Hot News: Audi A2 Confirmed

Audi is currently planning a new A2, company boss Rupert Stadler has told Autocar.

"As we gave the A1 that nomenclature there’s clearly room for another product and another concept between the A3," he admitted.

Stadler wouldn’t be drawn on what exactly a new A2 could be, but admitted that it would be an obvious propostion.

"If you don’t have to explain a car like the A2 then it works," he said.

However other insiders have admitted that the A2 is likely to be an ‘E2’: an electric car based on the the A1 but with a unique bodystyle and look.

Stadler also quashed rumours that Audi was planning a car based on the VW Up!, possibly badged A0, saying that there was no possibility of the company slotting in a car under the forthcoming A1 supermini, which will be launched at the Geneva motor show in March.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied: 2011 Smart ForTwo

Mercedes is planning its cleverest Smarts yet and we have the pictures to prove it. Captured by our eagle-eyed spies, these images show a mule of the next-generation Fortwo city car carrying out some hot-weather tests in the south of France.

Our sources have also revealed that the new Fortwo will form the base for a lager, stretched Smart, currently known as the Fortwo+2.

Limited by its lack of space, the Fortwo has seen itself fall behind more practical rivals such as Toyota’s iQ, and with more premium vehicles on the way, including Audi’s A1 and the rumoured BMW Isetta, Smart has begun work on its own four-seater. The new Fortwo+2 will also get rear doors.

The standard Fortwo will remain a strict two-seater though, with both new cars continuing to be rear-wheel-drive, and housing the engine below the floor at the rear. The added length for the extra seats in the Fourtwo+2 coming from the longer wheelbase.

The Fortwo is expected to arrive in showrooms late next year with the four-seater arriving by 2012. Both cars will be available with a wide range of engine options, and will likely include a hybrid and an electric version. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Tata to Build Nano Hybrid

India's Tata Motors may produce a hybrid model based on the Nano, the world's cheapest car, Reuters reports.

A South Korean publication quoted company chairman Ratan Tata as saying his team is looking into the car, but failed to elaborate on the subject. He went on to mention that the automaker's Ace light truck may be exported and produced in South Korea in the near future.

Tata's $2000 entry-level model has become a huge success in the market, with orders and production levels nearing capacity. It's so popular that officials had to implement a lottery system to purchase one. Profits are currently on the upwards swing for Tata after a string of massive losses.

If a hybrid Nano does come into fruition, it's safe to assume it'll be just as popular as its gasoline-powered sibling, if the price is right, of course.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2011 Buick Excelle

At the Guangzhou Auto Show, GM debuted its latest addition to the Chinese Buick range - the five-door Excelle XT. Marketed as a coupe-like premium compact hatchback, the Excelle will hit Chinese showrooms in 2010.

Based on the same front-wheel drive platform of the soon-to-be-unveiled Chevrolet Cruze, the Excelle will go on sale in China with a choice of either a naturally aspirated 116-hp 1.6L four-cylinder engine, a peppier 138-hp 1.8L mill, or a 1.6L turbocharged engine that produces 181 hp and up to 196 lb-ft of torque in Superboost mode. A six-speed automatic gearbox comes standard with all engines and no word was given regarding a manual option.

Although the Chinese-spec Excelle shares a platform with the Cruze, it is actually a closer relative of the 2010 Opel Astra, with similar styling. Both cars receive a revised suspension relative to the Cruze, with rebound springs up front to reduce understeer and give a sportier driving experience. Out back, a Watts linkage is added to the package, rather than a Panhard rod. The changes should make the Excelle a much more dynamic car to drive than the Cruze.

Of course, the big question is whether the Excelle will make it across the pond to U.S. soil, where it could join the all-new Regal and LaCrosse as an entry-level addition to Buick's domestic lineup. The car pictured looks virtually identical to the small Buick GM showed us months ago, although the version we saw was a four-door sedan. In the U.S., a sedan likely makes more sense for both buyers' tastes and Buick's image, so the possibility of a U.S. Excelle coming with four doors instead of five is a strong one. And, of course, Buick could also choose to rename the car for the U.S. market, so we're not even sure if our Buick will carry the Excelle moniker.

What do you think of the Chinese-market Buick Excelle? What engine, body style, and name would you like to see on the U.S.-spec car?

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Hot News Up Date: 2011 Audi A1

Audi will be pegging prices of the A1 close to the Mini, an inside source has revealed.

The upmarket supermini, due to go on sale at the end of 2010, is likely to start at around £13,000 for the base three-door model, although the bulk of the range will retail between £15,000 to £20,000.

The new A1 is set to share a lot of mechanicals with the recently launched VW Polo. Exact details are scarce, but it’s likely to be powered by a range of existing VW group engines and some newly developed motors.

The petrol model range begins with a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine in two states of tune - 84bhp and 104bhp. Further up there will be a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol with 120bhp and a high-performance, supercharged and turbocharged version of the same unit that puts out 168bhp.

Diesel engines are likely to be a 1.6-litre common-rail injection unit in three states of tune: 75bhp, 90bhp and 105bhp.

Audi sources say that the company is keen to offer A1 buyers a similar ownership experience to that of the Mini. That’s likely to include a wide range of options to personalise your car and the company is planning a all-in service package, designed to give a fixed ownership cost over three or five years.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: Volkswagen Polo is Autocar Car of the Year 2010

The VW Polo is the Car of the Year 2010.

The supermini narrowly edged the Toyota iQ in the final voting, earning 347 points over 337.

The Polo received 59 scoring votes in total from the 59-strong judging panel, including 25 selections as the number one car. In contrast the iQ received 58 votes, with 20 selections as the best car.

The result is determined from a list of 33 new cars which are voted on by European car journalists.

A shortlist of seven cars is then determined, with 59 European judges making their selection. Each judge has 25 points to allocate as they see fit, although at least five contenders must receive points, and the chosen winner must receive more points than the runners-up.

Autocar's editor-in-chief Steve Cropley is one of the judges, and voted the Toyota iQ as his personal favourite, allocating it eight points. He also gave the Mercedes E-class five points, Citroen C3 Picasso and Peugeot 3008 three points each and the Skoda Yeti, Vauxhall Astra and VW Polo two points each.

The full result is below:

1. Volkswagen Polo 347 points, 59 votes, 25 vote wins
2. Toyota iQ 337 points, 58 votes, 20 vote wins
3. Opel/Vauxhall Astra 221 points, 55 votes, 5 vote wins
4. Skoda Yeti 158 points, 54 votes, 4 vote wins
5. Mercedes-Benz E-class 155 points, 48 votes, 2 wins
6. Peugeot 3008 144 points, 49 votes, 2 vote wins
7. Citroen C3 Picasso 113 points, 47 votes, 1 win

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: Geely and Ford Strike Volvo Deal

Geely has reached an agreement with Ford on the issue of Volvo’s intellectual property rights, according to a company spokesman.

The European-abased spokesman told Reuters that the major obstacle in Geely’s takeover of Volvo from Ford had now been overcome. Ford has declared Geely as its preferred bidder for the Swedish firm.

