Ford is set to replace 26 percent of its lineup between 2013 and 2016 according to a Bank of America Merrill Lynch report. Ford will lead the industry by introducing the most new or refreshed vehicles in the U.S. during the period. The annual "Car Wars" report predicts that GM will replace 25 percent of its lineup, while Toyota will replace 24 percent and Nissan will match the industry average at 23 percent.

New models are picking up from the "lull" during the last three years. The Bank of America report predicts that most new introductions will be in the crossover, luxury-car and light-truck segments. Chrysler and Honda will trail the segment by with replacement rates of 20 percent.

Continue reading "Ford to Lead the Industry by Replacing One-Quarter of its Lineup by 2016" »

The all-new 2012 Hyundai Azera has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) highest honor as a Top Safety Pick. In order to be labeled as a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle has to receive a "good" rating, the highest rating possible in front, side, rollover and rear crash tests.

"Having a great recipe of safety equipment baked into the all-new Azera put it on the top pick list," said Scott Margason, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor America. "The Azera takes ESC and seating to the next level, by adding the ability to automatically counter steer the car from pulling too much in one direction and further reduce head and neck injuries through an impact reducing seat structure."

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Nissan has officially kicked off production of the all-new 2013 Nissan Altima at its Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant in Tennessee. It's been 20 years since the first Nissan Altima rolled off the line in Smyrna and 4.4 million Altimas later, the fifth generation is here.

"The Nissan Altima ranks among the country's top-selling cars and best-known nameplates," said Bill Krueger, vice chairman, Nissan Americas. "This generation is not only the most innovative Altima ever, it also becomes the benchmark for quality in the midsize car segment. And there's no better plant to rise to the challenge than our top-quality manufacturing operations in Smyrna."

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BMW has unveiled a new "enhanced performance" version of the 2013 1 Series, the 2013 BMW 135is. The 2013 BMW 135is coupe and convertible will now be the top versions of the 1 Series, since the 1 Series M coupe is already gone.

The 135is is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder (N55) engine with 320 horsepower and 317 lb-ft. of torque. Even with the extra power over the 135i, BMW claims that the 135is will maintain the same emissions level and MPG ratings as the lesser powered 135i. The 135is also gets a performance exhaust system and the engine gets an upgraded cooling system. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual or 7-speed double clutch transmission.

Continue reading "2013 BMW 135is Packs 320-HP and Starts at $44,145" »

Porsche's 918 Spyder hybrid is slated to arrive by the end of 2013, but Porsche has been kind enough to release a few of the details now. Prototypes of the hybrid super car are currently being tested with camouflage harking back to historical Porsche 917 racing cars, that signal the final touches to the 918 Spyder.

The 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid is powered by a V8 engine and two electric motors, which will put out more than 770 horsepower according to Porsche. The 4.6-liter V-8 engine is expected to put out around 570 horsepower and sends its power to the rear wheels. One electric motor also sends its power to the back, while another electric motor sends power to the front of the 918 Spyder. Although the hybrid system will put out more than 770 horsepower, Porsche estimates that the 918 Spyder's fuel consumption in the region of three litres per 100 kilometers (78 MPG U.S) The 918 Spyder will also have an electric-only range of 15 miles, reach 0-60 mph in under 3.0 seconds and have a top speed over 200 mph.

Continue reading "Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid Confirmed with More than 770 Horsepower and 78 MPG" »

Acura gave us our first look at the NSX concept at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The concept was originally shown off in a light charcoal, now here are new photos of the NSX Concept in red.

in case you need a refresher, the NSX concept is a preview of the next-generation NSX that will arrive within the next three years. The NSX concept features Acura's new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD hybrid system. The system uses a two electric motor drive unit up front that can instantly send negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. The next-generation VTEC V6 engine features direct-injection and is mated to a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor that sends its power to the rear wheels.

