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

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.

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

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

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

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

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]

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]

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

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

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

[Source: Automotive News]

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

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

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

Continue Reading…

Infiniti will announce the continued expansion of its lineup of luxury vehicles next week at the 2011 New York Auto Show. Details are scarce but it’s believed the two most likely candidates to get the production go-ahead are either the Infiniti branded version of the Nissan Leaf, or the Etherea Concept that was first shown at the Geneva Auto Show in March.

Of course we can always dream that the Essence Concept will finally get the go-ahead.

The new model will arrive next Spring confirms Infiniti.

In addition to this news, Nissan will display two vehicles at the show, the first being the IPL G Convertible Concept, and the other being the new Infiniti-branded Red Bull Racing Formula 1 Car.

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 NY Auto Show preview here, with coverage starting Wednesday, April 10th.

This is your first look at the 2013 Chevy Malibu which was ‘leaked’ late last night on the automaker’s Facebook page – although the image has since been removed.

Looking less dramatically-new than the previously-teased Camaro-styled taillights would suggest, Chevy is hoping to build off the success of this model’s predecessor and has said this new global platform will only be available with 4-cylinder engines. That being said, expect to see a direct-injection 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with around 184-hp, as well as a turbocharged 2.0-liter making over 220-hp.

Chevy has planned to officially unveil the car online next Monday, followed by reveals at the Shanghai Auto Show and New York Auto Shows. Watch the reveal and sing up to be a fan on Chevy’s official Malibu Facebook page here.

Plus, see the gallery below to check out another teaser image of the car’s new center stack and telematics display screen.

GALLERY: 2013 Chevy Malibu

BMW will make numerous announcements at its New York Auto Show press conference next week, many of which will deal with ‘sustainable mobility.’

With BMW’s new i Ventures division recently being announced the Munich-based automaker elaborate on plans to renovate two buildings in New York City as part of a larger push towards promoting sustainable mobility. In addition, BMW will officially introduction the production ActiveE electric car, and provide details on pricing.

The most relevant announcement to BMW customers, however, will be the return of 4-cylinder engines to the BMW lineup in North America, as well as the debut of the first model to use the new TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder mill.

In Europe the first car to get such an engine was the X1 xDrive 28i, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter making 245-hp at 5000 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at just 1250 rpm. That same engine is expected to replace the current 3.0-liter straight-six in much of the BMW lineup, delivering 13 fewer horsepower, but 30 more ft-lbs of torque. In the X1 model BMW claims an improvement of 0.7 seconds to 62 mph with the manual and 0.3 seconds with the automatic, resulting in a very impressive 6.1 second (or 6.5 second) 0-62 mph time. Also of note is a 4.8 mpg improvement on the Euro test cycle.

See AutoGuide’s complete NY Auto Show preview here, with coverage to start April 20th.

Ahead of its official debut at the New York Auto Show next week, Lexus has unwrapped the LF-Gh concept, which forms the basis of the next-generation GS luxury sedan and explores the brand’s future design direction.

In many ways aping the design of the Audi lineup, this concept car gains plenty of hard angles (a la Mercedes-Benz) to help set it apart. Departing from the first time from the Giugiaro-designed first-gen GS, Lexus says its designers started with a clean slate.

The result is the new LF-Gh concept, dominated by a ‘spindle-shaped grill’ that sets the car apart from a design perspective, while also playing a key role in the car’s aerodynamic shape. In fact, Lexus says the entire design is a merging of form and function.

Other notable design cues that hint at the car’s performance include a raised hood, flared fenders and a short front overhang. And to brand the new design are new L-shaped LED daytime running lights.

“Customers have been waiting for a bold concept like this from Lexus,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “We look forward to their feedback and integrating some of these exciting design features into future Lexus vehicles.”

Powering the car is a yet unspecified hybrid drivetrain. As for its overall size, it gains roughly 2-inches in length, 1.5-inches in width and about a half an inch in height while retaining the previous car’s 112.2 wheelbase.

Set to be unveiled on the eve of the New York Auto Show, look for more info and photos here.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-Gh Concept

Chrysler has announced two debuts for the upcoming New York Auto Show, however, details are scarce. In a brief press release the automaker says one will be a production vehicle while the other will be a ‘race-inspired’ concept.

