Along with a new 40-mpg highway Cruze Eco model, Chevrolet will debut an RS sport appearance package for the 2011 Cruze at the New York Auto Show. The package consists of a new front fascia, fog lights, side skits and a rear spoiler. Inside, additions include chrome accent rings instead of the standard silver ones, as well as new opaque cluster bezels that allow the ice blue backlighting to glow through.

Chevy has said the new RS sport appearance package will be available on the mid-level LT trim and top-level LTZ trim, both of which come standard with Chevy’s new EcoTec 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder making 138-hp and 148 ft-lbs of torque.

“For customers who want even more personality and presence in their vehicle, the RS appearance package builds on the already bold face and coupe-like proportions of the Cruze,” said Michael Simcoe, executive director, North American Exterior Design.

Set to debut at the New York Auto Show later this week, be sure to check back then when AutoGuide brings you live coverage starting March 31st.

Click the link below on or after the 31st for live NY Auto Show updates.

2010 New York Auto Show Coverage

Get more Chevy Cruze news and info at CruzeTalk.com

GALLERY: Chevy Cruze RS Appearance Package

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In an effort to provide better customer support and head off problems before they get out of control, General Motors has created a new “task force” aimed at monitoring social media sites for complaints about GM vehicles and looking to find solutions.

A report in the Detroit Free Press highlights the story of one woman, Melissa Walker, who’s complaints about her 2001 Cadillac DeVille on Twitter were picked up by GM’s new team of customer service agents. GM wasn’t able to solve the problem, but Walker was left with a positive feeling about the experience, and Tweeted to say as much – exactly what GM is looking for.

Last July GM set up a team of 50 customer service agents to chat online with people about sales incentives and vehicle options. In November, five social media agents were added to hunt out complaints online and that team is set to be doubled in April.

Now if GM’s task force is doing its job, someone from the team will likely be reading this story. If they are, might be suggest they not only scour Facebook and Twitter, but the comments sections of news blogs, like our own. As an example, see the link below on a story we ran about an investigation into Chevy Cobalt steering issues, which got tremendous response before GM officially announced a recall.

Chevy Cobalt Being Investigated for Faulty Steering, Recall Possible

[Source: FreePress]

It’s been a terrible sales flop and even senior staff will tell you what a failure its been, but that isn’t going to stop Mercedes from rolling out a face-lifted version of the R-Class at the New York Auto Show later this week. Debuting as a 2011 model, the overall shape is still very much the same, but the front end gets quite a makeover in keeping with the newer and more angular Mercedes designs of late. Included in the update are more angular headlights and a more upright grille with quad-foglights, while out back the taillights and rear bumper get a tweak.

Inside there don’t appear to be many changes, but we expect Mercedes to announce a long list of safety improvements, like are currently offered on the new E-Class. As for engines, no real changes are set for the 2011 model with Merc offering both the R350 4MATIC model with its lacklustre 268-hp V6 and the R350 BlueTEC with 210-hp and 400 ft-lbs of torque.

With the debut of the 2011 R-Class’s officially scheduled for the New York Auto Show later this week, be sure to check back then when AutoGuide brings you live coverage starting March 31st.

Click the link below on or after the 31st for live NY Auto Show updates.

2010 New York Auto Show Coverage

GALLERY: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Leaked Images

GALLERY: 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Official Images

[Source: eMercedesBenz]

Several photos of the new Infiniti QX56 have leaked online, looking expectantly similar to its recently unveiled Middle East cousin, the Nissan Patrol. The makeover does big things for the big luxury SUV, which always had awkward proportions. The overall look of the massive truck is now more swoopy and in line with the rest of the brand’s design language. But don’t worry QX lovers, it’s still muscularly large and it keeps its Escalade-like front grille.

No official details have been released yet but considering the “56″ in the name still, it’s no surprise that we’ll see the return of the 5.6-liter V8 engine. That being said, it’s sure to put out the same 400-hp and 405 ft-lbs of torque as offered in the Nissa Patrol. In addition, we expect a seven-speed automatic transmission that will not only improve acceleration but significantly reduce fuel consumption. Other highlights are sure to include four-wheel drive with several different settings (selectable by the driver) and a sophisticated hydraulic anti-roll system.

With the QX’s debut officially scheduled for the New York Auto Show later this week, be sure to check back then when AutoGuide brings you live coverage starting March 31st.

Click the link below on or after the 31st for live NY Auto Show updates.

