Starkly contrasted with the rest of the Chrysler corporate display at the Detroit Auto Show are the booths of Ferrari, Maserati and Fiat. The small Fiat dislay showcased two models set to arrive in North American in the near future: the much talked about Fiat 500 and the relatively unknown Abarth 500.

The Abarth model won’t be unknown for long, however, as it is hard-core version of the 500 from Fiat’s performance-oriented Abarth division. While the 500 features Fiat’s 1.4-liter Multiair engine with 100-hp at 6500 rpm and 95 ft-lbs of torque at 4250 rpm, the Abarth model sports a turbocharged version of the same powerplant and boasts 170-hp at 6750 rpm and 170 ft-lbs of torque at 3000 rpm. On top of all this, it features highly bolstered seats (with racing harnesses on the display car), light-weight wheels and a tiny set of Brembos.

In many ways, if the 500 is supposed to compete with the MINI Cooper, then the Abarth 500 is equivalent to a John Cooper Works. Sure it doesn’t make near the power, but it also looks significantly lighter.

Fiat is set to launch the 500 in North America in the near future, with the Abarth model expected to follow. Other Chrysler models (likely rebadged Fiat models) are expected to feature these engines as well.

GALLERY: Fiat 500 and Abarth 500

The latest in a string of limited edition Mercedes-Benz SL models, the SL550 Nigh Edition is clearly distinguished by it’s sinister matte-black “designo magno black ” paint scheme. Additional exterior highlights include two-tone 19-inch AMG wheels as well as darkened headlights and taillights. Inside, the cockpit of the SL Night Edition gets dark black leather contrasted with plenty of chrome. Newly designed seats are also a art of the package and feature arrow-shaped seams with silver contrasted features.

Just 100 SL550 Night Edition models will be offered in the U.S. starting in early 2010.

Mercedes is expected to launch the SL550 Night Edition at the Detroit Auto Show today and we’ll be sure to bring you plenty of live photos of the sinister new SL.

GALLERY: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Night Edition

Official release after the jump:

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***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

Hyundai continues to deliver significantly improved vehicles, the latest being the 2010 Santa Fe mid-sized crossover, which is set to launch at the Detroit Auto Show. Mid-cycle refreshes rarely get the sort of overhaul that the 2010 Santa Fe has received, with minor interior and exterior updates being joined by two new engines, both of which are more fuel efficient than the engines they replace.

For 2010 the entry level 2.7-liter 4-cylinder has been replaced with Hyundai’s new Theta II 2.4-liter, which delivers 175-hp and 169 ft-lbs of torque - the same as in the new 2011 Tucson. This is less power than the old V6, but a new six-speed automatic transmission and the lighter weight of the 4-cylinder should put the crossover’s acceleration at about the same range. Fuel economy is up significantly (aided by the new six-speed transmission) from 18/24 mpg (city/highway) to 20/28 mpg, for front drive automatic models.

Last year’s optional 3.3-liter V6 engine has also been replaced with a new 3.5-liter V6, making an impressive 276-hp, a total of 34-hp more. As for fuel economy, this engine is rated at 20/26 mpg (city/highway) up from the previous engine’s 17/24 mpg rating.

According to Cars.com, base GLS models with the 4-cylinder and in front-wheel drive trim start at $21,695, with a range-topping V6 Limited AWD costing $30,295.

One important note is the Hyundai has reportedly axed the optional third row seat.

NOTE: All information regarding the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe was covered under an embargo set for January 11th. According to Cars.com, they received approval from Hyundai to run the story ahead of the embargo, so AutoGuide has deemed the embargo lifted.

GALLERY: 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe

[Source: Cars.com]

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

With the debut of the all-new 2012 Ford Focus set for next Monday at the Detroit Auto Show, Ford has let a few (very few) details about the car slip. A press release highlighting the nine new engines Ford plans to launch in North America in 2012, exposes the fact that the new 2012 Focus will get a naturally-aspirated direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a PowerShift 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

While Ford does already offer direct-injection technology in the high-dollar EcoBoost-equipped models like the Taurus SHO and Lincoln MKT, the 2012 Focus will be the first Ford in North America to feature the technology in a low-dollar, non-turbocharged model.

We don’t have any details on horsepower or fuel economy, but expect at least 140-hp and over 35 mpg.

