Kia's compact cee'd hatchback will be getting a new automatic start-stop system starting this spring in Europe. The system which switches off the engine when the car comes to a stop and restarts it when the clutch pedal is pressed down should give…

Renault looks set to be the next automaker to bail out of Formula 1, and it appears that there are two serious bidders in line to take over the operation. Renault will hold a special board meeting this week to decide on the racing team's fate, and it…

Volkswagen E-Up! Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
As Volkswagen looks to move forward with plans to build electric cars like the e-up! in the next several years, it apparently doesn't want to restrict itself to a single battery…

Sometime in early 2008, about when it became clear that Honda was planning to price its then upcoming Insight hybrid very aggressively, rumors began to circulate that following the release of the redesigned third-gen Prius, Toyota might continue…

Vauxhall VX220 in a La Jolla garage – Click above for high-res image gallery
If you spend any time hanging out in the same areas frequented by the affluent, you'll inevitably stumble across plenty of exotic motorized conveyances. Beverly Hills,…

The innovative DIESOTTO concept developed by Mercedes‑Benz has won its first major international award. In recognition of this forward-looking drive system, the well-known UK magazine Autocar presented its prestigious “Safety and Technology Award” to…

The current credit crisis could be playing further havoc with Chrysler's future powertrain product plans. In the first half of 2007, Chrysler announced investment plans to build two new engine plants and a transmission plant for 2010 model cars. The…

In a stunning statement of the obvious, Chrysler Co-president Jim Press told Automotive News (subs req'd) that “The Hemi is not the power-train of the future.” Given rising fuel prices and new fuel economy requirements, the days of the legendary HEMI…

A second vote today in the US Senate on the new energy bill came up one vote shy of the sixty needed to end debate. Republicans opposed to $21.8 billion in tax increases have filibustered the legislation since it was first passed by the House of…

The first of a fleet of 100 battery-powered Smart ForTwos that will be field tested in England over the next couple of years has been delivered. The Coventry City Council took delivery of the electric Smart on Dec. 21. The car will be used in the…