Author: autoevolution

The Indian market is seen as a great opportunity for most automakers who are looking to boost their revenues. After announcing that it will debut several new cars within 18-24 months and a full range in a 48-month timeframe in India, Renault is trying to go even further by establishing its very own distribution network in the country.

During the recent New Delhi AutoExpo we had announced our roadmap for introducing several cars from our international portfolio in the Indian market. Today we w… (read more)

Toyota’s recall seems to be getting larger by the day, as the company announced it will have to change the ABS software for the Prius and the Lexus HS 250h. Ironically, the only brand owned by Toyota and not affected by the recalls is the budget brand Scion.

So if you still want something close to the driving experience offered by a Toyota, try a Scion, especially as the company announced today the pricing for its latest limited-production vehicle, the 2010 tC Release Series 6.0 (tC RS 6.0).
… (read more)

American manufacturer Ford revealed yesterday the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 (available in both convertible and coupe versions), powered by a new and more powerful aluminum engine, which makes it lighter and offers better handling and improved fuel economy. The aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine is capable of developing 550 hp and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, a 10 hp increase compared to the 2010 model.

As said, the engine is much lighter, namely weighs 102 pounds less than its predecesso… (read more)

Jean Todt may have been the one chosen by Max Mosley to succeed him at the helm of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), but the Frenchman has no plans to stay in that position longer than 2013. Meaning he only wants to be president of the ruling body for one term, after which he’ll leave it to others to rule the world of motor racing.

I will stay for only one office (term), it’s crazy to think Mosley was there for 16 years. I have other things I want to do and life is too short, adm… (read more)

Three new powerplants will find their way under the hood of the 2011 Ford Mustang, with the promise of a total output of 1,267 horsepower. Taken one by one, the 2011 Mustang coupe and convertible will get a new 3.7l V6 engine, the Mustang GT will be implanted an all-new 5.0l, 32-valve V8 with Ti-VCT, while the Shelby GT500 will receive a 5.4l supercharged V8.

These three new engines represent a quantum leap in rounding out a world-class Mustang powertrain portfolio, Derrick Kuzak, group vice … (read more)

Hollywood seems to plan the launch of a big production focused on the world of Formula One. While there were some movies in the past that followed the lives of some former champions of the sport – maybe not movies, but more like documentaries – this one will reportedly look at the whole picture of F1 racing, from its very beginning and until the current era.

According to a report from the GMM news agency, no less than 3 studios are currently involved in the project, whose aim is to span the h… (read more)

Opel/Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly will hold a press conference today at 11 o’clock CET to announce his new plans for the German brand and its British sister Vauxhall. Entitled "Plan for the Future", the announcement is expected to reveal the way the new board of the company plans to act to bring both Opel and Vauxhall among the top players of the industry and thus survive without having to sell them to an outside investor.

Reilly will be joined by Reinald Hoben, Vice President, Manufact… (read more)

German carmaker Volkswagen recently partnered with Maxim magazine in order to bring their contribution to the Haiti relief efforts, by auctioning off a celebrity autographed 2010 GTI hood on eBay. During the 2010 Maxim Party, held the past weekend in Miami, Volkswagen collected more than 50 celebrity signatures, including Kevin Connolly of ‘Entourage’ and Kellan Lutz from ‘Twilight’.

Other celebrities that placed their signature on the 2010 GTI hood include Katie Cassidy ("Me… (read more)

Nelson Piquet Jr. will make his NASCAR debut this weekend, during the season opening round of the Camping World Truck Series at Daytona International Speedway. Following his preparation round last weekend in the ARCA race (also held at the Daytona oval), the Brazilian driver was confirmed by Red Horse Racing for the #1 Toyota Tundra.

Piquet tested for the aforementioned team a couple of times since November last year, while also doing some stock outings in his native Brazil over the winter. L… (read more)

As it usually happens, all the rumors an voices claiming Japanese carmaker Toyota will recall both the Prius and Lexus HS hybrids turned out to be true, following yesterday’s official announcement of the voluntary recall. According to Toyota, 133,000 2010 model year Prius and 14,500 Lexus 2010 HS 250h need an update on the anti-lock brake system (ABS).

