Bianchi joins Force India as reserve

Jules Bianchi will be Force India's reserve driver this year, with the promise of some extensive running on grand prix Fridays. The Frenchman, who is part of Ferrari's young driver development programme, has been promised outings in at least nine Friday practice sessions during the forthcoming campaign. He will get his first run in a Force India during next month's pre-season testing with the outfit's 2012 VJM05 car

Romain Grosjean Kevin Michael Harvick Keith Greene Virgil Ernest Irvan III David Hobbs

Official: NACTOY changes truck award to "Truck/Utility of the Year"

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Etc., Crossover

This year's selection for North American Truck of the Year was something of a sign of the times as the pool of nominees didn't really fit the traditional definition of "truck" - beasts of burden with features like a low range, open bed and/or body-on-frame construction. Not only were all three finalists crossovers (including the winning 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque), but so were the other four on the short list of nominees.

The jury has been monitoring the market's shift from body-on-frame SUVs to unibody-based crossovers for years now, and detailed discussions about whether to alter the name of its Truck of The Year award have been a staple conversation among members of the voting pool for perhaps half a decade. Those debates have finally bore fruit. Beginning with next year's award, instead of North American Truck of the Year, the hardware will be awarded as the North American Truck/Utility of the Year.

The name change should not only be a bit cleaner when it comes to including the market's ever-diversifying pool of crossovers, it will also afford room on the other end of the spectrum for the inclusion of heavy-duty full-size trucks, a segment of vehicles that previously weren't eligible. The change reflects another shift in the market, where vehicles like the Ford F-Series Super Duty and Ram 2500 HD are no longer being considered solely for purchase as work trucks - more and more everyday consumers are looking to them as capable daily drivers. The jury had previously considered only light-duty trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Toyota Tacoma for the award.

With the crossover segment mushrooming in popularity and diversifying rapidly, it's become difficult to readily classify what constitutes a crossover vehicle as opposed to a car. Branches of the U.S. government classify the exact same vehicle as a car and a truck, automakers invent new terminology to trumpet, journalists call them one thing and consumers end up labeling them another. The NACTOY jury will thus look to indicators like overall height and capability to help funnel eligible vehicles into the Car of the Year or Truck/Utility of the Year category.

NACTOY changes truck award to "Truck/Utility of the Year" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Boy Hayje Jeffrey Michael Gordon Karl Kling Kurt Thomas Busch Out! Pet Care Toyota

About Time: James Vacca Declares Traffic Safety a ?Civil Rights Issue?

Good on you, Jimmy. What's next? Photo: DNAinfo
Bravo, James Vacca.
On Wednesday Vacca joined Council Member Gale Brewer in calling attention to the needs of blind and sight-impaired pedestrians, particularly as they apply to new pedestrian plazas.
Brewer has introduced a bill requiring textured pavement around the perimeters of plazas and bike lanes, while other bills would [...]

Juan Pablo Montoya David Lee Blaney Charles Robert Hamilton V Paul Goldsmith Hans Heyer

Spy Shots: Porsche 911 Turbo caught out and about again

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Porsche, Luxury

We've driven the new 991-series Porsche 911, and now the next chapter of the new 911 story - the 2013 Turbo - has been caught proving itself in the wintertide climate. Its most important details - the front and rear bumpers and side intakes - remain behind camo, but we now get a look at how the tail sits across the wider rump, and we think it looks quite good.

When it's finally revealed, the new 911 Turbo is expected to put out more than 500 horsepower - numbers from 520 hp to 550 hp have been mentioned - from it's tri-turboed (yes, three turbos) 3.6-liter flat six. Both the seven-speed PDK and seven-speed manual transmissions should be on offer, and the lighter-than-the-last-Turbo package should be screamingly fast. Have a look at the high-res gallery to see it from just about every angle.

Porsche 911 Turbo caught out and about again originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr Denny Hamlin Taki Inoue Eddie Johnson Rupert Keegan

Mark Martin Takes to Twitter

Mark Martin - Photo Credit: John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCARIt started rather simply. On the morning of Jan. 23, Mark Martin, dressed in his new firesuit, waited patiently in an office at Michael Waltrip Racing reading texts on his Sprint iPhone. An Aaron?s commercial was to begin filming in the shop a few minutes later....more»

Paul Goldsmith Hans Heyer Theo Helfrich Heikki Kovalainen Z Line Designs Toyota

Francois Migault dies aged 67

Former Formula 1 and Le Mans racer Francois Migault has died at the age of 67.

Casey James Mears Dan Gurney Gus Hutchison Kyle Busch Chris Irwin

Peugeot Abandons Endurance Racing: Why It Happened and What It Means for Prototype Racing

Considering that French automaker Peugeot hasn?t sold cars in the U.S. for 20 years?and has no immediate plans to return?you?d think the company?s decision to end its participation in big-time endurance sports-car racing, effective immediately, wouldn?t have much impact on the American racing scene. Au contraire: The American Le Mans Series was counting on Peugeot?s [...]

Divina Galica Oscar González Christian Goethals Cuth Harrison Jean Pierre Jabouille

Marussia team revises testing plans

The Marussia F1 team has revised its pre-season plans and will not attend the first test at Jerez in order to concentrate on the development of the new car.

