Volkswagen revealed the new 2012 Passat the night before the 2011 Detroit Auto Show but we’ve now got the first live photos of the Tennessee-produced mid-sized sedan.

As reported yesterday, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be available with three drivetrains, a 170 hp 2.5l five-cylinder engine (with five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, a 140 hp 2.0l TDI Clean Diesel engine (with an estimated fuel economy of 43 mpg) and a 3.6l VR6 featuring 280 hp and an estimated 28 mpg. The Passat VR6 will also come standard with a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.

The Passat will be available in three trims, S, SE and SEL, all with safety features such as Intelligent Crash Response Systems, a tire pressure monitoring system, ABS with braking assistant, and six airbags. Manual transmission models will also get hill climb assist.

GALLERY: 2012 Volkswagen Passat

Please visit our Passat Forum for more news on the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, at http://www.passatworld.com.

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Chrysler President and CEO Olivier Francois cast his company as the underdog about to fight back after being knocked down. Francois opened Chrysler’s 2011 Detroit Auto Show press conference by reciting lyrics from Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”. After not introducing anything new last year, Chrysler is bouncing back, unveiling the final piece of its completely revamped 2011 lineup, the re-designed Chrysler 300c.

Chrysler’s flagship 300C sedan has been completely revamped. The interior has been revised with a new iPad-like 8.4-inch touch screen infotainment center a major focal point. Other optional luxury upgrades include heated and coolest seats, a dual-pane sunroof, and 20-inch wheels.

Up front, the 300C gets Chrysler’s new front grille design with the horizontal blades, though Mopar will offer mesh grilles for people who prefer the old look. At the back, the 300C’s trunk slopes directly into the rear bumper.

As previously revealed, the 300 gets the new Pentastar V6 as standard with 292-hp and 260 ft-lbs of torque. A Hemi V8 is optional with 5.7-liters of displacement and Chrysler’s new Fuel Saver Technology that shuts down cylinders when not in need to conserve fuel (Chrysler claims fuel economy of 30 mpg). Output is rated at 360-hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque.

GALLERY: 2011 Chrysler 300C Debut

GALLERY: 2011 Chrysler 300C

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As part of Ford‘s “One World” plan, a single platform will be used across all markets worldwide. While we reap the benefits with the all-new Focus and C-Max, there can be trade-offs when different markets require different attributes in a vehicle. With the Ford Vertrek Concept, unveiled today at the Detroit Auto Show, the Blue Oval is hoping to synchronize the very American Escape SUV, and the equally European Kuga compact crossover.

Styling-wise, the Vertrek takes after the Kuga, as it abandons the Escapes boxy sheet metal for a fluid look that utilizes Ford’s new design language. Cargo room is comparable to the Escape, suggesting a bigger footprint than the Kuga, while a 1.6L Ecoboost 4-cylinder and a Ford TDCi diesel will be offered (with the latter likely for Europe only).

A start-stop system as well as a mild regenerative braking system will also be offered, with Ford touting as much as 10 percent less C02 emissions, and an equivalent bump in fuel economy thanks to the new technologies. While the Vertek is officially billed as a concept, expect to see the production version to look nearly identical to what was seen at Detroit.

GALLERY: Ford Vertrek Debut

GALLERY: Ford Vertrek

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Laughed at for decades as a poseur luxury brand, the folks at Buick might be the ones chucking now. And that little smirk might turn into an all out bellow as Buick is poised to begin threatening seriously established luxury automakers from Germany and Japan – at least when it comes to the sales race.

At the unveiling of the all new 2012 Verano compact luxury sedan at the Detroit Auto Show, Buick announced that it is now the fastest growing luxury brand in the U.S. with sales spiking 52 percent in 2010. That puts Buick ahead of established brands like Acura, Infiniti, Lincoln and even Audi.

Better yet, 40 percent of Buick sales are conquest, not just from other automakers, but from brands outside General Motors.

