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The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.
 |  Apr 20, 10:59 AM

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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.

Get more details on the new Jeep street machine here.

GALLERY: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

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See AutoGuide’s ‘First Look’ video from New York after the jump:

Continue Reading…

 |  Apr 20, 10:52 AM

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The 2013 Ford Taurus was a bit of a surprise for car fans, since the mid-cycle upgrade came early for the barely 3 year old car. Unveiled at the 2011 New York Auto Show, the new Taurus features a host of fairly substantial mechanical upgrades.

First on the list is a 2.0L Ecoboost 4-cylinder engine option, good for 237 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. While performance is expected to be adequate, the real news is a 31 mpg highway rating, which Ford boldly boasted as being better than an Audi A6. Hardly anyone will cross-shop an Audi and a Taurus, but the big Ford should handle better with the addition of a torque-vectoring system, which acts like an ersatz-limited slip differential, using the brakes to control excessive front wheelspin.

MyFordTouch and SYNC, two in car entertainment systems that are likely too advanced for the 60-plus set that buys the car, will also be available. We expect that the 31 mpg rating will be the biggest selling point for Ford’s biggest sedan, with the fact that the Ecoboost is missing two cylinders also downplayed so as not to scare off buyers worried about sluggish performance.

Gallery: 2013 Ford Taurus

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 |  Apr 20, 9:31 AM

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Honda‘s Civic Si sports coupe is back for 2012, and while it may not have gained much in the horsepower stakes, the car’s one great performance shortcoming – a lack of torque – has been remedied with a new 2.4L engine that makes 31 more lb-ft of torque than the outgoing 2.0L motor.

The Civic Si now displaces 201 horsepower (a gain of 4 ponies) and 170 lb-ft of torque. Peak power is a lofty 7000 rpm, like any self-respecting Honda engine should produce, but peak torque comes at 4300 rpm, making it much more accessible in everyday situations. Returning are a 6-speed manual transmission and a mechanical limited slip differential, a combo beloved by everyone who drove the Civic Si around a racetrack.

ABS and stability control will be standard, as well a 360-watt sound system for bumping bass-heavy tunes. An XM sattelite receiver, iPod interface and Bluetooth capability will be standard as well – let’s face it, for many buyers, this aspect matters just as much as a limited-slip diff, and Honda is well aware of it. Those tech goodies come all wrapped up in a nifty new i-MID telematics system with a 5-inch screen in the dash and easy to use 5-way controller on the steering wheel. A navigation system with a 6.5″ display is optional.

The Civic Si will be available in both sedan and coupe body styles when it goes on sale priced from $22,205 for the Coupe and $22,405 for the sedan.

Unveiled today at the New York Auto Show, see live photos from the reveal here.

Read AutoGuide’s 2012 Honda Civic Si reveiw here.

GALLERY: 2012 Honda Civic Si

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Discuss the 9th generation Civic Si at 9thGenCivic.com

 |  Apr 20, 9:31 AM

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The 2012 Civic Hybrid will have the honor of being the second most fuel efficient vehicle on the market, delivering 44 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. While not quite as fuel efficient as the Toyota Prius, the numbers are still excellent, especially considering that Honda‘s hybrid technology is a few steps behind Toyota’s.

Visually, the Civic Hybrid gets its own front grill, headlights, LED taillights, wheels and side mirrors, ostensibly in the name of improving fuel economy via aerodynamics. Lithium-ion batteries also replace the previous generations nickel-metal hydride units, with power coming from a larger 1.5L 4-cylinder engine and a hybrid motor making 27 horsepower. Combined power is 110 -hp at 5500 rpm 127 lb-ft at 1000-3500 rpm.

Like most hybrids, an information screen is present to alert the driver to fuel economy information and other relevant facts. Called i-MID it’s part of Honda’s new telematics system (similar to Ford’s MyFord Touch). Lather and navigation are optional, while a 160-watt sound system and Bluetooth is standard.

Pricing for the Civic Hybrid starts at $24,050. Unveiled today at the New York Auto Show, see live photos from the reveal here.

Read AutoGuide’s 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid review here.

GALLERY: 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

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Discuss the 9th generation Civic Hybrid at 9thGenCivic.com

 |  Apr 20, 8:56 AM

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What you’re looking at is the updated 2013 Ford Taurus SHO and while this model might be the most attractive version of the new car, the big news is with the vehicle’s smallest engine.

