***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]

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

New photos of the Honda CR-Z have surfaced online, this time showing the new hybrid sports car’s interior and engine. Inside the cabin looks quite premium and has a typically Honda design. The seats look extremely well bolstered, although head room doesn’t exactly look plentiful. There are photos showing both the manual and automatic (likely CVT) shifters, as well as a LCD display screen and several images showing the speedometer and how it changes color to reflect the driving efficiency.

There’s also a shot of the 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 Hybrid

[Source: TOV]

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

Contrary to previous reports that Chrysler will not present any new models at the Detroit Auto Show in just a few weeks, there is now word that the struggling U.S. automaker will show a new car based on a Lancia platform. The Lancia badge is a sub-brand under Fiat, which now runs Chrysler.

There is no word on what sort of a vehicle it will be, but Fiat is eager to help Chrysler where it needs help most – in the small and mid-size car market. This new model would be the first idea of how Fiat intends to integrate its European designs into the North American marketplace.

Previous reports have suggested the first new Lancia-based Chrysler model would be a premium hatchback, something along the lines of the Delta (above).

Fiat’s larger plan for Chrysler will have it closely integrated with Lancia, the two brands sharing platforms. Fiat has said Chrysler will revamp or replace all of its models over the next few years, adding four new Fiat based products by the end of 2010.

AutoGuide’s live coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show starts January 11th.

GALLERY: Lancia Delta

[Source: Bloomberg]

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

After unveiling the production version of the CTS Coupe at the LA Auto Show just a few weeks back, Cadillac is set to unveil the high-powered version of the very same car at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Plus, it will be joined by an all-new concept car.

As for the V, it will get the Coupe’s basic lines plus some more aggressive aero work. Under the hood will be a familiar supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that pumps out an incredible 556-hp and 551 ft-lbs of torque. Also expect some big wheels and tires, massive Brembo brakes and magnetic ride shock absorbers.

The debut of this car was pretty much a given and so we’re more excited to see the new concept vehicle. Cadillac says it will be the, “latest in its series of dynamic designs.” Past designs have included such impressive machines as the CTS Coupe Concept, Converj and let’s not forget the Cadillac Sixteen. Could this new concept be an idea of what Caddy has in store for the ATS 3-Series fighter or the XTS flagship, or is it, perhaps a look further into the future at some sort of sports car or a serious luxury sedan competitor to cars like the BMW 7 Series and Lexus LS?

AutoGuide will bring you live coverage of the Detroit Auto Show starting January 11th.

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

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

Along with a long list of Chevy products set to debut at the Detroit Auto Show, GM will deliver unconventional new vehicles for both Buick and GMC. First up is a high-performance Buick Regal, thought to be called the GS. Based on the European Opel Insignia OPC, the Regal GS will use a 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 to make 325-hp and put that power to the ground using an all-wheel drive setup.

In addition to this gotta-gave Buick, GM’s GMC brand will debut its smallest model ever, based on the upcoming Chevy Orlando MPV. This smaller-than-a-mini-van vehicle will be a sister car to the Orlando but is aimed at a different segment of the market. While the Orlando is intended to compete with vehicles like the Mazda5, Kia Rondo and Dodge Journey (not to mention the upcoming Ford C-Max), the GMC version, dubbed the GMC Granite, is aimed at the youth market. The Granite would then target cars like the Nissan Cube, Scion xB and Kia Soul with styling and youth-oriented features.

We have to think that it would probably be best if GMC stayed true to its truck roots, but with GMC’s masculine traits laid over a boxy body shell, this might be the right model to make the GMC brand popular in urban markets.

[Source: CanadianDriver]

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

After details of the 2011 Mustang GT leaked out late yesterday, the folks at AutoWeek decided to blow more of the embargoed information and then additional outlets in attendance couldn’t help themselves by pouring on the details. As we reported yesterday, the 2011 Mustang GT will in fact get a 5.0-liter V8 engine making 412-hp. That power will come on at a lofty 6500 rpm with torque rated at an impressive 390 ft-lbs. 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.

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

Editors Note: We’ve decided not to officially list a source for this story as we don’t want to post a link-back to an embargo breaking source.

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

***UPDATE*** Official 2011 Mustang GT info and pictures here ***UPDATE***

***UPDATE*** Additional information has now leaked out, with the new 5.0-liter V8 making 412-hp at 6500 rpm and an impressive 390 ft-lbs of torque ***UPDATE***

It’s official, the 5.0 is back! That’s right… we learned today that the iconic 5.0-liter will return in the 2011 Mustang GT with an impressive 412-hp. This information was released today and was embargoed until the 28th, but after a loose-lipped individual leaked the info, we’re certainly not going to sit back and miss out.

The output is still short of both the Challenger SRT8 and Camaro SS, but those vehicles weigh hundreds of pounds more, so the added power, combined with the ‘Stangs more nimble chassis should make the already superior performer a unanimous winner in the muscle cars wars.

Ford is set to debut the car at the Detroit Auto Show, and the return of the 5.0 was expected after Ford debuted a new 305-hp 3.7-liter V6 for the base Mustang at the LA Auto Show.

AutoGuide will bring you full coverage of the official debut on January 11th, unless, of course, more info is leaked… because we’re currently sitting on a long list of technical specs that will have five-oh fanatics drooling.

At a technology briefing held today at Ford’s Advance Engineering Center in Dearborn, MI, company representatives gave a sneak peak at the automaker’s green plans. The lineup includes official introduction plans for both a battery electric vehicle and Ford’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

The PHEV will arrive in 2011 and Ford has said it will debut in a C-Class (compact) platform. While rumors have suggested this could be a new Lincoln model, Sue Cischke, Ford Group VP for Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, all but laid those to rest by commenting that in order to keep costs low, the different powertrain options will be rolled out using the same platform. In other words… look for a Focus plug-in hybrid in 2011.

Ford has decided to go the same route as Toyota when it comes to plug-in hybrid technology, having their plug-in hybrid operate in essentially the same way as a conventional hybrid with a mixture of gasoline and electric power used to move the car. This is different from the formula used by Chevy and the upcoming Volt, which uses gasoline to power the electric motor, which powers the car. Ford didn’t discuss pricing, but did say that their system allows for a much smaller battery. As a result, the battery will be much less expensive, meaning the Ford PHEV, is likely to cost significantly less than the Volt’s targeted $40,000 price point. The Ford PHEV will use a lithium-ion unit.

As for the battery electric vehicle (BEV), it will be just that… a vehicle, a not a car. While an electric Focus is due in 2011, next year Ford will debut an electric version of its new Transit Connect utility truck. Ford representatives acknowledged the problems of launching BEV’s on a large scale and Cischke did say that BEV’s would need the help of government incentives in order to break into the marketplace. Another major problem in getting electric cars into the marketplace is that electric stations need to be created, and while cost certainly is an issue, the larger problem is that Ford’s aroach to the U.S. market is national, while electricity providers are regional.

Ford is expected to debut the all new Focus at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show in January and we expect to hear more about the introduction of its first plug-in hybrid then or shortly thereafter. AutoGuide’s Detroit Auto Show coverage begins January 11th.