VW CrossBlue and CrossBlue Coupe to be built in China

Volkswagen has just confirmed the CrossBlue and CrossBlue Coupe will be produced in China by the Shanghai-Volkswagen joint venture.

Production is expected to start in 2015 at a new factory located in Changsha in Hunan Province with a capacity of 300,000 units per year. Both models will represent an SUV based on the company's new MQB platform, with the CrossBlue becoming a seven-seat model and the CrossBlue Coupe a five-seat variant.

At this plant, Volkswagen will also build a new sedan, codenamed VW511, which will be positioned between the Passat and Phaeton. Also in 2015, the German carmaker will launch an even more luxurious model aimed at the local market.

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2015 Honda NSX to be built in the U.S.

Honda has just announced their NSX will be produced at a new facility in central Ohio, United States, and that it will go on sale in 2015.

Each NSX will be built by a team of around 100 highly skilled engineers drawn from Honda's existing Ohio operations. Though the Japanese carmaker is yet to confirm pricing, but it's expected to cost at least £80,000.

"Thirty years ago, building cars in America was a big dream. Working together, here in Ohio and across North America we turned this dream into reality," said Hidenobu Iwata, President & CEO of Honda of America. "The location of this facility is in the midst of one of the greatest collections of engineering and production talent in the world. So it makes sense that we will renew the dream and build this high-tech, supercar in Marysville, Ohio."

As we have previously reported, the production NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V6 engine connected with Honda's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system, a new dual-clutch transmission and three electric motors - one integrated with the V6 engine and two driving the front wheels independently.

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Lamborghini Urus production version confirmed for 2017

Lamborghini has officially confirmed the production version of the Urus will go on sale sometime in 2017.

This important announcement was made by Audi boss Rupert Stadler at the Lamborghini 50th anniversary Grande Giro. He said the Urus, which was introduced at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, is considered to be the spiritual successor of the iconic LM002.

No additional details are known just yet, but the new SUV could feature a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 584 hp. It is mated to a dual clutch gearbox and a permanent all-wheel drive system.

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Lotus Exige S Roadster coming this summer

British carmaker Lotus has officially confirmed the Exige S Roadster will enter production this summer, following its debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Power comes from a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 350 hp at 7,000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. It can be mated either to a six-speed manual or Lotus’ Serial Precision Shift (SPS) gearbox. When equipped with the manual gearbox, the 1,100 kg roadster will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and hit a top speed of 233 km/h. In terms of efficiency, it returns  a combined fuel consumption of 10.1-liter per 100 km (28.0 mpg) with CO2 emissions of 236 g/km.

Although there are no plans for the United States, but we think that the Exige S Roadster should go on sale in this market later this year.

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Maria Sharapova becomes Porsche ambassador

Porsche has officially chosen 26-year-old tennis player Maria Sharapova as brand ambassador.

The cooperation is initially signed for three years and involves a global communications campaign which will kick off this week. The Russian superstar is already very familiar with the German carmaker as last year at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, she not only took home prize money, but also a white 911 Carrera S Cabriolet.

In the introduction of the partnership, Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller commented, "Maria Sharapova is an exceptional athlete. She combines top performance in her sports with elegance and power. These are precisely the qualities that are embroiled in our sports cars. Maria is the perfect choice. Her profile and charisma are an ideal fit for Porsche. She is also highly respected around the world and enjoys an outstanding reputation."

Sharapova also declared during her presentation in Stuttgart "I have had the privilege to be associated with some of the best brands in the world, but now to be partners with Porsche is such an amazing honor."

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World’s biggest Rolls-Royce showroom opens in China

Rolls-Royce today officially announced the opening of their new showroom in Shenyang, the capital city of Liaoning Province, China. The 1,200 square meters space is the sixteenth showroom in the country and takes the position of world’s largest.

The new showroom with two floors can hold up to five models at anyone time and features a bespoke personalisation service where customers can choose different materials and modifications for their cars. The Shenyang opening forms part of sustainable growth plans for the British carmaker in China.

Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Regional  Director, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Mainland China, said: "Rolls-Royce Motor Cars holds a remarkable 108 year legacy. This year in particular is very special, marking the 10th anniversary of the renaissance of the historic marque at the new Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England. We are delighted to celebrate such a milestone moment with the opening of the world’s largest showroom in the capital city of  Shenyang in partnership with Shenyang Hong Lu Ming Zun. This development provides discerning individuals in the region direct access to the world’s pinnacle super-luxury marque."

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Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse WRC revealed

Bugatti has just announced the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse has officially set a new speed record which makes it the fastest convertible in the world.

Driven by Chinese entrepreneur and race driver Anthony Liu, the Vitesse reached a speed of 408.84 km/h at Volkswagen’s proving grounds in Ehra-Lessien, Germany. According to Liu, "This was a very exciting moment. In our training sessions we exceeded 400 km/h (248 mph) but the fact that I could surpass this unbelievable speed once again and even higher has made me very proud. The car is even at such high speeds incredibly comfortable and stable. With an open top, you can really experience the sound of the engine and yet even at higher speeds I did not get compromised by the wind at all."

