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Latest by Marcus Amick

You knew it was coming: GM considers allowing ads on 4G-capable in-car systems

GM’s partnership with AT&T to stream 4G into its vehicles by 2015 could prompt more carmakers to consider the idea because of the revenue potential tied to the technology.

Chevrolet revs up for fall launch of new Stingray with 12th run as Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette will serve as the official Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, marking the 12th time the Corvette will lead the field to green at the start of the race, continuing a legacy that started in 1978.

Ex GM engineer’s prison sentence highlights growing high-stakes world of hybrids and EVs

Considering the potential money tied to hybrid and electric vehicle technology, the sentencing of a former GM employee for plotting to sell classified information to another carmaker might be a sign of bigger concerns on the horizon.

New Tesla Model S battery pack warranty sets new benchmark for EVs

Telsa’s new unlimited mileage battery pack warranty for the Model S equipped with the 85 kwh battery pack could prove to be as beneficial for consumers considering other EVs as it is for potential Tesla buyers.

Nissan announces pricing for GT-R Track Edition, the most exclusive (and expensive) car in the iconic line-up

At $115,000, the 2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition is still a bargain considering that it’s one of the most feared cars on the racing circuit. But the less expensive options in the GT-R line-up aren’t bad either.

Will Toyota’s investment in fuel-cell vehicles pay off with the 2015 FCV-R?

Toyota says the new 2015 FCV-R Fuel-Cell Car will cost anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000, which could present some interesting challenges for the carmaker when the vehicle does go on sale in 2015.

Sirius XM to roll out new telematics services with Nissan, eyes other carmakers

While still yet to unveil some of the specifics of the plan, SiriusXM Radio’s move to invest in new car telematics services could prove to be as much of a benefit to drivers as it is to the satellite company.

Mercedes-Benz’s car safety technology praised for helping to track Boston Bombers

Mercedes-Benz’s 2mbrace technology has garnered a lot of positive buzz for helping to track down the vehicle stolen by the alleged Boston bombers – quite the opposite from an incident in China a few months ago centered on GM’s OnStar vehicle tracking technology.

Convertible Rolls-Royce Wraith in the works; plug-in hybrid Phantom also being considered

Rolls-Royce has denied that the luxury carmaker is considering an SUV, but a drophead Wraith is definitely in the plans. However, still no word on exactly when to expect the convertible model.

Mercedes-Benz set to bring four-cylinder diesel-powered crossover to U.S.

Mercedes-Benz is increasing its stake in the US diesel market with a 2.1-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder that will power the GLK250, a new E-class sedan and a redesigned C-class sedan.

Could Volvo’s high-tech flywheel project really help save gas – and change hybrids as we know them?

With a reported drop in sale of 6.1 percent in 2012, Volvo's new Flywheel KERS technology could provide the carmaker with a much needed boost to meet future sales expectations.

Cadillac gets rolling: ATS Coupe and new Escalade SUV confirmed

As part of an aggressive product strategy, Cadillac has announced it will add an ATS Coupe model to its line-up and a new Cadillac Escalade.

Federal government’s push for ‘greener’ fleets could bode well for GM

With the Chevrolet Malibu Eco struggling to meet sales expectations, the federal government’s new hybrid initiative could prove to be a major benefit to the automaker.
video friend me concept depicts a wild vision for the future of transportation nissan

Video: Friend-ME Concept depicts a wild vision for the future of transportation

As a vehicle inspired by a market segment that includes about 240 million people born in the 1980s, the NIssan Friend-ME Concept could very well offer a glimpse at the future of in-car technology.

New York launches all-electric pilot taxi program with Nissan Leaf EVs, fast chargers

New York City’s new pilot program with the Nissan Leaf is aimed at helping to integrate more electric vehicles into the city’s taxi fleet. But could it also be paving the way for an all-electric NV 200 taxi?

Honda to put 10 vehicles to the test at Pikes Peak including built-up CR-Z and first-gen NSX

The first gen NSX and a high performance 2013 Honda CR-Z developed by Honda Performance Development (HPD) will be among 10 Honda vehicles racing in the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the company’s first year as a partnering sponsor.

GreenTech Automotive and Chinese carmaker to build all-electric sedan – in the United States

Greentech Automtove and JAC Motors will build an all-electric sedan in the US. But will the joint venture be able to avoid the challenges that EVs like the Chevrolet Volt have faced in the market?

Audi on a roll: Official says carmaker will be more aggressive with high-performance models

With the launch of vehicles like the RS 5 Cabriolet, Audi clearly has a major commitment to improving its high performance line-up. But is the German-based carmaker missing the mark by not selling the RS 6 Avant in the US?

