CAR tech: why Porsche needs hybrids

At the launch of the 997-generation 911 Turbo in 2006, Porsche faced a daunting future. Anti-car chatter from EU legislators proposed banning anything that produced more than 241g/km of CO2 and exceeded 101mph. ‘We’ll have to close if the European Commission decides that every carmaker must reach [these targets],’ a Porsche exec told CAR.

Saab offers free iPad with pre-order of the 9-4X

Beginning in mid-January, the first 500 people to place an order for the Saab 9-4X can also receive an Apple iPad--they just have to put down $500 on top of their dealer's pre-order deposit. The iPad will be delivered two to three weeks after the order is placed, and participants will receive a $500 credit toward the 9-4X upon the vehicle's delivery. And in case a person cancels his or her order, he or she can keep the iPad.

Bush leaves CAFE decision for Obama

The Bush administration has decided to punt its promised decision on new fuel economy standards to the Obama administration. In a statement this morning, the U.S. Department of Transportation said it will not issue final rules for fuel economy standards for the 2011-15 model years as planned.