Previous rumors have indicated that possible Chrysler Group debuts in the Big Apple could include a more powerful Chrysler 300 sporting the brand’s new 6.4-liter V8, as well as a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 using the same engine.

More details will be announced later today, with both vehicles then heading on to be displayed at the New York Auto Show next week.

In addition, Chrysler has said it will announce a new ‘strategic relationship’ aimed at improving its service and parts business.

For a complete NY Auto Show preview and coverage starting April 20th, see here.

If the source for this photo is correct, you’re looking at the 2012 Jaguar XF – a facelifted version of the British brand’s mid-size luxury sedan that is slated to debut at the New York Auto Show.

While the photo can’t be verified, the restyled Jag does seem to resemble what we’ve seen so far in spy photos. Plus, it’s in keeping with Jag’s new styling direction, gaining more of a family resemblance with the new XJ.

In official spy pics released recently, Jaguar also announced a new 2.2-liter diesel engine making 187-hp and 332 lb-ft of torque and mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. While that powerplan is unlikely for North America, look for the same transmission to be fitted to the brand’s 5.0-liter V8.

Get more all the NY Auto Show debuts here.

[Source: Joke for Blog via Autoblog]

Chevrolet has just revealed a single image of what the interior of the new 2012 Malibu will look like, releasing a single photo on its Facebook page. Showing a new in-dash screen similar to the one found in the new Buick Regal, it’s clear Chevy is taking a big step forward with the car when it comes to in-car technology and connectivity.

Last week Chevy teased us with some images and video of the exterior of the car, which looks to sport some Camaro design cues. In addition, GM confirmed that the new 2013 Malibu will be offered exclusively with 4-cylinder engines – likely a standard 180-hp 2.4-liter and an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter.

Chevy will officially reveal its new global Malibu on April 18th at the Shanghai Auto Show (and on it’s Facebook page), with the car then making an appearance at the New York Auto Show on the 20th.

See AutoGuide’s preview and coverage of the NY Auto Show here.

Marking a distinct departure from the current A-Class, Mercedes has unveiled a new second-generation of the car, transforming it from an urban runabout MPV to a stylish and sporty hatchback. And it’s not just the overall shape of the vehicle either, but its specific styling cues, moving away from a minimalist approach to a design that’s proud to wear the Mercedes grille and tri-pointed star.

Revealed in a detailed set of photos released by the manufacturer, Mercedes will present the car at the Shanghai and New York Auto Shows in just a few weeks time. The New York showing suggests this car will no longer be a stranger to U.S. soil.

Powering that car is a turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 210-hp and mated to a new dual-clutch transmission. Transversely mounted, this indicates the car is a front-drive model – although Mercedes doesn’t expressly say so.

Other highlights on the car include a radar-based collision warning with Mercedes’ Adaptive Brake Assist that warns the driver if a collision is about to occur and even primes the brakes to deliver full braking power when required.

As for the interior, it features a a fully-integrated smartphone, with the car’s many systems appearing on the phone screen and controllable through the knobs and buttons of the car.

See full coverage of the car’s unveiling and the rest of the NY Auto Show previews at AutoGuide’s 2011 New York Auto Show page here.

GALLERY: Mercedes A-Class Concept

As rumored, Subaru will unveil its all-new 2012 Impreza sedan at the New York Auto Show. Partially revealed with a profile photo, Subaru promises its new compact sedan will be the most fuel efficient all-wheel drive vehicle available in North America, with a 36-mpg rating.

Subaru has said it will showcase both the four-door sedan version of the Impreza as well as a 5-door hatchback.

What isn’t clear is if the new Impreza’s 36-mpg rating is a highway rating or average fuel economy.

While the profile picture doesn’t give an in-dept look at the car, it’s easy to see that Subaru has toned down the dramatic styling of the concept, which was unveiled at the LA Auto Show last year..

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 NY Auto Show preview and coverage here.

After being given our first look of the new LF-Gh Concept yesterday, we now have more photos of what promises to be a dramatic concept car from Lexus. Sporting plenty of angles, aggressive LED lights and what appears to be a simply massive grille, Toyota’s luxury arm looks to be headed in a new direction with an exciting design language that will draw customers back to the brand and help spark the interest of younger buyers.

The LF-Gh concept will eventually be transformed into the next-generation GS luxury sedan and is set to be unveiled at the New York Auto Show on April 20th. For full details on the car from the reveal, as well as AutoGuide’s NY Auto Show preview, see here.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-Gh Concept

With Chevy set to reveal its new 2013 Malibu, Ford is readying its family car rival. Ditching the current platform in favor of an all new global chassis, the 2013 Fusion will be sold throughout the world, combining the features of the current Fusion with the car’s overseas mid-size sister, the Mondeo.

According to a report by FordInsideNews, the new Fusion will depart dramatically from the current model in terms of styling, and one source described the car’s new style as resembling an Aston Martin!

Also sharing this new platform will be the next-generation Lincoln MKZ. Unlike in the past, Ford is hoping to further differentiate these two models, adding more content to the Lincoln. The 2012 MKZ will also be the first new model designed under the direction of new Lincoln design chief Max Wolff. Eventually all three cars will get version of Ford’s fourth-generation hybrid technology using lithium-ion batteries.

Ford hasn’t even hinted at the creation of the new Fusion or any of its derivatives, although FIN‘s sources indicate we could see either the Fusion or MKZ at the New York Auto Show in two weeks time.

[Source: FordInsideNews]

The debut of the new Nissan Versa is all but confirmed for the New York Auto Show in just two weeks time, although according to new reports the car is set for a significant change. Pictures of the 2012 Sunny (as it’s known overseas) have already been released and a sketch resembling those images has now been added to Nissan’s consumer website, referring to the car as the 2012 Versa.

According to InsideLine, the new Versa won’t share a platform with the Tiida any more, but will switch over to the bran’s new global V platform, which it will share with the Nissan March/Micra.

This will bring the Versa down in size, as it’s currently a rather large vehicle in the sub-compact segment. What isn’t clear is if this new model is the Tiida-esque model spied recently while testing in China (above).

For full details on the car from it’s unveileing, see AutoGuide’s New York Auto Show preview and coverage page here.

[Source: InsideLine]

Volkswagen has announced a partnership with MTV to help debut the all-new 2012 Beetle simultaneously on three separate continents.

Premiering first in Shanghai om April 18th, VW will then reveal the car in New York and Berlin with ‘World Stage’ events with performances by The Black Eyed Peas and Belgian duo 2manydjs.

“The Beetle is an icon of the automotive world, just like MTV is an icon of the music world. In the context of this marketing alliance, we are taking the new Volkswagen directly to our customers and fans of the Volkswagen brand – and we are doing it globally,” said Luca de Meo, Director of Marketing for the Volkswagen Group and for Volkswagen Brand Passenger Cars.

In a release VW calls MTV “the world’s premier youth entertainment brand,”, stating it, “reflects and creates pop culture.” Is the marriage of MTV and the VW Beetle a hit? Do young people still watch MTV? Do they care about the Beetle? Leave us your thoughts watch the debuts live at www.worldstage.mtv.com.

Ever wish you could parlay your love of cars into an actual gig? If that’s the case, then has Nissan have the job for you. In an all-new Facebook contest, you could win the chance to be a reporter at the New York International Auto Show (NYIS).

To enter the contest, create a 30 second video reporting about what you find most innovative about your own Nissan vehicle and enter it on Nissan’s Facebook page. If you win, you and a guest get to travel to New York and attend the NYIAS on press days. You’ll get to report on all the new car reveals, go one-on-one with Nissan reps and report on the show (which will be shared through Nissan’s Facebook page). Nissan’s highlights at this show will include the 2012 Nissan GT-R, the 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, plus you’ll even have the chance to drive the all-electric Nissan LEAF.

“Nissan is committed to engaging our dedicated fans who contribute to our active Facebook community,” said Erich Marx, Director Social Media & Interactive Marketing. “We believe the New York International Auto Show is a great venue in which to bring an owner to connect with our brand and Nissan’s innovative new vehicles then offer them a chance to report back to the community from their own unique perspective.”

The contest is running now and runs until Tuesday, April 12, 2011. You can see all of the contests and details by clicking on the Reporter Contest tab on Nissan’s Facebook Fan Page.

For complete coverage of all the vehicles at the show, see AutoGuide’s New York Auto Show preview and coverage page here.