Citroen will launch DS5 diesel-hybrid in 2011

Modern turbodiesel powertrains already match petrol-electric hybrids in fuel-economy and often outmatches them when it comes to driveability and performance, but a combination of the two separate technologies could provide a perfect blend of performance and economy. French auto giant PSA Peugeot-Citroen group is at the forefront of the technology, already previewing a number of concept vehicles packing diesel engines and electric motors under its Hymotion4 moniker.

Citroen has confirmed its diesel hybrid drive system will enter production in 2011 with the upcoming Citroen DS5 – the third model in Citroen’s new premium range of cars, which will include a smaller DS3 and DS4. The DS5 promises to set new standards for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, has also been confirmed for Australian sales by mid-2011, at a price that is yet to be announced.

Development is still in the early stages but PSA is confident of a “considerable fuel saving” and a drop of up to 35% in carbon dioxide emissions compared to a similar sized petrol model. The Hymotion4 system is offered with AWD capability, however, the design eliminates the associated heavy weight of AWD vehicles by using two powerplants in the car. By putting the diesel drivetrain up front, where it can drive the front wheels, and the electric motor at the rear, where it drives the rear wheels, PSA has eliminated the need for heavy and bulky transfer cases, driveshafts and differentials.

As for the DS5, which will debut the diesel-hybrid system, it is expected to be a premium hatch/crossover due for launch in 2011. Its styling will be influenced by the DS Inside Concept from last month’s Geneva Motor Show, though it will be significantly bigger than the show car.

2010 Subaru Outback priced from $22,995

Subaru announced pricing for the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback(R), with the entry level model starting at $22,995, the same price as the outgoing one. This fourth-generation of the World's First Sport Utility Wagon(R) is a roomier and more capable interpretation of the vehicle that launched the crossover trend 15 years ago. Distinguished by bolder and crisper styling, the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback delivers enhanced performance, comfort and economy with the introduction of an all-new chassis and the new Subaru Lineartronic(TM) CVT (continuously variable transmission).

This entry level model features the company’s 2.5L, 170hp (127kW) four-cylinder Boxer engine, as well as a six-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission means forking out another $1,000, but even the most basic model still features the usual modern conveniences such as keyless entry, an electronic parking brake with a 'Hill Holder' system and a four-speaker audio system.

Also featuring the 2.5L engine is the Outback 2.5i 'Premium' - essentially the same as the entry level model but with a few extras thrown in for good measure. Starting at $24,995 in manual guise, the premium model gains fog lights, privacy glass, an electric driver's seat, leather steering-wheel and 16in alloys.

Even more upmarket than the 'Premium' model is the $27,995 Outback 2.5i 'Limited', which features an automatic transmission, dual-zone climate-control, paddle shifters, all-season tires wrapped around 17in alloys, leather-trimmed upholstery and a Harman/Kardon audio system.

The range-topping 3.6R variant of the Outback does away with the four-cylinder 2.5L Boxer engine found in the lesser models and instead adopts a new 256hp (191kW) six-cylinder engine, mated to a standard 5-speed auto. Starting at $27,995, the most basic 3.6R model misses out on premium features such as leather, unless they are optioned. It still gets all-season tires, 17in alloys, paddle shifters, fog lights and privacy glass.

The 3.6R also gets 'Premium' and 'Limited' variants, which adopt the same additions as found in the 2.5L four-cylinder model. The 3.6R Premium starts at $28,995, while the 3.6R Limited is priced at $30,995. All models also get a delivery fee slapped on them that falls just shy of $700.

Audi A5 Sportback headed to Frankfurt Motor Show

Audi will be releasing a host of models in the coming years to expand into new segments as it attempts to topple BMW and Mercedes in the quest to sell more than a 1.5 million vehicles by 2015. Some of the cars in the pipeline include the A1 premium hatch, A7 four-door coupe and a Sportback version of the current A5.

While we’ve seen concept versions of the A1 and A7 before, this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show will reportedly play host to the unveiling of the all-new A5 Sportback. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the new A5 Sportback will go on sale by the end of the year, alongside the high-performance RS version of the regular A5 Coupe.

