May 2011

Stable even without gullwings

(May 8, 2011) MONTVALE, N.J. —  The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster is undergoing endurance testing as its premiere nears for the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, according to Mercedes-Benz. The roadster, minus the soaring gullwing doors found on the coupe, should arrive on North American shores late this year as a 2012 model.

Breathing right helps Chevrolets get more from less

(May 8, 2011) PONTIAC, Mich. — Athletes understand that proper breathing is critical to maintaining peak performance under all conditions and so do Chevrolet powertrain engineers. Getting air in and exhaust gases out of the combustion chamber under all speeds and driving conditions is essential to outstanding drivability and fuel efficiency with low emissions.

The story of the Spirit of Ecstasy told in exhibition

(May 7, 2011) This year the famous Rolls-Royce mascot, the Spirit of Ecstasy, marks its 100th anniversary. To celebrate this icon of motoring history, and its connections with the Montagu family, a new exhibition was unveiled on May 5 in the family home of Palace House located in the South of England.

Telling the intriguing story behind the mascot’s creation, this exhibition explores the connections between motoring pioneer, John Montagu, his friend, the British artist and sculptor, Charles Sykes, and John’s London-based secretary and mistress, Eleanor Thornton.

When it comes to hybrids and electrics, Toyota is top choice in Europe

(May 7, 2011) When it comes to thinking about who to turn to when it comes to buying a hybrid or electric vehicle, Toyota is the top choice in Europe.

That’s one of the key findings of an independent European consumer study into how ready and willing motorists are to change to hybrid.

Nissan's Japanese factories gearing up for full production

(May 7, 2011) At Nissan factories across Japan, production is increasing as the automaker and country continue to recover. After the tragic events of March 11, Nissan's car output in Japan fell 52.4 percent and its exports fell 12.5 percent, although all factories are now back on line.

GM's China sales down in April, but up for year

(April 6, 2011) SHANGHAI — General Motors and its joint ventures sold 203,367 vehicles in China in April. It was the third time in 2011 that GM’s monthly sales in the world’s largest vehicle market have exceeded 200,000 units.

But April sales were down 4.6 percent from April 2010, after the government scrapped some tax incentives in the world's largest auto market this year.

Maserati gets another starring role

(May 6, 2011) Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper choose the Maserati GranTurismo for their latest movie thriller "Limitless," now being filmed.

The film tells the tale of a "magic" pill that is able to enhance the powers of the mind and in addition to De Niro and Cooper, co-starring is a Maserati GranTurismo in Grigio Granito with Avorio interiors.

Ford increases market share in UK

(May 6, 2011) BRENTWOOD, Essex — Strong sales of Ford's total vehicle range boosted its UK sales leadership in April with increased market share compared with April 2010. The Ford Fiesta was first in car sales while the Ford Transit continued its reign as the best-selling commercial vehicle.

330-horsepower Cayman S Black Edition limited to 500 units worldwide

(May 6, 2011) ATLANTA  — Following on the heels of the recently announced 911 and Boxster S Black Editions, Porsche introduces a new, sporty and limited edition Cayman S arriving late this summer. The 2012 Cayman S Black Edition features a 10-horsepower boost to 330 and a long list of standard equipment.

Quantum previews plug-in hybrid Ford F-150 pickup

(May 6, 2011) IRVINE, Calif. (PRNewswire) — Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide today announced that it has developed a new plug-in hybrid version of the highest volume selling vehicle in America, the Ford F150 pickup, and will be providing them directly to fleet customers.