According to the reputable sources at the U.K.’s CAR Magazine, Volkswagen is planing an even meaner version of it’s famed GTI. This even higher performance model, to be called the GTI-R, will make use of VW’s 2.0T engine and create a maximum of 266hp – roughly 60hp more than the upcoming MKVI GTI. The big news, however, isn’t the power but that it will be all-wheel drive.

The lighter turbocharged four-cylinder engine will help offset some of the weight added by the all-wheel drive system, however, VW engineers apparently want to take it a step further. The GTI-R will apparently feature a more basic interior to keep weight at a minimum. At this point it is not known if the car will feature light-weight composite body panels or carbon-fiber bucket seats (but we can hope, can’t we?)

Expect an official reveal at the Frankfurt Auto Show in the Fall.

[Source: CAR]

Unveiled simultaneously at the Chicago Auto Show and Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Dodge made a big (and we mean big) splash with its new lineup of Heavy-Duty pickups.

Both the new Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 will be available with either the new 5.7-liter HEMI V8 or a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel. The HEMI makes 383hp at 5600 rpm and 400 ft-lbs of torque at 4000 rpm, although for serious work it’s best to opt for the diesel with 350hp at 3000 rpm and a massive 650 ft-lbs of torque at just 1500 rpm. That Cummins diesel meets all 50-state emissions requirements and is the only engine it this segment to feature a standard exhaust brake to reduce brake fade and increase brake life. The brakes are, however, still impressive with front 14.2-inch and rear 14.1-inch units with ABS.

The 6.7-liter Cummins is available with either a 68RFE six-speed automatic or a G56 six-speed manual transmission with an ultra-low first gear for towing.

The 3500 is offered in three cab styles (regular cab, crew-cab and Mega Cab) and two cargo-box sizes (6-foot-4-inches and 8 feet), in single and dual-rear-wheel configurations with an integrated trailer brake controller. Five trim levels are available: ST, SLT, TRX, Laramie and Power Wagon.

The Ram 3500 with the Cummins diesel offers a towing capacity of 18,500 lbs with a max payload of 5,110 lbs. Auto-box dually models with the 4.10 rear end get an increased Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 24,5000 lbs – up 500 lbs. The 4×2 3500 models increase from 23,000 lbs tt 24,000 lbs.

Both 4x4s and 4x2s get increased Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) due in part to larger front axle U-joints. Diesel 4x4s now have a rating of 5,500 lbs (up from 5,200 lbs) and diesel 4x2s get a 5,000 lb rating (up from 4,700 lbs.)

The 2500 4×4 crew cab diesel trucks get an increase GCWR of 9,600 lbs – up from 9,000 lbs.

To help with towing, Dodge has equipped its new Heavy-Duty trucks with a towing mode as well as an Electronic Range Select, which lets drivers manually limit the highest available gear, and perform manual upshifts and downshifts based on road speed and engine rpm.

3500 models now come standard with 7×11-inch tow mirrors with larger convex glass surfaces. Instead of using separate mirrors for seeing around a large trailer, these mirrors fold out and up to do double-duty.

Outside, the new Heavy-Duty Ram models come with unique styling cues for 2010 and yet maintain the new Ram look. “We brought some of the best design cues from our Dodge Ram 1500 to the new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, yet we set the 2500 and 3500 pickups apart from our light-duty trucks,” said Ralph Gilles, Vice President – Design. “The ‘big-rig’ styling is even more pronounced, with the classic Dodge look that conveys bold, powerful and capable.”

One particular change is in the size of the grille, with a larger front opening and taller hood to accommodate (and feed air to) the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel. Heavy-Duty models also get a unique bumper design to allow better access to the tow hooks and winch on Power Wagon Models.

Inside, the Heavy-Duty models get heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel, memory seats, navigation, adjustable pedals and numerous audio/video options including a 10-speaker sound system and SIRIUS Backseat TV with three channels.

Heavy-Duty Mega Cab models also boast best in class interior room with the largest and longest cab (143.2 cubic feet and 111.1 inches long); the most interior  volume (72.2 cubic feet); the most cargo volume behind rear seat (7.7 cubic feet); the largest flat-floor load area (16.8 square feet); the most second-row leg room (44.2 inches); the largest rear-door opening (34.5 inches wide, 35.5 inches high); the largest rear-door open angle (85 degrees); and first-ever reclining rear seats (22- to 37-degree seat-back angle).

“Our new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups continue to build on Dodge Ram’s leadership in the Heavy-Duty pickup segment,” said Scott Kunselman, Vice President of the Jeep/Truck Product Team at  Chrysler. “Our Ram Heavy-Duty pickups reinforce Dodge Ram’s bold and powerful reputation, and provide improved capability in critical areas of the segment.”

GALLERY: Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500

More on the new Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy-Duty Pickups  after the jump:

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Subaru unveiled its progressive-looking Legacy Concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and now it is expected to use the New York International Auto Show to showcase the production model.