“Ford is delivering on our commitment to lower emissions, improve fuel economy and deliver the highest quality powertrains in the industry,” said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president, Powertrain Engineering. “We are making this happen with one of the most ambitious powertrain upgrades ever undertaken by Ford. By the end of 2010, nearly all of Ford’s North American engines will have been upgraded or replaced since 2008.”

As for the rest of the new lineup of engines, some highlights include the 2011 Fiesta’s Ti-VCT 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with 119-hp and 40 mpg on the highway; the Mustang’s new Ti-VCT 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 with 30 mpg on the highway; the 2011 Mustang GT’s 412-hp 5.0-liter V8 and the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 coming in the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty. Then, near the end of the year, Ford will debut a new EcoBoost 2.0-liter 4-cylinder in the C-Max MPV, with 200-hp and 221 ft-lbs of torque.

We’ll bring you more on the all-new 2012 Ford Focus with live coverage of the Detroit Auto Show starting Monday, January 11th.

Official release after the jump:

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***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

Ferrari will have no official presence at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, but it will showcase the ultra-rare 599XX model in Chrysler’s booth to help celebrate Fiat’s partnership with Chrysler.

Only 20 599xx models will be made for special track-only use by a select few lucky enough, and rich enough, to own one. The car’s 6.0-liter V12 engine has been reworked to produce 700-hp at 9000 rpm, while new aerodynamics help to deliver 612 lbs of downforce at 124 mph and almost 1,400 lbs of downforce at 186 mph!

One particularly important innovation on the 599XX is Ferrari’s new “Actiflow” technology, that adjusts downforce and drag depending upon how the car is operating. This is achieved through the use of a porous material in the diffuser and two fans in the trunk lid that work to channel air from under the car out through two grilles next to the tail lights. Rather noticeable winglets have also been added to the the are just behind the winds, where the buttresses are located.

The 599XX also uses what Ferrari terms a, “Virtual Race Engineer” that essentially uses all the onboard computers to calculate what the maximum level of performance the car can achieve on a race track. To do this it takes every bit of data available, including tire temperature, tire pressure, engine and coolant temperature (as well as many other variables) and determines what the maximum level of performance capable by the car under those conditions is.

Unfortunately, if you’re not Michael Schumacher, getting the car to go that fast is impossible… but here’s where the fun part comes in. The 599XX’s computer can then rate you (the driver) on your performance and tell you how close you are coming to the car’s maximum potential – a humbling experience no doubt.

The car will make its official track debut at Homestead in Florida in March. Ferrari is rumored to be working on a street legal version of the 599XX called the 599 GTO.

GALLERY: Ferrari 599XX

Official release after the jump:

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***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

Easily one of the the most unanimously despised vehicles by automotive journalists throughout the country, Chrysler recently decided to keep the PT Cruiser as a part of its lineup after axing it just a few months before. Now the automaker doesn’t even have the decency to let it quietly fade into obscurity, but has decided to launch the Couture Edition – apparently in an affront to high-fashion throughout the world.

The 2010 PT Cruiser Couture Edition gets a two-tone silver and black paint scheme, divided by a red pinstripe. Additional exterior highlights include chrome side moldings, door handles and grille inserts, as well as 16-inch wheels. Inside it’s hard to miss the Radar Red leather seats.

The Couture Edition includes all features found on the Classic model and is priced from $19,995.

The Couture Edition is the 16th special version of the PT, a list that includes such models as the PT Turbo, Flames, Woodie, W.P. Chrysler Signature Series, PT Cruiser Classic, PT Street Cruiser Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Boulevard editions. We can only hope this is the last.

GALLERY: Chrysler PT Cruiser Couture Edition

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***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

As a part of Chrysler’s new approach, the company is tweaking almost all of its models for 2010 and changing their trim designations. Easily one of the U.S. automaker’s most successful models in the past decade, the 300, gets only minor changes this year.

For starters, Chrysler has done away with some of its more complex nomenclature in favor of two simple (and European sounding) designations: S6 and S8. The S6 model is powered by the company’s 250-hp, 3.5-liter V6, while the S8 gets the 360-hp 5.7-liter HEMI V8.

Most noticeable on the outside of the new 2010 models is the lack of chrome on the front grille. Instead the imposing wall of chrome has been traded in for a blacked-out one. Chrome is, however, still used for the door handles, window surrounds and inside the vehicle. Also on the inside the 300 has received a makeover with a carbon-weave steering wheel with red stitching and silver spokes, as well as carbon-weave door handles with red stitching. In addition, highly-bolstered dark gray leather seats feature suede accents with “300 S” logos.

