Ford is delaying the full launch of the 2012 electric Focus. Initially, the Focus EV was to be launched in 19 markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit and Seattle. However, plans have changed and the primary launch will be concentrated in California and New York.

Ford’s electrified-vehicles marketing manager David Finnegan said, ”For the first few months of production, we will be concentrating on California and New York,” he said. “Our dealers in those areas will be the first to have their retail orders scheduled and receive the Focus electric. We will be rolling out to the remainder of our initial markets starting in spring 2012.” Ford has yet to set a date for the Focus EV launch in the remaining markets.

[Source: Automotive News]

The current Lotus Exige is on the way out. Production has stopped for the European spec model since last December, because its current 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine does not meet current emission standards. And here at home, Lotus just announced a Final Edition model to bring the car’s run to a close.

So what is Lotus to do with the Exige now? Simple answer, make a V6 version with the engine out of the Evora. But it is no easy swap. The Toyota-sourced V6 engine is bigger, so Lotus has been running a test mule with a wider track and a longer wheelbase.

Don’t think the next Exige will be some Frankensteinien-like disfigured monster either, cobbled together hastily. The new car will be mostly new and its styling will be quite different. Lotus design boss Donato Coco thinks their current line-up looks “too weak” and wants to inject more style in their future models.

So expect the new Exige to have the new family look as previewed by Lotus at various auto shows over the last year. Their first completely  new model will be the Esprit, which is due in 2013.

For the time-being, an updated Exige along with the current Evora should allow Lotus to bridge the gap between their current and their future cars.

[Source: Autocar]

Suzuki has been very successful with sales up 17 percent year-to-date for 2011, and hopes to maintain the momentum into 2012. Suzuki has updated the Grand Vitara with the “Ultimate Adventure Edition” which arrives for 2012. The new edition will feature 18-inch alloy wheels, water-resistant seat fabric, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and integrated fog lamps.

So far, no photos have been realeased however the UAE model will not be the only change for 2012.  Grand Vitara models will also get an new tailgate design that will see the model shed its trademark rear-mounted spare tire. Interior updates will also feature an upgraded navigation system including voice recognition, traffic info, 3D map lane guidance and Google Local Point of Interest Search.

Suzuki’s Kizashi mid-size sedan has also experienced terrific sales momentum, up 47 percent year-to-date and will also see some updates. First off, the sedans price tag will not change ($18,999), but new touches include a new high-value leather trim featured as the new SE Leather Edition, and starts $2,000 lower than the top of the line SLS model.

Infiniti has released photos of its refreshed 2012 FX ahead of its debut at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The luxury crossover gets a revised front grille and front fascia design that clearly draws inspiration from the Essence concept. Other changes on the vehicle include newly-restyled 20-inch wheels (FX35 Deluxe Touring package), an updated instrument cluster and heated seats that come standard.

The 2012 FX will be available in several models: FX35 RWD, FX35 AWD, FX50 AWD and the previously mentioned FX Limited Edition. The FX35 models will feature the popular VQ35HR powerplant with 303-hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The FX50 models will feature the same 5.0L V8 VK50VE engine with 390-hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a revised seven-speed transmission.

GALLERY: 2012 Infiniti FX

Today, Nissan North America announced U.S pricing for the 2012 Versa Hatchback, a model that is carried over from the previous year, despite the fact that the 2012 sedan is all-new. Continuing on the popular first-generation design, it is available in 1.8 S and 1.8 SL models.

The 1.8-liter S hatchback model has been priced at $14,380 with the 6-speed manual and $1000 extra for the 4-speed automatic transmission($15,380). The 1.8-liter SL version with the CVT transmission will be priced at $18,390. The 1.8-liter  DOHC 4-cylinder engine produces 122-hp, with fuel consumption rated at 28 mpg City /34 mpg Highway and 30 mpg combined for the SL with the Continuously Variable Transmission. The 6-speed manual and 4-speed automatic models offer 26/31/28 mpg and 24/32/27 mpg respectively for City/Highway/ Combined ratings. The Nissan Versa is already on sale in either the hatchback or sedan platform offering amazing bang for your buck.

Check out pricing for the all-new, and significantly cheaper 2012 Versa sedan here!

Chrysler has released pricing for the high performance 300 SRT8, with the new model starting from $47,995. The 2012 model sits half an inch lower than non-SRT models, has a new front fascia and grill, along with body-colored side cladding, four-inch exhaust tips and a new rear fascia. You already know it will come with aggressive 20-inch rims and the available Black Chrome Package adds black chrome rims, black upper and lower grille surrounds and a rear valance strip.