Heikki Kovalainen Z Line Designs Toyota Jean Pierre Jarier Helm Glöckler James Christopher McMurray

In the Rearview Mirror: Jarrett wins the 1993 Daytona 500

Z Line Designs Toyota Jean Pierre Jarier Helm Glöckler James Christopher McMurray Alan Jones

Judge tosses verdict against New Hampshire track (NASCAR.com)

Judge tosses verdict against New Hampshire track

James Christopher McMurray Alan Jones Hubert Hahne Jean Marc Gounon William Clyde Elliott

Video: Translogic hangs out with Daimler's Zetsche and Ford's Mulally at CES

Filed under: CES, Technology, Videos, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Infotainment

Usually our sister publication Translogic is out putting futuristic transportation hardware through the paces or talking to geeks who are trying to reimagine the very infrastructure of our world. But this week, the show has a decidedly more conventional subject: Interviews with Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche and Ford CEO Alan Mulally.

Both of these automotive bigwigs were wandering the halls of the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month (Zetsche was the keynote speaker, a job Mulally performed two years ago), which is where Translogic caught up with them for a chat and demonstration of their CES wares. Zetsche showed off a new gesture-based in-car interface, as well as some new active safety technology for Mercedes-Benz. Mulally plugged Ford's new hybrid and plug-in hybrid Fusion, as well as showing off the Ford Evos concept's fancy infotainment system. Give it a watch after the jump.

Continue reading Translogic hangs out with Daimler's Zetsche and Ford's Mulally at CES

Translogic hangs out with Daimler's Zetsche and Ford's Mulally at CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Bruce Johnstone Richard Allen Craven Mike Hawthorn Maurício Gugelmin Bruce Kessler

Toyota wraps up first TS030 test

Toyota completed on Friday its first full test with the new TS030 Hybrid car that will compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours this year.

Stefan Johansson Bruce Halford Geki Ernst Klodwig Horace Gould

Honda Prices 2012 Four-Cylinder Crosstour EX, Starts at $28,465

Honda has priced the new four-cylinder version of the humpbacked Accord-based Crosstour?note that it’s no longer called the Accord Crosstour?from $28,465. That figure applies to the entry EX model; the EX-L adds leather and costs $31,515, while the top-shelf EX-L with navigation rings in at $33,615. Pricing for the V-6 Crosstour starts at $31,150 for [...]

Kazuyoshi Hoshino Lucas di Grassi Jim Hall Paul Hawkins Ignazio Giunti

2013 Nissan GT-R Priced from $97,820; We Chart Godzilla?s Price, Power, and Performance Over the Years

The GT-R, Nissan’s twin-turbocharged hellion, has received upgrades each and every model year since it went on sale for 2009?and 2013 will be no different. Its price has been upgraded along with it: The 2013 GT-R will start at $97,820 for the Premium ?base? model or $107,320 for the uplevel Black Edition. Nearly (or more [...]

Innes Ireland Trevor Bayne Kevin Paul Lepage Oswald Karch Hans Herrmann

JD Motorsports and Mike Wallace determined about Daytona and 2012 season

“Newt Moore brought on as crew chief” JD MotorsportsGAFFNEY, S.C. (January 27, 2012) ? JD Motorsports has been a whir and blur of activity the last few weeks at their South Carolina shop. Johnny Davis, team owner, has hired on some key personnel to build on the achievements from the team?s 2011 season. Mike Wallace,...more»

Max Jean Aldo Gordini Yuji Ide Oscar Alfredo Gálvez Mike Hailwood

Official: 2012 Mini Roadster priced from $24,350*

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Performance, Mini, UK

Mini has officially announced pricing for the company's new Cooper Roadster. The tiny droptop will carry a base MSRP of $24,350 in the U.S., while the Cooper S Roadster will set you back $27,350. The top-of-the-line John Cooper Works Roadster, meanwhile, will command a sticker of $34,500 (*pricing exclude a $700 destination and handling fee). Should buyers wish to drop an automatic transmission into their Cooper Roadster or Cooper S Roadster, the two-pedal option will cost an additional $1,250, but the John Cooper Works Roadster is only available with a manual gearbox. Mini says 16-inch alloy wheels are standard on the base roadster and its S counterpart, while the topped-out JCW Roadster will roll on flashier 17-inch wheels.

That means the Cooper Roadster requires a $3,450 premium over the base hardtop Coupe, but curiously, it's cheaper than the Cooper Convertible by $600. While the latter doesn't exactly offer palatial amounts of space for rear passengers, it is still considerably more functional than its Cooper Roadster equivalent. We have to wonder if there's enough of a price differential between the two models to keep buyers from skipping the more rakish Roadster for its four-seat counterpart, but either way, we're just pleased it doesn't share the Coupe's awkward backwards-ballcap roofline. Hit the jump for the lengthy press release.

