Monthly Archives: December 2004

Test Drive: 2004 Volkswagen Passat W8

Posted on December 31, 2004 by Chris Chase

Click image to enlarge Review and photos by Russell Purcell When the Passat W8 first hit the streets as a 2003 model, many critics suggested that as VW’s flagship sedan it was taking the company into a price category unheard … Continue reading →

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Test Drive: 2005 Jaguar S-Type R

Posted on December 30, 2004 by Autos

Photos: Jaguar. Click image to enlarge by Richard Russell Ford rescued Jaguar from imminent bankruptcy and through its expertise and expenditure has brought the company’s product and production methods into the current age. In the process, it has all but … Continue reading →

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Porsche fined U.S.$7.9 million for failing to meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy limits

Posted on December 30, 2004 by Autos

December 30, 2004 Porsche fined U.S.$7.9 million for failing to meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy limits Washington, D.C. -The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced civil penalties against Porsche and Ferrari totalling over U.S.$9 million for failing to … Continue reading →

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Ford recalls Escapes, Tributes

Posted on December 29, 2004 by Autos

December 29, 2004 Ford recalls Escapes, Tributes Detroit, Michigan – The U.S. National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that Ford is recalling Escape sport utility vehicles, and its Mazda equivalent, the Tribute, to fix the rear liftgate. The NHTSA said … Continue reading →

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Forecasting firm predicts Toyota will become one of the ‘Big Three’ by 2009

Posted on December 29, 2004 by Autos

December 29, 2004 Forecasting firm predicts Toyota will become one of the ‘Big Three’ by 2009 Detroit, Michigan – CSM Worldwide, a market intelligence and forecasting services company, predicts the Toyota Group, which consists of the Toyota, Lexus and Scion … Continue reading →

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First Drive: 2005 Maserati Quattroporte

Posted on December 23, 2004 by Autos

Click image to enlarge Review and photos by Tony Whitney There’s nothing quite like an Italian nameplate to set a car lover’s heart beating faster. Legendary makes like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo and, of course, Maserati, have always been cars … Continue reading →

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Motoring Memories: General Motors 3800 V-6 engine

Posted on December 23, 2004 by Bill

2004 3800 Series II supercharged. Click image to enlarge by Bill Vance Although hidden away from view, the engine is still the heart of the automobile. But unlike assembly quality, paint, upholstery, tires, etc., the engine isn’t visible every day. … Continue reading →

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FIA confirms nine international records for BMW hydrogen engine

Posted on December 23, 2004 by Autos

December 23, 2004 FIA confirms nine international records for BMW hydrogen engine Munich, Germany – The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has officially confirmed the nine international records set by the BMW H2R for hydrogen-powered vehicles with a reciprocating engine. … Continue reading →

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Lexus service history now available online

Posted on December 23, 2004 by Autos

December 23, 2004 Lexus service history now available online Toronto, Ontario – Canadian Lexus owners can now access their vehicle service information online at www.lexus.ca using their personalized password-protected Owner Home Page. From the time they take ownership of their … Continue reading →

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AutoTech: An interview by a student

Posted on December 22, 2004 by Chris Chase

School reports can be a lot of work but they can also be fun and interesting. Recently, a young student interviewed me for a report he was preparing for class. I found his questions interesting and thought you would too. … Continue reading →

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Test Drive: 2005 Dodge Sprinter

Posted on December 22, 2004 by Chris Chase

Click image to enlarge by Richard Russell Dodge has a modern answer to an old question – how to transport a large number of people or volume of cargo in the most efficient manner? That answer is the Sprinter and … Continue reading →

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European automakers combine forces to develop car-to-car communications

Posted on December 22, 2004 by Autos

December 22, 2004 European automakers combine forces to develop car-to-car communications Wolfsburg, Germany – Europe’s top six car manufacturers – Audi, BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Renault and Volkswagen – have combined forces in the Car-2-Car Communication Consortium (C2C CC). One … Continue reading →

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Ford to unveil Mustang convertible at L.A. auto show

Posted on December 22, 2004 by Autos

December 22, 2004 Ford to unveil Mustang convertible at L.A. auto show Dearborn, Michigan – American Idol superstar Diana DeGarmo will officially unveil the 2005 Ford Mustang Convertible at the Los Angeles Auto Show on January 5, 2005 with a … Continue reading →

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