The spokesman said if the deal is completed, then Geely will have ownership of all technologies exclusively developed by Volvo.

Ford will be allowed access to any technologies which are crucial to the feature of its business, including safety and environmental features.

The agreement won’t apply the other way around, however, as Geely will not be allowed access or have any rights to any similar technology developed by Ford.

When Ford announced Geely as its preferred bidder for Volvo last month, Ford’s chief financial officer Lewis Booth highlighted the importance of reaching an agreement that was acceptable for both parties.

“Ford’s objective in our discussions with Geely is to secure an agreement that is in the best interests of all the parties,” he said.

“Any prospective sale would have to ensure that Volvo has the resources, including the capital investment, necessary to further strengthen the business and build its global franchise.
“Ford believes Geely has the potential to be a responsible future owner of Volvo and to take the business forward while preserving its core values and the independence of the Swedish brand. But there is much work that needs to be completed in the more substantive discussions that are agreed to take place. We have no specific timeline to conclude the discussion.”

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: Alfa Romeo Changes Milano Name

Alfa Romeo has been forced to change the name of its 147 replacement less than 48 hours before it is scheduled to be unveiled to the world.

The car has been designated the Alfa Romeo Milano for months, and was set to be given that name up until the end of last week.

However, Autocar understands that Alfa has now made a late change to the name.

It is understood that this is because Alfa workers in Milan complained that a current wave of redundancies at Fiat's Milan headquarters means there will be almost no Alfa employees working in the city, and that to name a car after the location would be insensitive.

In January and February 2010 Alfa is scheduled to relocate its last remaining 232 Milan-based designers and engineers from Milan, where Alfa was established 99 years ago, to Turin, in order to save money.

Rumours suggest that Alfa is busy preparing a new name for the car, with Giulietta favourite.
This is the second time in the past 10 years Alfa has changed a car's name at the last minute.
In early 2003, Fiat decided to call the Panda's successor the Gingo. However, Renault threatened to sue Fiat because it felt Gingo was too close to Twingo – a Panda rival.

Thanks to: Autocar

New Car: 2011 Ford Mustang V6

Wanna see a Ford guy wince? Call the Mustang V-6 a “secretary’s car.” This used to be a reliably fun way to annoy our hosts (or get a beer poured down our backs) at Mustang events, primarily because it was true: with its wheezy, old 4.0-liter V-6 putting out a wimpy-for-a-muscle-car 210 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, the base ‘Stang couldn’t outrun a Honda Accord V-6. But it seems that our last jab has been made, now that Ford has announced that its 2011 Mustang V-6 will have its power juiced up by some 45 percent to 305 hp, with torque rising 40 lb-ft to 280.

The new, all-aluminum six-pot displaces 3.7 liters, with its signature feature being Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing), which Ford says allows for extremely precise overlap times during which both intake and exhaust valves are open. Simply stated, this allows the engine to operate optimally for hard-charging acceleration—a handy trait for pony cars—but then become more focused on fuel economy during low-load situations. Redline is now a nice, high 7000 rpm. Also helping in both performance and fuel-economy respects are newly fitted manual and automatic transmissions, both with six forward speeds.

Thanks to a frugal 2.73:1 rear axle ratio and tall top gears in both transmissions, fuel economy soars to an impressive 19 mpg in the city and a whopping 30 on the highway for the automatic—besting the segment’s current mileage braggart, the 304-hp Chevrolet Camaro V-6 and its still-impressive 29 highway mpg; fuel economy drops by one mpg to 18/29 for the manual-equipped Mustang V-6. Ford says that it has kept curb weight under 3500 pounds for the coupe, with the engine being 40 pounds lighter than the 4.0-liter it replaces, although the dual-exhaust system adds a few pounds back in (the current Mustang V-6 manual weighs in at 3421 pounds). Also noteworthy are larger brake discs, which have been upgraded to 11.5 inches in front and 11.8 in back, as well as retuned spring and damper rates. The steering components have been replaced by a new electrically assisted system, which offers gains in terms of efficiency but often results in a loss of road feel. Ford claims that the electric system will offer great feel and include tricks like road-crown correction. But we’ll have to see how all these “enhancements” change the overall character of the car.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Hot News: 2013 Ferrari F70

It’s being hailed as the ultimate, most advanced road car Ferrari has ever made. Aiming to leave exotic rivals including the Lamborghini Reventón and Bugatti Veyron trailing, the ferocious flagship will break from the norm in more ways than one. And our stunning illustrations show how such a model could look.

It will be not only quicker and more focused than the Enzo, but smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient, too. In addition, the latest rumours suggest a twin-turbo V8 will provide the power. It will be the first use of turbos in a production Ferrari since the 1987 F40, making this the spiritual successor to that definitive hypercar.

Internally codenamed the F70, the newcomer will use knowledge gathered from the FXX scheme. This invited customers to buy a pumped-up and stripped-out version of the Enzo for £1.5million, but allowed them to drive their purchases only on approved track days. Afterwards, they briefed Ferrari on possible improvements.

The philosophy behind this new downsized and lightweight hypercar is derived from 2007’s Millechilli concept. Although little more than a fibreglass model, it demonstrated Ferrari’s aim to increase the performance of future models by shedding weight, not by hiking power. Millechilli means 1,000kg in Italian. It’s an ambitious target for the F70’s kerbweight – a full 365kg less than the Enzo – but Ferrari is ready to apply every weight-saving measure possible.

Rival McLaren is leading the way in lightweight construction, with an F1-style carbon fibre tub forming the basis of its MP4-12C supercar, so Ferrari wants to regain the initiative in this area. An overhauled and shrunken tub, carbon fibre body panels – plus carbon-ceramic brakes and a no-frills cabin – should keep weight to a minimum. Ferrari already heads efforts to reduce CO2, having slashed output by 10 per cent in 2009. It promises further cuts from its current 387g/km average by 2012.

But reducing body mass alone won’t be enough to achieve this. To slash CO2 significantly, the engine also needs an advanced design. The Enzo’s V12 will make way for a new direct-injection twin-turbo V8 – the same layout as in the legendary F40. Output is likely to be on a par with the Enzo’s 660bhp, but that lower weight should put performance on another level. Expect a three-second 0-60mph time and top speed in excess of 230mph.

A twin-turbo V6 is also under consideration, to replace the 458 Italia and California’s V8s. Yet before either unit is signed off, engineers are keen to eliminate turbo lag. The F40 was famous for the delay between throttle inputs and the arrival of a savage wave of torque. But Ferrari claims it won’t resort to turbos again until it’s perfected the technology to give the instant response for which its naturally aspirated cars are renowned.

One option is electric or hybrid chargers. These use a small electric motor to spool the turbos up to operating speeds much faster than in a normal set-up, where exhaust gas has to be recirculated. The result is a virtual elimination of turbo lag and a linear power delivery that will be familiar to owners of current Ferraris.