Continue reading 2012 Mini Roadster priced from $24,350*

2012 Mini Roadster priced from $24,350* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hubert Hahne Jean Marc Gounon William Clyde Elliott Elmer George Masten Gregory

Review: 2012 Bentley Continental GTC [w/video]

Filed under: Convertible, Bentley, Luxury

Updated Droptop Doesn't Compromise Driving Dynamics For Fresh Air And Sunshine



Few experiences equal the feeling of driving a new 2012 Bentley Continental GTC down a crowded Los Angeles highway - especially when the droptop is prismatic magenta with highly polished 21-inch wheels.

Some stare. Others glare. But most simply sneer.

The response should be expected. After all, a vehicle of this caliber is designed to broadcast to others that you have succeeded. Unfortunately, this specific boisterously purple quarter-million dollar convertible with flashy wheels takes things a bit too far: it also seems to remind passers-by that they have failed.

But let's not blame Bentley for someone's misguided selection on the color wheel. A mere 30 microns of pigment over perfectly primed aluminum, whether or not it appears related to Barney the dinosaur, isn't reason to dismiss this magnificent open-top GT.

Or is it?

Continue reading 2012 Bentley Continental GTC [w/video]

2012 Bentley Continental GTC [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sterling Burton Marlin Al Herman Bobby Grim Kyle Thomas Busch Georges Grignard

Dieter Gass to reinforce Audi Sport

AUDI Motorsport Ingolstadt, December 19, 2011 - New position: Head of Racing Commitments - Engineer is returning to Audi family - Experience from eleven years in Formula One Audi is tackling the 2012 motor sport season with an extended leadership...

Mike Hailwood Eddie Keizan Phil Hill Parker Kligerman Peter Hirt

Robert Richardson Jr. Partners with The ALS Association

R3 MotorsportsLucky Fan to Win Pit Passes to Daytona 500 in ?Drive Away ALS? Campaign CHINA GROVE, NORTH CAROLINA (January 25, 2012) ? NASCAR driver Robert Richardson Jr. and The ALS Association have partnered together to bring ALS awareness to NASCAR fans and to raise funds to fight ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), often referred to...more»

Al Keller Jeremy Allan Mayfield Casey James Mears Dan Gurney Gus Hutchison

2013 BMW X6 Gets a Refresh, High-Output M Performance Packages

As they do with celebutante Kim Kardashian, most people fail to understand the BMW X6. But while Kim is always burnishing her image, the X6 is just now receiving its first major revision, one that includes a mild face lift and some enhancements under the skin.�(Each also has a giant?er, skip that one.)� The X6′s [...]

Brian Henton Gene Hartley Jacky Ickx Peter Gethin Ukyo Katayama

NASCAR In Heels: Reality TV and NASCAR = Genius

James Christopher McMurray Alan Jones Hubert Hahne Jean Marc Gounon William Clyde Elliott

Robert Richardson Jr. Partners with The ALS Association

R3 MotorsportsLucky Fan to Win Pit Passes to Daytona 500 in ?Drive Away ALS? Campaign CHINA GROVE, NORTH CAROLINA (January 25, 2012) ? NASCAR driver Robert Richardson Jr. and The ALS Association have partnered together to bring ALS awareness to NASCAR fans and to raise funds to fight ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), often referred to...more»

Joe Kelly Christian Klien Bertrand Gachot Richie Ginther Miguel Ángel Guerra

Marussia targets second test for new car

Marussia is planning to run its 2012 car at the second pre-season test at Barcelona, with technical consultant Pat Symonds revealing it will be virtually an all-new design from last year's chassis. With Symonds having taken over the technical direction of the outfit following the departure of Nick Wirth, the team has been making the most of a tie-up with McLaren to produce a car that will deliver a good step forward

Jason Leffler Ken Kavanagh Danny Kladis Jeffrey Tyler Burton Bill Homeier

Hyundai to Supply Six-Speed Automatic Transmission for Dodge Dart

We heard, and Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik confirmed, that the Korean automaker will supply Chrysler with six-speed automatic transmissions for use in the new Dodge Dart. While it?s not uncommon for a manufacturer to source components from an outside supplier, it does seem a bit peculiar to see Chrysler and Hyundai pairing up [...]

Sam Hanks Stefan Johansson Bruce Halford Geki Ernst Klodwig

Stewart-Haas Racing Welcomes Aspen Dental

Horace Gould Jimmie Kenneth Johnson Ingo Hoffmann Olivier Grouillard Al Keller

Travis Pastrana to run full NASCAR East schedule, Nationwide debut postponed to at least April

Travis Pastrana ThumbnailTravis Pastrana has gotten back into a race car to test, and while he gets back into shape after suffering a broken ankle last year, his 2012 NASCAR schedule is still taking shape. The action sports star originally was going to run seven Nationwide Series races in 2011 and then 20 in 2012....more»

Zaxby s Chevrolet Timo Glock Copart Ford Armour Vienna Sausage Kroger Chevrolet Ralph Dale Earnhardt Sr

Joe Lhota: The MTA Needs New Tax Revenue

MTA Chairman Joe Lhota said the agency needs new tax revenue, despite his generally anti-tax politics. Image: Stephen Nessen/WNYC
The MTA needs new revenues, announced chairman Joe Lhota during a broad-ranging panel discussion at Fordham University this morning. “There’s going to be the need for broad-based tax revenue somewhere within the system over the next couple [...]

