#NorthAmericanMarket

This hottest version of the TT comes equipped with a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder motor that features TFSI direct injection technology and a turbocharger/intercooler setup. The result is a powerplant that produces 360-hp and 343 lb/ft of torque.

But while its CEO Victor Muller is looking for the money train to keep the company on track, Saab itself is preparing to launch the 9-5 Sport Combi in the US-market.

Those who have been waiting to park the stylish new Range Rover Evoque on their driveway would be pleased to know that they won’t have to wait too long now. The vehicle will go on sale in just a few months time, but Land Rover has just announced US-pricing for this model, which starts at $43,995 (not including destination charges). That’s for the four door model with the coupe priced from $44,995.

That’s not all, because that price-tag does not include the $750 extra you’ll have to pay for the destination and handling. That means, this fuel-sipping sedan is not cheap, and crucially, it is $705 dearer than the similar Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

Honda’ s recent airbag recall in North America is a growing problem for the auto maker. The recall, which affect 2001 to 2003 model Honda and Acura vehicles, is related to a faulty airbag module that might have been replaced by a defected service part, when the original driver’s airbag was changed.

To keep its North American customer base happy, Maserati has now unveiled a version of their sleek coupe just for us and its called the GranTurismo MC.

So what’s the difference between an MC Stradale and this new MC? Well they look just about the same, but there are some notable changes under the skin and in the cabin. Whereas the MC Stradale used an F1 style sequential gearbox, the MC makes use of the ZF six-speed automatic found in other Maserati road cars.

Inside, the MC retains its rear seats, which were junked for the MC Stradale version. So it seems the North American version is a watered down version of what our European cousins get to play with, but not quite. Thankfully the MC Stradale’s tweaked 4.7-liter, V8 which produces 450-hp has found its way into the North American MC also. That engine can power this coupe all the way to 185 mph and sprint from 0-62 mph in just 4.9 seconds. Also worth noting, this engine is  available in the GranCabrio Sport.

For more details on this model, check out the press release below:

In a statement filed with the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), Jaguar said that the zinc-nickel plating on the steering lines may not provide corrosion protection. As a result, power steering fluid could leak onto electrical connections or hot pipes, and this can cause the vehicle to catch fire.

Now comes the news that Mitsubishi North America has a new President and CEO, to perhaps get things back on the right track. Yoichi Yokozawa will take the helm from Shinichi Kurihara as of April 1, 2011. Kurihara will be returning to Japan to continue working for the company.

Yokozawa is not new to the company either, having already served 13-years with Mitsubishi, which included heading the brands European board.

Yokozawa has worn many hats within Mitsubishi and we wish him all the best for the future. And Mr. Yokozawa if you’re listening, don’t kill off the Evo.

Press release after the jump:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), insurance rates in North America have climbed 4.5% in January, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. In the last year, insurance rates have seen a climb by at least 0.2% every month, and some months the rates climbed much higher.

Typically, a product is reviewed and rated by a publication, whose staff, after testing and evaluating, will give their opinion on it. However, some might consider this opinion biased, either due to the writer’s personal taste or due to advertising dollars.

It has been a hit in Asia and Europe, but North Americans will have to wait a bit longer to get their hands on the Scion iQ.

2010 will go down as an exceptional year for this South Korean manufacturer, as it sold over 200,000 units of its stylish new Sonata in North America alone, which is a record.