Ford’s North American nameplates will be available with its new EcoBoost technology. However, today, the new 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine has made its market debut in the 2010 Lincoln MKS. 

The first V6 direct-injection twin-turbocharged engine produced in North America delivers a very impressive 355-hp with a maximum torque of 350 lb-ft. According to Ford, the 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost will deliver at least 17/24 mpg (city/highway). The EcoBoost’ed MKS is mated to Ford’s new 6F-55 SelectShift Automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.

The 2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost carries a starting price-tag of $47,760, excluding destination and delivery.

Glenn Beck interviews GM CEO Fritz Henderson

Glenn Beck is an American radio, political commentator and author. In January 2006, Beck had his own TV show over at CNN, which he eventually left to join Fox News Channel (we know some of you have some opinions about Beck so feel free to share them in the comments section after the jump).

Beck recently had the chance for a one-on-one TV interview with GM CEO Fritz Henderson. Of course, it’s interesting, it’s a bit heated and you can watch it in the two part video posted after the jump.

Real world testing proves that HydroGen4 fuel-cell SUVs are viable

Just last week, the Obama administration announced that it will eliminate former President George W. Bush’s $1.2 billion plan to develop cars that run on hydrogen fuel-cells. The current administration said that they would much rather target more immediate fuel-saving solutions.

However, that hasn’t stopped from GM/Opel to continue testing their HydroGen4 vehicles. GM said in statement released yesterday that the road tests of the HydroGen4 vehicles in Berlin continue to show that fuel-cell cars are reliable and that in the future, hydrogen mobility is viable.

Opel currently has 10 HydroGen4 prototype running in Berlin with 8 of them being used by everyday users.

“The feedback from drivers about the HydroGen4 and its refueling has been highly encouraging,” said Dr. Lars Peter Thiesen, Manager, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Deployment Strategy for GM/Opel in Europe. “The vehicles have been very reliable, proving in principal the viability of hydrogen technology and fuel cell vehicles. Clearly, the HydroGen4 is a forerunner to environmentally friendly hydrogen-based transportation.”

Power for the HydroGen4 comes from 440 single cells, which combine the ‘H’ to the ‘O’ from the air to produce electricity. The carbon fiber tanks hold 4.2 kg of hydrogen at a pressure of 700 bars allowing for 199 mile range.

Make the jump for the press-release and the high-res image gallery.

GM HydroGen4 Concept:

GM to close 1,100 dealerships, Congress may jump in to help dropped dealers

Chrysler dropped the bomb on some 789 dealerships yesterday letting them know that they will be closed down as a part of the company’s bankruptcy process. General Motors today is reported to send some 1,100 dealers the same letter today as it nears its government-imposed deadline to restructure its debt with shareholders, cut costs and reach concessions with the UAW.

U.S lawmakers whose home districts include GM and Chrysler operations in Michigan are now looking into a legislation that would help those dealers being dropped by the two struggling automakers.

Senate and the House of Representative officials told reporters yesterday that Congress could jump in to help those dealers that are being notified this week that their contracts with GM and Chrysler will not be renewed.

Source: Reuters

2010 Toyota Prius brings in 75,000 orders

According to Japan’s Nikkei business daily, Toyota has received 75,000 orders for its new 2010 Toyota Prius. That will give it a big chance to hold its ground in a fierce battle with the 2010 Honda Insight hybrid, which reported sale figures of nearly 20,000 units in the first three months.

In March, Honda said that it will boost production of the Insight hybrid to meet demand and reach its annual goal of selling 200,000 units annually worldwide, 100,000 of which it expects to come from the United States.

The 2010 Toyota Prius will go on sale later this month with prices starting at $21,750. The 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid is on sale now with prices starting at $20,470.

2010 Toyota Prius:

GM to reduce dealer network from 5,969 to 3,600 by 2010

General Motors has officially released its statement regarding its dealer network. The Detroit automaker said that it place to reduce its dealer network from 5,969 to 3,600 by the end of 2010. 

