The popular Ford F-150 Raptor is getting a few changes for the 2011 model year. A new four-door SuperCrew option is now available in addition to a more powerful standard engine.

"When we launched the F-150 SVT Raptor, consumers were blown away with the capability of the vehicle," said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. "By adding the SuperCrew, we have expanded the versatility of Raptor, and now even more enthusiasts will be able to experience the no-compromise off-road performance that only Raptor delivers."

The F-150 SVT Raptor is seven inches wider than a base F-150 and it features internal triple-bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox, unique cast-aluminum front control arms and VT-tuned 35-inch BFGoodrich® All-Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tires. The SuperCrew version has a 12-inch longer wheelbase than the standard version.

For 2011 the 5.4L V8 has been dropped and the previously optional 6.2L V8 is now standard. It puts out 411-hp and 434 lb-ft. of torque. The standard 6.2L V8 makes the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor, the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market.

Continue reading "Ford Unveils 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew with Standard 6.2L V8" »

Chrysler has officially unveiled the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango.

The Durango rides on an all-new unibody structure and has three rows of seats. There will be two engine options, the 3.6L Pentastart V6 or a 5.7L HEMI V8. The interior of the Durango was designed by the same studio that created the interior in the Ram trucks and new Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Durango will start showing up in dealers in the fourth quarter of this year.

Continue reading "2011 Dodge Durango Officially Unveiled" »

Following the introduction of the Taurus Police Interceptor Sedan, Ford has now unveiled the Police Interceptor Utility, which is based off the 2011 Explorer. The Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility are going to replace the aged Crown Victoria Police Interceptor next year.

The Police Interceptor Utility is powered by a 3.5L V6 that puts out at least 280 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Both front and all-wheel-drive drivetrain options will be available.

"We understand today's police departments require adaptability," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "Ford is committed to remaining the nation's largest provider of police vehicles, and we're offering law enforcement officials a complete portfolio of options that are purpose-built, capable and delivered with the safety, technology and performance they need to excel at their jobs."

Production of the Police Interceptor Utility isn't expected to start until late 2011.

Continue reading "Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility Unveiled" »

According to GMInsideNews, GM's mid-size sedans are eventually only going to be offered with four-cylinder engines. GM is making an effort to downsize its engine lineup in preparation for the 2015 CAFE standards.

This means that the next generation Chevy Malibu that is expected to arrive late next year will no longer be offered with a V6. It will likely be powered by the same 2.4L four-cyl that powers the 2011 Buick Regal. Speaking of the Regal you will notice that it's only available with either a 182-hp 2.4L or a turbocharged 220-hp 2.0L 4-cyl engine.

Other larger sedans like the Chevy Impala will continue to have V6 engines.

Continue reading "GM's Next-Gen Midsize Sedans to Only Feature 4-Cyl Engines" »

With the departure of Mazda's design chief Laurens van den Acker comes the end of Mazda's Nagare design language. Mazda's new designer Ikuo Maeda is bringing a new design theme to the brand named "Kodo". Kodo, which is Japanese for soul of motion will debut on the Shinari concept at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.

The four-door Shinari concept shows off the new styling direction for Mazda, which is ditching the smiley face look of the current Mazda lineup.

Continue reading "Paris 10' Preview: Mazda Shinari Concept Debuts Mazda's new "Kodo" Design Language" »

Yup I guess it's more than just a rumor. Nissan is set to debut a convertible version of the Nissan Murano at the 2010 LA Auto Show later this year. It has now been confirmed that the drop top version of the Murano crossover will be named the Murano CrossCabriolet. The Murano CrossCabriolet will be the world's first AWD crossover convertible.

Continue reading "Nissan Murano Convertible to be Named CrossCabriolet" »

Toyota has announced a voluntary recall of 1.13 million 2005-2008 Corolla and Matrix vehicles to address and issue with the 1.8L four-cylinder engine. According to Toyota some of the engine control modules have been improperly manufactured.

The engine could stall in effected vehicles due to cracks that could develop on the ECM's circuit board. There have been at least three accidents related to this issue.

