There once was a time when Toyota used to have many sporty coupes in its line-up, like the MR-2, Celica and even a Camry V6 coupe. However, their flagship model was the Supra, a car that could keep up and beat almost anything offered by the Germans or the Americans at the time.

In the last decade, Toyota had axed all its sporty coupes, with the Supra bowing out in 2002, leaving many fans wanting for more.

Over the last few years, the rumor-mill has been busy with talk about the resurrection of the Supra, most of which revolve around a slightly toned down version of the Lexus LFA.

While Toyota officially denies these rumors, according to some insiders, a skunkworks project is underway and we could see a new Supra by 2014. Whether it be based on the FT-86 or the LFA platform (or something entirely new) is not known. Either way, sportscar fans can’t wait to see the fifth-generation Supra. Neither can we.

[Source: CAR]

After Volkswagen found themselves briefly at the top of the industry during Toyota’s recall fiasco, it seems that they’ve grown fond of the achievement and aim to legitimately take over the top spot in the future.

Volkswagen will invest 62.4 billion Euros ($86 billion) across a five year span for this endeavor. According to CEO Martin Winterkorn, “The Volkswagen Group is investing a record amount in forward-looking projects to achieve its goal of becoming the world’s best automobile manufacturer… Top of the agenda for us are investments in environmentally friendly, sustainable models and drives.”

On top of the 62.4 billion investment, another 14 billion Euros will be invested through 2016 exclusively for VW’s Chinese ventures– Shanghai-Volkswagen Automotive and FAW-Volkswagen Automotive. The investment is intended to add at least two more manufacturing plants in China.

As Volkswagen projects their growth in China to reach 2.4 million units sold, Winterkorn wants to make sure that Volkswagen will have the facility to meet demand.

Moreover, Volkswagen has recently opened a plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee specifically designed to accommodate an American Market specific Volkswagen Passat.

The needs for Russian expansion are recognized as well.

[Source: Autonews]

Before he was able to act, Police in Toronto, Canada arrested a man who planned a daring heist straight from the plot of the “Gone in 60 Seconds” Hollywood blockbuster.

Andrzej Zalewski was charged with numerous counts of break and enter, theft over $5,000 and possession of stolen property after he was found with 99 sets of car keys to vehicles worth $4 million.

According to Det. Paul LaSalle, Zalewski and an accomplice had a “shopping list” of cars, and had been canvasing neighborhoods, breaking into homes and snatching keys to vehicles. Keys in Zalewski’s possession when he was arrested included those to a Lexus, Range Rover and even a Maserati. All cars on the list were 2011 models.

Police are confident Zalewski has ties to organized crime, which is known for planning such heists where cars are custom ordered for clients overseas.

[Source: TheStar]

The BMW X6 is a niche market vehicle, and its sales numbers in North America have reflected its limited appeal. Now one of its variants (perhaps the ultimate niche market version) is getting the axe.

We are talking about the X6 ActiveHybrid. Originally launched at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the X6 ActiveHybrid has two electric motors which produce 91-hp and 86-hp. When combined with its gas motor, this vehicle produces 480-hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. With a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed governed at 130-mph, it was a great performance machine, but with a fuel-economy rating of just 18-mpg combined, it was too thirsty to attract most hybrid customers. In fact, in AutoGuide’s review of the X6 ActiveHybrid, we called it, “both awesome and irrelevant.”

Due to slow sales, BMW is axing the production of this model. Will other variants of the X6 follow this route? Only time will tell.

GALLERY: BMW X6 ActiveHybrid

[Source: Bimmerfile]

According to JD Power and Associates’ 2011 U.S. Interior Quality and Satisfaction Study, around two thirds of customer complaints relating to vehicle interiors, revolve around design issues rather than actual defects or malfunctions.

Gripes range from materials that scuff or damage easily, to awkward sized cupholders and center consoles that are difficult to use, as well as vehicle controls that are poorly placed and hard to operate.

The study found that in 2011, vehicle owners reported on average, some 7.2 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) regarding the vehicle interior, and 11.6 PP100 of those were related to interior design issues.

“The vehicle interior plays an important role in overall owner satisfaction with the vehicle, as well as with the initial purchase decision,” remarked  Allan Dix, research director of automotive product quality at J.D. Power and Associates. “In fact, more than one-half of new-vehicle buyers cite interior comfort as one of the most important factors in choosing a vehicle. As a result, it’s crucial to improve on interior design issues—such as difficulty using the center console or door locks—as these are issues that can really make a difference to the overall vehicle ownership experience.”

It’s also interesting to note that when broken down, most of the interior complaints also centered around domestic brand vehicles (69 percent) while Far Eastern and European marques were slightly behind (66 and 64 percent respectively).

On another note, interior complaints reportedly have a negative impact when it comes to customer loyalty and recommending a particular brand or vehicle to others. According to JD Power study, of those vehicle owners that experienced no interior related ‘problems’  approximately one-half said they’d buy another vehicle again, while 74 percent said they’d recommend the same vehicle or brand to others. In contrast, for those  that experienced at least one interior ‘issue,’ the advocacy rate dropped significantly to 54 percent, while customer retention plummeted to just 29 percent.

