The next generation Nissan Titan is taking a backseat to development, with the inevitable refresh probably not surfacing until the 2014 model year. That’ll make it almost a decade since the Titan was originally introduced in 2004 before Nissan shows off a new generation of its popular pick-up truck.

Several factors have impacted the delay in the next generation Titan’s development, with the unfortunate tsunami and earthquake in Japan being one of the major ones. Nissan also originally had an agreement with Chrysler to build a new Titan based on the 2011 Dodge Ram, but that fell apart when Chrysler entered bankruptcy in 2009.

Nissan has teased in the past that the Titan could benefit from a plethora of powertrain options including smaller engine options, an enhanced V8 option or even a diesel We’ll keep our fingers crossed that Nissan shows off something soon, the Titan is surely becoming outdated and desperately needs a makeover.

[Source: LeftLane News]

If you own a new GMC or Chevrolet van, there’s a chance the airbags might not be safe.

The notice comes after General Motors and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that airbags in 1,798 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans manufactured between June 2, 2011 and October 17, 2011 have faulty airbag systems that fail in their second stage during a severe frontal crash.

This isn’t the first time this year that GM issued recalls related to their airbag systems. Earlier this month we reported on an airbag recall for the Pontiac G8 after it came to light that many of the vehicles had issues with late deployment.

Owners can expect a call later this month when the recall begins if they own a qualifying vehicle.

[Source: Left Lane News]

If buzz at the LA Auto Show last week was anything to go by, a high-performance Lexus GS is on its way. During inside discussions at the west coast auto show, enthusiasm about building a GS based M5 beater was very much in evidence.

And it’s likely that such a machine wouldn’t just be fast, but actually enjoyable to drive as well, building on the foundation of the new GS model’s already very competent and dynamic chassis. It’s all part of Lexus‘ plan to move away from the somewhat staid, gilded-washing-machine persona it’s created over the last two decades.

In terms of engines, there are many believe that such a super sedan would need a super car engine, in this case a variation of the LFA’s 4.8-liter V10, though Lexus has continued to deny such rumors. Instead, given that BMW and even Mercedes are moving away from V10s and V12s and toward twin turbo V8s in an effort to add a bit of fuel economy along with performance, there’s every indication Lexus might do the same.

Nonetheless in a perhaps interesting move, Lexus is also adamant about not offering diesels on the GS even in Europe, despite the fact most rivals sell them there. Instead, Lexus is focusing on hybrids, it’s European vice president, Andy Pfeiffenberger stating that, “if you’re looking for diesel, I suppose you’ll be buying another brand.”

So does that mean that a V10 really could be a possibility in the GS after all? At this point, it’s simply too early to really say.

[Source: Autocar]

Dodge’s new compact, set to debut at the North American International Auto Show will actually not be called the Hornet, according to the brand. The compact sedan is the first Chrysler Group vehicle to be engineered by Fiat.

The plan originally was for Chrysler to develop a compact sedan for the Chrysler brand as well, but for now they’ll be sticking to having a vehicle for Dodge’s portfolio only. It’s also worth mentioning that Chrysler has stopped taking orders for the Dodge Nitro and production of the vehicle will cease in about 30 days. We expect that the official name will be announced in the coming weeks.

GALLERY: Dodge Hornet Concept

[Source: Detroit News]

German auto giant Volkswagen is already Europe’s largest auto manufacturer, but it won’t rest until it becomes the worlds largest producer of cars.

To achieve its goals, it needs to do very well in America, a market where it hasn’t made a profit since 2003, despite moving 256,830 units in 2010.

VW wants to sell three times as many cars to American households, roughly 800,000 units per year. To achieve this vast goal, Volkswagen groups CEO for America, Jonathan Browning says he wants to increase the number of dealerships.

Currently there are about 600 VW dealerships in America, and while that number will remain the same for the next few years, Browning says that by 2014/15 he hopes to add dealers across the nation to meet their goals.

VW looks set to shift 300,000 units for 2011. Browning adds that 2011 will once again return a profit for this German brands operation in the U.S.

[Source: Carscoop]

It seems true car enthusiasts, even when it comes to Ferrari owners often get the short end of the stick. With waiting lists of Maranello’s newest offerings often excessively lengthy, the simple fact remains that demand far outstrips supply.