Leading the charge for Buick is the LaCrosse, with sales up 120 percent in 2010. Buick aims to grow that further in 2011 with a new eAssist hybrid system that will give the car 37-mph on the highway – way ahead of any competitor. Don’t want a hybrid? No problem: Buick will toss in the V6 as a no charge option.

Another hugely successful model for Buick in 2010 is the Enclave SUV. On sale for 4 years now, 2010 proved to be its best year, up 50 percent in sales.

Certain to help grow Buick further, the new Verano is based on the same platform as the Chevy Cruze and shares many of the same suspension parts including the Watts Z-link rear end that was designed to offer the best attributes of an independent rear suspension (namely, handling and ride comfort) with the best parts of a torsion beam setup (being lighter, less expensive and taking up less space).

Under the hood, the Verano will get GM’s 2.4-liter Ecotec 4-cylinder, delivering a sizable step up in performance over the Cruze. Power is rated at 177-hp and 170 ft-lbs of torque and when matched to a six-speed automatic will achieve 31-mpg on the highway. Buick is also planning to offer a version of its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which makes 220-hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque in the Regal Turbo. A 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds is promised for the base engine, so look for a turbo model that might dip into the 6s.

Inside Buick promises true luxury, although don’t expect too much with a rumored starting price of around $20,000. Still, standard and optional features include a pretty impressive list of goodies like a push-button ignition, dual-zone climate control, heated leather seats and a heated steering wheel.

Perhaps more important is the overall refinement with soft-touch materials throughout, ambient lighting and minimal gaps between panels. Although if Buick is looking for a younger demographic they might have wanted to pass on the woodgrain accenting that’s certain to look as genuine as a made-in-Taiwan Louis Vuitton bag.

Outside the Verano is styled more like the large LaCrosse than the Regal, with a prominent waterfall grille. Standard rolling hardware includes 17-inch wheels, although 18s are optional.

Pricing for the 2012 Buick Verano will be revealed closer to its on-sale date later this year.

Please visit our Buick Verano forums for more news and information at: http://www.veranotalk.com/

GALLERY: 2012 Buick Verano Debut

GALLERY: 2012 Buick Verano

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A dramatic departure from the current model, Ford‘s new Vertrek Concept previews the next generation Escape crossover. Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Vertrek trades the current model’s boxy SUV look for more stylish, though still aggressive, lines.

Based on the same architecture as the 2012 Ford Focus, the Vertrek will be a global vehicle, and is also set to replace the Kuga crossover in Europe. Overseas customers won’t be nearly so shocked with it’s design, as it more of an evolutionary change from the current Kuga.

But there’s more to this story than a new shape, with the Vertrek also sporting one of Ford’s new EcoBoost engines. Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. This same engine has also just been revealed in the 2011 Ford C-Max, making 168-hp and 173 ft-lbs of torque. If Ford follows the same strategy as with the C-Max, look for a production model to get an equally-powerful 168-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder standard, with the EcoBoost version selling for a premium.

Helping to further improve fuel economy is Ford’s Auto Start-Stop system, that shuts off the engine at idle (like at a red light) and then starts it again when the driver lifts off the brake and goes to accelerate away. Ford claims this technology alone can improve fuel economy from 5 to 10 percent depending on the type of driving you do.

Yet another fuel-saving technology employed on the Vertrek is what Ford calls Smart Regenerative Charging, which works by only recharging the battery under braking, thereby reducing the drag on the engine (freeing up both horsepower and improving fuel economy) under acceleration. Both Auto Start-Stop and Smart Regenerative Charging will be offered on the next generation Ford Escape, as well as numerous other Blue Oval models starting in 2012.

While Ford hasn’t confirmed as much, the Vertrek will get some slight styling revisions and then head to market in the not-too-distant future as yet another model derived from the same platform as the Focus. In total, Ford is planning as many as 10 models for the U.S. that will ride on this shared structure.

The use of new ‘green’ technology and engines is a given and will help Ford attract plenty of customers, although unlike with many of Ford’s other products, the Vertrek represents a much larger gamble, moving away from the Escape that continues to be a top seller in the important and fast-growing compact crossover segment.

