Carscoop

Renault Confirms Production of All-Electric Twizy and Zoe Z.E., Sales Start in 2011

2009-11-06T21:45:00.008-05:00

Apparently, Nissan's partner Renault wasn't kidding when it said that it would go ahead and produce the four all-electric concept models that it displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Today, the French automaker not only (re)confirmed production of the futuristic looking Twizy Z.E. city car (for Zero Emission) and the funky Zoe Z.E. sporty supermini, but it also revealed the plants where the two cars will be built.

First up is the Twizy Z.E. based 1+1 seater that will be manufactured at Renault's Valladolid factory in Spain from 2011. Even though we find it hard to believe, it is said that the production version will remain extremely close to the concept model that is powered by an electric motor that makes 15kW (20HP) and 70Nm of torque and drives the rear wheels.

The Twizy will be followed in 2012 by a sporty, all-electric supermini dimly inspired by the Zoe Z.E concept car. It will be produced at the firm's Flins plant near Paris, France. Renault said that it expects that this urban model will account for two-thirds of the Group's EV sales in Europe.

The other two electric vehicles that Renault is planning to produce is the Fluence Z.E. compact sedan and the Kangoo Z.E. small van.

Earlier this week, a letter of intent was signed between the Renault-Nissan Alliance, the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) and the French Strategic Investment Fund (FSI) to form a joint venture company that would develop and manufacture batteries for the group's electric vehicles.

Renault Zoe Z.E. Concept

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Renault Twizy Z.E. Concept

VW Announces Race-Inspired Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition

2009-11-06T19:06:00.006-05:00

A special edition Jetta inspired by the TDI Cup race cars will be arriving at Volkswagen's showrooms across the U.S. in the beginning of 2010, the German automaker announced. The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition gets the front bumper, side skirts and rear valance that are found on the TDI Cup race cars along with larger brakes with red calipers, 18 inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, sway bars and a sportier tuned suspension.

However, what the replica doesn't get is the TDI Cup race car's more powerful 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine which is rated at 170 horsepower and nearly 300 ft-lbs of torque as it keeps the 2.0L turbo diesel of the standard car that delivers 140HP and 236 ft-lbs of torque.

The engine be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or VW's DSG dual clutch semi-automatic transmission.

Other upgrades over the standard Jetta include sports seats wrapped in Interlagos cloth and a multi-function leather steering wheel that's fitted with paddle shifters when combined with the DSG transmission.

Volkswagen said that the Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition will start at around $25,000.

VIDEO: Meet the New Porsche Boxster Spyder

2009-11-06T10:20:00.007-05:00

Here's the first official video of the newest member of the Porsche Boxster family, the Spyder (click here for details and photos), that was revealed ahead of its world debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show in December. Weighing in at just 1,275 kg or 2,811 lb, the Spyder is the lightest model through-out the entire range of Porsche cars. Power comes from upgraded version of the 3.4-liter boxer six-cylinder engine used in the Boxster S, tuned to deliver 320 horsepower. Make the jump to watch Stuttgart's latest achievement in action.

BMW 320d E90-E93 'Superchipped' to 220 HP

2009-11-06T09:42:00.004-05:00

The easiest way to get some extra ponies out of today's cars is to update the engine software and that's precisely what Superchips proposes for the latest generation BMW 320d (E90-E93) with the 2.0-litre, 175bhp turbo diesel powerplant. The firm's remapped ECU for the diesel bimmer adds an extra 44bhp and 103Nm to the four-cylinder unit, increasing the maximum output to 220bhp and 444Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque respectively.

Despite the power increase, Superchip claims that the 320d's fuel economy is not only unaffected by the ECU remap but in most cases consumption is improved thanks to to the additional low rev torque available to the driver.

The 320d ECU remap is priced in the UK at £435.00 including VAT and is covered by what Superchip calls, a 'full Customer Service Guarantee and warranty. Those interested can either purchase the product and self-upload it in a few minutes using the Bluefin handset or just visit on the company's dealership and have it installed.