Lucas di Grassi Jim Hall Paul Hawkins Ignazio Giunti Kasey Kenneth Kahne

2012 NASCAR Sprint Media Tour Q&A with Stewart-Haas Racing?s, Stewart, Patrick, Newman, Addington, Gibson, Zipadelli and Borland

A general view of the Stewart-Haas Racing media day during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway on Jan. 23 in Concord, N.C. - Photo Credit: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCARMODERATOR:� ?From Columbus, Indiana, the three-time and reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, the co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing,...more»

François Hesnault Willi Heeks Bill Holland Jim Hurtubise Mike Harris

Rankings: Loeb set for Monte gains

Sebastien Loeb made a fitting start to his bid for a ninth World Rally crown by dominating from the front on the second day of Monte Carlo. The Frenchman had trailed Ford's Jari-Matti Latvala after the second stage of the event, only for the Finn to crash out of the rally on the final stage of day one - ending the prospect of a grandstand fight between the pair

Z Line Toyota Kenny Dale Irwin Jr José Froilán González Bruno Giacomelli Marc Gené

Jeff Gordon Wins 2011 NMPA Speedway Motorsports Spirit Award

2011 Champions Week Awards Ceremony: Jeff Gordon ? Photo Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesJeff Gordon is the recipient of the National Motorsports Press Association Speedway Motorsports Spirit Award for 2011 for his work with children?s health issues. Gordon was among four quarterly winners for the award and chosen by NMPA members as the overall winner for...more»

Billy Garrett Brian Hart Terrence Lee Labonte Brian Henton Gene Hartley

Lotus: Raikkonen showed his class

Lotus's trackside operations director Alan Permane said Kimi Raikkonen proved on his first day back in a Formula 1 cockpit that his return to grand prix racing can be a success. Raikkonen is spending two days testing a 2010 Renault at Valencia this week as he settles back into F1 after two seasons in the World Rally Championship. No times were released from today's test, and Raikkonen's pace would not be representative as he is using demonstration tyres and an older car, but Permane said his quality had shown through

Al Keller Jeremy Allan Mayfield Casey James Mears Dan Gurney Gus Hutchison

OneMain Financial Team Set to Compete for NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship in 2012

Oscar González Christian Goethals Cuth Harrison Jean Pierre Jabouille Denny Hulme

Tommy Baldwin Racing Taps Ryan Blaney to Compete in NASCAR Nationwide Series

“Blaney will run a combined NASCAR Nationwide and K&N Series schedule” Tommy Baldwin Racing Thumbnail LogoMOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 18, 2012) ? Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) signed Ryan Blaney to compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS). The 18-year-old will get behind the wheel of the No. 36 SealWrap Repair Tape Chevrolet and compete in six...more»

Olivier Grouillard Al Keller Jeremy Allan Mayfield Casey James Mears Dan Gurney

How the ?Right? to Cheap Parking Makes Streets Less Equitable

For the uninitiated, the economics of curbside parking can be a tough subject to wrap your head around. Putting a price on parking runs counter to the orthodoxy that has prevailed in many American cities for the better part of a century: more or less, that free or artificially low-priced parking is a good thing.
San [...]

Kamui Kobayashi Jo Gartner Bob Gerard Jason Leffler Ken Kavanagh

American Ethanol Announces Partnerships with Richard Childress Racing And RAB Racing with Brack Maggard

American EthanolCHARLOTTE, NC – In a nod to its commitment to the sport, American Ethanol today announced at the NASCAR Preview fan event in Charlotte, N.C., that it will continue relationships with Richard Childress Racing and RAB Racing for the 2012 season. Austin Dillon, 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion, will drive the iconic...more»

Sterling Burton Marlin Al Herman Bobby Grim Kyle Thomas Busch Georges Grignard

Loeb keeps lead on 4th day of Monte Carlo Rally (PA SportsTicker)

Sebastien Loeb kept his lead on the fourth day of the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally and Petter Solberg closed the gap on Daniel Sordo in the fight for second place on Saturday.

Jerry Hoyt Z Line Toyota Kenny Dale Irwin Jr José Froilán González Bruno Giacomelli

Richmond International Raceway Partners with Local Advertising Agency

Richmond International Raceway Celebrating 60 Years in NASCARRichmond, VA (January 20, 2012)?What better way to support the ?Buy Local? initiative than to do it yourself?� In the spirit of buying local, Richmond International Raceway president Dennis Bickmeier announced today a partnership with local advertising agency Barber Martin. A 24-year-old shop located in metro Richmond, Barber...more»

Kevin Michael Harvick Keith Greene Virgil Ernest Irvan III David Hobbs Max Jean

Lorenzo: CRT right future for MotoGP

Former MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo says he fully backs the sport's move towards lower-cost and lower-technology regulations, despite 2011 title-winner Casey Stoner saying he would consider quitting the series over it. MotoGP commercial chief Carmelo Ezpeleta has openly admitted that he sees the new Claiming Rule Teams regulation - under which lower-budget bikes with an element of production technology are permitted - as the world championship's future, prompting criticism from Stoner. But Lorenzo reckons Ezpeleta's plans are exactly what MotoGP needs.

