2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe Introduced at Chicago Auto Show

The Chicago Auto Show has many surprises this year including a new 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe to compete with other Asian compact coupes on the market. It doesn’t take much brain power to realize that Hyundai has taken aim on rivals such as the Honda Civic Coupe when you look at the design of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe alone.

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2013 Nissan 370Z Previewed Before Chicago Auto Show w/ Video

The Nissan Z has been a thriving Japanese 2-seater sports coupe for many years. The latest 370Z, over the course of its generation, has received subtle styling updates making it better and better. For 2013, the Nissan 370Z receives a refreshed front fascia taking it back to somewhat of the 350Z’s style only integrating daytime running LED lights and a few more curves. Together, the new front-end design is welcomed aspect of the 2013 model especially since the 370Z’s outgoing front bumper with its fangs was not well received by some enthusiasts.

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Fisker Lays Off Workers, Attempts To Renegotiate DoE Loans

Extended-range-electric-luxury-sedan builder Fisker appears to have hit a speed bump on the road to success. Faced with back-to-back recalls on its Karma sedan and running short of funding, the start-up automaker was forced to lay off employees and contractors in both California and Delaware. Fisker would also like to renegotiate the terms of loans from the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), in order to access additional funding previously committed. Read more…

Ferrari F1 Stars Alonso And Massa Drive Jeeps?

Formula One drivers aren’t like you and I. They live in nicer houses, have bigger bank accounts and sometimes have garages filled with lustworthy cars. Jenson Button, for example, used to own a Bugatti Veyron, and the McLaren Mercedes driver recently sold his classic Ferrari 512 BB. It’s not uncommon for automakers partnered with F1 teams to give drivers their wares, since it’s clearly good advertising for the brand. Current world champion Sebastian Vettel drives an FX50 crossover from team sponsor Infiniti, and we’d be willing to bet he didn’t pay list price for it. Read more…

Honda Loses Civic Hybrid Lawsuit

If you side with plaintiff and 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid owner Heather Peters, the automaker misled buyers in its claims that the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid could return up to 50 mpg fuel economy. If you side with Honda, the automaker claims that actual fuel economy delivered (by any car) is largely determined by driving style and maintenance performed. Read more…

Report: Lamborghini Crossover SUV Rumored

In a perfect world you could build an automobile for the masses, no matter how daring or bold the design was, and the majority of auto enthusiasts would naturally be attracted to your new creation. The same thing can be said for many new crossover SUVs, especially in the luxury market. Here in America we have taken a special liking to luxury crossovers such as the Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Evoque and even the BMW X5/X6. Undoubtedly, there is a vast market for such vehicles.

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The Other Race You (Probably) Missed This Weekend: Video

This weekend was the 50th anniversary running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and the race brought out an incredible assortment of talent to compete in both the Daytona Prototype and GT classes. It was a “who’s who” of international road racing, and Speed TV deserves credit for its non-stop coverage of the event. Read more…

California To ‘Require’ Sales Of Electric And Plug-In-Hybrid Vehicles

Just when you thought that legislators in the Golden State had come to their senses, something happens to reaffirm our opinion that California may be the least-car-enthusiast-friendly state in the country. After showing some degree of sanity by agreeing to adopt the proposed EPA mileage standard of 54.5 mpg by 2025, California has announced that, by 2025, a minimum of 15.4 percent of sales must be of electric, plug-in-hybrid or hydrogen powered vehicles. Read more…