As a part of a rather significant mid-cycle refresh, the 3.5-liter V6 gets a boost in power to 290-hp, making room for yet another model in the lineup… a 4-cylinder. As shocking as it may seem that a full sized sedan like the Taurus could be capably powered by a 4-cylinder, this is no regular 4-banger, but a turbocharged EcoBoost mill. Power is rated at a models 237-hp and 250 lb-ft of torque, which seems drastically underpowered by V6 standards, but might be adequate for the Taurus (only a test drive will tell). Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the car is protected to achieve 31-mpg on the highway.

The two other major changes for 2013 are with the car’s style, sporting a Mustang-inspired front end, while inside the Taurus gets Ford’s
MyFord Touch telematics system with easy to use controls and a high-gloss finish that adds plenty of value to this package.

GALLERY: 2013 Ford Taurus SHO

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 |  Apr 20, 8:13 AM

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Twenty years ago Lexus unveiled the first GS luxury sedan sending a shot across the bow of the German luxury sports sedans of the time. The Lexus brand was just an upstart at the time and so the Japanese firm made the wise decision to contact an Italian design studio (Giugiaro Design) to sculpt the vehicle’s sheetmetal.

Fast forward two decades and the GS has become a tired shadow of its former greatness, particularly in the face of new powerhouses from BMW and Mercedes. On the eve of the New York Auto Show, Lexus has revealed the LF-Gh concept, a look not only at the future of the GS sedan, but of the Lexus brand in general.

If the oversized grille is any indication, Lexus has no intention of rolling over and playing dead in front of the Germans, but instead seems poised to attack with performance, luxury and (because it’s a hybrid Lexus) fuel economy. In fact, while many of the design cues (like the low rear bumper) are there to give the car a more serious RWD performance look, the clean lines, flush door handles and lack of side mirrors indicate a focus on aerodynamic fuel efficiency.

Click here for Full 2011 New York Auto Show coverage.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-Gh Concept

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 |  Apr 20, 7:42 AM

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The snobby older brother of the Charger SRT8, Chrysler has revealed a high performance version of its full-size sedan, the 300 SRT8. Powered by the very same 6.4-liter V8 engine it makes 465-hp and an outrageous 465 lb-ft of torque to deliver a 0-60 mph time below 5.0 seconds.

Absent is the brand’s new 8-speed auto, in favor of a trusty 5-speed auto-box from the previous gen. It does offer two transmission modes, however, with an optional Sport mode for aggressive driving.

With some aggressive yet still stylish bodywork including a custom front fascia and blacked-out grille the 300 SRT8 sits half an inch lower and rolls on 20-inch wheels. A Black Chrome package adds on some extra black trim pieces as well as some mean black wheels. Hinting at the power hidden under the hood are massive 4-inch exhaust tips.

To help keep this massive sedan stuck to the ground in the corners is an Adaptive Damping Suspension (ADS) system that takes into account variable like vehicle speed, steering angle, brake force and even lateral and vertical gs. And to slow the big machine there’s a massive set of Brembo brakes with 14.2 inch rotors up front and 13.8-inchers at the rear.

Inside the cabin is upgraded with real carbon fiber trim, plus there’s the 8.4-inch touch screen display that allows you to access many of the car’s tech functions and even measure performance data like 0-60 times, and lateral g-forces. And in case the V8 rumble isn’t enough for you Chrysler does offer an optional 900-watt 19-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system.

Look for live photos from the car’s reveal at the New York Auto Show today.

GALLERY: 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

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 |  Apr 20, 6:39 AM

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Jeep‘s previous generation Grand Cherokee spawned an on-road performance version from the Chrysler Group’s SRT division and ever since the new GC’s debut the same has been expected of the latest and greatest Jeep – especially since the reveal of the Charger SRT8 and it’s new 6.4-liter V8 engine.

Delivering a successor, Jeep has just officially announced a new Grand Cherokee SRT8 for the 2012 model year, sporting that massive V8 powerplant and 465-hp. Paired with a the brand’s AWD setup (which includes a traction control system for Auto, Sport, Track, Tow and Snow) it sprints to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. There are paddle shifters to help you stay in control of all that power, plus a high-tech stability control system can distribute 100 percent of the engine’s torque to just one wheel.

