Honda has announced the pricing for the new four-cylinder version of the 2012 Honda Crosstour, which starts at $27,655.

The four-cylinder Crosstour is powered by a 192-hp 2.4L four-cylinder that is mated to a five-speed automatic. The four-cylinder is only available with front-wheel-drive. Compared to the front-wheel-drive 3.5L V6 equipped Crosstour, the four-cylinder model is obviously more fuel efficient with an improvement of 3 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. The four-cylinder Crosstour is rated at 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

All 2012 Crosstour models now come standard with an automatic dimming rearview mirror, a rearview mirror back-up camera display on non-Navigation models, auto-on/off headlights, Bluetooth and a USB audio interface.

"The new four-cylinder Crosstour offers sleek design, unmatched passenger comfort and ingenious functionality now with four-cylinder pricing and fuel economy," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "With four-cylinder and V6 options and a long list of standard features, Crosstour should be on every CUV buyer's shopping list."

Continue reading "2012 Honda Crosstour Four-Cyl Starts at $27,655" »

Contrary to the recent accolades that the all-new Range Rover Evoque has received, Consumer Reports recently placed the compact SUV near the bottom of its class.

Consumer Reports recently brought the BMW X3 and Range Rover Evoque together for a head-to-head matchup. The BMW X3 came out on top with a score of 80, while the Evoque only received a score of 60. CR applauded the X3 for being sportier on the road than most SUVs and its 22 mpg overall rating that was made possible by its new eight-speed automatic. CR gave the Evoque negative marks for its cramped cabin, stiff ride and artificial-feeling steering.

CR tested the BMW X3 xDrive28i with its 240-hp 3.0L six-cylinder engine. CR stated that the X3 rides firmly and provides decent isolation from bumps and road imperfections. Noise levels in the cabin are hushed overall. With limited body lean and quick, responsive steering, the X3 is aggressive in the corners. The X3 beat out eight previously tested compact luxury SUVs with only the Audi Q5 3.2 beating it.

CR tested the Range Rover Evoque Pure with its 240-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and liked the styling, acceleration and braking of the Evoque. Unfortunately its ride was choppy and the cabin was too noisy and cramped. The Evoque tackles corners well but its steering feels artificially weighted, impairing feedback. When pushed to its handling limits on CR's track, the tail slid out and the vehicle repeatedly lifted a wheel during an avoidance maneuver.

Continue reading "BMW X3 Trumps the Range Rover Evoque in Consumer Reports Match Up" »

Hyundai is going to unveil the all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe at the 2012 New York Auto Show in April, but the first photos of the new Santa Fe have now leaked onto the web.

Only one of Hyundai's crossovers, the Tucson, has received Hyundai's latest design language. These two photos clearly show that the next Santa Fe is going to adopt the newest design theme with its hexagonal grille and it even gets a rear that looks similar to the Audi Q7.

It has not been confirmed what will power the new Santa Fe, but four-cylinder and V6 engines are expected to be offered. Hyundai's 274-hp turbocharged 2.0L is expected to be part of the engine options.

Continue reading "Spy Shots: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Photos Leak Out" »

Ram has announced the addition of the top-of-the-line 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Limited model.

The Ram Laramie gets a body-color front fascia with fog lamps and a matching, painted rear bumper. It also gets a chrome grille and rides on standard 20-inch aluminum wheels that it borrows from the Ram Laramie Longhorn.

Inside the Ram Laramie gets Natura Plus leather seats and the center console is topped with a soft, double French-stitched full-leather lid. Leather has also been applied to the door trim, steering wheel and shifter. Ram Laramie Limited also is equipped with a navigational radio, remote start, back-up camera, power adjustable pedals with memory, heated steering wheel, front ventilated and heated seats and rear heated seats.

The Laramie Limited will be available Q2 2012.

Continue reading "Ram Launches the Ram 1500 Laramie Limited" »

BMW has announced the introduction of four new M Performance models, which are all powered by a diesel engine, the BMW M550d xDrive Sedan, BMW M550d xDrive Touring, BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d.

The new M Performance diesel models are powered by a new 3.0L six-cylinder in-line diesel engine. It feature three turbochargers and direct-injection for a total 381 horsepower and 546 lb-ft. The six-cylinder diesel is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The six-cylinder diesel also gets BMW's EfficientDynamics technology, including Auto Start-Stop function and ECO PRO mode.

