Drunken Driving Auto Deaths Hit 14 Year High   31 May 2007 15:17 GMT
While overall traffic deaths declined slightly, alcohol-related fatalities jumped 2.4 percent to 17,941, according to preliminary government statistics. Twenty-five years of studies show that stiffer sentencing is less effective than are stricter enforcement and public awareness campaigns. Alcohol fatalities account...
Source: wired.com

McLaren’s 1-2 Finish at Monaco Lands It in Hot Water   31 May 2007 15:02 GMT
Formula One’s governing body is investigating a statement by Scott Hamilton that he was told to “take it easy,” during the race at Monaco, effectively allowing teammate Fernando Alonso to take the checkered flag. Team orders that manipulate the outcome...
Source: wired.com

New York City’s Yellow Cabs Go Green   31 May 2007 14:50 GMT
In what he described as a model for all big cities, Mayor Bloomberg announced that beginning October 2008, New York would introduce 1,000 hybrid vehicles into its cab fleet. Hybrids would gradually replace the rest of the city's 13,000 taxis...
Source: wired.com

Gas Rationing: Those Were the Days   31 May 2007 14:46 GMT
The greatest generation showed what sacrifice meant by giving up their right to unlimited driving 65 years ago. In May of 1942, states began rationing gasoline to support the war effort, and drivers were limited to just 3 gallons of...
Source: wired.com

Toyota to Introduce Hybrid Sports Car in 2009   31 May 2007 14:42 GMT
The FT-HS concept car has gotten the nod for production, though plenty of details have yet to be decided. A 3.5-liter V6 capable of delivering almost 400 horses was the original plan. The new CAFE standard may force changes on...
Source: wired.com

Bob Lutz Slams Union of Concerned Scientists   31 May 2007 14:29 GMT
In a letter to the editor published in the current issue of “Autoweek,” GM vice chairman Robert Lutz takes on the high-profile organization: “The thesis that we can somehow trade horsepower for fuel economy is the brainchild of the Union...
Source: wired.com

Most New Convertibles Rate Poor for Safety   31 May 2007 04:32 GMT
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested the 2007 mid-size convertibles and the results will make you happy for the hard top. Of the 10 vehicles tested only the Saab 9-3 and Volvo C70 earned good ratings in front, side...
Source: wired.com

The MG Rover Is Back in England Again (Sort of)   30 May 2007 17:06 GMT
This was a festive week for MG Rover lovers in England this month as production resumed of the fabled MG at Longbridge. After the plant there shut down in 2005 and Nanjing Automobile stripped the site of equipment that was...
Source: wired.com

Automobiles to Reach Three Million in Beijing This Month   30 May 2007 15:40 GMT
The number of registered cars has been growing by roughly one thousand a day—much faster than had been predicted by local government officials even 18 months ago. As with all of China's major cities, Beijing lacks the infrastructure to handle...
Source: wired.com

Car and Driver Nabs Spy Photos of Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione   30 May 2007 15:27 GMT
It's confirmed that Alfa Romeo's 8C Competzione concept car (pictured here) will become a reality. The question remains about whether or not it will make it to U.S. shores. If it does, expect to pony up some $200K for one....
Source: wired.com