8 Articles
Rumormill: Renault Alpine could be based off Nissan 370Z

We've been following the developments of Renault's revival of the Alpine marque since earlier this year, and its been confirmed that the first of several new models will debut sometime in 2010. From the beginning, Renault made it clear that Alpine would benefit from dedicated models, rather than rebadged or re-engineered Renaults. Earlier reports suggested something mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive and similar in size to the Mazda Miata or last-generation Toyota MR2, but a new report suggests that N

GM's Larry Nitz confirms Volt will use 1.4L four cylinder, talks Two-Mode

The man in charge of hybrid powertrain development at GM Larry Nitz has confirmed that the E-Flex team has made the decision to switch engines for the range extender in the upcoming Chevy Volt. The original concept was to use a turbocharged 1.0L three cylinder engine to drive the generator. Instead they have decided to use a 1.4L normally aspirated version of the engine that will power the upcoming Chevy Cruze in turbo form. Nitz also discussed the issue of why performance of the Volt won't be d

Richard Parry-Jones: 180 MPG hatch by 2050

Richard Parry-Jones, who at one time acted as Ford's global Chief Technical Officer, believes that it is entirely possible for automakers to reach 180 miles per gallon by the year 2050 with nothing more than the technology available today. Along with that low fuel consumption comes low carbon emissions -- just 40 grams per kilometer -- well below the strictest standards today. Sound unbelievable? Get this: Parry-Jones suggests getting there by doing nothing more than just leaving the automakers

Electric smart on its way for 2010

Smart currently has an electric version of its little ForTwo runabout... um, running about in Europe known as the Smart ed. Using a a sodium-nickel-chloride (commonly called a Zebra) battery, the 41 horse electric motor has plenty of power to move the vehicle around, and urban performance is actually said to be improved over the standard model. So far, the electric smart has only been for tes

GM launches UsedCarAmbush.com to pump CPOVs

Used car sales as a profession has a rather sullied reputation. Some establishments deserve the distaste, while others work hard to take care of customers and stock their lots with good merchandise. Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are often a good bet, because they're automaker-sanctioned and undergo an extensive checklist before hitting the lot. GM is making a frontal assault on non-CPO used cars by launching UsedCarAmbush.com, expending lots of hidden c

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