Gm said that it will start contacting approximately 1,100 underperforming and low sales volume dealers to tell them that it “does not see them as a part of its dealer network on a long-term basis.”

North American sales vice president Mark LaNeve, told Automotive News that dealers who are receiving letters account for 7 percent of GM’s total annual 2008 unit sales and currently hold 8 percent of GM’s inventory.

GM said that dealers will be able to appeal the decision.

Make the jump for the press release.

Press Release:

GM Statement Regarding Dealer Network Communications

As noted in our recent S-4 filing and updated Viability Plan, General Motors plans to reduce its dealer network from 5,969 stores today to approximately 3,600 by the end of 2010.

This process starts today, as GM begins contacting dealers regarding its long term planning. Approximately 1,100 underperforming and very small sales volume U.S. dealers will be advised that GM does not see them as part of its dealer network on a long-term basis. In most cases, existing franchise agreements run through October of 2010.

In addition, we will be updating about 470 Saturn, HUMMER and Saab dealers on the status of those brands and we will be discussing how the remaining dealers will support our retail plans going forward. While additional cuts will be made, we believe the vast majority, over 90 percent, of the remaining dealers will be offered a chance to remain with GM. However, specific dealer issues, further attrition and additional possible dealer network actions are expected to bring the number of future GM dealers to around 3,600 by the end of 2010, as described in the Plan. The actual number could vary given levels of attrition, etc. outside of GM’s control.

“We have said from the beginning that our dealers are not a problem but an asset for General Motors,” said Mark LaNeve, GM Vice President of Sales Service and Marketing. “However it is imperative that a healthy, viable GM have a healthy, viable dealer body that can not only survive but prosper during cyclical downturns. It is obvious that almost all parts of GM, including the dealer body, must get smaller and more efficient.”

“In response, we are letting them know about our long term plans. GM’s viability plan calls for fewer, stronger brands as well as fewer, stronger dealers. We have taken a very difficult step by identifying those dealerships we’d like to keep in the GM dealer network and those with whom we will have to wind down our business relationships,” LaNeve said.

As independently owned businesses, dealer owners will make their own decisions if and when they want to make this information public. GM is not releasing the names of any dealers.

“We are not terminating any dealerships today,” LaNeve clarified, “We will be talking to all of our dealers over the next few weeks, letting them know now in the spirit of open communication, so they are advised well in advance, about our long-term plans and their role in them. Long term, GM should have fewer, healthier dealers, maintaining GM’s current high customer satisfaction ratings, with more sales per outlet.”

British Army buys 50 Toyota Prius units for non-deployable use

Toyota announced today that it has delivered a fleet of 50 Toyota Prius units to the British Army as it continues its mission to reduce emissions. The fleet will become a part of the White Fleet branch of the Headquarters Land Forces which manages 6,600 non-deployable administrative vehicles.

Brokered by the Army through its leasing partners VT Group and Lex Vehicle Leasing, the Prius which produces just 104 g/km of CO2 replaces 50 Vauxhall Vectras. The 50 Prius units are the Ministry of Defence’s biggest commitment to date to use hybrids.

The White Fleet said that it is determined to drive down CO2 emissions with further deals before 2011 to arrive at a figure well below 130g per km.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Chrysler to mail $1,000 check to existing customers to boost sales

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Chrysler will be sending all of its existing customers a check for $1,000 towards the purchase of a new vehicle between now and the end of June in an effort to boost sales. The check will arrive in the mail along with a letter from CEO Bob Nardelli.

Chrysler officials told dealers in a web cast that the check is meant to provide a boost in sales and to help some of the 789 dealers that Chrysler plans to drop form its network by June 9.

The dealers have the choice to either sell their inventor of new Chrysler vehicles or sell them to surviving dealerships.

Sources say that the $1,000 certificate can be used on any new Chrysler model and will be sent to more than 9 million Chrysler customers.