Over a decade has passed since the last time an Audi vehicle graced the presence of a BTCC race. Rob Austin Racing however is changing all of that in 2011, campaigning two Audi A4 in the famous racing series. Rob Austin Racing has already ordered two Audi A4 Next Generation Touring Cars (NGTC) from GPR Motorsport Ltd and they will be delivered in March of 2011.

Rob Austin Racing is still in talks for potential drivers and sponsors, with hopes of solidifying everything by January for a formal announcement. The photo above is just a rough render, but we’re just super excited that Audi will be represented out at BTCC.

[Source: Rob Austin Racing]

In other parts of the world, Nissan commercial vans have been a staple of the brand for years, but up until now, they were noted by their absence in the U.S. and Canada.

Not any more. For 2012, Nissan is introducing the NV, aimed specifically at our market. It follows the format of traditional American large commercial vans like Ford’s E-Series and the Chevy Express/GMC Savanna, featuring body-on-frame construction, rear wheel drive and a choice of relatively large capacity gasoline engines – in this case a 4.0-liter V6 and a 5.6-liter V8, plus a standard five-speed automatic transmission and a traditional hood design for engine access (Nissan vans in most other markets are a forward control design with the engine mounted under the floor).

At launch, the NV will be offered in two grades, S and SV, in 2500 (3/4 ton) and 3500 (1 ton) capacities, with a choice of regular or high roof configurations. Standard equipment includes a fold-flat front passenger seat, designed to double as a work table, Titan pickup derived instrument cluster and locking center console, plus heavy duty mounting points for cargo tie-downs, while SV models also feature a special ‘inner skin’ for the side panels to prevent large or sharp objects from denting the exterior body. Other features aimed at commercial operators include hard wearing seat materials and rear access doors that swing open a total of 243 degrees.

The NV will be built at Nissan’s Canton Mississippi assembly plant alongside the Titan pickup on which it is based and will become available in the spring of 2011. As for pricing, the regular roof S model will start at $24,995, while a full jam high roof, V8 powered 3500 SV will sticker at $32,190.

The Ford Territory is the enthusiasts idea of a dream SUV; based on a rear-drive car platform, the Territory is available with turbo six cylinder or V8 powerplants and was widely received by both private owners and government agencies looking for a rugged utility vehicle.

With the Territory looking pretty much the same since its 2004 debut, it’s time for a major re-style, and the sketch released by Ford shows a pretty significant break from the buttoned-down looks of the current car. Expect awesome Ecoboost engines as well as a some kind of V8 to motivate yet another awesome car we aren’t allowed to buy.

[Source: Ford]

The 2010 Acura RL holds the dubious title of Canada’s Worst Selling Car, with just 33 sold in 2010. Our northernly neighbors, who by all rights should be swayed by the car’s roomy interior and all-wheel drive, don’t seem to care for the car, and neither do Americans.

For 2011, the RL gets yet another refresh, but we have a hard time fathoming if anyone will care about Acura’s big sedan, which is long past its expiration date. The big news for this year is a 6-speed automatic and a bump in fuel economy, from 22 to 24 highway mpg. Special Hemholtz resonators help dampen road noise and are fitted inside new 18″ alloys, which should excite both geriatrics and their ungrateful grandchildren who want to borrow the car cruise the streets of Boca Raton.

Hit the jump to read all about the new Acura RL, but we suggest you have a strong cup of coffee first.

[Source: Acura]

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Chrysler has announced that it is recalling a total of 76,122  2010-11 Ram Heavy Duty models equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine, due to a fault with the brake lights.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem stems from the vehicle’s hydro-boost brake system that uses hydraulic pressure from the power steering to provide brake assist. Residual pressure in the steering system, caused by inadequate ventilation from the power steering cap results in a slower return travel of the brake pedal, causing the brake lights to stay on longer, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.

The affected vehicles were built between March 2009 and October 2010 and so far, 175 instances of slow brake pedal return have been reported to Chrysler. Owners of the affected trucks will have the problem fixed free of charge and contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403 or NHTSA’s safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more information.

[Source: Pickup trucks.com]

We’ll admit this is a little odd, but we can also understand where Roush is coming from. The Mustang-tuner’s 2011 Roush Sport Mustang package has been announced and it doesn’t pack the performance we expect. In fact, it doesn’t really pack any performance. Instead, for $4,600, Roush will outfit your 2011 Mustang with a sportier appearance.