Continue reading "Acura Shows Off the NSX Concept in Red" »

Audi is going to unveil a new version of the Audi Q3 crossover at the Wörthersee Tour. The Audi Q3 Red Track is powered by a 2.5L five-cylinder TFSI engine with direct injection and turbocharging that generates an output of 340 hp 332 lb-ft. of torque. The power of the turbocharged five-cylinder unit is transferred to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via a seven-speed S tronic transmission. The Audi Q3 red track accelerates from 0-62 mph in 5.4 seconds and continues to a top speed of 163 mph.

On the outside the Q3 Red Track is painted in Energy Red paint that contains golden pearlescent particles. Its add-on body parts are in matte gray quartz-based paint. Eye catching features on the sides of the Q3 Red Track are the flared wheel arches and the running boards, which Audi is to incorporate into the extensive range of Q3 accessories. The newly styled aluminum roof rails are specially designed for transporting skis. The Q3 Red Track also rides on 20 inch wheels with off-road tires. It's track has also been increased by 1.57 inches and the body is 1.18 inches higher compared to the other Q3 models.

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The guys over at Inside Line recently spoke with Andy Palmer, executive vice president of Nissan and Infiniti's Global Business Unit, who confirmed that the next-generation G37 will arrive in the spring of 2013.

Palmer did not provide many other details about the new G37, but it is possible that it could eventually get a four-cylinder in place of the V6 in the base G. Nissan's new partnership with Mercedes-Benz has confirmed plans for Nissan to build four-cylinder engines for the next Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but it's also highly possible that this engine could also find its way under the hood of a G model.

Continue reading "Next-Generation 2014 Infiniti G37 to Arrive Next Spring" »

Chevy is set to introduce a new small SUV to its global lineup by the end of this year. The all-new Chevy Trax small SUV is going to debut at the Paris Motor Show in September. GM states that the five-passenger Trax will offer class-leading interior space and be offered in over 140 markets. Mexico and Canada will be the first markets to launch the small SUV in the fourth quarter of this year. Unfortunately because of the strong position of the Equinox, there are no plans to introduce the Trax in the U.S. market.

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BMW has officially taken the wraps off the M version of the 1 Series hatchback in Europe. The M135i was previewed in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The production version is powered by a turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder engine with 320 horsepower. This is the first time a BMW M Performance model has been powered by a gas engine.

Buyers in Europe will be able to choose between either three or five door bodystyles, which feature an M suspension and body kit. The 3.0L engine can be mated to either a standard six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The manual equipped M135i should reach 0-62 mph in 5.1 seconds, while the eight-speed version is a few ticks faster at 4.9 seconds.

Continue reading "BMW M135i Officially Unveiled in 3 and 5-Door Versions" »

Here's the first official photos and info about the all-new 2013 BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon, that will be sold in the U.S. The 3 Series Sport Wagon is slightly larger than its predecessor with a wider track and longer overall length and wheelbase. Most of the added length benefits the rear seat passengers, which now have more space to stretch out than before. Cargo volume has also been increased by 10 percent.

The 2013 BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon will launch in Europe later this year and will arrive in U.S. showrooms in spring 2013. Inside the rear seat can be folded down in three sections in a 40:20:40 split. A net as well as an additional strap along the right side panel can be used to help secure cargo and a net along the left-hand panel will also be available. A storage tray under the load compartment floor and a deep stowage compartment on the left-hand side of the cargo area can accommodate smaller items. The luggage compartment cover can also be stowed away under the load compartment floor, allowing it to be kept in the car even when not in use and a separate partition net helps keep things in place when the rear seats are folded down.

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Mini has unveiled the fastest production Mini ever, the John Cooper Works GP. The John Cooper Works GP recently lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 8 minutes and 23 seconds, a full 19 seconds quicker than the the lap time set by its predecessor, the Mini Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit.

Underpinning the performance characteristics of the Mini John Cooper Works GP is exclusive powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics technology inspired directly by motorsport. Mini hasn't announced the final horsepower figures, but it wil pack more than the 214 horsepower that the previous model had. It also gets an adjustable race suspension. On the outside the Mini John Cooper Works GP gets large front and rear aprons, side skirts, a bespoke roof spoiler and a newly developed rear diffuser which optimizes airflow around the underbody. The rear seats have also been removed to save weight.

