GM to triple production by 2013 (IN)

2005 GM Sequel concept

GM India is looking to triple production by 2013. Chevrolet’s aim of 300,000 sales follows as India’s economy and demand for cars remain very strong. 2010 saw sales rise 59%, to 110,804 units.

In order to increase sales, Chevrolet will introduce six new vehicles within the next two years, including a diesel engined Spark city-car and two new commercial vehicles, according to CEO Karl Slym.

Mini Paceman to launch in 2013

The inevitable has happened! The Mini Paceman will be added in 2013 to Mini’s ever growing range.

While details are restricted, BMW’s chief executive and design & development, Klaus Draeger said the Paceman will be produced alongside the Countryman in Graz, Austria by Magna-Steyr and will go into production in 2012, before its launch in 2013.

Toyota unveils 60th Anniversary Land Cruiser, introduces new 3dr model (UK)

It’s been 60 years since Toyota launched the Land Cruiser SUV. To celebrate this landmark, Toyota is releasing a special edition ‘60th Anniversary’ trim-level on both the regular Land Cruiser and the V8 model.

The regular Land Cruiser is powered by the same 3.0 D4-D diesel engine, but is now Euro5 compliant.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Fiat 500 (U.S)

EPA has released official fuel economy rating for the new Fiat 500, which hits dealerships in March.

The 5 speed manual gearbox achieves 30mpg city, 38mpg highway, and 33mpg combined, on par with a manual Mini Cooper, that combines 32mpg.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Pagani Huayra

Pagani has replaced the firms €1m Zonda hypercar will the all-new Huayra. Huayra has taken seven years to produce and develop and sports a Mercedes-sourced bi-turbo 6.0 litre V12.

The hypercar nameplate is pronounced as ‘wirer’, which stands for ‘god of wind’. CEO Horacio Pagani, claims the vehicle offers a different flavour of supercar to the Zonda.

Volvo S60 T5 pricing announced (U.S)

Volvo has introduced an entry-level S60 T5. Starting at $30,795, excluding the $875 destination fee is $450 less than the preceding entry price.

The T5 powering the S60 is a turbocharged 2.5 litre 5-cylinder units that kicks out 250bhp (253PS/186kW) and 361Nm (266lb-ft) of torque, all going to the front wheels via a new 6 speed automatic Geartronic gearbox.

Alfa Romeo launches TCT transmission in MiTo supermini

The Alfa Romeo MiTo is the first model in the Italian firm’s line-up to feature the automatic transmission with dry twin clutch transmission, called TCT. Starting at £16,745, the MiTo TCT is available in Lusso and Veloce trim-levels.

When combined with the 1.4 TB MultiAir 135bhp (137PS/101kW) petrol engine and stop/start, the vehicle emits 128g/km and returns 51.4mpg (5.5l/100km), which outshines the manual gearbox. With a top speed of 129mph (207km/h), the MiTo can reach 62mph (100km/h) in 8.2 seconds.

MG plans to expand dealership network (UK)

By the end of the year, MG Motors is looking to open 45 new showrooms to assist the firm in selling its range of cars, including the all-new MG6 compact car and MG3 supermini.

Currently, 38 dealerships sell the TF Roadster and MG Motors is discussing with 25 potential dealers on opening dealerships in “45 key open points in various regions of Britain”.

New Car: 2012 Honda Accord facelift (EU)

Honda has revised its popular Accord mid-sized family car for the 2012 model year. The facelift includes minor exterior and interior changes, reworked engines, and chassis alterations.

The 2.2 i-DTEC engine now emits 138g/km for the manual sedan, down by 9g/km from 147g/km, 11g/km drop from 170g/km to 159g/km for the automatic sedan, and 10g/km tumble from 153g/km to 143g/km for manual transmission wagons, thanks to internal friction losses. Torque and engine power output remains untouched at 350Nm (258lb-ft) and 148bhp (146PS/110kW).

Toyota recalls Avensis and Lexus IS250 over potential fuel leaks (EU/NZ)

Toyota is announcing yet another recall...this time, the mid-sized Avensis and compact Lexus IS250 models have been recalled in Europe and New Zealand.

In the UK, the Avensis fitted with the 2.0 VVT-i and 2.4 VVT-i petrol engines is being recalled over concerns involving the fuel system.

New Car: 2012 Fiat Freemont

Fiat has unveiled its new large MPV called the Freemont. The Freemont is essentially a European version of the Dodge Journey and is the first Fiat model from the brand’s alliance with Chrysler LLC.

The Freemont will be built at Chrysler’s Toluca factory in Mexico, alongside the Journey and imported for the European market.

Citroën reworks Nemo commercial van for 2011 (UK)

Citroën has revised its popular Nemo sub-compact van with the addition of a new diesel engine and stop/start.

