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GM, Nissan dominate North American best car nominees

The 18th annual awards are chosen by automotive journalists from the United States and Canada who represent magazines, television, radio, newspapers and web sites. AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES AND INFORMATION Auto Shipping Quote–Car Financing–Car Insurance Quotes–Car Loans–Online Car Insurance–Rental Cars–Used Cars Twenty-seven new cars were eligible for the 2011 North American Car of the Year award and 14 have been selected as semi-finalists. The jurors did not vote on the trucks because there were only 14 on the original list. The North American Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year will be announced in January at the North

Hyundai recalls 140,000 Sonatas for potential steering defect

Automotive News

“Hyundai dealers will inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque and make corrections if needed,” Hyundai via a press statement. “Hyundai has informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is voluntarily initiating this action to ensure the safety and quality of vehicles and the continued satisfaction of its customers.” AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES AND INFORMATION Auto Shipping Quote–Car Financing–Car Insurance Quotes–Car Loans–Online Car Insurance–Rental Cars–Used Cars The safety defect has affected fewer than 10 cars, according to Hyundai, and no accidents or injuries have resulted.

Tata Motors set to debut first crossover Aria to Indian market

Sport Utility Vehicles

Tata Motors has not announced the price range of the Aria. Features Built-in GPS system, Multi-functioning steering wheel, Dual Air Conditioner, Automatic climate control, six SRS Airbags, ABS with ESP, Alloy wheels, Parking Sensors Specifications Model: EX, Car Body Type: Crossover, Displacement: 2179cc, DICOR, 16 Valve DOHC, Engine Type: Diesel, Maximum Power: 120 Bhp @ 4000 rpm, Maximum Torque: 250 Nm @ 1500 rpm, Gears: 5 Manual, Length: 3329 mm Width: 1710 mm, Seating Capacity: 7, Steering: Power, Brakes: Front Disk, Rear Drum, Ground Clearance: 150mm

Bugatti set to replace Veyron with Galibier in 2013

Specialty cars

The four-seat Bugatti 16C Galibier sedan is expected to go on sale in 2013 for about $1.5 million. Only 300 will be produced. The Galibier, made of carbon fiber and aluminum, will use the Veyron’s 8.0-liter W-16 engine, but will employ superchargers rather than turbochargers and will produce 800 horsepower. AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES AND INFORMATION Auto Shipping Quote–Car Financing–Car Insurance Quotes–Car Loans–Online Car Insurance–Rental Cars–Used Cars The limited-edition, two-passenger Veyron 16.4, introduced in 2005, is near the end of its 300-unit production run. So far, 260 have been built. The Veyron has 1,200 horsepower, 268 mph Super Sport edition debuted this

Bentley bizarre hood ornament impalememt potential prompts recall

Luxury cars

As such Bentley is recalling nearly 1,500 vehicles for fear that unwitting pedestrians could become impaled on the brand’s historic “flying B” bonnet ornament. Bentley reports: “It’s been discovered that in some cases, water ingress into the internal mechanism might prevent it from retracting. The recall will affect 1,436 cars worldwide, including 620 in the United States and Canada. The bizarre defect affects three discontinued Bentley models – the Arnage, Azure and Brooklands – which were produced between 2007 and 2009 and which cost as much as $300,000. The Bentley signature miniature statue ornament is an option. David Champion, senior

Honda Accord, Civic top 2009 most stolen car list

Automotive News

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the 1991 Toyota Camry joined the Accord and Civic in 2009 making the the country’s top-three stolen vehicles all from Japanese manufacturers. AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES AND INFORMATION Auto Shipping Quote–Car Financing–Car Insurance Quotes–Car Loans–Online Car Insurance–Rental Cars–Used Cars According to another just released report, the Uniform Crime Report, compiled by the FBI, 794,616 vehicles were reported stolen in 2009, the sixth consecutive year of lower car theft in the country. In 2008, 956,846 vehicles were reported stolen, then the lowest annual total in more than 20 years. 1. 1994 Honda Accord 2. 1995 Honda

Tata Motors plans 'luxury' Nano Plus for 2011

Specialty cars

The Nano, predicted to be available in 2011, with feature a 1,000 cc engine instead of the 623 cc engine of the current Nano model. It will also include ABS brakes, alloy wheels, and integrated music system and an improved interior. AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES AND INFORMATION Auto Shipping Quote–Car Financing–Car Insurance Quotes–Car Loans–Online Car Insurance–Rental Cars–Used Cars Tata hopes the Nano Plus, for which reservations recently began, will compete with the Maruti Alto and Chevrolet Spark, but its price has not been announced. Tata Motor is also expected to fix the safety problems that caused numerous 2010 Nano models from catching