Continue reading "Mini John Cooper Works GP Unveiled, it's the Fastest Mini Ever" »

Porsche is reportedly working on a new sedan that will be smaller than the current Panamera. It will be released by 2017 and go head to head with models like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series.

Internally the new sedan is code-named Pajun and according to Auto Bild the new sedan will cost between 65,000 euros and 100,000 euros.

Continue reading "Porsche Plans New Smaller Sedan to Compete Against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class" »

The Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler partnership reached a milestone today when Tennessee officials joined Nissan leadership to break ground on a new manufacturing facility in Decherd, Tenn. The new facility, which is located at the existing Nissan powertrain assembly complex - will produce Mercedes-Benz 4-cyl. gasoline engines for Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz models.

"Today, we begin an exciting new chapter for the Renault-Nissan Alliance and our continued investment in the United States," Swenson said. "Today's groundbreaking marks the latest move in our collaboration with Daimler to localize production capacity and enhance our competitiveness in the global market."

Continue reading "Nissan Begins Construction of New Facility to Build Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz Engines" »

GM has reportedly filed for the trademark of the Riviera name, which has fueled more speculation that GM could apply the name to a future Buick model. The Riviera name is obviously not new, but the last time that we saw it used was for the 2007 Buick Riviera concept that debuted in China.

It's not known if GM is simply just filed for the trademark, but doesn't have any plans to actually use it. Many automakers will trademark many names, but not actually use them, like Ford who trademarked a series of "MK" names for the Lincoln brand.

Continue reading "GM Trademarks the Riviera Name, Will it be Used for a Future Buick?" »

When the 2013 Cadillac XTS is released later this spring, buyers will receive an iPad with their new Cadillac. GM has announced that each Cadillac XTS buyer will get an iPad with their new car as part of the customer experience. The iPad helps buyers get the most out of the Cadillac User Experience (CUE), the in-vehicle system to access entertainment and information.

"CUE is intuitive, bringing touch and voice controls into the car in really unique and helpful way," said Don Butler, U.S. vice president of Cadillac marketing. "With CUE becoming a signature feature of Cadillac, and with the launch of the XTS luxury sedan, this is an opportunity for us to build a new level into the luxury customer experience."

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Automotive News is reporting that Lexus is trying to separate itself from Toyota as it tries to come up with a new strategy that will give BMW and Mercedes-Benz owners a reason to switch. To conquer BMW and Mercedes drivers, we can't just be looked at as an upgraded version of Toyota," said Kiyotaka Ise, who took the helm of Lexus in 2007. "We want our brand to be chosen for its character and handling."

Toyota has a whole has decided to finally add more emotion into its models with what it calls "emotional designs." "Lexus is leading the way in how the entire Toyota Motor Corporation should operate," Toyota President Akio Toyoda said at the world premier of the GS in August last year at Pebble Beach, Calif. The first step to revamp the Lexus brand and to separate it more from Toyota was the separation of Lexus engineers and designers from their Toyota peers, four years ago. The group then settled on the hourglass-like spindle grill as the common design element of all new Lexus models.

Continue reading "Lexus to Distance Itself from Toyota as it Tries to Compete with BMW and Mercedes" »

We've yet to officially see the 2013 Honda Accord other than the Accord Coupe Concept that was unveiled earlier this year. The all-new 2013 Accord is slated to arrive this fall, but a leaked dealer order sheet gives away a few more details. The 2013 Accord equipped with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine can be order with either a CVT transmission or six-speed manual. Unlike Hyundai, Chevy and Ford, Honda's midsize sedan will continue to be offered with a six-cylinder engine. The 2013 Accord V6 sedan only comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, but the Accord V6 Coupe gets either a six-speed manual or automatic.

The order sheet also reveals that Honda will offer "sport" and "touring" trim levels on the Accord sedan.

