Author: autoevolution

One year ago, when the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) was implemented in the Formula One Championship by the FIA, the aim of the majority drivers in the 2009 roster was to lose as many kg as possible in order to benefit from improved ballast configurations on their cars. At the time, Australian Mark Webber was totally against the idea, as he was one of the tallest (6 foot 1 – 185cm) and heaviest drivers of the field.

It all seems to have changed during the past winter though, soon afte… (read more)

Since Ford is bringing in-car technology and Internet to its customers, the carmaker also thought of a number of security features to protect the personal information of Ford owners from the threat of computer hackers and viruses.

In order to secure its mobile device-to-car connections from unwanted entry, Ford engineers developed firewalls, virus protection and password-controlled access.

"Ford Motor Company delivers highly advanced technology and entertainment platforms that, just … (read more)

US driving enthusiasts have another opportunity to improve their skills, as the AMG Driving Academy opens its gates once again. This year, there has been another level added to the experience: the Pro Level. Classes are still being carried out under the supervision of professional instructors. AMG vehicles including the new SLS AMG are available for all students.

The Academy, which was originally founded in Germany back in 2007, was launched in the US in 2009. Last year, more than 600 people … (read more)

After months and months of continuous support from Formula One executive Bernie Ecclestone, Karun Chandhok finally returned the good thoughts to the 79-year old Brit. Of course, he waited until he secured the last vacant seat in the 2010 roster before thanking the F1 boss for his support over the past few months.

During the past weekend, Ecclestone admitted his enthusiasm over getting to see Indian racer Karun Chandhok on the F1 grid for the 2010 season, while insisting that people should not… (read more)

Audi is currently working on a brand new version of the A2 range that will also include an electric configuration. Audi CEO Rupert Stadler confirmed the news and revealed that this model will join the lineup in between the A3 and the A1 recently revealed to the world at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show last week.

"There’s clearly room for another product and another concept between the A3 and A1," he was quoted as saying by Autonews.

Although there are no official details on the new A2 … (read more)

Porsche announced that it has developed a complex logistic system for optimizing the production of the Panamera saloon and the Cayenne sports utility vehicle. The new concept will be used at the carmaker’s German Leipzig plant, which already features modern production lines.

The new project uses complete planing procedures that incorporate all the parts suppliers. As a result of the efficiency program, the parts for the Panamera and Cayenne are to reach the production site just one hour befor… (read more)

As with other auto shows, the Geneva one had cars – small, big, gas guzzlers, eco-friendly etc. – and girls – caucasian, afro-american, taller, smaller, you get the picture.

Since we have already covered the automotive part of the show, this gallery only focuses on the feminine part of the industry. Well, to be completely honest, there were some booth males as well, but somehow we couldn’t convince ourselves to take some shots (maybe next year).

Before you look at the images, let us just … (read more)

After the three rounds held at the Fancourt Resort in George, South Africa, the 2010 BMW Golf Cup International World Final ended last Friday, just 97 days before the football World Cup kicks off in the same country. WInners were Mai Hayashi (Ladies), Abdul Rani Bin Abdul Malek from Malaysia (Men’s A) and Hannes Dietl (Men’s B), while the national competition was won by Malaysia.

To experience a legend like Gary Player was a wonderful way to round things off, Magnus Wiese, head of BMW Golfspo… (read more)

Tire manufacturer Kumho has found a new and ingenious way to attract Australian customers by introducing the Kumho "No Worries" Road Hazard warranty. Customers interested have to pay a small fee.

Drivers who decide to buy any of the tires in the Kumho Ultra High Performance range can opt to pay Au $3.95 for each tire and protect their investment from damage due to potholes, gutters and foreign objects on the road. If you choose the The Road Hazard warranty, than tires damaged and un… (read more)

Hummer is struggling to survive, after Tengzhong failed to acquire the brand form General Motors – the company has to be overtaken by a bidder by May 1 or GM will shut it down. However, this does not seem to keep tuners from playing with the brand’s vehicles – the German tuning firm CarFilmComponents (CFC) is presenting a Hummer H2 transformation program.

