Rare Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa set for Monterey Auto Week auction

Delivered new to Brazilian Jean-Louis Lacerda Soares, 0738 TR was raced for several seasons in South America under the Esquardari Largatixa banner where it recorded a number of successful finishes. Continuing RM’s global leadership in the presentation of historic Ferraris at auction – holding seven of the top 10 all-time auction records for the marque – 0738 TR is joined by no less than 22 other exceptional vintage Ferraris in Monterey. Notable entries include: a highly-desirable, covered headlamp 1959 Ferrari LWB California Spyder, s/n 1489 GT, (Est. $2,750,000 – $3,250,000) delivered new to Prince Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia; a rare

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GM recall: 1.5 million vehicles, including Cadillac, Chevrolet, have windshield wiper system fire risk

The recall affects several pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossovers and passenger car models from model years 2006-2009. General Motors had a similar recall in 2008, but new issues arose in fixed vehicles. General Motors said it will disable the heated washer fluid system module that could lead to fires. The Detroit automaker will pay owners and those leasing vehicles $100 each since the feature is being disabled. Five fires, but no injuries or crashes in GM vehicles have been reported. Nearly 1.4 million vehicles are in the U.S. and more than 100,000 vehicles are in Canada, Mexico and other

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Infiniti G37 Sedan Journey, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review

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For 2010, the G Sedan, Infiniti‘s top-selling model, features revised exterior styling, an enhanced interior treatment, upgraded technology features and remains a top player as a near-luxury sports sedan. Most of the enhancements, except for the exterior refinements, are also available on the 2010 G37 Coupe and G37 Convertible. Infiniti buyers have four choices — G37 Sedan, G37 Sedan Journey, G37S Sedan Sport 6MT and G37x Sedan AWD. All 2010 G sedans are equipped with a 328-horsepower 3.7-liter VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) V6. A 7-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models except the G37 Sport 6MT, comes

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Chrysler recalls 600,000 Jeep Wranglers, minivans

Chrysler is recalling nearly 600,000 minivans and Jeep Wranglers because of brake or wiring problems that could become safety issues, according to the automaker and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA website reported Chrysler is recalling 288,968 Jeep Wranglers from the 2006 through 2010 model years due to a potential brake fluid leak. Additionally, 284,831 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans from the 2008 and 2009 model years are being recalled because a wiring problem can cause a fire inside the sliding doors. Neither problem has caused any crashes or injuries, Chrysler reported. On

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Cadillac unveils 2011 CTS Coupe pricing, options

The ultimate expression of Cadillac’s new Coupe, the high-performance V-Series edition with 556 horsepower, Brembo brakes and Magnetic Ride Control also goes on sale later this summer at $62,990 including destination charge. “CTS Coupe is a compelling new alternative for luxury and performance-minded drivers,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing. “The addition of a Coupe, especially one this dramatic, provides an important entryway for new consumers to experience Cadillac Art and Science.” The Coupe expands the award-winning CTS line-up, which already includes the CTS Sport Sedan and CTS Sport Wagon. CTS has been named to the Car and

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Kia unleashes its rapping Soul(ful) hamsters, again

The rap music isn’t much. The hamsters are out of step. The lyrics are lame. But put it all together and the new commercial for the Kia Soul will likely make you laugh. Kia is also hoping it’ll make you consider buying a Soul. The repeated phrase in the music is: “You can get with this or you can get with that. This is the ride. This is the worldwide debut music video. This is the Kia Soul. A new way to roll.” James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new

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GM announces 2011 Chevrolet Cruze prices

The 2011 Cruze will be offered for retail sale in four models: Cruze LS starting at $16,995, including: * Standard 1.8L Ecotec engine and six-speed manual transmission * The most standard safety features in the segment, with 10 air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control, anti-lock brakes, collapsible pedal system, power rear-door child safety locks * Standard OnStar, with a six-month subscription including Turn-by-Turn navigation * Standard convenience features including air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, driver information center, and XM Radio with three month trial subscription. Cruze LT starting at

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Ford preparing to shut down Mercury?

