Chevy has released its Super Bowl commercial that will air during the first quarter of Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday.

The spot, named "2012", shows the Silverado navigating the devastation and destruction predicted to occur this year by the Mayan calendar. A group of friends, who are Silverado owners, makes its way to the designated meeting spot but notice one of their buddies is missing. The missing friend, unfortunately, drives a Ford and doesn't appear to have made it to the meeting point. Ouch!

Continue reading "VIDEO: Chevy Silverado Survives the End of the World" »

The all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG will arrive in the U.S. next month with a starting price at $95,865.

The 2012 ML63 AMG is powered by a 5.5L biturbo V8 engine with 518 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque, which is 15-hp and 44 lb-ft. over its predecessor. The V8 is mated to a 7-speed transmission and a permanent all-wheel-drive system. An estimated combined fuel economy rating of 16 mpg is also a 33 percent improvement over the last model. The ML63 AMG will reach 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. If you want even more power the available AMG Performance package boosts the V8 engine's power output to 550 hp and its maximum torque to 560 lb-ft.

The 2012 ML63 AMG comes standard with AMG stainless steel sports pedals, illuminated door sills, COMAND system with hard-drive navigation & Sirius real-time traffic & weather, a harman/kardon Logic 7 surround sound system, Bluetooth and Heated & active ventilated front seats.

Continue reading "2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Starts at $95,865" »

Next week Mazda is going to unveil a special edition version of the 2012 MX-5 Miata at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

The 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition features a black-only hard top, which is the first time a non-body-colored hard top is available in North America. It also gets two new exterior colors (Crystal White or Velocity Red), new 17-inch black gunmetal alloy wheels, black exterior accents, black heated leather seats and piano black interior finishes.

The special edition MX-5 Miata is based off the Grand Touring model is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Both Premium and Suspension packages will be standard on the MX-5 Miata Special Edition and include features such as Bluetooth, Sirius Satellite Radio, Bilstein shocks and a sport-tuned suspension.

Mazda is limited production to just 450 units.

Continue reading "2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition Debuts in Chicago" »

Following the release of the 2012 Beetle 2.5L and Turbo models, VW has now taken the wraps off the 2013 Beetle TDI with its 2.0L diesel engine.

The 2013 Beetle TDI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection clean diesel engine that makes 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a dual-clutch DSG six-speed automatic. VW estimates that the Beetle TDI will get 39 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city.

The Beetle TDI will be offered in three trim lines when it goes on sale this summer: TDI; TDI with Sunroof; and TDI with Sunroof, Sound, and Navigation.

Continue reading "2013 VW Beetle TDI Officially Unveiled Ahead of Chicago Debut" »

Audi has announced the pricing for the limited-production 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder, which starts at $210,000.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder is an open-top version of the R8 GT and is powered by a 560 horsepower 5.2L V10. It reaches 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 197 mph.

The final weight of the R8 GT Spyder has been reduced by 187 lbs thanks to its magnesium engine frame and carbon fiber side panels. It also gets a fixed rear spoiler thats made of carbon fiber. Compared to the R8 V10 Spyder, the R8 GT Spyder's suspension is stiffer and lowers the model by 10 millimeters.

The sad thing is that only 50 units are headed to the U.S.

Continue reading "2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder Starts at $210,000, Only 50 Headed to the U.S." »

Fiat has decided to unveil the 2013 Fiat 500L ahead of its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The 500L is a larger version of the 500, with the L standing for "Large."

Although the 500L is being labeled as a larger version of the small 500, the 500L shares its platform with the Fiat Punto. The five-door model has room for up to 5 passengers and is 23-inches longer than the three-door 500.

The Fiat 500L will be produced at the Fiat's plant in Kragujevac, Serbia and will arrive in the U.S. in early 2013.

Continue reading "2013 Fiat 500L Unveiled Ahead of its Debut in Geneva" »

Kia has released a teaser photo of the Track'ster concept that it is going to debut at the Chicago Auto Show, next week.

The Track'ster is a three-door hatchback, which was designed by Kia's design studio in California. The Track'ster concept is based on the Kia Soul, but places more emphasis on "performance," with its aggressive bodykit and lower profile.

The Track'ster could be a preview of a sportier Soul, which is one of Kia's best-selling models.

Continue reading "Kia Track'ster Concept to Debut in Chicago" »

Volkswagen has revealed the extended version of its new Super Bowl commerical. The extended 75-second spot "The Dog Strikes Back," features an overweight dog named Bolt who is inspired to whip himself into shape by the power and performance of the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. When Bolt is unable to fit through the doggie door to chase after the Beetle, he decides to get himself in shape by working out.

"We believe this spot underscores the Volkswagen brand's unmatched advertising legacy. It manages to highlight the redesign and performance of the Beetle with the lighthearted touches that viewers expect from the VW brand," said Mike Sheldon, CEO, Deutsch LA, Volkswagen's creative Agency of Record.

The end of the spot recalls VW's Star Wars commercial from last year's game, "The Force."

