Infiniti announced U.S pricing for the 2012 QX full-size SUV and the 2012 EX crossover. The QX was redesigned in 2011, so changes to the 2012 model are non-existent.

The full-sized SUV will be offered in both a 2WD and 4WD setup, and some options have been changed to make some features more accessible in lower-level packages. One change on the 2012 model is the Blind Spot Intervention system available with the Technology Package. This option alerts the driver to vehicles in the blind spot area. Both the QX models will utilize the 400-hp 5.6-liter V8 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Pricing for the 2012 2WD model will start at $58,700 and the 2012 4WD model will start at $61,800.

The 2012 EX will be available in four models including the EX35 RWD ($35,600), EX35 AWD ($37,000), EX35 RWD Journey ($37,900) and EX35 AWD Journey ($39,300). The crossover also gains the HomeLink Universal Transceiver as standard equipment on the EX35 Journey. All four models will utilize the same 297-hp 3.5-liter V6 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

GALLERY: Infinti EX35/ QX56

To celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary, Acura is producing a Special Edition of the TSX. The TSX Special Edition model will give the popular sedan a sportier, more aggressive look – a good thing, considering the upgrades are all cosmetic.

The TSX will receive a more aggressive front spoiler, unique side sills and rear fascia as well as new polished 17-inch alloy rims with a dark grey background. On the inside, the seats will be finished with black suede inserts that contrast the red stitching. The red stitching will also carry over on the steering wheel and shift knob. The red theme continues on the gauges, overhead lighting and foot-well. The sedan will also receive aluminum pedals and silver plating for the steering-wheel-mounted shifters.

Powering the TSX will be the K24 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, mated to either a close-ratio 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. The TSX Special Edition will make its debut at the Orange Country International Auto Show on September 22nd, and will likely go on sale at the same time.

GALLERY: TSX Special Edition

Toyota officially launched the all-new Camry last week, and Nissan took advantage of this situation in a very 21st century method of subterfuge.

When the sedan was unveiled, Toyota found that the word “Camry” had been acquired on social media service Twitter by rival Nissan North America. Anyone searching the Camry on Twitter during the launch, would receive a tweet regarding product news from Nissan.

Nissan took advantage of the fact that it knew Toyota would launch the Camry with special attention to Twitter. Nissan discovered that the key word Camry had not been locked up so it purchased what Twitter terms a “Promoted Tweet” allowing the automaker to acquire a selection of search terms for 24 hours that included “Camry”, “Toyota Camry” and “mid-sized car”.”Toyota blew it,” crowed one Nissan manager. “They simply didn’t protect their intellectual property.”

Nissan has become increasingly competitive especially against Toyota. U.S sales of the Altima are up more than 18 percent through July, compared to Toyota’s 8 percent Camry fall. The decline was primarily a result of inventory issues stemming from the March 11 earthquake. The Camry has been America’s top selling passenger car for 13 of the past 14 years. The Camry vastly outsells the Altima, but Nissan has been making up ground in recent years.

Check out our full review of the Camry here!

GALLERY: Toyota Camry

[Source: Automotive News]

Toyota has already announced that it intends to set a new electric car lap record at the Nurburging, but now the automaker has some extra exciting news for EV performance enthusiasts – you’ll be able to buy one!

Just days ahead of the planned record breaking attempt, Toyota has said the electric SR9 racer will be available for retail sale, well, some if it will anyway. Consumers will be able to buy the car’s electric drivetrain, battery, twin electric motors and lithium-ceramic batteries. Buyers won’t, however, be able to purchase the body shell or lightweight chassis from Radical – although we suppose you could buy both individually and match them up yourself.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but the lucky few that do purchase these sophisticated items will likely have to shell out some serious coin.

GALLERY: Electric SR9 Race Car

[Source: Green Car Reports]

Nissan has released a lone image of its incredible GT-R GT3-spec race car ahead of its first competition test. Built by a partnership between Nissan’s NISMO motorsports division and JR Motorsports (JRM), the NISMO GT-R GT3 will hit the track this weekend for the fourth round of the Blancpain Endurance Series at Magny-Cours.