John James Tony Gaze Nanni Galli Gimax Graham Hill

Today?s Headlines

MTA Labor Talks Break Down, Samuelsen Accuses MTA of Negotiating in Press (News,�WSJ)
Laurence Renard’s Husband Files Wrongful Death Suit Over UES Crash (Post)
Jackson Heights�Merchants to Hold Rally Against 37th Road Pedestrian Plaza (News)
Hastings-On-Hudson Joins Call for Tappan Zee Transit (NYLCV)
News: City Council Needs “The Guts to Tell The Guilty Drivers to Suck It Up” — [...]

Christian Goethals Cuth Harrison Jean Pierre Jabouille Denny Hulme Nick Heidfeld

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Tested: Looks Like Nothing Else, Drives Like A Few Somethings Else

Land Rover has been trying to bolster its sales with a small ute for a while. The first, 2002?s Freelander, was slow, unpretty, and?at a base price of less than $26,000?might have been a bit too cheap to support the cachet of its brand. In Europe, where the brand?s image still is intimately tied to [...]

Dan Gurney Gus Hutchison Kyle Busch Chris Irwin Helmuth Koinigg

Photos: Sprint Introduces 2012 Miss Sprint Cup Lineup

Sprint Introduces 2012 Miss Sprint Cup Lineup Newcomer Kristen Beat Joins Returning Members Kim Coon and Jaclyn Roney HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. ? Jan. 21, 2012 ? Thousands of fans met the 2012 Miss Sprint Cup lineup during today?s NASCAR Preview Presented by Sprint in Charlotte, N.C. Sprint announced that returning members Kim Coon (Orlando, Fla.) and [...]

Leo Kinnunen Gregory Jack Biffle Nico Hülkenberg Jesús Iglesias Ryan Joseph Newman

Subaru Announces Aha Radio Integration on Future Models; Honda, Too

Beginning with the 2013 model year, Subaru and Honda plan to integrate Aha Radio into factory head units. In case you didn?t know, Aha Radio is an iPhone app that allows you to play everything from streaming internet radio stations to Facebook feeds to traffic and news reports. An Android version of the app is [...]

Karl Kling Kurt Thomas Busch Out! Pet Care Toyota Olivier Gendebien Bruce Johnstone

David Ragan lands at Front Row Motorsports in #34 Ford

Front Row Motorsports Poised to Progress, Adds Ragan to Line-Up Cup Race Winner to Drive No. 34 Ford, Gilliland Returns to Pilot No. 38 Ford Statesville, N.C. (January 16, 2012) – Front Row Motorsports will follow up its best season in the team’s young history by bolstering its line-up for 2012, adding race winner David [...]

Jim Hall Paul Hawkins Ignazio Giunti Kasey Kenneth Kahne Piercarlo Ghinzani

Report: VW takes issue with claim that GM is world's largest automaker

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Earnings/Financials

We hope General Motors hasn't started planning that ticker-tape parade down Jefferson Avenue yet, as Volkswagen has apparently taken issue with the notion that GM might again be the world's largest automaker.

According to The Wall Street Journal, VW has said it will be adding some 200,000 units to its previously released sales total, contributions from some commercial truck manufacturers that are subsidiaries. Moreover, the WSJ has called into question GM's practice of counting the vehicles sold by two Chinese partners in which GM does not have a controlling interest. Liuzhou Wuling Motors sold 1.2 million vehicles in China last year, according to the report, which the Journal says some analysts don't count in tabulating their numbers. If those vehicles were excluded from GM's nine million vehicle sales total, it would drop behind VW.

Further controversy may cloud third place on the list, as the Nissan-Renault partnership may have passed Toyota in the rankings, according to the report. That is, if you accept the notion that Nissan and Renault are one company and that Renault's AvtoVAZ subsidiary should have its sales numbers count. Renault has a 25-percent state in the Russian company, notes the report.

Since there's little agreement about what rules should govern the accounting, until one of the top four really separates itself from the rest and pushes its total sales over 10 million vehicles, we will likely continue to see the annual global sales championship end in argument. VW, for what it's worth, seems hell-bent on becoming the undisputed largest car company, having repeatedly stated its intention to top 10 million sales.

VW takes issue with claim that GM is world's largest automaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nicolas Kiesa André Guelfi Paco Godia Billy Garrett Brian Hart

Carl Edwards decides against 2012 Nationwide schedule, headed to ESPN?

Ernst Klodwig Horace Gould Jimmie Kenneth Johnson Ingo Hoffmann Olivier Grouillard

Video: Nissan Juke-R takes on Gallardo, 458 Italia and SLS AMG in Dubai

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Videos, Crossover, Nissan, Middle East

The Nissan Juke-R found some adventurous extracurriculars to take part in while in Dubai to pace the Dunlop 24-Hour race. Nissan said it would be making a film of the Juke-R taking on other street-legal supercars in the Dubai International Marina, but that race is meant to include a Mercedes/McLaren SLR-engined Mercedes-Benz SLK.

This appears to be something different, with the Juke-R going up against a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, a Mercedes SLS AMG, and a Ferrari 458 Italia. Lucas Ordonez, the first GTAcademy winner from 2008 is reportedly behind the wheel of the Juke-R. We don't know the driving level of his competition, but we do know this: Nissan's little beastie is really, really quick. Check out the (admittedly grainy) video after the jump to have your horizons expanded.