2010 New York Auto Show Coverage

GALLERY: 2011 Infiniti QX56

[Source: 4WheelsNews]

It’s finally here! Almost. Cadillac has just released full details and several enticing photos of a CTS-V Sport Wagon concept that will debut at the New York Auto Show later this week. The production version has also been confirmed with sales beginning later this year in North America. Cadillac will then offer the car in Europe, competing against cars like the RS6 Avant and Mercedes E63 AMG Estate. It will also be offered in the Middle East.

Like the rest of the CTS-V models, this wagon will get the same incredibly powerful supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine with 556-hp and 551 ft lbs of torque – which we love so much in the sedan (reviewed here).

The V Wagon will join the sedan and coupe models and follow the same pattern, offering a massive front grille, Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires and Magnetic Ride Control. Oh, and like the rest of the CTS-V models, Caddy has made the decision to offer both a six-speed automatic and a six-speed manual transmission.

Cadillac hasn’t released any performance numbers, but with the Sedan rated at just under four seconds to 60 mph, we expect a tick over that time in wagon form. That’s a small price to pay for the functionality of 25.4 cubic feet of cargo room with a total of 58 cu.-ft. with the rear seats folded flat. That’s of course putting aside the less practical 14/19 mpg (city/highway) rating.

We’ll be sure to bring you plenty of photos of the concept car with live coverage of the 2010 New York Auto Show starting March 31st. We’re eager to get a look at those rear 285s on a wagon and even more eager to drive the beast – especially as Cadillac was able to retain a healthy weight distribution of 52/48 front to rear.

For more info on the Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon concept after its North American premiere, click the link below on or after March 31st.

2010 New York Auto Show Coverage

GALLERY: Cadillac CTS-V SportWagon Concept

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Ford is excited to announce the start of production for its new six-speed PowerShift dual clutch transmission, set to appear in the new Fiesta, is now underway. “Who cares,” you’re most likely thinking. Well, this little transmission is actually quite a big deal for several reasons, like fuel economy and performance.

The dual clutch system Ford is using allows for shifts that are far quicker than a typical automatic while also optimizing fuel economy. In fact, Ford estimates this new transmission, when paired with the Fiesta’s 1.6-liter 4-cylinder will help deliver 40 mpg on the highway  – which will likely give the Fiesta best-in-class fuel economy. This isn’t really surprising as the Fiesta will be the first vehicle in the sub-compact segment with a dual-clutch setup, as well as the first sub-compact with a six-speed automatic.

The advantages of the high-tech tranny are summarized by PowerShift development team leader Piero Aversa, who says that, “We believe this new automatic transmission for the Fiesta will be the most advanced in the segment, offering far better performance than our competitors. It’s an advanced gearbox that reduces complexity, saves weight, increases responsiveness and performance – all while helping keep the engine in its peak efficiency mode – resulting in class-leading fuel economy.”

In an effort to be a fuel economy leader, Ford is committed to offering six-speed transmissions in 85 percent of its vehicles by the end of the year, with 100 percent of Ford vehicles offered with a six-speed by 2013.

“Ford’s advanced new six-speed automatic transmissions will really surprise our customers, and our competitors,” said Barb Samardzich, VP of Powertrain Development. “They provide the convenience of traditional automatics with fuel economy leadership, as well as responsive performance and driving dynamics that make these cars fun to drive. And we’re adding six-speed transmissions to our most accessible vehicles, not just our luxury offerings and high-performance models.”

Transmission production at Ford’s facility in Irapuato, Mexico has just begun and is slated to get much busier later this year when the team there also starts production of a new PowerShift six-speed transmission for the new Ford Focus.

GALLERY: 2011 Ford Fiesta

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After first showing its new Cruze compact sedan at the LA Auto Show last year, Chevy has now announced a new Cruze Eco model will be offered with a best-in-class 40-mpg highway rating. The car is set to make its world premiere at the New York Auto Show later this week.

To achieve this amazing fuel economy the Cruze Eco gets a short list of modifications including a lower front airdam, rear spoiler, underbody panels and a lower ride height to improve aerodynamics. The uper grille now has more closed space to improve aerodynamics, while the lower portion of the front grille features an “air shutter” that closes at higher speeds. Finally, the Eco trim level will get special lightweight aluminum 17-inch wheels and ultra-low rolling resistance 17-inch Goodyear tires.

Under the hood, the Cruze Eco will use Chevy’s new turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder with 138 horsepower and 148 ft-lbs of torque.

No city fuel economy numbers have been released and Chevy says that to start only a six-speed manual transmission model will be offered, with longer gears to deliver the 40-mpg rating. Chevy claims the car will hit 60 mph in a Prius-like 10 seconds. A six-speed automatic transmission Eco model will be offered, but Chevy isn’t claiming 40-mpg highway… yet.