Beginning next month, Toyota will replace the ECM on the recalled vehicles.

Don't forget that the Pontiac Vibe was built on the same platform as the Corolla/ Matrix. GM has also issued a recall of the 2005-2008 model year Vibes.

Continue reading "Toyota Announces Recall of 1.1 Million Corolla and Matrix Models" »

Toyota has unveiled the 2011 Highlander which is getting a midlife facelift. The 2011 Highlander gets a new face, which includes a new hood, fenders, grille and headlights. Out back there are new taillights and a revised bumper.

The Highlander pictured here is going to debut at this year's Moscow Motor Show. Toyota has yet to confirm that these changes will also make it on the US version, but you can expect them to.

Stay tuned...

Continue reading "2011 Toyota Highlander Unveiled in Moscow" »

The Mazda2 is finally being offered in the US and now Mazda has released the first official photos of the European model that is getting a facelift.

The refreshed Mazda2 will appear at the 2010 Paris Motor Show with a new face, upgraded interior and powertrain and a new automatic version.

Continue reading "Paris 10' Preview: Mazda2 Gets a Facelift" »

It's rumored that Range Rover's upcoming Evoque is going to be offered with Ford's new 200-hp 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. According to Autocar prototypes of the baby Range Rover are currently being tested on Nürburgring with the Ford engine. Of course land Rover will not confirm the rumors.

The 2.0L EcoBoost is the same engine that is also going to be offered in the 2011 Ford Explorer, but with 240-hp instead of 200-hp.

The Range Rover Evoque will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show

Continue reading "Range Rover Evoque to Get Ford's 2.0L EcoBoost" »

Hyundai's American CEO, John Krafcik recently confirmed that its upcoming Equus sedan as well as the Genesis and Genesis coupe will be getting all-wheel-drive in the near future.

The move to make all-wheel-drive optional on its two luxury sedans is to make them more competitive with other luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. All-wheel-drive on the Genesis coupe will give it something that isn't offered on the Ford Mustang or Chevy Camaro.

Hyundai's newest flagship, the Equus will hit dealerships later this year. It will be powered by the 4.6L Tau V8 with up to 385 horsepower. Pricing is expected somewhere between $50,000 and $60,000.

Continue reading "Hyundai Genesis, Genesis Coupe and Equus to get All-Wheel-Drive" »

Nissan has released the official photos of the refreshed 2011 Murano. The 2011 Murano gets a refreshed grille, restyled bumper, new taillights and new 18-inch wheels. Inside there is a new white meter color, new center stack colors and added equipment.

For 2011 there are also two new models, the SV FWD and SV AWD, which brings the total to eight models. The Murano comes standard with a 260-hp 3.5L V6 that is mated to a CVT.

"With its contemporary exterior design, 'mobile suite' interior, advanced technology and refined, premium driving feel, Murano stands out as a modern crossover SUV like no other," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "With the enhancements for 2011, there are even more reasons for consumers to put Murano on the top of their shopping lists."

The 2011 Nissan Murano will be available this October.

Continue reading "2011 Nissan Murano Gets a Refresh" »

Last week leaked shots of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS appeared online. It was our first look at the new "four-door coupe." Mercedes-Benz has now officially unveiled the 2012 CLS. The CLS was the first official four-door coupe that lead to other automakers jumping into the segment (VW CC, BMW Gran Coupe, etc).

"The new CLS points the way forward for the future perceptible de-sign idiom of Mercedes-Benz", explains Professor Gorden Wagener, head of de-sign at Mercedes-Benz. "At the same time it takes its inspiration from the great tradition of stylish, refined sportiness which has always been a feature of Mercedes coupés."

The new CLS builds upon the successful first generation (long hood, tightly-styled frame-less side windows and a dynamic roof sweeping back at an angle towards the rear.) The new headlights on the CLS are full LED headlights, which has a total of 71 LED's. The taillights also feature LEDs.

There is no word yet on the powertrains that we will get in the US. But it is expected that the CLS will get a 3.5L V6 as the base engine and CLS550 models will be powered by the twin-turbo 4.6L V8. The CLS AMG will also eventually be offered.