Continue reading "VIDEO: The VW Beetle Inspires a Dog to Get in Shape in VW's Super Bowl Spot" »

Acura has announced that the production versions of the 2013 ILX compact sedan and RDX crossover will debut next week at the Chicago Auto Show.

The ILX concept and RDX prototype debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in January and both models that we saw are pretty close to what we expect to see unveiled in Chicago. According to Acura, the 2013 ILX sedan, which shares its platform with the Honda Civic, will be positioned as the gateway model to the Acura brand. It will be offered with three different powertrain options, including a hybrid.

The 2013 RDX has more passenger room and cargo volume than the outgoing model. The 2013 RDX also ditches the existing turbocharged four-cylinder for a 273-hp 3.5L V6. Although the new RDX will now be powered by a V6, Acura claims that it will offer the best fuel economy of any gasoline-powered luxury SUV in its class. Acura expects front-wheel-drive models to get 20/28 mpg.

Continue reading "2013 Acura ILX and RDX Models to Debut in Chicago" »

Lexus has released its commercial, "The Beast" for Super Bowl XLVI. This marks the first time ever that Lexus will air a spot during the big game.

The :30 second commercial features the all-new 2013 GS as it breaks free from containment, illustrating the company's move in a new design direction for the brand. The spot also hints at the new vehicles Lexus will unveil later this year, which are waiting in the wings for their turn to burst onto the scene.

"The all-new Lexus GS is showcased in this ad because it's the first model to feature the new look of Lexus and it's also the first of nine new or updated models we'll launch this year," said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing. "This spot looks very different than anything Lexus has done before and demonstrates to the 50-million-strong Super Bowl audience that 2012 will be a breakthrough year for Lexus."

The :30 second commercial is scheduled to air at the end of the first quarter of Super Bowl XLVI.

Continue reading "VIDEO: Lexus Unveils its First Ever Super Bowl Commercial "The Beast"" »

The 2013 Dodge Dart is way better than that old Dodge Caliber that it replaced. Even though the 2013 Dart will be available with three different engines, the most powerful engine only packs 184 horsepower. Want even more power from the Dart, well Chrysler's SRT team that is unveiling a new Viper in April, is also reportedly working on a SRT4 performance variant of the Dart.

Details have not been released for the 2014 Dart SRT4, but the guys over at Motor Trend seem to have an idea of what we can expect. The 2013 Dart borrows its platform from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, so you can expect the Dart SRT4 to get a version of the Giulietta's dual-clutch, six-speed transmission. There are two possible options for the engine, a turbocharged version of the Dart's Tigershark 2.0L four-cylinder or Alfa Romeo's new 1.8L four-cylinder turbo. The Dart SRT4 is likely to get the turbocharged version of the Tigershark instead of the Alfa Romeo's engine, due to the added cost of Alfa Romeo's engine. Either way expect the Dart SRT4 to pack more power than the 285-hp Caliber SRT4.

The Dart SRT4 will also get a more aggressive body kit, an upgraded suspension and larger wheels with stickier tires.

Continue reading "2014 Dodge Dart SRT4 to Pack Close to 300-HP" »

Chrysler is celebrating Mopar's 75th anniversary with four custom vehicles, the Mopar '12 300, 2013 Dodge Dart "GTS 210 Tribute", 2012 Fiat 500 "Stinger" and the 2012 Mopar Jeep Compass "True North."

"Customization is king," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "These head-turning 'Moparized' vehicles show how we can go to the next level of personalization. With our best-in-class offerings of parts and accessories, we give our customers every opportunity to further enhance the appearance and performance of their vehicles."

Continue reading "Chrysler Celebrates Mopar's 75th Anniversary with Four Custom Models" »

Cadillac's all-new 2013 ATS is the subject of its Super Bowl commercial that is going to air during the game this Sunday. The on-road performance of the ATS is the subject of the 30-second spot.

"The ad showcases what will make ATS a serious new challenger against the world's best compact luxury cars," said General Motors Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick. "It's an opportunity to reach a big audience with the message that Cadillac is expanding into new territory."

The 2013 ATS is set to go head to head with models like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class when it is released this summer.

"The car is the total focus of the ad, with actual testing footage of the ATS," Ewanick said. "Competing head-to-head in an elite class requires authentic performance."

Continue reading "VIDEO: 2013 Cadillac ATS Hits the Track for the Super Bowl" »

This April, Chrysler is going to take the wraps off the 2013 SRT Viper (note that the Dodge name will no longer be applied to the Viper). Although April is still 2 months away, SRT has released the first teaser photo of the Viper on its Facebook page.

The next-generation Viper will be powered by a new V10 and will be released by the end of the year as a 2013 model.

Continue reading "2013 SRT Viper Teased Ahead of New York Debut" »

The Super Bowl is only a few days away, but automakers have started giving us previews of its commercials that will air during the show. Today we've seen previews of Honda's spot with Ferris Bueller and Toyota's commercial for the 2012 Camry. For the first time ever Acura is going to air a commercial during the big game.

During the third quarter of the game, Acura's commercial is going to air that features Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno coupled with the NSX concept that was unveiled in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show earlier this month.

