The Honda Insight, boasting the highest fuel economy of any new vehicle under $20,000, gets a mid-life model update for 2012.

Exterior wise, the Insight receives a more distinctive grill design with a thin, blue accent bar to highlight its high-tech identity. Aerodynamic enhancements include a smother underbody cover and an addition of air diffusers beneath the rear bumper to better channel airflow. The reshaped front and rear bumpers also provide a 2 percent decrease of aero drag and wraps around a slightly wider set of wheels, 185/60/15 tires from the prior 175/65/15, which helps to improve the Insight’s handling.

The Insight’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system continues the use of a 1.3-liter i-VTEC gasoline inline-4 engine and a 10-kilowatt electric motor. The system produces 98-hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. Friction-reduction treated parts and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) work to bump the Insight’s EPA from the old rating of 40/43/41 to a slightly higher 41/44/42 city/highway/combined.

Honda’s latest Satellite-Linked Navigation System features voice recognition, a system storing more than 7 million points of interest within the continental United States, a 16-GB flash hard drive, subscription free FM traffic, and a rearview camera.

The insight will be available in three model trims. The base model will have a 160-watt, two-speaker audio system, automatic climate control, power windows, and remote entry for $18,350. An Insight LX will feature a four-speaker audio system, USB audio interface, an armrest console, floor mats, and a security system. Finally, the Insight EX will get alloy wheels, paddle shifters, heated side mirrors, six speaker audio, Bluetooth capability, and satellite navigation available. EX begins at $21,815.

GALLERY: 2012 Honda Insight

Click here to read AutoGuide’s Honda Insight Review

Chevrolet’s decision to offer a diesel-powered Cruze compact in the U.S. is a sign that GM is testing the waters to see how American’s react to the gasoline alternative. Chrysler, says company CEO Sergio Marchionne, has much more ambitious goals for the often-criticized fuel.

Starting with the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Chrysler Group will re-introduce diesel models to the U.S. The big Jeep will be followed by a diesel powertrain option for most of the company’s large vehicles.

Chrysler predicts that compared to global diesel sales that made up 8 percent of total production in 2009, the American automaker will increase that number to 14 percent by 2014.

In addition, Marchionne admits he has little choice but to also offer hybrids in the near future. Skeptical of the technology, its cost to produce and its ability to sell in significant volumes, Marchionne says new tough fuel economy standards, that will rise from a 35.5-mpg CAFE average in 2016 to a 54.5-mpg rating in 2015, are forcing his hand. “I have no other way of getting to 2025 numbers than by going to hybrids,” he said.

The first of these hybrids set to arrive is believed to be the Chrysler 300 Hybrid, which is rumored to launch in 2013.

[Source: AutoNews via CNET]

With sales of the MC4-12C now well underway in Europe, McLaren has reportedly begun testing on its new hypercar and successor to the F1.

Targeting the world’s most exotic exotics, the “mega-Mac” is being benchmarked against cars like the Veyron, as well as the upcoming models like the successor to the Enzo and the Porsche 918 Spider.

According to AutoCar, first tests of the car took place in Spain last month.

Rumored to power the supercar is a 5.0-liter V8 engine making just shy of 800-hp – or roughly 160-hp per liter. A 7-speed dual clutch transmission is also expected to be a part of the package. In addition, look for a pushrod suspension setup, five-stage traction control system, a carbon fiber tub and active aerodynamics.

Priced at close to one million dollars, McLaren is expected to build just 500 units over a four year period.

[Source: AutoCar]

As rumored, Toyota’s upcoming Prius c model doesn’t look all that much like the concept car. Too bad.

A leaked dealer brochure from Japan has revealed exactly what the newest member of the Prius family will look like (at least in Japan), not to mention what sort of powertrain it will receive. Compared to the cars like the Mazda2 I3 SkyActiv, it is powered by a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system with 74-hp at 4800 rpm and 82 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm from the gasoline engine, while the electric motor adds-on 61-hp and 125 lb-ft for a total of 100-hp.

Fuel economy numbers released for Japan include a rating of 35.4 km/L (roughly 83.3 mpg or 2.8l/100km) on one driving cycle and 40 km/L (roughly 94 mpg or 2.5L/100 km) on another. Those numbers won’t hold true for the U.S., but with some rough calculations this will put the Prius C a few ticks ahead of the standard 50-mpg Prius on the EPA cycle.

Size wise, the Prius C is the smallest of the Toyota hybrids, measuring 157.3-inches in length – about 4-inches longer than the new Yaris.

Judging from the brochure Toyota is looking to offer the Prius c with a Scion-like array of in-house aftermarket accessories, ranging from new wheels, to seat materials and body kits, adding some flare to this Gen-Y marketed hybrid sub-compact.

The Prius c is expected to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show this January.

GALLERY: Prius c Leaked Borchure

[Source: Ryuji via CarScoop]

Due out in 2014, the next generation Audi R8, will feature an aluminum and carbon fiber architecture in an effort to save weight and help the automaker meet increasingly stringent fuel economy targets.

According to Michael Dick, who heads up Audi’s development arm, the reason for going with a hybrid structure is not only to save weight but also reduce cost. Lamborghini, also part of the VW empire, currently uses a  complete carbon fiber monocoque for its new flagship super car, the Aventador, yet despite the advantages of strength and light weight, the cost of utilizing carbon fiber on a large scale, remains fairly prohibitive, especially on car designed to compete in a lower price segment, like the R8.