The 2012 CLS is going to be officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in early October with sales starting in mid-2011.

Continue reading "2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Officially Unveiled" »

The 2011 Kia Sportage is a far better compact crossover than the model it replaced. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has just named the new Sportage a Top Safety Pick because it earned its highest safety rating in frontal, side, rear and rollover crash tests.

"The Kia brand is committed to providing consumers with the highest levels of passenger safety by providing a comprehensive list of cutting-edge technologies and features for increased crash protection," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "The 2011 Sportage's sleek and modern appearance continues Kia's design-led transformation while staying true to the company's core philosophy of providing consumers with exciting, fun-to-drive vehicles with high levels of value, quality and safety."

The 2011 Kia Sportage starts at $18,295 and is powered by a 176-hp 2.4L four-cylinder.

Continue reading "2011 Kia Sportage Named IIHS Top Safety Pick" »

Here's the latest spy video of the 2012 BMW M5 hitting the famous Nurburgring in Germany.

The 2012 M5 is expected in the second half of 2011. It's rumored to be powered by the an upgraded version of the turbocharged 4.4L V8 that powers the X5M and X6M. The official numbers haven't been released, but it's expected to have around 600 horsepower and 530 lb-ft. of torque.

Continue reading "Video: 2012 BMW M5 Drifting at the Nurburgring" »

It looks like the Kia Rondo is no more in the US. If you go to Kia's US website, the MPV is missing from the lineup.

Obviously the death of the Rondo is most likely due to disappointing sales. The sales of the Rondo in 2009 was only 14,206 units, compared to 28,645 in 2008. The Rondo was Kia's third slowest selling model behind the Borrego SUV and the Amanti sedan.

Apparently there are still some Rondos at dealers if you still want one...

Continue reading "Kia Rondo is Dead in the US" »

For 2011 the Jeep Wrangler is getting a much needed interior update in addition to a body-color removable hardtop on the Sahara model.

The interior of the Wrangler gets a new instrument panel, steering wheel and an updated center stack that is easier to operate. The Wrangler also gets new storage areas and larger rear windows. Power heated mirrors are also available.

Production of the 2011 Wrangler began earlier this week.

Continue reading "2011 Jeep Wrangler Gets a New Interior" »

Porsche has announced a new personalization program (Porsche Personalization Program) for its Panamera sedan.

The new program allows for owners to tweak the styling and performance of the Panamera. The top of the line, Panamera Turbo can be outfitted with a new Powerkit package that uses two new turbochargers and revised engine management to produce 40 more horsepower and 37 lb-ft. of torque, bringing the final totals to 540-hp and 553 lb-ft. The Powerkit package also includes Porsche's Sport Chrono Turbo Package and if the car is driven in Sport Plus mode the torque output is increased to 590 lb-ft. In Sport Plus mode the Panamera Turbo reaches 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds. The Powerkit package adds another $21,730 to the price of the Panamera Turbo.

The Sport Design Package is available on all Panameras and includes a unique, exterior color painted front fascia with widened black air intake grilles, separate side skirts and the standard, exterior color rear underbody apron with diffuser and fins. It adds an additional $4,950.

Continue reading "Porsche Announces New Panamera Personalization Program that Adds 40-HP" »

According to the LA Auto Show's Twitter page, Saab has confirmed that the 2012 Saab 9-4X crossover will debut at this year's show in November.

The Saab 9-4X shares its Theta platform with the Cadillac SRX. It's expected to be released sometime in the spring of 2011 as a 2012 model.

Continue reading "2012 Saab 9-4X to Debut at LA Auto Show in November" »

As seems to all ways happen now, photos of the 2011 Mercedes CLS have leaked out before the four-door coupe's official unveiling.

The guys over at eMercedesBenz managed to grab the first official press shots of the new CLS, which borrows styling cues from the Shooting Break concept. According to eMercedesBenz, when the 2011 CLS launches it will be available with either a 3.5L V6 or a twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 with around 430 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque. The AMG version will be powered by the new twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8.