While the previous 1.4i petrol engine remains, the 1.4HDi has been replaced with a 1.3HDi Fiat-sourced engine, which is more powerful and offers lower CO2 emissions. The new Euro 5 1.3HDi boosts power from 70bhp to 75bhp, with an increase in torque to 190Nm (140lb-ft), from 160Nm (118lb-ft).

Ford may export U.S built cars (CN)

Ford has said it’s delving into whether it should export its U.S produced vehicles to China. Normally, U.S built cars don’t travel any further than Canada, however, Ford has allegedly signed a contract to discover the opportunity.

“Ford Motor Company is evaluating opportunities to import vehicles to China from the U.S, subject to our business plan and to Chinese regulatory approvals governing vehicle imports,” Ford said.

Volkswagen Passat CC faces 6 month waiting list (UK)

It’s not unusual for a car in the UK to have a 6 month waiting list...unless it’s a Passat CC of course. Volkswagen UK has confirmed that customer may have to wait upto 6 months for their car to arrive.

A Volkswagen spokesman said the brand has been 'struggling' to deliver certain variants and that there was a lack of Passat CC’s for both retail and fleet customers.

Scion city-car launch postponed (U.S)

For those who think the Smart ForTwo is too feminine for them and were holding out for a 2011 Scion iQ will be disappointed.

According to an insider at Toyota, Scion has pushed back the launch date until Summer 2011 for a couple of reasons.

Suzuki may pinch Volkswagen engines

Suzuki is looking to Volkswagen for engines following meagre sales since 2007.

Volkswagen bought 19.9% of Suzuki back in 2009 because Suzuki was unable to compete in the mainstream, because of the brand’s low volume. The alliance would permit the companies to share technology and allow Volkswagen a pathway into Suzuki’s key markets; Japan and India.

Hyundai targets Chinese mid-sized car market (CN)

Following its extraordinary success in the U.S, according to a senior executive, Hyundai is aiming for its long lasting growth to come from China.

“It is time to strengthen our brand’s premium image in China to pave the way for our long-term growth there,” Jung Myung-Chae, GM at Beijing Hyundai Motor’s brand strategy division said.

New Car: 2011 Ferrari FF

Updated: 02/03/11

Ferrari has released photographs of its first ever four seat, four-wheel drive model, the FF – hence the model’s acronym.

The FF replaces the 612 2+2 coupé and aims to draw a new kind of “all-roads, all-weathers” Ferrari customer and is designed by Pininfarina with assistance of Ferrari’s chief designer, Flavio Manzoni. Ferrari anticipates the FF will attract customers who normally purchase all-wheel-drive saloons or SUVs for winter driving.

Renault introduces short-term entry-level 'Bizu' range (UK)

Renault has introduced a provisional budget line-up, called Bizu.

Bizu was intended "to tempt customers looking for greater value for money", and flows from the entry-level Twingo city-car to the Scénic compact MPV (excluding the Wind roadster).

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI S-Line pricing announced (UK)

Audi has given its hottest A1 yet a sticker price of £20,705.

The A1 1.4 TFSI utilises a twincharged (supercharger & turbocharger) 1.4 litre petrol engine that kicks out 182bhp (185PS/136kW) and 250Nm (184lb-ft) of torque. This is linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic transmission, giving a 0-60mph (97km/h) time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 141mph (227km/h).

Suzuki launches 4WD Swift and Kizashi (DE)

Suzuki is expanding the Swift and Kizashi line-up with the addition of four-wheel drive for 2011.

The four-wheel drive Swift is exclusively available in 5dr and with a 94bhp (95PS/70kW) 1.2 litre petrol engine that’s mated to a 5 speed manual. Combined fuel economy stands at 51.3mpg (5.5l/100km) with emissions of 129g/km.

Porsche 911 prototype caught jammed in a snowbank

Our spy photographers have caught up with the next-generation Porsche 911, flexing its muscles in the Swedish countryside. While the winter testing regime is tough, one Porsche engineer took it to another level.

While driving towards an ice track, the driver lost control and ploughed the 911 prototype one metre into a snowbank. Good news is that no one was injured; the bad news (from an engineer’s point of view) is that spies got up-close and personal with the vehicle.

Aston Martin Cygnet pricing announced (UK)

Aston Martin will launch a duo of special editions of its new Cygnet city-car. The special editions will be called White and Black, the brand confirmed.

On the White version, “Snow White” paintwork, white diamond alloy wheels, chrome highlights, and white leather seats will dominate, while on the Black edition, matte black louvers, “Magic Black” paintwork, black leather seats, and dark chrome accents will feature.

BMW X1 launch delayed (U.S)

If you didn’t know, the BMW X1 outsold the Audi Q5 last year, but due to this record demand, BMW has now delayed its U.S launch.