Driving duties during the three-hour race will be shared by Richard Westbrook and David Brabham.

“Testing has been underway since earlier this year and the car has run very well. We now want to place it into a competitive environment as part of its continued development. We have no intention of racing to win at this stage, as we are focused on putting race-miles on the car and collecting as much data as possible,” said JRM Managing Director Andy Barnes.

The car will compete in several more events this year before its official race debut in October.

Built to GT3-spec, the NISMO GT-R is much closer to a production model than the current vehicles competing in the GT1 series in Europe. Perhaps the biggest difference is that the GT3-spec car shares its V6 VR38DETT with the production GT-R, while the GT1 class racers use naturally aspirated V8s.

GALLERY: Nissan GT-R GT3

Nissan has announced it will launch the all-electric Nissan Leaf ahead of schedule in the city of Chicago, citing popular demand as well as preparedness by the city.

Last February, Gov. Pat Quinn announced that $1 million would be invested to install state-of-the-art charging infrastructure for electric cars throughout the Chicago area. The City of Chicago matched the investment with an additional $1 million for the project to implement 280 EV charging stations.

“Illinois is laying the groundwork for electric vehicles, and our efforts are paying off,” Gov. Quinn said. “By investing in electric vehicle technology, both the State of Illinois and Nissan are making transportation in our state more efficient, sustainable and affordable.”

The City of Chicago has also spearheaded an aggressive infrastructure plan to add 73 DC quick charging stations and 207 Level 2 stations by the end of 2011. So far, 40 stations have been installed, but when complete, the system will provide the Chicagoland area with the most extensive infrastructure for electric vehicles in the U.S.

Lexus has just released a promo clip for the all-new 2013 GS350, highlighting the car’s power and agility. With details provided on the new suspension setup as well as the 306-hp 3.5-liter V6, there are also plenty of stunning visuals.

Recently unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, get full details on the new GS here.

GALLERY: 2013 GS350

Check out the video after the jump!

Continue Reading…

Toyota’s all-new Camry will blitz the US market to regain sales lost after three years that included a recession, recalls and an earthquake. The new Camry was unveiled on Tuesday and is the first of 20 new and refreshed Toyota, Lexus and Scion models arriving by early 2013. Along with the Camry, Toyota this year will add the hybrid Prius v wagon, revamped Yaris subcompact, Scion iQ minicar and a modified Tacoma pickup truck.  Vehicles to be released in 2012 include, a plug-in version of the Prius, compact Prius c hybrid, a new Lexus GS sport sedan, a battery powered RAV4 and a rear-wheel drive Scrion FR-S sports car. Toyota is determined to keep the Camry the top seelling passenger car, a position that has been held by the model for 13 of the past 14 years.

Toyota’s best year for the Camry was in 2007 with 473,108 units sold. However, through July, Camry sales slipped 7.8 percent to 174,485 from a year earlier. Hyundai has been very successful with the Sonata up 27 percent in sales during the same time frame. Nissan’s Altima has gained 17 percent to 153,182 during the same time period as well.

Camry’s have the largest owner base of any midsize sedan in the U.S with Toyota estimating that there are over 6.8 million of them on American roads. Toyota has also slashed the price on the 2012 model, as the company hopes to entice those who might be thinking about moving away from the automaker to look at other car brands.

The four-cylinder 2012 Camry LE with an automatic transmission has been priced at $22,500, $200 cheaper than last year. The SE model is also $1000 cheaper, selling for $23,000. The top-of-the-line XLE has been lowered by $2000, to $24,725 (all of these models are equipped with the four-cylinder engine).

Camry is symbolic of Toyota’s success, CEO Akio Toyoda said in a speech Tuesday marking the start of production of the model in Georgetown, Ky. ”This is an opportunity to show the world what Toyota is all about,” said Toyoda, grandson of the automaker’s founder. “I can introduce the new Camry with 100 percent confidence,”, he said.

GALLERY: 2012 Toyota Camry

[Source: Automotive News]

With the debut of the all new 2012 Toyota Camry yesterday (review here), Honda’s Accord soldiers on for another model year mostly unchanged save for the addition of a Special Edition (SE) trim level. All Accord models will also receive a USB audio interface for 2012.