The CFC Hummer H2 comes dressed in a chrome-effect lamination and features bespoke decals. The car’s side and rear windows have received a … (read more)

General Motors and all those involved in the Opel saga worked hard to set up a plan that would bring the German carmaker back to life but up until now, officials in Opel’s natal country are yet to provide the needed financing. The reason is still unknown but voices close to the matter are suggesting that Berlin might attempt to sabotage the plan.

Why would they do that? Nobody knows for sure but it appears that Germany is yet to get over GM’s change of plans when it canceled the Opel sale to… (read more)

The PSA Peugeot Citroën announced today it has appointed Vincent Rambaud as CEO of Peugeot with effect from April 2. At the same time, the group also announced it has reorganized Peugeot’s sales into four divisions. Rambaud, who was previously Director of PSA Peugeot Citroën’s Latin American zone, will report to Jean-Marc Gales, PSA Marques Director.

The 51-year-old joined the PSA Peugeot Citroën group in 2002, where he held management positions at Panhard & Levassor then Gefco. In 2007, he … (read more)

Jaguar has just launched the Jaguar Academy of Sport, which aims to celebrate, recognize and inspire the very best of British sporting talents. The Academy will have a Bursary Fund meant to supports the new athletes, which will be celebrated during an annual award ceremony.

The launch was planned by Influence, the marketing, PR and communications and digital group which created and managed the Jaguar Academy of Sport for the British car manufacturer. The reception took place at the Berkeley H… (read more)

India’s Mahindra & Mahindra, also known as the largest utility vehicle and tractor maker, is going to debut in the United States sometime this year, company officials confirmed, but the official date for this to happen will be announced in two to three weeks.

Company representatives emphasized the importance of the US launch for the global strategy and explained to Reuters that the debut has been delayed a little bit due to efforts to meet local safety and emission regulations.

"The p… (read more)

We have already learned that Opel is working on a minicar that would join the range below the Corsa and, according to inside information, it is expected to be presented in the next 24 months. The guys over at Opel are naming the future project an "iPod on wheels" (whatever that means), it will be a trendsetter in its segment, as Autonews reports.

"Internally, we call it an ‘iPod on wheels.’ That is what we are working on at the moment," Opel sales and marketing chief Alain… (read more)

The X-PRIZE is an eco competition that is aimed at finding the greenest cars in the world, and UK based Delta Motorsport has entered the E-4 Coupe in the competition – this is the only British company and the only European contender in the project.

The competition benefits from a $10 million prize fund courtesy of Progressive Insurance, an U.S. insurance company. To be eligible for the contest, vehicles must be developed for mass production, offer a range of at least 200 miles per charge a… (read more)

Streambank, an advisory firm specializing in the sale of intangible assets, finally revealed bid deadline and auction date for the American IronHorse Motorcycles properties. According to the company, bids may be entered until 5:00 p.m. EDT, Friday, March 19.

The auction will start on Tuesday, March 23, at 11:00 a.m. EDT, at the law offices of Greenberg Traurig in New York City. However, qualified bidders may participate in the auction by phone.

The assets for sale feature all trademarks, … (read more)

Mercedes-Benz has just announced that it signed a contract with the Brazilian bank Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Económico e Social (BNDES) for a loan in the amount of R$ 1.2 billion (roughly €460 million). Brazil is the German manufacturer’s biggest commercial vehicle market.

At its São Bernardo do Campo plant near São Paulo, Mercedes-Benz builds trucks, bus chassis, engines, transmissions, and axles. The loan will be used to expand its production at 75,000 units per year, which cor… (read more)

Just as you know, Porsche presented the new Cayenne right before the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, the first venue that witnessed the introduction of the refreshed model. At this time, the German manufacturer prepares the international debut of the car, with some countries to get it in the next few months. In Romania for instance, the official launch is scheduled for May 8, with sales to begin soon after.

A brochure sent to us by one of our readers, which by the way seems to be official, states that… (read more)

Sebastian Vettel’s new car for the 2010 Formula One championship will be called ‘Luscious Liz according to a report issued by the GMM news agency. This will be the second time the 22-year old German driver will change the name of his F1 challenger, after previously driving Kate’s Dirty Sister to runner-up spot in the 2009 drivers’ classification.

The name belonged to the team’s 2009 single-seater, the RB5, as the team piggybacked on the name of their previous car, the RB4 – named Kate. Since … (read more)