As a result, a number of serious Ferrari aficionados and collectors have been making noise about how they simply cannot get their hands on the latest limited run special, enough in fact that the company’s CEO Luca di Montezemolo, is seriously looking at forming an ultra-exclusive Ferrari owners’ club. Said club would be designed to its give members the right of first refusal on any new limited edition model (as if getting a “regular” Ferrari wasn’t hard enough).

As to how this club will be set up, along with the criteria for membership, remains to be seen, though expect standards to be high, such as ownership of at least four or five existing Ferraris. We can already hear the violins playing.

[Source: Automotive News]

It’s hard to believe Audi was able to improve their highly successful R8 LMS GT3 race car, but they’ve just announced that the R8 LMS ultra will be launched in 2012, with deliveries starting in March. Current R8 LMS customers have won a combined 115 races and 12 national and international titles in just three years.

So where and how did Audi improve the R8 LMS for their ultra model? They started with new doors made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and high-energy absorbing crash foams. There is also a new PS1 safety seat developed by Audi offering plenty of extra protection. The transmission was updated to provide additional longevity during endurance races.

To enhance an already impressive powerplant, Audi maximized the 5.2L V10 to 570-hp thanks to a new exhaust system with race-spec catalytic converters. The engine is still based on the production motor produced at Audi’s plant and customers have reported easily hitting over 12,000-miles on their motors with no issues.

For cooling enhancements, Audi gave the car a larger engine oil cooler, transmission fluid cooler, and an oil cooler for the steering hydraulics was relocated to the vehicle’s mid-section from the front of the previous car.

Front wheel widths have been upsized to 12-inch sizes instead of 11-inches (for a wider track) and as of next season Michelin will be offering wider tires to allow for more consistent lap times. Furthermore, aerodynamic improvements were made throughout the LMS ultra including a wider front hood, and a new front plate with optimized diffusion is under the front end.

The Audi R8 LMS ultra comes in at a hefty $446,890 plus VAT based on today’s conversion rates.

GALLERY: Audi R8 LMS Ultra

Lexus has just announced that they’re adding to the GS family with a GS 250 variant, revealed ahead of its global premiere at the 2011 Guangzhou Motor Show. No pricing was announced with the reveal, but it will go on sale starting June 2012 and it appears to not have any significant aesthetic changes compared to the GS 350.

Under the hood however, the GS 250 will feature a 2.5L V6 with 206-hp and 187 lb-ft of torque. It’ll be mated to a 6-speed sequential-shift ECT-i automatic gearbox. With its lack of power comes an impressive 31.7-mpg, which is fairly impressive for a luxury sedan in today’s market. Buyers will be able to choose between Eco, Normal and Sport S driving modes, while those that opt for the optional Adaptive Variable Suspension, an Sport S+ driving mode will also be available. Lexus has not yet announced whether the GS250 will be sold in our market.

GALLERY: Lexus GS 250

Porsche had a treat for all of us attending the LA Auto Show this year leading up to the unveiling of the new Panamera GTS. A video was shown on the big screen boasting four of Porsche’s talented drivers, all taking a seat in the new Panamera GTS and having one hell of a ride out on a track. Greeting us on the show floor were drivers Patrick Long and Romain Dumas to pull the cover up off the new GTS.

Now Porsche has the video to share with the rest of the general public, showcasing all of the GTS’s strengths. Four passenger seating, ridiculous power, control and well, amazingly good looks. If you can’t tell by now, we’re huge fans of the new Panamera GTS… if only it came with a manual.

Check out the video after the break.

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Oh Ashton Kutcher, what are we going to do with you. The new Charlie Sheen replacement on Two and a Half Men seems to be going down a Sheen-like path himself, apparently trying to win Demi Moore’s heart back with a… 2012 Lexus LS 600h L, paying just a tad over $100,000 to get the luxury hybrid sedan.

Kutcher may really be popular with all the girls out there, but it looks like he needs to take some notes from other adulterers like Kobe Bryant. Look, your significant other isn’t going to be content with a $100,000 Lexus hybrid sedan as a make-up gift, especially when it’s pretty obvious that she could get one herself. Go put a little thought into it, get herself a ring the size of your ego, and maybe you’ll stand a chance. Oh well, the divorce is already well on its way and well, we think no one really feels bad for either party involved. At least Kutcher’s trying to make love “green”.

[Source: The Superficial]