To mark the occasion, Bugatti will unveil a Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Car (WRC) Edition at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show on April 20. It will be powered by the same 8.0-liter W16 engine as the standard version which develops 1,200 hp and 1,500 Nm of torque. Only 8 units will be built and pricing starts at €1.99 ($2.60) million, before taxes.

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Audi A3 Sedan will be produced in China

 
According to Autohome, the Audi A3 Sedan will be made in China at the FAW-Volkswagen factory and its production version will debut on April 20 at the 2013 Auto Shanghai.

Set to compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLA, the A3 Sedan will use the MQB platform and is expected to measure 4,440 mm long, 1,840 mm wide and 1,390 mm tall. Engine options could include: a 1.2-liter TFSI with 105 hp, a 1.8-liter TFSI with 180 hp and two 2.0-liter TDIs with 150 hp and 184 hp.

Production of Audi's smallest sedan will start sometime in the first half of this year.

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Lincoln adds MKS sedan to Livery lineup for 2013

Lincoln has recently announced that the 2013 MKS sedan will be offered as part of its Livery vehicle fleet program.

"We listened to market needs to enable the Lincoln MKT Town Car to become a worthy successor to the Town Car Executive L, and now look forward to doing the same with the new MKS Livery sedan," said Matt VanDyke, Director, Lincoln Global. "This new model will continue our long presence in this industry and Lincoln remains committed to this segment going forward."

Accordingly, the MKS Livery sedan will be available in both AWD and FWD versions along with three different option packages. Livery operators can also have the wheelbase stretched by up to 4-to-6 inches based on Ford engineering recommendations.

"The devotion to the former Town Car Exec L sedan left a sizable client base who wants a Lincoln Livery sedan larger than the MKZ Hybrid. We are responding directly to the wants of our customers with the introduction of the MKS Livery sedan," said Craig Hall, Lincoln’s Limousine/Livery program manager.

Set to go sale later this year, the 2013 MKS Livery has a starting price of $43,865 which includes a four-year/150,000 mile extended warranty.

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2015 European Ford Mustang confirmed with 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine

Ford has recently confirmed with Edmunds at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show that the European version of the 2015 Mustang will get a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine.

This small engine will be offered exclusively in the old continent as a more economical, low-emissions alternative to the highly-taxable V8 engine. Even so, the 8-cylinder engine will still be available for European customers who feel that a Mustang should only have a V8 engine.

According to the North American carmaker, the 4-cylinder engine is based on the turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine inside the 2013 Focus ST but its output is likely to rise from 252 hp to 300 hp for the 2.3-liter version.

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2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible to bow in Geneva

Chevrolet has officially confirmed that the 2014 Corvette Stingray convertible will make its world debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on March 5.

"It’s fitting to introduce the new Stingray convertible on the global stage at Geneva because Corvette is the face of Chevrolet the world over," said Susan Docherty, president and managing director of Chevrolet and Cadillac Europe. "It is an icon that has long been recognized and admired even in countries where it’s never officially been offered."

"Every Corvette is designed at the outset as an open car," said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. "The new Stingray is no different, with the coupe and convertible designed to excel in any situation - be it your daily commute, a drive across the continent, or charging through twisting back roads."

According to the North American carmaker, the first retail production model will be auctioned off at the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach this year to benefit the Barbara  Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

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Opel/Vauxhall Adam Cabrio confirmed for 2014 launch

Opel/Vauxhall sources have confirmed with Autocar that a convertible version of the Adam is in development. It could go on sale in late 2014.

Set to compete with the Citroen DS3 Cabrio and Fiat 500C, the open-air Adam will feature a pram-style electric folding roof and a glass rear window that will lay down flat above the boot in order to maximize cargo space.

In related news, Citroen sources have also confirmed that the DS3 Cabrio lineup will be expanded with a range of spin-off and special edition models, including a flagship DS3 Cabrio Racing variant with around 200 hp.

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Chevrolet Cruze diesel to debut at Chicago Auto Show

General Motors spokesman Terry Rhadigan has confirmed that the Chevrolet Cruze diesel will be unveiled on February 7 during a news conference at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show.

Accordingly, the Cruze diesel is one of 13 new or updated Chevrolet models that will be launched in 2013. Production will begin at GM's Lordstown assembly plant near Youngstown, Ohio in the second quarter, with cars hitting dealerships in April or May.

"I'm thrilled with the car," General Motors North America President Mark Reuss told journalists last month in Pontiac. "The car's going to be great."

In related news, Reuss also hinted the company is interested in offering more models with diesel engines in the United States. As previously reported, the diesel trend in the United States will be conducted by other carmakers in the next two years as Jeep already announcing a diesel Grand Cherokee.

Source: Detroitnews

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Hyundai to build test facility at the Nurburgring track

In an effort to become a top European carmaker, Hyundai has announced plans to build a new test center at the famous track in Nurburgring.

