2012

Chevy celebrates birthday with 2012 Corvette Centennial Edition

To celebrate its 100th birthday, Chevrolet created a racing inspired Centennial Edition appearance and suspension package for the entire line of 2012 Corvettes.

The special edition package gives the 'Vette a dark and sinister makeover inside and out. The first thing you'll notice is the all-black color scheme. Your only paint choice is Carbon Flash Metallic with Centennial Satin Black wheels and red brake calipers. The lightweight cast-spun aluminum wheels are specific to each model: 18-inch/19-inch wheels for the Coupe, Convertible and Grand Sport; and 19-inch/20-inch for Z06 and ZR1. On Z06 models, a thin red line … Read more

Mobile payments are, in fact, near

Links from Friday's episode of Loaded...and, no, there are no April Fools' jokes in today's show!

Google denies working on a mobile app that searches faces and uncovers personal info

AT&T offers a new Mobile Protection Pack to locate and insure mobile phones

Samsung and Visa will offer mobile phone payment systems using NFC tech at the 2012 Olympic Games

Amazon.com may be working on a mobile phone payments system as well

Activision announces the next Spider-Man game

Samsung, Visa to give NFC payments a boost

Samsung and Visa are joining forces to offer smartphone users the ability to make mobile payments through NFC technology in London next year as part of the 2012 Olympic games.

Using special Samsung Olympic and Paralympic Games mobile phones, attendees in London before and during the games will be able to buy items on the go through near-field communications, an emerging technology that lets people send payments by phone directly from their bank accounts to special terminals.

Samsung and Visa join a growing number of companies hopping onto the NFC bandwagon. Dangling the lure of wallet-free purchases, an array of … Read more

GM to invest more than $30 million in Pontiac Stamping plant

General Motors is investing more than $30 million of investment in its Pontiac Stamping plant to retool and enhance manufacturing equipment, and 290 hourly and salaried jobs at the 79-year-old plant.

The enhancements will include upgrading three conventional press lines already operating at the plant and the installation of two additional presses that are part of the company's stamping consolidation project, GM said today in a press release.

Pontiac Stamping provides parts to the new Chevrolet Sonic and the new Buick Verano, among other products.

"GM continues to invest in our manufacturing operations to ensure we have the … Read more

Audi gives 2012 R8 GT a $200K price tag

The only thing not to love about the 2012 Audi R8 GT would be its price tag. Audi announced that the fastest and lightest production car in its lineup will start at $196,800, $4K more than a starter Ferrari California. Factor in the $1,250 destination charge, and you're pretty close to $200,000 before you factor in taxes, licensing, registration, and options. But it's about what you'd expect for a 560-horsepower supercar made of this much carbon fiber.

Generous use of the lightweight material is how the Audi R8 GT keeps the weight down. To … Read more

CNET Car Tech: 2011 Honda CR-V EX-L Nav

Brian Cooley takes you for a drive in the 2011 Honda CR-V EX-L Navi to check the tech, such as it is.

(CNET review of the 2011 CR-V EX-L)

2011 Geneva auto show: 2012 Mercedes SLK

The SLK has always been a lesser SL--way lesser. But, as Brian Cooley shows us, it might actually be coming up to snuff alongside its very pricey bigger sibling. Hmm, you may be able to drive it without that bag over your head (think how much more you'll be able to enjoy the open top.)

(CNET's full coverage of the 2011 Geneva auto show)

The redesigned 2012 Acura TL available March 18

Acura announced this week that the revamped 2012 Acura TL will go on sale March 18. The midsize TL sedan has a freshened-up look and new detailing.

The 2012 TL's new look incorporates improved aerodynamics with a redesigned front bumper, a revised grille, and a shorter front overhang. The most noticeable change to the rear bumper is the repositioned license plate opening, smaller rear reflectors, and thinner rear-trunk edge trim. The new TL also has body-colored door handles and rear window trim.

"With the 2009 TL, the exterior design was a lot about passion," said Damon Schell, … Read more

2012 cargo vans get 'Ram Tough'

By rebranding the Dodge Grand Caravan as the Ram cargo van, or Ram C/V, Chrysler has paved the way to expand in the commercial van segment.

The U.S. automaker has more than 25 years of minivan engineering and promises the Ram C/V will meet the needs for small and large businesses.

The Ram C/V is a Class 1 commercial vehicle that offers a 1,800-lb. cargo payload and up to 3,600 lbs. in towing capability. It also features 16-inch steel wheels, a 160-amp alternator, 20-gallon fuel tank, and it runs on a 3.6-liter Pentastar … Read more