Both the 2010 Chrysler 300 S6 and S8 go on sale in the Spring of this year.

GALLERY: 2010 Chrysler 300 S6 and S8

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***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

For 2010 Dodge has decided to shake up the Nitro lineup with three new model designations: Heat, Detonator and Shock. All models will come with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, 20-inch wheels, and a 368-watt eight speaker audio system, plus 9-inch subwoofer. That 4.0-liter V6 has also been tweaked significantly for 2010 with 23 percent more ponies on call and 12 percent more torque for a total of 260-hp and 265 ft-lbs. The V6 comes mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Heat models are priced from $23,995, while Detonator models start at $25,995 and add remote start, color-matched cloth interior and rear-park assist. The top trim level Shock model gets heated leather seats and a sunroof and retails fr $26,995.

All 2010 Nitro models will be available in a new Detonator Yellow paint color (shown above).

GALLERY: 2010 Dodge Nitro Detonator

Official release after the jump:

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***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

For a company that isn’t holding a press conference at the Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler sure has a lot of new products to display. Along with a display of Fiats and a rebadged Lancia, Chrysler’s Jeep brand will showcase three new special edition models: the Jeep Liberty Renegade, Jeep Wrangler Mountain Edition and Jeep Wrangler Islander Edition.

The Islander Edition returns to the Jeep lineup after 20 years and is based on the Wrangler Sport model. It comes in one of four colors: Surf Blue Pearl, Stone White, Bright Sliver Metallic and Brilliant Black Crystal.

Highlights include a “Tiki Bob” decal on the hood, along with latitude and longitude coordinates, black side stes and 17-inch wheels with 32-inch tires. Inside Islander Edition models get dark gray seats with surf blue inserts, blue stitching and Tiki Bob logos embroidered on the seats. Also included is blue stitching on the steering wheel and Mopar floor mats.

As for the Mounted Edition, it’s based on the Wrangler Sport S package and comes with “Mountain” decaling as well as latitude and longitude coordinates. It’s available in Rescue Green Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl and Deep Water Blue Pearl, with high-gloss Mineral Gray 17-inch Moab wheels, as well as high gloss paint for the bumper and grille. Also included are side steps and 32-inch tires, plus special seat inserts on the inside with the “Mountain” logo.

The Island Edition package retails for $1,120, and the Mountain Edition goes for $1,820. Both option packs are available on the two-door Jeep Wrangler and four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 models.

Along with these two Wrangler trim levels, Jeep will also display a Liberty Renegade trim level. Positioned between the Sport and Limited models, the Renegade is offered in Natural Green Pearl, Deep Water Blue Pearl, Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Stone White and in a Renegade-exclusive Salsa Red Pearl.

Highlights include Mineral Gray 16-inch wheels with all-terrain 235/70/16 tires, hood graphics, fog lamps, skid plated, tow hooks, a silver-painted roof rack, as well as dark metallic painted fender flares, side sills, front and rear fascias and side moldings.

Inside are new cloth seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, drifwood accented bezels and a leather wrapped center console.

A 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 comes standard with Selec-Trac II active four-wheel-drive and will be available stating the first quarter of 2010.

GALLERY: Jeep Liberty Renegade

GALLERY: Jeep Wrangler Mountain Edition

GALLERY: Jeep Wrangler Islander Edition

Official release after the jump:

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***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

Ahead of it’s debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week, Chevrolet is giving us a good look at the Aveo RS Show Car, which foreshadows the production 2011 Aveo. And we have to say: Bravo GM!

The sub-compact segment is heating up and while Ford has garnered a lot of publicity with the upcoming Fiesta, if the production Aveo is anything close to this concept, GM may just have hit a home run. Along with aggressive styling and an all-new chassis that is longer, wider and with more interior room than the current model, the Aveo RS Show Car is powered by the 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec motor as found in the new Chevy Cruze. That being said, it makes 138-hp (plenty for a sub-compact and far more than any current production sub-compact offers). GM hasn’t released fuel economy numbers, but with the Cruze capable of 40 mpg on the highway, the Aveo should be able to match that. Better still, enthusiasts will appreciate the six-speed manual transmission.

Inside there’s plenty in the way of high-tech goodies and the interior is simply stunning in both its design and use of materials.

We’ll be sure to bring you more details on the Aveo RS Show Car, as well as news about the production model, with live coverage of the Detroit Auto Show starting January 11th. The all-new Aveo will go into production at GM’s Orion, Michigan plant in late 2010 as a 2011 model.

