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Chevy Aveo-based Pontiac G3 set for U.S. sales
2008-06-03 05:32:00
Chevy Aveo-based Pontiac G3 set for U.S. sales Pontiac may have been on its way to regaining the title of General Motors' performance division with the launch of the first-ever G8, but the brand will take two steps back by offering an all-new model for the 2009 model year — dubbed the G3 — that will be based on the Chevrolet Aveo. The EPA quietly approved the G3 for sale in the U.S., even surprising some Pontiac executives with the news over the Memorial Day holiday. The G3 is currently sold in Mexico and Canada, although it is marketed as the Wave in Canada. The move is intended to round out GM's Buick-Pontiac-GMC channel, but some dealers are worried the sub-compact will dilute Pontiac's performance image. The G3 will be powered by the same 1.6L powerplant found in the Chevy Aveo. Although some dealers are reluctant about the G3, it will give them an inexpensive and fuel-efficient model to slot below the Vibe. The G3 is EPA certified at 25/34 mpg c...
More About: In the News , Sales , Chevy

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe confirmed: arriving alongside regular coupe
2008-06-03 05:12:00
Cadillac CTS-V Coupe confirmed: arriving alongside regular coupe The Mercedes Benz CLK63 Black series, BMW M3 coupe and forthcoming Audi RS5 are officially in trouble. The Cadillac CTS-V Coupe that enthusiasts have been pining for has been officially green-lighted. In an interview with Leftlane in March, Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor said if his company was going to make a "V" coupe, it would probably arrive at the same time as the regular CTS Coupe, rather than months later. A recent check of supplier sources provides 100-percent confirmation that the V-badged coupe will arrive in May 2009. It should come as no surprise that the CTS-V Coupe will pack the same supercharged, 6.2-liter, V8 motor that you find in the 2009 CTS-V Sedan. Whether the coupe will share in the V-series sedan's 550-horsepower rating remains to be seen. Design-wise, the CTC-V will be in familiar territory. Wire mesh grilles, a power dome hood and a more aggressive, lower front fascia...
More About: In the News , Cadillac , Regular

VW CEO threatens to quit if Porsche interferes with Audi, other brands
2008-06-03 05:05:00
VW CEO threatens to quit if Porsche interferes with Audi , other brands Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn is reportedly threatening to resign if Porsche attempts to influence the direction of any of its premium brands. Porsche's growing stake in Volkswagen — currently 31 percent but expected to reach 50 percent — is causing concern at VW's various subsidiaries, including Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. While Porsche has been blocked, at least for now, from buying more than 50 percent of VW, many insiders feel a conflict of interest threatens the future of all four brands. According to Germany's Der Spiegel, Audi executives fear their company will be the first affected by Porsche's newfound power. Audi, which builds the R8 and TT sports cars, is viewed as a competitor to Porsche. Likewise, Lamborghini is a clear rival and Bentley and Bugatti also compete in similar segments. Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking has previously stated he thinks Bu...
More About: In the News , Quit , Brands

The 2009 Chevrolet Camaro SS ? Now a 2010
2008-06-03 04:08:00
Two-and-a-half years ago, the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit turned out to be quite festival of retro-design. After all, among the cars displayed there were a new Dodge Challenger, a new Shelby Mustang, and a new Chevrolet Camaro ? a line up previously seen over 30 years before. For much of the next two years, there were hints in the press that Chevrolet’s offering, the re-vamped Chevrolet Camaro SS, would be put into production in the first quarter of this year ? 2008 ? and put on the market late in the year, as a 2009 model. Last March, however, everything changed. Chevrolet decided that it would make better business sense if the Camaro was pushed back, and so, instead of an early 2008 introduction and a short life during the year as a 2009 model before switching to a 2010 designation, production would begin in February 2009, and the car would be a 2010 model until the fall of that year, when it would switch to a 2011 designation. All this, of course,...
More About: In the News

