August 2011

New-generation 2012 Toyota Yaris larger, but with carryover engine, transmission

(August 18, 2011) LOS ANGELES — The all-new 2012 Toyota Yaris Liftback arrives this fall with upgraded styling, more safety features and improved fuel economy.

“There is a lot of excitement in the subcompact category today, but the all-new 2012 Toyota Yaris is at the top of the list when it comes to combining value and fuel efficiency with style and fun,” said Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter.

Audi to show urban concept EV at Frankfurt

(August 17, 2011) Audi is again probing new horizons: the Audi urban concept is a 1+1-seat, ultra-light car for congested urban spaces. The technical study to be debuted September 13 at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt does not fit under conventional categories – the Audi urban concept combines elements of a racing car, a fun car and an urban car into one radical new concept. In addition to a Sportback model, Audi is also presenting a Spyder variant.

Jaguar reveals sketch of C-X16 concept to be shown in Frankfurt

(August 17, 2011) MAHWAH, N.J. — The Jaguar C-X16 production concept will make its global debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on Sept. 13.

Designed by the same team that produced the Jaguar XJ, XF and XK, headed by Jaguar's Design Director Ian Callum, the C-X16 concept is a precursor to future Jaguar sports cars that will aim to set new class benchmarks in design, vehicle dynamics and technology.

Ford's sales fall 4.4 percent in traditional European markets

(August 17, 2011) COLOGNE, Germany — Ford of Europe said sales in its traditional 19 markets fell 4.4 per cent to 93,700 in July as overall market demand weakened even as the company continued to see strong sales for its new Focus and C-MAX.

In all 51 of its European markets, Ford sales fell 0.9 per cent to 118,300 in July. For the first seven months of the year, Ford sales in those markets totaled 953,800, up 1.3 per cent, boosted by sales gains in Germany, Russia and Turkey.

Consumers get in driver's seat in EcoBoost Challenge

(August 17, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — The 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost has survived a series of torture tests — racing in the Baja 1000 and towing a maximum 11,300 pounds at high speeds around a NASCAR track for 24 hours straight — and this month, eight truck fans will put the truck to the test in their own communities.

Sirius XM radio to broadcast legendary music station BBC Radio 1

(August 16, 2011) NEW YORK (PRNewswire) — Sirius XM Radio announced today that legendary music station BBC Radio 1 will be available to its listeners on SiriusXM Internet Radio beginning Friday at 5 pm ET as part of a new multi-platform agreement with the BBC that brings subscribers additional concert performances from the BBC vault.

Historic Jaguar racers to gather at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

(August 16, 2011) MONTEREY, Calif. — As part of a weekend-long celebration of its high performance past, present and future, Jaguar Cars will be the featured Marque at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, one of the world's greatest heritage racing events, this weekend, Friday, Aug. 19 through Sunday, Aug. 21.

Chevrolet to display two concept vehicles in Frankfurt

(August 16, 2011) Over the course of its 100-year history, Chevrolet has created and refined an array of beautiful car designs. Some of these have moved on to become true road legends, such as the Belair, the Suburban, the Corvette, or the Camaro.

2008 Mazda CX-9 investigated for brake problem

(August 16, 2011) The  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it is investigating a number of reports over brake problems with model year 2008 Mazda CX-9 crossover vehicles.

The agency says Mazda has sent data to its Office of Defects Investigation indicating a high frequency of warranty claims and complaints regarding the brakes with vehicles’ brakes during the period from the first quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2010.

Bluebird Electric fails in attempt to set new land speed record

(August 15, 2011) Since 1924 the Campbell family has used the Pendine sand in Carmarthenshire, Wales, as the home for their Bluebird Electric record attempts. During the weekend of Aug. 13-14, Don Wales, grandson of the celebrated Malcolm Campbell and nephew of Donald Campbell, and his son Joseph returned to the iconic seven-mile stretch of beach in an attempt to add another entry to the history books.