With the Jeep Grand Cherokee set to launch later this year as a 2011 model, Chrysler’s Jeep brand is adding a new Liberty trim level as well as two new option packages for the Wrangler. Officially debuting at the Detroit Auto Show are the Jeep Liberty Renegade, Jeep Wrangler Mountain Edition and Jeep Wrangler Islander Edition.

Positioned between the Sport and Limited models, the Renegade trim level is offered in Natural Green Pearl, Deep Water Blue Pearl, Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Stone White and in a Renegade-exclusive Salsa Red Pearl.

Highlights include Mineral Gray 16-inch wheels with all-terrain 235/70/16 tires, hood graphics, fog lamps, skid plated, tow hooks, a silver-painted roof rack, as well as dark metallic painted fender flares, side sills, front and rear fascias and side moldings. Inside are new cloth seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, drifwood accented bezels and a leather wrapped center console. A 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 comes standard with Selec-Trac II active four-wheel-drive and will be available stating the first quarter of 2010.

The first of two new packages offered for the Wrangler is the Islander Edition, which returns to the Jeep lineup after 20 years. Islander Editions are based on the Wrangler Sport model and are offered in one of four colors: Surf Blue Pearl, Stone White, Bright Sliver Metallic and Brilliant Black Crystal.

Highlights include a “Tiki Bob” decal on the hood, along with latitude and longitude coordinates, black side stes and 17-inch wheels with 32-inch tires. Inside Islander Edition models get dark gray seats with surf blue inserts, blue stitching and Tiki Bob logos embroidered on the seats. Also included is blue stitching on the steering wheel and Mopar floor mats.

As for the Mounted Edition, it’s based on the Wrangler Sport S package and comes with “Mountain” decaling as well as latitude and longitude coordinates. It’s available in Rescue Green Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl and Deep Water Blue Pearl, with high-gloss Mineral Gray 17-inch Moab wheels, as well as high gloss paint for the bumper and grille. Also included are side steps and 32-inch tires, plus special seat inserts on the inside with the “Mountain” logo.

The Island Edition package retails for $1,120, and the Mountain Edition goes for $1,820. Both option packs are available on the two-door Jeep Wrangler and four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 models.

GALLERY: Jeep Wrangler Islander Edition

GALLERY: Jeep Wrangler Mountain Edition

GALLERY: Jeep Liberty Renegade

BMW has just released an all-new high-performance version of the Z4 at the Detroit Auto Show. Called the Z4 sDrive35is, this roadster’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six gets a new air intake system and higher boost pressure to produce a bump in power. With an extra 35-hp and 32 ft-lbs of torque, the new model makes 335-hp and 332 ft-lbs in total. An overboost function will deliver an added boost of torque, bringing the total torque number to 369 ft-lbs. That’s just 11 ft-lbs shy of the M5’s V10 motor.

The added power make the Z4 sDrive35is noticeably faster with a 0-60 mph time of just 4.7 seconds, thanks in part to BMW’s impressive new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

In addition to the engine upgrades, this new model gets M Aerodynamics and an adaptive M Suspension that uses electronically controlled shock absorbers as well as a ride height which has been lowered by 10mm. A set of 18-inch wheels come standard with light-weight 19s optional.

GALLERY: BMW Z4 sDrive35is

The Aveo RS Concept, which Chevy has just debuted at the Detroit Auto Show, is intended to give a glimpse at what the future Aveo small car will be like. If the production model is close, we’ll be impressed.

As it stands the Aveo RS is a mean-looking sub-compact with a Mitsubishi EVO-styled front fascia and a wide stance with flared fenders. To give the car a sleek look, the rear door handles are integrated into the rear pillar. In addition, out back there’s a tuner-inspired dual-port central exhaust outlet.

Inside, there’s more room thanks to the larger platform and we love the motorcycle-inspired gauge display and tachometer. There’s plenty of dark black leather, as well, with blue stitching to go with the Aveo’s Boracay Blue exterior paint.

The Aveo RS concept is powered by the same 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec motor as found in the new Chevy Cruze. That being said, it makes 138-hp (plenty for a sub-compact and far more than any current production sub-compact offers). GM hasn’t released fuel economy numbers, but with the Cruze capable of 40 mpg on the highway, the Aveo RS concept should be able to match that. Better still, enthusiasts will appreciate the six-speed manual transmission.

