News of a new 8-speed automatic for rear-drive Chrysler vehicles has been floating around for a few months now, but it appears as though the American automaker has one more trick – or should we say one more gear – up its sleeve. At Chrysler’s recent dealer meeting (the first in three years) those in attendance heard about a new Viper and a host of other upcoming products. They were also told of a new 9-speed automatic transmission in the works. The new 9-speed auto-box is being built for front drive applications, although Marchionne did say that it will also be adaptable to AWD and hybrid setups. He gave no indication on when the unit would be available in a production model.

As for the 8-speed box, it is a version of the ZF 8-speed unit currently found on many BMW products and will first appear in rear-drive Chrysler products (like the 300C, Dodge Charger and Challenger) in 2012, significantly improving both fuel economy and acceleration.

The new 9-speed automatic would be suitable for AWD versions of cars like the Chrysler 300.

[Source: AutoWeek]

The biggest news out of Chrysler this week wasn’t Sergio Marchionne’s plan for an IPO in 2011, but the secret showing of a next generation Dodge Viper. Unveiled at the first Chrysler dealer meeting in three years, Chrysler made sure the press didn’t get a look at its new supercar. But according to one observer, the vehicle shown bears a resemblance to the stunningly beautiful Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione – a rare Alfa that shares its platform with the Maserati Gran Turismo and Ferrari California. With swoopy Italian lines, the car does, however, retain the aggressive Viper front fascia.

According to AutoWeek, Marchionne is motivated to bring back the Viper through pure enthusiasm for the car, with little thought to the financial situation. According to their source, he told dealers that, “There are times when you are given the opportunity to give life to something which is so beautiful and unique, so just and equitable, that you pay a lot less attention to the numbers, to the financial reality that surrounds it. They happen only rarely. In my case, three times in more than 15 years as chief executive.”

Marchionne went on to comment that he repeatedly spoke with Dodge CEO Ralf Gilles but could never make a financial case for the Viper. Then, one day, he was shown the prototype and it look “less than five minutes” for those in charge of making the product planning decisions to give it the green light.

Set to hit dealers in 2012, we should see a new Viper as early as next year. There’s still no official word on the powerplant, but it’s expected a direct-injection version of the 8.4-liter V10 will be offered with close to 700-hp, while a V8 is rumored to be under consideration.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Alright, we said it bluntly in our review of the 2011 Nissan Juke: it’s just ugly. No matter what angle you look at the car, it’s hard to discern its natural lines to be attractive. Nonetheless, the Nissan Juke is a fun car to drive at an affordable price and for those that care to be seen in something different, it’s an excellent option. And hell, some people really dig the styling of the Juke, proving there’s something for everyone.

But here is fantastic proof of what slight modifications can do to an otherwise unattractive body. The Photoshopist on hand took your run-of-the-mill Nissan Juke, dropped it to the ground and outfitted it with a set of Takata Green Volk Racing TE-37 wheels. And just like that, the Juke suddenly looks killer, it’s strange crossover shape becoming a much more attractive package when pretending to be a sporty coupe.

Knowing that there’s a potent 1.6L turbocharged motor under the hood, we have to believe that the tuners will be tinkering with the Juke in no time and hope to see more rolling around our streets.

[Source: SpeedHunters]

Read AutoGuide’s Nissan Juke Review by Clicking Here

Get more Nissan Juke news and info at JukeForum.com

In today’s landscape automakers are constantly looking at new and innovative ways of reaching their customers. Given that Ford‘s F-150 remains the best selling full-size pickup in the world, keeping those customers is of paramount of importance.

With the 2011 model, one way is allowing folks from across America to experience the trucks before they even arrive in stores. As a result, Ford has rolled out it’s Drive F-150 tour, which will be stopping off at various U.S. cities between now and the end of the year. At post time the list included Dallas, Texas (September 25th); Houston, Texas (October 2nd); Aberdeen, Maryland (October 23rd); Atlanta, Georgia (October 30th); Orlando, Florida (November 6th) and finally; Los Angeles, California (November 13).

The F-150 has received a number of significant improvements for 2011; including an all-new powertrain lineup that includes a more efficient 3.7-liter base V6 engine; the hallowed 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost; plus new 5.0-liter and 6.2-liter V8s.