Continue reading "2013 Honda Accord Leaked Order Sheet Confirms CVT and Sport and Touring Trims" »

The guys over at Car and Driver have apparently received word that a convertible version of the 2013 Scion FR-S/ Toyota GT-86 coupe has been given the green light. The FR-S convertible is expected for the 2014 model year and will have retain the rear seats and 200-hp 2.0L boxer engine from the coupe.

The convertible will be built on the same platform as the Toyota/ Subaru coupe. Product planners are also reportedly working on other possible models that could share the same platform. The rear-wheel-drive platform could be used as the basis for a small four-door sedan or a larger coupe.

Continue reading "2014 Scion FR-S Convertible Confirmed?" »

VW is reportedly planning on adding two new small SUVs to its lineup that will sit below the current Tiguan in VW's lineup. According to German business publication Handelsblatt, VW plans on growing its lineup of compact SUVs due to the segment's immense growth.

A VW spokesman stated, "We look at everything. SUVs are very interesting. Our modular design allows more cutting. But is still no decision." One of those models could be a new SUV based on the Up. Last year the Buggy Up concept that was based on the Up minicar was very popular on the auto show circuit.

Continue reading "VW is Reportedly Planning a New Small SUV Based on the Up!" »

According to BMW insiders the next-generation BMW Z4 roadster will be sportier than the current model and those that have preceded it. The next Z4 is due around 2015 and will reportedly be more agile and sportier to drive.

On the outside BMW's designers plan on shortening the hood a bit, but it won't be a significant change, since U.S. buyers like the current Z4's long hood look. Overall the styling of the next Z4 will be designed to be more timeless, since BMW's new design policy dictates that its models need to look good for up to 15 years.

The handling of the next Z4 will also be improved thanks to the better weight distribution that the downsized four-cylinder N20 engine provides.

Continue reading "Next-Gen BMW Z4 to Become Sportier" »

The first 2013 Dodge Dart has rolled off the production line at Chrysler's Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. The 2013 Dart borrows its platform from Alfa Romeo and will be available with 12 exterior colors, 14 interior color and trim options, three engines and three transmission choices. The 2013 Dart starts at $15,995.

The first vehicle off the line was a red Dodge Dart Rallye with a black and red interior, powered by a 1.4-liter engine with manual transmission.

Continue reading "The First 2013 Dodge Dart Rolls off the Line" »

GM has announced the pricing for the all-new 2013 Cadillac ATS compact sedan. When equipped with the 200-hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission, the 2013 ATS starts at $33,990.

"The ATS enters a vehicle segment this year that's one of the most competitive in the market, from both a price and performance standpoint," said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac Marketing. "ATS will bring a distinctive presence and compelling value while offering quick, nimble, fun-to-drive dynamics that will appeal to the lifestyles of modern luxury buyers and challenge the segment's status quo."

Continue reading "2013 Cadillac ATS Starts at $33,990" »

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Toyota has taken the wraps off the 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles. The RAV4 EV is the result of the collaboration between Toyota and Tesla. Toyota claims that the all-electric RAV4 EV's driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6. It also has an expected driving range of approximately 100 miles and can be recharged in as little as six hours using a 240V charger.

"It's all about blending the best of two worlds," said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota division. "The all-new RAV4 EV marries the efficiency of an EV with the versatility of a small SUV - in fact, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market."

Continue reading "Toyota Officially Unveils the 2012 RAV4 EV - Powered by Tesla" »

The current electric cars are heavy and too expensive, which prevents them from being a true alternative to conventional cars. BMW and Daimler have joined forces with scientists at the Technical University Munich to develop an electric car that is efficient, safe and inexpensive. BMW is the lead manager of the Visio.M research project that has received $14 million in funding from the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF).

The group feels that since electric cars are silent and have zero emissions they are an important option for future individual mobility in urban areas and beyond. But on the way to mass production of electric vehicles, there are still significant technological hurdles to overcome. Previous small electric vehicles offer only a minimum level of vehicle safety and therefore are not mass-marketable. Electric cars that were derived from gasoline-powered models are usually too heavy and require large and expensive batteries.

Continue reading "BMW and Daimler Join Project Visio.M to Create a Future Electric Car" »