With Chevrolet recently revealing the new 2013 Trailblazer for global markets speculation has begun that GM could be considering a new Envoy for GMC based on the same platform.

It actually makes sense, considering that Chevrolet reportedly has no plans to bring the Trailblazer to North America as of today. Instead, building a new Envoy and letting GMC sell it exclusively would add another formidable midsize SUV to the truck brand. In the recent years, GMC has launched the new Terrain and some revised HD trucks, but that’s about it. Bringing back the Envoy could give GMC some attention and a unique product that fits into their truck brand.

GALLERY: 2013 Chevy Trailblazer Concept

[Source: GM Inside News]

With the launch of BMW‘s next-generation i-models, the German car manufacturer is also looking for new ways to sell its lineup of green machines. Tim Abbott, BMW’s UK Managing Director, has expressed an interest in more flexible test drive times, a mobile sales force for the i-models, and turning to the Internet for online sales.

Abbott spoke about how test drives could become more flexible, with catering to customers at odd hours of the day and taking the vehicle to them for a test drive. But more importantly is BMW’s hope to turn online for future car sales for the BMW brand. “That could even stretch to selling cars online, with the back up of our existing dealers of course. eBay manages it, so why can’t manufacturers sell cars online too?” Abbott said.

Lastly, BMW is also looking into changing the usual three-year buying cycle around, possibly offering customers the ability to swap out their electric vehicles for a more flexible sedan (5-Series for example) when the customer wants to take a long trip. Essentially a system of car swapping could be possible with just a 12-hour notice.

Will BMW successfully spearhead the change of convention dealerships and having to deal with a physical salesperson to purchase a car? We sure hope so, everything else can be bought online these days.

GALLERY: BMW i3 and i8

[Source: BMWBlog]

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released an official statement in regards to the post-crash fire risk of the Chevrolet Volt. As a result of a fire that occurred at the NHTSA’s facilities, they will be opening a formal safety defect investigation in order to determine the fire risk of Volts after a major accident.

It’s worth noting that the Volt isn’t entirely the target of the investigation, but rather the potential of a fire in any electric vehicle following a crash. After the initial fire caused from a side-impact test, NHTSA conducted a trio of tests on the Volt’s battery pack, each involving damaging the battery and rotating the vehicle to simulate an accident and rollover. In the second test, the battery pack caught fire a week later, while the third test the pack began to smoke and spark almost immediately.

NHTSA did also announce that they are not aware of any roadway crashes that have resulted in battery-related fires in the Chevy Volt or any electric vehicle for that matter. They also wanted to assure that Chevy Volt owners whose vehicles have been in a serious crash do not have a reason for concern.

In the meantime though, the agency is working with all vehicle manufacturers to ensure there are safety protocols in place for post-crash incidents involving electric vehicles. These protocols include an attempt to discharge a propulsion battery, not storing the vehicle after a major accident in a garage or near other vehicles, and emergency responders to check if a vehicle is electric-powered after an accident.

GALLERY: Chevrolet Volt

The production model of the 2013 Subaru BRZ just got official, as seen in the January 2012 issue of Road & Track magazine. It won’t be long until we’ll see the real deal BRZ when it makes its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, and it appears that Road & Track got to experience the US-spec model based on these photos.

Powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0L flat-four with 200-bhp and 151 lb-ft of torque, the BRZ is going to be offered in two trim levels according to Subaru. The base model will sport 16-inch wheels, while the premium model will feature 17-inchers. The excerpt in Road & Track doesn’t really reveal much about the upcoming sports car, stating that it “felt light on its feet and it cornered with confidence.” It did say that the power felt adequate, but struggled climbing hills.

Based on the amber reflectors on the front bumper, the lack of headlight washers and the reverse lights without the red triangle reflector, we can safely assume that this will be the North American version of the BRZ. Hang tight as Autoguide.com will have live photos from the Tokyo Motor Show when the Subaru BRZ officially debuts.

For more information and to discuss the new Subaru BRZ, please visit our Subaru BRZ Forum.

GALLERY: Official Production Subaru BRZ

After revealing the first photos of the GT 86 sports car yesterday, Toyota has now released a selection of pics from the car’s first live showing. We expected the initial reveal to take place at the Tokyo Motor Show, but Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda apparently couldn’t wait, showing off the new light weight sports car at the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival at Fuji Speedway.