This beastly 300 packs a 6.4-liter HEMI cranking out 470-hp and 470 lb-ft of torque mated to the previous generation’s five-speed automatic transmission. It will rip of a 0-62 mph time in the high fours and has a top speed of 175 mph.

GALLERY: Chrysler 300 SRT8

Porsche is planning to double its sales to 200,000 units by 2018, and the German automaker is expecting the SUV side of sales to take the lead in achieving this goal, especially considering the Cayenne is already the best selling vehicle in its lineup.

The automaker wants to increase production of the Cayenne by 10 percent this year, and 20 percent in 2012 because of the growing demand. Buyers in China have to wait 12 months to get their hands on a Cayenne. Porsche fully understands this issue and wants to cut that wait time down to six months for next year. The Cayenne is also helping the entire Porsche lineup as orders have increased 26 percent in the first half to 65,660 units. Porsche hopes to see 28,000 Panamera sales in 2011.

[Source: Automotive News]

Audi CEO Rupert Stadler has confirmed that the company will build a vehicle assembly plant in North America. In an interview with Automotive News, Stadler explained specific details about models, location and capacity will be made within three years. Audi may also be building a plant to specialize in the construction of engine and transmissions. ”It is totally clear that we need new production capacity in the U.S.,” Stadler told the trade publication. “The question only is when.”

Audi is reportedly considering new U.S production of a large coupe like crossover called the Q6. This vehicle will aim to take on the BMW X6. The Q6 will be based on the same platform as the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. The Q6 may be assembled on a new line at VW’s Chattanooga plant. North American built Audi’s will likely begin rolling off the line by 2014.

[Source: Automotive News]

The eagerly anticipated  high performance Volkswagen Golf R has been confirmed for sale in the U.S in early 2012.

With the cancellation of the GTI Edition 35, and the outgoing R32 beast, VDub enthusiasts will be extremely pleased to know that a hot-hatch version of the Golf is coming. Volkswagen’s product and technology communications manager Mark Gillies explained that the Golf R was always on the list for the U.S market, and is now in the final stages of compliance procedures.

The U.S version of the R will be a slightly detuned version of the model sold in Europe (boo!). But expect the R to crank out 250-hp from the 2.0-liter four cylinder engine coupled to a 4Motion all-wheel drive system. The U.S version will only feature the six-speed manual as opposed to the dual clutch DSG option – perhaps the better unit in this case. The R will get to 62 mph in 6.0 seconds, is electronically restricted to 155 mph and should get around 28 mpg.

GALLERY: Volkswagen Golf R

[Source: Motor Authority]

Toyota’s new Yaris just made its local debut at the 2011 Melbourne auto show, ahead of its showroom release at the end of the year. The current Yaris is the third most popular compact car in the Australia, behind the Mazda2 and the Hyundai Getz.

Toyota stretched the Yaris to help create more space for rear seat passengers. Fuel efficiency has been improved by more advanced aerodynamics and the windshield gains “UV-reducing” glass with a single large wiper blade. The new Yaris will be offered as a three-door, five-door hatchback and four-door sedan. Toyota stated that this new model was designed with more of a European flavour than its predecessor.

Engine choices for the new Yaris are expected to be similar to the outgoing model, including a 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter powerplant. Toyota Australia will not release any more details until its launch.

Gallery: 2012 Toyota Yaris

[Source: Drive]

Mercedes-Benz has officially released details regarding the new B-Class and the brands plans to release a dedicated ‘eco’ version as well as offer four-wheel drive and a range of alternatively powered models after the initial launch.

The vehicle has been lowered by 30mm to improve sportier handling and beneath the passenger cell, an ‘energy space’ has been engineered between the floor and the under-tray to store batteries, Compressed Natural Gas tanks and fuel cells in the planned electric, hydrogen and hybrid variants due out in 2013/13.

An entirely new gas and heavily revised diesel engine will be available as well. A gas powered direct injection 1.6-liter turbo engine will be available with either 123-hp or 154-hp with a larger turbo joining the range later next year.

The diesel engine will be a smaller lighter version of the 2.1-liter powerplant from the current C-Class range, displacing 1.8-liters and producing 108 or 134-hp.  A “Sport” package will also be available offering a quicker steering rack, 20mm lower suspension and passive adjustable dampers. The B-Class will be unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show with sales beginning in Europe this fall and the UK receiving the car in the spring of 2012.

[Source: Auto Express]

The McLaren MP4-12C GT3 will make its first official public appearance at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, taking place from June 30th to July 3rd.

The GT3 will differ from the MP4-12C through aerodynamic performance upgrades including a front radiator, which increases the maximum ambient temperature at which the car can run. Other upgrades include a new gearbox cooler mounted on the rear aerodeck. A new front splitter will also be fitted to the GT3 along with a door blade, rear wing, diffuser and louvres in the front fenders. These components will be produced entirely from carbon fibre by McLaren Racing.

