Anybody’s who’s purchased a 2011 Ford Edge or Lincoln MKX, will no doubt be familiar with the My Ford/MyLincoln/Touch interface.

However, the technology is so new and apparently so baffling that Consumer Reports went as far to put strikes against the new Edge and MKX, saying that MyFord Touch was so complicated and distracting that it could not recommend either of these vehicles to consumers on that basis alone.

Now Ford dealers are fighting back, taking the initiative by setting up workshops to show customers how to use the new technology; some are even going as far as hiring ‘technology’ specialists.

Like with any new technology, there is obviously a learning curve with how that new technology works,” declared Collin Sewell, Chairman of the Ford National Dealer Council. “We have a responsibility to help customers learn how to fully utilize the great new products that they are buying.”

MyFord Touch essentially groups the vehicle’s communication, entertainment and temperature controls into a central interface, with all functions activated by either touching the screen, steering wheel controls or voice commands. However unlike Sync, it must be used to operate key features in the vehicle, instead of allowing customers to learn at their own pace, likely the main reason for Consumer Reports’ damming remarks.

Furthermore, Ford is also pushing ahead with plans to install it in approximately 80 percent of its vehicles by the year 2015, so many dealers see it as being in their best interests to show customers how it works.

Although Ford Motor Company itself hasn’t yet officially endorsed the workshops dealers are offering, some are hoping they will receive some kind of compensation for putting such programs in place.

I think that there’s a discussion that needs to happen,” remarked Brian Godfrey, general sales manager Pat Milliken Ford in Redford, Michigan.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

It has been a hit in Asia and Europe, but North Americans will have to wait a bit longer to get their hands on the Scion iQ.

Originally the plan was to start selling the cutesy iQ minicar by March, but Scion’s parent company Toyota has now pushed this launch a few months back, so don’t expect to see any at your local dealer until the summer.

The reason for the delay is not a production overload or glitch. No, the delay has been placed because they want to sell more of their tC coupes (they claim), which is also new for 2011. Obviously Toyota/Scion top brass think the iQ will steal sales from its sportier sibling. So to give the tC a fighting chance, Scion is giving it a few months lead to win over more customers.

The iQ has been on sale in Asia and Europe since 2008 and has successfully taken many sales away from the smart fortwo, mainly due to having a much smoother gearbox (CVT automatic or 5-speed manual) and being more practical (it can carry three adults plus a child). It also features the industry-first, rear-glass airbag to protect the heads of back seat passengers.

[Source: Green Car Reports]

You want to take more road trips in your RV, but the thought of leaving your MINI behind is distressing. All alone in the garage, no one to drive it – sure, a neighbor can come over twice a day to let it out and feed it, but it’s not the same as having your sweet ride with you so you can enjoy the vacation as a family. Thanks to VARIOmobil motorhomes, no MINI left behind!

Pushing the limits of luxury, the new VARIO Perfect 1150 SH comes equipped with a garage that’s ideal for a compact car like the MINI Cooper. And you’d think that a garage would take up a lot of room, but no so. The Perfect 1150 SH features a slide out in the living room and bedroom that gives you more interior living space. Plus, it comes with three hydraulic-pneumatic sealing slide outs that add on an additional 20-inches in depth.

The extras don’t stop at the garage. The kitchen and leather lounge extend into the living area and you’ll find multimedia capabilities, a king-size bed and an additional sofa bedroom in the master bedroom as well. Feel free to use this RV all year long, because its bay features surface heating.

You can drive away the base model for €492,660 (that’s about $662,844 U.S.).

[Source: Born Rich]

In a somewhat rare occurrence these days, publicity hungry General Motors, actually surprised everybody by unveiling a new Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible Indianapolis Pace Car at Barrett-Jackson’s Westworld Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona last week.

To top it off, the very first of these 50 cars, (production of the rest isn’t scheduled to start until next month), was auctioned off for charity this past Saturday on behalf of the David Foster Foundation. Foster is a Grammy award winning music producer and songwriter whose foundation supports families with children in need of life saving organ transplants.

As part of the deal, the winning bidder will take delivery of the car at the track on Memorial Day weekend and will also be allowed to actually drive their latest toy during the parade laps of the actual race. Bear in mind this Camaro is a festival car, not the actual pacer, but still, what a chance of a lifetime.

What makes this aspect even more special is that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the first race was run way back in 1911.

Bidding stalled out at $225,000 for this particular Camaro, but still; a Deuce and a Quarter grand is still a nice chunk of change to help families and kids in need.

A couple of interesting points – although the Camaro convertible is being listed as a 2012 model by GM, this particular car was categorized as a 2011 at B-J, perhaps as a nod to enhance it’s one-off status, ahead of the other 49 replicas. In addition, while the new Camaro close mimicks the ’69 version, the color isn’t an exact match, the stripes are a dark shade of orange and the color is Summit white, as opposed to Dover white on the original. The new one also doesn’t come with a Houndstooth interior, but still; it’s a very neat car.

