The Weekly Driver.com E-Zine Daily

Carroll Shelby’s life celebration planned at Rolex Motorsports Reunion in Monterey

James Raia — Sat, 26 May 2012 06:04:15 +0000

The life of Carroll Shelby, a veteran who flew B-29s, an oil roughneck, a chicken farmer and automotive legend, will be celebrated August 17-9 at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Raceway. The connection between Shelby and ...read more

Baboons frolic in Hyundai Elantra just for the fun of it

James Raia — Sat, 26 May 2012 05:29:55 +0000

Baboons likely don't know one car from another, but a dozen of the monkey seemed to have a good time recently when turned loose to frolic in a Hyundai i30 park in Britian's Knowsley Safari park. Hyundai used the keen ...read more

Ferrari recall: faulty crankshaft could cause no-so-good vibrations

Weekly Driver News Service — Sat, 26 May 2012 01:31:33 +0000

Even the esteemed Ferrari, specifically the 458 and California, apparently aren't perfect. But a crankshaft issue? As odd as it may sound, Ferrari is recalling a combined 206 Califiornia and 458 models worldwide. The problem is caused by an incorrect ...read more

Mazda CX-5, 2013: New design, great mpg, needs performance jolt

James Raia — Fri, 25 May 2012 22:45:51 +0000

Following the defunct Mazda Tribute and CX-7, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 debuted internationally last September at the Frankfurt Auto Show and two months later for the United States market at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Neither of Mazda's first ...read more

Kia Rio, 2012: Sleek, improved mpg, efficient sedan/hatchback

Dan Jedlicka — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:43:47 +0000

The 2011 Kia Rio looked plain, but was fairly lively, economical and backed with a long warranty. You either bought it — or maybe a used car. The redone 2012 model has slicker, European-inspired styling, more power, a better automatic ...read more

Kia Rio, 2013: Versatile subcompact offers great fuel economy, value

dannychang — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:59:23 +0000

The sub-compact segment in the United States is competitive, with every carmaker offering an entry as gas prices rise. But how does a manufacturer break from the pack and impress target buyers? Several dimensions standout — performance, ride quality, fuel ...read more

Kia Optima, 2012: upscale look, good performance, tough competition

Dan Jedlicka — Sat, 19 May 2012 05:24:15 +0000

While gaining ground, Kia still lacks the appeal of more established brands. But cars such as the mid-size Kia Optima are throwing a big spotlight on it. The Optima is a corporate cousin of the above-average Hyundai Sonata. This Kia ...read more

Tour of California, stage 1: Sacramento to Santa Rosa via 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

James Raia — Sun, 13 May 2012 22:43:54 +0000

The start of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California is in Santa Rosa, about two hours from my Sacramento home, and it was my first freeway driving with 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. My weekly driver edition is the Korean manufacturer's ...read more

Scion FR-S, 2013: Long time coming for Toyota sports car

Dan Jedlicka — Sat, 12 May 2012 06:14:54 +0000

Toyota’s first production sports car was its tiny 45-horsepower 1965-69 Sports 800, followed by its dazzling limited-production 150-horsepower 1967-70 2000GT, which was built with Yamaha’s help. Toyota’s last sports car was the 1985-1995 MR2. “Sports cars have become boring. They ...read more

Carroll Shelby: Automotive legend, medical marvel dies at age 89

Weekly Driver News Service — Sat, 12 May 2012 05:37:46 +0000

Carroll Shelby, the sole member of a rare automotive fraternity who rose to prominence as a driver, builder and owner, has died at age 89 in Dallas, Texas. Shelby won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Aston Martin in ...read more