“The BMW engine was an obvious choice for us, as BMW is known for producing the best and most fuel efficient gasoline engines in the world,” said Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker. “We are very pleased to have signed this agreement with BMW.”

Currently, Fisker uses a General Motors turbocharged 2.o-liter engine for the Karma, but nothing has been mentioned as to whether the vehicle will also receive BMW power in 2012.

GALLERY: Fisker Karma

Just as industry analysts and veterans are convinced that the Lincoln brand will share a similar fate to Mercury, Lincoln is determined to prove the naysayers otherwise. According to global product chief of Ford, Derrick Kuzak, Ford promises no fewer than seven new or improved vehicles in the Lincoln lineup by 2014, a mere three years time.

With introductions staggered between 2012 to 2014, Lincoln is scheduled to begin their launch with a restyled Navigator for its 2012 model year. Expect to find the same 3.5 liter EcoBoost V-6 found in Ford’s F-series line of pickups.

Also in development is a new compact crossover based on Ford’s next generation Ford Escape, which will be based on a Ford Kuga chassis, a product that’s currently a foreign market exclusive. Another compact car is also in talks but it probably won’t be introduced until 2016, if at all.

Next, the Ford Fusion based Lincoln MKZ will be revised for 2013. However, expect to see the MKZ’s introduction to be slightly behind that of the Fusion as Ford Motor Company will focus much of their efforts in refining, and further separating, Lincolns with a more upscale interior.

The larger MKS sedan is expected to receive a facelift for 2013 as well. Cosmetic enhancements include a freshened grill and side in order to achieve a more streamlined appearance. Moreover, the MKS may also be available with an efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine expected in the Taurus at the same time.

As far as Lincoln’s current crossovers are concerned, the big daddy MKT will get new grill and taillight treatments, not to mention a gussied up interior. And finally, don’t expect a redesign for the midsize crossover MKX until 2014.

Although it remains to be seen whether these efforts would place Lincoln back on the map, it is a positive sign to see Ford Motor Company at least try.

GALLERY: Lincoln Line-up

[Source: Autonews]

Nissan North America has recently confirmed U.S pricing for the 2012 Maxima. The Maxima is being offered as either the 3.5 S or 3.5 SV model. The 2012 Maxima 3.5 S has been priced at $31,750 and the SV model has been priced at $34,450. Pricing has not increased for the 2012 model year despite a number of significant enhancements.

For 2012, the exterior has been refreshed including a new front grill design, new rear combination lights and new 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum-alloy rims. The interior features a new meter cluster illumination colour (white), new Dark Piano-hairline trim, a new Atlantic Cherry wood tone trim, a new metallic-finish trim, and a new Cafe Latte interior colour. The audio display has also been updated as well as new exterior colours including Java Metallic and Dark Slate.

A new special Limited Edition Package is also being offered on the 3.5 S model. The package includes: smoked appearance headlights, High Intensity Discharge (HID) Xenon headlights, a compass in the rearview mirror, 18-inch aluminum-alloy Dark Hyper Silver finish rims, a rear spoiler, dark satin chrome front grille, fog lights, outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and metallic trim. This package has been priced at $710. Both models come equipped with a 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 mated to an Xtronic CVT transmission.

The all-new 2012 Audi S7 is the latest edition to the automaker’s lineup of swoopy pseudo-hatchbacks, and it will be nothing less than a beast. The S7 will use the same engine as the S6 and S6 Avant, the new twin-turbo 4.0-liter TFSI V8 producing 420-hp and 405 lb-ft of torque.

The five-door coupe can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds with a top speed limited to 155 mph. The engine features Audi’s “cylinder on demand” technology improving fuel consumption for an overall rating of 24 mpg. The engine is mated to a dynamic seven-speed S tronic transmission as well as with Audi’s bullit proof quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. The S7 also comes standard with the adaptive air suspension sport and the Audi drive select dynamic system. The car can be had with 19- and 20-inch wheels and dynamic steering, which varies its ratio as a function of speed, carbon-ceramic discs, and optional sport differential.