A prototype of the A5 Sportback model has been spied previously, and while there is only one image we could clearly see that the car will feature a high waistline and low roof. The front-end should be identical to the A5 Coupe on which it’s based. The design appears almost like a four-door coupe but the roomy cabin, tall profile, and sloping hatchback style rear-door ensures the Sportback sits in its own niche.

The base model will remain FWD but AWD variants will feature the latest quattro torque vectoring systems, which distribute drive individually between each axle and between the rear wheels for improved traction and stability. Power will come from the same engines used in the regular A5 lineup, with a 4.2L FSI V8 expected to appear in the range-topping RS5 model.

Audi planning handful of 2011 A3 variants

Audi has pushed back the arrival of its next-generation A3 by one year as it tackles the development of several other all-new models such as the A1 hatch and Q3 soft-roader. Originally slated to arrive at the end of the year, the next A3 will now hit the market in the first half of 2010 in the basic three and five-door hatchback models. Further down the track Audi will add a new Cabrio model and Sportback wagon, and according to a new report there could even be a four-door coupe as well as an Allroad soft-roader.

The move is designed to help the new A3 compete with BMW’s 1-series range as well as a family of sporty models based on the next-generation Mercedes A and B-Class. The new A3’s underpinnings will once again be shared with VW’s Golf, which means Audi’s latest modular platform design has been ruled out. Compared with the current model, however, the new A3’s footprint will grow in size and its profile is expected to be sleeker.

Audi’s latest-generation B8 A4 grew in length by 14cm over its predecessor, positioning it closer to the 5-series and E-Class in terms of size. The gap left behind will be filled by a new A3-based sedan, which German magazine Autobild reports will stretch 4.2m in length and feature coupe-like styling.

Likely engine options for the A3 range of cars include a series of four-cylinder powerplants ranging from 1.2 to 2.0L in displacement. The base engine will be a 1.2L TFSI with 105hp and 175Nm of torque and this will be followed by a 1.4L TFSI with 125hp and 200Nm of torque and a 1.8L TFSI with 160hp and 250Nm of torque. Rounding out the four-cylinder family will be a 2.0L TFSI with 211hp and 350Nm of torque. For the performance S3 model, expect to see a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine as opposed to the naturally-aspirated V6 found in the current model.

Source from: motorauthority.com

Audi working on new E1 minicar

Even as fuel prices slide back down to pre-crunch levels, the automotive industry knows it's only a temporary respite and continues its gear-up for a new layer of premium small cars. On the German front, BMW is thought to be working on a sub-1-series mini car, Daimler already has its Smart, and soon Audi will join the club with its own fuel-sipping urban warrior.

The latest reports indicate the car will be based around the same platform as VW's up, and will do battle with the likes of Ford's Ka, Toyota iQ and the Fiat 500. The car is expected to be called the E1 and it is to be the entry to a range of new ‘ecological’ models, which will span everything from minicars to performance models.

Power will come from a 600cc turbocharged two-cylinder engine in either petrol or diesel guises. The small engines will certainly be underpowered for extended highway use, but with CO2 emissions under 100g/km and about 80mpg (2.9L/100km) fuel efficiency, according to AutoExpress, the E1 will be an easy to operate, low-tax tool for getting around any major city. An electric powertrain is also being considered, but as yet no details on its capabilities have surfaced.

Positioned below the A1, the E1 would also get a 1.2L three-cylinder, which would be more highway-capable than its two-pot brethren. Nevertheless, the up! based vehicle will still be primarily targeted at younger, affluent, urban audiences with an emphasis on technology and style.

The fact that so much of the Audi city car's competition is gearing up for U.S. sale and/or production hints that the E1 could be sold in America as well, though poor exchange rates, high transport costs and a generally weak economy could conspire against such a decision. Nevertheless, given the expected production time frame, Audi should have several years to makes its decision.

While the VW version of the up! will be hitting the streets in 2010, the Audi variant will have to wait a while, and is not expected until late 2011. Production will be handled at VW’s plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, alongside the up! version as well as Skoda and Seat variants.