2011 Audi A8 Spied in Southern California by Carscoop Reader

2009-11-06T00:02:00.004-05:00

We've been reporting for some time that Audi is getting ready to swipe the covers off its next-generation A8 luxury sedan, and now an alert Carscoop reader has sent us these photos of this psychedelically camouflaged Audi prototype. Robert H, who captured the sedan with his iPhone in Southern California, told us that the test car was similar in size to the current A8 limo, thus reducing the possibility that it may be a prototype for the new A6 sedan - let's face it, you can never be 100 per cent sure.

As stated by German firm's Chairman of the Board, Rupert Stadler during his speech at Audi AG's annual shareholders meeting in Germany this past May, we'll have the first official photos of the new A8 in late November.

We still don't know if Audi will perform the motorshow debut of the 2011 A8 in Los Angeles this December or if the Germans will opt for the Detroit show in January next year or even later at the Geneva Salon in March of 2010.

The German firm's Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series rival, which will continue to use a lightweight aluminum chassis, is expected to be offered with cleaner and more fuel efficient engines including Audi's new 3.0-liter supercharged V6.

Hat tip to Robert H. for the photo scoop!

In Pictures: The BMWs of the 2009 SEMA Show

2009-11-05T21:11:00.005-05:00

Even though its more obvious than a wedding pimple that BMW isn't much of an enthusiast of the yearly Specialty Equipment Marketers Association (SEMA) show, nevertheless, many modified Bimmers made their way to the Las Vegas Convention Center this week. We'll let you be the judge on their unsightliness or beauty after you check them all out in our high-resolution gallery after the break.

Fiat 500 to Hit Chrysler's U.S. Showrooms in 2010 Followed by Convertible in 2011 and Abarth in 2012

2009-11-05T19:21:00.011-05:00

Chrysler intends to sell all three available versions of the Fiat 500 in the USA, including the base hatchback, the rag-top convertible and the sporty Abarth, according to the Detroit automaker's five-year business plan that was revealed to the press on Wednesday. As was the case with BMW and the launch of its MINI brand in the turn of the 21st century, the Italian mini will be sold in the States (as a Fiat) at Chrysler's dealerships.

But not all dealers will get the 500, as the company's Vice President of Network Development & Fleet, Peter M. Grady revealed. The Italian mini will be sold mainly in metro areas at select dealers that house all Chrysler Group LLC brands and will include a dedicated salon inside the dealership.

First up will be the North American version of the basic three-door model that will be powered by Fiat's new 1.4-liter Multiair 4-cylinder gasoline engine. Sales of this model will start in the U.S. in fourth quarter of 2010.

The three-door hatchback will be followed in 2011 by the partially drop-top 500 Convertible that features a rather simple rollback canvas retaining the car's roofline and C-pillar. The range will be completed in 2012 with the North American launch of the sporty 500 Abarth powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

While neither Fiat or Chrysler disclosed any other details on the North American 500s, buyers should expect to see many special and limited edition versions of all three models making their way to showrooms.

Fiat plans to build the North American Fiat 500 at a Chrysler plant in Mexico.

FIAT 500 HATCH

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FIAT 500 CONVERTIBLE [INCLUDING SPECIAL EDITION MODELS]

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ABARTH 500 [INCLUDING SPECIAL EDITION MODELS]

Ford Presents World's First Automotive Inflatable Seat Belts

2009-11-05T17:05:00.006-05:00

Air bags of every type and size are continuing to make their way into our cars and from what we gather, it won't be long before we make the chubby Michelin man look under inflated with all those bags surrounding us in our vehicles. The latest development in the field of air bags is the introduction of the world's first automotive application of inflatable seat belts by Ford.

The Detroit automaker says that it has combined the attributes of traditional seat belts and air bags to provide a increased level of crash safety protection for the rear seat occupants.

"Ford's rear inflatable seat belt technology will enhance safety for rear-seat passengers of all ages, especially for young children who are more vulnerable in crashes," said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environmental and Safety Engineering.

If knock on wood you happen to be involved in a frontal or side crash, the seat belt's air-bags deploy in 40 milliseconds. According to Ford, the inflatable belt's increased diameter helps hold the occupant in a more appropriate seating position thus reducing the chances of injury.

The air-bag equipped seat belts will make their debut in 2010 on the next-generation Ford Explorer and will gradually find their way on other Ford models sold all over the world.

Quiz: What's 'Ironically Similar' About the Chrysler 300 and Lancia Thesis?