GALLERY: Chevrolet Aveo RS Show Car

More on the Aveo RS Show Car after the jump:

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***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

The pieces of puzzle are starting to come together and it looks like Toyota is planning on launching a hybrid version of the iQ mini-car in North America, branded as a Scion. According to a report by InsideLine, the a concept version of this car is the “dedicated hybrid concept” that Toyota will unveil at the Detroit Auto Show next week.

The iQ Hybrid will be offered as both a five-door hatchback and as a sedan, with the hatch going on sale in 2011. Impressively, it will get over 60 mpg thanks to a 1.5-liter engine used as a part of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy drive.

In addition, the 3-door, currently sold in Europe and Japan will also be branded as a Scion in North America. The Smart fortwo-sized hatch will be powered by a 99-hp 1.3-liter 4-cylinder and be offered as a convertible as well. With the hybrid and non-hybrid versions, this will essentially add four new models to Scion’s product lineup.

Scion unveiled a concept version of the iQ at the New York Auto Show last year. See more of that car in the Gallery below.

GALLERY: Toyota iQ

GALLERY: Scion iQ Concept

[Source : InsideLine]

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

Just ahead of the Detroit Auto Show, Buick has decided to give us the goods on a pre-production (or concept) high-performance version of the new Regal. Called the Regal GS Show Car, it’s goal is to see if there really is a market for such a model in the U.S.

We have to say we’re a little disappointed… and confused. Based on the Opel Insignia, instead of that car’s turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 engine and 325-hp, this Regal GS Show Car uses a high-output version of the 2.0-liter Ecotec 4-cylinder engine that will normally be offered in the Regal, with 220-hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque. In this car, says GM, the same engine will produce 255-hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque - significantly less than the high-performance Opel model.

What has us confused is that at a live showing of the car, under the hood there is no such 2.0-liter Ecotec motor, but the Opel Insignia OPC’s 325-hp mill. Sadly, GM probably just didn’t bother to swap engines as this show car likely started its life as an Insignia and was just rebadged.

In other words, expect the Turbo 2.0-liter in the production version of this car, which hasn’t been confirmed yet, but is most certainly coming.

Still, we can’t really complain too much about the power ratings and Buick says the Regal GS will hit 60 mph in under six seconds! It also gets a six-speed manual transmission, AWD, 20-inch wheels with low profile rubber, four-pot Brembo brakes and a rear electronic limited slip differential! And to make the driving experience even more dynamic it features Buick’s new Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS), which will be offered on the CXL models, letting the driver adjust suspension settings, throttle response, shift points (automatic only) and steering sensitivity by selecting one of three driving modes: Normal, Sport and GS.

And along with a sporty exterior, the Regal GS has an amazing interior, including some highly-bolstered Recaro seats.

We’ll be sure to bring you more on this car with live coverage of the Detroit Auto Show starting January 1th.

GALLERY: Buick Regal GS Show Car

Official release after the jump:

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***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

GMC has just released a teaser image of what it is calling the Urban Utility Concept. Set to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next week, word has already slipped out that this new model will see production under the name: GMC Granite.

According to the GM’s TheLAB website, the UUC is a new breed of truck, “that’s as efficient as it is chic, innovative as it is functional.” Previous reports have already stated that this new concept will be based on the Chevy Orlando MPV but target a the youth-market, competing with vehicles like the Scion xB, Kia Soul and Nissan Cube.

GMC echoes these comments in a statement saying that this new concept has plenty of flexible and functional space in a “urban-box” design.

We’ll bring you full coverage on the GMC Granite when its unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next week.

GALLERY: GMC Urban Utility Concept

[Source: TheLAB]

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

Honda has yet to officially announce that its CR-Z Hybrid sports car will make its world premiere at the Detroit Auto Show in just a few weeks time, but that’s just a formality now. We had already assumed as much with Honda announcing it would hold a press conference and with no other significant products on the way.

Now we have real reason to know the production CR-Z will bow in Detroit, with Honda UK posting a note to that effect on Twitter. The tweet, intended for the local U.K. media reads, “For those not going to Detroit for the motor show, watch this space on Monday for the first official pics of the EU-spec CR-Z sporty hybrid.”

It doesn’t take too much extrapolation to see that the production CR-Z will arrive in Detroit, unless of course Honda plans to unveil the Euro-spec CR-Z n the U.S., which of course would be ridiculous.