Only 20 of these cars will be delivered to private GT3 racing teams in Europe for 2012. The GT3 will also feature Formula 1 derived technologies including the same steering wheel design used by Lewis Hamilton in his MP4-24 Formula 1 car. Respected Formula 1 suppliers such as Akebono, Mobil 1, McLaren Electronic Systems, Ricardo and Michelin are working to create race car specification technology superior to the GT3 competition in 2012.

Andrew Kirkaldy from McLaren GT explained that: “The reaction to the 12C GT3 at the circuits we have visited has been phenomenal. I can’t wait to see how it goes down at Goodwood this weekend.”

“CRS Racing was clearly excited to be confirmed as partner in this project as we were only too aware of McLaren’s short, but unbelievable GT history with the F1. But the anticipation amongst circuit owners and race teams to McLaren’s return to GT racing has still surprised us.  I’m delighted that we have the opportunity to drive the 12C GT3 up the hill at Goodwood and raise the interest even further” said Andrew Kirkaldy.

Drivers accompanying the GT3 at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed include Andrew Kirkaldy, 2010 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes test driver Oliver Turvey, and McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin.

Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C GT3

Mazda has officially announced that the assembly plants in Japan are back to normal operational levels. The Japanese automaker predicts that it will be able to achieve a domestic production volume of 900,000 units during the current fiscal year (April 2011- March 2012). The company is also predicting sales revenue of 2.19 trillion yen based on a global sales target of 1.305 million units during the current fiscal year.

David Klan, Senior Director of Sales, Marketing & Regional Operations at Mazda Canada Inc said:“Our return to normal production in Japan testifies to the courage and ingenuity of the Japanese people and our colleagues there,”. He also explained that, “This puts us in a strong position to sustain and grow our business in Canada, recognizing both the great line-up we have in showrooms today, and also the superb new vehicles coming with SKYACTIV Technology.”

Shelby American may pair up with Hertz to offer a “rent-a-racer” program that offers upgraded Mustang GTs for enthusiast-oriented consumers. The Shelby Mustang would be offered in two traditional configurations: black and gold or white and gold. The Mustang would be powered by the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine cranking out 412-hp coupled with an automatic transmission.

The companies teamed up in 1966 to produce 1,000 copies of the performance mustang and did so again, forty years later with the GT-H. Currently, Hertz offers the Mustang GT as part of the “Adrenaline” collection, but a Shelby variant hasn’t been available recently.

Shelby has not finalized the potential 2012 program so we will have to see what happens!

[Source: AutoWeek]

Another year and another release for Scion’s now infamous xB urban utility vehicle. Much of what we’ve come to know about the second generation xB has been left untouched for their 2012 version, except for the addition of standard Bluetooth hands-free and HD radio technology. An option for a premium audio system with 5.8-inch touchscreen and Pandora Internet Radio is also available.

MSRP for the 2012 Scion xB remains aggressive within their market as the five-speed manual retails for $16,300 while the four-speed automatic is at $17,250. Both will come standard with Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio to complement its HD Radio technology for 2012. The standard 160-watt Pioneer audio system will allow users to wireless stream audio from their phone to the vehicle’s sound system. iPod, iPhone and other portable music players can also be connected directly to the system through the USB or AUX port.

The optional 200-watt Pioneer Premium audio system will feature everything that the standard system has but includes a 5.8-inch touchscreen and has iTunes tagging and Pandora internet radio connected through an iPhone.

Everything else is standard second generation Scion xB. It’ll still feature a 2.4L four-cylinder with 158-hp, 16-inch steel wheels with choice of wheel cover design and its iconic box shape.

GALLERY: 2012 Scion xB Audio Systems

In this 45 second commercial, the all-new BMW 1M drifts on a helipad hundreds of feet in the air over a city. Is it real? Of course not but it is very entertaining to watch, and actually looks pretty realistic. BMW has been launching these fun commercials (1M vs the Concrete Walls), to stress the fact that the 1M is a high performance machine that will be used much more than for going to the store for a jug of milk.

BMW admits that its latest high performance two door rocket will have a very limited run of one model year. With limited production in place, the $46,135 price tag may be a bargain should this car appreciate in value in the future. BMW stated that “less than 1,000 units” will be produced in 2011.

Check out the videos after the jump!

Continue Reading…

BMW has officially initiated a recall of certain diesel X5 vehicles due to a component manufacturing error at the supplier, affecting the welds in the belt tensioner that could have incipient cracks.

These cracks may cause a malfunction of the belt tensioner. If the belt fails, power steering assistance may fail, increasing chances of a crash.

