Thanks to a slight bump in sales and continued struggles by Toyota, Hyundai is now the number one Asian automaker in Europe by volume. So far this year Hyundai (including Kia) has seen a four percent rise in units moved, while Toyota (including luxury brand Lexus) has seen its sales drop drastically by 17 percent. This puts Hyundai’s total volume at 521,369 units for the first 10 months of the year compared to 511,754 for Toyota.

Hyundai has rolled out a long list of new models over the past several years while Toyota’s products are aging quickly. Combine this with the low cost of the Korean Won that allows Hyundai to pack more into their cars and still earn big profits and the automaker is able to bring to market some compelling products.

In the U.S., Hyundai still has a long way to go, although it’s quickly catching Toyota as it rolls out new products like the important mid-size Sonata. Sales of the Sonata have jumped 64 percent so far this year, bringing the car from a distant 6th place overall in the mid-size segment, into third, behind the Accord and segment-leading Camry. The sales success of vehicles like this have led to an overall sales increase of 21 percent so far this year.

[Source: Automotive News]

The BMW 1 Series M Coupe might just be the most highly anticipated debut at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show in January. Numerous spy photos (many by BMW) have revealed much of what the car looks like and the type of equipment it will get, but there has yet to be any official word on the car’s engine.

Believed to be the turbocharged inline-six N54 engine, a leaked photo obtained by the folks at 1addicts reportedly shows that the car, code named “1 M Pyrat” will get 340-hp.

And while that’s hardly news to anyone, the list of data seems to also show that a U.S.-spec version of the car will get an astonishing 451-hp. That seems highly unlikely as the current M3 makes far less than that at 414-hp.

As unlikely as it is that BMW would give the 1M more power than the M3, it might give some credence to rumors that just 2,700 versions of the car will be built, making it one extremely exclusive and impressive machine.

[Source: 1addicts]

Check out AutoGuide’s rendering of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe here

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This year’s LA Auto Show just so happens to coincide with a renewed fervor in the auto industry and it was evident from the sheer number of premieres. From the reintroduction of Fiat to the U.S., to the launch of incredible sports cars like the Porsche Cayman R or bizarre concepts like the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, AutoGuide’s video team was there to bring you the official unveilings in all their glitz and glamor.

Other major highlights include the debut of the Honda Fit EV Concept, 2012 Nissan GT-R, 2011 Hyundai Elantra, Buick Regal GS, Toyota/Tesla RAV4 EV, Nissan Ellure Concept, Mercedes CLS63, 2011 Dodge Charger, 2011 Dodge Challenger, Subaru Impreza Design Concept, Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante, Range Rover Evoque 5-Door and Ford Focus Race Car Concept.

Watch the extensive list of premieres after the jump and check out our 2010 LA Auto Show Coverage page for complete coverage.

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Wait for it… Wait for it… Ok, go! If you’re an impatient driver, designer Thanva Tivawong has got the stoplight for you.

This stoplight lets you know exactly when the light is going to change (which means no more muttering obscenities under your breath about the stupid light that’s taking forever to turn green). It shows drivers when the light is going to change from green to yellow, and from red to green. The new hourglass stoplight concept operates under the theory that drivers would be less likely to try to beat yellow lights in the rush to make good time. As drivers are waiting, they can watch the pixels in the light drain from top to bottom. Once the time’s up, the light changes color and the process starts again.

Although this idea sounds cool, there are a few problems that need to be addressed. The first is with colorblind drivers, and the second is drivers who will turn the lights into a drag strip in their rush to be the first out of the gates on a light change. What do you think of the concept?

[Source: Engadget]

Fenice Milano’s Fiat 500 La Dolce Vita wasn’t exactly our cup of tea, but it looks like their rendition of Ferrari‘s 458 Italia might be more acceptable. Despite a horrible rendering released by the company, the tuner looks to be on the right track with this tuning package.

Based on our source, there is supposedly a performance increase from the vehicle, but the numbers released by Fenice Milano simply look like the stock figures of 400 ft-lbs of torque and 560-hp. The aerodynamics of the car are tweaked though along with a lightened body thanks to carbon fiber replacements on the roof, front and rear fenders, mirrors and spoiler.