Expect more details and official photos soon...

Continue reading "2011 Mercedes Benz CLS Photos Leaked" »

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has announced that the 2011 Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M have earned its top rating of good in roof strength tests. The new roof strength tests, test how well a vehicle will protect its passengers in a rollover crash.

The CTS and Infiniti M beat out the Lexus GS and Audi A6, both of which only received acceptable ratings and the Acura RL, which only received a marginal rating.

The Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M received the institute's Top Safety Pick Award after receiving a good rating in all four of its safety tests.

Continue reading "2011 Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M Named IIHS Top Safety Picks" »

Mini has kicked off its ad campaign for its new crossover, the four-door Countryman.

The Mini Countryman will be powered by either a 120-hp 1.6L or a 180-hp turbocharged 1.6L. Both engines can be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive is only available on the 180-hp Cooper S Countryman.

Continue reading "Video: Mini Kicks off 2011 Countryman Ad Campaign" »

Dodge has officially killed the rumors that it's new SUV would ditch the Durango name and be renamed Magnum. The automaker has released teaser images of the new 2011 Durango which has a lot in common with the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2011 Durango is expected to be powered by the 3.6L Pentasta V6 and the 5.7L Hemi V8 that are also available in the Jeep.

Expect more details soon...

Continue reading "Dodge Officially Keeps the Durango Nameplate for 2011" »

Mustang fans just got exciting news this morning. Ford has announced the return of the Mustang Boss 302 for the 2012 model year.

"The decision to build a modern Boss was not entered into lightly," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "The entire team at Ford felt the time was right and with the right ingredients, the world-class 2011 Mustang could support a successful, race-bred, worthy successor to the original Boss 302. For us that meant a production Mustang that could top one of the world's best - the 2010 BMW M3 - in lap times at Laguna Seca. We met our expectations."

The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 starts with the Mustang GT, but gets a race-inspired clutch, adjustable suspension, short-show shifter, improved brakes and most importantly an upgraded version of the 5.0L V8. The 5.0L V8 now puts out 440-hp and 380 b-ft. of torque thanks to a new intake and revised camshafts.

In addition to the upgrades under the hood, Ford has included some subtle changes on the exterior to set the Mustang Boss apart. The Mustang Boss will either have a black or white roof panel, coordinated to the color of the side C-stripe. Available exterior colors are Competition Orange, Performance White, Kona Blue Metallic, Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat Metallic and Race Red.

The front of the Mustang Boss gets a unique fascia and grille that is highlighted by the blocked-off fog lamp openings and aggressive lower splitter, a version of the design used on the Boss 302R race car.

The interior gets a unique Boss steering wheel that is covered completely in Alcantara suede. The standard seats are trimmed in cloth with a suede-like center insert, but Recaro bucket seats are optional. A dark metallic instrument panel finish, gauge cluster and door panel trim also differentiate Boss from the standard Mustang. Hopefully you will enjoy the added sound from the engine and exhaust as well, since eleven pounds of sound-deadening material has also been removed.

Continue reading "The Boss is Back! Ford Unveils the 2012 Mustang Boss 302" »

Infiniti is expanding the G lineup this fall with the introduction of the G25 sedan. The G25 joins the G37 sedan and will be powered by a 2.5L V6 that puts out 218 horsepower and 187 lb-ft. of torque and is mated to a standard seven-speed automatic. The new entry-level sedan starts at $30,950.

"With the new G25 Sedan, we're broadening the appeal of the G Line with a model designed to provide an additional choice for buyers looking for a true luxury sedan, but who might not need the higher levels of performance provided by our larger engine-equipped G37 models," said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore, speaking at a media event at the 60th annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. "The G25 is positioned in the heart of the luxury sport sedan market, allowing us to bring Infiniti's Inspired Performance to a wider selection of buyers."

The G25 sedan is available in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive. Three models will be offered: G25 Sedan, G25 Sedan Journey and G25x Sedan AWD.

Continue reading "2011 Infiniti G25 Sedan Starts at $30,950" »