Toyota’s findings so far indicate the ABS, in normal operation, engages and disengages rapidly (many times per second) as the control system s… (read more)

Renault has just announced the introduction of two new limited edition in France, new Scenic Alyum and new Grand Scenic Alyum, both of which are based on the existing Dynamique trim level but also come with a number of special features.

Equipment highlights include 17-inch Schuss aluminium alloy wheels, a Premium Pack (panoramic opening electric sunroof, extra-tinted rear glass), a sliding central stowage unit and 3D Sound by Arkamys audio with MP3 playback and Bluetooth and digital Plug & Mu… (read more)

American carmaker Chrysler announced it will present the company’s available infotainment features on the 2010 Connected Dodge Grand Caravan at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. Features include advanced voice recognition controls, mobile TV through FLO TV, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, SIRIUS Backseat TV and Uconnect Web.

"The ‘Connected’ Dodge Grand Caravan is not a concept or a prototype; every feature highlighted in the vehicle is available for order today," said Ralph Gilles, President and… (read more)

Ford Motor Company is lending a "media hand" to the African Americans serving the U.S.’s military interests by bringing their untold story to the public’s attention.

This is a part of the company’s partnership with the PBS television network which has the aim to air the documentary called "For Love of Liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots." The film will be presented on PBS stations across America during the month of February, with a special appearance on PBS due… (read more)

The Ram Brand Truck will renew its monster truck racing collaboration with Hall Brothers Racing. Thus the company is continuing a marketing exercise started in 2002 with the birth of the Ram-based Raminator monster truck and, at the same time, refueling the one of the tanks that keep the enthusiasts’ fire burning.

"More than a million people attend monster truck events each year, and audience demographics match the consumers who buy pickup trucks," said Fred Diaz, President and Chie… (read more)

Dodge has introduced an innovative body modification contest: The Super Beard asks participants to grow a beard and post it on their Facebook profile.

The contest started on Sunday, February 7 on the Dodge Car Brand Facebook page, but don’t worry, you still have time to grow and upload your own beard, as it lasts until March 21.

"Super Beard is a unique and fun way to connect with potential and existing Dodge Car Brand customers through social media outlets like Facebook," said … (read more)

Back in November, GM announced its plans to move 1,500 employees from its Detroit headquarters. That was terrible news for the city, so it decided to make a deal with GM and offer important tax breaks to convince the car manufacturer to stay, says automobilesmag.com.

"It came down purely to a business decision," said Tom Wilkinson, a GM spokesman. "The move was going to cost tens of millions of dollars and the decision was made that right now the best thing to do was spend that… (read more)

Italian Matteo Baiocco was recently confirmed by the Pedercini Kawasaki team for the 2010 World Superbike championship alongside his already signed team-mate Roger Lee Hayden. Baiocco debuted in the WSBK last year with the PSG1 Kawasaki team but ended the season with Guandalini Ducati.

I’m very happy for the opportunity that has been given to me by the Pedercini family. I’m really excited about next season, the 26-year-old rider said in a release. After a very difficult 2009 season now I have… (read more)

The Toyota-related Pontiac Vibe recall is almost nearing its conclusion, after American manufacturer GM announced today it has begun shipping repair parts to dealers, with letters to be mailed to customers starting February 16. Repairs are scheduled to begin startingwith February 26, GM says in a release.

"Repair parts for the sticking accelerator pedal condition in the Pontiac Vibe will begin being shipped to General Motors dealers this week (Feb. 8). Letters to Vibe customers will be … (read more)

As London taxes are getting higher and higher, Eco City Vehicles PLC, a developer and supplier of eco-friendly commercial vehicles offers a solution: the company launched an all electric prototype of the London-licensed Mercedes Vito taxi.

The car is called Mercedes Electric eVito Taxi and is powered by an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, therefore it has zero-emissions. The vehicles was developed by a consortium of high-technology engineering companies including Penso, Mercedes Benz… (read more)

The 2010 Chicago Auto Show will see Jeep bringing back the Camp Jeep, a challenging indoor off-road driving experience.

A 25,000 square foot exhibit within the show will serve as a testing ground for members of the public who are willing to test on- and off-road capabilities of the Jeep vehicles.

"We have created this unique auto show opportunity to provide our customers with a memorable experience that no other manufacturer can offer," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep… (read more)