GALLERY: Ford Vertrek Concept

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Chrysler displayed a sportier Mopar-tuned version of its new 200 mid-sized sedan at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Dubbed the Chrysler 200 Super S, the concept provides a look at what a future sport-oriented version of the 200 may look like.

Mopar lowered the car by three inches and added a number of accessories including a gloss black mesh grille, lower chin spoiler, vented hood, 19-inch wheels, decklid spoiler, rear valance and two-tone paint.

Will we see a 200 S enter production any time soon? Not likely. It’s worth noting the 200 Super S was the only Mopar-ized model Chrysler displayed that was fenced off by a small glass barrier, and the interior including the previously announced Katzkin leather seats was not available for viewing. The vented hood wasn’t even included in the preview image released in the days before the show, suggesting the 200 Super S concept is still very much a work in progress.

GALLERY: Mopar Chrysler 200 S

To the surprise of absolutely no one, the Chevrolet Volt was awarded the 2011 North American Car of the Year.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized as the North American Car of the Year,” said GM CEO Dan Akerson after being handed the award at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. “Since development began, we believed the Volt had the potential to transform the automotive industry. Today, the Volt is the first electric vehicle to win the prestigious North American Car of the Year award, and the first vehicle ever to receive the industry’s highest automotive, technology, and environmental recognitions.”

Apart for the Volt’s quantum leap in extended drive technology, it represents the new General Motors, recently emerged from bankruptcy and ready to take on the world’s finest yet again.

An American take on the electric car, the Volt delivers electric power for 25 to 50 miles, after which the gasoline engine kicks in to charge the lithium-ion battery pack an enable an additional 300 miles.

The announcement also follows on the heels of the Nissan Leaf (one of the other finalists for the 2011 North American Car of the Year award) being named European Car of the Year.

North American automotive publications have lauded the Volt, with the car recently winning the Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year, as well as a very long list of other accolades from Popular Science, Car and Driver, Ward’s AutoWorld and the Green Car Journal (2011 Green Car of the Year).

Read AutoGuide’s Review of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt by Clicking Here

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The Motor City is absolutely frigid this time of year, but the 2012 BMW 650i Convertible, unveiled today at the Detroit Auto Show, has us dreaming of warmer climates that would be appropriate for the Bavarian firm’s newest droptop boulevard cruiser.

Powered by BMW’s newest 4.4L twin-turbo V8, the 650i will put its 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft to the ground thanks too a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic. 60 mph comes up in 4.9 seconds, while the top can be lowered in only 19 seconds. A 10 inch LCD screen dominates the cabin, while a heads-up display is optional.

Compared to the awkward styling of the previous 650i, the new car has grown into its hefty shape, with an aggressive new front end and a less pear-shaped rear end. No mention of a hardtop version, but we wouldn’t doubt it considering the coupe’s long history. We were a little surprised that a hardtop convertible wasn’t offered like the 3-Series, but evidently there’s a method to BMW’s madness.

GALLERY: BMW 650i Convertible

As rumored, Porsche has revealed a hard-top racing version of its 918 Spider concept at the Detroit Auto Show. Looking absolutely breathtaking and sporting some traditional Porsche motorsports livery, company execs stopped short of confirming it as a car ready to hit the race track.

Proudly displayed on the hood is the number 22, in homage to the 917 short-tail coupe, which placed first overall at the 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Using a V8 engine with 563-hp at 10,300 rpm, the RSR Spider makes use of a similar hybrid setup as the one found in the company’s successful GT3 R Hybrid race car to deliver a total of 767-hp thanks to an electric boost of power to the front wheels.

The next step in Porsche’s hybrid plans, company execs commented at the reveal that the car the continuation of a study not only for the street but also for  the track. Further driving the point home, Porsche’s newly appointed head of motorsports said that with the 918 RSR, they hope to ”continue Porsche’s success in motorsports.”