The Honda Accord will also receive four engine variations , with the base 177-hp 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine in the LX,LX-P and SE sedans. Next is the 190-hp 2.4-liter 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC engine that’s standard in the EX and EX-L sedan. The top of the line 3.5-liter 24-valve SOHC, i-VTEC V6 engine produces 271-hp and is available  in the EX and EX-L.

Transmission choices vary between engine and trim level choices. There is a 5-speed automatic transmission standard for all 4-cylinder and V6 models. A 6-speed manual transmission will be available exclusively for the Accord V6 Coupe. The 4-cylinder Accord with the 5-speed automatic transmission will rank as the most fuel efficient model, achieving 23 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for a combined 27 mpg rating.

Honda’s Satellite-Linked Navigation System is available on the EX-L model and has an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. The 2012 Accord sedan also earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s best-possible Overall Vehicle Score 1 of 5 stars.

Toyota has announced pricing on the all-new, seventh-generation 2012 Camry and Camry Hybrid. The all-new Camry and Camry Hybrid will be offered in four different model grades. The models will include the entry-level L, value-driven LE, premium XLE and sporty SE grades. The XLE and SE are available with four-cylinder or V6 engines. The Camry Hybrid is offered in LE and XLE grades.

The Camry L has been priced at $21,955 and comes equipped with goodies including, Bluetooth hands-free capability, air conditioning, power windows/locks, six speaker CD audio system, and iPod connectivity. The LE has been priced at $22, 500 and features and all new Display Audio System, which features a 6.1-inch touch screen. The sporty SE has  been priced at $23,000 (4-cylinder) or $26,640 (V6) and features 18-inch rims, sport suspension, and unique body styling. The XLE will start at $24,725 for the four-cylinder or $29,845 (V6) and comes with the all-new Display Audio, 17-inch rims, chrome exterior accents, heated mirrors, fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone auto climate control with rear air vents and wood-style interior trim.

The highly revised 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine equipped with Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i) produces 178-hp and 170 lb-ft of torque.  The engine achieves 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway for 28 mpg combined – best in class. The 24-valve DOHC 3.5-liter V6 employs Dual VV-i produces 268-hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. This engine achieves 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway for 25 mpg combined.

The revised 2.5-liter four-cylinder Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain produces 200-hp and achieves 43 mpg city, 39 mpg highway for 41 mpg combined. The Camry Hybrid LE has been priced at $25,900.

GALLERY: 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Click here to read AutoGuide’s 2012 Toyota Camry Review and see after the jump for the video:

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Subaru of American announced today, that its highly-anticipated 2012 Impreza will start at just $17,495. At that price, customers will get the base model 4-door 2.0-liter with a five speed manual transmission.

Impressively, the car’s starting price remains the same as last year’s model. The base model equipped with a CVT transmission will carry a $1,000 premium. The five door model with a five speed with cost $17,995 or $18,995 for the CVT model.

The Impreza will also be offered in 2.0i Premium, Sport Premium and Limited models. The 4-door 2.0i Premium will cost $18,795, with the five door Premium starting at $19,295. The 2.0i Limited 4-door will cost $21,595 and $22,095 for the 5-door. Lastly, the Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium will start at $20,295 and is only offered in the 5-door body style.

The 2012 Impreza has a few changes from last year including the all-new148-hp 2.0-liter Boxer engine, that achieves 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The 2012 Impreza will hit dealerships in November 2011.

In 2010, Volkswagen took a twenty-percent stake in Suzuki, and virtually no progress has been made from the alliance since then. Neither side has been thrilled with the coalition and the two automakers have even stated cultural differences as being a factor in the failed relationship.

Both automakers had different goals: VW wanted to expand into the Asian small-car market, while Suzuki wanted to take advantage of VW’s expertise in diesel, hybrid, and electric cars. As a result, Suzuki may be looking to take its talents to Italy.