Fenice Milano is also offering an entirely new aluminum frame for the 458 Italia which is paired with suspension tweaks. Outfitting each corner is a set of staggered 20-inch three-piece wheels wrapped with 235/35 rubber in the front and 325/25 rubber in the rear. The only performance modification they state in the release is a new exhaust system which we imagine is good for a few horses.

No pricing or availability was released.

[Source: GT Spirit]

Some people just have all the luck. Jim Morgan from Manchester, England is the lucky winner of Honda‘s Mugen Civic Type-R Concept giveaway. This is the concept that got the limited edition Type R Mugen production car underway – of which just 20 were made for a retail price of around $100,000.

So what’s the price tag on the Concept? Priceless, especially now that Morgan is the only one in the world with it.

The giveaway was part of Honda’s participation in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) and Morgan also got the opportunity to meet Honda’s BTCC drivers and a tour through Mugen’s facilities in Northampton. Morgan was the sole winner picked out of over 24,000 entries.

Now let’s hope he’ll actually keep and cherish this work of art. We hope we don’t see it on eBay anytime soon.

[Source: Topspeed]

If you’re looking for a cool holiday gift to give the youngsters on your list, consider wrapping up an Automoblox car and trailer.

A cool way to introduce a child to icons of the automotive past, these hot rods are fun to play with (and an acceptable excuse for you to get down on the ground and play along with them). Previously, only the mini versions were available, but this year sees the addition of three hot rod styles as full-size Automoblox cars. This includes the red HR1 ($45), the yellow HR2 ($50) and the blue HR3 ($50). There’s also a new Hot Rod Trailer set ($120) that’s making its debut and includes a full-size hot rod, pickup and trailer.

The full-sized Automoblox cars are only available on the company’s website – you can shop for them here.

[Source: Automoblox]

General Motors is harnessing the small car expertise of their Daewoo division to develop two new small cars, an upscale hatchback to be branded as a Vauxhall or Opel products, and a smaller, less expensive version likely to be sold as a Chevrolet.

The new cars are expected to slot in below the diminutive Corsa, a car considered too small for North America. But the growing popularity of cars like the Fiat 500 has provided some motivation for GM to develop their small car range, especially premium products that can compete with the 500, as well as upcoming entries from other European automakers.

In addition to the small car programs, GM is also looking to make Daewoo a hub for electric vehicle technology, including local production of the Chevrolet Volt.

[Source: Inside Line]

It’s barely arrived on the market in North America, yet the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is already the subject of several technical service bulletins (TSBs).

According to our sources, there are currently three individual service bulletins for U.S. and Canadian market Cruze models, which dealers will fix free of charge under warranty. The first of these concerns a potential squeaking noise originating from the front strut assembly, caused by contact between the strut top mount and wheel splash shield during turning maneuvers at temperatures of 35 degrees Fahrenheit and below. Dealers will add heavy-duty lubricant to the affected area to cure the problem.

The second issue concerns a water leak around right rear taillight. Mis-applied sealer could cause water to seep in through gaps in the sheetmetal seam behind the right rear taillight housing, allowing water to pool in the trunk. Dealers will fix the problem by applying sealant to eliminate any gaps in the seam.

The third and final bulletin concerns a malfunctioning indicator lamp and Brake Apply Sensor on 2011 Cruze models fitted with automatic transmissions, which dealers will replace under warranty.

By issuing these TSBs Chevy is agreeing to fix the issues under warranty, while managing to stave-off the dreaded “R” word.

[Source: Cruzetalk]

We regret to inform you that the subject matter behind the enticing title won’t live up to whatever thoughts are circulating in your head. Rather, Forbes’ list of “Americas Dirtiest Vehicles” has to do with pollution and gas mileage, and is mostly comprised of cars we ourselves would want to own.

Forbes used a variety of factors to determine what qualified for the list, with both carbon emissions and fuel consumption factoring in to the economy. “Heavy Duty” trucks were left off the list, as well performance cars that only get driven on special occasions, like the Ferrari 599 GTO (and, apparently, Mercedes’ AMG lineup).

Hit the jump to see the list for yourself

[Source: Forbes]

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