Two employees at Italian tuning house Abarth have been arrested for selling $1.3 million in stolen parts, while 23 other employees and Italian postal service workers have been summoned for questioning after an 8-month investigation.

Abarth became aware of the scam after several dealers complained that several tuning kits, used to upgrade Fiat 500 and Punto Abarth models into the hardcore Esseesse versions, had missing parts or failed to be delivered altogether. After repeated complaints by dealers, Abarth notified Italian authorities and an investigation was launched.

The two alleged culprits were said to be selling parts like ECUs, for 80 percent off via an online store set up by employees. Bucket seats, turbochargers, brake parts and even branded merchandise like clothing, were all offered for sale.

[Source: Left Lane News]

Hyundai has already admitted that they have two sets of tooling for their three-door Veloster, so that Hyundai can switch the door’s location for either left or right-hand drive markets, and the company has admitted that a Veloster with two rear doors is a possibility for the future.

Hyundai is apparently planning a five-door version for European markets, and company representatives were coy when asked whether it was coming to the U.S. Hyundai was similarly evasive regarding the Elantra Touring coming to the U.S., but with previous versions having already made the trip across the ocean, we might as well expect it at an upcoming auto show.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Volkswagen is recalling 168,000 diesel engine vehicles produced from 2009-2012 over a possible leak from the fuel injectors that could start a fire.

The vehicles in question are Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta SportWagen and Golf models as well as the Audi A3 TDI. 161,144 VWs and 7,131 Audis are involved in the recall, while no injuries or accidents have been reported so far. Volkswagen says that about 20 percent of the vehicles in question have fuel injector lines that could be potentially faulty. The company will begin notifying dealers and owners in November.

[Source: The Detroit News]

The SEMA Show (Specialty Equipment Market Association) provides the unique opportunity to let suppliers and aftermarket tuners showcase their new products and innovations. This year, Brandmotion, an award winning supplier of OEM-grade custom products, earned the opportunity to work with FIAT to customize a 2012 FIAT 500.

FIAT launched a competition for aftermarket suppliers to come up with a practical yet creative line of customization options for the active drivers who want to find a fun driving experience.

Brandmotion president Jeff Varick says, “We’re extremely pleased to receive this honor. The new FIAT 500 is a stylish, well-built vehicle that shows a very fresh way of thinking about the modern automobile. The competition tasked us with thinking of the vehicle as if we were building it, not modifying it. We pride ourselves on providing highly functional interior personalization solutions that target the emerging needs of vehicle buyers, and our efforts were rewarded with this selection.”

Brandmotion’s project, known as the Urban Loft 500, represents a “Space that is minimal yet functional, with amenities that are readily accessible. It’s small enough to be practical, but with enough space and style to provide an upscale experience.”

Watch out for the Urban Loft 500 at the SEMA Show located at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 1-4, 2011. Also, visit Brandmotion’s facebook page to check out their progress so far.

Kia will unveil its first electric vehicle by the start of 2012, but did not say whether the vehicle would be sold in the United States.

The EV will reportedly be based on the Hyundai i10, a vehicle considered much too small for North American tastes. A production run of just 2,000 units is expected in 2012. A second electric vehicle is expected to follow in 2014 for Kia, with Hyundai launching a mass market EV in 2015. Hyundai currently has a small fleet of i10-based EVs testing in South Korea.

[Source: Automotive News]

Kia will launch their 2012 Rio Hatchback with a starting price of $13,600, plus a $750 destination charge (bringing the total to $14,350).

The base car will come only with a manual gearbox, while an automatic transmission equipped version will cost $14,700 ($15,540 with destination included) while the top-of-the-line SX model will set you back $18,000 ($18,750 with destination included). The Rio will come generously equipped with air-conditioning, power steering, stability control, ABS, a hill-holder for manual transmission cars, and a 1.8L 138-horsepower engine capable of returning 30/40 mpg.

The Rio will also offer a start-stop feature, a class exclusive, that will boost city fuel economy to 31 mpg.

The 2012 Ford Focus will get a 1.0L 3-Cylinder Ecoboost engine, but it will only be offered in the North American market. Ford says that the motor will make 118 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque at just 1300 rpm.

An overboost feature will provide short bursts of up to 147 lb-ft of torque, while the flywheel and front pulley are designed to reduce vibrations without the need for a balance shaft. Ford says that the engine will also be used on the European C-Max van and the B-Max crossover.

[Source: Left Lane News]

Chevrolet cranks up its production capacity for the fourth quarter as the Azia Avto plant in Kazakhstan agrees to support the production of three new Chevy models.