Just like the Enzo, the F70 will be strictly limited to a production run of 399 examples, adhering to Ferrari’s philosophy of always building one less car than you think you can sell. But not just anyone will be able to put their name on the waiting list. Buyers will need to be personally invited by Ferrari to stump up the expected million (£600,000) asking price when the car goes on sale in 2012. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2011 Mini Clubman S Diesel

European Mini shoppers have the option of ordering their Cooper or Clubman with a diesel engine - an option not currently offered Stateside. But what if said shoppers would like a little added pep over the standard 90- and 110-hp oil burners and a sport-tuned suspension to go along with it?

Our intrepid spy shooters have caught the Mini engineering team testing a new Mini Cooper S Diesel and Clubman S Diesel in Europe, and both cars seem to answer the call of the enthusiast. Wearing the same 'S' twin exhaust pipes as the standard gasoline-powered Mini 'S' models (center mounted on the Cooper, and one pipe on each side on the Clubman) and some revised bodywork, this pair has much the look of the standard Mini Cooper S and Clubman S. So how did our shooters know they were diesel models? The typical diesel exhaust note was clearly recognizable.

According to our sources, the non-functional hood scoop on the standard Cooper S may or may not make it to the production Diesel S. Prototypes have been spotted with and without it. A revised front bumper does appear to be in the works, letting those ahead know that the Mini on their tail is probably looking to pass. Horsepower, we're told, should be in the 140 to 150 range - a significant boost.Will either come to the U.S. market? That is the question on many an American enthusiast's mind, no doubt. Let us know if you'd buy one in the comments section below.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Hot News: Mercedes and Renault Teams Up!

Mercedes-Benz and Renault are to co-operate on a new modular small car platform and two separate engine ranges that will form the basis of a new range of Smart models and a new line of Renault city cars.

The platform is a rear-engined, rear-drive chassis already under development by Mercedes. It will be used in the next Fortwo, due in 2013, and for a replacement for the Forfour that’s scheduled to arrive in 2014.

In lightly modified form - the wheelbase and track widths are variable - the platform will also be used by Renault for a new range of entry-level models, including the Twizy electric car and a four-door based on the Zoe concept.

It is unclear whether Renault-owned Nissan, Dacia and Samsung will have access to the new platform. Nissan has been considering a new entry-level model positioned beneath the Micra, possibly to be produced at its Sunderland plant in the UK. However, its future now looks uncertain.

Mercedes and Renault are also planning to share new engines. Initially Mercedes will provide Renault with three-cylinder petrol and diesels, both with stop-start systems.

The new engines, which are said to be different to Smart’s current powerplants, have been designed specifically for the rear-drive platform. They will be fitted to a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed double-clutch transmission.

Later, the two firms will work on a range of new sub-1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. These will be used in higher-end versions of the Forfour, as well as the next A and B-classes and future generations of the Twingo, Clio, Modus, Mégane and Scenic.

Owing to the similarity in mechanical layout, it’s likely that the new Forfour will be built by Renault alongside its new four-door model, at one of its existing plants. The Fortwo will be manufactured at Smart’s plant in Hambach, France, and it could be joined there by Renault’s city car.

As part of their deal, Mercedes and Renault are also planning mild hybrid and electric versions of their new models, although at this stage it remains unclear just which company is set to head the development.

Thanks to: Autocar

New Car: 2011 Renaultsport Twingo Gordini

The Gordini badge is back! These are the first official pictures of the Twingo Gordini Renaultsport, a very special edition that draws on Renault's rich motorsport heritage. In a tribute to the highly successful Gordini racing cars from the fifties and sixties, the hot-hatch is finished in Malta Blue with two off-centre white racing stripes running from the bonnet to the boot lid.

The front and rear bumpers include gloss black sections, while the fog lamp surrounds, wing mirrors and rear tailgate spoiler are also marked out in alpine white. Badges reading 'Gordini Series' adorn the left and right flanks of the car and the flamboyant exterior is finished off with polished 17-inch alloys, with the inner rim painted in a choice of blue or black.

And the colour scheme continues on the inside too with scuplted sports seats covered in quilted leather and embossed with the Gordini logo in blue and black. The leather steering wheel receives two white stripes to indicate the centre point, while a blue rev-counter and Gordini badged gearlever complete the luxurious cabin.

Beneath the cosmetic changes, the mechanicals are identical to the Twingo Renaultsport 133. That means it uses the same rev-hungry 133bhp 1.6-litre engine and the softer 'Sport' chassis comes as standard, although the stiffer 'Cup' suspension can be ordered as an option.

To create a buzz before it goes on sale the car is currently on display, until 10 January, at Renault's most prestigious showroom on the Champs-Elysées in Paris. UK prices will be announced closer to the car's on sale date in March next year. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: 2012 Audi R10

Our amazing scoop pictures show how the Audi range is set to develop – and here’s its crowning glory. These images show one designer’s take on how a new R10 – a V10-engined flagship supercar – could look.

But this isn’t just a flight of fantasy. According to Auto Express sources, Audi is seriously considering a new supercar to sit above the acclaimed R8. It’s set to share the chassis of the forthcoming Lamborghini Murciélago replacement.

As well as a sculpted body, the car would get a mid-engined layout and a low-slung, two-seat cabin. Audi’s famous aluminium spaceframe chassis technology will be combined with carbon fibre to keep weight down and provide supreme strength.

The R10 will also be wider and longer than the R8, while four-wheel drive ensures it’s firmly planted on the road. Power is expected to come from a turbocharged 5.0-litre V10 with up to 600bhp – that would give 0-60mph in just over three seconds.

Preliminary prototypes, disguised as Lamborghinis, have been spied near the Nürburgring in Germany, although the car is unlikely to arrive before 2012. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Koenigsegg Walks Away from Saab

Saab has become the latest manufacturer to fall victim to the unpredictable motor industry. A statement, issued by General Motors has revealed that Koenigsegg Group AB has pulled out of the deal to buy fellow Swedish car maker, Saab.

General Motors revealed that they are "very disappointed with the decision to pull out of the Saab purchase", but offered no explanation for why the deal fell through.

GM are insisting that not all is lost for the Saab brand, with company president and CEO Fritz Henderson claiming they will "take the next several days to assess the situation and will advise on the next steps next week."

One possibility is that other buyers, who expressed an interest before Koenigsegg, may again step up to complete a takeover. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Mazda RX-7 Returns?

It's the Mazda that’s guaranteed to send rivals into a spin! These illustrations are the best yet of the forthcoming RX-7– an all-new two-seater sports car, complete with a turbocharged rotary engine.

Although this model will be a natural successor to the RX-8, the logical RX-9 badge is to be shunned in favour of RX-7 – evoking memories of the rear-wheel-drive Mazda produced in various forms between 1978 and 2002.

Reports from Japan have revealed that new design chief Ikua Maeda has already sketched plans for the next RX-7, and is said to be pushing the three-door model to the firm’s board of directors. Mazda has chosen to use the light and compact Renesis 16X Wankel engine – the same unit as fitted to 2007’s Taiki concept car.