Riding on 20-inch wheels there’s the requisite bad-boy bodywork, while handling is further improved with an adaptive suspension. And to slow the behemoth down is a set of massive Brembo brakes.

Inside, upgrades include some more luxurious touches with leather and suede as well as faux carbon fiber trim pieces, as well as a large touch-screen display. There’s even a 19-speaker, 825 watt sound system – apparently the audio equivalent to the 6.4-liter V8′s power.

Plus, the SRT8 retains a 5,000 lb tow rating so you can embarrass a lot of sports sedans while towing your boat.

GALLERY: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

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See video of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 from New York after the jump:

Continue Reading…

 |  Apr 19, 9:11 PM

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The 2013 Ford Taurus was revealed Monday night on the eve of the New York Auto Show with a few styling tweaks, but the big news is the addition of Ford’s 2.0 Ecoboost engine as an alternative to their V6 engines.

With the addition of the Ecoboost, Ford expects the Taurus to return 31mpg on the highway, an impressive figure for such a hefty vehicle. The 237 horsepower and 250 lb-ft rating is certainly adequate for the needs of most consumers, and we expect it to be a popular option with fuel conscious buyers. A 6-speed automatic remains the transmission of choice, while the 3.5L V6 making 290 horsepower and the SHO’s 360 horsepower Ecoboost V6 remain available.

The MyFordTouch telematics system also makes an appearance, as does a revised front end. The SHO performance model won’t get an upgraded engine just yet, but will see a more aggressive front end and new wheels. The SHO was rumored to get as much as 400-horsepower from a tweaked Ecoboost V6, but so far no announcements have been made. By going with the 4-banger, Ford is hoping to make the idea of a full-size sedan more palatable to consumers in a marketplace more concerned about gas prices than ever before, and look for them to downplay the two missing cylinders as much as they’ll use the 31 mpg rating as a selling point.

GALLERY: 2013 Ford Taurus

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Gallery: 2013 Ford Taurus Live Reveal

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See video of the car from the live reveal after the jump:

Continue Reading…

 |  Apr 19, 8:49 PM

Lexus LF-Gh Concept 04.JPG

Twenty years ago Lexus unveiled the first GS luxury sedan sending a shot across the bow of the German luxury sports sedans of the time. The Lexus brand was just an upstart at the time and so the Japanese firm made the wise decision to contact an Italian design studio (Guigiaro Design) to sculpt the vehicle’s sheetmetal.

Fast forward two decades and the GS has become a tired shadow of its former greatness, particularly in the face of new powerhouses from BMW and Mercedes. Now, on the eve of the New York Auto Show, Lexus has revealed the LF-Gh concept, a look not only at the future of the GS sedan, but of the Lexus brand in general.

If the oversized grille is any indication, Lexus has no intention of rolling over and playing dead in front of the Germans, but instead seems poised to attack with performance, luxury and (because it’s a hybrid Lexus) fuel economy. In fact, while many of the design cues (like the low rear bumper) are there to give the car a more serious RWD performance look, the clean lines, flush door handles and lack of side mirrors indicate a focus on aerodynamic fuel efficiency.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-Gh Concept

Lexus LF-Gh Concept 18.JPGLexus LF-Gh Concept 15.JPGLexus LF-Gh Concept 07.JPGLexus LF-Gh Concept 22.JPGLexus LF-Gh Concept 24.JPGLexus LF-Gh Concept 30.JPG

See video of the car from the live reveal after the jump:

Continue Reading…

 |  Apr 19, 2:15 PM

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There’s such a high-demand for limousine-like versions of cars in China that BMW builds a special extended wheelbase version of its 5 Series just for the world’s largest auto market. The Shanghai Auto Show is, therefore, the perfect venue for Rolls-Royce to roll out an extended wheelbase model of its newest model, the Ghost.

The Ghost Extended Wheelbase (EWB) stretches a total of 6.7 inches, to deliver maximum rear-seat comfort and serious luxury. Plus, it’ll make your chauffeurs job a real PITA.

In addition to the added space between the wheels there’s a new panoramic sunroof so you can admire the universe you likely own a serious portion of.