Continue reading Nissan Juke-R takes on Gallardo, 458 Italia and SLS AMG in Dubai

Nissan Juke-R takes on Gallardo, 458 Italia and SLS AMG in Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Dale Arnold Jarrett Nicolas Kiesa André Guelfi Paco Godia Billy Garrett

New NASCAR Season Ticket Package Offers Fans Unmatched Value, Chance to Win a Toyota

Jeremy Allan Mayfield Casey James Mears Dan Gurney Gus Hutchison Kyle Busch

ALMS pays tribute to Peugeot

Peugeot's five-year stint in sportscar racing has been praised by American Le Mans Series CEO Scott Atherton following the manufacturer's shock withdrawal from the sport. The French marque announced on Wednesday that it was pulling out of prototype racing with immediate effect, leaving Audi without a full-time factory rival to take on in the new-for-2012 World Endurance Championship

Eddie Johnson Rupert Keegan Damon Hill Jimmy Jackson Kamui Kobayashi

America Israel Racing Teams with Robinson-Blakeney Racing for the Daytona 500

America Israel RacingTeam seeks to spread message of Israeli support through NASCAR CHARLOTTE, NC�(January 18, 2012) ?�North Carolina-based America Israel Racing (AIR) is partnering with a well-respected NASCAR veteran to help bring its message of Israeli support to the track on racing?s grandest stage. AIR will team with newly formed Robinson-Blakeney Racing to place a...more»

Kyle Eugene Petty Walt Hansgen Mark Anthony Martin Kevin Harvick Howden Ganley

McRae to make WRC return in Sweden

Alister McRae will return to the World Rally Championship for the first time in almost five years when he tackles Rally Sweden with Proton next month. The February 9-12 event, round two of Proton's Super 2000 WRC commitment, will be the Scot's first ordinary rally outing of the season, although he has contested the Dakar cross-country rally already this month

Willi Heeks Bill Holland Jim Hurtubise Mike Harris Gary Hocking

Hyundai: Lifetime Warranty for 2012 Sonata Hybrid Batteries; Ten-Speed Automatic Transmission in Development

Although battery replacement in hybrid vehicles has turned out to be largely a non-issue, Hyundai CEO John Krafcik looked to ease any concerns hesitant consumers may still have about pricey replacements by announcing that the 2012 Hyundai Sonata hybrid?s lithium-polymer pack will carry a lifetime warranty. According to Krafcik, ?We can afford the program because [...]

Kyle Busch Chris Irwin Helmuth Koinigg Innes Ireland Trevor Bayne

NASCAR In Heels: Playing Dress Up - Samantha Busch Style

Duncan Hamilton Robert Allen Labonte Cecil Green Jerry Hoyt Z Line Toyota

Latvala flies into Monte Carlo lead

Jari-Matti Latvala has taken a shock Monte Carlo Rally lead after a bold tyre choice for the second stage of the event. World champion and five-time Monte winner Sebastien Loeb (Citroen) had been quickest as expected on this morning's Le Moulinon to Antraigues opener, albeit by just one second ahead of the flying Dani Sordo's Mini. SS1 had seen dry asphalt, but the following Burzet to St Martial stage featured patches of snow and ice

Out! Pet Care Toyota Olivier Gendebien Bruce Johnstone Richard Allen Craven Mike Hawthorn

New NASCAR Season Ticket Package Offers Fans Unmatched Value, Chance to Win a Toyota

Joe James Emmanuel de Graffenried Toyota Kimmy Lewis Hamilton Travis Wade Kvapil

Report: Average age of car is record-setting 10.8 years old [w/poll]

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Earnings/Financials

Americans are driving their vehicles longer, as the average age of vehicles has nearly hit 11 years, according to a new study by Polk. Blame a wretched economy and more reliable modern automobiles, but cars and trucks continue to stay on the road much longer than they did 15 years ago, when the average age was just 8.4 years.

According to a report in The Detroit News, there are other reasons for the change, including a decline in the number of miles driven last year and improved resistance to rust and corrosion. Regardless of the reason for the record-setting age of our American fleet, the news has the auto industry salivating at the prospect of boom times ahead. The National Automobile Dealers Association is predicting that new vehicle sales this year will hit 13.9 million.

"The economy, unemployment are still going to be stubborn, but there's so much pent-up demand I think the industry is going to have an awesome year," Toyota President and CEO Jim Lentz told the Detroit News.

How old is your ride? We know that Autoblog readers have more cars than the average consumer, so join our poll below by answering how old your daily driver is.

View Poll

Average age of car is record-setting 10.8 years old [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chris Irwin Helmuth Koinigg Innes Ireland Trevor Bayne Kevin Paul Lepage

Hill: F1 will miss Barrichello

Damon Hill believes that Formula 1 will miss Rubens Barrichello if the Brazilian does not return to the grid after missing out on the Williams seat. Barrichello turns 40 this year and although he has always maintained his desire to continue to race in F1, with only one seat left open at HRT it is unlikely that he will be on the grid in 2012. Former rival Hill, who raced against Barrichello for seven seasons in F1, believes that he was a big part of the grand prix scene.