Green Insurance is The Best Ride
2008-06-03 02:22:00
With the threat of global warming more relevant than ever, the need to 'go green' when buying a new car has not been as pressing a matter as it is now.Driving an environmentally friendly car is largely dependent on what the driver wants to do for the greater good, but new research has suggested that there is one more important reason for drivers to 'go green'- car insurance products that are offsetting the damage done by emissions by contributing part of the policies to organisations helping to battle the problem of global warming.Eco-friendly car insurance is a rising phenomenon and to this end eco-insurers are becoming increasingly competitive. Motorists driving vehicles with slightly higher emissions should think about green providers when searching for an insurance policy. But it seems there is a general apathy amongst drivers to change their ways and the real direction needs to come from government. For instance, the government should consider cutting Insurance Premium Tax ...
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The Power Behind Turbo Kits By Matt Brooks
2008-06-03 01:26:00
Adding a turbocharger to your car will give you one of the biggest increases in horsepower over any other engine modification. Nitrous oxide systems can rival the power performance, but not the durability and constant gains associated with a turbo system. Turbochargers can be tuned to give you any amount of boost between 0 and 24+psi of boost, depending on the size of the turbine. When you have any type of forced induction system like a turbocharger, you want to make sure that the engine is tuned to it. Below we will discuss the importance of the air fuel ratio. I will revisit this again, because premature detonation is a major cause of internal engine damage, and detonation can be caused by a very lean air fuel ratio. Turbo kits should be coupled with an ecu that is tuned to deliver more fuel than the factory settings, and the fuel delivered to the engine should be increased proportionally to the boost pressure. You also should add an air charge intercooler, which will reduce the i...
More About: Interesting , Power , Kits , Brooks , Matt

New Chevrolet compact car coming next year
2008-06-03 00:42:00
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More About: Chevrolet , In the News , Compact , Year

Media mix-up over Chrysler equity stake?
2008-06-02 23:57:00
From the article: The Financial Times had reported that the private-equity firm sold more than half the equity it holds in both companies. The newspaper, quoting unidentified people familiar with the situation, said that Cerberus tried to reduce its risk by selling stakes to investors including major banks and hedge funds. Cerberus led investment groups that bought a 51 percent stake of GMAC from General Motors Corp. for $7.4 billion in 2006, and an 80.1 percent stake in Chrysler from the company now known as Daimler AG last year. Peter Duda, a spokesman for Cerberus, said both deals included co-investors all along, and that the private-equity firm has not reduced its equity positions since the transactions were completed. “Cerberus has not reduced or made any changes to its equity stakes in GMAC or Chrysler since the closing of either transaction,” he said. “Cerberus continues to have voting control over both investments. Our commitment to these companies has not ...
More About: Media , Equity

Van Insurance Checklist - Tips For a Lower Renewal Premium
2008-06-02 23:45:00
I work in insurance so my friends often ask me how to get cheap van insurance quotes for their business. In fact, this happens so often that I've made a checklist of simple steps to get a great renewal price.Get Online - This is one of the most important steps in the quest for cheap van insurance. Some of my friends have missed out on the Internet revolution and still phone their local broker for a quote. This is a mistake as using a price comparison web site allows you to check prices from lots of different insurers and brokers without the need to phone endless call centres for this information.Think about your needs - another important task is to think about your insurance needs. Do you really need that "any driver" benefit? Including only one or two named drivers over the age of 25 will significantly reduce your premium and will not have a noticeable impact on most businesses.Check your details - return to your van insurance prices and phone the top few companies. Check through ...
More About: Insurance , Tips , Lower , Renewal , Premium

Mercedes Class G version 2009 Review
2008-06-01 15:30:00
Increvable, indestructible, immutable, stainless indémodable, etc.. The Mercedes G Class through the eras past thirty years at the option of restylages and other technological improvements. The year 2009 is no exception to this tradition. Journal details.Before highlighting the aesthetic changes, we look to the heart of the Mercedes Class G version 2009. At the heart? Finally in its entrails motorized. The body V8 5.0l enjoys a cure power now developing 382 horses against 292 previously. Sacred dose of extra power. Increased couple also from 336Nm to 391Nm. Here are the details made under the hood.Externally, all-terrain Germanic differs from its predecessors by its new rims. New also the grille and its three bars. To reach the Class G, appointment in September this year, its marketing periodMercedes Blog
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Mercedes G Class G-Brabus K8
2008-06-01 15:25:00
After several decades of existence, the Mercedes Class G continues to arouse interest and titiller the attention of our present various preparers. The utility robust and "basic" it was in its infancy, at least by its use, 4X4 massive Germanic happening today in the workshops of Brabus . Thus was born the dreaded and indimidant Brabus K8-G.The specialist stamped Mercedes, alias Brabus, looks to begin under the hood where it pushes the power of C55 AMG 500 to 550 horses for a couple of 780Nm. A cure of vitamins which feels on accelerating the 4X4 with just five seconds to chew the 0 to 100km / h.The black mat is both externally and within the passenger compartment (leather, inserts, etc.). Class G giving the impression to exceed its status as a 4X4 to endorse that of hyper luxury sedan. We imagine then launched full speed on the Autobahn, there is no doubt that the swelling seen in the back could be less threatening for!Mercedes Blog