Pricing hasn’t been released, but judging by the $70,000 premium you’ll pay for a Phantom EWB over a “regular” Phantom look for the Ghost EWB to climb from $245,000 to around the $300,000 mark.

Look for live photos of the car tomorrow, with an expected debut at the New York Auto Show and see AutoGuide’s show coverage here.

GALLERY: Rolls-Royce Ghost EWB

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 |  Apr 19, 1:53 PM

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A day ahead of the planned debut of the 2012 Versa at the New York Auto Show, Nissan has unveiled the car’s Asian-market twin, the Tiida at the Shanghai Auto Show.

Official U.S. specs won’t be available until tomorrow, but the Tiida is powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. Of note, Nissan has said a turbo mode is in the works. What isn’t clear is if its a turbocharged 3-cylinder aimed at fuel economy or if it’s a new hot hatch boasting the Juke’s turbocharged direct-injection 1.8-liter, that makes 188-hp in that car. (We can only hope).

Look for complete details Wednesday, April 20th with AutoGuide’s 2011 New York Auto Show coverage here.

GALLERY: 2012 Nissan Tiida/Versa

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 |  Apr 19, 1:30 PM

Chrysler is set to unveil new versions of their 200 sedan and convertible at the 2011 New York International Auto Show this week. Dubbed the “S” model, these versions will sport some unique cosmetics.

Features unique to the “S” model are as follows: unique front grille with an S model-only Chrysler winged badge with a black background, body color mirrors and door handles, black background headlamps, distinctive 18-inch aluminum wheels with dark painted pockets and “S” badging.

The interior also gets some upgrades which include, perforated leather steering wheel, heated leather front seats with Digital suede inserts and an embroidered “S” on the front head rests, silver accent thread and a standard Boston Acoustic sound system with a 276-watt CD/DVD/MP3/30 gigabyte hard drive media center.

All “S” models will get power from the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6, which produces 283-hp and 260 lb/ft of torque. Power is fed to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.

These added features might not necessarily improve this cars driving characteristics, but does make the car look nicer. The 200 S will go on sale in Spring with prices starting at $32,490.

GALLERY: Chrysler 200 S Convertible and Sedan

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Read AutoGuide’s 2011 Chrysler 200 review here and 200 Convertible review here

Plus, get more news and info on the Chrysler 200 at 200Forums.com

 |  Apr 19, 12:24 PM

The Infiniti JX won’t be shown until the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August. But Infiniti already has big plans for the three-row luxury crossover, setting it into production in 2012 as a 2013 model.

Don’t accuse Infiniti of not planning ahead: the concept will debut in August at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the production version will be shown in Los Angeles in November, and the JX will help Infiniti’s expansion in South and Central America.

Promising styling cues from the stunning Essence concept, the JX will deliver seating for seven, with flexible seating, a spacious third row and the brand’s next-generation telematics system.

As always, AutoGuide will be on-hand at both Pebble Beach and the LA shows to cover the reveal of this new luxury crossover, from concept to reality.

 |  Apr 19, 7:36 AM

While some general info and photos of Honda‘s new 2012 Civic have already been released ahead of the car’s debut at the New York Auto Show tomorrow, more details have been leaked.

Of note we now not only know the engine’s power, but at what rpm. The new 2.4-liter makes just 4 hp more than the old 2.0 but does so at 800 lower rpm. More significantly, the torque jump of 31 ft-lbs comes on at almost 2000 rpm earlier.

Also revealed in the photos are several interior details including a new Power Monitor that appears to measure what percentage of the engine’s power is being used. An equally cool gimmick is Vtec meter that lets you know when you’re in Vtec and looks to light up as you rev up the engine.

Check out the gallery below and look for even more info and high quality photos when the car is unveiled tomorrow at the New York Auto Show.

GALLERY: 2012 Honda Civic Si

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Get more news and info on the 2012 Civic at 9thGenCivic.com

 |  Apr 18, 9:02 PM

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After much buildup Chevy has finally revealed the new 2012 Malibu ahead of its debuts this week at the Shanghai and New York Auto Shows. Nearly three-inches wider and with a big new grille, the Malibu cuts an imposing look more along the likes of what we’re using to seeing from the full-size sedan segment. Boxy flared rear fenders show a design influence from the Camaro, as do square taillights.