The fastest of the M Performance diesel models, the M550d xDrive sedan reaches 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. According to BMW, the M550d XDrive will also only consume 6.3 litres/100 km (44.8 mpg) on the European cycle. The M550d xDrive Touring will reach 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds and consumes 6.4 litres/100 km (44.1 mpg); the X5 M50d reaches 0-62 mph in 5.4 seconds and consumes 7.5 litres/100 km (37.7 mpg); the X6 M50d will reach 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds and consume 7.7 liters/100 km (36.7 mpg).

All four models get M-specific tuning of suspension, bodyshell mounting, engine and transmission mounting, springs and dampers, all standard and optional chassis control systems, and the Servotronic mapping for the hydraulic steering. The M550d XDrive and M550d xDrive Touring ride on 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, while the X5 M50d and X6 M0d models ride on 20-inch M light-alloy wheels.

As exciting as these new models may seem, BMW unfortunately has no plans to offer them to buyers in the U.S.

Continue reading "BMW M Performance Diesel Lineup Unveiled with a Tri-Turbocharged Diesel" »

Since the BMW X6 first debuted in 2008, BMW has sold more than 150,000 units worldwide and now its time to give the "Sports Activity Coupe" a refresh. Here's your first look at the revised 2013 BMW X6.

On the outside the X6 gets new fog lights, which are now set in matte finish surrounds. The grille on the X6 has also been tweaked. Buyers can now choose adaptive LED headlights as an alternative to the standard bi-xenon lights. The rear also gets revised LED taillights.

Under the hood X6 buyers can choose between the V8-powered 400-hp BMW X6 xDrive50i or the BMW X6 xDrive35 with its 300-hp inline-six cylinder. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

BMW has also announced the introduction of the M Performance Package, which includes an engine upgrade of 15-hp and 30 lb-ft. on the X6 xDrive35i, giving it a total output of 315-hp and 330 lb-ft. The X6 xDrive50i with the M Perfomance Package has a total output of 440-hp and 480 lb-ft., an improvement of 40-hp and 30 lb-ft. n addition, the M Performance Package includes 20-inch light alloy wheels, black chrome exhaust tips, stainless steel pedals, M foot rest and door sills, shadowline exterior trim, anthracite headliner, and optional Carbon Black metallic paint.

For buyers that want even more power, BMW will continue to offer the BMW X6M with its 555-hp V8 that is mated to a 6-speed M Sport automatic gearbox.

Continue reading "Revised 2013 BMW X6 Officially Unveiled" »

Nissan has announced plans to invest $2 billion for an all-new manufacturing complex in Aguascalientes, Mexico, to support the company's Americas growth strategy. The new plant will complement Nissan's two existing Mexican factories and will open in late 2013.

Initially the new facility will be able to produce up to 175,000 units annually of Nissan's "B" platform models, but further expansion of the site is possible. Up to 3,000 direct jobs will be created initially at the new facility, with approximately 9,000 positions to be generated within the supply chain and wider community.

Continue reading "Nissan Announces Plans to Open New Plant in Mexico" »

This year's Super Bowl is just around the corner on Sunday February 5th. Advertising during the game is always a big deal and we're already starting to get previews of what we can expect to see. Kia has released the details and a preview of its 60-second spot that will air during the fourth quarter of the game, called "Drive the Dream."

The commercial is for the new 2012 Optima Limited and stars Victoria's Secret Angel Adriana Lima, Motley Crue and MMA fighter Chuck Liddell.

According to Kia: The new 2012 Optima Limited races through a Gen X couple's wildest thoughts as they sleep, including: Victoria's Secret Angel Adriana Lima waving the checkered flag at a speedway; an in-your-face Mötley Crüe concert; mixed martial arts legend Chuck Liddell battling in the ring; a heroine and hunk on horseback in a romance novel setting; champion bull rider Judd Leffew taming a bucking rhinoceros; and a fairy tale ending.

Continue reading "VIDEO: Kia's Super Bowl Spot Stars Victoria's Secret Angel Adriana Lima" »

It took 12 years, but Honda has announced that its cumulative worldwide hybrid vehicle sales surpassed 800,000 units as of the end of December 2011.

Honda introduced its first hybrid model, the Insight in Japan in November 1999. Since then Honda has produced two versions of the Insight , hybrid versions of the Civic and Accord and the CR-Z sports hybrid. Today Honda sells seven hybrid models in approximately 50 countries around the world.

Next year Honda plans to reintroduce an Accord hybrid with a plug-in hybrid system. The 2013 Accord Plug-in Hybrid will use a 6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a 120 kW electric motor to achieve an all-electric range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving and a top speed of 62 mph. Honda has also announced that the upcoming 2013 Acura ILX compact sedan will be offered with a hybrid system, marking the introduction of the first Acura hybrid.