Details of the CR-Z have already leaked online, as have several photos in a brochure. What we know is that the CR-Z is powered by a more powerful version of Honda’s IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) powerplant, which consists of a 112-hp and 107 ft-lbs of torque 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine, which is mated to an electric motor, producing an additional 14-hp and 57 ft-lbs of torque. Honda claims a 0-62 mph time of 9.7 seconds.

As for fuel-economy, the CR-Z is rated at 52/59 mpg (City/Highway) in the Japanese test cycle. Those numbers aren’t expected to be nearly so high in North America once the EPA gets a hold of the CR-Z.

We’ll be sure to bring you full details with live coverage of the Detroit Auto Show starting January 11th.

GALLERY: Honda CR-Z Hybrid

[Source: Twitter]

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

Details of the mid-cycle refreshed 2011 BMW 3 Series have leaked online with rumors that the car will make its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week. Along with typical updates, a new trim level is expected to be added, the 335is.

This new model would include either a dual-clutch paddle shift transmission or a Sport Automatic and get special styling and aerodynamics. Some M Sport trim options will also be included, such as an M Sport steering wheel. In addition, it is expected that the 335is will feature the same engine tweaks  found on the upcoming Z4 sDrive35is, with 335-hp and 332 ft-lbs of torque.

As for the standard models, look for mostly cosmetic changes with new front and rear bumpers as well as LED lights. Some minor interior trim changes are also expected, as well as some new options, like automatic high beam assist.

We’ll be sure to bring you full details, with live coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show starting January 11th.

[Source: BimmerFile]

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

***UPDATE*** Official images and specs on the Chevy Aveo RS Show Car can be seen here ***UPDATE***

It’s certainly not much to go on, but this single teaser image at least gives us a general idea of the shape of the 2011 Chevrolet Aveo, and so far we’re impressed. The photo comes to us via GM’s VP of communications Chris Preuss on Twitter, from a meeting between GM execs and the UAW, where they previewed the new 2011 Aveo and announced that it will be built at GM’s Orion plant in Michigan.

“It’s a new day and new opportunity,” said UAW president Ron Gettelfnger.”GM will be the only company building a B-car in America. We can make this a success.” In the past Aveo models were manufactured in Korea.

Little else is known about the new Aveo, but the sporty RS trim model that is set to debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week is expected to feature the 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine first shown in the new Chevy Cruze. In the Cruze, this engine makes 138-hp and gets 40 mpg on the highway.

Supporting these rumors Preuss also tweeted a quote from another GM exec, saying that, “Aveo will have great performance…functionality and connectivity…leading safety and fuel economy.”

In addition, GM North America President Mark Reuss commented that, “Aveo is going to be a success.”

We’ll get our first look at the all-new sub-compact January 11th at the Detroit Auto Show.

[Source: Twitter]

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

First shown at the Seoul Auto Show last Spring, Hyundai will display its Blue-Will concept at the Detroit Auto Show in just a few days time. A showcase for hybrid and other green technologies, the Blue-Will is a plug-in hybrid and according to Hyundai could actually make its way to production, competing against vehicles like the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.

Powered by a 152-hp 1.6-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder engine and a 100kW electric motor, the Blue-Will uses a lithium-polymer battery pack to achieve 50-55 mpg in standard hybrid mode, or as much as 106 mpg in plug-in hybrid mode.

Until then, however, a similar non-plug-in hybrid setup will debut in the all-new Hyundai Sonata hybrid, which is due out later this year as a 2011 model.

Some interesting highlights of the Blue-Will include a CVT transmission with drive, park and reverse controls that are operated via a touch-screen, as well as a thermal generator on the exhaust manifold that converts heat to electric energy.

GALLERY: Hyundai Blue-Will Concept Debut in Frankfurt

GALLERY: Hyundai Blue-Will Concept

Official release after the jump:

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***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

After much anticipation, Cadillac has finally announced all the details of the new 2011 CTS-V Coupe. The high-powered version of the new CTS Coupe, which debuted at the LA Auto Show, is powered by the same supercharged 6.2-liter V8 found in the CTS-V sedan, with an incredible 556-hp at 6100 rpm and 551 ft-lbs of torque at 3800 rpm. That’s enough to propel the 2+2 seater to 60 mph in an incredible 3.9 seconds.

