Auto News 5

I announced that night the newest Autobot to join Transformers: the Ferrari 458 Italia. Full story…

A new 350/290 HP Deluxe crate engine is offered from GM Performance Parts (GMPP), adding an aluminum intake manifold and an attractive chrome dress-up kit to the best-selling small-block package. The engine is built with all-new parts and carries an MSRP of $2,900. Full story...

Stefan GP confirmed on Monday that its relationship with Toyota has ended for now. Full story...

Durham School Services, which transports students throughout the U.S., has placed an order with Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) for 288 Saf-T-Liner EF school buses with SCR technology. Delivery of the vehicles, which are made by Thomas Built Buses, is scheduled to commence in late May 2010. The buses will be used for transporting public school students in Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana. Full story...

Bridgestone is not reconsidering its decision to pull out of formula one at the end of 2010. Full story...

Auto123.com's René Fagnan is currently in Great Britain for an exclusive visit of the stunning McLaren Technology Centre, the facility of the British Formula 1 team and production plant of the new McLaren MP4-12C super road car. Full story...

With Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and other local officials in attendance, Chrysler Group LLC celebrated the launch of its all-new Pentastar V-6 engine at an event today at the Trenton (Mich.) South Engine Plant (TSEP). Full story...

Carbon Motors Corporation and BMW Group today jointly announced a strategic partnership in a joint press conference held outside of the 2010 Government and Security/U.S. Law Conference and Exposition. Full story...

Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC today announced its plans to engineer and produce a pure electric vehicle using the Fiat 500 platform. Shown earlier this year at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, the Fiat 500EV demonstrates the immediate benefits of the alliance between Chrysler Group and the Fiat Group as well as the speed at which the two companies can work together on advanced vehicle programs. Full story...

French car manufacturer has put pressure on the FIA since last winter to be allowed to make some changes to his engine despite the regulations. Full story...

Nico Hulkenberg tried "too hard" during his grand prix debut in Bahrain last weekend, but Rubens Barrichello backs the young German to get up to speed. Full story...

Mercedes hopes to race ahead in the pitstop department starting with this weekend's Australian grand prix. Full story...

Red Bull's reserve drivers will not alternate their duties between the energy drink company's two formula one teams in 2010. Full story...

Judging by the number of diminutive SX4s we see on the roads here in Quebec, there is no question that Suzuki has caught the attention of the province with its little hatchback number. For 2010, the automaker is introducing a new mid-range, front-wheel-drive variant called the Aero. With the SX4, mid-range means slightly over $22,000, which in my book doesn't necessarily make it a bargain. Full story...

Here are profiles of some of the 28 finalists for the 2010 Automotive News PACE Awards. This group highlights environmental innovations. Full story...

Saab has named former Volkswagen executive Adrian Hallmark its executive director of sales. Hallmark, 47, will be counted on to help Saab try to rebound from its near collapse earlier this year. Full story...

Toyota's Europe sales took a hit in the first full month following its announcement that it would recall more up to 1.8 million cars here, including its top-selling Auris, Avensis, Aygo, Yaris and Prius model lines. Full story...

Fiat S.p.A. has appointed Camillo Rossotto group treasurer in the latest management shake-up under CEO Sergio Marchionne. Starting April 1, Rossotto will replace Maurizio Francescatti who has decided to leave the company, Fiat said. Full story...

Japan's automakers aim to cement their lead in electric vehicles by making Japanese recharging technology the global standard and bringing it to the United States. Full story...

Peugeot will launch three upscale cars under the name hors-série in a bid to attract well-off buyers and boost profits. The hors-série models will complement sister brand Citroen's DS model line. Full story...