GALLERY: Porsche 918 RSR Live Reveal

GALLERY: Porsche 918 RSR

Official release and video after the jump:

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Cadillac‘s entry in the SCCA World Challenge GT series broke cover at the 2011 North American International Auto Show early Monday morning, looking very much like a proper race car.

Sporting Cadillac’s supercharged LS9 V8, the CTS-V Race car looked to have a full rollcage, a proper bucket seat, massive Brembo brakes and steamroller sized wheels and tires.

We expect to know more shortly, but in the mean time, check out our gallery of Cadillac’s CTS-V Racer.

Gallery: Cadillac CTS-V Race Car

Short of revealing the new Aventador LP700-4 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Lamborghini revealed a new selection of details about it’s upcoming supercar, which company CEO Stephan Winkelmann says will be the trendsetter of the next decade.

At a private event the night before the Detroit Auto Show, company execs confirmed that the successor to the Murcielago will keep the current cars DNA, retaining scissor doors, AWD and the current models massive air intakes. All the rest, however, will be new.

Winkelmann confirmed that the car will get a carbon fiber chassis; and not just a tub like the McLaren F1, but a complete shell including the roof. Plus carbon fiber will be used for the rocket panels as well. As rumored, the LP700-4 will get a pushrod suspension setup, similar to those found on race cars. “This will be the first time such a suspension is used on a normal production car,” said Winkelmann.

Lamborghini has already announced details of the car’s new engine, which will displace 6.5-liters and have 12-cylinders. Power will be rated at roughly 690-hp. It will be 18 percent more powerful than the Murcielago, while also emitting 20 percent fewer emissions says Lamborghini R&D boss Maurizio Reggiani . As for the transmission, Lamborghini will make use of its new ISR 7-speed transmission – the first use of a 7-speed with a V12 in the industry. With five gear settings, (auto strada, auto sport, strada, sport and corsa) the innovative transmission will be able to deliver shift times of just 50 ms in Corsa – which is almost as quick as a Formula 1 car.

Reggiani says that in Auto Strada mode shifts will be close to 300 to 400 ms to allow for a more comfortable drive, with 150 ms in the manual shift modes. As for the decision to not use a dual-clutch setup, Reggiani says it is for two reasons. “We decided to use a single clutch because first we want the customer to feel the emotion in shifting. Second we want to reduce weight.” Further explaining himself, Reggiani says that a dual-clutch setup would be 20 kg heavier and also less efficient, as in order for a dual-clutch to deliver the ‘shift-shock’ feeling of changing gears, it needs to interrupt the delivery of power. Not so with the ISR.

As for the rest of the car it will be more ergonomic than even the Gallardo, with space for larger drivers. The dash will feature a new TFC instrument cluster, meaning that it won’t have traditional physical gauges, but that all instrumentation will be displayed on a screen.

Previewing most everything but the shape of the actual car, unfortunately Lamborghini won’t be making the big reveal in Detroit. Instead, look for the car at the Geneva Auto Show in March.

Originally launched at the Paris Auto Show as the new Chevrolet Aveo, General Motors is rebranding the car as the Sonic. With the Aveo name hardly revered in the industry it’s more than just a smart marketing move, giving an all-new name to an all-new car.

Debuting at the Detroit Auto Show today in both hatchback and (for the first time) sedan forms, the Sonic will compete against established rivals in the sub-compact segment like the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, not to mention newcomers like the Ford Fiesta. Aiming to attract younger buyers with sporty styling, the Sonic also has power on tap with a standard 135-hp 1.8L 4-cylinder, as well as an optional 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder – both of which are borrowed from the Chevy Cruze.

No fuel economy numbers have been released but expect close to 40-mpg highway from the 1.4T engine, which in a special Cruze Eco model actually manages 42-mpg. Helping get what will no doubt be excellent fuel economy is a 6-speed automatic transmission, with the option of a 6-speed stick shift on 1.4T models.