With an equivalent capacity of 1.6 litres to improve torque, and the addition of a turbocharger to boost power beyond 300bhp, the RX-7 will be much more sporty than the RX-8.

By sticking with a rotary engine, Mazda will ensure the model can be adapted to run on hydrogen in future. Plus, it would retain the RX-8’s appeal as the only rotary-engined car in production.

Rumours that an RX-7 concept could debut at October’s Tokyo Motor Show came to nothing; it may not appear until next year’s event. A production model would then follow early in 2011 For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Toyota Recalls 110,000 Tundras

Toyota is recalling 2000 through 2003 model year Tundras for rust damage, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced today. According to the federal agency, road salts are causing "excessive corrosion" on the rear cross-member of the frame, which can lead to damage to the rear brake lines. If the frame fails, the spare tire can fall on to the road. It was just yesterday that we told you the NHTSA was investigating cases of frame corrosion, and it appears those investigations were well warranted.

Per the NHTSA, the safety recall includes Tundras "that are registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia."

Toyota will ask owners of afflicted vehicles to bring their truck to a dealership, where it will be inspected and repaired. Toyota will perform an inspection and repair, if necessary, on affected trucks outside of the above states.

Until then, the NHTSA is advising owners of these trucks to remove the spare tire to avoid creating a road hazard should it come loose from the vehicle.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Special Edition

Making its debut at the L.A. auto show is Subaru’s new 2010 WRX STI Special Edition. How special is it? Well, on the outside, it actually looks a little less special, with no fog lights in its broad, black front fascia, and halogen headlamps instead of HIDs. Ditto inside, where manual A/C replaces automatic climate control, and a basic four-speaker single-CD system replaces the 10-speaker whomp-whomp pounder in the standard WRX STI.

But beneath the bespoke Aspen White bodywork are the stiff legs of the Japanese domestic market WRX STI Spec C. The rear adds a 1-mm-thicker anti-roll bar, stiffer subframe bushings, revised springs, and shocks that are 29 percent firmer. Up front, the springs become 16 percent stiffer. The charcoal-colored wheels come straight off the Spec C, shod with the same Dunlop SP600s as all other STIs. The 305-hp turbocharged flat-four, adjustable center differential, and standard six-speed manual transmission carry over from the standard U.S.-market STI.

Subaru describes the new Special Edition as “aimed at the driving enthusiast who is willing to trade a few amenities to gain an extra measure of handling performance.” We describe it as an STI that’s traded ribs and milkshakes for chicken breasts and Gatorade. No word on how much, if any, actual weight has been shed, but we’re looking forward to seeing just how much more athletic its new suspension has allowed it to become.

Pricing is TBA, but based on our experience with America’s wild-eyed WRX/STI fans, many of whom perform Japan-spec conversions in their own garages, we think the initial run of 125 cars—hey, it’s a for-real limited-edition special edition for now!—will be gobbled up shortly after they go on sale next spring. To anyone that misses out, or hard-core STI lovers who don’t like white, be patient: the STI Special Edition will become a standard production model available in all of the STI’s current colors once the initial run of 125 is gone.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Hot News: 2012 Peugeot 508 is 407 & 607 Replacement

PSA Peugeot president Philippe Varin has revealed the name of the 407 and 607 replacement - the 508.

Early development work on the 508 - which will replace both the 407 and 607 at the same time - has already begun and, as the car's name suggests, in terms of size it will sit between the models it replaces.

The current plan is for a 508 concept car to be unveiled at the Paris show next year, before the production version is launched at the Geneva motor show in 2011.

The model will mark the return of the series of 50x numbers, which were last seen on the 505 when it was launched in 1979.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: MG Returns

MG Motor UK Limited announced that the first all-new model to wear the MG badge for 14 years will be launched today at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China, and according to SAIC’s President, it will be built in the UK.

MG UK says this new MG has been designed and engineered in the UK for sale in a wide range of international markets and that the launch marks “the start of one of the most exciting periods in the 85 year history of the iconic MG brand.” The marque’s global expansion will commence in China which has now become the world’s largest automotive market.

MG UK’s announcement seemingly provides official confirmation the launch of the MG 6 but gives no indication of when, if any, further details will be released to the UK-based Automotive Industry media.

However, AROnline’s sources at MG UK in Longbridge have told us to expect more information about the new model just as soon as they can prepare an English-language version of the data released in China.

Also, confirming UK production, SAIC’s President Chen Hong told Reuters: ‘SAIC plans to begin producing the MG6 in the UK by the end of 2010.’ For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2010 Lexus GX 460

We're fresh off our First Drive, and Lexus has announced full pricing for its upcoming 2010 GX 460 SUV. As you might expect, it's no cheap ride, with the Base model commanding $52,875, including an $875 destination and handling charge. Step it up a notch to the Premium level and the price nestles up to $57,640.

For the money, Lexus's second-generation luxo-off-roader sports a new 4.6L V-8 courtesy of the Toyota Tundra. In its newfound sheetmetal, the mill makes a healthy 301 hp at 329 lb-ft and is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The package gets an EPA-rated 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway.

Buyers can also expect to have heated and vented front seats; 10 airbags; front, rear, and side cameras; Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System; and full-time four-wheel drive. There's also a pre-collision warning system, a lane departure warning, and Intelligent High Beam lamps. Extra luxury comes courtesy of semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, and heated outer second row seating.

Lexus plans on showing the GX at this year's L.A. Auto Show, so stay tuned for full coverage. Deliveries occur next month as well.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2011 BMW 5-Series

It’s official, the all-new 5-Series is here! A consistent class-leader since it was introduced back in 1972, the sixth-generation of the ‘5’ promises to be every bit as revolutionary as its forbearers. Auto Express was at an exclusive unveiling of the car in Munich to bring you these first official images and all the details that matter.

With this car it’s clear that BMW has put the Chris Bangle days behind it. The controversial ex chief designer brought his unique brand of love it or loathe it styling to the last 5-Series, but BMW has kept things more conventional this time around. Gone is the awkward boot lip, replaced instead by cleaner lines and tidy proportions, with only two main creases running along the side of the car.

In the flesh the low bonnet and shark-like nose give it a sportier and more elegant look than the formal styling of the outgoing model. In fact it appears more like a bigger brother for the 3-series than a down-sized version of the 7-Series we all expected. Something which Adrian van Hooydonk , design chief for the BMW Group claims is a coincidence: “It looks closer to the 3-Series because we’ve taken a sportier direction with the design. In turn, the design for the new 3-Series will have to be even sportier,” he revealed.

A wheelbase of 2,968 millimetres, the longest in its class, translates to an additional 13 millimetres of leg room in the rear – just one highlight in a much improved cabin. The trademark angled centre console – puts the focus firmly on the driver, while an optional glass sunroof floods the cabin with light. The major design cues, such as the widescreen display and black-panel technology, which appears to be a piece of interior trim when the air-con is not in use and lights up magically when you turn it on, are lifted from the 5-Series GT. But whereas the GT focuses on light and space, the 5-Series is a cosier cockpit-style affair, hinting at its dynamic capabilities.