Continue reading "Honda's Cumulative Worldwide Hybrid Sales Reaches 800,000 Units" »

Jeep has unveiled a new production-intent concept version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Houston Auto Show.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Production-intent Concept is based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X package. The concept's face is more aggressive with a chrome and "blacked-out" look. The front fascia gets a unique platinum-chrome and "blacked-out" appearance with a chrome mesh grille and black headlamp bezels. The "blacked-out" theme continues out back with a black liftgate light-bar. The concept also rides on black-gloss aluminum 20-inch wheels.

Inside the concept gets standard leather seats, heated front seats and a 9-speaker 506 watt audio system.

Jeep also announced that it has created an online contest for consumers to name the new production-intent Grand Cherokee concept. The person who chooses the winning name will have an opportunity to win a new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

If the concept attracts enough interest, it will be in showrooms this spring.

Continue reading "Jeep Grand Cherokee Production-intent Concept Debuts" »

The first model from the Chrysler/ Fiat marriage, the 2013 Dodge Dart will be hitting showrooms soon, but that model is only the first of many. It's been previously reported that Chrysler is going to kill off the Dodge Avenger after its current run, so that the automaker can focus its efforts on the better selling Chrysler 200 sedan, but that may not be the case.

USA Today is reporting that Chrysler is working on all-new versions of the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger, which will be based on the same Alfa Romeo platform that is the basis for the Dart. They are also reporting that the next Jeep Liberty and Compass models will also be built off the same platform in 2013.

Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne recently stated about the new Jeeps, "It's gonna be a trail-rated, full-blooded Jeep that has its origins in the architecture of a sports car."

Marchionne also stated that Chrysler is thinking about a new small hatchback dubbed the "Chrysler 100." If it gets the green light, it will be sold in Europe under as a Lancia.

Lastly Marchionne claims that plans to bring Alfa Romeo back to the U.S. are still in the works. The models slated to come here will be lightweight and powered by a 1.8L engine with 300 horsepower.

Continue reading "Chrysler to Keep the Avenger? Next Liberty Shares its Roots with the Dart" »

Ford has taken the wraps off the 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup Car, which mirrors the new styling of the all-new 2013 Fusion. According to Ford, the 2013 Fusion Sprint Cup car was designed to be the face of a new era of stock car racing.

"We wanted Fusion to be the car that helped return 'stock car' to NASCAR." stated Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. "I think fans, when they see the car, are just going to smile and cheer. It is going to reengage them with the sport and make the sport better because there is just something natural about seeing race cars that look like cars in their driveways."

This is the third time that Ford has simultaneously launched production and NASCAR versions of a new model. The first was in 1968 with the Ford Torino and the second time was in 2006 with the Fusion.

"It looks fun to drive and very much eager to go and tear up the track. It has a very aggressive stance from the outside and the inside. From all angles the vehicle exudes performance and I think it reflects our general attitude of how we go about setting up our cars very, very nicely," said Garen Nicoghosian, who led the Ford Design Center staff. "It brings a certain level of nimbleness and lightness and agility to the NASCAR platform, much like we do in our production cars, because all of our production cars have that nimbleness and agility and eagerness about them."

Continue reading "2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup Car Unveiled" »

Porsche has released a new video that explains how "Our identity is the 911."

Over the years the 911 has changed, but it has maintained its distinct shape. "Instantly recognizable and originally engineered for the racetrack, it continues to stir the emotions today, just as it did in 1963."

The 911 has been completely redone for 2012, but its changes continue to be more evolutionary, which is not a bad thing.

Check out the video after the jump.

Continue reading "VIDEO: The New 911 - Porsche's Identity" »

Mercedes-Benz is going to unveil the all-new 2013 A-Class at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. To give us a preview of next A-Class Mercedes-Benz has released this quick teaser video.

The new A-Class was originally previewed in concept form at last year's New York and Shanghai auto shows. The 2013 A-Class will go on sale in Europe later this year. For the first time ever, the A-Class is expected to be sold in the U.S. as well.

The A-Class prototype in this video is covered in QR codes that allows fans the ability to learn more about Mercedes' new A-Class.

Continue reading "VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz Teases the 2013 A-Class" »

Late last year VW unveiled a hotter version of its new Up! city car, the Up GT concept, which is basically like a GTI version. Following yesterday's unveiling of the five-door Up!, it's now being reported that the Up! GT will be produced as well.

