Production of the all-new 2013 Nissan Altima officially kicked off this week at Nissan's plant in Tennessee. Now Nissan has released a whole new set of photos of the new Altima that will start arriving at dealerships next month.

The 2013 Nissan Altima starts at $21,500 and is available either a 182 horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder or a 270 horsepower 3.5L V6. The Altima is only available with a CVT transmission. The good news is that the four-cylinder gets up to 38 mpg on the highway.

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Land Rover is giving the 2013 Range Rover Sport a few updates for the new model year, but you probably won't really notice them. The 2013 Range Rover Sport gets new five-spoke alloy wheels, new body colors and new interior trim combinations.

Buyers can choose between five new body colors: Barolo, Barossa, Causeway, Havana and Mariana. On the inside there are two new interior trim combinations that allow buyers to choose a dark upper cabin with lighter colored seats or the opposite way around. There's also a new carbon veneer pack for the interior. The Range Rover Sport Supercharged model also gets new Red Brembo brake calipers.

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According to GM, Chevy Volt owners have collectively saved a supertanker of gas since the Volt went on sale. Volt owners have compiled 40 million miles on electricity and at the same time avoiding the use of more than 2.1 million gallons of gas.

"With each click of the odometer, Chevy Volt owners are measuring their contribution to reducing America's dependence on foreign oil and to preserving the environment," said Cristi Landy, Chevy Volt marketing director. "Volt owners are also saving at the fuel pump with more than $8 million in combined savings."

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This isn't too surprising since it was already reported that the Lexus HS 250h hybrid sedan wasn't exactly flying out of showrooms, but it's now confirmed that the HS 250h is dead. Inside Line has confirmed with Toyota that production of the HS 250h has already ended.

"Production of the HS 250h ceased in January, 2012. Lexus continues to monitor sales for each product and we make adjustments to make sure that we meet market demand, and the discontinuation of HS was part of that adjustment. The ES 300h is not replacing HS in our lineup. It's merely part of the hybridization of many of our existing vehicles in the Toyota and Lexus lineups."

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After a lot of speculation and rumors, GM has officially announced that the Australian Holden Commodore is going to be offered in the U.S. as the 2014 Chevy SS. This marks the return of a V8 rear-wheel-drive sedan Chevy's U.S. lineup, after 17 years. The 2014 Chevy SS will hit showrooms in late 2013.

The 2013 Chevy SS will be a derivative of the global rear-wheel-drive architecture that is the basis for performance vehicles like Chevy Camaro and Holden's upcoming VF Commodore. The Chevy SS will be built in Australia and "will benefit from significant technology advances which enhance overall performance." GM hasn't announced any official specs.

Continue reading "GM Officially Announces the Holden Commodore is Headed to the U.S. as the 2014 Chevy SS" »

Fisker gave us a preview of its next model, the Atlantic plug-in hybrid sedan at the 2012 New York Auto Show. At the time it was unveiled, Fisker stated that a production model was a ways off and that the acutal specs and pricing would be released closer to the launch of the production car. Now leaked investor documents have given us more information about the Atlantic.

InsideEVs.com has reportedly received some Fisker documents that were only dated a few weeks ago. The documents outline more of Fisker's plans for the Atlantic, including performance specs, cost and release dates.

Continue reading "Fisker Atlantic Delayed Until Mid-2014 and Will Start at Around $60,000" »

Ford dealers are starting to place orders for the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid, which Ford has dubbed "America's most affordable and fuel-efficient utility vehicle." The 2013 C-MAX Hybrid arrives this fall with a base price of $25,995, which makes it around $500 cheaper than the Toyota Prius v.

"C-MAX Hybrid offers better fuel economy, performance, technology and functionality than Prius v - and C-MAX Hybrid customers will pay less at the dealership and at the pump," said Ken Czubay, vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. "Ford is delivering the power of choice for leading fuel economy across its lineup - from EcoBoost to electrified vehicles - because customers increasingly want to save money at the pump, even as gas prices rise over time."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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" »