Currently, Suzuki has made a deal with Fiat to supply the SX4 crossover for rebadging as the Sedici in Europe. Sources have indicated that Suzuki is looking for ways to further its relationship with Fiat, however the Italian automaker has not indicated whether the feeling is mutual.

As it stands, the Japanese and German automaker have clearly expected more out of this partnership, yet neither are progressing. Suzuki and VW are likely to split but the Japanese automaker has more to lose, so expect to see a move sooner rather than later.

[Source: Truck Trend]

Honda has planned to discontinue the Ridgeline in 2013, and with this move, there is an opening for a new pickup truck. The next-gen CR-V could spawn a new compact pickup variant.

The CR-V is actually based on the Civic, so the pickup would be more of car based utility vehicle much like the Ridgeline. The Ridgeline was never the top runner in the full-sized pickup sales race but that doesn’t seem to deter Honda.

Other interesting Honda updates includes the launch of an all-new Accord in 2012. The Accord is likely to return with a hybrid variant, which has not been offered since 2007. The gasoline-electric powerplant is likely to also be used in the CR-V. The Crosstour, which has had trouble selling, will be updated with a 2.4-liter four cylinder variant. The Pilot will also be refreshed in the fall of 2013 and there are rumours of the sport-tuned Mugen CR-Z being built. Lastly, Honda announced it would offer a battery-electric “commuter car” in 2012 with sources saying it will be the Fit EV.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Two weeks ago, a recall was launched for approximately 20,000 Nissan Altima sedans for a front suspension bolt that may not have been properly tightened during production of the vehicle. Today, another recall was launched regarding an incorrectly assembled air bag control unit in both the 2012 Altima and the 2012 NV work van. The affected vehicles were built during a two week period this year and the recall involves 54 units.

The faulty airbag control unit installations were installed in the Altima between June 15 and 21, 2011, and June 23-28 for the NV. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the unit “will not operate as designed and this issue may cause the air bags not to inflate in a crash … This could increase the risk of injury.”

According to NHTSA, the Japanese automaker will replace the air bag control units free of charge starting on or around August 22.

Lexus is set to launch its next-gen GS at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18, and the vehicle will feature a much smaller engine. Reports from Thailand say that the new model will have an available smaller 2.5-liter V6 engine, along with bigger six cylinder engines. The smaller engine will mean the Japanese automaker can better compete with the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class.

For the last twenty years, the GS’s smallest engine was the 3.0-liter, but for efficiency reasons, it’s time for change. The engine choice allows Lexus to evade Thailand’s maximum excise tax of fifty percent for cars with more than 220-hp (GS300 has 229). The smaller Lexus IS already uses a 2.5-liter V6 so implementing the engine into the bigger GS will not be an issue. It has not been confirmed as to whether GS250 will be available in North America so we’ll have to keep our fingers crossed. With gas prices the way they are, the GS250 would be an attractive option if looking for a fuel efficient luxury car.

[Source: Paul Tan]

U.S safety regulators have begun investigating warranty claims regarding the brake effectiveness of the 2008 Mazda CX-9. The investigation surrounds leaking brake fluid that could affect the brakes of the 2008 CX-9, according to NHTSA.

So far, no injuries or crashes have been reported however, an estimated 37,000 vehicles could be affected. Information was sent to the NHTSA from Mazda regarding a period in the first quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2010, displaying a “high number” of warranty claims and reports for the affected CX-9.”When brake fluid leaks into the vacuum booster the driver can experience reduced brake effectiveness which can result in extended stopping distance,” the filing said. So far, a preliminary investigation has been launched that could lead to a recall if regulators determine the vehicle components to be unsafe.

[Source: Reuters]

Nissan’s has built a Catamaran to compete in the 2011 Class A Catamaran World Championship from August 13- 20 in Skødstrup, Denmark.

Matt Struble, led the design and modeling team at Nissan Design America (NDA) and will be racing the boat. The Class A Catamaran is controlled by a single sailor and is the smallest size of all Catamaran race boats. The boat was designed and built entirely by Nissan, and as Struble said, it truly is a clean, smooth, competitive and efficient boat.