Yuji Ide Oscar Alfredo Gálvez Mike Hailwood Eddie Keizan Phil Hill

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Gets Big Power Upgrades, Face Lift

Given that Hyundai’s 2013 Veloster Turbo coupe-hatch will pack 201 horses, it makes perfect sense that the rear-drive Genesis coupe would get more muscle of its own. The intra-lineup pecking order must remain undisturbed, after all. Keep Reading: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe – Official Photos and Info

Phil Hill Parker Kligerman Peter Hirt Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr Denny Hamlin

Why I Love NASCAR: Danica Patrick by Chief 187?

Jacky Ickx Peter Gethin Ukyo Katayama Kazuyoshi Hoshino Lucas di Grassi

Kurt Busch running limited Nationwide Series Schedule for Phoenix Racing

Spartanburg, S.C. (January 9, 2011) – Phoenix Racing announced today that in addition to running the complete NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule with Kurt Busch, they will field the No. 1 Chevrolet in a limited amount of NASCAR Nationwide Series races (NNS), starting at Daytona with Kurt Busch. The team plans on running all major [...]

Boy Hayje Jeffrey Michael Gordon Karl Kling Kurt Thomas Busch Out! Pet Care Toyota

Official: Bruno Senna signs with Williams F1

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Formula One is no stranger to motion. But as fast as these drivers in their cars move during the regular season, it's in the off-season when things really get shaken up. Drivers change teams. Teams change names. Personnel come and go. Contracts are signed and terminated. But while most of the top drivers are staying put for the coming season, there have been a number of question marks left on the 2012 roster.

One of the last, however, has now been answered as the Williams team announces the signing of one Bruno Senna. If the name rings a bell, it well should: His late, great uncle Ayrton once famously hinted at his nephew's latent talents. However after a promising start in Formula 3 and GP2, Bruno hasn't quite been able to shine. He started out in 2010 for the backmarker Hispania Racing Team, but after failing to secure a ride for the start of the following season, was brought in by Lotus-Renault to fill in for Nick Heidfeld, who in turn was filling in for Robert Kubica.

Bruno only managed a couple of championship points last season at Lotus, which opted to pass him over in favor of Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean. Williams, however, apparently feels that Senna's got more talent than he's been able to demonstrate, so they've signed him for a one-year contract to drive for the team this coming season.

In moving in at Williams - the team at which Ayrton Senna famously died in 1994 - Bruno replaces fellow Brazilian driver Rubens Barrichello, one of the last drivers still on the grid who raced with Ayrton back in the day. Where that leaves Rubens remains to be seen, but with only a solitary seat left at HRT for next season, the elder statesman of the paddock could be looking at forced retirement.

Continue reading Bruno Senna signs with Williams F1

Bruno Senna signs with Williams F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Patrick Gaillard Masahiro Hasemi Jackie Holmes Floyd Anthony Raines Joe James

Edwards to focus solely on Cup

Carl Edwards hopes that his decision not to contest the second-tier NASCAR Nationwide Series will help his Sprint Cup campaign in 2012. Last year's Cup runner-up has traditionally raced in Nationwide as well, winning the title in the latter division in 2007, when it was still called the Busch Series, and taking eight Nationwide race victories in '11. Edwards committed to a Nationwide campaign last year before NASCAR's decision that drivers could only score points in one series per season, and feels that as it is now impossible to take a title double, he will be better off focusing solely on Cup

Out! Pet Care Toyota Olivier Gendebien Bruce Johnstone Richard Allen Craven Mike Hawthorn

Ragan signs for Front Row

David Ragan will join David Gilliland in Front Row Motorsports' line-up for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup. Ragan had driven for Roush Fenway since 2006, but was released at the end of last season - a year which had seen him score his first Cup win in the July Daytona race. "Front Row has made great progress in the last few years, and I look forward to helping them advance to the next level," said the 25-year-old.

Masahiro Hasemi Jackie Holmes Floyd Anthony Raines Joe James Emmanuel de Graffenried

Report: Chrysler boosting Wrangler production to meet heavy demand

Filed under: SUV, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Jeep, UAW/Unions

In case you hadn't noticed, sales of the Jeep Wrangler are on the rise. For those whose brains work best with hard data, Jeep sold 122,460 Wranglers in the United States in 2011, representing a 30-percent increase over 2010's results. Outside its home market, Jeep's 26,278 Wrangler sales marked a 10-percent increase.

While that's great news for the Jeep brand, it makes for a lot of headaches for those in charge of keeping dealership lots full. Says Mike Manley, CEO of Jeep:

"I'm always worried about having enough Wrangler production ... The orders are still coming in very, very strong on Wrangler, not just here in the United States, but worldwide. We're working very, very closely with the plant to try and get all the orders fulfilled."

There's only one plant in the world that builds the Jeep Wrangler, and that's in Toledo, Ohio. As you might imagine, that plant is nearly always running at full steam, currently running 20 hours per day, six days a week. In order to meet demand, a deal has just been reached between the automaker and the United Auto Workers union to increase Wrangler production by about 100 units per day.