2009-11-05T15:59:00.007-05:00

We found this photo hidden somewhere between a family portrait of Olivier Francois, head of both Chrysler and Lancia brands, and a picture of the Detroit automaker's nifty new brochures in the presentation slides released by Chrysler at the unveiling of the company's five-year business plan on Wednesday. The slide is titled "Ironically Similar" and it shows a Chrysler 300 and Lancia's beluga whale on tires Thesis executive sedan side by side.

Feel free to amuse us with your answers to the question, "what's so ironically similar about the two brands or if you prefer, the cars shown in this photo?" in the comment section below.

Suzuki Releases Pricing for New Kizashi Sedan, Starts at $19,734

2009-11-05T15:13:00.005-05:00

Suzuki has announced detailed pricing on its all-new Kizashi mid-size sedan that will begin arriving in dealer showrooms in the States in December 2009. Prices will range from $19,734 for the based Kizashi S with a manual gearbox to $27,484 for the top-of-the-line SLS with an automatic transmission (CVT) and AWD. All Kizashi sedans are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 185 HP with the six-speed manual gearbox and 178HP when mated to the CVT.

The Kizashi S comes equipped with 8 airbags (front/rear side and curtain), pushbutton keyless start, dual-zone climate control, 9-speaker audio with steering controls, stability control and ABS and, power windows, doors and mirrors as standard.

The better equipped SE model that costs $2,500 more than the automatic version of the S model adds a CVT, 215/55R17 tires on alloy wheels, power driver's seat with 10-way adjustment, 3-position memory driver's seat, and leather wrapped parking brake handle and steering wheel with cruise control.

Next up is the GTS model which is available in six-speed manual or a performance tuned CVT with steering wheel paddle shifters. Priced at $23,234, the SE gets various equipment upgrades over the SE including a 425 watt Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with 10 speakers, Bluetooth streaming audio capability (with compatible MP3 and iPod connectivity) and hands-free calling with voice command, 235/45R18 tires, fog lights and power moon roof.

Finally, the SLS adds leather seats, power passenger seat, heated front seats, auto dimming rear view mirror with Homelink Universal garage door opener, heated outside mirrors, automatic rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and rear parking sensors.

All prices mentioned above include a $735 destination and handling fee.

Photo Gallery: The 2010 Chevy Camaros of the SEMA Show

2009-11-05T14:02:00.005-05:00

Black Camaros, yellow Camaros, winged Camaros, insanely powerful Camaros, convertible Camaros even Pontiac Trans Am conversions of the Camaro; if you're a die-hard fan of General Motors' reborn pony car then SEMA is the place to be as the 2010 Camaro is a dominate force at this year's aftermarket 'carnival' in Las Vegas. If you hit the jump you can get a taste of the Camaro project cars that are on show at the 2009 SEMA in our high-res photo gallery.

Hyundai Moves Up in the World with Times Square Billboard

2009-11-05T13:26:00.005-05:00

Continuing its high-profile advertising initiatives this year which included the launch of its new Genesis Coupe during the Super Bowl coverage, Hyundai has moved into Times Square in Manhattan, New York with a new outdoor campaign. The cube shaped billboard has three display faces, the front of which has LED screens showing a continuously updated stream of Hyundai video content while the two other sides get vinyl banners.

"As one of the world's largest brands, Hyundai is actively looking for ways to integrate with the world's biggest advertising venues, such as the Super Bowl, Academy Awards and World Cup," said Chris Perry, director of Marketing Communications, Hyundai Motor America. "Times Square billboards draw 1.5 million impressions daily and it is one of the most iconic locations for outdoor advertising, so it aligns perfectly with our overall brand strategy."

The first of a series of ads to be placed on the Times Square billboard features the South Korean firm's new Genesis Coupe.

Honda Begins Sales of Euro-Built Civic Type R in Japan

2009-11-05T12:36:00.004-05:00

Sales of Honda's UK-produced Civic Type R 3-door model have begun in Japan after the first examples of the car were shipped from Southampton. Japan is the third market after Australia and South Africa to receive a hatchback version of the latest generation Civic this year as the three- and five-door body styles of the compact car were originally conceived as Europe-only models.

The arrival of the 201HP Civic Type R hatch in Japan marks the second time since 2001 that the European-built Civic has been sold in Honda's home market.