All this sounds wonderful, but this is a concept and not the real thing. Besides, a 138-hp motor is way above what the competition are offering in the sub-compact segment. When it does launch as a 2011 model it certainly wont come with the 1.4-liter turbocharged motor as standard, but we can hold out hope that an RS model will be offered.

Introduced by North American Exterior Design boss Michael Simcoe at the Detroit Auto Show, Simcoe said that the Aveo RS Concept gives an idea of what the production Aveo will be like, saying that it will be, “a bit roomier, more refined and, frankly, have a lot more attitude.”

That being said, we have high-hopes for the design of the production model.

GALLERY: Chevy Aveo RS Concept

Essentially a foregone conclusion at this point, MINI has confirmed that both the MINI Coupe Concept and MINI Convertible Concept will see production in the near future. Officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show last year, sales and marketing boss Ian Robertson confirmed the production plans at the Detroit Auto Show, while unveiling the company’s latest concept, the Beachcomber Concept.

Robertson had previously confirmed that the Coupe would see production, but this is the first official word that the convertible model will also be produced.

Doing away with the hatchback style, the Coupe and Roadster are aimed at expanding the MINI lineup, which will be grow early next year with a new crossover model.

There are no official word on powertrains for the models, but in concept form both vehicles boast the same engines found in the John Cooper Works models, a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder making 211hp and 192 ft-lbs of torque, with a bump to 206 ft-lbs possible thanks to an overboost function.

MINI’s new Countryman crossover hasn’t even officially debuted and yet the creative minds at the fun British car company have already turned the platform into a new concept: the MINI Beachcomber Concept.

Based on the Countryman’s platform, the MINI Beachcomber Concept takes the crossover’s capable ALL4 all-wheel drive system and sets it free on the sand-dunes with a dune-buggy style, plus the open air Jeep-like feeling of no doors or roof.

The concept also takes cues from the original MINI Moke, especially the lack of sheetmetal and the radiator style grille.

MINI won’t comment on production possibilities, but even if it does make it to market, it won’t be for a while. The Countryman crossover is set to debut first. MINI has promised more news on that new model in a month’s time, with the vehicle’s official on-sale date set for late 2010 in Europe and early 2011 in the U.S.

GALLERY: MINI Beachcomber Concept Debut in Detroit

Honda has just unveiled the production version of the CR-Z hybrid, looking like and taking after the original CRX. The CRX, after all, was introduced as a fuel efficient model, that quickly became a favorite of enthusiasts and tuners alike due to its sporty driving dynamics.

“The CR-Z is a personal sport hybrid coupe for people with a spirit of adventure and an elevated sense of responsibility toward the environment,” said John Mendel, VP of sales for American Honda. “It’s the first hybrid designed to maximize style and fun, in addition to efficiency and economy.”

The CR-Z uses a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor to make 122-hp at 6000 rpm and 128 ft-lbs of torque at 1000 to 1500 rm when mated to a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission or 122-hp and 123 ft-lbs of torque with a CVT automatic (which features paddle shifters by the way). As for fuel-economy, it’s rated at 36-mpg city and 38-mpg highway.

The CR-Z comes with a three-mode driving system, with buttons on the steering wheel to choose Sport, Normal and Economy driving. Sport mode delivers a more responsive throttle, with tighter steering and the tachometer lights up bright red when in Sport model. Econ mode delivers optimum fuel efficiency with reduced pedal feel. The air conditioning system will also reduce its lag on the engine in Econ mode. Normal mode delivers standard settings, and in both Normal and Econ mode, the tachometer display will light up blue or green depending on how the vehicle is driven – with a green display representing the most fuel-efficient driving.

Like the Insight, the CR-Z offers and Eco Guide to help driver’s keep track of fuel economy.

Two trim levels will be offered in the U.S., a base CR-Z and well-equipped EX model. The six-speed manual is standard, as is Vehicle Stability Assist, an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry and cruise control. The CR-Z EX includes HID Headlights fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD premium audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. EX models will get the option for navigation.