World record: G-POWER introduces fastest BMW Coupe with a top speed of 370 km/h

G-POWER was founded in 1983 and concentrates exclusively on the tuning of BMW automobiles. The company celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2008. Today it is among the most reputable brands in the global tuning market. G-POWER sets itself apart from the competition with the most powerful important BMW engines developed in-house.
Now, the G-Power name has become synonymous with extreme BMWs and the company’s latest Hurricane CS based on the M6 Coupe fits in perfectly with that description. After G-Power’s own M5-based Hurricane RS broke the world record for the fastest sedan with a top speed of 367.4km/h (228mph), the German tuner decided to shoehorn the same record-breaking powerplant into BMW’s M6 Coupe. The end result is the all-new G-Power M6 Hurricane CS.

Powered by a twin-supercharged version of the legendary high-rev BMW M V10, the Hurricane CS develops up to 750hp (522kW) and 590lb-ft (800Nm) of torque and has a recorded top speed of 367.4km/h (228mph) – making it the fastest BMW Coupe in the world. To reach this level of performance, engineers needed to install the company’s belt-driven ASA T1-316 superchargers, each providing charge air for one cylinder bank and able to increase the volume of charge air by up to 25%. However, at this level, the engine would theoretically be developing up to 900hp (671kW).

The inner workings of the ten-cylinder four-valve engine are also optimized with forged pistons from Mahle that reduce compression. They have been precisely matched for weight and are much stronger than their production counterparts. The production piston rods and pins also had to make way for special components that can handle the much higher forces.

Further characteristics of the car are the multipart widebody kit, high performance carbon-ceramic brakes, fully adjustable suspension kit and last but not least oversized 21in wheels wrapped with Michelin rubber.

While most of the parts used on the Hurricane CS are available individually, G-Power also sells the package as a complete car starting at €360,000.

Mini working on special John Cooper F1 50th Anniversary edition

It’s reported that Mini MINI will be producing a very limited edition JCW just in time for the 50th anniversary of John Cooper’s first F1 car.. The limited-run vehicle will be sold exclusively in British Racing Green, and is expected to be based around the same core as the JCW edition currently on the market.
The car will also get the characteristic white mirrors and roof treatment, plus a custom set of aerodynamics to set it off visually from the pack, reports Mini ethusiast site MotoringFile. Custom badging with the car's 'F1' name will complete the unique look.

No performance mods are planned so expect to see the familiar 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder from the regular JCW model with 208hp (155kW) and 192lb-ft (260Nm) of torque.

Unveiling is expected to take place at a special event during the UK's Mini United festival at Silverstone, May 22-24. Production volume isn't expected to exceed 100 units, and it will likely be limited in distribution, so don't be surprised if all of us living outside the UK will have to make do with the standard Mini Cooper S, JCW and their Clubman variants - though none will be available in the vaunted British Racing Green.

Subaru pricing for 2010 Legacy (Liberty)

Subaru is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Legacy (Liberty) sedan with the unveiling of the all-new fifth-generation model this year. Subaru is renowned for its love-or-loathe approach to designing cars, as seen in the frequent revisions to its Impreza line over the years, but the styling of the new Legacy is nowhere near as controversial though we’re sure it will leave opinions divided. The pricing, however, is sure to be regarded as attractive.

Starting at just $19,995 for the 2.5i, or $800 lower than the last Legacy, the new car offers good value for money thanks to a slightly larger size and more standard features. Adding a CVT bumps the price by $1,000, while moving up to a 2.5i Premium trim raises the entry bar to $20,995 as well when equipped with a standard six-speed manual, though it also adds a bunch of features beyond the standard 2.5i, including 10-way power driver's seat, driver's side window with automatic up and down, leather-wrapped steering wheel, instrument storage bin w/door, overhead console with sunglass holder and ambient light, bright exhaust tip, body-colored mirrors and 16in alloy wheels.

The 2.5i Limited starts at $24,995, and adds paddle shifters and a 6-speed manual shift mode, P215/50 R17 all-season tires, 17in alloy wheels, perforated ivory/off black leather-trimmed upholstery, four-way power front passenger seat, All-Weather Package and a Harman Kardon audio system to the 2.5i Premium's feature sheet. The 2.5GT models start at $27,995 and $29,995 for Premium and Limited, respectively. They add larger wheels, exhaust tips and of course the up-rated 265hp engine described below.