The guys over at PistonHeads are reporting that VW has confirmed a production version of the Up! GT concept. The Up! GT is expected to be powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder engine with around 110 horsepower. The small engine will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The concept also featured a more aggressive front fascia with larger ducts with LED daytime running lights and the rear employed a roof spoiler and black diffuser with dual tailpipes. The concept also rode on 17-inch alloy wheels and the interior had anthracite-colored seats offset by central panels with a blue checkered pattern.

Unfortunately just like the other Up! models, the U.S. will probably not be getting the Up! GT.

Continue reading "VW Up! GT Reportedly Gets the Green Light" »

Car and Driver recently spoke to Mazda spokesman Jeremy Barnes, who confirmed that a diesel-powered Mazda will be offered in the U.S. in early 2013. "It'll be here between 15 and 18 months behind the launch of the Skyactiv-G gasoline engine in the Mazda 3." The Mazda 3 with the Skyactive-G gasoline engine arrived in October, so you can expect to see a diesel in Mazda's U.S. lineup between January and April of 2013.

Which model will get the diesel engine? Barnes did not confirm which Mazda would get the diesel, but according to sources it will be the new CX-5. In Europe and Japan the CX-5 is already offered with a Skyactiv 2.2L diesel. In Europe the diesel is offered with either 148-hp and 280 lb-ft. or 173-hp and 310 lb-ft. of torque.

Until then, Mazda recently announced that the 2013 CX-5 in the U.S. will be powered by a 155-hp 2.0L Skyactiv engine that gets up to 35 mpg on the highway.

Continue reading "Mazda Gets a Diesel-Powered Model in the U.S. in Early 2013" »

Last year Mini unveiled the Rocketman Concept at the Geneva Motor Show. Since then there have been lots of rumors that BMW was planning on adding the small concept to Mini's lineup, but now Car is reporting that BMW has changed its mind.

According to Car, BMW has canned the Mini Rocketman due to the added cost of producing the tiny Mini. BMW would have to invest a considerable amount in order to make the Rocketman meet current regulations, like crash standards. The extra costs to needed produce the Rocketman, would not make it very profitable.

It was rumored that the Rocketman was going to enter production around 2016.

Continue reading "Mini Rocketman is Reportedly Off the Table" »

GM has announced that the first shipment of the all-new 2013 Chevy Malibu is on its way to showrooms across the United States.

The first version of the all-new Malibu offered in the U.S. is the 2013 Malibu Eco. As its name suggest, the Malibu Eco is focused on fuel economy. It's powered by GM's eAssist technology mated to a 2.4L four-cylinder engine, which according to GM yields 25 mpg in the city and 37 mph on the highway. The mild hybrid system combines start-stop technology with regenerative braking and a lightweight lithium-ion battery to provide an electric boost in certain conditions.

Later this summer all-new 190-hp Ecotec 2.5L engine debuts in the Malibu. GM has also confirmed that the Malibu will also eventually be offered with an Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine.

The 2013 Chevy Malibu Eco starts at $25,995.

Continue reading "2013 Chevy Malibu Heads to U.S. Showrooms and 2.0L Turbo Confirmed" »

Nissan (NISMO) has announced the official release of a Nissan GT-R that conforms to FIA GT3 regulations: the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3.

Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) and JR Motorsports (JRM) teamed up to jointly develop the car. It's powered by a 3.8 V6 twin-turbo engine that is based on the standard GT-R's engine and puts out 530ps (523-hp) at 6400 rpm. The V6 is mated to a six-speed semi-automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

According to Nissan, the GT-R NISMO GT3 was features a chassis that inspires confidence and the suspension set-up and driver controls can easily be adjusted to suit a range of preferences.

Continue reading "FIA-Compliant Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 Unveiled" »

Honda has begun deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV, with the first one going to the city of Torrance, California. The delivery was marked by a ceremony at the Torrance City Hall, at which a key to the Fit EV was presented to Torrance Mayor Frank Scotto by Steve Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda.

"This is an exciting day as we take another important step toward Honda's comprehensive vision for reducing CO2 emissions while at the same time advancing our relationship with the city of Torrance," said Steve Center. "Honda has a long history with electric vehicles starting with the introduction of our first battery-electric car, the EV Plus, nearly 15 years ago. With Honda's extensive experience and the real-world feedback from the city of Torrance, we will be even more prepared for the further customer adoption of electric vehicles."

