Chevrolet Chevelle Emblem on 2040-parts.com

Automotive X Prize teams begin performance testing in Michigan

The 28 teams competing in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize will begin performance testing this week at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich. The teams are vying for $10 million in prizes, which will be awarded to consumer-friendly vehicles that exceed 100 mpg. This week begins the first of the three on-track performance testing stages: shakedown, knockout qualifying and finals.

Maserati Levante SUV won't be imported from Detroit after all

For years, we've been hearing that the upcoming Maserati Levante SUV -- which debuted as the Maserati Kubang -- would be built at Chrysler's Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. The prospect of a high-dollar luxury crossover coming out of the gritty Motor City was intriguing, but the scheme made a certain sense -- the Levante is built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Unfortunately, it's not gonna happen.

Toyota, Honda, Nissan shut plants as big earthquake hits Japan

Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. suspended production at plants in Japan today and were assessing damage after an 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast, triggering a tsunami and shaking buildings as far away as Tokyo.