As the largest automaker in Kazakhstan, the Azia Avto plant is responsible for more than 87 percent of all passenger cars in the country. GM considers Kazakhstan and areas of post-Soviet Russia as one of the most promising for future growth as Chevrolet has already earned the top step for the best-selling automaker there for multiple years mainly due to their affordable prices.

Among the new cars scheduled for assembly at Azia Avto are the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback, the Captiva SUV and the seven seat Orlando minivan.

GALLERY: Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

[Source: InsideLine]

For the European market, the thought of another high performance Ford Focus has become banal, but North America is eagerly awaiting the launch of the first “Euro” hot hatch variant of the Focus, with the upcoming Ford Focus ST.

The original Focus SVT was based on a European model called the Focus ST170, but the new Focus ST marks the first time that there will be a single unified Focus performance model – with one exception. A Focus ST “wagon” (shown above) will be sold in world markets, but not North America.

With a 2.0L Ecoboost 4-cylinder making 250 PS and 265 lb-ft of torque, the Focus ST relies on an electronic torque-steer management system to put power down through a 6-speed manual gearbox via the front wheels. Big brakes and Recaro seats on offer, as are a specially tuned chassis, 18″ wheels and Goodyear Eagle F1 tires with an asymmetric tread pattern. Stay tuned to AutoGuide for live shots of the Ford Focus ST starting on Tuesday, September 13th as coverage of the Frankfurt AutoShow kicks off.

Ford will show a concept version of their l0ng-awaited Fiesta ST hot hatch at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. An ST version of the Focus hatchback has long been confirmed, and many correctly suspected that a hotter version of the smaller Fiesta would follow.

With the Focus making 250 horsepower from a 2.0L Ecoboost 4-cylinder engine, the next logical step down is Ford’s 1.6L Ecoboost, with an output of around 180 horsepower. Stay tuned to AutoGuide for more info as coverage begins on Tuesday, September 13th.

Lately it seems like auto shows have become just another venue for another automaker to unveil another electric vehicle concept. The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show will be no different, as Audi is set to display its new electric A2 concept alongside the introduction of the new Audi S6, S7, and S8.

Now this might come as a bit of a surprise, but from the electric A2 concept’s press release, there were no numbers on efficiency, range, or charge duration provided. Instead, Audi has been using the electric A2 concept as a platform to advance innovations in materials use. Pioneers and trendsetters of the LED lighting movement, Audi’s A2 will bring an even more advanced light design. According to Audi’s release, LED headlights will feature hi-res, non-glare high beams as well as efficient low beam light modules. Taillights get even more interesting as Audi studies the use of laser lighting. Brake lights are given special treatment as well, designed to vary in illumination depending on the amount of force applied during braking.

We fully expect the new generation of automotive lighting to be available and make their way across the entire Audi line-up once the technology matures.

GALLERY: Audi electric A2 Concept

[Source: Autoblog]

Last weekend, Nissan Canada officially began the reservation process for the all-new electric Leaf. Within two hours, all Leaf inventory was reserved.

On August 27th, Canadians attended one of 27 Nissan Leaf certified dealers and were invited to reserve the electric vehicle for a refundable $99 deposit. Judy Wheeler, Nissan Canada’s director of marketing, said, “Response from Canadians since we first revealed the Nissan Leaf in 2009 has been astounding, so we’re not surprised that our first inventory of 40 model year ’11 cars were snapped up so quickly”.

Nissan says that Leaf deliveries will begin sometime in September for Canadians that reserved the vehicle. Nissan will also be selling 600 units of the 2012 model year Leaf sometime soon.

The Dodge Caliber is scheduled to go out of production this November, as a new Fiat-based compact car takes its place. Chrysler enthusiast website Allpar confirms the Caliber’s demise, and lists November 23rd as the final date for the ill-fated Dodge compact.

The Caliber’s replacement is said to get 40 mpg thanks to a government requirement for taking bailout money. Fuel economy was a chief complaint among Caliber owners, and the vehicle never really moved well in the marketplace. As time wore on and sales withered, the Caliber became little more than rental car fodder, and Chrysler’s decision to end production was probably a wise one.

[Source: Allpar]

While Hyundai CEO John Krafcik didn’t give us full pricing on the upcoming Hyundai Veloster, a tweet by Hyundai’s head honcho did reveal that the highly anticipated sports coupe will start at $17,300 for a 6-speed manual version, while the Dual-Clutch Transmission will cost $18,550, while delivering 40 mpg on the highway.