Stepping up to the 3.6R models, built around a 3.6L boxer engine that replaces the outgoing 3.0L unit, the pricing starts at $24,995 - $1,600 lower than the previous 3.0R - for the entry model, $25,995 for the 3.6R Premium and $27,995 for the 3.6R Limited. Feature lists follow similar lines to the 2.5i, though all 3.6R models are slightly higher spec, with 17in alloys and paddle shifters standard across the range. Subaru has yet to reveal when the car will be available via retail outlets, however.

The latest 2010 model is the roomiest Legacy yet and like its predecessors the car comes with a choice of horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ engines and symmetrical AWD. The car also features Subaru’s latest Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, with a special manual model to allow the driver to change gears using steering wheel paddle shifters. A six-speed manual will also be offered for the first time on the full range of Legacy models.

The base Legacy engine is 2.5L unit, which is rated at 170hp (127kW) and 170lb-ft (230Nm) of torque, and this is followed by a 265hp (197kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) turbocharged version of the same engine for the Legacy 2.5GT. Filling out the range is the Legacy 3.6R model, which comes with a 256hp (191kW) and 247lb-ft (334Nm) of torque 3.6L engine.

McPherson front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension are enhanced for increased roll stability, while the front suspension mount points also improve chassis rigidity by tying into the engine cradle.

A distinctive wing-shape embellishment on the front grille shows the Subaru brand identity, and the front bumper designs accentuate flat horizontal surfaces. Embellished with solidly-designed headlamps, the front face of the Legacy is intended to be 'bold and powerful'. The cabin's dynamic design and a shorter deck give the vehicle what Subaru calls 'a sporty appeal', while the size and power of the vehicle are expressed in the rear-end design, which is rounded and capacious and framed by the combination lights.

Both front seats are designed for comfort and support, and their stitched fabric builds on the Legacy’s sporty look. A 10-way driver’s seat, with power lumber support adjustment, and 4-way power front passenger seat are available on premium-grade models.

As previously stated, the new 2010 model offers more space than any previous Legacy and measures up to 35mm longer, 90mm wider and 80mm taller than the outgoing car. While its overhang dimensions are shortened by 45mm, its wheelbase is expanded by 80mm, allowing for additional rear legroom.

Source from: motorauthority.com

Cadillac to replace BLS with global model based on Epsilon II platform

Cadillac knows its future lies in small cars, especially if it wants to be considered a global player, but GM’s financial woes means the company has had to pare back some of its more ambitious plans. In the latest viability plan, GM CEO Fritz Henderson revealed that Cadillac would have to scale back on its European expansion plans, while development of new diesel models plus a RWD 3-series rival have been put on hold. Instead, the GM luxury division will focus on its performance in existing markets, including North America, parts of Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, as well as the development of a sub-CTS model based now on the FWD Epsilon II platform.

Epsilon II is a global platform, which underpins cars like the upcoming 2010 Buick LaCrosse and Opel Insignia, and according to MotorTrend it will also be used for a replacement for Cadillac’s poor selling BLS. Codenamed GM 166, the new car will be available in both FWD and AWD and will be priced somewhere between the LaCrosse and CTS. Expect pricing to fall around the $34,000-$35,000 mark, pitting as a prime target for the Lexus ES 350.

This sub-CTS model is expected to be Cadillac’s highest volume model but it won’t be just another BLS. Instead, the car has been described as a brand new global model with “dedicated architecture and content.”

According to the source, GM 166 will be bigger than its LaCrosse and Insignia cousins and will arrive sometime in 2011. The bad news is that the much-hyped 3-series rival, rumored to be based on a brand new RWD platform called Alpha, is most likely dead.

Source from: motorauthority.com/

Spy shots: Renault confirms Twingo CC for 2010

French automaker Renault has officially confirmed through its deputy vice president of small vehicle models, Yves-Eric Morel, that the company is readying a new cabriolet model----Twingo CC,which could be unveiled as early as the Frankfurt Auto Show in September with sales starting sometime during the first half of 2010. Unlike the conventional Fiat 500 and MINI droptops, the French automaker's cabrio be much more than just a Twingo without a rooftop as Renault's goal is to create a 'niche' model that will stand out from the crowd.

First shown off as a concept at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault's Twingo CC (coupe-cabrio) was expected to make it to production in 2008. Delays have hit the little car's development, but Renault is adamant it will be launched by the end of next year.

