Designed to give a glimpse at what an upcoming Cadillac flagship model could look like the XTS Platinum Concept is also a showcase for the luxury brand’s premium Platinum series of vehicles.

Close in size to a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, it measures 203.5-inches (3.5-inches longer than an S-Class), however, the wheelbase is considerably less at 111.7-inches (about 8-inches less than an S-Class). It is also roughly one inch wider than an S-Class.

Sadly, the XTS isn’t rear drive, however, it does feature an all-wheel drive setup. Added handling and agility are provided thanks to 20-inch wheels, and GM’s Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) shocks that measure the road every millisecond and adjust just as fast.

The XTS Platinum Concept is also a plug-in hybrid system, using an electric motor, lithium-ion battery and a 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 gasoline engine to make 350-hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque. Capable of operating as a conventional hybrid, thanks to the plug-in capability, Cadillac claims it can achieve up to twice the efficiency of a conventional hybrid in city driving. The lithium-ion battery can be charged fully in just five hours using a conventional household outlet.

With an imposing look and a powerful and efficient engine, we’re possibly most impressed by the car’s interior. As a concept, it takes Caddy’s “Platinum” line philosophy to the extreme, using ultra high-grade materials and keeping with the Platinum mantra to hand cut and sew the interior leather. There’s also plenty of suede and we even have to admit the wood trim (which we typically hate) looks stunning.

The Cadillac XTS is scheduled to go into production in the near future and we’ll be sure to keep you updated on how close to the concept the production model will be.

At the press conference, Cadillac announced that it would expand its Platinum lineup with the more premium trim editions being offered for every vehicle model it sells.

GALLERY: Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept

GALLERY: Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept Official Photos

Ford hasn’t released any details on the new 2011 Mustang GT California Special, but we stumbled across it tucked away in a back section of the Ford booth at the Detroit Auto Show. We have to say the new grille and logo up front look great, as does the California Special body kit, which includes a matte-black front splitter, as well as a rear spoiler and racecar-like rear diffuser. In addition, the California Special gets GT/CS decaling. The wheels appear to be a new design, included as part of the package as well, and we expect a few interior trim options to be included.

For 2011, the California Special gets Ford’s all-new 5.0-liter V8 with it 412-hp at 6500 rpm and 390 ft-lbs of torque at 4250 rpm. 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. Available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, the 2011 Mustang GT delivers improved performance and 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)

GALLERY: 2011 Ford Mustang GT California Special

Subaru has announced two new option packages for the Forester compact crossover for 2010 as the Japanese automaker looks to expand its share of this highly competitive market segment further in 2010. For 2009, the Forrester was Subaru’s best selling model with a 28 percent increase over 2008.

First up is a new Special Edition Package for the Forester 2.5X, which adds 16-inch wheels and roof rails for a bargan price of just $400, on top of the model’s base price of $20,295.

A Navigation and Convenience Package is new for 2010 and is priced at $2,300. Costing $500 more than the standard Nav system, it included HID headlights, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, one-touch folding rear seats and a cargo cover.

Additional added features for 2010 include a 10-way power driver’s seat for 2.5X Premium models and Bluetooth capability for Limited trim levels.

For 2010, the Forester is offer in five trim levels. The Forester 2.5X, gets a 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine. The 2.5X Premium adds a 10-way power driver’s seat, a panoramic power moonroof . The Forester 2.5X Limited includes the All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated side mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer). The top-trim 2.5XT Premium and 2.5XT Limited get a 224-hp turbocharged boxer engine.

Official release after the jump:

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Technically a mid-cycle refresh, Lincoln has decided to do more than just minor updates to its entry-level MKX crossover for 2011. An important model for Lincoln, the company says that more than half of MKX buyers are new to the brand and that seven in 10 of those buyers purchase another Lincoln.