“We weren’t trying to create something that already exists, but something groundbreaking,” Struble said. “This has truly been a great experience and great project for us. This one in particular was quite unique because you have to create it in your mind, but also physically manufacture it and follow through. It was great for our team to see the project from start to finish.”

Summer is almost over, which means back to school shopping. Forget about pens, pencils and binders; what about picking up a new set of wheels? Surely that will make the thought of heading back to class a little better!

Kelley Blue Book has put together a list of vehicles that it believes will appeal to kids. There are some odd choices though.

The new car picks all seem to be decent, all are affordable, efficient and attractive. However the used choices are surprising. The Kia Sedona probably won’t be very appealing to students because well, minivans are not cool. As well, the F-150 is a pretty large truck and although it is the best selling vehicle in America, it’s hardly fuel efficient. The HHR was also an interesting choice because not many young people drive them. The new vehicles are probably better choices overall, but who knows, maybe minivans are secretly cool among teenagers… or maybe just teenagers trying really hard to be ironic. What do you think?

Check out the list of new and used vehicles after the jump:

Continue Reading…

The next-gen Suzuki Swift Sport will debut at the 64th Frankfurt Auto Show on September 13.

Compared to the standard Swift, the Sport model has a more aggressive exterior and promises a “high-quality” interior with, “features that heighten excitement about the driving experience.”

Powering the Swift is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 134-hp, with better fuel consumption than previous models. The engine will be mated to a specifically developed six-speed manual transmission.

The Swift Sport also offers better handling thanks to larger wheels and low profile tires, as well as a new suspension setup with custom spring and shock settings.

Safety features include seven airbags and a stability control system.

It has been rumored that the Swift may come to North America, and if it does, hopefully the Swift Sport will also be offered. More information will be known at the Frankfurt auto show so stay tuned!

Subaru announced today that it will exhibit the all-new XV model at the 64th Frankfurt Auto Show this September. The vehicle will be unveiled at the Subaru press conference, scheduled at 9:30 on September 13th.

The crossover will go on sale in Europe later this year, however there has been no confirmation as to whether the XV, currently known as the Impreza Outback in the U.S., will come stateside. In fact, the Euro-XV maybe the basis for the next Impreza Outback wagon, or or it could be an entirely different model. Stay tuned for more details coming out of Frankfurt.

Yoichi Yokozawa, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America confirmed that a new Lancer SE model will be arriving this fall as a 2012 model. The SE model will receive all-wheel drive, like its Ralliart and Evolution siblings, however it will be powered by the naturally aspirated engine found in the DE, ES and GTS trims.

The SE model will likely sell for around $20,000 and is expected to account for 15-20 percent of all Lancer sales. Mitsubishi plans to sell 100,000 units in the U.S again and hopes adding the SE to the Lancer lineup will boost sales – and stay competitive with long-time rival Subaru. Mitsubishi last sold over 100,000 vehicles in the U.S. in 2007, with 128,993.

[Source: Automotive News]

Today, Nissan announced that it will be the first automaker to offer Quick Response codes on individual vehicle window stickers across its entire 2012 lineup. The QR codes link consumers to additional vehicle information, providing a free interactive shipping experience through smartphone devices.

“Nissan’s new QR code program puts important decision-making information at shoppers’ fingertips while on dealership lots, helping sales personnel make a more effective presentation, as well as providing customers with a ‘silent salesperson’ if they are shopping the lot after hours,” said Jon Brancheau, vice president, Marketing, Nissan North America. “It’s a true mass market effort across all products and all Nissan dealerships nationwide – part of our pledge to bring innovation to every aspect of the vehicle design, buying and ownership experience.”

Important information available through the QR codes includes:

• Specific vehicle information, including grade walk, key features and available accessories
• Video based product overviews
• Image gallery
• Incentive offers
• Dealer inventory
• Request a quote capability
• Join mailing list request
• Dealer location support

“Initial consumer response, based on early 2012 Altima QR code availability, has been extremely encouraging, with consumers viewing multiple pages and requesting follow-up information regarding current offers and inventory,” said Brancheau. “It’s one more way Nissan helps the consumer by delivering content on their terms.”