The engine line up includes four petrol and three diesels. Stop-start is included as standard on the 520d, predicted to be the biggest seller in the UK, while a new eight-speed auto transmission with wheel-mounted paddles can be ordered as an option over the six-speed manual, or comes as standard on the range-topping 550i.

With CO2 emissions of 132g/km and 56.5mpg the four-cylinder 520d is the most frugal 5-Series ever. It’s joined in the diesel line up by two six-cylinder units – the 525d and 530d. Both 3.0-litre single turbo engines, they produce 201bhp and 242bhp respectively with the more powerful of the two still returning a creditable 44.8mpg.

Three straight-six petrol engines are offered – the 523i, 528i and 535i, all of which feature direct fuel injection. The two former are naturally aspirated, while the 535i is turbocharged resulting in 302bhp and a 0-60mph sprint in just 6.0 seconds. But if even more power is a priority, the range-topping 550i, featuring the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from the 7-Series, offers just that. Despite packing 401bhp and peak torque figure of 600Nm, the 550i is capable of 27.2mpg.

While the styling might have been toned down, BMW hasn’t dulled its focus on the 5-Series being a car for keen drivers. New double-wishbone suspension at the front is said to strike the best balance yet between handling and comfort, while the Drive Dynamic Control system allows drivers to modulate throttle, steering and gearbox setting via four modes – Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+. The chassis is 50 per cent stiffer than the old model as well, for an overall weight penalty of only 15 kg.

For the UK market, standard equipment will be more generous than ever. All models now come with leather upholstery, automatic air conditioning and Bluetooth connection as standard. Among the myriad options, customers can specify a park assist system, collision warning with auto brake and 360 degree surround cameras which give a bird’s eye view of the car on your display, for negotiating especially tight gaps and spaces.

Despite the additional standard kit, the 520d’s price tag has only risen by £735 over the model it replaces. Further up the diesel range the 525d and 530d start from £32,380 and £36,300 respectively. The petrol line up begins at £30,560 for the 523i, climbing to £36,290 and £49,440 for the 535i and 550i respectively. The newcomer hits showrooms on March 10 minus the 520d, which follows in June. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2011 Audi A7

It's game set and ‘hatch’ for Auto Express’s spy photographers. They snapped these world exclusive images of the new Audi A7 as it was prepared for a first road test in Germany. Our pictures reveal the car’s sculpted headlamps, as well as the practical tailgate, which is open.

Underlining the A7’s driver appeal is an imposing radiator grille and at the rear, the hint of an aerodynamic spoiler. The completely undisguised machine has been spied nearly 12 months ahead of its launch at 2010’s Paris Motor Show.

But the newcomer won’t just offer a dramatic look – insiders at the Ingolstadt company say it will also raise the bar even higher in terms of interior quality. The cabin is set to get fully adjustable benches front and rear, as well as four and five-seat layouts. Plus, the A7 will showcase cutting-edge technology, including the second generation of Audi’s MMI cabin control system.

Under the skin is a stretched version of the platform which underpins the A5 Coupé, although the car will be fitted with air-suspension to provide sharp handling and a smooth ride. From launch, engine options will comprise a trio of V6 diesels, including a new 3.0-litre twin-turbo, plus V6 and V8 petrol powerplants. Hot S7 and RS7 models are also in the pipeline. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2011 Mercedes C-Class

Mercedes-Benz has taken the knife to the C-Class, and our fearless spy photographers caught the result. While the bandaging doesn't reveal the changes, it tells us what's been updated.

The facelift looks to include changes to the headlights, fascia, and hood. Our photographers also reckon small updates are coming to the rear taillights and bumper, and to the interior. Mechanical changes in the pursuit of fuel efficiency were hinted at, too.

The volume player in the M-B stable, the C-Class is currently available with a 228-hp 3.0L V-6, a 268-hp 3.5L V-6, and a monster, 451-hp V-8 in the C63 AMG.

We expect the facelifted 2011 C-Class to go on sale next year, perhaps to get a head start on the next 3 Series.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Hot News: De Tomaso Revived?

Plans to revive the De Tomaso sportscar brand have been revealed.

Italian businessman Gian Mario Rossignolo - a former Fiat executive - bought the De Tomaso name last month, and has now announced plans to build 8000 De Tomaso cars a year in a former Pininfarina factory near Turin.

Rossignolo, 79, says his company now plans to produce a three-model range of aluminum vehicles using the innovative Univis spaceframe construction technique. These will be an SUV, a luxury saloon and a coupe.

Although no details of which car will be built first have been revealed, Rossignolo has said the first will be shown at the Geneva motor show in 2011.

The De Tomaso sports car company was founded in 1959 in Modena, northern Italy, by former Argentinean racing driver Alejandro De Tomaso. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2004, a year after De Tomaso's death.

De Tomaso became an iconic brand for sports car fans in the 1960s and 1970s with three coupes - the 1963 Vallelunga, the 1966 Mangusta and the 1970 Pantera.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied: 2013 BMW 1-Series Hybrid

So the Germans were wrong about the market’s desire for hybrids, and now they are trying hard to catch up. Proof? Even the 1-series, BMW's self-proclaimed "spritual successor" of the 2002, is slated to gain a hybrid powertrain. As these spy photos show, prototypes using current 1er bodies are on the road. And while we don't expect the 1-series to become available as a full hybrid, the next generation is almost sure to get an electric motor and a pack of batteries to allow owners an extra degree of eco-smugness.

While this 1-series hatch may seem unfamiliar to you, it is the standard body style for most other markets. Pretty it ain't, but it provides a nice, flexible cargo area and works well in urban habitats. The next-generation 1-series will be based on the 3-series platform, as it is today, and it will be available with several body styles again, including hatch, coupe, and convertible.

Even today, the European-market 1-series comes with a full plate of fuel-saving technologies, which BMW bundles under the "Efficient Dynamics" moniker. Stop/start systems, brake-energy recuperation, and low-friction engine internals are all part of the package. We can also attest to the low fuel consumption of the Efficient Dynamics–equipped 2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel in the 123d—we got 36 mpg when we tested it earlier this year. That’s close to what you’ll get with Japanese hybrids, but the Bimmer is twice the fun.

But for marketing purposes, "Efficient Dynamics" just does not have the same clout as "hybrid.” So BMW has decided to jump in with both feet; the ActiveHybrid X6 and ActiveHybrid 7-series models were clearly just the beginning.

We expect the hybrid 1-series to be based on a three- or four-cylinder gas engine, and, as in the ActiveHybrid 7, the electric motor will give the little car a bit of extra boost and save you fuel in city driving. (The X6 hybrid is a more complex full hybrid that can run on electricity alone.) Of course, the hybrid system will also make an already heavy car even heavier.