"We are working on a small convertible for 2010," Renault's deputy vice president of the small-car segment Yves-Eric Morel revealed to Automotive News. "It's going to be a niche vehicle, and like any niche vehicle, the objective will be to do something different, that gives a boost to the brand's image." This means that the car will have its own unique styling and won’t simply be a standard convertible version of the Twingo minicar.

Recent spy shots reveal a car that very closely resembles the original 2007 concept in both proportion and in the few details that are visible underneath the camouflage. That's not hard to imagine, considering the concept itself looked almost production-ready.

Based around the Twingo hatchback, the new convertible will likely get a retractable hard top roof (a cheaper manual roof is still possible), a two-seat layout and power from a 1.2L engine expected to develop 120hp (89kW). Down the road, an RS variant with a slightly tuned-up version of the same engine could also be in the plans. Prime competitors will be the Peugeot 207 CC, Opel/Vauxhall Tigra TwinTop and upcoming Fiat 500C.

GM Saturn, sell or drop?

What’s the future of GM’s Saturn? Sell or drop?

The ailing Detroit carmaker confirmed in its most recent viability plan that it accelerate the demise of the brand to the end of this year, with either a sale or cessation of business marking the end of General Motors' involvement with Saturn. Earlier this month we heard about a new investment group by the name of Telesto Ventures reportedly planning to buy Saturn outright and source its own models from several overseas suppliers, though the accelerated time table may make that difficult to achieve.

GM manager Jill Lajdziak revealed to Automotive News that the struggling Detroit 3 carmaker is trying to find a new vehicle supplier for Saturn by September 1. The announcement was also made to Saturn dealers, who at this point are still confused and uncertain as to the direction the brand will take. Beginning next month, Saturn executives and GM higher-ups will listen to different proposals and choose the best deal for both companies. The bottom line is clear, however, with GM saying in its latest viability plan, "If a sale of Saturn does not occur, we intend to phase out the Saturn brand by the end of 2009."

Some of the proposals coming in would alter Saturn's retail operations dramatically. One of the most popular is the previously mentioned Telesto option. Under this proposal, the overseas models sourced by Telesto would not be branded as Saturns, but would rather be sold under various brand names. A Telesto spokesman explained that the Saturn brand would become "similar to a Best Buy model in that customers deal with Best Buy because of the customer experience not because they are the only place to buy a Samsung or a Sony TV".

Presumably there will also be foreign carmakers vying for the brand itself - creating brand recognition in the crowded U.S. market is difficult for foreign start-ups, and having the Saturn brand as a launching pad may seem very attractive to certain manufacturers.

A somewhat mysterious coalition of Saturn's dealer-run Franchise Operations Team and an unknown partner - possibly Telesto - has also revealed plans to take over Saturn if the brand is abandoned by GM. Only time will tell what result is final, but with 2009 nearing its midpoint it won't be long.

Build your own Porsche Panamera(Porsche launches configurator for Panamera Sedan)

It’s very charming that, you can build your own Porsche Panamera from Stuttgart to your own specs with the launch of the Porsche Panamera configurator.

The example above - a well-outfitted $143,110 example of the Porsche Panamera Turbo - shows that there's a lot of flexibility in the online design tool. There are some limitations as well, however.

It will give you a photo of the car you've built updated with the trim level, exterior color, wheel option and interior choice, but smaller adjustments - such as painted intakes, diffusers or rear apron - aren't included, leaving your imagination to fill in the details.

In total, however, the tool is a handy way to explore the options the Panamera offers, all the way from the $89,800 base S model to the $93,800 4S and on to the $132,600 Turbo. Options can quickly boost those prices, however, with a full slate of options bumping the base model up to $150,000 and beyond. How much for a fully-optioned Turbo? Open up that wallet, because it will run you right up against the $200,000 mark.

A wide range of options are available inside and out, including a choice of birch, mahogany, aluminum and carbon fiber interior elements, a range of custom and premium paint colors, four sets of wheels and more audio equipment than you could shake a 300-CD case at.

To see for yourself, and build your own Panamera, check out the Panamera's model page and click the 'build your own' link for the model you want.

BMW’s next X3 will grow in size but prices will remain the same

It seems that virtually every nameplate grows in size with every new iteration, and the 2010 BMW X3 SUV will be no different.