The automaker plans to sell a total of 2,010 units of the Civic Type R 3-door in Japan. The cars will are available for order in three shades: Milano Red, Alabaster Silver and Championship White/

The Euro-spec Type R is fitted with a high-revving 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that cranks out 201 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 142 lb-ft of torque at 5,600 rpm.

Kia Forte Koup to Enter Grand-AM Koni Challenge Racing Series

2009-11-05T11:20:00.004-05:00

At this week's SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Kia unveiled a racing version of the new Forte Koup with which it will compete in the 2010 GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge Series in the Street Tuner (ST) class, thus marking the firm's first ever racing efforts on U.S. soil. The Korean automaker has teamed with the Kinetic Group to build and campaign two Forte Koups that will be driven by Andy Lally and Nic Jönsson.

"We researched every form of auto racing in the U.S. to find a fan base that was aligned with our target demographics, and found GRAND-AM to be the perfect fit," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, Kia Motors America.

The front-wheel drive Forte Koup will compete in the GRAND-AM Koni series against a variety of production-based race cars from the U.S., Europe and Asia.

2011 BMW M3 GTS: New Hardcore Version with 450HP 4.4-Liter V8 and Almost 200kg / 440 lbs Lighter!

2009-11-05T10:50:00.004-05:00

[UPDATE: HIGH-RES PHOTOS ADDED] This is it; the BMW M3 that we've all been waiting for after the demise of the E46 M3 CSL. The hardest ever production M3 that gets the GTS moniker is a track-focused yet completely road-legal, limited edition model and it comes with many weight saving measures, more power from a larger capacity V8 engine and lots of juicy upgrades that you normally find on aftermarket tuned cars.

It doesn't take long to see that this isn't your 'every-day' M3. The car is distinguished by several unique features ranging from the Porsche 911 GT3-like orange finish and the numerous matte-black applications, to the adjustable front splitter and rear wing that can provide a higher level of downforce and the unique 19-inch wheels with ample 255/35 tires at the front and 285/30 at the rear.

A closer look at the car also reveals the beefy fixed caliper brake system with six pistons at the front and four at the back as well as the new yellow springs with a small M logo. BMW says that the M3 GTS features a special threaded suspension, adjustable in compression and rebound.

But there's more than meets the eye to this M3. Since the serial-production model is already weight-optimized with a bevy of measures such as the carbon lightweight roof that was previously reserved for the GTS's predecessor, the E46 M3 CSL, BMW's M division had to come up with new solutions to lower the car's weight.

The weight-saving measures adopted on the new 2011 M3 GT3 include a new set of light body-contoured front seats, optimization of the insulation, the use of lightweight parts in the interior, the use of Macrolon for the car's windows in the back, the removal of the air conditioning, navigation and radio systems and the rear seats that have been ditched altogether - who needs them anyway on a car like this.

Furthermore, the GTS features a new titanium rear silencer that not only promises to produce a more race car-like symphony but it is also much lighter than its serial production counterpart.

According to BMW's M division, the M3 GTS tips the scales at around 1,490 kilograms (3,285 pounds). That's more than impressive given that the standard M3 (U.S.-spec model) weighs in at 1,680kg (3,704 lbs).

As a track focused model, the M3 GTS has been prepared for installation of 6-point seatbelts for use on the race track while there are also mounts for the roll-over protective structure bolted on from the B column plus a fire extinguisher and a battery master switch/emergency shut-off preparation.

Which brings us to the heart of the M3 GTS; the engine bay. The serial production M3 gets a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 engine pumping out 420HP. For the M3 GTS, BMW's M department enlarged the displacement of the V8 to 4.4-liters thus promising an output of around 450 horsepower. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 7-speed M dual clutch transmission with adapted shift characteristics.

BMW says that it intends to shatter the lap time of the iconic M3 CSL on the Nürburgring Nordschleife with the M3 GTS. "The test runs certainly give grounds for optimism," the firm said in a statement.

We're still waiting for BMW to release performance figures and more technical details on the new M3 GTS, but we can tell you that the price of the custom ordered model is expected to be €115,000 (US $170,000) for delivery in Germany, including 19% VAT.

BMW said that the first examples are due to be supplied in Germany in May 2010 while according to current planning, registrations in other countries will be possible from Summer 2010.