The 1-series hybrid will be available in the U.S., as the gas-electric vehicle is far more accepted here than in somewhat more skeptical Europe. There will be strong competition: Lexus says its upcoming Euro-market compact hatch, previewed this year as the LF-Ch concept, will only come as a hybrid, and Honda's upcoming CRZ sports coupe also will have a standard hybrid powertrain. But here's what we like best about the 1-series compared to these competitors: You still get to choose. Take the hybrid or leave it.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Hot News: 2014 Mercedes SSK (Baby SLS AMG)

Mercedes-Benz has given its AMG division the green light for a second stand-alone model to sit alongside the new SLS, as part of a programme aimed at establishing the brand among the world’s supercar elite.

The new two-seater, which will be cheaper and sell in greater numbers than the SLS, will form the entry point to an expanded number of uniquely engineered AMG models when it arrives in showrooms in 2013.

“Mercedes’ management has been very supportive of AMG’s efforts in developing the SLS,” a senior official revealed to Autocar. “The feedback we’ve received since showing the car at the Frankfurt motor show has been extremely encouraging. A second model that will project a similarly exclusive image but be more accessible in terms of its pricing is already in planning.”

The new AMG is said to reflect a more contemporary approach, with modern styling created under Mercedes design boss Gordon Wagener.

While no official name has been given to the new car, those privy to early proposals say it sets out to encapsulate the spirit of the 1928 SSK, whose name is taken from the German words Super Sport Kurz (‘kurz’ means ‘short’).

In keeping with the plans drawn up for the SLS, the new AMG will come in a choice of two body styles: coupé and roadster. Like the SLS drop-top, the smaller AMG roadster is likely to have a cloth roof rather than a folding hard-top in a bid to keep weight down and improve packaging.

To keep costs down and save more weight, both coupé and roadster versions of the new AMG model will forgo the SLS’s expensive gullwing doors for regular front-hinged items.

“We’re not going to make a habit of providing cars with gullwing doors,” said Wagener. “It works with the SLS as there’s a link with the old SL, but don’t expect it to become common.”

In a bid to ensure there is no overlap, each of AMG’s new models will occupy its own particular market niche, with a price difference of over £70,000 between them.

“While the SLS was conceived to sit above the SL63 AMG, the new car is planned to be positioned a similar distance above the SLK55 AMG,” our source revealed. Priced from £80,000, its main rivals will be the Porsche 911 and Audi R8.

Like the SLS, the new model will use a lightweight aluminium spaceframe and double wishbone suspension. Power for the new car is likely to come from an all-new 500bhp twin-turbocharged 5.4-litre V8 engine. It is being developed for the upcoming CLS55 AMG.

The engine will be mounted in a front-mid arrangement and will drive the rear wheels via a seven-speed double-clutch transaxle and locking differential that’s likely to be lifted from the SLS.

According to AMG’s development chief, Tobias Moers this arrangement has been identified as being fundamental to all future stand-alone AMG models.

Performance should be every bit as good as Porsche’s 911 Carrera S — a car that, Autocar has learned, acts as the benchmark for the new AMG model. That means performance of around 4.5sec from 0-62mph and a top speed of around 180mph.

The inclusion of many of Mercedes-Benz’s BlueEfficiency measures, including stop-start and brake regeneration, as well as the possibility of cylinder deactivation and a heat exchanger, should also ensure competitive fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

A full electric version of the new car is also being planned, employing a similar set-up to that earmarked for the SLS eDrive, with four in-wheel motors and lithium ion batteries (see right). Mercedes and AMG want the electric version of the car to provide a range of up to 112 miles on a single charge, with 0-62mph acceleration in under 4.0sec and a top speed of 120mph.

Thanks to: Autocar

New Car: 2010 Opel/Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall has launched this revised version of the Corsa in it attempts to close the gap to the class-leading Ford Fiesta.

The Corsa has been one of the UK’s biggest-selling cars under the government-backed scrappage incentive scheme and Vauxhall is keen to ensure sales of its flagship supermini remain strong when the grants end.

The revised model, due on sale in April, has been given a range of chassis tweaks to improve its dynamics, while the range also gets an average mpg boost of 13.2 per cent. Furthermore, five of the six engines offer sub-125g/km CO2 emissions when mated to a manual ‘box. The only exception is the VXR model.

Vauxhall hasn’t changed the exterior or interior styling of the Corsa, which is three and a half years into its lifespan, as a facelift is expected to follow at a later stage. This has yet to be confirmed by Vauxhall, however.

“It’s not a facelift, but we’re trying to keep the car fresh,” said a Vauxhall source. “It’s an important car to us and generally the UK’s second biggest-selling car. We’ve responded to the undoubtedly strong competition by improving efficiency and dynamics; this new model is a real improvement to drive.”

Vauxhall’s engineers have added softer springs to the front suspension, which are mated to an anti-roll bar with new bushes. This, Vauxhall claims, has improved the ride quality, while changes to the steering geometry should improve the handling. The damper settings have also been revised at all four corners and the ESP system has been retuned.

The new 94bhp 1.3-litre Ecoflex model has claimed combined fuel economy of 76.3mpg, rising to 88.3mpg on the extra-urban cycle. The entry-level 1.0-litre petrol units gets a 5bhp power boost to 64bhp over the outgoing car's, while the new model's CO2 emissions drop to 117g/km, meaning it now qualifies for £35 road tax.

Trim levels have been brought in line with those seen in the new Astra and Insignia ranges. Life becomes S, Club becomes Exclusiv and Design becomes SE, while SXi and SRi remain unchanged. The SE gets what Vauxhall claims is a unique feature in this class as standard: a heated leather steering wheel and heated front seats.

SRi models also benefit from extra kit, with 17-inch alloys, a VXR styling kit, air-con and revised suspension settings all standard.

Prices for the revised Corsa will start from £10,285, undercutting the entry-level Fiesta by £610.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: Peugeot Takes on Ford Puma

Take a look at Peugeot’s new baby coupé! Auto Express has learned that the Lion is getting ready to roar into the small sports car market with this sensational 2+2, which boasts Ferrari style at an affordable price tag.

The newcomer will sit below the eagerly awaited 308 RC Z, which is due in the spring, and is part of a plan for the firm to place its sporting focus on coupés, following its decision to step out of the hot hatch arena. And this baby coupé is set to be an even bigger hit than the 205 GTi, going into battle with a head-turning line-up of forthcoming stylish-but-affordable models from Ford, Honda and MINI.

As you can see from our pictures – which give you the best idea of how the newcomer will look – it’s every bit as stunning as its RC Z bigger brother. What’s more, it marks a new design direction for Peugeot.

The front-engine, 2+2 layout creates a rakish bonnet and muscular rear haunches, while the swept back headlights and ‘double-bubble’ roof , which also appears on the futuristic BB1 concept, are both borrowed from the RC Z. But it’s the updated nose that will really get people talking.

Sources have revealed that Jean-Pierre Ploue, head of design at PSA Peugeot Citroen, has some radical styling ideas on the drawing board, and the dramatic one-piece front grille with a floating badge – much like the current crop of Ferraris – is a big part of it. Expect to see this new look, which takes over from the current split grille arrangement, introduced across the range over the coming years.