Those who sign up for the Drive F-150 tour will be able to see cutaways of the new trucks, with Ford representatives on hand to answer questions. Other activities include a power test driving competition on an acceleration and handling course; a towing contest in trucks equipped with the EcoBoost engine; a refinement drive with said trucks in a street environment and a dyno power comparison between the ’11 F-150 and its nearest rivals.

To participate in the program, you must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license. For more information; click on the link below.

[Source: Ford Motor Company]

Toyota is asking a U.S. federal court judge to dismiss lawsuits related to the company’s unintended acceleration scandals, with the automaker claiming that the anecdotal evidence brought forward can’t accurately identify any specific defects.

More than 300 lawsuits have been brought against Toyota, with plantiffs alleging lost income, personal injuries and fatalities. A hearing is scheduled for September 19th in Santa Ana, California, to deal with the matter.

Toyota filed papers in court Monday stating“Plaintiffs infer negligence and strict liability on the part of Toyota based on unsubstantiated circumstantial information.”

[Source: Bloomberg]

Reports say that BMW is looking to re-brand the 6-Series lineup as the 5-Series Coupe and Convertible, to better align themselves with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class range.

The E-Class Coupe and Convertible were once known as the CLK, but Mercedes decided bring them under the E-Class lineup. Having already built up significant brand equity in the 6-Series nameplate, the 6-Series would become the nameplate for the BMW Gran Coupe, positioned against the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7.

[Source: Mibz]

Mitsubishi‘s lineup in the rest of the world is a pretty far cry from the Outlanders, Eclipses and Galants we’re used to in North America. In foreign markets, cars like the i, Colt and Delica can be had instead of the pulse-slowing fare sold here.

Mitsubishi apparently planned on bringing their Delica minivan to our shores, until a rocketing yen forced Mitsubishi to shelve those plans, as the vehicle became too expensive to sell in North America.

Road & Track magazine managed to get one of the evaluation vehicles, and their initial impressions were positive, although they felt that it was underpowered. With a 4000 lb curb weight and 170 horsepower, we can imagine that acceleration would be measured in geological ages, but it looks great. Mitsubishi is devoid of an entry in the minivan segment, and we would love to see this car on our continent. Unfortunately, it looks like we won’t drive one unless we rent one on vacation.

[Source: Road and Track]

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne announced that parent company Fiat is looking to increase its stake in Chrysler to 35 percent, and is looking to bring out a Chrysler IPO in the second half of 2011.

“I don’t think it’s the first part; I think it’s a second-part-of-the-year event,” Marchionne told the assembled media at Chrysler’s Orlando dealer meeting.

Marchionne also discussed the prospect of increasing Fiat’s stake in Chrysler to 35 percent, from its current 20 percent. “What is important to me is to reach the goals we are set [on] reaching; share transferring is just a consequence of the fulfilling of our obligations with the U.S. and Canadian governments.”

In addition to the 16 new products shown at the dealer meeting, Marchionne confirmed that an all electric Fiat 500 would arrive in 2012, and that Canada and Mexico would recieve that car, along with Alfa Romeo products.

[Source: Automotive News]

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Infiniti‘s M37 and M56 sedans, the largest of Infiniti’s 4-door offerings, get a minor price bump for 2011, with the MSRPs rising $250 and $350 respectively.

The 2011 M37 and M37x will now retail for $46,500 and $48,650 while the M56 and M56x will cost $58,775 and $61,275. The price increases are fairly standard for a new model year vehicle, and with M sales up 45 percent year on year, they probably aren’t in danger of losing any customers.

Check out Autoguide’s Infiniti M56 review here

[Source: Infiniti]

Honda will recall 3,340 Accord Crosstour models over a fault passenger airbag, including 700 units in Canada. The recall is said to have stemmed from the airbag not meeting safety requirements when tested with an unbelted crash test dummy the size of a child.

Honda has advised parents to refrain from putting children under 12 in the passenger seat, but says that no incidents have been reported. Customers can call Honda at 1-888-946-6329.

Hit the jump to read the press release

[Source: Canada News Wire]

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