Nissan has now officially confirmed that the Juke crossover will be offered in North American later this year. Inspired by the Qazana concept, the Juke is an even smaller crossover than the Rogue and we expect pricing to start at less than $20,000. Nissan says the Juke is targeted towards the small hatchback segment, giving those customers a different option in the marketplace. Nissan also promises plenty of style and driving enjoyment.

The Juke will officially debut at the Geneva Auto Show on March 2nd, with the U.S.-spec model debuting at the New York Auto Show at the end of March. We should have more information and photos available tomorrow.

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Volvo will debut its new 2011 S60 model at the Geneva Auto Show this March, just over a year since the S60 concept first appeared at the Detroit Auto Show back in 2009 and a decade after the original S60 was introduced.

Like modern Volvo’s the car retains much of its swoopy style, with the Swedish automaker deciding to go the 4-door coupe route with this new model. And like most modern cars it has grown in size. The new model is now 1-inch longer and 2-inches wider, with a 2.3-inch longer wheelbase and 1-inch wider track u front (1.7-inch wider rear track).

Under the hood is Volvo’s T6 turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with 300-hp and 325 ft-lbs of torque, delivering a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is AWD on T6 models. A T5 engine is also expected to be offered after launch with around 227-hp.

In the U.S. Volvo will offer the S60 standard with its “Dynamic” chassis, rather then the “Comfort” setting which will be standard in other markets, with the Dynamic model using stiffer subframe dampers.

Other highlights include Advanced Stability Control with a roll angle sensor to predict skidding earlier so the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) can work earlier to deliver improved handling and accident avoidance. There’s also Corner Traction Control, which works like an electronic LSD to brake the inside wheel in a corner to eliminate wheel slip and the resultant understeer.

And of course, the 2011 S60 comes with Volvo’s Pedestrian Detection system with full auto brake, to detect objects taller than 31 inches and bring the vehicle completely to a stop (at speeds below 22 mph) if warning signs are ignored.

AutoGuide will bring you more on the 2011 Volvo S60 at the car’s official debut at the Geneva Auto Show on March 2nd.

GALLERY: 2011 Volvo S60

[Source: InsideLine and Volvo]

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Ford has just announced two new versions of its Transit Connect commercial vehicle, which recently won the 2010 North American Truck of the Year award. Up first is the Transit Connect Electric, the first electric vehicle Ford will offer, using a lithium-ion battery. It can travel up to 80 miles on a charge, which takes about 6 to 8 hours to complete from either a 120-volt or 140-volt outlet. Ford claims a similar acceleration time to the gas-powered model although storage space is reduced somewhat to 135 cu.-ft. The vehicle is designed for fleets where driver’s have a pre-set route and a centralized location for recharging.

The Transit Connect Electric will go into production later this year, with a Focus Electric planned soon after.

Ford will show the TC EV at the Chicago Auto Show later this week, alongside another new Transit Connect model, the TC Taxi. Set to go on sale later this year as well, the TC Taxi features as second row seat that has been moved back by 3-inches for added legroom, while the engine has been converted to run on either natural gas or propane. Ford says the TC Taxi should deliver a 30 percent fuel economy improvement over traditional taxis. Other highlights include rear-seat climate controls, rear power windows and a touch-screen in the rear that can show things like maps, TV shows or payment info.

Both the Transit Connect Electric and Transit Connect Taxi will be officially unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on Wednesday, February 10th.

For complete 2010 Chicago Auto Show coverage click here

GALLERY: Ford Transit Connect Electric

GALLERY: Ford Transit Connect Taxi

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

According to a spokeswoman for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Toyota may face yet another investigation, this time over steering-related issues with the 2009 and 2010 Corolla model. The NHTSA has recorded 83 power steering related complaints on the 2009-10 models, which use an electric power steering system. Toyota switched to electric power steering in  the Corolla for the ’09 model year, with ’09 model year Corollas first going on sale in February of 2008.

Complainants say the vehicle can veer to the left or right at over 40 mph. Over the 83 filed complaints, six accidents are associated with the alleged steering issue with 10 injuries reported.

Yesterday Toyota announced a worldwide recall of the 437,000 hybrid models, including the 2010 Prius hybrid after the NHTSA opened an investigation into electric braking problems with the car and the Lexus HS250h.

