After news leaked about Lamborghini‘s latest model yesterday, the Italian automaker has now officially revealed its new Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante with plenty of new photos of the stunning beast. While it’s described as a more hard-core performance version of the LP560-4 Spyder, one could easily call it a convertible version of the Superleggera.

Like the Super-G, power has been increased by 10-hp for a total of 570-hp from the 5.2-liter V10 engine, while 398 ft-lbs of torque is available as of 6500 rpm. Lamborghini claims a 0-62 mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 201-mph.

More importantly, however, is the reduction in overall mass with a long list of carbon fiber components used to cut 140 lbs from the drop-top Lambo. Carbon fiber has been used for the bodywork including the rear spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser, underbody paneling, mirror housings and especially for the large cover over the soft-top and engine.

Also aiding in the weight reduction are 19-inch wheels borrowed from the Superleggera that shed 28.6 lbs. Plus titanium bolts help cut a few more grams from the car.

GALLERY: Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante

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When Dodge boss Ralph Gilles introduced the 2011 Dodge Charger at the LA Auto Show, he said that they call it the “car that makes other sedans wet their pants.” When he introduced the 2011 Dodge Challenger, he smiled.

He explained that all of the work that had gone into remaking the Charger had been transferred over to the Challenger as well. The suspension and steering upgrades, combined with the upgraded Hemi V8, make the car handle like it weighs 500 pounds lighter than it really does. That should bring it into Camaro, if not Mustang, territory. Also new for 2011 is the Pentastar V6 in lesser Challengers, as well as a new 392 Hemi in SRT8 392 special edition models.

That new 392 cubic inch Hemi V8 produces 470 horsepower and 470 ft-lbs of torque. The SRT8 392 will cost $42,555 and will be introduced with an inaugural series of 1,100 units in the States. The Pentastar V6 equipped SE models will produce 305 hp and will start at $24,670. Dodge will also offer just about every option previously available on only one trim level across the board now, so you won’t have to upgrade to an R/T to get 20-inch wheels for instance.

GALLERY: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

Official release with pricing after the jump:

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When we saw the 2011 Dodge Avenger on stage at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, we noticed that it was parked next to a Challenger. Seriously, that’s about all we noticed.

Sure there’s some new styling cues at the front and rear, but basically it looks a lot like the 2010 model. Then we had a chance to see the interior and it changed our perceptions. When Ralph Gilles told us about how well this new model handles, we actually wanted to get behind that new wheel.

Let’s face it, Chrysler can’t just replace everything in the lineup with a completely new world-class product overnight, so making the best of what you’ve got is the only way to go for now. The changes made to the Avenger…under the skin…are probably going to pay more dividends anyhow. The new 283-hp Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 won’t hurt much either.

Dodge used the LA show to announce official pricing on the refreshed model with the base model Express starting at $19,245; the Mainstreet from $21,245; the Heat from $23,745 and the top-level Lux from $23,545.

GALLERY: 2011 Dodge Avenger

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The 2011 Durango had yet another “official” debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, with Dodge front man Ralph Gilles telling the assembled journalists how proud he is to show off his portfolio now, with six new or newish models in the lineup – including the all-new Durango.

While Gilles talked at length about how each and every model in this new lineup will surpass any expectation you may have of a new Dodge lately, he admitted that he is most proud of the Durango. He said the handling, overall performance, and materials are particularly praiseworthy, and then he announced the pricing, which make it seem quite the bargain. Available in three trim levels, (well four if you count an optional package thrown in on the mid-line Crew model), base pricing of the new Durango will range from  $29,195 / $31,195 for the 2WD/4WD entry level Express models, up to $41,795 / $43,795 for the range-topping Citadel.

The new base engine is a 290-hp 3.6L V6 and with a 6,200 lb tow rating, while the top-level 5.7-liter Hemi V8 can pull 7,400 lbs.

Optional equipment on the new Durango includes items like Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Keyless Enter-n’ Go.

GALLERY: 2011 Dodge Durango Debut in LA

Official release after the jump:

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Of the six new models shown by Dodge at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, Ralph Gilles said the Journey was the one that required the most work.

Mentioning that the car had never lived up to its promise, he said that the Journey had to be almost completely rethought to make it what it was always supposed to be. The 2011 Dodge Journey is now a crossover to covet, Dodge claims. With a completely overhauled interior and suspension, it gets the same treatment as the rest of the Dodge lineup, but it makes a bigger difference in the Journey according to Ralph.

The Journey was always handsome if a bit anonymous. Now it features design cues that more closely match the rest of the family, both inside and out. With the new materials and layout for the interiors, these 2011 Dodge models have taken a huge step in the right direction. If they handle half as well as promised, they will be true competitors, especially with that new powerful and efficient Pentastar under their hoods – which in the Journey makes 283-hp and 260 ft-lbs of torque.

The 2011 Journey will start at a base price ranging from a really low $22,245 for the base level Express model to $32,740 for the Lux. Full pricing and live pics below.

GALLERY: 2011 Dodge Journey Debut in LA

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Mercedes easily had one of the coolest press conferences at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. No, it wasn’t because of the Sprinkle’s cupcake truck on hand dispensing some of their legendary goods. It was all due to Nicky Hayden.

