In a move that could make it the first American automaker to go public in over half a century, Tesla Motors, the California-based electric car startup, is said to be preparing an IPO filing. To date, the company has received $268 million in venture capital, a $50 million investment from Daimler, and a $465 million loan from the U.S. Department of Energy.

After flip-flopping on their decision to bring the new microcar to the US market several times, Chevy is now claiming that the US market will likely see the Spark in 2011.

We first saw it at the New York International Auto Show. Looking every bit the part of a cast member from the Mad Max movies, the GMC Terrain seemed like a futuristic armored car with hidden panels that would cover the tires and wheels in case of attack. Mr. Brinks, Mr. Wells and Mr. Fargo: Your vehicle awaits.

Confirming earlier reports, Volkswagen announced on Friday that it will buy assets of German coachbuilder Karmann. Volkswagen also announced that its new Karmann subsidiary will produce at least one new model for the German car maker.

Lamborghini has the scissor door, Lincoln popularized the suicide door and Ferrari may soon have a unique door design of its own. Leaked patent drawings from Europe have revealed the Italian automaker is readying a new door design to aid in ingress and egress.

Following the most recent trend in the luxury segment, Lexus could be planning a compact mode for the United States market. If Lexus goes ahead with the compact model, it will likely be based on the LF-Ch concept first shown at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

It’s no secret that General Motors has never made a profit on its Saab brand, but the amount of money GM has lost on the Swedish brand is quite astonishing. General Motors became the sole owner of Saab’s automotive operations in 2000.

As reported a few weeks ago, Toyota is believed to be working on a convertible version of its FT-86, the long-anticipated Subaru joint-venture sports car unveiled in concept form at the Tokyo Motor Show. Our team has since put together an illustration of what such a vehicle might look like.

The Tesla Roadster is the ideal vehicle for any environmentally-conscious driving enthusiast, but the EV is also proving to be a perfect fit for the video game world. Thanks to its silent operation, Microsoft Game Studios has selected the Roadster as its sound effects generator of choice.

Acura’s new ZDX “four-door sports coupe,” as the company chooses to call it, will be priced from $45,495 plus destination when it goes on sale on December 15. Three trim levels will be available: The base ZDX, ZDX Technology Package and ZDX Advance Package.

Attempting to follow in the success of other retro hatchbacks – such as the Fiat 500 – Citroen will produce a new-age version of its iconic 2CV, a new report finds. The new model will be largely based on the Revolte concept that made its world debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Chrysler are recalling 161,450 2007 and 2008 model year Jeep Wranglers with automatic transmissions over a transmission fluid temperature warning system that was not activated on the vehicles.

Premium Dutch sports car manufacturer Spyker announced this morning that it plans to relocate its small assembly plant from Zeewolde, Netherlands, to Coventry in the United Kingdom to be closer to its contracting partner and supplier CPP Manufacturing Ltd.

After pulling its flagship sedan from the Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi will finally unveil the 2011 A8 at Design Miami on November 30. A few days after its official reveal, the 2011 Audi A8 will make its first public appearance at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Chrysler purged a massive number of its North American showrooms earlier this year as part of a company-wide restructuring effort, and now up to 100 additional dealers might be forced to close their doors if they can’t reach financing deals with GMAC Financial Services.

Speaking at a forum about the global auto industry, former auto czar Steven Rattner said publicly for the first time that a major aim of Chrysler’s restructuring plans was to replace the management team.

With momentum on its side, General Motors is calling for its fourth straight month of increased U.S. market share. GM’s market share has been on the rise since July, capped off by the automaker’s first year-on-year sales increase since January 2008 last month.

Following its cancelled sale of Opel to Canada’s Magna International, General Motors will present its turnaround plan for the ailing German car maker next month. Several European countries – including Germany and Spain – have requested GM to explain its plans for Opel going forward.

After allegedly stealing trade secrets valued at $32 million and attempting to sell them to Chinese competitors, Xiang Dong Yu was arraigned today in a US District Court.

Any Ferrari model is top-performer straight from the factory, but the Italian automaker is reportedly readying any even hotter version of its 599 GTB Fiorano. The high-performance model is said to be based on the 599XX show car that debuted at last year’s Geneva Motor Show.