See full details on the car here and look for more with AutoGuide’s 2011 Tokyo Motor Show coverage starting Nov. 29 here.

GALLERY: Toyota GT 86

Just hours after the first photos of Toyota‘s game changing sports car first broke cover two videos of what we now know is called the GT 86 have been released.

The first highlights the car’s many driver focused features with stunning scenery. The second documents the transformation from concept to reality and boldly proclaims “passion is back”.

For more details see our story here. And look for more details with the official release this week at the Tokyo Motor Show.

GALLERY: Toyota GT 86

See the videos below:

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It’s been two years since Toyota first revealed the FT-86 concept, and after numerous leaks, and even more concept teasers, the production version of the most highly anticipated car in years has been revealed. The very first photos of the production model also come with an announcement of the car’s name: the GT 86. Revealed in Euro-spec, the GT 86 will come with a dual exhaust, a rear spoiler, 17-inch wheels and an ’86 piston’ logo on the fenders.

Inside the cabin is a three-gauge cluster with a larger tachometer, with carbon fiber styled trim, an all black roof, red stitching, aluminum pedals and “aviation-style” switches. Also of note is a 365mm steering wheel – the smallest ever fitted to a Toyota.

With a total displacement of 1,998 ccs, the 4-cylinder direct-injection boxer engine produces 197-hp thanks to twin-injectors and a 12.5:1 compression ratio. Full power comes on at 7000 rpm with 151 lb-ft of torque at 6600 rpm. Toyota promises instant throttle response, with steering to match and, “the kind of performance that appeals to those for whom driving is a passion, not a necessity.”

Look for live photos from the car’s official reveal later this week at the Tokyo Motor Show.

GALLERY: Toyota GT 86

Discuss this story at FR-SForum.com

See video of the GT 86 below:

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Black Friday may have been marred with news of violence as rabid shoppers fought their way to Holiday deals, but some good news has come out of it all. Tesla announced that they’ll be sending all of its proceeds from Black Friday merchandise sales (like apparel) at Tesla stores to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

It may not be a huge amount, but hearing a company donating its proceeds from a Holiday sale is always newsworthy. RMHC also tweeted that Dillard’s would be donating its proceeds to a local RMHC Chapter.

[Source: Torque News]

Earlier in the month we reported that Volkswagen was testing their new WRC Polo R with Carlos Sainz behind the wheel, and now there’s video from Sainz’s testing sessions along with the official announcement of VW signing Sebastian Ogier as their first driver for the FIA World Rally Championship alongside Julien Ingrassia as his co-driver.

Ogier finished third in the 2011 WRC and looks to play a pivotal role in shaping the Polo R to become a championship caliber race vehicle. The 2.0L turbocharged Polo R cranks out 296-hp and 285 lb-ft of torque and looks right at home as it tears through its testing. Ogier drove for Citroen in 2011 and won’t be back behind the wheel until 2013 with the Polo R. The 2012 season will be dedicated to developing the Polo into a serious contender.

GALLERY: Volkswagen WRC Polo R

Check out the videos below:

[Source: Inside Line]

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Startech, a sub-division of famous Mercedes tuning house Brabus, is showing off a custom Range Rover Evoque at this year’s Essen Motor Show. The project originally debuted at the Dubai International Motor Show earlier this month, and has now made its way over to Europe to Essen for its home crowd.

The tuning package from Startech is available for all three- and five-door models of the Evoque and was developed to make the crossover more capable on the road, rather than focusing on the Evoque’s somewhat non-existent off-road capabilities.

For aesthetics, Startech outfits the Evoque with a new front apron, roof wing and rear apron that sports a new rear diffuser and wickedly cool quad exhaust tips. Ride height is lowered by 1.2-inch thanks to a suspension kit while Startech offers a variety of 20- to 22-inch wheels with custom color combos for the client.

On the inside, Startech offers a plethora of custom interior modifications including a sport steering wheel, aluminum pedals, foot rest and shifter, leather upholstery and Alcantara headliner. Startech also announced that they’re working on more horsepower for the 2.0L SI4 powerplant first, and will develop a power kit for the diesel engine shortly thereafter.

For more information and to discuss the Range Rover Evoque, please visit our Range Rover Evoque Forum.

GALLERY: Startech Range Rover Evoque