Combining both carbon fiber and aluminum seems like a good compromise, plus using both materials in the car’s construction will likely reduce the weight of the R8′s skeleton by some 45 lbs. Weight savings are also planned for the car’s suspension, driveline and bodywork, as Audi seeks to make the next R8 the lightest sports car in the segment.

Given that the rival Porsche 911 is currently some 350 lbs lighter, the folks at Ingolstadt still have a bit of work to do, though if the rumors of a R8 NF lightweight model are to be believed, it’s likely Audi should be able to meet the challenge.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Kia is hoping to reach the 500,000 unit milestone and add 40 new dealers by 2012, as the Korean automaker enjoys increasing success in the U.S. market.

Kia Vice Chairman Hank Lee said that Kia is on pace to sell 470,000 vehicles in 2011, up from 356,258 in 2010. Lee also said that in addition to adding new dealers, stores that failed to meet Kia’s expectations would be terminated. Lee also stated that Kia is focusing on 20 key markets in the United States, but declined to elaborate on what they were. Kia’s Optima mid-size sedan has won critical acclaim, but failed to sell in significant volumes.

[Source: Automotive News]

A public disagreement between Volkswagen and Suzuki in early September left the Japanese automaker wanting to end its partnership, but that might not happen. In a news release Monday, the company said it “will retain its stake in Suzuki Motor Corp. unchanged.”

Suzuki requested its shares be returned in light of what representatives say are numerous violations in the 2009 agreement to develop green cars. Two years ago the companies partnered, agreeing to share VW technology with Suzuki in exchange for insight into emerging markets like India. The agreement disintegrated since then, with both companies citing violations by the other.

Suzuki claims Volkswagen violated the agreement in developing hybrids and electric cars several times thus far. On the other end of the argument, Suzuki also bought diesel engines from VW rival Fiat, something Volkswagen said was contradictory to their agreement.

Volkswagen made an announcement about the issue early last month, leading to a public dispute between then two companies. The fight left Suzuki insisting the companies part ways.

Suzuki owns just under a 1.5 percent stake in Volkswagen.

[Source: The Detroit News]

The Chevrolet Malibu will get a 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo powerplant when it debuts in China, similar to its Buick Regal platform mate. While North America will forgo this engine in favor of larger displacement 4-cylinder engines, the 1.6L mill still produces 186 horsepower.

GM is attempting to position Chevrolet as an upmarket, rather than bargain brand, in China, and the Malibu will be an important product for both China and world markets at large, having been designed with their needs in mind.

[Source: China Car Times]

For the second year in a row, General Motors has sold 2 million vehicles in China, with 10 weeks left in the calender year 2011.

GM reported strong demand for Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicles, up 24, 18 and 73 percent respectively. General Motors’ SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture also reached a milestone, selling its 1 millionth vehicle in China in October of 2011. General Motors sold 2.35 million vehicles in China in 2010. That year marked the first automaker to sell more than 2 million units in what is now the world’s largest car market.

Toyo Tires has just announced their vehicle lineup for this year’s SEMA Show, bringing four high-profile and customized vehicles to their booth and announcing three of them today.

Headlining the debuts will be the Toyo Tires Ultimate Ride Sweepstakes 2011 Dodge Durango, which will also be given away to a lucky winner. Along with the Durango, Toyo will have a 2011 Ford F-150 Raptor, a 2011 BMW 5-Series  customized by Wald, and a yet-to-be-announced vehicle at their booth.

The giveaway Durango is a Mineral Gray Metallic Heat Edition 4×4 features a set of Toyo Proxes ST II rubber matched with 22-inch Savini Forged SV28c wheels. The Durango is further modified with a Magnaflow exhaust system while Mega Motorsports outfits it with a custom Alpine Audio entertainment system. Roadwire further modifies the interior with black leather upholstery contrasted with blue stitching. Up front is a T-REX four-piece flat black mesh grill featuring a UFC logo. Those attending the show will have the opportunity to scan a QR code to automatically enter themselves into the giveaway.

Second on the list is a custom Ford F-150 Raptor done by Street Concepts. The exterior features a Snow Camo vehicle wrap with 20×9-inch matte black Fuel Boost wheels wrapped with Toyo’s Open Country M/T rubber. The F-150 will be show-ready at SEMA thanks to Icon Vehicle Dynamics’ suspension, Brembo brakes, new bumpers and lighting. On the inside, Street Concepts gave the interior a carbon fiber-wrapped interior accented by black Alcantara. Kenwood supplies the in-car audio on this truck project.

Last of the announced vehicles will be a complete Wald F10 Black Bison, a customized 2011 BMW 5-Series. The 5-Series will feature a full Wald Black Bison body kit with 20-inch Wald R12 two-piece wheels paired with Toyo Proxes T1 Sport UHP tires.

The fourth vehicle remains a secret but Toyo promises it’ll be a crowd-stopping show car. Autoguide.com will be sure to stop by Toyo’s booth at this year’s SEMA Show to see these masterpieces in person.

GALLERY: Toyo Tires 2011 SEMA Lineup