“The Cruze Eco delivers hybrid-like efficiency without the price tag,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. VP of Chevrolet marketing. “Along with the Volt electric vehicle, it demonstrates how Chevrolet is working to bring new products to market that range from gas-friendly to gas-free.”

AutoGuide will bring you more on the Cruze Eco with live coverage of the NY Auto Show starting March 31st. Click the link below on or after the 31st for live NY Auto Show updates.

2010 New York Auto Show Coverage

Get more Chevy Cruze news and info at CruzeTalk.com

GALLERY: Chevy Cruze Eco

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Ford Motor Co. has announced it has reached a final agreement to sell its Swedish Volvo brand to China’s Geely Holding Group. The sale price is set at $1.8 billion, a fraction of the $6.5 billion Ford paid to buy Volvo back in 1999. The sale of the Volvo brand completes Ford’s corporate strategy to sell-off all its luxurious European brands. In 2008 Ford sold the Jaguar and Land Rover brands to India’s Tata Motors for $2.3 billion, while in 2007 the divestiture began with the sale of Aston Martin for just under one billion. These strategic moves are partially to credit for Ford’s ability to stave off bankruptcy during the recent recession.

“Volvo is a great brand with an excellent product lineup. This agreement provides a solid foundation for Volvo to continue to build its business under Geely’s ownership,” said Ford president and CEO Alan Mulally. “At the same time, the sale of Volvo will allow us to further sharpen our focus on building the Ford brand around the world and continue to deliver on our One Ford plan serving our customers with the very best cars and trucks in the world.”

Li Shufu, chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited, commented in a statement that, “Zhejiang Geely would like to pay tribute to Ford’s stewardship of the Volvo brand, and we look forward to continued cooperation as Volvo embarks on the next stage of its evolution with Geely.”

For its part Ford will continue to provide Volvo with certain components (including powertrains) for a limited time, although it will retain no part of the Volvo Cars company. Ford has also agreed to provide support in the form of engineering, tooling and information technology. Both Ford and Volvo have agreed to certain rules regarding intellectual property. The deal is subject to regulatory approval.

“The Volvo management team fully endorses Ford’s sale of Volvo Cars to Geely. said Stephen Odell, CEO of Volvo Cars. “We believe this is the right outcome for the business, and will provide Volvo Cars with the necessary resources, including the capital investment, to strengthen the business and to continue to move it forward in the future.”

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Above (and below) we have the first photos of the Ferrari 599 GTO, spied in a Ferrari showroom. Earlier in the week what looked like a drawing of the car leaked out, but these pics show a production model on display in a Ferrari show center, complete with paint samplings and a prancing horse on the wall. With a matte-black roof, special wheels and plenty of extra venting on the hood, the real give away is the GTO badge on the rear.

We still don’t know when Ferrari is planning to unveil the car or exactly what sort of modifications it will have. Piecing together several different reports, the 599 GTO is likely to have anywhere from 650- to 700-hp and weight up to 200-lbs less than the factory car. We also expect a stripped-down interior along the lines of the F430 Scuderia.

We’re particularly interested to see if Ferrari will update the transmission to Scuderia-matching 60 millisecond shift times or opt for an adapted version of the new seven-speed dual-clutch unit found in the 458 Italia.

As for the price, it is reported to cost $430,000.

GALLERY: Ferrari 599 GTO

[Source: Cardisiac via TeamSpeed]

Rumors that Ford would release an EcoBoost Mustang have persisted ever since the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 debuted in the SHO, but according to a recent report, no such turbo ‘Stang is planned – for now. MotorAuthority is reporting Ford has no plans to drop the sophisticated engine into the Mustang – especially as it has recently unveiled two other sophisticated powerplants for the 2011 model. The first is the 305-hp 3.7-liter V6 and the second is the new 412-hp 5.0-liter V8. The current EcoBoost plant sits mid-way between those two with as much as 365-hp in the Taurus SHO. Because it is turbocharged, however, it makes an almost equal amount of torque, and because it is still a V6, there’s a notable weight savings over a V8 engine.

That being said, the idea of a turbocharged V6 Mustang not only makes sense, but should sound familiar to the Mustang faithful. Back in the 1980s, Ford produced a turbocharged model called the SVO. It used a 4-cylinder rather than a V6, but the result was the same, with the lighter engine helping the car beat the old 5.0 in some tests.

And so while we’re not likely to hear anything from Ford about an EcoBoost Mustang for several years (perhaps around time for a mid-cycle update?), the automaker has confirmed that the EcoBoost V6 will arrive in the F-150 later this year as a 2011 model.

[Source: MotorAuthority]