A little basic math tells us that's five more Wranglers per hour while the production line is running. A total of 50 workers will be added to the production line, taken from nonproduction duties. The increase will be in effect by June, 2012. Future options include the addition of a potential third shift.

Chrysler boosting Wrangler production to meet heavy demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Romain Grosjean Kevin Michael Harvick Keith Greene Virgil Ernest Irvan III David Hobbs

Day Two: NASCAR Preseason Thunder At Daytona International Speedway

Trevor Bayne, driver of the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford leads a group of cars during Daytona Preseason Thunder at Daytona International Speedway on Jan. 13 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Second Day Features Adjustments To Rules Package DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 13, 2012) ? As with any test, especially one as important as 2012 Preseason...more»

Jeremy Allan Mayfield Casey James Mears Dan Gurney Gus Hutchison Kyle Busch

Jason Leffler inks Kyle Busch Motorsports Truck deal

Leffler Eyes Return to Victory Lane with Opportunity to Drive the No. 18 Dollar General Tundra MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 9, 2012)�- Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) announced today that�Jason Leffler will be the primary driver of the team’s No. 18 Tundra in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for the 2012 season. The veteran driver will [...]

William Ashton Lewis Jr Naoki Hattori Romain Grosjean Kevin Michael Harvick Keith Greene

Safety Fix for Prospect Park Entrance on the Agenda at CB 14 Tonight

Neighborhood residents who've fought for a safer intersection at Parkside and Ocean cheered DOT's plan when the agency unveiled it in December.
We have a late breaking addition to the Streetsblog calendar. Tonight the transportation committee of Brooklyn Community Board 14 will be discussing DOT’s plan to add more pedestrian space and realign the intersection of [...]

Beppe Gabbiani Johnny Herbert Tom Jones Divina Galica Oscar González

Kubica injures leg in fall in Italy

Robert Kubica has injured his leg in a fall near his home, with sources close to the Polish driver suggesting that he has reopened a fracture that he sustained in his rally accident last year. It is understood that Kubica fell over on ice in Pietrasanta, where he lives, and subsequently complained of pain in the right leg which was broken in his crash. He was driven to the local hospital for checks

Brian Henton Gene Hartley Jacky Ickx Peter Gethin Ukyo Katayama

MotoGP reveals 2012 entry list

MotoGP has announced a 21-bike entry list for 2012, with Danilo Petrucci, Ivan Silva and Yonny Hernandez confirmed as riders for the final CRT bikes.

James Hunt Fred Gamble Patrick Gaillard Masahiro Hasemi Jackie Holmes

Maserati Kubang SUV Details: Engine by Ferrari, Assembled in Detroit

Maserati used the 2012 Detroit show to reconfirm its plan to produce an SUV?something it has been considering since the original Kubang concept was shown here in 2003. The brand?s first off-roader will also use that name; it was previewed at last year?s Geneva show and brought out again in the Motor City along with [...]

Casey James Mears Dan Gurney Gus Hutchison Kyle Busch Chris Irwin

Preseason Thunder Daytona Testing Schedule on Speed

SPEED Schedule for Daytona Preseason Thunder: (All times Eastern and live unless otherwise indicated) LINK: View Streaming Options (iPhone/iPad included) Thursday, Jan. 12 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (SPEED.com) 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (SPEED) 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (SPEED encore of 3-5 p.m. session) Friday, Jan. 13 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (SPEED.com) [...]

Floyd Anthony Raines Joe James Emmanuel de Graffenried Toyota Kimmy Lewis Hamilton

Reutimann to pilot No. 92 truck for Ricky Benton Racing

Lewis Hamilton Travis Wade Kvapil Kerry Dale Earnhardt Roberto Guerrero Scott Russell Riggs

Another Year, Another David Greenfield Parking Bill

The City Council is again looking to placate scofflaw drivers. This time, Council Member David Greenfield of Brooklyn wants to limit cases in which the city can tow vehicles belonging to drivers who have racked up hundreds of dollars in unpaid parking fines. DNAinfo has the story:
Admitting the problem is the first step. Photo: Brooklyn [...]

Randy Joseph Lajoie William Ashton Lewis Jr Naoki Hattori Romain Grosjean Kevin Michael Harvick

Eurosport will cover Monte Carlo

The Automobile Club de Monaco has confirmed Eurosport will cover the Monte Carlo Rally, round one of the World Rally Championship. The ACM issued a statement explaining the decision on Thursday, stating that Eurosport will produce television and internet coverage for the event which starts from Valence on Wednesday. The statement said: "A few days before its start, the 80th Monte Carlo Rally is confronted with the non-fulfillment of the services which should have been provided by North One Sport, former promoter of the WRC.

Danny Kladis Jeffrey Tyler Burton Bill Homeier Dick Gibson Hans Klenk

Jason Leffler will drive the No. 18 Dollar General Tundra for KBM

Christian Goethals Cuth Harrison Jean Pierre Jabouille Denny Hulme Nick Heidfeld

Michael Johnson to help F1 speed up pit stops (PA SportsTicker)

By STUART CONDIE AP Sports Writer

Kevin Paul Lepage Oswald Karch Hans Herrmann Cliff Griffith Mack Hellings