Mercedes G Class 2009 in photos
2008-06-01 15:12:00
Following the presentation of the ticket for the 2009 vintage stainless Mercedes Class G, we finish the spotlight by filling a gallery with 100% new! Fans will undoubtedly enjoy. We have already circled the Class G 2009 through a ticket. To return to this information, one click here just to vent your thirst for knowledge. Below the new gallery 4X4 of the mark to the star.
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Mercedes made in China
2008-06-01 15:00:00
The C230 Avantgarde has something special: it comes from China . No, this is not a copy, but a Mercedes produced by BBDC (Beijing Benz Daimler Chrysler, the Chinese joint venture of Mercedes.) That is reassuring fans, it is intended exclusively for the Chinese market.Mercedes E-Class produced in China since 2006. BBDC does produce than the C230. The great novelty is that the V6 2.5 l C230 will be produced in China. While so far, the mechanical E-Class were imported from Germany.The C230 Classic will be sold 388 000 yuan (about 35 300 €.) Problem: other versions of the C-Class available in China (C200K and C280) are imported (and therefore surtaxées.) As a result, 378 000 yuan (about 34 400 €), the C200K is barely cheaper than the C230 (hence a risk of cannibalization.) As the C280, 478 000 yuan (about 43 500 €), it leaves a gaping hole in the range.Please note that besides the Avantgarde version (black), the C230 "made in China" will be sold to finishing Classic, wi...
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Chrysler to Mercedes sells a design centre
2008-06-01 14:49:00
After having "divorced" from Daimler, and with a view to reducing costs, Chrysler , spent under the thumb of Cerberus Capital Management, has closed a few months ago the doors of his centre-style (in the text "Chrysler Advance Pacifica Design Center ") originally opened in 1983. Cocasserie commercial Mercedes shortly buy the building.Mercedes-Benz should soon give a second life "Advance Chrysler Pacifica Design Center" (change of identity to predict) after both groups have confirmed the purchase of up to 7.3 million. The complex, whose area reached 3 250 square metres, should therefore officer as the new centre number one group on American soil. What would then become the current design centre owned by Mercedes, the area almost twice lower, employing some twenty employees? The future will tell.From "Advance Chrysler Pacifica Design Center" came out number of concepts, prototypes or other vehicles produced in series. Among the most famous include the Plymouth Prowler (see photograph o...
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Worker at GM plant fired over Camaro photo leak
2008-06-01 03:57:00
Worker at GM plant fired over Camaro photo leak An electrician working at General Motors' Oshawa Assembly Plant lost his job this past week after company officials linked him to the leak of several photos showing a prototype Camaro body shell. The photos found their way onto the internet May 22nd and were published by multiple major automotive websites, including Leftlane. Details of the leak come via a source within the plant, who claims to have intimate knowledge of the controversy. According to our tipster, the employee — who has 28 years seniority — used a camera phone to take pictures of the body to show to his children at home. Unfortunately for the unidentified employee, friends of his children got ahold of the photos and distributed them on the Web. It's not known exactly what the photos depict, but it appears GM might be starting to test the assembly process at the Oshawa, Ontario plant, where the Camaro (and other Zeta-platform variants...
More About: Photo , In the News , Fired , Leak

New Ram powertrains in 2010 and 2011; no SRT in the plans
2008-05-31 17:46:00
From the article: “Diesel and hybrid versions of the new Dodge Ram will be available a year after the launch of the all-new full-size pickup, confirms Mike Accavitti, director of Dodge brand and SRT marketing. A Cummins diesel comes first in the light-duty truck, followed shortly afterwards by a Ram with the two-mode hybrid system from the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen. The Ram gets the new powertrains in 2010 for the 2011 model year. The new Ram does lend itself to a performance version, but the time is not right, Accavitti says. The old Ram SRT10 in the past was iconic and well-loved by its small, enthusiast demographic. But higher gasoline prices today make it a cruel environment for performance pickups which have a small market at the best of times, Accavitti says, even though SRT buyers love their vehicles and usually won?t let fuel costs stand in the way of enjoying their chosen ride. ?Under the right circumstances I could see it,? Accavitti says, ?I?m just not sure ...
More About: Plans

BMW confirms production of X1 SUV in Germany
2008-05-31 03:44:00
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More About: Germany , In the News , Production