That name might not be too familiar to all of you unless you are into bikes as well as cars. Nicky (2006 MotoGP World Champion) actually was encouraged to drive on stage and do a nice little smokey burnout on his new ride – Ducati’s newest performance machine, the Diavel. After the brief hoonage with the new Diavel, Hayden stepped off to join the folks from AMG. The two companies announced a new partnership where AMG will sponsor the Ducati Moto GP team and Nicky and Valentino Rossi will presumably start driving SLS gullwings. Full info below along with live pics.

GALLERY: Nicky Hayden and the Ducati Diavel

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Nearly a month after GM first showcased the concept, Buick has brought to market the Regal GS in an attempt to attract younger and more performance-oriented buyers to the geezer brand.

Changing little from the concept, it retains the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with output raised to 255-hp and a significant 295 ft-lbs of torque. Full power comes on strong at 5300 rpm and torque is available as of 2500 rpm. At launch the car will be offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, however, a 6-speed automatic will join the lineup shortly afterward.

Sadly, AWD is not available. Instead, the Regal GS is a front-drive only model and comes equipped with GM’s HiPerStrut suspension. What is included, however, are some beefy Brembo brakes which should help slow the sedan. Another important goody is GM’s new Interactive Drive Control that lets you choose different suspension and steering settings with normal, sport and high-performance GS modes.

Outside the car gets a more aggressive front end, larger exhaust pipes out back and 19-inch wheels (20s are optional). Inside, standard equipment includes a push-button start with passive keyless entry, a 9-speaker 320-watt Harmon/Kardon audio system, 12-way heated front seats with lumbar adjustment, full leather interior, Bi-xenon headlights, front and rear ultrasonic park assist and a flat-bottom leather steering wheel.

Overall, the Regal GS falls short of the high-performance Opel OPC on which it’s based, but for a Buick this package is impressive.

GALLERY: 2011 Buick Regal GS

Nissan has completely revamped its Quest minivan for 2011, getting away from its quirky ugly past and moving towards Toyota’s “Swagger Wagon” Sienna when it comes to road presence and interior luxury.

Powered by Nissan’s 3.5L V6 (what else?) the van makes 253-hp and will start at a rather competitive $27,750.

Features of the new 2011 Quest include standard Quick Release fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seating with an available 3rd row power-return seatback, heated front seats, a removable 2nd row console, Blind Sport Warning (BSW) and a RearView Monitor and an optional 11-inch monitor.

The 2011 Quest will be available in four models: S, SV, SL and LE. Base S models get 16-inch steel wheels, 6-way adjustable front bucket seats, wood-tone trim, Nissan’s Intelligent Key with push-button ignition and an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers. Quest SV models get one-touch power sliding doors, 16-inch aluminum wheels, Tri-Zone climate control, a power driver’s seat with lumbar, fog lights, a 4.3-inch display screen, USB port with iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, a RearView Monitor and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Quest SL models get leather, 18-inch wheels, a power liftgate, 8-way driver’s seat, heated front seats, roof rails, auto headlights plus heated mirrors. Top-level LE models then add on a Navigation system with 12-speakers, memory seating, 2nd and 3rd row manual blinds, 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, HID lights, an 8-inch display screen, DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones and an 11-inch rear DVD entertainment system.

Nissan says the van is designed to be a reward to parents or doing their job.

Oh, and in person it’s simply enormous.

GALLERY: 2011 Nissan Quest Debut in LA

GALLERY: 2011 Nissan Quest

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Official release after the jump:

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Sharing much of the same architecture as the Cadillac SRX, the new Saab 9-4x also comes with the same 3.0L V6 and 2.8L turbocharged V6 engines, pumping out 265 and 300 horsepower respectively. Torque vectoring all-wheel-drive is available, while a 6-speed automatic gearbox helps put the power down. It’s a handsome crossover in person, nice materials, and lots of room inside.

This is the last model jointly developed with GM, by the way.

New Saab Designer Jason Castriota is working on a new 9-3 that they promise will be instantly recognizable as a Saab even without any badging. Check out our live pics and the press release below.

Official release after the jump:

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When the retro-ish Dodge Charger debuted a few years ago, a lot of people groaned that the car had swayed so far from the incredibly awesome concept car that had preceded it. That concept looked an awful lot like the Duke’s of Hazzard General Lee era Chargers that most people remember rather fondly.

For 2011, Dodge has taken a step closer to that ancestor, adding scalloped sides and an equally contoured hood that do a fair job at copying those of the late ’60s and early ’70s, but it goes a bit wonky from there. It still looks a bit too much like the 2010 everywhere else. But if Ralph Gilles is to be believed, the suspension changes should transform this model. The interior, for sure, is a huge improvement. Take a look at the live pics and decide for yourself.

As for the powertrain, base models get the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 292-hp and 270 ft-lbs of torque, while R/T models get the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with Chrysler’s FuelSaver Technology that allows the big V8 to operate on just 4-cylinders when full power isn’t needed.

Read AutoGuide’s 2011 Dodge Charger Review by Clicking Here

GALLERY: 2011 Dodge Charger

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