Porsche is likely to unveil both a diesel and a hybrid version of its Panamera sedan at the Geneva Auto Show in March. While no official word has been given by Porsche, a company insider has disclosed that both models will arrive before Summer, signaling a Geneva unveiling in March.

Porsche chose the Geneva Auto Show last year to debut both diesel and hybrid versions of its new Cayenne SUV.

Like with the rest of the lineup, the new Panamera models would share powertrains with the Cayenne, meaning that a Panamera Diesel would get a 3.0-liter V6 with 240-hp mated to an 8-speed auto-box. As for a Panamera S Hybrid model, it would make a total of 380-hp and 427 lb-ft of torque thanks to a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and an electric motor.

Along with the debut, Porsche may announce sales of the diesel Cayenne and Panamera for North America.

[Source: Automotive News]

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 Geneva Auto Show preview here.

Porsche continues to debate whether it will sell diesel models in the U.S. According to recent reports, if the go-ahead is given, diesel models would not only include the Cayenne SUV, but also the new Panamera sedan.

An announcement could come as early as this March, when Porsche will debut the Panamera Hybrid and Diesel at the Geneva Auto Show.

Stating that the German sports car maker is preparing to make a final decision soon, Porsche marketing boss Bernhard Maier stated that, “We are discussing internally if we should introduce the Cayenne diesel in the U.S. this year. Also a Panamera diesel is an option.”

Currently Porsche offers the Cayenne Diesel in Europe with a 3.0-liter V6 with 240-hp and a 0-62 mph time of 7.8 seconds thanks to an 8-speed auto-box. The Panamera Diesel would be offered with a similar powerplant. The Cayenne S Hybrid is sold in Europe, North America and other markets. It is powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine mated to a 47-hp electric motor, making 380-hp and 427 lb-ft of torque

According to Maier, Cayenne diesel and hybrid models make up 30 percent of Cayenne sales globally and Porsche expects that number to grow in 2011.

[Source: Automotive News]

Despite an incredibly trying year filled with recalls and declining demand in the U.S., Toyota Motor Corp has managed to hold on to the title of being the world’s largest automaker.

The title for 2010 marks the third consecutive year Toyota has topped the heap, after claiming the crown from General Motors in 2008. GM had held the top spot for 77 consecutive years.

Including sales from brands like Scion and Lexus, not to mention Daihatsu and Hino, Toyota posted sales of 8.42 million units globally, up 8 percent from 2009.

General Motors placed second with 8.39 million units, up 12 percent, with strong growth of 29 percent in China – the world’s largest auto market.

In third, with aspirations of being number one, is Volkswagen, with 7.14 million units moved, an increase of 14 percent. Volkswagen is looking for an additional 5 percent growth in 2011, which would put the German automaker at 7.50 million units.

[Source: Automotive News]

When Ford unveiled the 2012 Mustang Boss 302, the decision was made to limit the choice of colors. As a result, perhaps the most iconic hue was left out – Grabber Blue.

Since then Ford has recanted – sort of. You see, just one official Grabber-Blue Boss 302 has been (and only ever will be) built. This special pony car was shipped to the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction over the weekend where it fetched an incredible $450,000.

And to add a heart-warming twist to this already amazing story, all proceeds from the sale of the 444-hp machine are being donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research foundation, with both Ford and B-J now having donated a combined total of nearly $3 million.

Lotus CEO Danny Bahar has made it clear that he intends to rely on the British automaker’s glorious history in order to rebuild for the future. And while at the forefront of that plan is the launch of an all-new lineup of cars, it’s little surprise that the former head of Ferrari’s marketing department will also look to retail merchandise sales.

Beginning at the Paris Auto Show, Lotus has been showing off a selection of its regal get rugged items, like leather jackets, polo shirts, sweaters and leather goods. And in keeping with the new image of the brand, all of the items are of the highest quality.

At the time Lotus kept quiet about its retail plans but now it has announced a complete line, titled Lotus Originals, will go on sale starting in February. This will coincide with the launch of Lotus Originals at London’s Fashion Week. To start, all items will be available exclusively through www.lotusoriginals.com, with a flagship retail store set to open in London by the end of the year.

Check out a selection of the finer items in our gallery below, or see all the goods at www.lotusoriginals.com

GALLERY: Lotus Originals Merchandise Line

When Nissan fist unveiled the updated 2012 GT-R back in October, the Japanese automaker announced a total of six different models. Now you can add one more to that list thanks to the GT-R RC… that’s Racing Competition.

Build by Nissan’s in-house NISMO motorsports division, this track-only model loses plenty of weight thanks to an interior that has been entirely stripped out, not to mention a carbon fiber hood and trunk. But with the GT-R already quite the heffer, it still weights 3,351 lbs even in racing trim.

Added track goodies include a roll cage, upgraded brakes, an adjustable suspension, air jacks, special Advan wheels and a 31.67-gallon fuel cell.

Priced at ¥20,790,000, that’s a staggering $250,000. Yikes.

GALLERY: 2012 Nissan GT-R RC

[Source: NAGTROC]

Unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon, get more 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon news here.