Tom Plucinsky, a spokesman for BMW noted the X1 won’t arrive "until fall of 2011 at the absolute earliest."

Maybach to be replaced in 2014

Mercedes is re-launching the Maybach brand in 2014, with an all-new uber limousine that centres on the forthcoming rear-wheel drive S-Class sedan, also due in 2014.

Two wheelbases will continue to be offered, like the current model. An insider suggests the new Maybach will boast a “traditional three-box design”, on level with consumer tastes.

Volkswagen may terminate twincharger petrol engine

Volkswagen may ditch its award-winning twincharger petrol engine according to internal sources.

The 1.4 litre mates both turbocharging and supercharging and is said to be too complicated and dear to manufacture.

Vauxhall Corsa VXR Blue pricing announced (UK)

Vauxhall has announced pricing on the Corsa VXR Blue edition.

Powering the pocket-rocket is the regular 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine, lifted out of the regular Corsa VXR. It produces 190bhp (192PS) and 260Nm (192lbft) of torque. Vauxhall has stated a 0-60mph time of 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 140mph.

Honda fast-tracking turbocharged CR-Z

According to our sources, Honda is looking to fast-track its turbocharged CR-Z, which will be powered by a 1.6 VTEC-i 4-cylinder and may be offered in both 160bhp and 200bhp variants.

The reason for the potential fast-track is down to very strong feedback and tumbling domestic sales. A world debut of the production model could premier next year in Tokyo.

Toyota launches special-edition Aygo Go! (UK)

Toyota is launching a special edition of the popular Aygo city-car. Named Go!, it features a 4.3” touch-screen TomTom satellite navigation system w/voice recognition, Bluetooth, and a USB port.

The TomTom navigation system is equipped with useful points-of-interest (POI) including filling stations, hotels, service stations, cafes, and more.

New Car: 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible

Chrysler has lifted the lid on the new 200 Convertible. For 2011, the 200 Convertible will sports a revised exterior, interior, and engines, just like the regular 200.

Like the Sebring, the 200 Convertible will seat four adults in comfort and will be available in two different electric roof options; hard top and fabric. The hard-top is body-coloured and will drop with the press of a button on the key fob.

BMW may produce 3 Series and 5 Series models in United States (U.S)

According to a German newspaper, BMW is thinking about assembling its 3 Series and 5 Series models in the U.S.

A senior member of BMW, Ian Robertson said the plan was under very serious consideration, although no plans have been confirmed.

Skoda launches Fabia Monte Carlo special edition

Skoda is releasing a special edition Fabia in Europe, called Monte Carlo.

The Fabia is based upon the SE (Ambiente) trim-level and was produced to celebrate 100 years of the Monte Carlo Rally and 110 years of Skoda’s participation in motorsport.

New Car: 2012 Mercedes SLK

Mercedes has issued the first official images of the all-new SLK sports car. The SLK now carries a rear-wheel drive platform, more sporting chassis, and a new diesel engine. The new SLK also tones down its aggressive styling.

Three roof options are now available; aluminium, tined panoramic or electro-magnetic variable-tint glass panel.

Toyota Prius less polluting than a sheep

Toyota’s Israeli division recently launched a television advertisement involving a sheep and a Prius hatchback.

The point of the ad was to answer a question that has baffled many car enthusiasts; What’s more polluting, a Toyota Prius hybrid or a sheep?

Fiat to drastically redesign the next Bravo

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has confirmed that the next-generation Bravo will espouse a wild method and won’t be another “me too” product.

Marchionne said at the NAIAS: “To replace the Bravo with another me too product would be completely inappropriate.”

Jeep looking to revive Wagoneer nameplate in 2012

Jeep is looking to restore the Wagoneer nameplate for 2012. Jeep introduced the original model way back in 1963, where it persistently sold in various shapes until 1991.

For those who fail to remember or know what the Wagoneer is, it was Jeep’s flagship SUV for the wealthy.

GM to sell Opel Down Under in 2012 (AU)

From 2012, Opel will be selling its cars in Australia. This will be the brands next step in its export offensive.

While the full model line-up will be announced near to its production date, we expect the Corsa, Astra, and Insignia to be offered.

2011 Ford F-150 3.5 V6 EcoBoost fuel economy figures released

Ford has released numbers on the all-new twin-turbo 3.5 litre EcoBoost V6 petrol engine, powering the F-150 pick-up. The engine now produces 365bhp and 568Nm (420lb-ft) of torque.

Ford was claiming best-in-class fuel economy and torque with this new engine. The F-150 gets 16mpg in the city and 22mpg on the highway. Compare that to Ford’s own 5.0 litre V8 engine that kicks out 360bhp and 514Nm (380lb-ft) of torque.