The rumor of the N.Y. debut started after a Subaru dealer apparently leaked information on the production model Legacy on the North American Subaru Imprezza Owners Club (NASIOC) forum. The information was subsequently removed, however, at the behest of Subaru of America.

According to a post on AutoBlog, the new 2010 Legacy will be available with a 3.6-liter H6 as well as an upgraded 2.5-liter turbo powerplant with a more powerful turbo. Transmission choices will be either a six-speed manual or a CVT box.

The report also states that the new Legacy will forgo the current rear multi-link setup for a double-wishbone setup.

Inside the GT Premium and Limited trims will get an electric parking rake, an iPod interface and Bluetooth connectivity. Outside, 18-inch wheels will be offered as well as six new colors.

Cargo capacity will be significantly improved as well, due in part to a 3.6-inch wider body. This increase in width will also significantly improve rear seat room – with rear seat leg room gaining four inches as well.

We’ll bring you live updates from the New York Auto Show starting April 8th, including plenty of pictures to see if the 2010 Legacy looks anything like the concept.

GALLERY: Subaru Legacy Concept

[Source: NASIOC via AutoBlog]

The rumors have already started to surface about the upcoming 2011 Bentley Continental and it appears as though the vehicle will be put on a much-needed diet.

Through the use of significantly more aluminum components for the chassis (which would see a spaceframe made of aluminum in the front and steel in the rear), the new Continental could weight up to 400 lbs less than the current model for a total of roughly $4,800 lbs – which is still a significant number.

Apparently the car will also use many components from the Audi A8, as opposed to the VW Phaeton. This includes a new Audi front axle that will deliver a wider front track and reduce the front over hand, giving it a longer wheelbase (with more interior room) and, ultimately, better handling.

The Conti will also borrow it’s air suspension and brake system for the A8.

Power is expected to increase for the twin-turbo W12 engine, with 580hp and 515 ft-lbs of torque for the “base” models and 650hp and 590 ft-lbs of torque for the Speed models. A 4.2-liter turbodiesel is also expected with 375hp ad 590 ft-lbs of torque, but it is unlikely to be offered in North America. A hybrid is also a possibility.

As for the styling, Bentley will apparently move forward with an evolutionary process and not a revolutionary one, so expect the new 2011 model to look mostly similar to the current lineup. This new body is, however, expected to be more aerodynamically efficient.

The Continental GT coupe is expected in early 2011 with the Flying Spur sedan coming in mid-2012 with a GTC convertible in 2013 and Speed models hitting the stage in 2015.

[Source: Automobile]

Those BMW experts over at AC Schnitzer have just released details on the company’s new lineup of parts for the all-new BMW 7 Series. Thankfully, ACS decided to keep this makeover tasteful (with the exception of those wheels), especially considering some of the bizzare creations it has released as of late.

The new exterior of the car is highlighted by an AC Schnitzer front lip with chrome detailing. New sideskirts are also included (with add-on chrome details). Out back a new rear bumper insert, as well as a subtle rear spoiler and a roof spoiler complete the look.

A  set of AC Schnitzer mufflers with ACS’s trademark tips is also available.

The German tuner offers four different choices of wheels for the new 7 Series, in 20- and 22-inch sizes. Shown here are the company’s new Type VII wheel in a 22-inch fitment, that measures 9.5-inches up front and 10-inches in the rear. Recommended tires are sizes 265/30/22 (front) and 295/25/22 (rear).

To help the big 7 Series sit low on those new wheels, AC Schnitzer has equipped the car with a set of its Nürburgring-tested lowering springs.

In terms of performance, AC Schnitzer currently only has ECU tuning packages available for the 740i and 730d (neither of which are offered in North America). With AC Schnitzer’s ECU package the 730d goes from 245hp to 286hp and the 740i goes from 326hp to 360hp.

For the cabin, ACS offers it’s usual array of add-ons including foot rests, floor mats and a trunk mat – all of which feature the AC Schnitzer name. A pedal set and aluminum cover for the iDrive are also offered.

GALLERY: AC Schnitzer BMW 7 Series

Nissan has just announced that it will bring a seventh Sentra model to market, one that delivers the looks of a the top-line performance models but without the power – or the price. With an MSRP of $17,760 the new Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR has an identical cost to the less sporty-looking S model.

Included in the SR model are all the standard “S” features as well as SE-R-style front and rear fascias, side sills and the rear spoiler and a sport grille. The headlights and taillights come with dark smoked bezels. The package also includes 16-inch wheels, an exhaust finisher and an “SR” trunk badge.

SR models will come with charcoal cloth interior and will be offered in six colors, including the limited edition SE-R and SE-R Spec V colors – a definite selling feature for some.

The SR will come with Nissan’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 140hp and get an EPA rated 26/34 mpg (city/highway).

