Chevrolet‘s European product line is mostly comprised of re-hashed Korean products that started out life as Daewoo products. But with the introduction of the 2013 Malibu, Chevrolet is hoping to change things a little by offering what it sees as a “premium” product for its European flagship.

The European market Malibu 164 hp 2.0-liter gasoline or a 169 hp 2.4-liter diesel four-cylinder, more in line with European offerings that favor small engines for both tax and fuel efficiency reasons. On the other hand, the Malibu is a physically large vehicle compared to competitive sedans, and consumer reaction to such a vehicle is unpredictable.

[Source: Automotive News]

To find the best deals on tires in town, use the iLocate Tires app for iPhone to compare prices and give you detailed directions to tire stores in your area.

The iLocate Tires app lets you compare all local options for the best price on tires wherever you are, as well provide reviews of tire stores. While it’s not a new app, this latest version comes with a host of updates, including a comprehensive tire store database, one-click contact information and directions.

You start with a main menu that lists all local tire stores. To find out more on each store, just hit the arrow tab on the right of the listing, which brings up Call and Directions tabs. There’s also a View Maps tab, which takes you to a Google Places page that offers additional info such as pictures and user reviews. For good measure, this app features a Place page that gives you access to other businesses or services near any particular tire store.

Three tabs – Enter Location, Map and About – are found below the tire store listings on the main menu. Using the Enter Location tab, you can type in a zip code to find the closest tire stores to your location. If you want to find tire stores on Google Maps that are near you, you can also use this tab to toggle between the Use GPS tab. It marks your location on Google Maps with a light-blue dot and marks nearby tire stores with purple pins. You can also use the Maps tab to get the same result. Finally, the About tab gives you a rundown on the app’s developer.

The iLocate Tire app is $1.99 and can be downloaded at the iTunes store.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

After serving for more than 30 years, the Ford Crown Victoria has established a sterling reputation as the police car of choice. Ford is ending production of the Crown Vic Police Interceptor at the company’s St. Thomas, Ontario, factory and despite stopping sales of Crown Vics to consumers in 2008, Ford continues to make them available to fleets.

Sales to law enforcement agencies have been increasing as Ford prepares to launch new police vehicles based on the Taurus and Explorer.  Through the first seven months of the year, Crown Vic sales are up 64 percent to 35,203 units. The Crown Vic enjoyed widespread success due to its two bench, six passenger seating layout and gearshift mounted on the steering column. The vehicle was introduced in 1983 and was the top choice of law enforcement in 1996-2010.  The Crown Vic’s death was further pushed by the federal government requiring automakers to boost their average fuel economy to 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016 and to 54 mpg by 2025. The Crown Vic’s 16 mpg city mileage is not very appealing, nor efficient.

Currently, the Crown Vic makes up about 70 percent of the police vehicle market, but Ford’s new offerings aren’t being warmly received by police departments. One officer told the Detroit Free Press that he was stocking up on Crown Vic’s, as the new Ford offerings were inadequate for their needs. The officer stated that the Dodge Charger and Chevrolet Caprice were being looked at, something Ford does not want to happen.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

With the debut of the all new 2012 Toyota Camry yesterday (review here), Honda’s Accord soldiers on for another model year mostly unchanged save for the addition of a Special Edition (SE) trim level. All Accord models will also receive a USB audio interface for 2012.

The Honda Accord will also receive four engine variations , with the base 177-hp 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine in the LX,LX-P and SE sedans. Next is the 190-hp 2.4-liter 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC engine that’s standard in the EX and EX-L sedan. The top of the line 3.5-liter 24-valve SOHC, i-VTEC V6 engine produces 271-hp and is available  in the EX and EX-L.

Transmission choices vary between engine and trim level choices. There is a 5-speed automatic transmission standard for all 4-cylinder and V6 models. A 6-speed manual transmission will be available exclusively for the Accord V6 Coupe. The 4-cylinder Accord with the 5-speed automatic transmission will rank as the most fuel efficient model, achieving 23 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for a combined 27 mpg rating.

Honda’s Satellite-Linked Navigation System is available on the EX-L model and has an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. The 2012 Accord sedan also earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s best-possible Overall Vehicle Score 1 of 5 stars.

In a world filled with mostly useless, annoying toys that don’t challenge the mind, LEGO is an exception.

The Danish company has been making toys out of interlocking building blocks since 1949, and they cater to different skill sets based on their models.