The interior looks to be a massive leap forward from the Aveo, taking inspiration from the Cruze and using higher-grade materials. And like the Aveo RS concept from last year’s Detroit show, it retains the motorcycle-inspired instrumentation with a large, circular analog tachometer and a digital speedometer.

Designed for functionality the Sonic hatchback gets 19 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats, which expands to 37 cu-ft with the seats folded flat. Chevy claims that’s better than the Fiesta, although in terms of roominess, the Fiesta is hardly a benchmark in the segment. The Sonic sedan does, however, get 15 cubic feet of space, which is roughly the same size as you might expect in a mid-size sedan.

As for features, all models will come equipped with stability control and 10 airbags, while optional goodies include remote start and heated front seats.

Pricing for the Sonic sedan and hatch will be released closer to the car’s on sale date later this year.

GALLERY: Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback

GALLERY: Chevrolet Sonic Sedan

Official release after the jump:

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Ford has just revealed two more examples of what kind of future the automaker is planning. Debuting at the Detroit Auto Show, the C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi (plug-in hybrid) clearly show the Blue Oval’s plan to expand the electrification of the vehicle, while also enforcing its position that the compact car is the way of the future.

Based on the same architecture as the new 2012 Ford Focus, the C-Max Hybrid and Energi join the new C-Max MPV, as well as the Focus hatchback, sedan and Focus Electric as a part of a plan to bring to market no fewer than 10 vehicles all based on the same global platform.

Like the Focus Electric, both models get a subtle restyle (complete with Aston Martin grille), although unlike the standard C-Max, these electrified versions only provide room for five – not seven.

While Ford isn’t releasing specifics on either powertrain, both vehicles will use a lithium ion battery pack. In the Focus Hybrid it will be a part of a system similar in principle to that of the Ford Fusion Hybrid and will operate the same. However, the lighter and more powerful battery promises to deliver big advantages with Ford claiming it will be able to drive on pure electric power above the 47 mph of the Fusion Hybrid. Ford also says to expect better fuel economy than the Fusion Hybrids 41-mpg rating.

As for the C-Max Energi, it will use a lithium ion battery that can be charged by plugging-in over night, so that initially the car will run on just electric power, before it reverts to operating like a conventional hybrid. In total it will deliver a range in excess of 500 miles – more than any other plug-in or extended range vehicle.

But as with all modern Fords the technology won’t be limited to what’s under the hood. In the cockpit will be a version of the new MyFord Touch telematics system adapted for electrified vehicles with special hybrid and electric battery information. A Brake Coach will also be included, helping drivers to better take advantage of the brake regeneration system. Plus, at the end of each journey, the display screen will show info including the total trip distance, miles gained from regenerative braking and total fuel consumed.

Much like with the Focus Electric, C-Max Energi owners will be able to stay connected with their car thanks to the MyFord Mobile app. Along with expected features like being able to check the state of charge from your smartphone, it can also do some unique things: like let you know how much longer it needs to charge to reach a pre-set destination in the Nav system; find charging stations; set the car warm up or cool down using power from the grid; and even let you pre-set charging times for off-peak utility hours. (Get more on the MyFord Mobile app here).

Both the Ford C-Max Hybrid and Energi will be built at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant and will go on sale in 2012.

GALLERY: Ford C-Max Energi Plug-in Hybrid

GALLERY: Ford C-Max Hybrid

Official release after the jump:

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The long awaited 2012 Volkswagen Passat has finally been revealed a day ahead of its world premiere at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, looking very much like the recently released 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, sporting the same corporate face and profile in a larger package.

Built at VW’s new Tennesse facility, the Passat’s 191 inche length makes the car larger than a Toyota Camry by 2 inches, a radical departure from the more compact Passats of yesteryear.

Trim levels S, SE and SEL will be offered, with power coming from the corporate 2.5L 5-cylinder engine making 170 horsepower, the 2.0L TDI diesel making 140 horsepower and Volkswagen’s beloved VR6 engine, producing 280 horsepower. The VR6 (and, we presume, the TDI) will come with a DSG dual clutch gearbox, allowing it to run to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds while returning 28 mpg on the highway.

Starting at under $20,000, the Passat is aiming to break out of its niche as a quirky European alternative and finally be taken seriously as a Tier 1 mid-size sedan. The car may have never sold in big numbers, but its superlative interior, interesting powertrains and European street cred were always respected. Hopefully VWs attempt to bring the car hasn’t come at the expense of character.

GALLERY: 2012 Volkswagen Passat

See video of the all new 2012 Passat after the jump:

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Having already released a profile image of its upcoming KV7 concept, Kia has now provided an additional teaser of the van-ish model ahead of its debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week.

Taking inspiration from the Soul, it’s not clear from this image or from the one already released exactly how large the KV7 is. It could be deceptively large like the Ford Flex and the 7 in the name would seem to indicate the number of passengers the car is designed to hold. That being said, it could still be as large as a full-sized minivan, or perhaps something closer to the Mazda5 MPV.

In an earlier press release Kia stated that its recent production models have stayed very close to the original design concepts that preceded them and so there’s no reason to think that will change with the KV7.

Check back for the KV7 Concept’s reveal with full Detroit Auto Show coverage starting January 10th. Until then, get more info on all the debuts at our Detroit Auto Show Preview by clicking here.

With a planned debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week, GMC has released a new selection of photos of its overtly excessive Sierra All Terrain HD Concept. We first brought you coverage of this new truck several weeks back, but the new gallery of pics provides more angles and shows the big off-roader’s interior.

GMC reps haven’t made any comments about if the All Terrain HD Concept will see production. Instead, its likely to preview certain styling elements that the Sierra HD will get in the near future, and could hint at a special off-road package.

Combining the standard Crew Cab with the 5′ 8″ box currently not offered on HD models, the All Terrain concept then gets a special front end with a massive front grille, custom matte-chrome accenting and LED lighting. A two-inch lift is also part of the package, with Fox Shox and custom control arms. To help the truck’s off-road capability, it has sculpted front end to deliver a maximum approach angle and the side steps that are retractable as well. In addition, the entire undercarriage is coated in a special hard composite for maximum durability.

Custom 20-inch 8-lug wheels give a real rig look to the diesel monster, as do flared fenders that house a two-inch wider track. Those 20s also help give excellent AWD capability when matched with a set of 35-inch-tall BFGoodrich KM2 “mud terrain” tires.

Under the hood continues to be GMC’s new 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 making 397-hp and 765 ft-lbs of torque.

Look for more news and info and live pics of this truck with coverage from the Detroit Auto Show starting Monday, January 10th. Until then, check out our Detroit Auto Show Preview here.

GALLERY: GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept

Volkswagen has released yet another teaser image of its upcoming replacement for the Passat in North America, ahead of the car’s debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week.

While the traditional Passat will live on in Europe, VW has designed this new model to be larger to suit American tastes. It’s also set to be more attractive to Americans thanks to a price tag that is expected to be close to $20,000.

In order to hit that number, VW will build the car in America at its new Chattanooga, Tennessee facility. Both gasoline and diesel powertrains will be offered.

AutoGuide’s 2011 Detroit Auto Show coverage starts January 10th. Until then, see our complete Detroit Auto Show preview here.

Joining a sizable group of other Moparized vehicles on display at the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will be the 2011 Chrysler 200 S.

Rumors had indicated Chrysler was working on a more sport oriented ‘S’ version of the 200 and while this Mopar model isn’t likely to come to market, a line of products for the car is. This Mopar-tuned model could also serve as a concept car to inspire a future production ‘S’ model.

Looking like a cheesy tuner car, the Mopar model gets a two-tone paint job and a set of beautiful 19-inch wheels that just don’t suit the car.

Other upgrades include a subtle body kit, vented hood, gloss black accenting and a suspension that’s been lowered by 3-inches. Inside are Katzkin leather seats.

In addition to the 200 S, Mopar will also display versions of the Chrysler 200, Dodge Durango, the Ram Outdoorsman, Ram Runner the Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition. Plus, there will be a Moparized version of the Fiat 500.

Having revamped its entire line of products, Chrysler is looking to attract more customers though in-house aftermarket accessories. “More than 30 percent of the people who are in the market for a new vehicle are influenced by the breadth and availability of aftermarket accessories,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar. “With our company’s launch of 16 new vehicles, Mopar is coming to the party with a truck-load of accessories that will fit a variety of lifestyles.”

Look for live photos with the kick-off of the Detroit Auto Show next Monday, January 10th. Until then, see AutoGuide’s 2011 Detroit Auto Show preview here.

Having already announced almost an entirely new lineup of vehicles in 2010, Chrysler is planning to put the focus on accessories at the Detroit Auto Show next week.

Among the list of Moparized vehicles will be the new 2012 Fiat 500. Painted matte-black, the small Italian runabout gets a double blue stripe package, as well as chrome exterior accents including the exhaust tip, mirror covers, fuel door and grille surround. Other accessories include gloss black wheels, a strut tower brace, Katzkin leather interior (black with blue accents), as well as a carbon fiber ‘style’ shift knob and e-brake.

In addition to the Fiat 500, Mopar will also display versions of the Chrysler 200, Dodge Durango, the Ram Outdoorsman, Ram Runner the Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition.

Having revamped its entire line of products, Chrysler is looking to attract more customers though in-house aftermarket accessories. “More than 30 percent of the people who are in the market for a new vehicle are influenced by the breadth and availability of aftermarket accessories,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar. “With our company’s launch of 16 new vehicles, Mopar is coming to the party with a truck-load of accessories that will fit a variety of lifestyles.”

Chrysler hasn’t confirmed if the Fiat Mopar accessories will be offered, but it’s likely.

Look for live photos with the kick-off of the Detroit Auto Show next Monday, January 10th. Until then, see AutoGuide’s 2011 Detroit Auto Show preview here.

GALLERY: Mopar-Equipped Fiat 500

Get more Fiat 500 News and Info at Fiat500Owners.com

Hyundai has just released two teaser images of what it calls the Curb concept, ahead of the vehicle’s world premier at the Detroit Auto Show next week.

The big bold design and large wheels give the appearance that this concept is quite large, but looking at the door size its more likely a small crossover model. In fact, it appears as though Hyundai is following in the footsteps of the BMW X6 and Acura ZDX with a coupe-styled crossover – although this model isn’t likely to be a premium automobile. Plus, judging from the lack of a sloping rear end, it might actually have a functional rear seat area.

At this point though, it’s all speculation and we won’t know more until the car’s debut next week. So stay tuned for full Detroit Auto Show coverage starting Monday, January 10th. In the mean time, check out AutoGuide’s 2011 Detroit Auto Show Preview here.

GALLERY: Hyundai Curb Concept

You can’t buy it, but it might just be the most amazing car that will make its debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show next week.

Several weeks ago Cadillac officially confirmed its return to the SCCA’s World Challenge GT series for the 2011 season with the CTS-V Coupe. At the time, only renderings of the track machine were available, but now Caddy has released a whole selection of photos of what could very likely be next year’s championship contender.

Cadillac will field two cars in the series, with three-time America Le Mans Series GT1 champ driving one car and 2005 World Challenge GT champ Andy Pilgrim piloting the other. Pilgrim’s ’05 championship, it should be pointed out, came behind the wheel of the CTS-V sedan race car.

Cadillac will begin track testing the new machine at Sebring International Raceway in the end of January, ahead of the season’s first race, March 25-27 in St. Petersburg, Fla

Stay tuned for more photos from the Detroit Auto Show on Monday, January 10th. Until then, check out AutoGuide’s 2011 Detroit Auto Show Preview here.

GALLERY: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car

Porsche will debut a coupe version of its 918 Spyder concept at the Detroit Auto Show next Monday.

The German sports car maker has announced it will debut a ‘spectacular’ new model at the North American International Auto Show and while several rumors had indicated it would be a hard-top 918, Bloomberg is confirming as much thanks to two sources familiar with the automaker’s plans.

Believed to be either a production-ready or near-production model, the vehicle is estimated to cost $670,000 and will have a V8 engine making 600-hp. This latest report made no indication that it would be a race car, as rumored.

The original concept made use of a high-tech hybrid system that combined a 500-hp 3.4-liter V8 borrowed from the RS Spyder race cars and matched it with 218-hp of electric thrust. This coupe model could use a more conventional turbocharged V8, although a hybrid setup is a strong possibility.

GALLERY: Porsche 918 Spider

[Source: Bloomberg]

Continuing Buick‘s model rollout the stereotypical old-man-brand is looking for further growth down-market with the introduction of the new Verano. Billed as its first ever model in the compact luxury segment, the folks at Buick might be being purposefully ignorant of the ’80s Skyhawk – although arguably a compact, it could hardly be called a luxury car.

Based on the same platform as the Chevy Cruze, the Verano shares many of the same suspension parts including the Watts Z-link rear end that was designed to offer the best attributes of an independent rear suspension (namely, handling and ride comfort) with the best parts of a torsion beam setup (being lighter, less expensive and taking up less space). The Cruze already provides a comfortable ride and when combined with extensive ‘Quiet tuning’ with plenty of additional noise dampening and canceling devices, the Verano promises a true Buick ride.

As rumored, under the hood, the Verano will get GM’s 2.4-liter Ecotec 4-cylinder, delivering a sizable step up in performance over the Cruze. Power is rated at 177-hp and 170 ft-lbs of torque and when matched to a six-speed automatic will achieve 31-mpg on the highway. Buick is also planning to offer a version of its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which makes 220-hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque in the Regal Turbo. A 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds is promised for the base engine, so look for a turbo model that might dip into the 6s.

Inside Buick promises true luxury, although don’t expect too much with a rumored starting price of around $20,000. Still, standard and optional features include a pretty impressive list of goodies like a push-button ignition, dual-zone climate control, heated leather seats and a heated steering wheel.

Perhaps more important is the overall refinement with soft-touch materials throughout, ambient lighting and minimal gaps between panels. Although if Buick is looking for a younger demographic they might have wanted to pass on the woodgrain accenting that’s certain to look as genuine as a made-in-Taiwan Louis Vuitton bag.

Outside the Verano is styled more like the large LaCrosse than the Regal, with a prominent waterfall grille. Standard rolling hardware includes 17-inch wheels, although 18s are optional.

Set to make its world premier at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show on January 10th, check back then for live photos then. Until then, see our Detroit Auto Show preview here.

Get more Buick Verano news and info at VeranoTalk.com

GALLERY: 2012 Buick Verano

Official release after the jump:

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There’s been a lot of recent speculation about what exactly Porsche will unveil at the Detroit Auto Show in just a week’s time. Well, add one more rumor to the list.

According to AutoBild, Porsche will pull back the covers on a coupe version of it’s 918 Spyder concept. Designed for track, not street, duty, the 918 coupe is likely to weigh even less than the 3,300-lb curb weight of the Spyder concept and is likely to use a different engine. The original concept made use of a high-tech hybrid system that combined a 500-hp 3.4-liter V8 borrowed from the RS Spyder race cars and matched it with 218-hp of electric thrust.

This coupe model could use a more conventional turbocharged V8, although considering the success Porsche has had with its GT3 R Hybrid race car, it could be the next step in the German sports car maker’s hybrid racing strategy.

AutoGuide’s coverage of the 2011 Detroit Auto Show starts January 10th. See our Detroit Auto Show Preview here.

GALLERY: Porsche 918 RSR Race Car

[Source: AutoBlild via AutoExpress, Photos: TeamSpeed]