by Auto News on February 22, 2012
The highly-anticipated 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1, which arrives this spring, will come with a faster gear shift response time in manual mode.
General Motors announced that its improved TapShift technology will please car enthusiasts as it combines the thrill and satisfaction of stick-shift driving with the ease of an automatic transmission. The technology was originally introduced to allow drivers the control of up- and down-shifts with paddle shifters. But the TapShift technology is now back and better than ever for 2012. This year, GM engineers used a new software algorithm that allows for 60 percent improved Read More…
by Auto News on February 22, 2012
General Motors and French car manufacturer PSA Peugeot Citroen are in talks to form an alliance, according to sources from Reuters.
The alliance will be focused on sharing vehicles and parts, which will help reduce production costs on both sides. Trading company stakes is not currently a part of the discussions.
Word of the strategic partnership comes after a difficult year for both GM and Peugeot Citroen in the European market. GM recently reported a $747 million loss in the region during 2011, and the company has loss $15.6 billion there since 1999. Analysts predict that GM will likely have Read More…
by Auto News on February 22, 2012
Lucky visitors to the Geneva Motor Show next month will catch the first glimpse of the new 2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport, which receives cosmetic changes and a boost in performance from the previous model.
The all-new Maserati GranTurismo Sport is the new edition to the lineup, replacing the GranTurismo S model. The new Sport comes equipped with a muscular 4.7-liter V8 engine, pumping out 27 more horsepower than its predecessor. It provides even more power than the premium, top-of-the-line GranTurismo MC. The 2013 GranTurismo Sport is now capable of 460 horsepower and can zoom to 62 mph in under five seconds. Details on whether the latest GranTurismo will continue with the six-speed automated manual have not yet been released.
The GranTurismo Sport will receive a new front fascia with larger air apertures on each side for better cooling of the brakes and engine. Also framing the front of the car are new LED daytime running lamps. The rear of the GranTurismo Sport gets Read More…
by Auto News on February 22, 2012
Nevada has become the first state to approve legislation authorizing the use of self-driving vehicles on its roads. Now that the law is finalized, the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles is working on licensing procedures for companies that want to test drive the cars throughout the state.
Each self-driving vehicle on the road for testing will receive a special red license plate, said the Nevada DMV in a recent press release. As the technology advances and is ready for use by the general public, autonomous vehicles will be distinguished by special green license plates.
Not long ago, self-driving vehicle technology was placed alongside other ridiculous concepts like hover cars and personal robots. But the widespread use of autonomous vehicles may become a reality in the near future. The self-driving cars could arrive as Read More…
by Auto News on February 21, 2012
Nissan is recalling 976 Altima and Versa cars from the 2012 model year due to potential air bag problems.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the side curtain air bags in the vehicles may not inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. The propellant mixture used to inflate the air bags may not be enough to allow them to work properly.
Nissan will notify owners of the affected vehicles. Dealers will replace the faulty air bag modules free of Read More…