The affected 2012 X5′s include any manufactured from March 31, 2011 to May 19,2011. The recall does not affect any gasoline powered X5′s.

BMW dealers will replace the engine belt tensioner free of charge. The safety recall has already begun. Any BMW owners with questions are encouraged to contact customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

The 2012 Infiniti FX performance crossover is about to hit dealerships and will feature some extensive upgrades. For 2012, the FX model will receive a revised front grille and front fascia design, revised meter illumination, standard heated front seats on all models and the new Limited Edition FX35 AWD model.

The Limited Edition FX35 AWD will be easily distinguishable thanks to its exclusive Iridium Blue paint, as well as custom 21-inch 10-spoke dark alloy wheels and tinted headlights, as well as roof rail crossbars. Inside, the special edition model will get aluminum pedals, navigation, an Around View Monitor and a Graphite interior with blue piping on the floor mats.

Other trim changes include a new Graphite Shadow paint color which replaces the Platinum Graphite color, a new 20-inch wheel design on the FX35 Deluxe Touring Package, while the FX50 Sport Package gains an Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS). The quilted leather heated and cooled front seats will now come on the FX35 Deluxe Touring Package rather than on the Premium Package.

Two engine choices remain: the 390-hp 5.0-liter 32-valve V8 engine or the 303-hp 3.5-liter 24-valve V6. Both engines will be mated to a standard 7-speed automatic transmission featuring adaptive shift control and available solid magnesium paddle shifters.

The 5.0-liter FX will come standard with all-wheel drive while the 3.5-liter will come standard with RWD and come available with AWD. The 2012 FX will go on sale in October 2011.

* 2011 FX Model Shown

Nothing has been officially released but General Motors is not denying that the American automaker may introduce a two-door version of the Chevrolet Cruze. One source has suggested that the compact coupe maybe built in the Detroit suburb of Orion Township. The plant is getting ready to build the Chevrolet Sonic, a smaller car in the third quarter.

General Motors currently produces the four-door Cruze exclusively at the assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio but the car’s success has the plant operating at full capacity, even with overtime. The Cruse was America’s best-selling compact nameplate in May.

The Orion plant would fit well to manufacture the coupe as it is equipped to build multiple models and its innovative labour contract makes it more appealing to build a lower-volume niche model.

The Cruze model has been built in Europe as a race car giving the car a sportier image in North America. Whether or not the image campaign ultimately pays off is anyone’s guess but adding a sporty coupe to the lineup probably wouldn’t hurt.

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

The next-generation BMW M5 has finally arrived and looks fantastic. The car won’t actually go on sale until spring 2012, so we still have nearly a year before it hits the streets but photos and this commercial have been released and portrays this BMW as a beast.

The M5 has been entirely redesigned but the biggest change is the switch from a high-revving V10 to a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8. The new engine will crank out 552 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The car is capable of achieving a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds, not bad for a car weighs around 4,000 lbs. Pricing has not been announced but the M5 will probably sell for around $85,000.

The minute long commercial paints this car as nothing less than a monster as it knifes its way through the turns on a track. There are some great slow motion shots at the beginning and hearing the turbo spool up will get any BMW fan excited. We will be counting down the days until we can tryout the M5 for ourselves.

Check out the video after the jump!

Gallery: 2012 BMW M5

Continue Reading…

Are you a racing enthusiast? if so, you may be interested in the ultimate Corvette prize package. In recognition of  Corvette Racing  just winning the 24 hours of Le Mans, Chevrolet will be giving away a 2012 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible ($62,715) to a lucky winner. The winner also gets to travel to next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans in France, on a five day, four night vacation in June 2012. The winner will also receive air fare for two, hotel accommodation, and $800 travel allowance.

In order to register, the applicant has to log onto http://chevrolet.promo.eprize.com/corvette/ and answer a few simple questions to be entered into the draw.

The draw will be held on July 1st 2011, and the winner will be randomly selected. The winner will then be notified by email or phone.

Time is running out so register soon!

The all new stylish 2012 Toyota Vitz model, sold here as the Yaris, appears to have new photos, that is if these pics from a Hungarian Toyota dealership’s Facebook page are anything to go by.

In an age where fuel economy is a major selling aspect, the subcompact B-segment is more important than ever, and the new Yaris fits the description.

The new Yaris functionally has gained some size. In total, the Yaris grows 100mm from end to end, with half of that between the wheelbase for more interior room. The car has also grown 20mm shorter overall, probably to lower the center of gravity and improve handling. The new model in Japan has a range of small four cylinder engines, but we should expect a 1.5L version as the sole option.

Stay tuned for more details!

GALLERY: 2012 Toyota Yaris

[Source: Autoblog]