BMW's X3 is often derided as a poor man's X5, a comparison that will become much more credible once the next-generation model rolls in early next year. The new model will be almost as big as the original X5 and better equipped, but thanks to increased competition in the small SUV segment pricing will remain similar to the current X3.

This increase in size and a greater range of equipment means the 2010 BMW X3 will be moving upmarket, but its prices will hover at their current levels to stave off competition from the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes Benz GLK, both of which undercut the current X3 by around $2,000 and $6,000 respectively.

That means the new X3 will likely be priced no higher than the $40,525 sticker for the current model. The GLK, meanwhile, starts at $34,775, while the Q5 quattro starts at $38,025.

The information comes from BMW’s U.S. chief, Jim O'Donnell, who told Automotive News that cost savings will be made from building the X3 at the Spartanburg plant in South Caroline rather than importing it from Europe as is the practice with the current model.

Even with more features and no price hikes, BMW is still remaining realistic about the vehicle’s sales performance. Last year, the company sold close to 18,000 X3 SUVs, but this year sales are barely expected to reach one-third of that figure.

Ferrari 599XX officially unveiled

The 599XX is being highly praised by Ferrari as an extreme vehicle which, as it appears, has not undergone any road-oriented changes. The car, which is a technical study, was first shown at the Geneva last March and is patterned after the 599 GTB Fiorano. However 599XX is not developed for F1 competition but its for a series of dedicated track events for existing customers to experience how extreme a Ferrari road car can get.
The final product has not yet been revealed but a 599 Scuderia is not out of the question. The 599XX is equipped with 700hp that it reaches at 9,000rpm and an aerodynamic system that significantly boosts downforce to 280kg at 200km/h and 630kg at 300km/h. The vehicle’s Actiflow system consists of fans at the rear that conduct air under the car to a couple of grills at the back and artificial jets ensure smooth airflow and drag reduction. The performance on the car is maximized through the ‘High Performance Dynamic Concept’ which reduces the mechanical limits of the car to electronic controls. Carbon fiber components maintain the lightweight design of the car and shift times have been lowered up to 60 milliseconds as a result of gearbox tuning.

Pricing has yet to be announced but there will be a limited units produced for the super rich people.

Wald releases new photos of Nissan GT-R Black Bison

Japanese tuning house Wald International has a wide range of styling and performance kits for nearly every major luxury car brand on the market, but this time the company has focused its attention on a humble Nissan, albeit one of the fastest Nissans ever produced. The car is the Nissan GT-R, a vehicle whose lines and shape were dictated almost exclusively by the drive for optimal aerodynamics. New photos reveal the car in more detail than ever before, highlighting Wald's precision work.

Improving on the original design would be a tough task for any tuner, and not surprisingly most of the aftermarket kits we’ve seen thus far, such as the Zele and Arios, appear almost completely stock. Wald’s new Black Bison kit sets out to change all this by including a full bodykit, new wheels, and plenty of carbon-fiber accessories.

Wald has given the GT-R a new look through a custom carbon-fiber front lip spoiler, a custom nose cover, a carbon-fiber engine cover, a new rear wing, and some low-drag duct covers also made out of lightweight composite.

All of the accessories can be had in a choice of either wet or dry carbon fiber - wet being the glossy-look material most people are accustomed to, and dry carbon fiber being the dull grey material that wins races and goes into space. The price differential between the two is accordingly as huge as the appearance differential: including taxes, the full wet carbon kit is priced at ￥1,039,500 ($11,620), while the dry kit runs ￥2,362,500 ($26,410).

Surprisingly, no power-adding modifications were revealed, though with the reported difficulty in tuning the GT-R's engine and the obvious benefits of an extensive carbon-fiber-replacement program, the Wald take on GT-R modification may be one of the most successful.

Source from: motorauthority.com

Chrysler shows off new Fiat-based sedan at special dealer presentation

Chrysler has showed off several of its planned models at a special dealer presentation held this week at the carmaker’s design dome in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Among the new models was the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan, and according to the Wall Street Journal a compact sports sedan from Fiat that will form the basis for a new Chrysler version.