Is the Chevy Camaro a sexy car? Certainly! But this sexy?

We stumbled across this seemingly legitimate spot titled “Camaro Lust” and couldn’t help but question is this was a racier for-the-internet video, or if perhaps Chevy had nothing to do with it at all.

As it turns out, the latter is the case. “We have no affiliation with him [the video's creator], said Chevrolet Communications Director Michael Albano. He did, however, comment that his team thought it, “creative and well done.”

The man behind the spot, as well as two others, is actor Michael Perri, who stars in numerous other faux ads, which can be seen on his YouTube Channel.

Watch the “Camaro Lust” ad, plus two more after the jump

Continue Reading…

Limousines often symbolize wealth and celebrity status. To travel in one means that you’ve either arrived or are celebrating a special occasion, which, usually calls for a little more excess than normal.

So, when you take a car like, say, the Nissan Leaf, that’s been conceived as an example of motoring frugality, saving both fuel and reducing the impact on the environment, does it really pay to make a stretched limousine out of it?

Springfield, Missouri based Imperial Coachbuilders Inc. thinks so and believes the idea will strike a cord, particularly with enviro-conscious fleet customers, which is why it’s hatched plans to build such a vehicle. However, the traditional methods of cutting and stretching cars don’t exactly apply here.

The Leaf’s lightweight construction and relatively large lithium-ion battery pack presents unique challenges, so in order to get around the problem, Imperial has teamed up with UK based Liberty Electric Cars, an EV conversion firm that will add a second lithium-ion battery pack to help compensate for the extra weight, while retaining the car’s existing 80 to 100 mile driving range.

Will it be successful? Difficult to say at this point, though Imperial’s director of marketing, Tom Catterson remains optimistic. “It’s going to make a great limo,” he said.

[Source: Automotive News]

Pricing for Scion‘s 2012 xD model has been announced with the five-speed manual set at $16,075 and the four-speed automatic at $16,875, including a delivery, processing and handling fee of $730.

In addition, Scion announced that Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and streaming audio along with HD Radio are now standard for the 2012 xD model. The vehicle will feature Pioneer’s audio system with a 160-watt amplifier, USB port, AUX port, and subwoofer RCA output.

An option for a premium 200-watt Pioneer audio system with a 5.8-inch LCD screen will be offered for the 2012 xD. It also packs six RCAs outputs to allow multiple amplifiers. Standard on the xD are your run-of-the-mill features such as power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, air conditioning and four-wheel anti-lock brakes, to name a few.

Yes it’s true. After initially stating that a sportier version of the new Civic didn’t fit in with Honda‘s vanilla marketing strategy, inside sources reveal that in fact, such a car is under development.

Following criticism that Honda has abandoned its enthusiast followers in favor of pure mass-market appeal; company president Takanobu Ito’s plan to help the brand regain some of the sporting credentials it has lost this past decade, is a glimmer of hope to those who fondly recall the days of NSXs and anything Type R.

Exactly what features this new ‘hot’ Civic will incorporate remains to be seen, though expect suspension and styling tweaks, standard six-speed manual gearbox and a uniquely tuned four-cylinder engine  As to when it will be launched, possibly a couple of years from now, though given that the previous Civic Type R didn’t make it North American shores, expect this one to follow the same course, being based on the sportier Euro market model and primarily tailored for an audience across the pond. Pity.

[Source: Autocar]

Click here to read AutoGuide’s 2012 Honda Civic Si review

Take care of business on the go. Busy executives will be able to multitask while being driven to their next meeting, thanks to the Bentley Mulsanne Executive Interior Concept.

Premiering last week at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Mulsanne Executive Interior is a multimedia connectivity concept that was showcased in the hand-crafted cabin of the Bentley Mulsanne. Boasting an impressive array of bespoke business, comfort and entertainment features, this interior took over 170 hours to create.

If you’re sitting in the back seat, you can take advantage of individual Apple iPad workstations with full internet access that sit on integrated retractable picnic tables. If you want to take a break from work, watch a movie on the large, drop-down LED screen.

Feeling a little thirsty? You’ll find a bespoke bottle cooler in rear center console that comes equipped with an illuminated, double-glazed frosted glass door. In the way of lighting, there are multi-directional reading lights for each rear passenger that can be operated with Apple devices, and mood lighting in the rear center console keeps stowage areas well lit. Even the  docking station and cupholders are illuminated for extra brightness.

As for the stylish interior, the Mulsanne showcases a distinctive Yachting-style veneer, blending light and dark contrasting tones. And for one of its many finishing touches, Bentley commissioned a Tibaldi fountain pen (found in the center armrest) that takes its cues from the Mulsanne’s knurled-metal rotary switchgear.

Although it’s just a concept, it’s amazing to see the next generation of conveniences that will hopefully be available in vehicles in the near future.

GALLERY: Bentley Mulsanne Executive Interior Concept

See all the cars from the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show here