Seven electric cars soon plugged into U.S. automotive industry

Electric and Hybrid

The Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt are the two most well-known and extensively promoted electric vehicles, but the list also includes five additional cars — economical-based options to high-end sports machines. Here’s an alphabetical synopsis of the seven electric vehicles: Chevrolet Volt — Expected on the market nationwide in November, the Volt has two motors, a 149 horsepower electric motor and a 74 horsepower, 4-cylinder gas engine. The electric motor has a 40-mile range with the gas engine then engaging, creating electricity extending the Volt’s range to more than 300 miles. AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES AND INFORMATION Auto Shipping Quote–Car Financing–Car Insurance

Eric Clapton’s rare Ferrari 250GT for sale via Hot Wheels replica

Specialty cars

Hot Wheels Elite, a division of Mattel, will issue a limited edition 1:18 scale diecast model of Eric Clapton’s Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso later this year as part of its “Ferrari in Music” line of replica cars. In an interview with ferrari.com earlier this year, Eric said that even as a small boy he was crazy about motor racing, and that the car he’s always most fancied is Ferrari. The replica of Clapton’s silver 250GT Berlinetta Lusso will be a “faithful” reproduction. Limited to 5,000 individually numbered pieces, it will come in a dedicated package featuring pictures, EC’s facsimile

Honda Crosstour in crossfire, facing airbag recall, reinforced roof

Electric and Hybrid

“The front passenger airbag may not have been assembled according to correct specifications,” said NHTSA of the recall that will begin September 22. “In the event of a crash, the front passenger airbag may not deploy as intended and could place an unbelted child seated in the front passenger seat at greater risk of injury should the airbag deploy.” In other documentation filed with the federal government, Honda said the problem lies with the airbag packing cloth cover. “Deployment of the low-risk deployment flag will be delayed, resulting in improper performance,” said a Honda spokesperson. “Should the flap deploy improperly

Automotive X PRIZE ($10 million) awarded to two U.S., one Swiss team

Automotive News

The winning vehicles were showcased to an audience of auto industry, business and government leaders. Each of the winning teams was also presented with a Harry Winston, Inc.-designed bronze trophy. The Automotive X PRIZE, sponsored by the country’s fourth-larges insurance company, was launched in 2008 to inspire a new generation of viable, safe and super fuel-efficient vehicles capable of achieving 100 miles per gallon or the energy equivalent (MPGe). After nearly 30 months of vehicle and business plan development, on-track testing at Michigan International Speedway which included dynamic safety testing by partner Consumer Reports, and laboratory verification at the Department

Toyota's big, new plans: Six hybrids, two electric cars will debut in 2012

Electric and Hybrid

Takeshi Uchiyamada announced the automaker’s plans during a speech Sept. 13 in Detroit. Toyota’s Prius gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle has dominated the segment. The world’s largest automaker has been less certain about the market for fully electric vehicles like Nissan’s Leaf due out this year. Tesla and Toyota announced a partnership in May to develop electric vehicles under the strategy of the start-up company for its $109,000 Roadster, powered by more than 6,800 laptop batteries. Toyota had previously announced plans for its first electric vehicle.

Toyota Prius tops Kelley Blue Book 'Green Car' list for 2010

Electric and Hybrid

“To be considered for the green Top 10, each vehicle was required to offer fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions superior to the bulk of vehicles in its class and at the same time provide all the safety, creature comforts and driving enjoyment that would make it pleasant to own,” explain Kelley Blue Book. “So while the top 10 green vehicles are listed in order from most fuel-efficient to least fuel-efficient, fuel ratings weren’t the sole reason for inclusion on the list. The 2010 Chevrolet Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, No. 10, is the least fuel-efficient vehicle chosen with No. 9 Toyota

Dodge Caravan, 2010: Roman Mica's Rambling Review (Video)

Vans/Mini-Vans

The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan is one of the most useful and roomy minivans available, but is it also fun to drive? Let’s face it: fun and utility are usually on the opposite ends of the spectrum. Roman Mica, contributing editor at The Weekly Driver.com, spent a week assessing the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. Here’s his first-impression video review:

Hyundai Sonata on pace to outsell Honda Accord for the first time

Sedans

But Hyundai has been closing the gap, with Sonata sales increasing to 17,836 units in July, just 5,100 less than the Accord. Part of the reason the Accord is losing its edge as it ages. The current model was introduced three years ago, while the latest Sonata debuted in the U.S. early this year. Sales of the Accord have slid from 39,726 units in August last year to 23,032 in July and 22,506 in August this year. The increase in Sonata sales has resulted in a delivery backlog. Hyundai is boosting output at its plant in Alabama where the Sonata

Rare Mercedes Benz, purchased new by Elvis Presley, set for Bonham's auction

Specialty cars

The article details that Presley kept the car for two years before giving it to a friend, James Leroy Robertson. The car also had another owner but was auctioned at the Important Motor Cars and Fine Automobilia sale at Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey, England, last December. The restored Mercedes has an estimated value of $230-$300,000, and is among only a handful of vehicles Presley registered in his name.