Toyota also has two other recalls out for over 8 million vehicles, one for “floor mat entrapment” and another for faulty brake pedals. Both of these recalls also include the 2009-10 Corolla.

The NHTSA is considering an investigation into the complains which could result in further analysis of the car by Toyota and (if deemed necessary) a recall. Currently the NHTSA is investigating 40 possible defects, three of which are for Toyotas.

See more Toyota recall news here: AutoGuide Toyota Recall News Hub

[Source: Automotive News]

Later this week at the Chicago Auto Show, Scion will unveil the yet another special edition tC model. Presumably the last limited edition tC, the tC Release Series 6.0 comes painted in the exclusive SpeedWay Blue, with a matte-black graphics package.

The same blue hue is used in the interior for the seats as well as for the stitching on the steering wheel. Additional upgrades include an 4.3-inch touch-screen Alpine Premium Audio system with navigation that features iPod and USB connectivity.

Just 1,100 RS 6.0 tCs will be built and all models come with an individually numbered badge. Pricing is set at $18,620 with a manual transmission, and $19,420 with an automatic.

Sales will start this March with the car being officially unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on Wednesday, February 10th. AutoGuide’s will deliver complete Chicago Auto Show coverage starting Feb. 10th.

For complete 2010 Chicago Auto Show coverage click here

GALLERY: Scion tC RS 6.0

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

As expected, Toyota has announced a recall for the 2010 Prius hybrid, as well as the 2010 Lexus HS250h model. The recall affects 133,000 Prius models as well as 14,500 HS250 models so that the automaker can update the car’s ABS software. The recall does not affect previous generation Prius models or any other Toyota, Lexus or Scion models.

The recall comes after over 100 complaints were registered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), by Prius owners who commented on a loss of brakes (or at least brake feel) under braking on icy or bumpy roads. The fix has already been made on all models produced since late January.

Toyota has said it will begin mailing recall notification letters to owners next week, with HS250h owners receiving their letter a few weeks after that.

In addition to this recall, Toyota has issues a separate recall on 7,300 Camry 4-cylinder models built for the 2010 model year, due to a steering hose that may touch the front brake tube, leading to a brake fluid leak.

Toyota owners with questions can find detailed information about these recalls and Toyota’s other recalls at www.toyota.com/recall or can contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

For more Toyota recall news visit the AutoGuide Toyota Recall News Hub here

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Dodge is once again releasing a new special edition versions of its Challenger with another signature paint color. This time it’s Furious Fuchsia and as girly as it might be, the Challenger still manages to look like a man’s machine.

While it may be feminine, what’s under the hood most certainly isn’t with no V6 being offered. Instead, Dodge will offer the Furious Fuchsia Challenger as an R/T Classic and as an SRT8 model. R/T models get matte-black or bright white side stripe package, “Challenger fender badges”, 20-inch wheels, a body colored rear spoiler, function hood scoop and racing style fuel door. Inside, there’s the option of Pearl White seats with Dark Slate Gray and Furious Fuchsia stitching. Those who opt for a six-speed manual transmission will also get the Track Pak with a 3.92 differential, dual-exhaust system, and a pistol-grip shifter to help get all 376-hp to the ground.

Better yet, ensure exclusivity with just one of 400 SRT8 models with 425-hp. It gets much of the same items but includes the Pearl White seats as standard with a Furious Fuchsia stripe, 20-inch forged aluminum SRT wheels with Stain Black accents, chrome quad-exhaust tips and a limited edition dash plaque.

Pricing for the R/T is set at $35,140, while SRT8 models will run you $45,150.

The Furious Fuchsia is the latest “high-impact heritage” paint color that Dodge has released, with a Plum Purple model being shown at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year. Dodge will show the Furious Fuchsia Challenger R/T and SRT8 at the Chicago Auto Show later this week. We’ll be sure to bring you a few photos.