But the CTS-V Coupe is so much more than a straight line performer, following in the Michelin PS2 tire marks of the V sedan – the first production four-door to run a sub eight minute lap time at Germany’s famed Nürburgring. In fact, the V Coupe should lop off a few more seconds thanks to a rear track that is one-inch wider than the sedan. With the same wheelbase as the four-door, the V Coupe also gets a lower center of gravity thanks to an overall height that is roughly 2-inches (51mm to be precise) lower. The front and rear overhangs are even shortened, with an overall lengh that is also reduced by 51mm.

Other performance highlights include 19-inch wheels and some massive brakes with high-performance Brembo six-piston front calipers with 15-inch rotors and four-piston rear calipers with 14.7-inch rotors. And helping out in terms of delivering a performance oriented (or comfort oriented) ride are GM’s amazing Magnetic Ride Control shocks, which monitor the road every millisecond and adjust shock pressure. First used on Corvettes, this technology is now used by the likes of Ferrari. For the CTS-V Coupe, Cadillac offers the shocks with two pre-sets, Tour and Sport, so a driver can set the car for their preferred driving mode.

As for how the car looks, well, Cadillac certainly didn’t disappoint. The CTS Coupe’s sleek profile gets a very masculine V treatment including some impressive big grilles up front, as well as a massive bulge in the hood to make room for all that engine. The overall look of the car is undeniably like the CTS, however, Caddy designers only carried over the headlights, front fenders and grille from the sedan, along with the instrument panel and center console on the inside.

Now the only thing left to do is drive it, and if it’s anything like the sedan, the V Coupe will absolutely walk all over its German competition.

The new CTS-V Coupe will make it’s world debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show on January 11th and is set to go on sale in early Summer.

GALLERY: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Official release after the jump:

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***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

We’ve already seen several images of Honda’s upcoming CR-Z thanks to a leaked company brochure and now we have more images of the hybrid “sports car” thanks to some leaked video stills. There’s not a lot new here, but we do get to see several new angles. And while the photos are low quality, we can get a better idea of the futuristic (and busy) dash.

Powering the CR-Z is a more powerful version of Honda’s IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) powerplant, which consists of a 112-hp and 107 ft-lbs of torque 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine, which is mated to an electric motor, producing an additional 14-hp and 57 ft-lbs of torque. Honda claims a 0-62 mph time of 9.7 seconds.

As for fuel-economy, the CR-Z is rated at 52/59 mpg (City/Highway) in the Japanese test cycle. Those numbers aren’t expected to be nearly so high in North America once the EPA gets a hold of the CR-Z.

There’s no official word, but Honda may debut the production version CR-Z at the Detroit Auto Show on January 11th.

GALLERY: Honda CR-Z Video Stills

[Source: Gazoo via Autoblog]

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

Cadillac has already confirmed that the new 556-hp CTS-V Coupe will be officially unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next week and now it appears as though it will be joined by a concept version of the new XTS flagship.

Cadillac has already said that a new concept car would make an appearance at the show and now Chris Preuss, VP of communications at GM, has tweeted that the XTS will make an appearance. We expect this concept to be quite close to the actual production car. Unfortunately it’s not likely to be a serious competitor with the likes of the Mercedes S-Class or Lexus LS as it won’t be offered in a rear-drive setup. Front-drive and AWD layouts are planned, however, as the car is based on the same basic architecture as the new Buick LaCrosse.

In addition, Preuss also confirmed that the new Aveo will arrive in Detroit, in sporty RS trim, which will likely get a the Cruze’s new 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with almost 140-hp and 40+ mpg on the highway. Buick will show a high-powered version of the Regal with a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 with 325-hp, while GMC will show a new MPV model, called the Granite, which is based on the upcoming Chevy Orlando.

[Source: Twitter]

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***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

It might not be the most spectacular video of the 2011 Mustang GT, but it is the first. Ford has just released some rolling stock of the the 5.0-liter powered Stang, and while it’s not exactly edge-of-your-seat entertainment, there are a few clips where you get to hear the big V8 howl.

Set to officially debut at the Detroit Auto Show in just over a weeks time, the 2011 Mustang GT brings back the 5.0-liter V8 with 412-hp at 6500 rpm and 390 ft-lbs of torque at 4250 rpm, a far cry from the 175-hp 302 cubic inch motor found in the 1983 model.

