Having unveiled the all-new 2011 Explorer earlier today, Ford has now announced pricing for its newest SUV-turned Crossover, with the reborn utility vehicle starting at $28,995 including the $805 destination charge. Along with the standard Explorer, Ford will offer a mid-level XLT model and a Limited, which will begin at a more pricey $37,995. Comparatively, entry-level Explorer undercuts the newly released 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee which starts at $30,995.

Based on the same architecture as the Taurus and Flex, the Explorer makes huge improvements in fuel economy, up 20 percent from last year’s model. This is due in part to a new EcoBoost 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that makes 237-hp at 5500 rpm and 250 ft-lbs of torque from 1700 to 4000 rpm. A V6 engine is also offered, with 3.5-liters of displacement and 290-hp with 255 ft-lbs of torque. Both engines get a 6-speed automatic transmission. V6 models also come with Ford’s new intelligent 4WD system with a terrain management system that allows the driver to use a simple console-mounted dial to choose between settings for snow, sand, mud and a normal mode. There’s also a hill descent mode. This should help pacify most potential buyers looking for SUV capability.

As for the other supposed drawback of a crossover, well, the V6-equipped Explorer is rated to tow 5,000 lbs. While that’s not that close to the 7,100-plus lbs. the old V8 Explorer was rated at, it’s 1,500 lbs more than the old V6 model.

As for interior room, there’s a three-row setup and while we’ve yet to sit in the new Explorer (later today), sized like the Flex third-row room should be adequate. And even with all seven-seats used, there’s still a solid amount of space for groceries – with a total of 80.7 cubic feet of space with 2nd and 3rd row seats down. The first two rows also gain head room over the previous model.

Along with the new EcoBoost motor, innovations on the new 2011 Explorer include a seatbelt airbag on the outboard second row seats. This system expands the size of the seatbelt in an accident while providing some added cushioning – particularly important for smaller second-row passengers (ie. your kids). Other safety features include Roll Stability Control, Curve Control (essentially a more potent form of stability control that corrects understeer, rather than oversteer) and an emergency braking feature that will slow or even stop the car if an impact is deemed unavoidable. Another technology highlight is a cross-traffic alert system that uses the onboard radar system to look sideways to let you know if there’s oncoming traffic when pulling out of a tight parking spot. And let’s not forged Ford’s MyFord Touch driver interface system.

With impressive new sheetmetal that actually gives the 2011 Explorer a more truck-like appearance, there’s some worry that a third crossover (joining the Flex and Edge) in Ford’s lineup could hurt the existing models. That may be true, but Explorer sales are almost certain to return to record pres-recession and pre $4.00 a gallon levels. The reason? Simple, Ford has rejuvenated the Explorer. Most people who owned one didn’t need the truck capability and they’re sure to be impressed by the added on-road functionality of the new Explorer, not to mention the improved style, features and interior trim. As for those who do need more truck-like functionality, Ford’s intelligent 4WD system and impressive (for a crossover) tow rating should keep a significant number of truck-lovers (though not all) coming back.

GALLERY: 2011 Ford Explorer

GALLERY: 2011 Ford Explorer Live Photos

The Mercedes-Benz CL63 is the perfect car for a wealthy bachelor. A fast two door coupe that can squire you and a friend (or two) around in totally isolated luxury, but still powerful enough to give most honest sports cars a fright. The CL65 takes it up another notch without being ostentatious, and for this year, both cars are extra potent.

The CL63 ditches the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 for a twin turbo 5.5L V8, making 536 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Opt for the AMG Speed Package and those numbers shoot to 563 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. The best part is that fuel economy is up 27 percent compared to the old motor. The CL65 carries over essentially unchanged, but now makes 620 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Color us impressed.

Both engines are mated to the AMG Speedshift 7-speed quasi-automatic transmission for rapid shifting. Don’t ask how much it costs; it’s likely more than your residence. Current pricing will run you $145,200 for the CL63 and $207,170 for the CL65, and don’t expect those numbers to go anywhere but up.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz CL63 and CL65 AMG

Hit the jump to see the official press release

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Volvo isn’t exactly at the top of every car builder’s wish list. But over the years we’ve seen some custom Volvos that truly impressed us. In a world full of predictable tuned imports and luxury cars, spotting a lowered Volvo with a killer set of wheels and clean body kit makes you think twice about the brand that has a reputation for safety and, consequently, for being boring. Take the Polestar Performance C30 concept for instance.

But Volvo’s marketing department is trying hard to change their reputation, branding the new 2011 S60 as a naughty sedan. And while we can’t quite judge just how naughty the S60 is yet, we are digging its unique outside styling that blends traditional Volvo with new-age sporty.

Heico is one of the premier tuners of Volvo automobiles and has a great S40 tuning package available. They’ve recently released renderings of what their S60 package will look like and we’re loving it. They specify that they currently are working on some light engine mods to bump horsepower output from the factory 300-hp to 325-hp not to mention a full body kit and suspension mods.

We’re left with illustrations for the time being, but we’re excited (as weird as that sounds) to see the finished product from Heico.

GALLERY: Heico Volvo S60

Before Chevrolet‘s Cruze compact sedan has even launched in Canada or the United States, the automaker has already sold 340,000 units across the globe.

With the vehicle already on sale in Chevrolet has already moved 270,000 units in Latin America and Europe, and another 70,000 units in Australia and South Korea, where the car is badged as a Holden and Daewoo respectively.

