Our friends over at Left Lane News have grabbed the first video of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 clearing its pipes, and just like the last version, it sounds downright mean.

Unveiled at the 2011 New York Auto Show, the fastest Jeep packs a 6.4L Hemi V8 with 465 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. 60 mph comes up in 4.8 seconds, and the Cherokee is also capable of pulling 0.9 G on the skidpad. Jeep’s traditional 4-wheel drive system is replaced with an AWD setup that can send 100 percent of power to one rear wheel if needed.

Hit the jump to check out the video of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 revving its engine, and don’t forget to turn up your speakers.

[Source: Left Lane News]

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The Scion FR-S, née Toyota FT-86 II Concept, Subaroyota, etc, finally gets a chance to open up its pipes for us in this exclusive video.

The Scion evolution of the long-teased Toyota concept was shown at the New York Auto Show, but this is the first time it’s actually been turned on. Scion has said that under the hood is a Subaru-sourced 4-cylinder boxer engine, mated to a Toyota direct-injection system.

Now that we know there’s an actual drivetrain under that cherry red paint, it shows that Toyota is one step closer to actually putting it into production. And just think: maybe in about 10 years, they’ll actually get around to, you know, building the thing.

Click the jump to hear the Scion FR-S start up and rev itself. And don’t set your expectations very high.

GALLERY: Scion FR-S

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There are a lot of important points to make about the all-new 2012 Kia Rio Sedan, but the most surprising is that it will be the first in the sub-compact segment to feature start-stop technology. Called Idle Stop and Go (ISG for short), the Rio will completely shut off its gasoline engine when at a stop and immediately restart it just before the gas pedal is pressed.

Powered by the same 1.6-liter direct-injection engine found in the new 2012 Hyundai Accent, the Rio also gets the same 30-mpg city and 40-mpg highway rating. Those EPA ratings don’t include technology like ISG, however, so real-world fuel economy could exceed the EPA estimates.

And as impressive as those fuel economy numbers are, the Rio doesn’t loose out in power either, making 138-hp and sharing the title of the most potent engine in the sub-compact class.

Kia continues to deliver in the design department as well, offering more style in the sub-compact segment than you’d expect. The Rio sedan even gets a slightly different front end to its Rio5 hatchback counterpart.

Available in three trim levels LX models include 15-inch steel wheels and not much else, while the EX trim brings features like power locks, windows and keyless entry as well as Bluetooth. The top-level SX trim includes fog lights, LED daytime running lights, dual chrome-tipped exhaust pipes, turn signal indicators, a leather wrapped steering wheel, the Microsoft UVO infotainment system with a rear-view camera and 17-inch wheels.

Options include that ISG setup as a part of the Eco Package, while SX models can be had with the Premium Package that delivers navigation, a push-button start, leather heated seats and a moonroof.

Official pricing has yet to be released, but the Rio will start at under $13,000.

GALLERY: 2012 Kia Rio Sedan

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After re-launching in North America last year, Fiat has just introduced its second model to our shores, the 500 Cabrio. A ‘convertible’ version of the 500 hatchback, the Cabrio is a different sort of drop-top as it retains the factory roof structure, but with a retractable material top instead of sheetmetal. Because of that structure, the 500 Cabrio is unique in that it offers the exact same interior room as the original hatchback. Yet another advantage is that the material roof can be operated at speed of up to 60 mph.

Priced at $19,500 it retails for a $4,000 premium over the standard model, Fiat brand boss Laura Suave, introducing the car today at the New York Auto Show, says it’s the smallest price differential between a standard model and its cabriolet version on the market. Two versions will be offered, an entry-level Pop and a top-trim Lounge.

As with the 500 hatchback there will be plenty of customization options from everything to interior and exterior colors, as well as accessories, while the Cabrio also gets the choice of three material top colors: red, tan and black.

Much of the rest of the car remains the same with a 101-hp 1.4-liter engine.

GALLERY: Fiat 500 Cabrio

Get more Fiat 500 news and info at Fiat500Owners.com

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The car the launched Kia‘s transformation from an auto industry back-marker to a legitimate brand, the Soul has received a list of mid-cycle upgrades for 2012.

New front and rear fascias give a cleaner look to the Soul, while a new hood design has also been incorporated, all of which works to give the car a smoother exterior appearance. Perhaps more noticeable are new LED taillights and even LED daytime running lights. Plus, new for 2012 are two additional paint colors, Canyon and Moss. Inside there are some new items depending on trim level, with the biggest news being the UVO Sync-style system for the Soul! and Soul sport, which comes as part of a Premium Package with leather, heated seats, Nav, climate control and a push-button ignition.