The sporty character of the S7 is carried through on the interior as well. The interior is highlighted by numerous details including the S badges, the red ring on the start-stop button , the S7 badges in the door sill trim, the aluminum strip on the S tronic gear lever and the aluminum shift paddles. The seats are height adjustable with power lumbar support. The cabin can also be styled with aluminum, carbon, natural fine grain ash and layered Beaufort oak as well as Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara, with the leather grades Milano and Valcona, so in other words, no shortage of choice.

The S7 Sportback is scheduled for delivery starting in the spring of 2012. Look for the official debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show on September 13th.

GALLERY: 2012 Audi S7

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

This week, a news report was released by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, proclaiming Audi as the number one luxury brand for best total cost of ownership.

The data confirmed that Audi yields the lowest average Total Cost of Ownership for the initial five-year ownership period, beating all other luxury brands. The Total Cost of Ownership breaks down the typical ownership costs for a particular vehicle, including depreciation, expected fuel, repair, maintenance and insurance costs. Audi’s success has been driven largely by the A3 2.oT and A4 2.0T models, due to their minimal depreciation and industry-leading fuel economy.

he 2.0-liter TFSI engine produces 211-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine combines Audi’s valvelift system, variable valve timing and TFSI direct injection for increased power and efficiency. The German automaker has already sold more than 1.3 million of these engines, and is one of the most acclaimed powerplants of the last decade.

With the passing of the Volvo V70 and VW Passat in North America, European wagons are becoming harder to come by. But BMW is considering bringing the 5-Series Touring back to our shores to make up for disappointing 5-Series Gran Turismo sales figures.

Nothing has been confirmed, however some sources have learned that the comeback may be a strong possibility. Sales of the 5-Series GT haven’t been particularly exceptional, but the model outsold the previous 5-Series Touring since its arrival last year, even with its controversial appearance and mundane reception.

GALLERY: BMW 5-Series Touring

[Source: Autoblog]

Andy Goss, President of Jaguar Land Rover North America has bold plans for Land Rover to hit 50,000 U.S sales by 2012 and for Jaguar to reach the same goal within five years.

Land Rover sold 31, 864 units in 2010 and has sold 20,000 vehicles through July of 2011. ”Both brands have some similarities in the fact that we are planning for growth predicated on product introductions,” said Goss. With the new compact  Evoque added to the lineup, Goss feels the 50,000 mark is within the automakers reach. Jaguar will most likely have more trouble attaining the 50,000 unit goal, based on the fact that the automaker only sold 13,340 units in 2011. Jaguar hoping to up sales with help from a sports car that the brand is considering, which may debut as a concept at the Frankfurt auto show. Goss did not provide any details but noted that Jaguar needs a small sports car and a sedan to compete with the BMW 3-Series.

[Source: Automotive News]

Maserati is recalling 2009 model year Quattroporte and GranTurismo vehicles, over inadequate rear tie-rods that could fail. The recall is affecting 763 vehicles that were built between July and September 2008. A failed tie-rod could lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Maserati dealers will replace the poorly installed tie-rods, install a tie-rod kit and perform a wheel-alignment, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2011. Owners may contact Maserati at 1-201-816-2600.

Tata Motors, the owner of Jaguar Land Rover, is suffering from slumping sales as the first-quarter profits are released. Tata’s Indian passenger car sales fell and Jaguar deliveries have also decreased. Surprisingly, however, Tata’s net income rose to twenty billion rupees in the three months ending on June 30th. This is up from 19.9 billion rupees a year earlier, but misses expectations.

Tata Motors confirmed an 8.5 percent decrease in Indian passenger car sales during the quarter caused by rising interest rates. The rising interest rates reduced demand throughout the country where eighty percent of purchases are funded by loans. Jaguar sales were down twenty-seven percent in the period cause by a sparse lineup and limited presence in the booming Chinese market.

[Source: Automotive News]

This is it for SUV lovers, the piece de resistance. Bentley is working on a design and engineering project to launch a very high-end  £150,000 SUV by 2014, according to CEO Wolfgang Durheimer.

Design chief Dirk van Braeckel and engineering boss Uli Eichhorn are spearheading the project with Durheimer to get the SUV ready.

“I have great faith in the SUV market and it’s here to stay” says Durheimer, who counts the launch of the Porsche Cayenne during his tenure at Weissach as “one of my proudest achievements”.