The proposed alliance between Fiat and Chrysler still hasn’t been finalized and with the government’s deadline for restructuring falling at the end of this month dealers understandably are nervous. Add a looming bankruptcy to the mix and stress levels for most dealers will likely be going through the roof. The show off may settle tensions a little and offer some hope.

On hand at the event was Chrysler’s design chief Ralph Gilles who confirmed that the Chrysler version would use the Fiat chassis but will have unique exterior sheet metal. Chrysler doesn’t have a compact sedan in its lineup at the moment and has lacked one ever since the Dodge Neon was discontinued back in 2006. With consumers in the U.S. continuing to downsize to smaller vehicles, even with fuel prices back at the $2 per gallon mark, Chrysler needs to fill the gaping void in its lineup.

There’s been no mention of which Fiat model was shown at the presentation but Chrysler has previously revealed that it will build a sedan based on the Italian carmaker’s C-Evo platform, which currently underpins cars like the Fiat Bravo and Lancia Delta.

Chrysler, in its original viability plan submitted to the U.S. Treasury back in February, showed that it could expand its lineup for very little cost by borrowing several future Fiat models. The alliance will possibly see up to seven new Fiat and Alfa Romeo models sold in the U.S., including some that will be produced in North America for the first time.

Lumma Design upgrades the BMW 3-Series Coupe to M3

LUMMA Design, the tuning arm of BMW, has the knack of getting men excited.The quality of his products are personally guaranteed by Horst LUMMA, demonstrating that cars like the BMW E92 and E93 are in the best place for a transformation.

The BMW 3-series Coupe has a lot going for it - price, performance and features are all at a sweet spot for the market. That makes it a prime candidate for aftermarket add-ons, as owners of the popular car seek to differentiate their particular example. Enter Lumma Design with a tasteful set of upgrades that won't set off the 'spaetzel' detectors of most critics.

Homing in on what makes most 3-series Coupe owners tick, Lumma offers only appearance upgrades for the car so far, including chrome exhaust pipes, a front, rear and side skirt kit, plus a trunk-lid spoiler, roof spoiler. If that's not enough, you can add special composite front fenders with M3-esque ducts and 19in alloys.

The total price of the upgrade package is €4,149 ($5,500) without the wheels or €9,049 ($11,990) with them. That's a pretty big pill to swallow by American standards, but compared to the European price of the car, it's not unreasonable. And it's one of the few kits that won't flag you as a 17-year-old spending Daddy's money.

Aston Martin returns to Nurburgring 24-hour race with V12 Vantage

Aston Martin will return to the starting grid of Germany’s Nordschleife for its fourth consecutive year of the Nurburgring 24-hour endurance challenge, at May 23 and 24. The carmaker will be using its latest super-sports car, the all-new V12 Vantage coupe, which will be kept in near-standard specification for the event.

‘Rose,’ a yellow V8 Vantage that was first entered the race in 2006, will be the most current car to join the brand’s model lineup. Leading this year’s production effort and attempting to repeat the spotless record of Aston Martin in finishing the 24-hour race, will be the newest V12 Vantage in almost standard specs and will be piloted by Dr. Ulrich Bez, the CEO of the company, and representatives from its engineering team.

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show last month, the V12 Vantage is the ultimate resurrection of the Vantage range that features a 6.0 liter V12 unit generating 510bhp (417PS) and 570Nm (420lb-ft) of torque. With slight revisions, the standard vehicle is being prepped to participate in the most grueling endurance competitions. This will be the fourth successive time that Dr. Bez will be driving the 24-hour race. This will be the ultimate engineering durability test for the V12 Vantage program, he said. The car will be subjected to the toughest evaluation to date under public examination just like what the company did with the previous N24 program.

The carmaker has a proven track record at the Nurburgring with road cars that came with limited modification and this year they will commemorate the 50th year anniversary of gaining the victory at the ADAC Nurburgring 1000 km with a DBR1. Coming only with essential safety revisions, lowered weight and retuned suspension with absolutely no extra aerodynamic improvements, the V12 Vantage race car will be near to production standard. Pirelli, production tire partner of Aston Martin, has chosen P Zero Circuit Racing polished tires to improve performance guaranteeing consistency and to offer concrete performance connection to the V12 Vantage road car.