The most significant changes come under the hood, however, with a new 1.6-liter direct-injection engine on base models, delivering 135-hp (up 11%) and 121 lb-ft of torque. Thanks also to new six-speed manual transmission, fuel economy is up to 28/34 mpg. Those in search of a bit more pep can upgrade to a 2.0-liter engine that makes 160-hp (up 13%) and 143 lb-ft of torque. Plus, the added power comes with little drawback by way of fuel economy with a rating of 27/33-mpg, with your choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

GALLERY: 2012 Kia Soul

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A much larger event than in past years, the 2011 New York Auto Show had important debuts from most every automaker. Most notable among the reveals was the Scion FR-S sports car that will go on sale in the U.S. next year.

Small cars played prominently with a new Nissan Versa, Honda Civic, Subaru Impreza, Volkswagen Beetle, Fiat 500 Cabriolet, Kia Soul, Kia Rio Sedan, Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Sonic Z-Spec and even a new compact car concept from Mercedes, the A-Class Concept.

High performance models were still represented with the Chrysler 300 SRT8 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, plus Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe.

Plus, this year’s 2011 World Car of the Year award went to the Nissan Leaf.

See all the videos after the jump and get all the 2011 New York Auto Show news here:

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Debuting the new 2012 Impreza at the New York Auto Show, Subaru has followed through on a larger plan to deliver vehicles that better suit the demands of customers, with toned-down styling and more interior room. Plus, like all new compact cars, fuel economy has increased significantly.

Billing the car as the most fuel efficient AWD car to be offered in North America, the Impreza will get 27-mpg in the city and 36-mpg on the highway. That’s a few clicks short of most competitors, but the Impreza is unique in offering AWD.

Power comes from a new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine with 148-hp and 145 lb-ft of torque and comes with either a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic.

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 New York Auto Show coverage here.

GALLERY: 2012 Subaru Impreza

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Joining the C-Class, C-Class Coupe and C63 AMG Sedan, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe is powered by the same 6.2-liter V8 from the sedan, making 451-hp and a serious 443 lb-ft of torque and can hit 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

But if you’ve got an AMG-type personality, then the AMG Performance package is the way to go with a modified engine that delivers 481-hp. Other upgrades include even more capable AMG brakes (painted red), a carbon fiber trunk lid spoiler, and an AMG steering wheel coated in Alcantara. AMG Performance Package equipped models shave a tenth of a second off to 60 mph, and raise the top speed from 155-mph to 174.

All models get a wider track with a more aggressive aero package, an upgraded suspension package, more direct steering, plus big 18-inch alloy wheels coated in 235/40/18 tires up front and 255/35/18 tires in the rear.

Keeping those tires gripped to the road should be a challenge, and making smokey burnouts all the more easy to achieve is a three-stage Electronic Stability Program that can be shut completely off.

For all the New York Auto Show news, see our coverage page here.

GALLERY: Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe

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Calling it, “the most powerful and technologically advanced Jeep ever,” Jeep brand CEO Mike Manley today unveiled the new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 at the New York Auto Show. And he isn’t kidding.

Transforming the capable off-roader to a serious street machine, the team at SRT revamped the entire package to deliver sports car statistics. Impressive numbers include a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds and a quarter mile time in the mid 13 second range. And it’s not just a straight-line monster either, with a 0.9 G rating on the skidpad and a 60-0 braking distance of just 116 feet.

To achieve all that performance Jeep completely reworked the Grand Cherokee with a new 465-hp 6.4-liter V8, that makes an equally incredible 465 lb-ft of torque. Its been fitted under the hood of the GC chassis that’s been dropped one inch on new 20-inch wheels and features an adaptive suspension as well as the Quadra-trac AWD setup that can deliver up to 100 percent of the power to one rear wheel.

Adding plenty of style is an aggressive aero package, LED running lights, a sculpted hood with air vents. And inside there’s a custom interior with leather and Alcantara seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and real carbon fiber trim.

GALLERY: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

The Chevrolet Sonic actually looks like a good vehicle, and not just in relative terms to the outgoing Aveo that it replaces. In a classic case of misplaced good intentions, Chevrolet decided to take things up a level with their Sonic Z-Spec package, that combines questionable visual patterns with the color palette of a Creamsicle.

In addition to the goofy graphics, the Z-Spec package includes exhaust tip, roof spoiler, mirror caps, grille surrounds and a choice of 16″ or 17″ wheels, while the interior gets a an aluminum door sill kit and aluminum pedals. While the Sonic Z-Spec is supposed to capture the hearts and minds of young buyers, we think that the 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and 40 mpg rating are much better ways to sell your product, as opposed to slathering your new car in orange-and-white polka dots.

Gallery: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Z-Spec