The new coupé sits on a front-wheel-drive platform from the next-generation Peugeot 207, which is due in 2011. It will be a more practical and driver-focused alternative to the coupé-cabrio variant, thanks to its larger rear seats and bigger boot. Expect a flagship model to boast the same 208bhp 1.6-litre turbo engine as the MINI JCW.

At the moment, Peugeot bosses are tight-lipped about the coupé, although a company spokesman told us: “We are looking at niche markets in which we are not currently represented.

“These will have sales volumes that allow us to make a profit. That’s where the RC Z and the 5008 people came from. We’ll certainly be replacing the 407 Coupé in time, and a new version is likely to be much more sporty.” For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Honda to Bring a New Concept Car to LA Auto Show

Fresh off from the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda will bring a U.S.-designed personal mobility vehicle called the Personal-Neo Urban Transport, or P-NUT, to the Los Angeles Auto Show next month.

Execs say it's a futuristic coupe with aggressive styling lines and a compact form. Other than that, not much else is known about the P-NUT.

Everything from Honda that's fallen in the realm of personal mobility devices has looked like the pictured U3-X prototype, but we're guessing that the P-NUT is more like an actual single-seat car than anything else. Of course, that's only a guess.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Hot News: Ford Fusion is 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year

In 1964, Motor Trend's Car of the Year award went to the entire Ford lineup, recognizing its combination of design, engineering excellence, and performance. In 1970, we gave the nod to the Ford Torino, which could be ordered in a wide variety of configurations. Forty years ago, buyers could choose from economical, six-cylinder-powered sedans to the dragstrip-ready 429 Super Cobra Jet fastback. These legendary winners had one thing in common: bandwidth. In the 1960s and '70s, this term wasn't yet part of popular lexicon. Today, the 2010 Ford Fusion's impressive bandwidth as a model range was one of the many factors that helped it earn the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year award.

Want an economical midsize sedan that doesn't cost much, yet won't bore you to tears? Need to please your greener side with a high-tech hybrid? Fancy a near-sport sedan with AWD, 18-inch rolling stock, and the latest infotainment and electronics? Depending on which model you choose and how many option boxes you tick, the Fusion can be any of the above. Arthur St. Antoine calls the Fusion "a compelling sweep across one of the market's most hotly contested segments."

The original Ford Fusion came to market for the 2006 model year. The basics were there, but the car wasn't fully baked. For 2010, Ford's product teams gave the lineup a soup-to-nuts redevelopment so thorough, it's as if the first-generation car never existed. Only the passenger-shell sheetmetal and other basic architectural elements escaped being redesigned, upgraded, or replaced. Although a four-door sedan is the only body style offered, powertrain choices expand from two to four, and each is new or substantially revised. There are several trim levels offered as well: base S, upmarket SE, luxurious SEL, a separate Sport model, and a Hybrid. Early in this year's COTY program, there were quiet whispers, while heads nodded, about how the Fusion looked, felt, and drove like an entirely new machine.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied Up Date: 2011 Mercedes E-Class Cabrio

This is the Mercedes E-class cabriolet, which has been spied testing undisguised for the first time.

The new cabrio has been undergoing extensive development in recent weeks ahead of its official launch next year at the Detroit motor show, including at the Nurburgring and on British roads.

Its front-end styling is identical to that of its coupe sibling, while it will feature a traditional folding fabric roof to boost rear passenger and luggage space, and also keep its weight to a minimum.

A retractable wind deflector sits on top of its windscreen, which is designed to direct wind over the top of the passenger compartment, eliminating buffeting and reducing noise with the roof down.

Another application could be to improve aerodynamics by keeping the air flowing over the car. Convertibles are often less aerodynamic than their hard-top cousins and Mercedes’ new innovation may help.

The coupe version of the new E-class is the world’s most aerodynamic production car with a Cd of 0.24, and Mercedes is keen to use slippery shapes to improve efficiency.

It is likely the deflector can be raised or lowered to give a more traditional wind-in-the-hair experience. Mercedes is also rumoured to be working on a warm air 'scarf' system for both the front and rear passengers.

When the E-class cabrio goes on sale in April, it will have the same range of four, six and eight-cylinder engines as the latest E-class saloon and coupe, including the twin-turbo four-cylinder E250 CDI. Most models are expected to get the seven-speed automatic transmission.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied Up Date: 2011 BMW X5

The facelifted BMW X5 is almost production-ready and will be launched at the Geneva motor show.

The mid-life refresh will include engine tweaks that are likely to improve economy and driveability, with a mildly refreshed exterior.

Minimal camouflage covers a restyled front bumper, which is virtually identical to the one seen on the X6, and marginally sleeker front lights.

The aim is to soften the X5 and make it appear lighter and less aggressive. BMW is aware that big SUVs are perhaps less socially acceptable than they once were, responding in part with the 5-series GT.

The rear lenses will be restyled to match the latest BMW range and the bumper will be smoothed.

Expect a next-generation iDrive system inside and a larger LCD display screen from the 5-series GT.

Following the Geneva launch the facelifted X5 will go on sale in the UK next summer.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: Citroen 2CV is Back??

The tin snail is back! Citroen is planning to evoke memories of its legendary 2CV with an all-new model. And thanks to our French sister magazine, Auto Plus, we have details and exclusive images of the car. Dubbed the DS2, the compact hatch will be the entry point to the firm’s new DS range when it arrives in 2012.

Its styling is based on that of the Revolte concept seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in September, but toned down for the showroom. This means it gets a more conventional double-chevron grille, larger headlights and a narrower track. But the rear-hinged doors remain – they open like the MINI Clubman’s driver’s side passenger door.

The bonnet creases, arching roofline and flat back end take cues from the 2CV – the original people’s car. The focus of the new DS family is to provide more luxurious, image-conscious alternatives to the established models in each class.

But in order for the DS2 to succeed, it will need to offer affordable indulgence. So, to keep development costs low, its platform and engine range will be borrowed from the new C3 – on sale in February.

There will be a range of fuel-efficient three-cylinder petrol motors, which will debut on the C3 when it gets a mid-life update in 2011. The only diesel option will be the existing 70bhp 1.4 HDi.

Other DS models include the MINI-rivalling DS3, due out next year, and the C4 and C5-based DS4 and DS5. These are slated to arrive in 2011. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car; 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai has pulled the wraps off its new 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe, releasing photos and information in U.K.-guise first, and announcing that the price (in the U.K., mind you) will be cheaper than the current version.

The most obvious revisions between current and new Santa Fe models come in the styling department. The 2010 Santa Fe features a new three-bar grille up front with chrome surround, revised headlights, and a new bumper with integrated fog lamps. Out back, the rear bumper has also been replaced, while new trapezoidal exhaust tips and revised taillights are also part of the redesign package. The base-level 17-in. wheels and premium 18-in. units are also all new for the 2010 Santa Fe.