Mercury sales have been hard hit during the recession, although the brand had a 20 percent increase in sales for the one-year period ending at the end of April.  Overall, Ford sales for the same 12-month time frame were up 26 percent. Mercury currently offers just four models: Grand Marquis, Mariner, Milan, and Mountaineer. No new products have been announced, and both the Grand Marquis and Mountaineer are not expected to return next year. Ford in recent years has also sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo. As such Ford Motor Company may soon have only two brands: Ford

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Geely IG to replace Tata Nano as world's cheapest car

According to several reports, the Chinese manufacturer may soon sell its frugal min-car with its 1.0-liter, 70 horsepower engine and a five-speed transmission for about $2,250, a few hundred dollars less than the Nano. Geely debut the IG Fantastic, concept car, at the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show. It had gull wing doors, similar to the famous Mercedes Benz sports car. The IG that may be first available as a 2012 model will be 185 mm longer and will have a 100 mm longer wheelbase than the Toyota IQ. AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES Auto Shipping Quote, Car Financing, Car Insurance Quotes, Car Loans,

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Kelley Blue Book selects its top-10 cheap, cool, cars

The list, according to KBB, dismisses the once prevalent belief that a “cheap new car used to mean resigning yourself to time bombs like the Chevrolet Citation or windups like the Geo Metro or Ford Aspire.” AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES Auto Shipping Quote, Car Financing, Car Insurance Quotes, Car Loans, Online Car Insurance, Rental Cars, Used Cars The KBB list starts with the 2011 Ford Fiesta largely because of28 mpg city, 40 mpg highway EPA rating and mile-long standard feature list. Here’s the KBB list of cool new cars for less than$18,000: 1. 2011 Ford Fiesta; 2. 2010 Honda Civic; 3. 2010

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James Bond Aston Martin set for London auction, $5 million predicted

One of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, the James Bond car will be part of the annual “Automobiles of London” event at the Battersea Evolution in London. The car will be for sale or the first time and is expected to attract a purchase price of $5 million. Globally known by its original UK registration number, FMP 7B, the Aston Martin is one of only two, and the sole remaining, of the original ‘007’ DB5s as featured on screen with Sean Connery behind the wheel in the enormously popular Goldfinger and Thunberball  movies. With its ‘rather

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Tour de France titlist Lance Armstrong will get country's first Nissan LEAF

Nissan has provided more than 40 support vehicles for the 810-mile, eight-day Amgen Tour of California, including one Leaf which appeared at the finish line for each stage. Armstrong is also as an official spokesperson for the LEAF. Nissan representatives commented:  “Armstrong was chosen because his fitness and constant drive for perfection are a perfect match to the qualities of the LEAF.” James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive

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Rare Bugatti sold to California museum for record $30-40 million

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A blog report by the newspaper detailed that in late May, the estate of Dr. Peter D. Williamson sold the late car collector’s prized vehicle to the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California. If the sale price is accurate, it would shatter the previous record, the $12.2 million paid in May 2009 at public auction in Maranello, Italy, for a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES Auto Shipping Quote, Car Financing, Car Insurance Quotes, Car Loans, Online Car Insurance, Rental Cars, Used Cars The Bugatti sale was brokered by Gooding & Company, the automotive auction house based in Santa

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Nissan recalling 135,000 Infiniti G35 coupes, sedans with airbags issues

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The recall involves G35 coupes from the 2005 to 2007 model years and G35 sedans from the 2005 to 2006 model year. AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES Auto Shipping Quote, Car Financing, Car Insurance Quotes, Car Loans, Online Car Insurance, Rental Cars, Used Cars Nissan reports the air bag unit’s wire harness under the front passenger seat could wear down and interrupt the air bag’s signal. In a crash, the air bag may not deploy and could increase the risk of injury. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Nissan has not yet provided the agency with a plan to fix the

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Ford Flex, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Acceleration (6) Yes, it’s a crossover and it doesn’t look particularly swift. But step on the accelerator, on a freeway ramp, for example, and the 3.5-liter, 262 horsepower V6 holds it owns. The only transmission available is a six-speed automatic. Braking/Steering/Handling (6) It’s hard to fault all-wheel drive systems, and having the feature in a van/SUV makes perfect sense. The AWD works smoothly. The Flex was always in control, particularly on the constant roller-coaster back roads of Missouri. A few times while approaching stoplights or stop signs at medium speeds, the brakes seemed soft and I had to apply harder

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Honda Element, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review

The small sport utility vehicle with its unique box-like style was an immediate hit. Its initial marketing gimmick was two-fold. With its “suicide” doors and second seat configuration, cycling enthusiasts could transport a bike or two width-wise in the cabin. Likewise, when bikes and other cargo were removed from the Element, the base model’s interior could easily be cleaned — with a garden hose. All of the indoor was plastic or rubber and thus easily washed. The base model is still “washable.” But most of the Element’s seven trims now have upgraded cloth seats and other standard features are not

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