Toyota Prius to be built in USA?
2008-05-31 02:59:00
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More About: Toyota , In the News , Prius , Toyota Prius

Bike Versus Car - Who Loses?
2008-05-31 02:39:00
We protect ourselves every time we leave on a ride. We have our helmets, gloves and even mirrors. But these things cannot protect us from a motorist running a red light or talking on their phone when they should be looking where they are going.A cyclist will always end up on the losing side of a car versus bike accident. Our bikes and bodies do not have crumple zones to absorb the physical forces of a collision, so even a minor impact can have catastrophic results on our bodies and our lives.Things to know before you ride.Having handled many bike accident cases, I have found that there are some steps that you need to take even before you hit the road to make sure you are protected in the event that you really do hit the road.First, every cyclist needs good health insurance coverage - No Exception. While the driver that hits you is legally liable for the costs of your medical care, they do not have to pay these costs as you need them - only once your case is ready to settle or you wi...
More About: Insurance , Bike , Versus

Why Do You Pay More For Auto Insurance?
2008-05-31 02:27:00
Millions of people are paying too much for auto insurance. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to avoid being one of them.First of all, a great way to find cheap car insurance is to authorize an EFT - which will mean that your insurer can get the insurance premiums directly from your account without you having to send a check. This will attract lower premiums because it saves the company and because you are more likely to never miss a payment. This lowers costs, and will attract cheap car insurance to you. Most of the time, the cheapest rates will be those in which you pay with an EFT instead of sending a check, so be sure that you are wiling to do this and that you are able to.Secondly, if you pay your premium on a yearly basis, you can get more affordable rates. This is a great way to turn your auto insurance into cheap car insurance, especially if this is first time car insurance for you. You'll find better insurance quotes if you are looking for policies that let yo...
More About: Insurance , Auto Insurance , Auto

Why You Should Have Underinsured And Uninsured Motorist Benefits
2008-05-31 02:14:00
Many people assume that Underinsured and Uninsured motorist claims only involve motorists who illegally drive without insurance or people who only secure the bare minimum in automotive coverage. However, most of the major car accidents in Pennsylvania result in very serious injuries, which are rarely fully compensated for by the responsible motorist's insurance coverage.How could a $15,000 insurance policy even begin to compensate an injured person for the thousands of dollars in medical expenses, lifetime accommodations, nursing care, rehabilitation, medication costs, and lost wages that result from a serious accident?Underinsured and Uninsured motorist benefits are your protection for you and your family members who are covered under your motor vehicle insurance policy. Underinsured and Uninsured motorist benefits are not just for those who illegally drive without insurance or for those with bare minimum coverage. Typically, most people believe that their motor vehicle insurance ...
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Why You Should Change Your Car Insurance Company Now
2008-05-31 01:57:00
It seems that car insurance companies are making a lot of money because of their assumption, that drivers are apathetic about changing their insurance company to save on premiums. In fact, less than 33% of UK motorists have changed their company over the last 12 months, that of course means that around 67% did not think about changing or were too busy to take the time to get alternative quotes.Another fact is that over the last decade less than 10% of all drivers have moved insurance companies. At least last year's figures show that more people are starting to realize that moving companies can save a lot of money.It may be true that people are changing their attitude because they are beginning to realize that loyalty only flows one way when it comes to many services we receive. Over the past few years, it has become far more common to move all kinds of services from one provider to another, such as telecoms, credit card companies or utility suppliers. This may be one of the factors...
More About: Insurance , Car Insurance , Company , Change

The In?s And Out?s Of Liability Car Insurance
2008-05-31 01:47:00
At first glance, you might think that liability car insurance is the most important aspect of insuring your car simply because it's the one that's required by most states. Of course there's a good reason that this type of insurance is so crucial and that's because liability insurance covers you against the legal responsibilities that you have in the event that you damage a person or their property as the result of an automobile accident.There are two distinct divisions of this insurance that you'll need to think about-bodily injury and personal damage liability. As well the policy is further divided into what are termed split limits and these cover the damages caused to individuals, to groups of people and finally to their property. Like many other similar requirements, each state has a different set of standards covering this branch of car insurance. When you review a breakdown of what this insurance actually provides, the average driver will quickly see that it's in their be...
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Detroit: The Motor(showless) City?
2008-05-31 00:57:00
Detroit: The Motor (showless) City ? Despite a plan to expand the Cobo Center by 120,000 square feet, it looks as though the North American International Auto Show's days in Detroit could be numbered. The topic was brought up at this week's Mackinac Policy Conference — a meeting of several of Michigan's top businesspeople — but it looks as though the proposal has lost momentum. Organizers of the Detroit show say they will push legislation "within 30 days," but there is no guarantee for the approval of the plan, especially considering Michigan's economic state. If the Cobo expansion is not approved, the show will likely take one of two directions. The first option is to sell the title "North American International Auto Show" to the Chicago show, according to The Detroit News. The Chicago show has gained popularity over the last few years and now outdraws the Detroit show by a fairly wide margin. The other option would be to take the ...
More About: In the News , Detroit