High-Res Photo Gallery

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Low-Res Photos

Porsche Boxster Spyder: New Lightweight Model Unveiled Ahead of LA Auto Show

2009-11-05T10:31:00.007-05:00

Porsche has released the first photos of a new, lightweight version of it mid-engined Boxster roadster called the Spyder that is scheduled to make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December. Following a similar formula to the iconic 550 Spyder of the 1950s, the new model replaces the standard Boxster's retractable soft-top and all its associated mechanics with a simple and lightweight rag top that hooks up onto the windshield and the rear end of the car providing basic protection from the elements of nature.

The Spyder also gets a new 'double bubble' rear deck while other cosmetic tweaks include the re-trimmed front bumper and side air-vents, the new alloy wheel design and the larger fixed rear spoiler.

Almost everything about the third model in the Boxster family after the standard and 'S' versions is about shedding weight. Gone are the regular Boxster's daytime running lights and fog lamps while the interior has been stripped out of any unnecessary features such as the air condition and audio system (though they are available optionally). The cabin also gets a pair of race-like door pulls and lightweight carbon-fiber seats.

Together, these weigh saving measures help shed 80 kg (176 lbs) off the Boxster S with the Spyder model tipping the scales at 1,275 kg (2,810 lbs).

The new model also gets a tuned version of Porsche's 3.4-litre flat six boxer engine with direct fuel injection that produces 320 horsepower, 10HP more than in the Boxster S.

Equipped with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) twin-clutch transmission and the Sports Chrono Package, the Spyder can go from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.8 seconds (Boxster S: 5.0 seconds) and reach a top speed of 166 mph (267 km/h) with the roof removed.

The Boxster Spyder is scheduled for a worldwide launch in February 2010 with the base price in the Euro countries set at €53,100 (US $78,400). In Germany, if you add taxes and national specifications, the Spyder will retail for €63,404 or about 12 percent more than a Boxster S.

2011 Dodge Charger Teased in Official Document?

2009-11-05T02:04:00.010-05:00

While reading the Chrysler Group's five-year product plan (see details here) on the Dodge brand's future model line-up, we found these two photos that appear to be depicting the profile and the instrument panel of the new 2011 Charger rear-wheel drive sedan that will be launched onto the market sometime next year.

We don't yet have confirmation that the picture does indeed show the new Charger, but if it does, then it looks like that the four-door sedan's exterior design was influenced to some extent by the 1999 Charger Concept model that you can check out in our gallery below.

According to the official document, along with the dramatic new styling, the RWD sedan will also get "a class leading interior, class leading features, lifestyle orientated packaging, new engine, vest in class performance and fuel economy."

2011 Dodge Charger

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1999 Dodge Charger Concept Model

SpeedART to Unveil Porsche Panamera-Based PS9-650 at Essen Motor Show

2009-11-05T00:36:00.006-05:00

The Essen Motor Show, which runs from November 28 to December 6 and is best described as Europe's answer to SEMA, will see Porsche tuning shop, SpeedART, revealing its take on the Panamera. The PS9 package for the German sports saloon ups the ante with numerous aero add-ons and a bevy of performance upgrades.

The tuner offers a power kit with larger turbo chargers, sport exhaust and cats plus ECU upgrades that's available in four flavors with 550, 600 and 650-horsepower and up to 890 Nm (656.5 lb-ft) of torque.

SpeedART claims that the most powerful version of the car accelerates from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 3.5 seconds and goes on to achieve a top speed in excess of 320km/h or 200mph.

The modded Panamera will ride on unique 22-inch alloy wheels while the 650HP version will also feature a new brake system with larger discs and calipers.

As far as appearance is concerned, SpeedART's bodykit consists of a front apron, engine hood air outlets, a newly designed bumper at the back with air outlets on both sides, a rear diffuser, side skirts and spoilers on the roof and the boot.

Inside, the cockpit will get a SpeedART steering wheel with F1-shift paddles, real carbon-fiber trim and accents, new leather upholstery with colored stitches and a revised instrument panel.

Stealthy Audi A4 Avant Black Arrow by AVUS Performance

2009-11-05T00:04:00.003-05:00

Continuing its love affair with blacked-out Audis, German tuning boutique Avus Performance swiped the covers off its latest pumped up model, the A4 Avant Black Arrow. The car displayed here is equipped with a 2.7-liter turbo diesel engine that has been enhanced with a Stage 1 ECU upgrade boosting output from 190bhp and 295 lb/ft of torque to 230bhp and 358 lb/ft.