The Sport Mustang is really just a full body kit with a whole new front bumper with splitter and billet grille, side skirts, rear bumper and three-piece rear wing. Even though we find it a bit costly at $4,600, we’d have to agree that the aero components definitely gives the Mustang a sportier look.

In true Roush form though, supplemental modifications can be added to the package to boost performance from suspension to exhaust to brakes and interior upgrades.

[Source: Inside Line]

Several photos of the upcoming replacement to the Murcielago, the Lamborghini Aventador, have surfaced online, but contrary to early reports they are not spy photos. Several sources have confirmed that the candid shots are actually from a drive event Lamborghini held and the photos were press photos provided by the manufacturer.

Giving probably out best look yet at what the upcoming supercar will look like, we already know a great deal about the vehicle. While the carbon chassis has yet to be officially confirmed, Lamborghini has announced that the car will use a 6.5-liter V12 engine making 700-hp at 8250 rpm, with 509 ft-lbs of torque available at 5500 rpm.

Possibly more impressive, Lamborghini has announced a new ISR (Independent Shifting Rods) 7-speed transmission. Rather than opt for the dual-clutch setup becoming popular among other automakers, the ISR is a single clutch unit and will deliver shift times up to half the speed of a dual-clutch setup. Lamborghini also claims that at 154 lbs., the transmission is far lighter than a dual-clutch version and is also more compact. The transmission is able to shift so quickly (40 percent quicker than the E-gear setup in the Gallardo) because rather than having several gears and one shift rod to engage them, there’s a shift rod for each gear, allowing one gear to be engaging as the other one is letting off. The transmission will come with three modes: Strada (automatic), Sport and Corsa.

Coupled with AWD and a new carbon fiber monocoque chassis that will shed as much as 500 lbs from the Murcielago, the new Italian supercar should hit 60 mph in as little as 2.9 seconds.

The official reveal for Lambo’s new supercar is set for the Geneva Auto Show this March.

GALLERY: Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Prototype

[Source: InsideLine]

In a land where the Ladas actually pass as respectable cars, the Chrysler Sebring has been rejected by consumers.

According to several reports, production of the Sebring (rebadged as the Volga Siber) has been stopped due to low demand.

The car (based on the previous generation model and not our current Sebring), was being produced by Russian automaker GAZ, after it purchased the tooling and rights from Chrysler. GAZ had expected to sell as many as 40,000 cars a year, but only ever produced a maximum of 2,500 cars.

Officials at GAZ have denied the reports so far, but sources indicate the automaker is preparing to partner with one or more other foreign automakers (the list includes Volkswagen, Mercedes and General Motors) to produce cars under contract for the Russian market.

[Source: Just-Auto.com via TheCarConnection]

Jeep is one of the few American vehicle brands that has true international appeal. Outside of North America, Jeeps are popular in Europe and also parts of the Pacific Rim.

And in 2009, Jeep sold a total of 60,888 vehicles in international markets. So far, this year, the brand shows signs of besting that total by a considerable margin – 67,029 had been sold from January to November 2010, a 22 percent increase in demand over the same period a year earlier.

Jeep brand CEO Mike Manley, said that he expects demand to increase still further and is looking for around 20 percent growth in sales outside of North America, spurred by the updated 2011 Grand Cherokee and Compass models.

Manley also said that “diesel engines are expected to account for 20 to 30 percent of Jeep sales outside of North America, with most of the diesels being sold in Europe.”

Every Jeep model sold outside North America will offer a diesel option, the Patriot (shown here in UK spec form, recently got a new diesel motor), while the new Grand Cherokee is slated to receive one in March 2011.

[Source: Automotive News]

Lexus has just released pricing on its new entry-level hybrid hatchback and, as promised, it will be the most affordable car in the brand’s lineup. Priced at $29,120 it comes in at just under the IS250 and priced a few hundred dollars less than its main rival, the Audi A3 TDI.

With delivery charges the CT comes in at $29,995 and a Premium trim model with a moonroof and heated seats costs just slightly more at $30,900 ($31,775 with destination).

Pricing is not official, but was accidentally leaked on the Lexus of Reno site (and since removed).

[Source: LexusEnthusiast]

Read AutoGuide’s Review of the 2011 Lexus CT200h by Clicking Here

And check out the full pricing and specs after the jump:

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