The Bentley SUV will have hallmark styling with luxury wood and leather interior that will place it above the Range Rover in terms of quality. Bentley’s launch will coincidentally overlap with Aston Martin’s Lagonda 4×4. Bentley is unsure of what platform to use but may lean towards utilizing a version of Volkswagen Group’s new MLB setup. Interestingly, Durheimer was a key figure in the early platform enginnering of the MLB while at Porsche.

Durheimer has suggested using a diesel engine for the SUV. The company may lean towards implementing the immense Audi V12 TDi, and Durheimer has suggested that 738 lb-ft of torque is a suitable amount of power. A gasoline powered W12 will also be available for markets where diesels aren’t as popular.

The go-ahead has not been given to start production on the SUV as Bentley is still waiting to hear from the VW Board. However the British automaker is confident that the project will be given the green light.

[Source: Auto Car]

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating after taking first place in three different categories in the Automotive Brand Contest 2011. The jury voted the Mercedes-Benz design team “Team of the year”. The automotive brand was also awarded the ultimate “Best of Best” plaudit to the Mercedes-Benz CLS in the Exterior category. The A-Class concept received “Best of Best” in the Interior area of the Concept & Study category.

The Automotive Brand Contest is the first international brand contest for the automotive industry. The independent institution organizes the competition exclusively for the automotive sector, to acknowledge outstanding design.

Mercedes-Benz design director professor h.c Gorden Wagener said, “We are all delighted to receive this valuable award in recognition of a magnificent joint effort,”. “Everyone in our team works with great dedication day-in, day-out to ensure that the Mercedes-Benz models of the future retain their distinctive, hallmark Mercedes character in keeping with the very highest aesthetic standards.”

The awards will be presented at the Automotive Designers Night on September 13 at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into 120,000 BMW 7-Series vehicles. The issue is regarding the car not shifting securely into park and rolling away. The affected model years include 2002 to 2008, after receiving a complaint regarding a 2006 model that rolled away after the owner parked and exited the vehicle. The car that rolled away was equipped with BMW’s electronic access and ignition system, and an electronic transmission shifter with a gear selector mounted on the steering column. A BMW spokesman said the automaker is unaware of accidents or injuries related to this issue.

A preliminary investigation is the first step in a process that may lead to a recall if the NHTSA determines that there is a safety concern. NHTSA said no issues have been identified yet for any incident reported.

The Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson has been updated for 2012 with a new look and added features. On the outside, new design enhancements include unique bodyside graphics, 22-inch machined-aluminum wheels and a new exterior color choice – White Platinum Tri-Coat. The truck also features a bold front fascia and six-bar billet-style bright chrome grill.

On the inside, Ford is proud to offer new snakeskin leather interior accenting, a voice-activated navigation system, a 4.2 inch-productivity screen, power sunroof and remote starter system. The screen will offer information from fuel economy to towing performance.

Powering this machine is Ford’s 6.2-liter V8 engine with 411-hp and 434 lb-ft of torque, which provides a maximum trailer towing capability of 7,500 pounds.

Intended to be a high end truck, the F-150 offers impressive options including a rear view camera, second-row heated seats, power adjustable performance pedals, power deployable running boards and more.

GALLERY: 2012 Harley-Davidson F-150

Bugatti has built the fastest production cars in the world, but their next project will be a little different. Bugatti CEO Wolfgang Durheimer confirmed that the new 16 C Galibier concept, which gives an indication as to their next production car, will have four seats and have a generous trunk for luggage.

The sedan will likely be powered by a 16-cylinder engine, producing somewhere around 800-hp. The Galibier concept will be much larger than the Veyron and have less power, so 0-60 sprints in under three seconds are highly unlikely. A plug-in hybrid is also in the cards, with an electric-only driving range of around 25 miles, according to Durheimer. Bugatti plans to sell between 1000-15000 of the Galibier models. This is around three times as many sales compared to the Veyron and Grand Sport vehicles sold since 2004. Bugatti will likely begin selling the luxury vehicle during the fall of 2012. Durheimer says the four-seater will cost at least €1M, equivalent to around $1.42 million.

