Dodge won’t call its new small car Hornet

Filed under: MPG, Dodge

Dodge has been wise in reviving old nameplates to inject some excitement into its contemporary model lineup. Recent products like the Challenger and Charger – both named after classics from the brand’s past – have drummed up a considerable amount of enthusiasm where names like Stratus and Intrepid could not. But don’t [...]

Lexus vows bolder design, won’t “always stay in the middle of mainstream”

Filed under: Lexus, Toyota, Design/Style

Lexus design has never been very flashy, and many might say (including us) the automaker’s entire current lineup is a bit bland-looking (LFA supercar excepted, natch). But that visual conservatism may be about to change: Automotive News is reporting that the Japanese juggernaut plans to change that by taking more risks [...]

Report: Toyota RAV4 EV won’t be sold to the general public

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Toyota

Toyota RAV4 EV prototype – Click above for high-res image gallery

For the sake of argument, let’s posit that a Mitsubishi i is too odd looking for your tastes, a Nissan Leaf is still a bit too compact, and that your idea of a perfect battery-powered vehicle is something crossover-shaped. Well, you’re in [...]

Lithium detractor says li-ion batteries won’t be recycled

Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in

John Peterson, a man whose anti-lithium battery ramblings typically stir up a heated debate, is back at it again. This time ’round, Peterson discusses the future of recycling, or the lack thereof, for lithium-ion batteries. In an article posted on Alt Energy Stocks, Peterson writes:

One of the most pervasive and enduring myths [...]

Bertone shows off Jaguar B99 design sketches, still won’t be built

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Jaguar, Design/Style

Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Jaguar already made it clear that it’s not interested in bringing the Bertone B99 Concept to life, but that hasn’t stopped Bertone from unleashing a barrage of images and details related to its mid-sized concept. The firm says that [...]

Report: Electric Audi A1 won’t be produced

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Hatchback, Audi

Audi A1 e-Tron – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report out of Italy, Audi boss Rupert Stadler has said that the Audi A1 e-tron concept will not see production. Apparently the house of Audi believes that the conventional A1 will be sufficiently frugal and kind enough [...]

LaHood visits Toyota in Japan, won’t discuss likelihood of more fines

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

Akio Toyoda, still working the shovel to extricate Toyota from the hole it’s dug, invited U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood for a factory visit. When he returned, LaHood said that the Toyota CEO didn’t realize how much damage the company’s reputation was taking until Toyoda actually came to America and [...]

Shocking Omission? First 2011 Chevrolet Volts reportedly won’t be E85 capable

Filed under: Ethanol, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, Green Daily

2011 Chevrolet Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to the knowers-of-all-things-Volt over at GM-Volt.com (which incidentally just got a very nice site redesign), the initial batch of first-model-year Chevrolet Volts won’t be flex-fuel capable as initially planned. Says vehicle executive Tony Posawatz, “We are [...]

Akio Toyoda outlines quality reform, won’t attend U.S. hearings

Filed under: Japan, Recalls, Toyota

In a press conference on Wednesday in Tokyo, Toyota Motor Company’s president Akio Toyoda (grandson of the company’s founder) revealed new details of his plan to reform the automaker’s quality standards. Toyota has been beset by a trio of high-profile recalls, two of which involve unintended acceleration caused by either floormats [...]