Vauxhall/Opel to move upmarket, Chevrolet will remain as value brand

According to senior insiders, Vauxhall/Opel will move upmarket in an attempt to evade clashing with Chevrolet, which plans to twofold its sales in Europe within the next five years.

Vauxhall/Opel will focus mainly on upscale styling and advanced technology. Chevrolet, on the other hand, will be positioned as a value brand that emphasises in effortlessness ownership.

Concept Car: Ford Vertrek

Ford has unveiled a concept vehicle that previews the next-generation Kuga, at the North American International Auto Show.

Called Vertrek, it centres on the 2011 Focus and demonstrates how it may become another ‘global’ model.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Peugeot 508

Peugeot has announced prices on the 508 mid-sized family car. Starting from £18,150 for the entry-level Access 1.6 VTi 120, rising to £29,975 for the range-topping GT 2.0HDi 200 6-speed automatic.

Five trim-levels; Access, SR, Active, Allure and GT and seven engines; two petrol & five diesels, are available this time around.

Concept Car: Hyundai HCD-12 Curb

Next week, Hyundai will debut a new compact crossover at the North American International Auto Show.

Named HCD-12 Curb, the concept was designed at Hyundai’s Californian design centre. Although the crossover looks very similar in size to the Nissan Juke, the Curb is in fact longer than the Juke and may preview the next Santa Fe mid-sized SUV.

Ferrari working on mind-reading technology

Ferrari is developing technology that will observe a driver’s mental and physical status and regulate the vehicles traction and stability control systems to match.

The mind-reading tech was drawn out in many European and worldwide patent applications. The papers reveal how Ferrari imagines a wide-range of sensors provide data on the driver, to allow set-up adjust appropriately.

New Car: 2012 Buick Verano (U.S)

Buick has unveiled the all-new Verano compact luxury sedan, that will premier at the 2011 Detroit motor show.

The Verano will go on sale in late 2011 and will be available with equipment like 10 airbags, heated steering wheel and a next-generation radio system with OnStar. Powering the Verano will be a 177bhp 2.4 litre petrol engine, that produces 230Nm (170lb-ft) of torque. This is linked to a 6 speed automatic and will allow the car to hit 60mph from 0mph in 8 seconds. A 31mpg highway figure is expected.

Renault suspends executives over EV leaking

Renault has suspended three senior executives on the suspicion of industrial spying, regarding the company’s EV plans. A spokeswoman established on Tuesday that the trio were suspended over unnamed ethical issues.

“In late August 2010, an ethical alert was brought to the attention of the compliance committee," a Renault spokeswoman said on Tuesday. "The investigation that followed led to the suspension of three Renault executives”.

Teaser: 2011 Hyundai Veloster

Hyundai is teasing their all-new compact sports coupé, codenamed FS. The FS is essentially a production version of the Veloster concept, which debuted at the Seoul motor show in 2007.

Before debuting at next week’s Detroit motor show, Hyundai has released a few teaser photos and videos of the newcomer.

Volvo penning XC30 crossover for 2013

Volvo is developing an entry-level crossover as part of a wider future model scheme started by Stefan Jacoby.

Volvo has watched its market-share in Europe freefall in recent years, so this new SUV will be primarily aimed at Europe, however, the newcomer is also being looked at to offer a basis for planned production actions in China.

New Car: 2011 Kia Picanto/Morning

Updated: 24/01/11

Following yesterday’s spy photos of the Picanto/Morning undisguised on a commercial shoot, Kia has taken the wraps of the all-new city-car by releasing official photos.

This time round, Kia is targeting a younger, more style-conscious customer. The instantly recognisable ‘tiger’ grille gives the car ocular links with other Kia models, while its erect stance, stubby nose and projector-type rearward swept headlights give a strong resemblance of the Venga sub-compact MPV, and make the city-car more mature.

Cadillac to axe turbocharged SRX (U.S)

Cadillac is looking to ditch its SRX 2.8T due to flaccid sales.

While the 2.8T makes a very good case for its self, producing 300bhp and 302Nm (295lb-ft) of torque, it didn’t attract many customers. A mere 10% of consumers plucked for the 2.8T, while the remainder chose the 3.0 litre 265bhp petrol engine.

Kia Picanto/Morning spied undisgused on a commercial shoot

2011 Kia Morning shown here

Our spies have caught up with the forthcoming Kia Picanto (Morning in South Korea and Latin America) completely free of camouflage while on a commercial in south-western United States. The car will be longer and wider than the outgoing model, while retaining the same height.

Like previous spy photos and sketches reveal, the new Picanto will look like a miniature Venga; muscular shoulders with rising window line, lower roofline, larger wheel arches, large headlights with oversized foglamps housings and a protruding bumper will all contribute to a sporty, lean look. Kia's trademark "tiger nose" will mimic that of the Soul.