The carmaker is expecting several customer teams to join the V12 Vantage on the starting grid of the race. Having clocked up four 24-hour race finishes and in excess of 20,000 miles on the endurance course, the yellow V8 Vantage called ‘Rose,’ and the inspiration for the N24 and GT4 program, will also return to the Northern Loop. Aston Martin considers the N24 and GT4 program as a big success up to this time. From its beginning in 2006, no standard N24 from the factory or customer team has failed to complete the 24-hour race in 13 global starts, a strong tribute to the Vantage’s durability.

BMW pricing X5 M and X6 M performance SUVs in U.S.

Recently BMW has revealed pricing for the new X5 M and X6 M SUVs, which will start at $85,400 and $88,900, respectively, when they go on sale in the U.S. in the second half of the year. Full pricing and options, as well as pre-order sales, will be available from next month onwards.

BMW admits that it would like to draw customers away from vehicles like the Mercedes Benz ML63 AMG and Porsche Cayenne, and in an effort to make its M SUVs more appealing has fitted the pair with standard 20in wheels, sports seats, red needle gauges, and Merino leather trim.

Both models are powered by a newly-developed 4.4L V8 M engine delivering 555hp (412kW) at 6,000rpm and 500lb-ft (677Nm) of torque from a low 1,500 to 5,650rpm - enough to send the vehicles from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds.

This new M engine is the world's first with a pulse-tuned exhaust manifold encompassing both rows of cylinders combined with high-performance twin-scroll twin turbo technology. Two low-mass twin-scroll turbochargers are positioned together with the catalytic converters in the "V" section between the two banks of cylinders. By reversing the flow of gases through the engine from traditional arrangements, the intake and exhaust ducts are shortened and widened. The result is that pressure losses on the exhaust side are minimized.

This configuration, known as Cylinder-bank Comprehensive Manifold (CCM), offers quick turbo spooling, a linear build-up of engine power, and a broad, consistent torque curve by feeding each of the twin turbochargers with a "charge pulse" at approximately every 90 degrees of crankshaft rotation, rather than the more traditional "irregular schedule" of charging. Maximum boost pressure is set at 1.5bar (21psi).

BMW M engineers have also reworked the full drivetrain and chassis, adding new M-specific adaptive suspension, an uprated intelligent xDrive AWD system, and newly-developed Servotronic power steering.

Also featured for the first time on an M model is a six-speed automatic transmission, which for the X5 M and X6 M also comes with an electronic selector on the center console and offers three different driving modes – Drive, Sport and M Manual modes for absolute control of gear selection.

Corvette Grand Sport is back

The Grand Sport name last appeared on the Corvette in 1996, commemorating the end of the C4 era. Only 1,000 copies were built, all painted Admiral Blue. It also pays homage to five hand-built racing Corvettes from 1963 ordered up by chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov .Now, the Corvette Grand Sport is back!!

Set to roll in later this year as a 2010 model in both coupe and convertible bodystyles, the new Grand Sport combines the standard Corvette LS3-based powertrain with widebody styling and a race-bred suspension, and gives Corvette fans a new performance option between the standard model and sexy Z06.

The Grand Sport replaces the Corvette's previous Z51 package and brings a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires, revised shocks, new stabilizer bar and spring specifications and new gearing. The equipment enables cornering capability of up to 1.0g, as well as a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60mph acceleration versus the standard LS3-powered models.

The engine’s output has been kept at 430hp (321kW) and 424lb-ft (575Nm) of torque, however, an optional two-mode exhaust system boosts output to 436hp (325kW) and 428lb-ft (580Nm).

Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are outfitted for race track competition, too, with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery. The manual transmission also comes with specific gear ratios, while automatic models get a modified rear axle ratio.

Specific modifications for the Grand Sport coupe and convertible include wider front and rear fenders with unique badging, a Z06-style front splitter and rear spoiler, new brake ducts, unique 18in wheels with 275mm tires up front and 19in units shod with 325mm rubber in the rear, Z06-spec brakes include 355mm rotors with six-piston calipers up front and 340mm rear rotors with four-piston calipers.

All of the Corvette's exterior colors are offered on the Grand Sport and an available ‘Heritage’ package adds iconic front fender hash marks offered in four colors, as well as two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery.