August 2011

Saab may apply for court protection from creditors

(August 26, 2011) Swedish carmaker Saab, owned by Dutch group Swedish Automobile NV, is to apply for court protection from its creditors, public radio quoted sources as saying today, the Reuters news service reported.

Saab has struggled to raise funds, pay wages and settle supplier bills since it was rescued from bankruptcy last year by Swedish Automobile. Its existence has been precarious since General Motors prepared to shut it down as part of its restructuring in 2009.

100-millionth Chevy Small Block to be built in 2011

(August 25, 2011) DETROIT — The 100-millionth Chevy Small Block engine will be produced in 2011, commemorating a defining chapter in Chevrolet’s 100-year history. Introduced in 1955, the   “Chevy V-8” transformed the brand, and fueled American’s love of performance that continues today.

GM brags — New Buick Verano quieter than a Lexus IS 250

(August 24, 2011) DETROIT — The all-new 2012 Buick Verano luxury sedan, which goes on sale later this year, is expected to deliver one of the quietest driving experiences in the industry — better than key competitors Lexus IS 250 and Acura TSX.

Buick noise and vibration engineers fine-tuned Verano to the highest standard of quietness by replicating the hushed interior of another luxury sedan — the Buick LaCrosse.

Racing go karts not just for amusement parks anymore

(August 24, 2011) GAINESVILLE, Fla. (PRNewswire) — There's more to racing go karts than a short spurt around an arcade track every now and then. It's gaining speed as one of the most up and coming sports for children, teenagers and even adults.

More than 80,000 people between the ages of 22 and 35 are actively involved in the karting industry, according to the industry publication National Kart News, and there are no signs of it slowing.

Porsche to unveil all-new 2012 Carrera in Frankfurt

(August 24, 2011) ATLANTA (PRNewswire) — At 48, the Porsche 911 Carrera is younger than ever. The completely redesigned seventh-generation sports car icon is stepping into the limelight with a sleek and stretched silhouette, exciting contours and precisely designed features.

Yet from every angle it is unmistakably a 911, holding true to the Porsche 911 Carrera "evolution, not revolution" design philosophy.

Edsel Ford's restored 1934 roadster makes grand appearance

(August 24, 2011) PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — It has grace, style and a 77-year history shrouded in mystery that has intrigued automotive collectors, enthusiasts and writers worldwide. Edsel Ford’s restored 1934 Model 40 Special Speedster was unveiled last week by Lincoln and the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House at The Lodge, Pebble Beach in Monterey County, Calif.

It appeared again on Sunday at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Restored to its timeless elegance, Edsel’s personal roadster shared its story of a decades-long journey.

Toyota introduces 2012 Camry

 
(August 23, 2011) GEORGETOWN, Ky. —  It is almost impossible to measure the importance of the new Camry to Toyota, especially now as the company struggles to regain its footing after various safety issues, real and perceived, and the horrific events of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan last March.
 
Historically the Camry has been the bestselling car (not including pickup trucks) in the U.S. in 13 of the last 14 years, and is on pace for the top spot again in 2011. Additionally Camry accounted for 22 percent of all Toyotas sold in the U.S. in 2010.

Cadillac collectors convene at Pebble Beach

(August 23, 2011) DETROIT — Only the most historically significant and finest examples of automotive artistry make their way to the famed 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links. Two long-time Cadillac collectors from California completed that journey last weekend, displaying their vintage convertibles alongside the Cadillac Ciel design concept.

No inflation at Subaru — starting price of 2012 Impreza remains the same

(August 23, 2011) CHERRY HILL, N.J. (PRNewswire) — Subaru has announced pricing for the 2012 Impreza. The price remains the same as 2011 at  $17,495 for the base model 4-door Impreza 2.0i with a five-speed manual transmission.

The automatic version, offered exclusively with Subaru's newly designed continuously variable transmission (CVT) starts at $18,495. The base 5-door Impreza 2.0i starts at $17,995 when equipped with a five-speed transmission and $18,995 for the CVT-equipped model.

Volkswagen to unveil production model of Up! in Frankfurt

(August 23, 2011) The first photos of the Volkswagen Up! have been released, ahead of the new small car making its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.
The tiny city car is set to go on sale in Europe in December.

VW offered no indication of how the Up! would be priced, nor any hint of whether it might come to the United States.