Chrysler CEO: Rush to EVs ‘will be masochism in the extreme,’ pushes for natural gas options

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne’s position on natural gas vehicles as a more viable option to electric cars could be laying the groundwork for a major legal showdown in California, the US’s largest car market.

Top ranking California official issues stern warning to carmakers about zero-emission vehicles

The California Air Resource Board is showing no signs of backing down on new state requirements for zero-emissions vehicles. But whether carmakers will be able to meet the requirements remains to be seen.

Sales data shows hybrids going mainstream as a choice for more buyers

In addition to revealing an increase in hybrid sales, the Experian report indicates the potential for even more growth in the market segment with the next generation of car buyers.

Ford tops Kelley Blue Book‘s list for ’10 Best Green Cars’

With an EPA-estimated 100 MPGe combined, the C-MAX Energi is one of two vehicles made by Ford Motor Co. recognized as Kelley Blue Book’s “10 Best Green Cars of 2013.”

Can Chevy’s new Cruze Diesel help change the negative perception of diesel cars in U.S.?

With an estimated EPA-of 46 MPG on the highway and a range of 700 highway miles, the Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel could fuel a lot more interest in diesel cars in the U.S.

BMW will offer extras with new electric i3 to attract buyers

Like other carmakers venturing into the world of electric vehicles, the extra perks for the BMW i3 seek to alleviate some of the fear anxiety associated with buying an electric vehicle.

New in-wheel technology could mean increased fuel efficiency for future hybrids

The Protean in-wheel electric drive technology, which has been developed with testing on vehicles like the BRABUS full electric and hybrid, provides carmakers more flexibility when designing a vehicle.

Audi A3 now puts cost savings for gas at driver’s fingertips

In addition to locating the cheapest, Audi’s new Refuelling Stop service also considers the type of fuel different Audi vehicles use when identifying the filing stations.

Consumer confidence in autonomous cars will drive technology says SAE panel

With states like California, Nevada and Florida now having laws in place that allow for driverless cars, more carmakers are implementing elements of the technology. But are consumers ready to trust autonomous vehicles?

Is GM charging up its Baltimore plant to build more than the Chevrolet Spark EV?

GM has announced that its Baltimore plant will build key parts of the electric motor for the all-new Chevrolet Spark EV, but what other electric vehicles might the plant be preparing for?

Just try and outrun the Dubai Police Deparment’s Lamborghini Aventador

A Lamborghini Aventador joins Dubai’s fleet of police vehicles as the city looks to add a number of other high-performance sports cars to their line-up.

Smart tech and plush materials earn Cadillac XTS and Chevrolet Spark nominations for Ward’s “10 Best Interiors”

In addition to the Cadillac XTS and Chevrolet Spark being named among Ward’s “10 Best Interiors,” GM earned seven other nominations on the list, more than any other carmaker.

Redesigned Mercedes-Benz C-class line-up to include convertible, diesel and hybrid models

With the addition of a convertible, diesel and hybrid model, the Mercedes-Benz C-class becomes a more formidable competitor to the BMW 3 Series.

Mini battle: Mercedes-Benz expected to launch new line of luxury small cars

News that Mercedes-Benz will potentially launch a new line of small cars is the latest in a growing trend of luxury carmakers looking to add more entry level vehicles to their line-up.

Edison2 unveils new 4-seat ‘VLC’ with production model in mind

While the new Edison2 VLC might present a more efficient solution for transportation more in line with a production vehicle, there's still the question of how many people would actually buy it.

New, lighter and more powerful 2014 Volkswagen Golf R could be well worth the wait

Although the new Volkswagen Golf R will see a boost in horsepower and a number of other new features, the car is expected to be less expensive than the current model.

Cadillac: ELR will feature novel energy-regenerating paddle-shifter technology

In addition to the typical regenerating braking systems common in electric vehicles, the paddle shifters on the new Cadillac ELR will provide the luxury EV with an additional source for storing energy.

Tech genius Tony Stark of ‘Iron Man 3’ helps roll out new 2014 Audi R8

The zero to 60 second time for the new 2014 Audi R8, which will be featured in Iron Man 3, has been improved by 0.3 seconds.

Green light? Audi’s high-tech LED lighting system certified as eco-innovation

Audi become the first car manufacture to have its LED lighting system certified as fuel-efficient five years after becoming the world’s first carmaker to feature full-LED headlights in 2008.

Return of the 944? Porsche could add four-cylinder engine to line-up by 2016

Although Porsche has not announced an official launch date for its four-cylinder engine, plans for equipping a Boxster and Cayman with the unit seem to be already in the works.