The Camaro theme also continues inside with gauges inspired by the iconic sports car. But this is no retro machine with a high-tech color flip-screen built into the dash that is used for the new Chevy MyLink telematics system used to operate many of the car’s high-tech features.

The car’s added width results in improved room inside the vehicle says Chevy, plus there’s more rear legroom too. The added width also translates to improved handling. With a MacPherson strut front end and multi-link rear GM claims, “It has been engineered to be best-in-class and on par with more expensive sports sedans.”

Powering the car is a new 2.5-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder making 190-hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. During the car’s reveal, it was announced that a version of the Malibu will get more than 35-mpg.

GM has indicated that the Malibu will only be available as a 4-cylinder mode, but look for a more potent turbocharged 4-cylinder within the next year.

And because the Malibu is a family car it will come with plenty of safety equipment including 10 airbags and OnStar, plus an optional rearview camera and lane departure warning system with forward collision alert.

Look for live photos Wednesday, March 20th from the car’s debut at the New York Auto Show and see AutoGuide’s complete preview and coverage of the show here.

GALLERY: 2013 Chevy Malibu

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 |  Apr 18, 2:40 PM

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Dodge has released their 2012 Avenger R/T, a slightly hotter version of their mid-size Avenger sedan, with a stiffer chassis, R/T badging and a Pentastar V6 good for 283 horsepower.

Unfortunately, the sole transmission offered is a 6-speed automatic, a decidedly unsporting choice for a supposedly performance oriented car. The slushbox does help with fuel economy, helping the Avenger R/T to return 19 mpg in town and 29 mpg on the highway. Stiffer springs and a larger rear anti-roll bar should help in the handling department, while a Boston Acoustics 276 watt stereo and 30 GB hard drive will keep your ears filled with the sweet melodies of something besides the Pentastar V6.

Look for more photos from the car’s reveal this week at the New York Auto Show.

GALLERY: Dodge Avenger R/T

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 |  Apr 18, 9:13 AM

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First debuting in concept form at the Geneva Auto Show in March, Mazda has now confirmed that its Minagi Concept will be badged as the CX-5 when it goes into production. That will be quite soon, with Mazda set to reveal more details on the Minagi and its SkyActiv engines at the New York Auto Show this week. The CX-5′s official debut will take place at the Frankfurt Auto Show this Fall.

The CX-5 will join the MAzda lineup as the brand’s newest crossover and will sit as an entry-level vehicle below the CX-7 and CX-9. It will also be the first model to incorporate the brand’s new KODO design language, first shown on the Shinari concept.

As for the SkyActiv powertrain, look for something similar to what will arrive in the 2012 Mazda3,with a direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder making around 163-hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and getting close to 40-mpg. The CX-5 could also be the first Mazda to sport a diesel engine in North America.

GALLERY: Mazda Minagi [CX-5]

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 |  Apr 18, 8:55 AM

Rumors had indicated that Jeep would unveil a high-powered version of its Grand Cherokee at the New York Auto Show this week, and a new report by Automotive News seems to confirm as much. But the Grand Cherokee SRT8 won’t be the only heavyweight to hit the stage in New York, with the Chrysler brand also preparing to unveil a more potent version of its 300 sedan.

With both models expect a lower and stiffer suspension, plus some more aggressive bodywork, not to mention larger wheels and upgraded brakes.

Look to the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 for what will power the beasts, with that car making use of a new 6.4-liter V8 engine that delivers 465-hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Both models should be able to do the run to 60 in under 5.0 seconds.

Look for full details and photos from the live reveal in the Big Apple, with AutoGuide’s 2011 New York Auto Show Coverage here.

[Source: Automotive News]

 |  Apr 18, 7:42 AM

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Volkswagen has just revealed the all-new 2012 Beetle, returning the ‘Bug’ to its retro-styled ways. You’ll have to pardon the poor photos though. Officially that isn’t supposed to have debuted yet, but Motor Trend busted the embargo so we’re using their grainy pics.

The replacement for the ‘New Beetle’ the car is set to debut first at the Shanghai Auto Show and then at the 2011 New York Auto Show on Wednesday. Sitting 0.5-inches lower than the previous car, it’s also 3.3-inches wider. With a significantly improved interior, it’s near-luxury inside and that theme flows throughout with items like bi-xenon headlights and 19-inch wheels.

