Dual-clutch transmissions are becoming increasingly popular offerings by all automakers in the search to save every drop of fuel. But the auto-boxes have another benefit: not only do they shift faster than a traditional slushbox, they easily out-match your best manual-transmission heel-toe efforts. Combine those two qualities and you’ve got a solution that will please...
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Honda has announced it will recall 2,800 of its new Odyssey minivans to replace the windows on both front doors. The recall affects only 2011 model year versions of the Odyssey due to glass that can become detached from the mechanism that moves it, causing it to become stuck either open or closed. No injuries...
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After Mazda announced last week that it would halt orders on U.S. deliveries of all Japan-made cars, Honda has now decided to follow a similar action. Informing dealers that they can no longer order Japan-build cars, retailers will be forced to move only what is on their lot until the Japanese supply chain can be...
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With an all new design direction that’s drawing lookers, Kia is set to branch out and explore some niche market vehicles in a bid to build up its reputation as a fun, youthful brand. A rumored roadster is in the works, but there’s still no word on a Genesis Coupe rival and now come reports...
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Destined for dealers some time in 2012, the Audi S8 could debut as early as the Frankfurt Auto Show this Fall. Along with what will no doubt be the largest grille ever fitted to a production car, the S8 will be powered by the company’s new turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine making an impressive 520-hp. Past...
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Mercedes has announced a total of six debuts at the upcoming New York Auto Show, two of which will be world premiers. The first of those two has already been revealed as the C63 AMG Coupe, while the second is still unknown. Mercedes has, however, said the car will be from its high-performance AMG division,...
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Usually when it comes to high-performance vehicles the discussion almost always has to deal with the car’s engine. Not so with the upcoming 2012 BMW M5. With a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 all but confirmed, the interwebs has been all atwitter about what transmissions will be offered. Assumed to be a dual-clutch unit all along, then...
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Following an increasingly popular trend, Chevy will look to build its next-generation Equinox compact crossover on a global platform. Set to be based on the next-gen Chevy Cruze architecture, the Equinox is slated to be smaller and lighter than the current model. Along with more efficient engines, automakers are working to reduce weight from vehicles...
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New details have slipped out about Porsche‘s upcoming limited edition version of the GT3 RS – including the fact that this will be the last 997 model released. That being said, it will be a fitting send-off for an incredible performance machine. The car will not, as previously reported, get 500-hp, but a slightly less...
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Rumored to be in the production pipeline since 2009, Kia will reportedly move ahead with plans to introduce a flagship K9 sedan. The K9 (following Kia’s Korean numbering scheme) will be based on the same chassis as the Genesis sedan from parent company Hyundai. That being said, it will be a true rear-wheel drive machine,...
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After unveiling the FT-86 II Concept at the Geneva Auto Show at the start of the month, Toyota has just released an extensive selection of photos, and even a video, from a “behind the scenes” photo shoot with the car. The photos give a better look at the rear-drive sports car, with the usually poor...
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Rumors of a partnership between Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz surfaced quite some time ago, but according to a new report a deal between has been stuck between the two luxury marques – one that will benefit plans both firms have for their boutique luxury brands. The terms of the tie-up will see Aston Martin get...
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Kia is currently investigating a plan to bring a small two-seat roadster model to market to help set the tone for the brand. The car has even been called Kia’s MX-5 by company execs, including European CEO Paul Philpott. According to Philpott 2011 and 2012 are all about setting a new foundation for the brand...
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Porsche is considering a plan to develop yet another new model, but this time it’s actually a sports car. While the company know for building such machines has spent a lot of time, effort and R&D developing sedans and SUVs as of late, Porsche chief Mathias Muller has confirmed plans for a car that would...
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From Europe to Japan it seems like everyone gets better versions of cars than we do here in North America. Whether it’s a higher-performance Subaru WRX STI, a V-Spec GT-R or a Mercedes SL65 Black Series that weights 200-lbs less than ours because of carbon-fiber seats that don’t meet our safety regulations. But now, if...
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After Nissan announced last Fall that it had shaved over two seconds a lap off its Nurburgring lap time, video of the run has now found its way onto the net. The added power (530-hp in total), as well as numerous upgrades for the 2012 model allowed Nissan to shave 2.48 seconds off the previous...
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With the launch of a microsite dedicated to the new Aventador LP700-4, Lamborghini is eager to point out just how well-received its new supercar is. With an initial claim that the first year was already sold out, CEO Stephan Winkelmann has now stated that, “Interest in the Aventador has been unprecedented and we have orders...
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Ford has just released a new sport appearance package for the 2012 Fiesta, adding some exterior goodies and perhaps even a slight improvement in acceleration. The package comes complete with black mirrors and a black grille surrounds, as well as a rear roof spoiler and some 16-inch wheels. As for the improvement in speed, well,...
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Scott Burgess’ story of journalistic integrity has come to a satisfying conclusion with The Detroit News auto critic returning to his position at the paper after a tumultuous week. Burgess resigned his position a week ago when the paper bowed to threats by an advertiser and subsequently edited some of the writers work in its...
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Despite reports to the contrary, the team at Car & Driver are reporting Chevrolet has no plans to introduce a Cruze SS model. But that doesn’t mean a more powerful version isn’t in the cards. Wait? So wouldn’t a more potent Cruze be a Cruze SS, you’re asking? Not exactly. Rather than a sport-compact-style machine,...
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Known for pulling wild stunts behind the wheel of his Ford Fiesta rally car, Ken Block had zero intention of rolling the high-powered machine five times. But that’s just what happened during a shakedown of the car ahead of the Rally of Portugal event this weekend. Block, and co-pilot Alex Gelsomino were both admitted to...
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Chevy’s had some entertaining commercials as of late, from a memorable Super Bowl spot for the new Camaro this year, to last year’s ‘America still builds rockets‘ Corvette ad. Well, the boys at Chevy’s marketing agency quietly introduced a new ad for the ‘Vette over the weekend during the 12 Hours of Sebring race. In...
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With the success of Porsche‘s Panamera sedan, it’s little surprise that the automaker is now looking to introduce yet another 4-door model. With the Panamera sitting at the top of the range, the new model, code named the Pajun, will be a more affordable sedan, competing in the same realm as the BMW 5 Series...
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Mercedes is currently in the process of introducing a mid-cycle update to its C-Class range with a lineup of new engines, but the next-generation of the car will get even more dramatic changes under the hood. According to a recent report, almost all C-Class models are set to go hybrid, with Mercedes using an electrification...
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