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    Mini GP Delivers Priceless Performance

    ‘Fastest Mini Ever’ isn’t that fast, but performance enhancements and double-dose of go-kart handling are unrivaled fun.

    Feb. 25, 2013
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    Kia’s Forte Much Improved

    With a powerful new 2.0L GDI engine, whisper-quiet interior and lots of creature comforts, Kia’s new-generation compact sedan should leave some bruises on the competition.

    Feb. 20, 2013
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    Ram 1500 Gets Diesel Engine

    Production of the diesel pickup begins in third-quarter 2013 as the brand continues to diversify its lineup.

    By Aaron Foley • Feb. 14, 2013
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    No Plans to Back Down From Fuel-Cell Vehicles, DOE Says

    Auto makers remain captivated by the potential of zero-emissions FCEVs, which would help them meet their federal emissions requirements and rising fleet fuel-economy standards.

    By James M. Amend • Feb. 14, 2013
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    Michelin Investing in Fuel-Saving Tire Technology

    New airless Michelin Tweel commercial tires could be used on passenger vehicles in emerging markets.

    By Byron Pope • Feb. 13, 2013
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    Mazda High on Skyactiv Powertrain Potential

    President Takashi Yamanouchi predicts Skyactiv models will account for more than 30% of Mazda’s global sales in second-half fiscal 2013, followed by 50% in fiscal 2014 and 80% in fiscal 2015.

    By Roger Schreffler • Feb. 13, 2013
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    Diesel Backers Gambling With Pump Shock

    Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.Got diesel? Another question: How much deeper into your pocket do you want to dig to fill up the oil-burner you replaced your gasoline-drink...

    By Feb. 12, 2013
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    Jaguar Land Rover Off to ‘Supercharged’ Start in U.S. for 2013

    Profits are up, new product is filling the pipeline and some plants are running 24/7 to keep up with demand. “We can sell as many vehicles as we can get,” JLR North America President Andy Goss says.

    Feb. 8, 2013
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    Western Europe Vehicle Production to Struggle as Asia-Pacific Output Climbs

    Growth in Western Europe will resume in 2014 with a 1.5% increase. However, the region is not expected to come close to its pre-recession output of 16.0 million units in 2007 through at least 2019.

    By Haig Stoddard • Feb. 8, 2013
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    Toyota Shows Off ’14 Tundra’s Restyled Exterior, Interior

    A more “chiseled” exterior, and interior looks that are unique to each grade, including the new 1794 Edition premium model, are featured on the refreshed pickup.

    Feb. 7, 2013
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    Chevy Cruze Diesel Debuts in Chicago

    GM expects consumers to go for the Cruze diesel’s combination of a peak 42 mpg and segment-best 148 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.

    By James M. Amend • Feb. 7, 2013
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    High-Revving Subaru Boxer Engine Is Crowd Pleaser

    The good news is there already is a turbo version. The bad news is it won’t fit in the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S.

    By Gary Witzenburg • Feb. 4, 2013
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    Convenience-Store Owners Caught in Biofuels Battle

    Store owners worry about the potential legal ramifications when selling biofuels, fearing they could be held responsible if the wrong blend damages a driver's fuel system.

    By James M. Amend • Feb. 1, 2013
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    Ford’s Top Designer Says Atlas Concept an Exercise in Fuel Economy

    Active aerodynamic shutters and stop/start technology are among features that could come to the next-gen F-150, which also is expected to have an aluminum-intensive cab and bed.

    By Byron Pope • Jan. 31, 2013
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    VW Succeeds With New Kind of Hybrid

    In a segment dominated by dour documentaries, the Jetta Hybrid is an action thriller, thanks to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and potent 1.4L DI turbocharged 4-cyl. No other engine used in an affordable hybrid makes 107 hp/L, by itself.

    Jan. 31, 2013
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    PSA Plans Low-Cost, Efficient Hydraulic Hybrid for 2016

    The auto maker says the system could provide a B-class car with 81-mpg efficiency, at a sticker price as low as €15,000.

    By William Diem • Jan. 25, 2013
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    Chrysler Drops Third Shift at Engine Plant

    Production of an engine used in the slow-selling Dodge Dart will be scaled back.

    By Aaron Foley • Jan. 24, 2013
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    In Russia, Bo Andersson Still Knows Data

    The former GM purchasing boss has spent three yearsturning GAZ upside down, winning new contracts, renovating plants, demanding better productivity and taking the company both out of and back into passenger-car assembly.

    Jan. 24, 2013
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    JCI Interior Bin Catches All

    Attaching a plastic bin securely around the sides and rear of the floor console would prevent headaches for many drivers and eliminate the black hole where French fries, crumbs and spilled liquid often end up.

    Jan. 18, 2013
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    Newly Christened Silao Engine Plant Key Piece in VW’s North American Strategy

    The Puebla-built Jetta later this year will be the first to get the new-generation EA888 4-cyl. engines produced at the facility. The powerplants also will go to the ’14 Passat, assembled in the U.S.

    By David Zoia Editor • Jan. 16, 2013
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    Niche Maker Rebuilds Fisker EV With Corvette Engine

    VLP purchased two used Karmas, removed the electric-propulsion system and batteries and installed LS9 supercharged 650-hp engines and drivetrains supplied by the Chevrolet Racing unit.

    By David C. Smith • Jan. 16, 2013
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    VIA Adds SUV to Lineup of Electric-Powered Trucks

    Board member Bob Lutz likens the VIA trucks to the Chevrolet Volt extended-range EV he pushed into production while head of product development at General Motors.

    By David C. Smith • Jan. 15, 2013
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    ’14 Mercedes E-Class Gets 4-Cyl. Diesel, Other Powertrains

    The 4-cyl. diesel makes 190 hp and 369 lb.-ft. (500 Nm) of torque and will be available in the Fall, replacing the V-6 diesel currently available in the rear-drive-only E350.

    Jan. 14, 2013
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    VW Beetle Droptop Courts Frugal Power-Seekers

    With a more masculine stance, VW takes the same approach with the Beetle coupe in attracting male drivers, particularly those who aspire to pricier muscle cars.

    By Aaron Foley • Jan. 8, 2013
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    Ward’s 10 Best Engines of 2013: Judges’ Discussion

    Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.WardsAuto editors explain their choices in this year's 10 Best Engines competition and discuss the rest of the field as well.

    Jan. 7, 2013