“With so much attention being paid to high value, high mileage vehicles like Sentra today, we want to offer customers a range of choices within the lineup – so they can find the perfect level of equipment, sportiness and performance to fit their needs and budgets,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan North America.

“We’ve been inviting customers to take a closer look at Sentra for its value, style and performance. Now we’re adding one more reason – more choice.”

GALLERY: Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR

More on the Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR after the jump:

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Land Rover is now poised to bring a new entry-level crossover model to market thanks to a grant from the British government. The U.K. government has confirmed a £27 million ($37.9 million) cash infusion towards a vehicle that would be based on the Land Rover LRX Concept.

The LRX was first displayed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in 2008. The concept car features a 2.0-liter turbodiesel hybrid powertrain, allowing it to get 30 percent better fuel-economy over comparably-sized SUVs and crossovers.

The stylish LRX may be more compact that other Land Rover vehicles – measuring 5.9-inches less in length than the LR2/Freelancer and 8.1-inches lower in height – but it will still be a premium vehicle.

The production model would be the lightest and most fuel-efficient model Land Rover has ever produced.

When the concept was first shown in Detroit, Land Rover’s managing director, Phil Popham said that, “The LRX concept delivers the powerful message that we are as serious about sustainability as we are confident about the continuing relevance and desirability of our vehicles. LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it’s a very different Land Rover.”

“LRX has unmistakable Land Rover design and the breadth of capability that you’d expect from our vehicles. But it carries those essentials into a segment where the brand has never been before, and with a proposed level of efficiency that would make it one of the cleanest vehicles in its class. It is Land Rover’s way of affirming the brand’s responsible approach to future product development.”

The final decision on the project has yet to be made by Land Rover on the new model and while the $37.9 million grant helps, the expected cost of bringing this new vehicle to market is $560 million. Land Rover is expected to announce its decision to go ahead on the project later this year at the company’s Halewood plant.

Official release after the jump:

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This past weekend Banks Power set yet another world record for diesel-powered drag racers by running a 7.7708 second pass at 180.00 mph in the Banks Sidewinder S-10.

The Banks Sidewinder is the first ever diesel pickup truck to hit the 180 mph mark in the quarter-mile, a feat which took place at the NHRDA Desert Diesel Nationals at the Speedworld Dragstrip in Wittman, Arizona with Wes Anderson behind the wheel.

Powered by a twin-turbo 6.6-liter GM Duramax V8 engine, the Banks Sidewinder uses a Nitrous Oxide system in place of an intercooling setup, which is controlled by a proprietary Banks controller to ensure the flow of Nitrous to the engine is as efficient as possible and the combustion temperatures are ideal.

Banks also designed a specific ECU for the Sidewinder, which will be adapted for use in the company’s Marine Engines. Several other technologies and techniques used on the record setting pickup will be put in place in Banks’ Top Diesel Dragster soon.

Ford Canada is asking the Canadian government to put in place a vehicle scrappage plan like the one currently in effect in Germany.

Ford Canada CEO David Mondragon told a parliamentary committee that Ford isn’t looking for a bailout and instead suggested a plan that would include $350 million ($270 million U.S.) for a scrappage plan. The way the plan would work would be for the government to give cash incentives for people who trade in their old cars and purchase new ones.

Mondragon’s suggested solution would include an incentive value of $3,500 ($2,700 U.S.), for consumers to use against the price of a new car when they traded in their old one. The deal would apply to any car 11-years-old or older.

With 35 percent of cars on Canadian roads over 11-years-old, this could account for as many as 100,000 car sales.

In Germany, the rule applies to cars 9-years-old or older and so far has been a resounding success. While February sales in the U.S. continued to tumble, car sales in Germany for the month were actually up  21 percent over the same period the year before.

[Source: The Globe and Mail]

General Motors has announced that it is putting a hold on a plan to bring a new 4.5-liter V8 diesel engine to market. The new engine would have been used in the light-duty Silverado and Sierra pickup trucks and estimates have it rated at anywhere from the mid-20s to the high-20s in miles per gallon. This would even be a significant improvement over GM’s current Silverado and Sierra hybrids, which get 21 mpg city and 22 highway.

The move is just one of many tough choices GM has had to make to cut costs ahead of a U.S. government decision to see if the struggling automaker will get an additional $16.6 billion in bailout funds.

What makes this pill even harder to swallow is that the new engine is just a year away from being ready for production – which would take place at GM’s Tonawanda, N.Y. plant.

As for the engine itself, it has a unique cylinder head design that eliminates intake and exhaust manifolds. The lightweight block also has “advanced castings” for the crankshaft-bearing journals and oil system.

GM secured several new patents in the design of the 4.5-liter diesel engine and it apparently is both as smooth and as quiet as a gasoline engine. With most of the ground-work already complete, General Motors has stated that it would be willing to work with another company on bringing the new diesel V8 to market if there were any reasonable offers.

[Source: AutoNews]