And if you don't own the 2.7 TDI model, no need to worry as the tuning firm said that it offers performance upgrades for the 2.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI diesel engines as well.

Besides the blacked out exterior and the engine massage, the Black Arrow package for the A4 Avant also includes massive 21-inch alloy wheels in a glossy black finish and a lowering suspension kit.

Video Teaser of the New Hardcore BMW M3 GTS

2009-11-04T22:56:00.005-05:00

BMW's M division unwrapped a more hardcore roadgoing version of the M3 Coupe called the GTS today, and this is the first video of the car that will go on sale next year. There's no action footage available yet as the video teaser is limited to a speedy presentation of the new M3 GTS inside and out, but we do get a sample of the upgraded V8's sonorous soundtrack in the beginning of the film. Hit the break for the video or click here for our detailed post on the most extreme production M3 to date.

Chrysler and Fiat Group Reveal 2010-2014 Product Plan, Many U.S. Models to be Based on Fiat Platforms

2009-11-04T20:52:00.008-05:00

Today, the Chrysler Group LLC and it's Italian parent company partner Fiat presented the firm's long-awaited five-year business plan that's supposed to show how Fiat will turn the U.S. automaker's fate around and save the company from going down. Many interesting thing were said and shown at the eight-hour long press conference including Chrysler's new logo but in this post, we'll concentrate on the 2010-2014 product plan of the Chrysler Group's core division that comprises of the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Cars and Ram Truck brands.

The company's five-year product strategy that includes many new models based on Fiat platforms was unveiled by the Group's vice president of product planning, Joseph Veltri.

Starting off from Jeep, in 2010, aside from the market launch of the new Grand Cherokee, the Patriot, Compass, Wrangler and Liberty will be freshened. The following year, the Wrangler will receive another update including a new interior. 2013 will see the Jeep brand receiving three new models based on Fiat platforms including a small SUV, a common replacement for the Patriot and Compass, and a new Liberty. The Commander will most likely be dropped off in 2011.

Moving on the Chrysler, next year the brand will present the redesigned Sebring and 300 sedans while in 2012, a new Fiat-based compact sedan will join the range., In 2013, Chrysler will get three new products based on Fiat platforms, including a Fiat Group sourced small car (most likely the Punto), a successor to the Sebring and a new midsize crossover. An all-new Chrysler-developed Town and Country minivan will be presented in 2014.

In 2010, the Dodge Car brand will unveil refreshed versions of the Avenger and Journey, along with a fully redesigned Charger sedan and a new fullsize CUV. The Nitro will receive a facelift in 2011 as will the Challenger pony car while the Viper will be freshened up in 2012. The same year will see the introduction of a new Fiat-based compact sedan that will replace the Caliber which will be discontinued after 2012.

In 2013, Dodge will get yet two more Fiat-based models, a small car and a replacement for the Avenger sedan. The Grand Caravan will be replaced with a new model in 2014.

Finally, highlights of the newly-formed Ram Truck division's plans include the possible presentation of a new mid-size pickup truck based on a car platform in 2011, and the launch of Fiat-based small and large commercial vans in 2012. Furthermore, the company said that it will discontinue the production of the Dakota in mid-2011.

More details can be found in the presentation sheets below.

Chrysler LLC Group Product Plan 2010-2014

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Chrysler LLC Group Product Development

Honda Shows Off Accord CrossTour Accessorized with Factory Parts at SEMA

2009-11-04T19:02:00.005-05:00

Even though the 2009 SEMA Show is still under way, we can't wait for next year's event to see how the tuning industry and Honda will react to the new 2010 Accord CrossTour. But for now, we'll have to do with this factory accessorized version of the Japanese automakers much criticized for its looks, crossover model. Among other parts, the SEMA show car features a ground effects package with a front apron and side skirts finished in a different shade, chromed alloy wheels and roof bars.

BMW Accessories Quiz: How Can a Duffel Bag that's Priced $68 Online end up Costing $112 at the Counter?