If you played with LEGO when you were growing up, their new model might take you back into their store. It is a 1:12 scale model of the Mercedes-Benz Unimog, and it’s their latest addition to their TECHNIC line.

This model has 2000 pieces and is fully functional. It has a working winch, optional snowplough, suspension, differentials, a four-wheel drive system and even working pistons!

The TECHNIC Unimog was built with full co-operation from Mercedes-Benz, which wanted to celebrate this work trucks 60th anniversary.

Look for it in at your local LEGO store soon. Based on European prices, it should cost you $255, which is a bargain for something that will make you feel like a kid again.

[Source: Carscoop]

Kyle Busch might be firmly behind the wheel of the NASCAR points race, but off the race track he’s riding shotgun. That’s because an Indiana judge has just suspended the racer driver’s license, after he was busted back in May, at 128-mph in a 45 zone.

Busch had his license revoked for 45 days, in addition to a $1,000 fine, as well as a sentence that included a one year unsupervised probation. The NASCAR star had pleaded guilty to the speeding charged and “no contest” to reckless driving charges.

A contrite Busch apologized to the judge and to the media gathered outside the Iredell County Courtroom, while thanking those who have stood by him.

A driver for Toyota, the car Busch was caught speeding in was the first ever exotic, built by the Japanese automaker’s Lexus luxury division. Priced at $375,000 the bright yellow Lexus LFA makes 560-hp and is capable of a top speed of 202-mph!

[Source: WECT]

The Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Program) has just released its latest crash test results of 10 2011 models, and nine vehicles take top spots by earning five star ratings.

Coming out on top are the Audi A6, the BMW X3, the Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Orlando, the Citroën DS5, the Hyundai i40, the Opel Ampera, the VW Golf Cabriolet and Jetta. Coming in with four stars is the Kia Picanto, which does not come with standard Electronic Stability Control.

In the plug-in and electric category, the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera earned top marks, and for child occupant protection, the Hyundai i40 and VW Jetta and Golf Cabriolet scored 86 percent. The Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Orlando came out with good whiplash and adult occupant protection scores.

However, the Opel Ampera, Audi A6 and Citroën DS5 just met Euro NCAP’s 2011 pedestrian requirements for a five star rating.  More  stringent five star requirements will be put into place in 2012.

For can view all the test result scores on Euro NCAP’s website.

It looks as though the drivers are just as excited as we are for this showdown. In this teaser trailer three all-new BMW M5′s lap the famous race track accompanied by a helicopter filming in HD. The video is set to come out tomorrow and from the looks of it, will not disappoint.

The M5 has been entirely redesigned but the biggest change is the switch from a high-revving V10 to a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8. The new engine cranks out 552 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The car is capable of achieving a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds, not bad for a car that weighs around 4,000 lbs.

Check out the video after the jump!

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While Hyundai CEO John Krafcik didn’t give us full pricing on the upcoming Hyundai Veloster, a tweet by Hyundai’s head honcho did reveal that the highly anticipated sports coupe will start at $17,300 for a 6-speed manual version, while the Dual-Clutch Transmission will cost $18,550, while delivering 40 mpg on the highway.

In addition to a $760 freight charge, options include a “Style” package (featuring 18-inch wheels, a chrome grill, fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, leatherette and an 8-speaker audio system) and a “Tech” package (which must be ordered with the “Style” package and features different 18-inch wheels, navigation, automatic headlights, keyless start, backup sensors and a backup camera).

The Honda CR-Z starts at $19,345 and is capable of 39 mpg on the open road. The CR-Z hasn’t fared well in the marketplace, and Hyundai’s massive marketing machine, cheaper base price and superior fuel economy bragging rights may spell doom for Honda’s own sports coupe.

We’ll be driving the Veloster in early September, so check back for more at AutoGuide.com

Hit the jump to see the official press release

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Any auto enthusiast will tell you the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance should not only be on your bucket list, but a permanent fixture on your yearly automotive calendar. If you missed this year’s show, pictures help convey the elegance and magnitude, but video works much better. AutoGuide’s video department hit the 18th fairway at the Pebble Beach Golf Course to provide an overview of just what this event is all about. Enjoy it after the jump.

Or if modern exotics are more your thing, check out our video of the Concept Lawn at Pebble Beach here.

GALLERY: 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Watch the video after the jump:

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