Joining the rest of the Lincoln lineup, the 2011 MKX gets the new corporate (and controversially styled) oversized grille. Other major changes include a new 3.7-liter V6 engine that delivers best-in-class 305-hp and 280 ft-lbs of torque, an improvement of 15 and 12 percent respectively.

Offered exclusively with a new six-speed automatic transmission, the more powerful engine also offers improved fuel economy, with 25 mpg highway, which Lincoln claims is another best-in-class feature.

And while all this is good, the biggest innovation on the 2011 MKX is the application of MyLincoln Touch – the first use of MyLincoln Touch or MyFord Touch in a road car. Essentially the next generation of Ford’s SYNC technology, the MyLincoln Touch system is a complete user interface for all aspects of the car and can be operated via a touch screen LCD display, voice commands and a steering wheel-mounted five-way controller (much like an iPod). It includes two 4.2-inch LCD screens in the instrument cluster and an 8-way LCD screen on the center stack. Due to the three different modes of controlling the system, there are no longer any conventional knobs or switches on the center stack. Even the audio volume can be adjusted by sliding your hand across a smooth surface.

As for the screen itself, it’s separated into four areas: Entertainment, Phone, Navigation and Climate. Each section is color coded to distinguish it and to make it easy to find/remember. We’ve seen the system in action and it certainly is easy to use.

Lincoln and Ford are betting on the My Touch system and plan to offer it in 80 percent of Ford vehicles in the future, including on the new 2011 Ford Focus.

GALLERY: 2011 Lincoln MKX

GALLERY: 2011 Lincoln MKX Official Pics

Official release after the jump:

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Cadillac wasn’t secretive that it was showing a concept version of it’s upcoming XTS flagship, but GM’s luxury brand certainly did hide the fact that it was a plug-in hybrid. Until now.

Set to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show later today, the XTS Platinum Concept certainly looks like a true flagship for the premium brand. Finally, there’s a Cadillac that wouldn’t look out-of-sorts parked next to a Mercedes S-Class. Size wise, it’s definitely large measuring 203.5-inches (3.5-inches longer than an S-Class), however, the wheelbase is considerably less at 111.7-inches (about 8-inches less than an S-Class). It is also roughly one inch wider than an S-Class.

Sadly, the XTS isn’t rear drive, however, it does feature an all-wheel drive setup. Added handling and agility are provided thanks to 20-inch wheels, and GM’s Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) shocks that measure the road every millisecond and adjust just as fast.

As for the plug-in hybrid system, it uses an electric motor, lithium-ion battery and a 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 gasoline engine to make 350-hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque. Capable of operating as a conventional hybrid, thanks to the plug-in capability, Cadillac claims it can achieve up to twice the efficiency of a conventional hybrid in city driving. The lithium-ion battery can be charged fully in just five hours using a conventional household outlet.

With an imposing look and a powerful and efficient engine, we’re possibly most impressed by the car’s interior. As a concept, it takes Caddy’s “Platinum” line philosophy to the extreme, using ultra high-grade materials and keeping with the Platinum mantra to hand cut and sew the interior leather. There’s also plenty of suede and we even have to admit the wood trim (which we typically hate) looks stunning.

The Cadillac XTS is scheduled to go into production in the near future and we’ll be sure to keep you updated on how close to the concept the production model will be.

GALLERY: Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept

Official release after the jump:

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With no pomp and circumstance, Ford chose the Detroit Auto Show as the first venue to show the new 2011 Mustang GT Coupe and Convertible. With the majority of the news on the 2011 Mustang GT already available, this is actually the first time the convertible model has been shown at all.

As with the coupe, the convertible is powered by Ford’s impressive new 5.0-liter V8, producing 412-hp at 6500 rpm and 390 ft-lbs of torque at 4250 rpm.

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. No specifics are available yet for the convertible, but the coupe model gets an estimated 25 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city, up from 23/17 mpg on the current GT automatic model. Manual transmission models will get 24/16 mpg (highway/city).