The new engine is an all aluminum unit with four valves per cylinder and dual overhead cams and gets Ti-VCT variable independent timing on both the intake and exhaust cams. Along with all that power, the 2011 GT model also (finally) gets a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. Not only does this allow for improved performance, but also fuel economy with Ford claiming a four to five percent increase in that department for an estimated 25 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city, up from 23/17 on the current GT automatic model. Manual transmission models will get 24/16 mpg (highway/city)

Other engine highlights include a forged steel crankshaft and high-flow headers that Ford claims are what enthusiasts have always wanted.

Additional vehicle highlights include electric power steering, 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear brakes, as well as a grade-assist feature that will hold the car momentarily when accelerating away from a stop on a hill. Added improvements were made to the rear lower control arms for improved stiffness and more direct handling, a stiffer rear sway bar delivers better on-center steering, while the spring and shock rates have been adjusted for optimal performance.

A Performance Package will include 14-inch Brembo front brake disks from the Shelby GT500 as well as special 19-inch wheels and high performance summer tires.

GALLERY: 2011 Mustang GT

See a dyno run of the 2011 Mustang GT’s 5.0L V8 after the jump:

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***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

Chrysler might not be holding a press conference at the Detroit Auto Show in just a few weeks time but the automaker is planning to draw crowds at its booth by showing off a long list of Italian machinery, including several Fiat products that are expected to launch in North America in the near future.

Previous reports have already suggested Chrysler will show a rebadged version of the Lancia Delta premium hatchback, which is expected to be one of the first new Chrysler-badged Fiat models to arrive in North America.

Now we have word that Chrysler will show the entire Fiat 500 lineup of cars, including a new electric version of the car. We don’t know if this will be a concept or a production model. In addition to the 500 EV, there will be the standard hatchback and excessively cute convertible models. We’re most excited to see the Abarth model (above) with a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 133-hp and 130 ft-lbs of torque.

Even more surprising than all this is word that inside the Chrysler booth we’re expected to see Fiat-brands like Ferrari and Maserati – meaning Detroit F-car fans will get a chance to gaze upon the new 458 Italia.

[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog]

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

Toyota has said it will unveil a new hybrid concept car at the Detroit Auto Show, and according to recent reports it will be a subcompact and will go on sale in 2012. Two teaser photos of the car most certainly show a small car and now the Detroit News is reporting that as a subcompact it will slot in underneath the Prius in Toyota’s lineup.

The car will debut in concept form on January 11th at the Detroit Auto Show but has already been given the green light for production, with sales beginning in early 2012 in North America.

There is a possibility that this new subcompact hybrid will use the Prius name, as it already has a strong following and has become the most recognizable name in hybrids.

Toyota’s current subcompact is the Yaris, but it is not known if this new model will use the same basic architecture. It will, however, most certainly undercut the Honda Insight and is likely to get better fuel economy that the Honda hybrid. (Honda is expected to deliver a hybrid subcompact in the near future as well). Some reports have suggested it could use more powerful lithium-ion batteries, but we have to think Toyota will first debut that technology on the Prius plug-in hybrid.

In addition to this news, the Detroit News is reporting that a premium Lexus hybrid hatchback, based on the LF-Ch concept, is being fast tracked to market. It is expected to be called the CT200h.

GALLERY: Toyota Hybrid Concept

[Source: The Detroit News]

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

***UPDATE*** For full details and photos of the 2011 Mustang GT see here ***UPDATE***

Along with two previous broken embargoes on details surrounding the details of the 2011 Mustang GT, we now have the first broken embargo of photos related to the car. As you can see, the 5.0-liter engine is for real and it looks pretty schnazzy too, with a nice engine cover that still shows plenty of V8 metal.

As has already been leaked out, the 2011 Mustang GT’s new 5.0-liter motor makes 412-hp at 6500 rpm and an impressive 390 ft-lbs of torque. Owners will be able to choose from either a 6-speed manual of a 6-speed automatic transmission, helping the 5.0-liter motor to get 25 mpg on the highway.

The new 5.0-liter engine is an all aluminum unit with four valves per cylinder and independent variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust ports. There are also specially tuned headers and a forged steel crankshaft.

Along with what’s new under the hood, the exterior of the 5.0 is mostly unchanged except for some nice retro “5.0″ badges on the fenders. The wheels also appear to be a new design.

The official embargo date is still set for the 28th at 12:01 a.m.and unless more info is (yet again) spilled prematurely, we’ll have even more to tell you then.

GALLERY: 2011 Mustang GT

[Source: Burlapcars]