In addition to a $760 freight charge, options include a “Style” package (featuring 18-inch wheels, a chrome grill, fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, leatherette and an 8-speaker audio system) and a “Tech” package (which must be ordered with the “Style” package and features different 18-inch wheels, navigation, automatic headlights, keyless start, backup sensors and a backup camera).

The Honda CR-Z starts at $19,345 and is capable of 39 mpg on the open road. The CR-Z hasn’t fared well in the marketplace, and Hyundai’s massive marketing machine, cheaper base price and superior fuel economy bragging rights may spell doom for Honda’s own sports coupe.

We’ll be driving the Veloster in early September, so check back for more at AutoGuide.com

Hit the jump to see the official press release

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Ken Block has released the fourth installment of his Gymkhana video series, aptly titled Gymkhana 4, for the flatbill wearers of the internet to enjoy and play ad nauseam.

We won’t spoil any of the video for you, but it’s an appropriate follow-up to the last three mini-films. Check it out below.

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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!

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]

Rumors of a Chevrolet Cruze 3-door hatchback appear to be just that, after an interview with General Motors North American President Mark Reuss surfaced, stating that the Cruze is too late in its North American product cycle for a hatchback.

On the other hand, reports are emerging that Buick may get a hatchback version of the Opel Astra GTC, which could end up being a variant of the Verano (shown above). The new car is expected to bow in 2014, and hopefully the Verano Turbo’s 2.0L 4-cylinder making 250 horsepower is offered. Buick will have to plan carefully for this product, as GM’s Saturn division has already tried importing a version of the Astra, and was met with an utterly dismal response from consumers.

[Source: GM Inside News]

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]

A sharp-eyed AutoGuide reader spotted the 2012 MINI Coupe undergoing a shakedown in Toronto, Canada. The Coupe, which is supposed to be the most sporting version of the MINI lineup, was wearing minimal camaflogue, although the photographer reported that the driver did their best to make a swift getaway. Check out the gallery below, as well as a video clip of the 2012 MINI Coupe.

Gallery: 2012 MINI Coupe Spied

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With Matrix sales slumping in the U.S, Toyota may not invest in a next-generation version when the 2013 Corolla hits dealerships. Only 14,592 Toyota Matrix’s were sold last year in the U.S which is down from 66,836 units in 2002. Matrix sales are still doing well in Canada, but Corolla sales are double that of the Matrix.

There has been some speculation that the upcoming Prius compact variant may replace or steal sales from the Matrix. Bob Carter, Toyota’s Group Vice President and General Manager, says the two vehicles are expected to attract two vastly different audiences.

Toyota would do well to update and refresh the aging matrix. With high fuel prices, people are turning away from SUVs and looking at hatchbacks and wagons. Hyundai and Ford already offer five door variants. According to Ward’s Auto, 43 percent of 2012 Ford Focus sales have been hatchbacks to date.

[Source: Wards Auto]

The Nissan Leaf became the first EV to get a five star crash test rating from the Euro NCAP program, after scoring well in all categories involving passenger safety, on-board safety systems and pedestrian safety.

Also notable was the car’s lithium-ion battery system, which according to Nissan “completely withstood all the impacts.” “The Nissan Leaf proves that EVs can achieve the same safety levels as traditional cars. The standard is now set for the next generation of such cars on the European market,” said Euro NCAP Secretary General Michiel van Ratingen.

The Leaf scored better than the Volvo V60, the Lexus CT200h and the Ford Focus for pedestrian safety. The Leaf scored 65 percent on the pedestrian safety test, better than the 60 percent required to gain a top score in the category.

[Source: Autocar]

For anyone who grew up with posters of the Countach or Diablo on their wall, the idea of an “everyday” Lamborghini is utterly laughable. By definition, a Lamborghini has always been a loud, crude, in-your-face supercar that makes absolutely no concessions in the way of comfort or convenience.

But Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann claims that things are about to change, with a new addition to the model lineup designed to be a daily driver. Speaking to the Reuters Global Luxury and Fashion Summit, Winkelmann said ”We are going to have a third model. It has to be an everyday car. We want to have a car which is able to be used on a daily basis.”

Details are practically non-existant, since Winkelmann seemed to state that the car has been recently approved, and would take another four years to hit showrooms. Lamborghini has previous previewed a 4-door sedan model, dubbed the Estoque (seen above), while Ferrari’s new four-seat, four-wheel drive FF pseudo-hatchback will be on sale in 2012.

[Source: Reuters]