[Source: Car and Driver]

The development of the Jaguar XF wagon is still a work in progress for the British automaker. Ford’s product planners did not include a wagon body style when the sedan was first designed and Jaguar engineers have had to develop the XF estate from square one, with the project has becoming considerably more expensive and complex.

Some insiders have suggested the XF wagon will be the same length as the sedan. The Jag will also share styling cues with the XJ, as the wraparound rear pillars will be present, giving the estate a cleaner looking back end compared to the X-type wagon. The British automaker is aiming for the vehicle to be as practical as the Audi A6 Avant and BMW 5-series, with space comparable to the large Mercedes-Benz E-class estate.

The XF will most likely debut at the Geneva or Paris auto show in 2012. Unfortunately, the vehicle probably won’t arrive stateside since there is minimal demand for wagons.

[Source: Car]

General Motors will invest $117 million in the Oshawa Assembly Plant in preparation to build the all-new Cadillac XTS. This move will also solidify 400 jobs on the company’s felixble assembly line. The XTS has been designed to compete against other large luxury cars, and production should begin in the first half of 2012.

“This investment further extends the capabilities of the award-winning Oshawa Assembly Plant and pays compliment to the achievements of its dedicated workforce, one that consistently strives for excellence,” said Kevin Williams, president and managing director of General Motors of Canada. “Adding the Cadillac XTS affirms GM’s commitment to a strong manufacturing base in Canada, ensuring Oshawa will have a critical role in the ongoing transformation of Cadillac.

Last year, the plant underwent significant change to produce the Chevrolet Equinox, the Chevrolet Camaro Convertivle and the Buick Regal. This production change added two new shifts and 1,300 employees. The plant also builds the Chevy Impala and employs over 4,500 workers. GM Canada employs more than 10,000 people accross the coutnry.

The XTS concept car was unveiled last year and the final production model wil debut in the coming months.

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

Volvo is recalling the 2007 S80 built between March 2006 and May 2007 due to the power steering reservoir return hoses that may been incorrectly routed.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an incorrectly routed hose can result in increased pressure within the power steering. If there is a failure, it’s possible for the hose to burst, resulting in a loss of power steering, increasing the risk of a crash. Volvo will begin contacting owners in August, and any necessary repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-201-768-7300.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz B-Class is to debut at the Frankfurt auto show this September, and the German automaker has just released interior photos of what the luxury hatchback will look like.

The interior appears to be very simple and well laid out. The B-Class interior can be outfitted with high end materials including the ARTICO man made leather featured on the dashboard. The all-new B-Class crossover will also use a front-wheel drive design and will remain a multi-purpose vehicle, meaning a higher roof and more cargo space.

A full range of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines will be available for the new model, including start-stop technology for improved fuel economy. Mercedes has also worked hard to preserve the interior space of the current car while retaining traditional characteristics of the German automaker. After its debut, the car will go on sale at the end of 2011, hitting European dealerships in November 2011. No official statements have been made regarding B-Class sales in North America.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Interior

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler Group and Fiat, announced that Maserati’s future SUV will make its world debut in September at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The concept vehicle at the show, will provide a good idea as to what to expect from the production version set to follow in 2013.

The Maserati SUV will be built on the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform but will utilize a different engine. Marchionne revealed that the SUV will feature a “rock and roll engine”, whatever that means. It has been rumoured that the Maserati may feature a Ferrari-sourced V8 or V12, but that has recently been ruled out. The most recent rumour is that of a Chrysler HEMI V8 with 465-hp being used, but nothing is certain. Europe will most likely receive a diesel variant, possibly with a 3.0-liter twin turbo Fiat engine. The engine choice will be a vital and strategic move for Maserati, in order to take on the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5/X6 and Range Rover.

[Source: Top Speed]

Insiders have revealed that Mercedes-Benz is testing banana wood as a trim on the next S-Class and that all wood veneers are 100 percent real. Exotic materials such as silk and cashmere are also being considered.

The current S-Class is becoming somewhat long-in-the-tooth, compared to the recently released Audi A8 and BMW 7-Series. Mercedes-Benz has prepared to launch the next-gen S-Class vehicle, to combat the rivals, sometime next year as a 2013 model. The designers and engineers are working to make the materials more durable for everyday use, which is a smartl idea considering what buyers expect from a $100,000 car.

[Souce: egm Car Tech]