2015 Lexus NX Compact Crossover Model Revealed: Accident Or Not?

Remember the Lexus LF-NX, the jaw-dropping concept for a new compact crossover from Toyota'sluxury brand?It's been making the rounds at auto shows since last fall, scaring small children in many cities.Well, looks like Lexus will dial down the styling considerably when it hits the showrooms later this year as the 2015 Lexus NX.We know this because at a Society of Automotive Analysts presentation before the Detroit AutoShow earlier this month, Toyota CEO Jim Lentz mentioned the LF-NX concept--but...

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2014 Ford Focus

Ford's sales of its two Energi plug-in hybrid models climbed steadily throughout 2013, and now it appears the company will add a third model to the Energi family for 2015.If rumors are correct, the 2015 Ford Focus Energi will add a plug-in hybrid model to the existing gasoline and battery-electric versions of its compact hatchback and sedan.Its existence was first mentioned by Autocar, which noted...

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VL Destino Faces Uncertain Fisker Future For Its Non-Electric Karma

Engine swaps are one thing; complete powertrain replacements are another. But if your business is yanking range-extended electric running gear out of a stunning-looking car from a now-bankrupt company, and replacing it with Corvette power, there are two ways you can go.Swaps, new carsYou can wait for the limited universe of Fisker Karma owners--about 2,000 or so--to need new powertrains, or you...

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Which Is Greener: Flying Or Driving To Your Destination?

Few transport methods are truly green, requiring the input of fuel at some point in the process to generate the energy required to move.Flying is often derided as one of the worst, given the spectacular amounts of fuel aircraft can burn through. But are they any worse than cars? Indeed, could they be better for those cross-country trips?The University of Michigan's Transport Research Institute...

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Toyota Hybrid Sales Top 6 Million Vehicles Globally, And Counting

It almost goes without saying, but Toyota loves its hybrids--and, seemingly, so do the world's car buyers. The Japanese automaker said it had sold 6,072,000 hybrids as of December 31, 2013, breaking the 6 million-unit barrier. A particularly strong 2013 helped push Toyota over the top, with global hybrid sales of 1,279,000 units, compared to 1,219,000 for 2012. Toyota sold approximately...

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Bankruptcy Judge Orders Remains Of Fisker Auto To Be Auctioned

After a court hearing on Friday, the fate of Fisker Automotive is even more up in the air, and as uncertain as ever. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross ordered a competitive auction of Fisker's assets, according to theAssociated Press, after a last-minute bid by Chinese auto-parts conglomerate Wanxiang. Gross rejected investor Hong Kong-based Richard Li's $25 million bid...

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China lifts ban on foreign consoles

China has temporarily lifted its 14-year-old ban on foreign-made game consoles, opening up a hugely lucrative market to gaming giants such as Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. The relaxation Tuesday by China's State Council, which originally flagged the idea last year, permits "foreign invested enterprises" to manufacture games consoles within Shanghai's free trade zone and sell them in the world's second-largest economy. But the products would still be subject to inspection, the Chinese government...

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ome NewsElectric Cars2014 Cadillac ELR Software Gives Hints Of Future Voltec Uses 2014 Cadillac ELR Software Gives Hints Of Future Voltec Uses

General Motors' Voltec drivetrain, the range-extended plug-in setup used on the Chevrolet Volt and the new 2014 Cadillac ELR, is among the most advanced drivetrains on the roads. That's not to say there isn't room for greater improvement though, and that's exactly what GM is doing. In fact, as Charged EVs reports, there are far more differences between the drivetrain used in...

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Electric Cars To Replace NYC's Iconic Horse-Drawn Carriages

New York City has a new mayor, which means it's time for some changes. Specifically, Bill de Blasio wants to change how tourists get around Central Park. At a news conference shortly before his inauguration, de Blasio said he wanted to replace Central Park's iconic horse-drawn carriages with electric cars, according to NBC (via The Verge). De Blasio said he would move "quickly...

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Mazda Plans Next-Gen SkyActiv Engines For Even Better Gas Mileage

Mazda's Skyactiv fuel-efficient gasoline engines are already getting good real-world results, but the company isn't resting on its laurels. Instead, the Japanese automaker is already working on the next two generations of its Skyactiv engine line, ready to power its future vehicles. Set to debut in 2020, Automotive News reports the next-gen Skyactiv units will deliver a 30 percent...

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