As expected, Dodge has redesigned the interior of the Caliber for 2010, marking a significant improvement over the previous design. In addition, a new 2.2-liter diesel engine will be added to the lineup in Europe, where the 2010 model will debut this month at Germany’s Frankfurt Auto Show.

The new interior design also features plenty of quality materials including chromed HVAC vents and cluster rings as well as a chrome surround for the shift bezel and instrument panel. The door armrest and center console now also feature soft-touch material. Other features include a new automatic climate control system, a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system, a Chill Zone storage bin for drinks,m LED lighting around the cup holders and reclining rear seatbacks.

For Europe a new 2.2-liter turbo-diesel makes 163hp and 236 ft-lbs of torque, a 16 percent increase in horsepower and a 3 percent increase in torque. This translates to a towing capacity that is improved by 25 percent to 3,300 lbs – significantly more than most entry-level crossovers.

In the U.S., Europe and elsewhere, the 2010 Caliber will come with either a 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The top-level (now that the SRT4 model has been discontinued) 2.4-liter makes 170hp and 162 ft-lbs of torque. As for the 2.0-liter motor, it replaces the old 1.8-liter engine and makes 156hp and 140 ft-lbs of torque.

GALLERY: 2010 Dodge Caliber

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Volkswagen will debut a new set of ultra-efficient BlueMotion diesels at the Frankfurt Auto Show in just two weeks. Included in the list are the new BlueMotion versions of the Polo, Golf and Passat.

First up is the ultra-efficient BlueMotion Polo sub-compact, which is powered by a 75hp 1.2-liter diesel engine. Improving even on the already impressive Polo TDI that gets 56 mpg, this new car gets 71.3 mpg! Equipped with a 12 gallon (45 liter) tank the BlueMotion Polo has a theoretical travel distance of 847 miles (1,363 kilometers).

Next is the BlueMotion Golf, which gets 61.9 mpg, while still producing 105hp and 185 ft-lbs of torque, allowing it to hit 62 mph in 11. 3seconds and top out at 120 mph (190 km/h) on the German autobahn.

Finally, there’s the BlueMotion Passat, a mid-sized car that gets 53.5 mpg. It might not get up to speed very quickly, taking 12.5 seconds to 62 mph thanks to the same 105-hp engine as found in the Golf, but with a large 18.5 gallon (70 liter) tank it can travel 989 miles (1,591 km) at a time, which Volkswagen says equates to just seven fill-ups per year.

We’ll be sure to bring you more on VW’s new BlueMotion models from the Frankfurt Auto Show, starting September 15th.

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

As though there was any doubt that BMW’s diesel models weren’t selling well in the U.S., the German automaker is now following in the footsteps of Chrysler by offering an additional $4,500 off.

Earlier this week Chrysler announced that it would discount most of its models by $4,500 on top of a possible $4,500 cash-for-clunkers rebate. BMW has decided to follow suit, meaning that when combined with your clunker, you can save as much as $9,000 off the price of a new 335d or xDrive 35d.

And on top of that deal there is also a tax credit for both models, with a savings of $900 on the 335d and $1,800 on the xDrive 35d.

That means you can walk away with a wickedly-fast 335d, with 265hp and 425 ft-lbs of torque, for just $34,000.

And considering the amazing fuel-mileage that diesel engines get (the 335d rating 23/36 mpg) it won’t be hard to qualify for the full $4,500 cash-for-clunkers rebate.

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…