GALLERY: Honda CR-Z Word Premiere

GALLERY: Honda CR-Z Official Images

Read more on the 2011 Honda CR-Z after the jump:

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Buick introduced a high-tech, higher-spec version of the new Regal at the Detroit Auto Show.

Dubbed the Buick Regal GS, paying homage to Buick’s Gran Sport heritage while showing the potential of the company’s new sedan.

“We designed the Regal GS to explore the appeal of a high-performance variant of the Regal,” said Craig Bierley, product marketing director for Buick. “Like the Regal, the Regal GS is based on the award-winning Opel Insignia, and we believe it will reinvigorate Buick’s storied Gran Sport legacy.”

The Regal GS has a lower body than the regular Regal and features two additional vertical front air intakes, forged aluminum 20-inch wheels, performance tires and racing-inspired steering wheel and pedals.

Powered by a Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine with six-speed manual transmission, the Regal GS claims 255 horses and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. The transmission directs that torque to an adaptive all-wheel drive system for improved performance. Buick estimates a 0 to 60 time of 6.0 seconds.

The Regal GS uses the Interactive Drive Control System chassis technology found in 2.0L turbo versions of the Regal CXL. The IDCS provides different driving options that adjust suspension, throttle response and steering sensitivity. While the Regal CXL has “normal” and “sport” riding modes, the concept car has a third “GS” mode that further enhances performance.

Gallery: Buick Regal GS Concept

Official release after the jump:

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Audi has just unveiled a significantly updated version of the E-Tron electric sports car concept that originally debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show last year and the new look is much improved. Looking far more like a street car, this E-Tron is smaller, rear-wheel drive and a little less powerful.

The rear-drive E-Tron uses two electric motors (versus four driving all four wheels on the previous concept), making a total of 204-hp and 1,954 ft-lbs of torque. Let it be known, however, that Audi isn’t measuring this electric car’s torque like a normal gasoline engine. Still, acceleration is impressive, with a 0-62 mph time of just 5.9 seconds. This is due, in part, to the car’s low curb weight of just 2,976.24 lbs. Impressively, that low curb weight is possible, even when the electric battery weights almost 900 lbs.

In total this revised concept isn’t nearly as large as the last E-Tron with a wheelbase of 95.67-inches, compared to 102-inches for the original E-Tron.

As for the sports car’s range, Audi claims a distance of 155 miles on a single charge, with a charge time of 11 hours through a conventional household outlet.

Audi has said it will build an electric sports car, possibly named the R4, and this new model certainly looks ready for the road.

GALLERY: Audi E-Tron Concept Debut in Detroit

It’s been said several times before, but GM Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre today told reporters that the company is shutting down its Swedish Saab unit. “We’re closing down Saab,” he said. “We’re winding it down.”

Recently GM hired on wind-down firm AlixPartners, but continued to say that it was evaluating proposals from several interested parties.

Whitacre today said that so far none of the proposals, which include bids by Dutch exotic car maker Spyker and investment company Genii Capital, have been any better than closing Saab.

Product boss Bob Lutz, notorious for producing quotable phrases did so again today, telling Automotive News that, “For years GM has been procrastinating when it comes to Saab. I’m glad to see that for once GM is sticking with a decision to wind something down.”

Over the 20 years that Saab has been owned by GM, not once did it turn a profit.

The wind-down will begin, however, Whitacre said GM continues to keep its eyes and ears open should a viable proposal be put in front of them. Today, Swedish newspaper Dagens Industri reported the Genii, backed by Formula One billionaire Bernie Ecclestone, will have financing arranged for a cash bit shortly.

[Source: Automotive News]

BMW introduced its 1-Series Coupe-based Active E electric vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Powered by newly developed lithium-ion batteries, the Active E has a claimed power output of 170 hp with 184.4 ft-lb. of torque.

As per BMW tradition, the Active E is rear-wheel drive, testing an early version of the electric powertrain system which will eventually be used in BMW’s upcoming Megacity Vehicle (MCV).

The Active E will also use BMW’s ConnectedDrive system, using newly developed features including the ability to check the car’s battery level via cell phone, and using mobile devices as a remote control for heating and air conditioning.

BMW will produce  a trial fleet of the Active E in 2011, providing further real-world data following the MINI-E trial currently underway.

Gallery: BMW Concept Active E