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    Mazda Delivers Contender to Tough Midsize Sedan Market

    The restyling job doesn’t mark a big departure from the car’s roots. But no matter whether classified as conservative or daring, it’s clear the new Mazda6 looks good.

    By David Zoia Editor • Oct. 5, 2012
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    Researchers Looking to Simplify Biofuel Production

    The goal is to re-route carbon that plants use to make lignin, a barrier to cellulosic ethanol production, and turn it into a biofuel that could be blended with gasoline.

    By Alan Harman • Oct. 4, 2012
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    Trendline

    Top 5 stories from WardsAuto

    Automakers are evaluating their long-term strategies, revisiting their product mix, and approach to both retail and manufacturing approach along the way.

    By WardsAuto staff
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    TPO Plastic Aims to End Cheap-Looking Interiors

    The difference between a high-quality interior and a “plasticky” one boils down to how well engineers and designers disguise the true identity of the materials.

    Oct. 3, 2012
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    Full Speed Ahead on New Product at Opel, Engineering Chief Says

    No vehicle programs have been pulled or delayed as a result of Opel’s financial struggles or changes in upper management. “If you don’t have the products, you can’t execute,” says the auto maker’s top engineer.

    By David Zoia Editor • Oct. 1, 2012
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    Volvo Prepares for Launch of New Product, Platform, Engines

    The end of 2014 will see the arrival of the first car conceived and engineered under Chinese auto maker Geely’s ownership, the replacement for the XC90 CUV on Volvo’s new SPA architecture.

    By William Diem • Sept. 28, 2012
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    Honda Makes Earth Dreams Engine Technology a Reality

    The fuel-efficient, low-emissions technology eventually will go into all Honda engines, including versions using one of three new hybrid configurations.

    By William Diem • Sept. 27, 2012
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    Nissan Reveals Fuel-Cell Concept SUV at Paris Show

    “Zero-emission can be exciting,” Nissan’s design chief says of the TeRRa.

    By William Diem • Sept. 27, 2012
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    Hyundai Leasing Fuel-Cell CUVs to Denmark

    The auto maker says the Danish capital has adopted a plan to be completely carbon-free by 2025 and the country has an excellent hydrogen-station infrastructure.

    By Vince Courtenay • Sept. 27, 2012
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    France Wrestles With Infrastructure Issues as It Vies for EV Leadership

    The government has leaked information about the next level of support it plans to give EV buyers, which is expected to be announced at this week’s Paris auto show, including financial aid for installing private recharging posts.

    By William Diem • Sept. 26, 2012
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    North America Light-Vehicle Production Up 17% in August

    The Detroit Three built a combined 758,347 units, up 8% compared with year-ago. GM led the month with 296,676 assemblies, maintaining its position as the top manufacturer since January 2010.

    By Erin Sunde • Sept. 25, 2012
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    U.S. Light-Vehicle SAAR Expected to Hit 54-Month High

    U.S. auto makers should sell 1.16 million units this month, as a warming sales climate continues to push the seasonally adjusted annual rate higher.

    By John Sousanis • Sept. 21, 2012
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    Solar Power Key Element in Mahindra’s Updated EV

    The Reva will come with a solar-charging unit called Sun2Car, which the auto maker says will provide free, clean energy to power the vehicle over its lifetime.

    By Sudhakar Shah • Sept. 13, 2012
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    Camaro 1LE Outshines ZL1 Drop-Top

    The muscle-car war gets two new Camaro entries: the drop-top version of the 580-hp ZL1 and the track-intended 426-hp 1LE, which is the better value.

    Sept. 12, 2012
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    In Accord-ance With the Competition

    The new, ninth-generation ’13 Accord matches up with its key competitors, but the car doesn’t stand out enough to make it a must-buy.

    Sept. 10, 2012
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    The Ultimate Combustion Machine

    The industry has moved to V-6s but BMW still believes its iconic I-6 design is the engine of the future.

    By Gary Witzenburg • Aug. 28, 2012
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    Cadillac ATS Distinguishes Itself From Segment Hierarchy

    The ATS arrives at dealers as a high-tech, uniquely American and entirely capable competitor to the segment-leading BMW 3-Series.

    By James M. Amend • Aug. 20, 2012
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    Pathfinder Shares Altima Architecture, But Hybrid Powertrain Unclear

    A hybrid SUV would make sense, a Nissan official says, though he declines to comment directly on the Pathfinder’s prospects for electrification. “We’re studying alternative power sources for the future.”

    By Jim Mateja • Aug. 20, 2012
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    Ford Says Homegrown CVT Key to Speed, Fuel Economy of New Hybrids

    Ford engineers have developed a new electrified continuously variable transmission that provides greater fuel economy and a higher electric-only top speed in its upcoming plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles.

    By Byron Pope • Aug. 17, 2012
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    New Engines, Technology Join Jaguar Lineup

    An all-new Jaguar-designed 340-hp 3.0L supercharged V-6 will power the XF and XJ sedans, and a 4-cyl. turbo joins the portfolio as well for the XF.

    Aug. 16, 2012
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    Pricey RAV4 EV Mostly Worth It

    Sub-par interior materials mar what is an otherwise excellent all-electric vehicle, thanks to its real-world driving range and roominess.

    Aug. 16, 2012
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    Hybrid Fullsize Pickup Ford-Toyota Goal, Top Engineer Says

    Engineers at the two auto makers are working to overcome development challenges of an electrified SUV or pickup, including making sure the vehicle is durable and can handle heavy workloads.

    By Byron Pope • Aug. 15, 2012
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    Honda Fit EV Merits Wider Distribution

    The new Fit electric vehicle is for lease only in limited quantities, in limited areas. But a test drive suggests Honda shouldn’t be so cautious with the fun, fast-charging subcompact.

    Aug. 13, 2012
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    No Room to Slip on Interiors, Chrysler Exec Says

    The auto maker is looking at repeating its success with the Dart in other vehicles.

    By Aaron Foley • Aug. 8, 2012
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    IC Engine to Evolve Into ‘Propulsion System’

    The skills required to design and build future engines also will change dramatically. Traditionally the turf of mechanical engineers, training related to thermal sciences, computer simulation and materials science will be key.

    Aug. 8, 2012
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    GM Engineer Says Not Too Soon to Prepare for 2050 Emissions Regulations

    It takes nearly two decades to turn over the vehicle parc, meaning immediate action must be taken to meet strict emissions regulations 38 years away.

    By Byron Pope • Aug. 8, 2012