Hyundai CEO calls out Toyota Prius technology
2008-05-30 23:34:00
Hyundai CEO calls out Toyota Prius technology Hyundai has made some tremendous improvements over the past few years, but the Korean automaker might be trying to climb the mountain a little too fast. Hyundai will soon launch its Lexus-targeting Genesis sedan, but it already has its sights set on dethroning another Toyota vehicle by 2010. According to Autocar, Hyundai is confident that its upcoming hybrid — set to launch in 2010 — will be superior to Toyota's bread-and-butter Prius. Hyundai CEO Dr. Kim Dong-Jin even went so far as to call the Prius ?quite old-tech? and claimed that Hyundai's offering will be ?more advanced than the Prius." Pretty strong words from a company that has yet to produce a hybrid, especially when one considers Toyota has been in the business since the 1990s. But Toyota isn't one to back down and Hyundai will have to deal with an all-new Prius — with an updated hybrid system — come 2010. Dong-Jin also revealed ...
More About: Technology , In the News , Hyundai , Calls

Will You Be Covered On The Continent?
2008-05-30 23:32:00
In many respects the world is getting smaller - and it's now almost as easy to drive across Europe as it is to drive across the UK. However, while driving abroad may be simple, the level of car insurance required is still foreign to many of us.All UK car insurance providers must supply the minimum level of cover when you travel across countries within the European Union. Yet for the many drivers who have comprehensive cover in Britain, this will mean their policies are downgraded when they travel overseas.According to research from Defaqto, the independent financial data analyst, 21 per cent of car insurance policies available do not provide comprehensive foreign use as standard. Instead, it is necessary for policyholders to pay an additional premium to secure the level of cover they require.There are variations too regarding the period you are covered for. Around a third of all insurers provide 60 days or less cover during a 12month period with 46 per cent offering 90 days or more...
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Fiat Bravo 1.6 16V MultiJet Eco Photo Update
2008-05-29 02:31:00
Most recently released photos!
More About: Photo , In the News , Fiat , Bravo , Update

American Axle gets $1.4 billion in new contracts; majority from outside U.S
2008-05-29 02:03:00
American Axle gets $1.4 billion in new contracts; majority from outside U.S. With the three-month old UAW strike at American Axle's U.S. plants finally resolved, the supplier is getting back to business. On Wednesday, CEO Richard E. Dauch announced his company was awarded new contracts from across the globe totaling $1.4 billion, between 2009 and 2013. The CEO went on to explain about 85 percent of the new revenue will come from non-U.S. facilities, including agreements in Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Poland and Thailand. Over half of the supplier's production will come from outside the U.S., and 65 to 70 percent of those products will find their way in U.S. vehicles, according to Automotive News. American Axle will stick to building drivetrain components for rear and all-wheel drive vehicles, but is looking to expand into offering electronically controlled products such as transfer cases and differentials. The new contract will save American Axle $300 million annu...
More About: In the News , American , Contracts , Billion

Nissan builds first 2009 Maxima at Smyrna plant
2008-05-29 01:55:00
Nissan builds first 2009 Maxima at Smyrna plant Nissan unveiled its all-new 2009 Maxima at this year's New York Auto Show, and the first batch of the new four-door sports cars have begun rolling off the production floor at the automaker's Smyrna, Tennessee production plant. The 2009 model represents the seventh-generation Maxima and promises to be the best iteration to date. The Maxima is built on Nissan's D platform, which is said to improve handling and virtually eliminate torque steer associated with high-horsepower front-wheel drive cars — a good thing considering the '09 Maxima has 290 ponies on tap. Nissan launched the Maxima in the U.S. in 1981 and claims that 80 percent of those vehicles are still on the road today. According to Just-Auto, Nissan plans to ship about 3,600 Maximas in the fiscal year 2008, with sales beginning later this year.
More About: Nissan , In the News , Plant

Subaru Exiga caught in California
2008-05-28 23:09:00
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More About: California , In the News , Subaru , Caught