In North America, GM delayed the Cruze repeatedly, taking another 18 months to bring it to market. While no explanation has been given, the Cruze is perhaps GM’s most vital product moving forward (more so than even the Volt), and nailing every aspect of the car is likely a reason for the hold up.

Stay tuned for Autoguide’s first drive of the Chevrolet Cruze coming soon.

Get more Chevy Cruze news and info at CruzeTalk.com

[Source: Left Lane News]

Toyota‘s FR-S/FT-86 sports car has not been delayed and is on track for a launch in November of next year. Rumors had suggested the entry-level sports car was delayed until 2013, but according to 7tune blogger Adam Zillin, who recently attended a Toyota event and spoke with G Sports Vehicle Management GM Dr. Shigeyuki Hori and group manager Kazuo Okino, the FR-S will arrive in late 2011. The management duo even said the vehicle is 50 percent completed, so we should expect to see prototypes running around soon. Better yet is word that, so far, the design of the car will remain mostly unchanged!

Additional info was also spilled about the highly anticipated machine, including news of three trim levels and two engines, with a mid-range model expected to cost 2.5 million yen ($28,500). A turbocharged engine is believed to be the top engine offered

At a different meeting later in the day, Toyota’s Motor Sports Division boss, Tadashi Yamashina, made one particularly interesting comment, noting that because of the connection with Subaru there was, as 7tune puts it, “no way that the car wasn’t going to be great.”

GALLERY: Toyota FT-86 Concept

GALLERY:Toyota FT-86 G Sports Concpet

[Source: 7tune]

Get more FR-S/FT-86 info at FT86Talk.com

The 2011 Ford Mustang has upped the game with its superior driving dynamics, and the Dodge Challenger is getting more power this year to go along with its ultra-faithful retro styling. Not willing to be left behind, Chevrolet is readying the most extreme Camaro yet, the 2012 Z28.

Powered by the 6.2L Supercharged V8 used in the Cadillac CTS-V and Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. GM somehow felt it wise to affix a label to the dash stating that this engine, along with a six-speed automatic, was present in the test car, giving us good reason to suspect the Z28 features the 556-horsepower LSA engine rather than the 620 horsepower LS9 engine, but you won’t hear us complaining. The LSA is available with either the automatic or a 6-speed manual, whereas the Mustang Shelby  GT500 offers only a stick.

Expect the appropriate chassis upgrades, as well as the visible big brakes, 20″ wheels and quad exhaust pipes as standard on the Z28. Chevy knows their competition well, and has to make sure that the Z28 will eat the GT500 and SRT-8 Challenger alive if they want to compete in this ultra-competitive segment.

[Source: Camaro5]

As part of a world-wide recovery plan, Toyota vehicles will get a standard front end treatment designed to unify the global lineup of Toyota vehicles. The new move is dictated by head honcho Akio Toyota’s directive to make Toyota cars have more “emotional appeal”, although its hard to see how the company can inject that into its appliance-like vehicles.

Sources say that regional considerations will have to be taken into account; the basic look of the car will be the same throughout the world, but markets such as China might get more chrome, for example. The new design language will also help their smaller cars appear bigger, in a bid to further standardize designs across world markets.

[Source: Inside Line]

With new cars getting heavier as the years go on, Mazda is bucking this trend for their next MX-5, aiming to cut the car’s weight from its current 2500 lbs to 2200 lbs, just slightly heavier than the original 1990 Miata’s weight.

Mazda executives felt that the current car is straying too far from the essence of the original Miata, and the weight reduction is part of a plan to completely overhaul the upcoming MX-5. Engines will also get smaller, with Mazda’s ultra-efficient SKY-G four cylinder motors appearing in 1.6L and 1.8L configurations, smaller than the current 2.0L MZR engine. Most significant is the addition of a dual-clutch gearbox alongside a 6-speed manual gearbox. The twin-clutch unit will help increase efficiency and performance while appealing to the MX-5′s slightly older demographic.

More controversially, Mazda’s Nagare styling is slated to make an appearance, despite an unpopular reception on various concept cars and the upcoming Mazda5 minivan.

[Source: Autocar]

Porsche has confirmed that electric prototypes of their Boxster model are currently being evaluated by the company. The Boxster prototypes give a clue to the company’s direction with alternative fuel projects, as Porsche moves from experimenting with hybrid vehicles into fully electric cars.

“We will definitely be offering an electric sports car in future. But such a concept only makes sense if it offers performance and a cruising range comparable to that of a sports car today,” said Michael Macht, CEO of Porsche.

Porsche currently offers a Cayenne Hybrid, a 911 GT3R Hybrid race car and has all but confirmed the upcoming 918 Hybrid supercar.

[Source: Porsche]

Hit the jump to read the official press release

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Later today Audi will officially unwrap the A7 Sportback, but that hasn’t stopped a few pics of the car from showing up on the interwebs. Looking significantly like the Sportback concept that debuted at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, (plus some design tweaks from the new 2011 A8), the 5-door is designed to appeal to European audiences while also attract less traditional luxury buyers to the Audi brand on this side of the Atlantic.

No official details are yet available, but its safe to assume the same array of engines offered on the A8 will be available, including the 372-hp 4.2-liter V8. Rumors also suggest an RS7 is in the works.

The official debut is set for 2:30 Eastern Time.

GALLERY: 2011 Audi A7 Sportback

[Source: Carscoop]