Inside, carbon black trim replaces the wood trim found in the 2009 Santa Fe, and the standard stereo system includes an auxiliary input with integrated iPod control. The entry-level Santa Fe Style version receives reversing sensors, air conditioning, and ESP as standard for 2010, while the Santa Fe Premium includes dual climate control, heated leather seats with electronic driver side adjustment, and automated wipers and lights. Optional on both Style and Premium versions is a seven-seat configuration - room for five remains standard - for an extra £750 ($1260). With the seven-seat package is included a self-leveling rear suspension and rear privacy glass. Standard cargo space in five-seat configuration is increased approximately 1 cu.-ft. to a total of 34 cu.-ft. with all seats in place. Folded flat, stowage capacity increases to 79 cu.-ft.

The Santa Fe's engine lineup is completely revised for 2010 as well, with a 2.2L direct-injection CRDi diesel engine being the only option in the U.K. at launch. With 311 lb-ft. of torque and 194 hp, Hyundai claims it will move the Santa Fe from 0 to 62 mph in 9.9 sec. with the standard six-speed manual transmission. Towing capacity with the diesel engine is up to 5512 lbs. - 661 lbs. more than the 2009 Santa Fe. In the U.S. , it is expected that the Santa Fe will receive the recently revealed Theta II GDI direct-injection gasoline engine. Displacing 2.4L, the engine will produce 198 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The same engine will be found in the 2010 Sonata sedan.

At UK launch in January, the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe will start at £21,495 ($36,097) for a entry-level five-seat Style version with a six-speed manual gearbox. The top-line Santa Fe - a Premium model with seven seats and a six-speed automatic - will start at £25,495 ($42,814). Official U.S. specifications, pricing, and availability are expected soon.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2010 Fiat Doblo

Not long ago, Ford realized there was a market for commercial vans smaller and more efficient than the big E-Series, and in response began selling the Transit Connect in the U.S. this summer. With sales off to a strong start, other automakers have taken notice and Chrysler's new Ram brand looks to be the next to enter the fray.

Multiple outlets are reporting that Chrysler will begin importing and selling the Fiat Doblo compact commercial van in 2012. The Doblo has been sold in Europe by Chrysler's parent company Fiat since 2001 and the Ram-badged U.S.-spec model will likely be imported from Fiat's factory in Turkey, much as the Transit Connect is. Ram could, however, source it from Fiat's Brazilian operation, which builds it for the South American market. There are no plans to produce the Doblo in the U.S.

Fiat boasts that the Doblo is the segment leader in Europe in terms of interior space and emissions, and like the Ford, it's offered as a passenger van or a cargo van. With seating for seven as a passenger van, it can out-haul the Transit Connect, which has five seats. Depending on configuration, it can offer either 120 cu-ft or 148 cu-ft of cargo space, compared to the Transit Connect's 138 cu-ft. It's in payload where the Doblo really outshines the Ford, offering either 1,650 lbs or 2,200 lbs payload capacity to the Ford's 1,600 lbs. The Fiat doesn't, however, currently offer a business-friendly high-tech options package like Ford's Work Solutions, but Ford doesn't offer numerous body styles and configurations like the Fiat does, though it's not yet known how many variations will come to the U.S.

Currently, the Doblo is offered with four four-cylinder engine choices in Europe, one gas and three diesel. The gasoline engine makes 95 hp while the Multijet diesels offer 90 hp, 105 hp and 135 hp. All four are currently available only with manual transmissions, but a Dualogic automatic gearbox will be mated to an additional diesel engine option in the future. Fiat is also working on a natural gas engine and a dual-fuel gasoline and methane engine. European models also come with a standard stop-start system that shuts down the engine when the vehicle is stopped, such as at traffic lights, to improve fuel economy. Ram has not yet said what engine or engines, transmission or transmissions will be offered in the U.S., nor has it said if the stop-start system will be offered. The Transit Connect is powered by a 136-hp four-cylinder gasoline engine and both are FWD.

The Doblo will be joined at the Ram brand with a new large commercial van also sourced from Fiat that will replace the Mercedes-Benz-sourced Sprinter, likely the Fiat Ducato. Fiat/Chrysler hopes that the new vans, along with the recent updates to both the light- and heavy-duty Ram trucks, will give the Ram brand sales a big boost. So far this year, Ram brand vehicles have sold 170,725 copies, off 31% from last year. The new brand hopes to sell 280,000 vehicles next year (slightly higher than 2008 sales) and increase sales to 415,000 by 2014 following the Doblo's introduction in 2012 and the new large van's introduction somewhere in that timeframe.

Of course, it won't be a cakewalk. The Ford Transit Connect has been on sale since July of this year and has already sold 5,677 copies so far, nearly catching the Ram Sprinter, which has been on sale for years and has only sold 5,849 copies this year, though Sprinter sales are off 52% from last year. Meanwhile, the Ford E-Series vans have sold 72,474 copies so far this year and they're off 34%, so the Ram brand is going up against stiff competition. That's not even taking into account truck sales, where the Ram pickups lag severely behind the Fords. Ford has sold 334,922 F-Series trucks so far this year to Ram's 155,467, making Fiat/Chrysler's push for 415,000 sales by 2014 that much more difficult.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Hot News: Cadillac CTS-V Wagon is Go

GM’s vice chairman Bob Lutz has confirmed that the 556-hp Cadillac CTS-V wagon will indeed become a production reality. Lutz dropped the W-bomb during a recent one-on-one interview while discussing how to prime the market for cool cargo haulers—like a possible Buick Regal wagon—especially among the over-35 set that grew up traumatized by wood-paneled Grand Marquis and Chrysler K-car wagon-trocities. Then Lutz said, “You know what’s really going to get you guys [on board with wagons] is the CTS-V wagon.”

“Oh, has the wagon been confirmed?” we asked, already aware that the hot-rod CTS would also be available as a coupe. “Yes,” he replied, “You’ll be able to get the CTS-V any way you want.”

As avowed wagon lovers, we kept an external cool, but inside, we were overjoyed. After all, with its 0–60 time of 3.9 seconds and beefy looks, the CTS-V sedan has been a huge favorite of ours since its debut, and we can’t wait to see how the CTS-V coupe looks and drives when it finally appears next year. But this was the first we’d heard anyone willing to go on record actually confirming the wagon. Speculation and rumors, yes, but nothing official. (Of course, given Maximum Bob’s flair for the dramatic and his claim this summer that the Pontiac G8 would live on as the Chevrolet Caprice—which didn’t happen—we’ll wait to fully exhale until we receive an actual press release on the topic.)

While Lutz didn’t provide a time frame for this most capacious CTS-V’s arrival, we wholeheartedly applaud GM’s decision to give it the green light, as such a powerful wagon can only help the brand build credibility in Europe. (The whole “ridiculously powerful wagons are super kick-ass” thing has us pretty excited, too.) Indeed, Europe is where wagons rule, and once launched on the Continent, the CTS-V wagon—bet on an official name of CTS-V Sport Wagon—would be second only to the 580-hp Audi RS6 Avant in the power wars, and with its 551 lb-ft of torque, the Caddy would be in a class by itself. As for its prospects over here, can you say, “Cult Caddy?”

Thanks to: Car and Driver

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Volkswagen GTI

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