The 2013 Fit EV was unveiled last November at the 2011 LA Auto Show and will go on sale to customers in California and Oregon this summer. It has a range of 76 miles and is powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and 92 kW coaxial electric motor. According to Honda, the Fit EV can be fully recharged in as little as 3 hours when connected to a 240-volt outlet. The 2013 Fit EV will start at $36,625 before any government incentives, with an estimated lease priced at $399 a month.

Continue reading "Honda Delivers the First 2013 Fit EV" »

Nissan has announced the pricing for the 2013 GT-R, which now starts at $96,820, almost $7,000 more than the 2012 model.

The 2013 Nissan GT-R is powered by the same 3.8L twin-turbo V6 mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission that now puts out 545 horsepower and 463 lb-ft. compared to 530 horsepower and 448 lb-ft. in the 2012 model. According to Nissan the 2013 GT-R will reach 0-60 mph in 2.7 seconds. Nissan also retuned the suspension and added a standard RearView monitor and the Black Edition gets a new dry carbon fiber rear spoiler.

Continue reading "2013 Nissan GT-R Starts at $96,820, Almost $7k More than the 2012 Model" »

VW has unveiled the five-door version of its new Up! city car, which will go on sale in Europe this summer.

The five-door Up! has the same dimensions as the three-door and is powered by the same 1.0L 59 horsepower or 74 horsepower three-cylinder engines as well. VW expects that over half Up! buyers will choose the five-door version will cost around £400 more than three-door.

Continue reading "VW Unveils the Five-Door VW Up!" »

The London Olympics don't officially kick off until this summer, but Mini is celebrating the Olympics coming to the capital city of the brand's home county with two special-edition models to spread contemporary London style around the world. The Mini Baker Street and Mini Bayswater will be released in the spring. The Mini Baker Street embodies the youthful, fresh and innovative trend-setting style of the brand, while the Mini Bayswater focuses primarily on the sporting verve and agile handling for which Mini is renowned.

The Mini Baker Street edition features a Rooftop Grey metallic exterior paint with black bonnet stripes, 16-inch black alloy wheels with matching black exterior mirrors. The Mini Baker Street can also be ordered in Pepper White or Midnight Black. Inside it gets cloth and leather seats in Cross Check Rooftop Grey light with a diamond pattern. The Rooftop Grey light color is also applied to other interior surfaces and it the door sills get "Baker Street" lettering. The Mini Baker Street can be ordered in Mini One, Mini Cooper, Mini One D and Mini Cooper D.

The Mini Bayswater gets is painted in Kite Blue metallic with a black roof and rides on 17-inch Sandblast black wheels. Midnight Black metallic and Eclipse Grey metallic paint shades can be ordered. The interior gets "Bayswater" lettering on the door sills and seat tags in addition to the Rocklite Anthracite leather seats with blue and grey contrast stitching. The Mini Bayswater is available as a Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper S, Mini Cooper D and Mini Cooper SD.

Continue reading "Mini Releases Mini Cooper Special Editions to Celebrate the London Olympics" »

Hyundai is now starting to add new eight-speed automatic transmissions to models like the Equus and 2013 Genesis Coupe, but it looks like Hyundai is hoping to add even more speeds with an upcoming 10-speed automatic.

Hyundai has confirmed to Car and Driver that it is developing a new 10-speed automatic in-house. It's not known when the new transmission will be released and which models will get it.

With this announcement and Chrysler working on a new nine-speed for the 2013 Dodge Dart, when will the number of gears become redundant?

Continue reading "Hyundai Confirms New 10-Speed Transmission in the Works" »

Ford's all-new 2013 Escape is slated to arrive this spring. If you head over to Ford's microsite for the 2013 Escape, you will see that Ford has listed the tentative pricing.

Although Ford claims that the prices listed are "for survey purposes only and are subject to change," they will most likely not change much, if at all.

The base Escape S is listed at $22,720. It comes with a 168-hp 2.5L four-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic that sends its power to the front wheels.

Stepping up to the Escape SE starts at $25,320. The SE is available with either the 173-hp 1.6L or 237-hp 2.0L EcoBoost engines with either front or all-wheel-drive. The SE trim also adds Ford's SYNC system, keyless entry dual chrome exhaust and body-colored trim exterior pieces.

The Escape SEL starts at $28,120 and adds leather seats and the MyFord Touch system.

The top of the line Escape Titanium starts at $30,620 and adds a 10-speaker HD radio audio system, 19-inch wheels and remote start. Adding all the options like the panorama roof, parking technology package and navigation system on the all-wheel-drive Titanium model pushes the final price around $37,000.

Continue reading "2013 Ford Escape Pricing to Start Just Over $22k and Top Out at $37k" »