According to the South Korean carmaker, the 3,050 square-meter facility represents a €5.5 million ($7.3 million) investment and aims to develop the driving dynamics, reliability and durability through track-testing in the challenging track. Then feedback from the tests will be used by engineers at the company's existing R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany for the development of the models.

"The new Hyundai test centre at Nürburgring is an expression of our intention to focus on improving the customer experience of our vehicles, such as ride and handling - an important consideration for European drivers," said Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe. "The new centre represents a significant investment, and one we expect will significantly contribute to enhancing the perception of the Hyundai brand and our key competitive competence in Europe."

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Nissan developing a new small sports car

In a recent interview, Nissan's vice president confirmed the company is currently developing a new smaller sports car which will sit beneath the GT-R and the 370Z.

Speaking with Car & Driver at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, Andy Palmer said this sports car will not be a rival for the Toyota GT 86 / Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ as it is a youth-oriented car, following the same path as the Juke. This means it will feature a "love it or hate it" style.

He also described the car as "guilt-free" which hints that it may likely involve some form of electrification. Additional information is limited, but a concept version will be unveiled within a year.

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Shelby American to debut two new models in Detroit

In a posting on the company's website, Shelby American has confirmed plans to unveil two new models at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.

Accordingly, the first car will be a 2013 Super Snake with a wide body kit that "will allow you to put a lot of tire on the car, allowing you to put a 345 or even a 355 wide tire on the back."

The second model is still a mystery, but Gary Patterson, Shelby American vice president of operations, said "While I can’t talk about any Detroit details now, I will quote Carroll from last year: I think you're going to see the industry going completely to small engines with turbochargers. That's the only way you can get the mileage that the government is going to be demanding."

In related news, the brand will also offer the wide body option for all the 2005 to 2009 Ford Mustangs.

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Skoda confirms six new models for 2013

In a recent Facebook post, Skoda has announced plans to launch six new or updated models in Europe by the end of the year.

As you can see from the image above, the Rapid goes on sale this month, the all-new Octavia is set to be officially launched in March, while the Octavia Combi will go on sale in June.

The other three models remain a mystery, but we can expect the high performance Octavia RS which will feature the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine as the Golf GTi, an updated Superb and possibly a facelifted Yeti. This models will be presented in August, October and December, respectively.

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Rolls-Royce celebrates 10 years of Phantom

Rolls-Royce is celebrating the Phantom's 10th anniversary after the first model was delivered to its owner at 12:01 AM on January 1 2003.

Starting with a workforce of less than 400 people, production of Phantom was initially one car per day, rising to three by the end of 2003. Ten years later, the company has more than 1400 people employed at the Goodwood-based manufacturing plant and head office. Today, the craftsmen and women hand-build up to 20 cars each day.

Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said "Rolls-Royce is a great British manufacturing success story and I am very proud to celebrate 10 Years of Excellence." He added, "The renaissance of the world’s most famous automotive brand and the creation and development of the Home of Rolls-Royce has been an extraordinary and successful journey."

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Toyota to spend $1.1 billion to settle U.S. unintended acceleration claims

After years of litigation, Toyota has announced that it will spend $1.1 billion to resolve lawsuits alleging "unintended acceleration" in the United States.

"This agreement marks a significant step forward for our company, one that will enable us to put more of our energy, time and resources into Toyota's central focus: making the best vehicles we can for our customers and doing everything we can to meet their needs," said Christopher Reynolds, Toyota's top North American legal officer. "In keeping with our core principles, we have structured this agreement in ways that work to put our customers first and demonstrate that they can count on Toyota to stand behind our vehicles."

The Japanese carmaker has agreed to install new braking override systems in some cars and reimburse owners who were affected financially by these issues. Up to 16 million cars are covered by the settlement and all components related to unintended acceleration will receive 3- to 10-year warranties. Plaintiffs' lawyers estimated that 3.25 million cars are eligible for the new brake-override devices.

"This was a difficult decision - especially since reliable scientific evidence and multiple independent evaluations have confirmed the safety of Toyota’s electronic throttle control systems," said Christopher Reynolds. "However, we concluded that turning the page on this legacy legal issue through the positive steps we are taking is in the best interests of the company, our employees, our dealers and, most of all, our customers."

Source: Automotive News

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Subaru announces lineup for 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon

Subaru has officially announced their lineup for the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon, including several new concepts, production and racing cars.

First up, the BRZ Premium Sport Package concept will feature a carbon fiber roof, 19-inch BBS aluminum wheels, an STI aero kit and a sports exhaust system, along with a customized interior and a sports muffler.

Next up, the Forester Sport concept will come with prototype STI parts, a revised grille and "Akahon" leather seats. There's also a Bilstein suspension, Brembo brakes and 20-inch BBS wheels.

The Japanese carmaker will also display a XV Sport concept which will get a similar set of upgrades as the Forester. Other models include the production Legacy tS, a BRZ race car that was built in collaboration with Gazoo Racing, an Impreza WRX STi race car and the next generation D-4S boxer engine.

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