Helping to achieve that improved fuel economy is an electric power steering setup. New 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear brakes give added stopping power, while a grade-assist feature 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.

GALLERY: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

BMW has officially unveiled a new entry-level version of its flagship 7 series sedan at the Detroit Auto Show. Priced from $71,025, it undercuts the current 750i by roughly $11,000 bringing the 7-Series into a slightly more affordable bracket.

Using BMW’s twin-turbo inline-six cylinder engine, the 740i (and extended-wheelbase 740Li) make 315-hp at 5800 rpm and 330 ft-lbs of torque from 1600-4500 rpm. That’s V8 power from a six-cylinder. No fuel-economy numbers have yet to be released, but expected the 740i to undercut the 750 by a considerable margin.

Both the BMW 740i and BMW 740Li will be available with all 7 Series options including the M Sport, driver assistance, luxury seating, rear entertainment and BMW Individual Composition packages. The 740Li is priced from $75,425.

The 740i and 740Li join the V8 750i/750Li and V12 760Li in BMW’s flagship line in North America.

GALLERY: BMW 740i

Official release after the jump:

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Hyundai officially introduced the 2010 Santa Fe with two new engine options, a more efficient 3.5L v6 and a 2.4L inline-four.

Mated with a six-speed automatic “Shiftronic” transmission, the four-cylinder claims better fuel economy than the 2009 2.7L V6 Santa Fe. With 175 hp and 169 ft-lbs of torque, less power than the old 2.7L, Hyundai says the new engine provides quicker 0 to 60 acceleration than its predecessor.

The new 3.5L V6 replaces last year’s 3.3L V6. According to Hyundai, the new engine provides 276 hp (compared to the 3.3L’s 242 hp) and 248 ft-lb. of torque (versus 226 ft-lb.) The new engine is also more fuel efficient, rating 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway.

The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe will be available in three trim levels, the GLS, SE and Limited.

The GLS model comes with the four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission (automatic is optional) and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The sportier SE version comes with the V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

The Santa Fe Limited (seen in the photo above) offers a choice of the I4 and the V6. It also offers features from the SE plus leather seating, heated front seats, chrome accents, metal scuff plates and the SE’s optional power tilt-and-slide sunroof .

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe

With the Jeep Grand Cherokee set to launch later this year as a 2011 model, Chrysler’s Jeep brand is adding a new Liberty trim level as well as two new option packages for the Wrangler. Officially debuting at the Detroit Auto Show are the Jeep Liberty Renegade, Jeep Wrangler Mountain Edition and Jeep Wrangler Islander Edition.

Positioned between the Sport and Limited models, the Renegade trim level 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.

The first of two new packages offered for the Wrangler is the Islander Edition, which returns to the Jeep lineup after 20 years. Islander Editions are based on the Wrangler Sport model and are offered 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.

GALLERY: Jeep Wrangler Islander Edition

GALLERY: Jeep Wrangler Mountain Edition

GALLERY: Jeep Liberty Renegade

BMW has just released an all-new high-performance version of the Z4 at the Detroit Auto Show. Called the Z4 sDrive35is, this roadster’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six gets a new air intake system and higher boost pressure to produce a bump in power. With an extra 35-hp and 32 ft-lbs of torque, the new model makes 335-hp and 332 ft-lbs in total. An overboost function will deliver an added boost of torque, bringing the total torque number to 369 ft-lbs. That’s just 11 ft-lbs shy of the M5’s V10 motor.

The added power make the Z4 sDrive35is noticeably faster with a 0-60 mph time of just 4.7 seconds, thanks in part to BMW’s impressive new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

In addition to the engine upgrades, this new model gets M Aerodynamics and an adaptive M Suspension that uses electronically controlled shock absorbers as well as a ride height which has been lowered by 10mm. A set of 18-inch wheels come standard with light-weight 19s optional.

GALLERY: BMW Z4 sDrive35is