Continuing to be a front-driver, engine choices are no surprise with the usual selection of gasoline and diesel powered VW mills, including a 200-hp 2.0 TFSI, a standard 170-hp 2.5-liter 5-cylinder and a 140-hp TDI engine with 236 lb-ft of torque and a 29/40-mpg rating. The 2.5-liter engine comes with the choice of a 5-speed stick shift or 6-speed manual, while the turbo gas engine gets either a six-speed stick or six-speed dual-clutch unit and the brand’s XDS electronic differential, which first debuted on the 2010 GTI.

Look for live photos on Wednesday, April 20th with out New York Auto Show here.

GALLERY: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

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***UPDATE: Official images now included***

 |  Apr 18, 7:28 AM

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Honda will reveal the all-new 9th generation Civic lineup at the New York Auto Show on Wednesday. Totaling six models, the next-generation of the Civic will include a Coupe and Sedan, Si Coupe and Sedan, Hybrid, Natural Gas model and even a high-mpg HF model.

Powered by a 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine, the new Civic comes up just shot of the 2011 Hyundai Elantra with a 39-mpg highway rating compared to the Korean model’s 40-mpg number. Honda is able to achieve this number without direct-injection, a dual-clutch transmission or even six gears. Yup, the 2012 Civic continues to rely on a 5-speed auto-box.

Those looking for improved fuel economy can opt for a special HF model that makes use of special aerodynamic pieces to help deliver 41-mpg highway. Maximum Honda fuel economy is available with a new Civic Hybrid that gets a 4-mpg bump to achieve a 45-mpg combined rating, while those with a penchant for performance can turn to the Civic Si with a larger 2.4-liter 4-cylinder making 200-hp and 170 lb-ft of torque.

Look for full details on each car Wednesday, March 20th with AutoGuide’s 2011 NY Auto Show coverage here.

GALLERY: 2012 Honda Civic Lineup

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[Source: Automotive News]

Get more news and info on the 2012 Honda Civic at 9thGenCivic.com

 

 |  Apr 16, 8:19 PM

Hyundai has released a lone teaser image of its upcoming 2012 Accent via Twitter ahead of the car’s debut at the NY Auto Show. A cropped profile pic it doesn’t show much, but then again, we’ve already seen it.

Having been shown at several overseas auto shows with a different name on the back, the new sub-compact most recently made its North American debut at the Montreal Auto Show in Canada. We contacted Hyundai Canada and they’ve even provided an extensive gallery of pics of the new sub-compact. U.S. specs have yet to be confirmed, but look for a 1.6-liter direct-injection engine making 138-hp, plus the Accent should deliver 41-mpg on the highway.

Look for full coverage on Wednesday, April 20th and see AutoGuide’s complete 2011 NY Auto Show coverage here.

 

GALLERY: 2012 Hyundai Accent

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Plus, see our video of the 2012 Accent from its showing at the Canadian International Auto Show after the jump:

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 |  Apr 15, 11:00 PM

Volvo is teasing a new concept for us—but they won’t tell us what car it is, or what show it’s going to debut at. Volvo, why must you torture us so?

The “Concept Universe,” as they have dubbed it, so far consists of a short video that reveals some sketches and a fastback, four-door-coupe shape underneath a car cover. But some reports have speculated that it could represent a range-topping S90 model—a step above the current S80. Volvo’s corporate overlords Geely have expressed interest in going against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, and Audi A8, so this could be the opportune moment for Volvo to capture the large car market, both in China and worldwide.

The Volvo Concept Universe will either debut at the New York Auto Show on April 20th, or in Shanghai on April 19th. We will have more details as Volvo teases us some more.

Watch the video after the jump:

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 |  Apr 14, 5:20 PM

The 2012 Kia Rio and a facelifted Soul will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show next week.

The Rio and its five-door hatch Rio5 will get the same design language and H-shaped grille as the rest of the Kia lineup. The Rio sedan was last shown at Geneva, but the Rio5 hatchback will be an all-new debut. Both Rios will feature direct-injection and stop-and-go technology, enabling 40mpg on the highway or better.

The new Soul will get LED headlights and more streamlined styling, as well as a host of new six-speed transmissions that will deliver 35mpg.