Car news

2012 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT Convertible: Review notes This 2012 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT convertible is a sharp-looking car, with the black ragtop over the red body. And while the V6 with an automatic is the sales sweet spot for the car, I'd really want a V8 underhood of my Camaro. I'd want the rumble and the extra torque and horsepower. And I certainly want to change gears myself. I'm not saying the V6 is bad, because it's clearly not. A V6 making 323..

Audi plans rival to BMW X6, design chief says Audi will launch a rival to the BMW X6 and may add a challenger to the Bavarian automaker's X4, a top Volkswagen executive told Automotive News Europe. Walter de' Silva, design boss at Audi parent Volkswagen Group, confirmed that Audi has signed off on plans for the X6 rival. He declined to say when the car would arrive. Dubbed by media as the Q6, the sporty, low-roof crossover will fit between..

2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Autobiography: Review notes This 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is outfitted in elegant Autobiography trim, and if this car fits your life story, you've clearly arrived. The cabin is well-appointed and comfortable for an average-size guy like me. The caramel-color leather and stitching are gorgeous, and the dashboard looks like someone slathered scotch all over it. I mean that in a nice way; this color looks as if it..

Ford recalls Fusion and Milan sedans for wheel-stud problems Ford is recalling 128,616 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans for faulty wheel lugs. The recall affects cars from the 2010 and 2011 model years that have steel wheels. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says vibration in the studs can cause them to crack or break, possibly resulting in the wheel falling off. Ford said it will notify owners before the recall officially starts on..

BMW creates mini version of Art Car by artist Jeff Koons Known for his whimsical sculptures, artist Jeff Koons is using his skills to create limited-edition BMW Miniature Art Cars instead of giant stainless-steel balloon animals. Famed artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein have created their own BMW Art Cars, and Koons is just the latest in a line such works since Alexander Calder painted the first installment in the Art Car Collection in..

Ford adds 2.0-liter four to crate-engine lineup Enthusiasts who think that the 2.0-liter engine from the 2012 Ford Focus would be a fine fit for their car projects will be able to buy one from Ford Racing's crate-engine program. Ford is also adding a pair of pushrod V8s to the crate-engine lineup for 2012. The 2.0-liter is the first in a family of crate engines based on Ford's global four-cylinder engine. Future engines in the lineup will be..

Fiat 500 gets 3-star safety rating from NHTSA The slow-selling 2012 Fiat 500 now has another obstacle in its sales path: It has been tagged by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with a three-star safety rating, the lowest of any new model tested so far. The two-door subcompact received four stars from NHTSA for frontal crash and rollover accidents but received just two stars for side-impact crash safety, the agency announced..

Mini Connected app adds performance info to vehicle display Mini is introducing an updated iPhone app for the Mini Connected system. It displays performance data in the entertainment screen in Minis that have Visual Boost or with a navigation system and the Mini Connected option. The main functions of the system include a condition check, force meter and digital sports instruments. The condition check function keeps track of the engine temperature, fuel..

2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek: Drive Review What is it? To put it simply, the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is an Impreza five-door with a raised suspension, specific front and rear fascias, body-side cladding and exclusive wheels. However, the company line is that the XV is not an Impreza but its own model targeting a new group of customers: urbanites. Traditionally, Subaru does well with active outdoor hobbyists with its lineup of..

Acura retools lineup to put the focus on mpg Honda will overhaul and reposition its Acura lineup over the next 18 months and abandon its long pursuit of top-tier luxury-car status for the brand. After years of trying to propel Acura into the front ranks with Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus, Honda says it will settle for offering mid-level premium vehicles that favor fuel economy over performance. With one exception: At the Detroit auto show..