Support for the Cadillac ATS is building quickly among the automotive press, most recently resulting in it claiming the Motor Press Guild Vehicle of the Year Award. 

Continue Reading…

Lexus is set to launch its next-gen GS at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18, and the vehicle will feature a much smaller engine. Reports from Thailand say that the new model will have an available smaller 2.5-liter V6 engine, along with bigger six cylinder engines. The smaller engine will mean the Japanese automaker can better compete with the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class.

For the last twenty years, the GS’s smallest engine was the 3.0-liter, but for efficiency reasons, it’s time for change. The engine choice allows Lexus to evade Thailand’s maximum excise tax of fifty percent for cars with more than 220-hp (GS300 has 229). The smaller Lexus IS already uses a 2.5-liter V6 so implementing the engine into the bigger GS will not be an issue. It has not been confirmed as to whether GS250 will be available in North America so we’ll have to keep our fingers crossed. With gas prices the way they are, the GS250 would be an attractive option if looking for a fuel efficient luxury car.

[Source: Paul Tan]

Audi may decide to produce a high performance ‘RS’ version of the Q3 complete with a 300-hp version of the same engine found in the TT RS.

The engine has the potential to crank out 503-hp when pushed to the limit but expect it to be more tame for the compact crossover.  Suspension modifications as well as a bodykit and custom interior pieces are expected to accompany to high output engine. Sources through Auto Motor and Sport have revealed that the Q3 Rs is coming, at least in Europe but we should keep out fingers crossed. If the crossover does go into production, expect to see it in the fall of 2012.

[Source: Motor Authority]