For complete 2010 Chicago Auto Show coverage click here

GALLERY: Furious Fuchsia Dodge Challenger R/T and SRT8

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Just last week we thought we’d have to wait for the New York Auto Show in late March before we’d get to see the 40th Anniversary Edition 370Z, but Nissan has just announced it has decided to display at the Chicago Auto Show, starting later this week. Nissan has been noticeably absent from the auto show circuit over the past year, even missing the LA and Detroit shows, but it will be in Chicago, displaying alongside its luxury arm Infiniti.

The big Nissan debut will be the 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition, celebrating 40 years since the original 240Z landed in North American. Starting out as a well-equipped manual-transmission Touring model, this limited edition vehicle also gets the Sport Package, which includes the SynchroRev Match transmission, a front lip spoiler and rear spoiler, Nissan’s impressive sort brakes, a limited slip differential and 19-inch Rays forged wheels.

Added to this is a special “40th Quartz” paint job and a red leather interior. Other highlights include red brake calipers; a high luster smoked wheel finish; 40th Anniversary badges on the rear hatch and front strut tower brace; red painted door trim; red stitching on the center stack, shift boot and steering wheel; 40th Anniversary stitching on the seatbacks and floormats; a plaque of authenticity and a special car cover.

The 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition is set to go on sale this Spring, priced from $38,860.

For complete 2010 Chicago Auto Show coverage click here

GALLERY: Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition

While the media was given a sneak peak at the all-new 2011 Infiniti  M37 and M56 models at a private event a few months back, the cars will be on public display for the first time at the Chicago Auto Show. After dropping out of most auto shows last year, skipping LA and then Detroit at the start of 2010, Infiniti and parent company Nissan made an 11th hour decision to attend the Chicago show.

For 2011 the M will be offered as both an M37 and M56, with both models being either RWD or AWD. Like the G37, the M37 is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 270 ft-lbs of torque. As for the M56, it gets a massive 5.6-liter mill with an impressive 420-hp and 417 ft-lbs of torque. In total, the new top-level M gets 95-hp and 81 ft-lbs of torque over its predecessor, the M45.

Those looking for even more sport can opt for a Sport Package (RWD only), that comes with 20-inch wheels, a sport tuned suspension, larger brake rotors with 4-piston front calipers and two-piston rears, 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) steering, as well as a sport steering wheel, pedals and shift knob. Specific to the Sport Package are special double-piston shocks that deliver a ride that is both comfortable and stable. There’s even a unique front fascia.

Both engines come with Infiniti’s 7-speed sport automatic transmission, allowing the M56 to get even better fuel economy than the old M45.

As for the car’s size, it is larger than the outgoing M, measuring roughly half an inch longer at 194.7 inches, 2-inches wider at 72.6 inches. It is also roughly half an inch lower at 59.1 inches to help keep the car’s center of gravity low.

One of the most exciting features on the new M is Infiniti Drive that allows a driver to choose between four settings of throttle pressure and transmission shift points. There’s also an Active Tracing Control system that adjusts engine power and braking at all four wheels for optimum performance. Safety items include Blind Spot Warning and Blind Spot Intervention that helps bring the car back towards the center of the lane. There’s also an Eco Pedal feature that, when selected, uses green and yellow lights on the instrument panel to give the driver feedback on his or her driving, while also giving feedback through the gas pedal, pushing back to alert the driver when they are operating the vehicle inefficiently. Infiniti says that in testing this simple method has lead to improved fuel economy of five to 10 percent.

AutoGuide’s live 2010 Chicago Auto Show coverage begins Wednesday, February 10th. See it here.

GALLERY: 2011 Infiniti M37

GALLERY: 2011 Infiniti M56

With the 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition set to debut at the Chicago Auto Show in just a few days, Nissan has announced a special European version of the sports car, debuting at the Geneva Auto Show in March. Called the 370Z Black Edition, it gets the same 19-inch Rays wheels, red-painted brake calipers, 40th anniversary badge and red leather interior as the North American-spec version. In fact, all that sets this model apart from its American cousin is the fact that Nissan will also offer the black edition in “quarts” grey (the same color offered in the U.S.) over in Europe.

Standard equipment includes a 332-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine, push button ignition with Intelligent Key and Nissan’s Hard Disk Drive navigation system. Both a six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic are available, with pricing set at £33,645 ( roughly $53,000).

GALLERY: Nissan 370Z Black Edition

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…