2009-11-04T18:02:00.005-05:00

Yes, you read correctly: if you buy a small duffel bag from BMW's online shop, which by the way, points to your nearest dealer, and have it delivered to your home, it will cost you $68 (plus taxes and delivery fee), but if you decide to pay (...) a visit to your local dealership, the same exact gift may cost you much more - up to 63.4 per cent more in my case. Sounds ridiculous, but it's true.

This happened when I made the mistake of bending going over to Wagner BMW of Shrewsbury in Massachusetts to buy some gifts. Bought the accessories, handed them over, headed home and then (duh) checked out the invoice.

Out of curiosity, I went to BMW's online shop to compare prices: Key ring (Item No.: 80230408546) - $12.80; Duffel Bag (Item No.: 80220433964) - $68 and Snow and Ice Remover (Item No.: 82110017663) - $19.90 (all parts excluding sales tax).

Surprisingly, two out of the three items, the key ring and duffel bag, were priced substantially lower than at the dealership which charged me $16 and $111.95 respectively, while the snow and ice remover cost the same at $19.90 (again, all prices without sales tax).

From a consumer point of view, a 55.5 and 63.4 per cent hike in prices for the key ring and bag respectively, definitely justifies a call to the dealer.

The next day I was informed by the dealer's wholesale parts department that BMW's corporate online shop and the specific dealership are two separate business entities and as such, have a different price strategy when it comes to accessories - even though the official BMW accessory website points to your local dealer.

The person that I spoke to at the department said that the Bavarian firm sells the accessories to the dealer at a much higher price and that they have to make a profit to pay off things like coffee, bagels and their employees - seriously, that's what she he said.

However, in all fairness, the folks over at Wagner BMW of Shrewsbury kindly offered to reimburse the money if I returned the parts so I could reorder them online and save a few bucks. However, since the gifts had already been handed out, this wasn't an option anymore.

The lesson to be learnt here is that, if for whatever reason you want to buy gifts from BMW (or from any maker, for that matter), do your homework before you head over to the middle-man dealer / shop to avoid any 'pricey' surprises like I did.

Links: BMW of Shrewsbury and BMW Online Shop

SEMA Show Debut for Subaru's Bling-Bling Legacy VIP Concept

2009-11-04T17:20:00.004-05:00

The SEMA Show was never about subtle or elegant tuning projects but we reckon that Subaru kinda overdid it with its Legacy 2.5GT VIP concept car. A mishmash of body parts from the Japanese domestic market (JDM), and custom-made / SPT accessories, the Legacy 2.5GT VIP is one of those creations that can spark a feisty conversation over its looks on the net.

We don't even know where to begin from: the eye-popping quilted red leather that not only covers the vehicle's interior but also makes an appearance in the engine bay and the luggage compartment; the side window curtains that would look quite cosy at your aunt Thelma's kitchen or the chromed exterior mirrors? Take your pick...

Other mods include the widened fenders that house custom-made 20-inch wheels, an air suspension system from Universal Air that allows the car to get really intimate with the road, the Shinjuku Black Plum paint finish and the onboard entertainment system. Thanks but we'll hastily pass on this one.

The Return of the Bandit: '70s Pontiac Trans Am Conversion of the 2010 Camaro comes to SEMA

2009-11-04T16:31:00.006-05:00

The team over at Trans Am Depot showed off a revised version of their Pontiac conversion of the 2010 Chevy Camaro at this week's SEMA Show. Compared to the original Phoenix T/A that was revealed earlier this year (see photos after the jump), the new model features some stylistic upgrades such as the reworked graphics, a new front fascia with quad headlights, revised lower air inlets and a ground effects package with chunky side skirts and a front apron, all of which bring closer in looks to the 1977-1978 Pontiac Trans Am.

The Phoenix T/A kit also includes other body parts such as the new hood with a shaker scoop, specific front fenders and rear fascia complete with taillights and a boot spoiler. The 20-inch gold or silver machined face snowflake wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero 305/35ZR20 tires and the unique tail pipes plus the interior trim and badge appointments complete the cosmetic package.

Trans Am Depot will also offer a range of performance upgrades including a suspension and engine kit for Camaro SS' V8 powerhouse.

The company plans to sell the Phoenix T/A as a completed model (based on the Camaro SS) or as a conversion kit starting early next year.

PHOENIX T/A PHASE 2

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PHOENIX T/A PHASE 1