"Acura has a specific plan in place across all communication channels to build off of the first round of product news announced at the North American International Auto Show. The response to the ILX, RDX and NSX supercar concept has been extremely positive," said Susie Rossick, Acura Brand Manager. "Our Super Bowl strategies are simple--build upon the buzz created in Detroit and leverage the excitement for the future return of the legendary NSX to the Acura lineup."

This commercial, "Transactions," depicts two actual top car collectors, Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno, in an unrelenting bid to be the first in line to take delivery on the first Acura NSX.

"The goal is to present a commercial that not only clearly positions the NSX as the ultimate 'must have' sports car, but does it in a way that is memorable, entertaining and aligned with Acura's brand position," said John Hage, EVP/executive creative director at RPA, Acura's advertising agency of record.

Continue reading "VIDEO: Acura's Super Bowl Spot Stars Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno and the NSX" »

Toyota has released the extended version of its Super Bowl XLVI commercial that is going to air on February 5th, during the game. After not advertising during the game in three years, Toyota is returning with a spot that promotes the all-new 2012 Camry.

The 60-second "Reinvented" spot takes a cue from the marketing campaign promoting the reinvention of the 2012 Camry. The premise of the spot is that good things are always better when reinvented. The ad provides a humorous take on potential day-to-day experiences and items that could have been reinvented, such as a baby that never requires a diaper change or the Department of Motor Vehicles as an enjoyable place of fun and smiles.

"Reinvention is a powerful idea and one we took to heart when we redesigned America's most popular car with the launch of the 2012 Camry and elevated it above the competition," said Bill Fay, group vice president of marketing at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "The Super Bowl provides a forum to really drive home the reinvention message of the seventh-generation Camry, using humor to resonate with the American public.

Continue reading "VIDEO: Toyota's Super Bowl Spot Reinvents More Than the 2012 Camry" »

Matthew Broderick plays a grown-up version of Ferris Bueller in Honda's Super Bowl commercial for the 2012 Honda CR-V. The 60-second spot reinterprets a handful of landmark scenes from Paramount's 1986 Ferris Bueller's Day Off, including the museum visit, rogue valet and infamous parade float lip sync.

"Matthew's Day Off" is part of an integrated, multiplatform advertising campaign that began earlier this month to support the launch of the all-new Honda CR-V. The campaign encourages the active, hip Gen-Y audience transitioning between their carefree twenties and their more focused thirties to conquer their aspirations by completing their own "Leap List."

"Our primary goal is to support the launch of the all-new CR-V, a pillar vehicle in the Honda lineup, while representing the inherent fun and youthfulness of the Honda brand," said Tom Peyton, Honda brand manager, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Check out the extended version of the commercial after the jump.

Continue reading "VIDEO: Ferris Bueller Gets Behind the Wheel of the 2012 Honda CR-V" »

Tesla will unveil its third model, the Model X crossover on February 9th, but here's the first teaser photo of it. The teaser photo shows off the electric crossover's roofline and part of its grille.

The teaser photo was part of Tesla's invitation to the official unveiling of the Model X that is going to take place at Tesla's Design Studio in LA. The Model X is expected to arrive less than two years after the Model S sedan, with pricing that will probably be higher than the Model S that starts at $57,400.

Continue reading "Tesla Teases the Tesla Model X Crossover" »

Fiat is going to release its fourth variant of the 500, the five-door 500L at the Geneva Motor Show in March. We're still about a month away until it's officially unveiled, but some of the early details have surfaced.

The 500L will be a larger version of the small 500 that will get a similar front end, but will be built on a widened version of Fiat's small vehicle architecture that is also the basis for the Fiat Punto. The 500L will be about 2 inches longer than the 500. Fiat is going to release two versions of the 500L, a five-seat version that will debut first, then a longer seven-seat version. The U.S. will only receive the five-seat version, which will arrive early next year.

Fiat hasn't announced the official specs for the 500L, but it wil likely be powered by Fiat's 85-hp turbocharged two-cylinder, a 1.4L with either 77-hp or 105-hp and a 1.3L diesel with either 75-hp or 95-hp. The US-spec 500L will likely only be powered by the 1.4L.

Continue reading "Five-Door Fiat 500 to be Dubbed the 500L" »

Mini has announced the U.S. pricing for the 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster. The Cooper Roadster is available in three versions and starts at $24,350, $600 less than the four-seat Mini Convertible.

$24,350 gets you the base Cooper Roadster, which is powered by a 121-hp 1.6L. It will reach 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds and has a top speed of 124 mph. It also gets 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

The Cooper S Roadster starts at $27,350 and is powered by a 184-hp turbocharged 1.6L. It only takes 6.7 seconds to reach 0-60 mph and has a top speed of 141 mph. Even with the extra power, the Cooper S Roadster has the same exact fuel economy ratings as the base Roadster at 27/35 mpg.

The most powerful version of the Roadster is the John Cooper Works Roadster that starts at $34,500. It's powered by a 208-hp turbocharged 1.6L and reaches 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 147 mph. It's rated at 25 mpg city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Continue reading "2012 Mini Roadster Officially Starts at $24,350" »

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" »