Chrysler, Fiat designers meet to discuss future portfolio

With the Chrysler-Fiat alliance looking like a sure-fire thing, designers from the two automakers have agreed to get together late this week to discuss what a Chrysler lineup infused with Fiat engineering and DNA would look like for the North American market, as well as what Fiat would need to do to bring Fiat and [...]

 

Read more...

New Mazda6 prices to start from just £14,891 on-the-road

When the expanded 26-strong line-up of 2009 new Mazda6 models goes on sale in January, prices will start at just £14,891 (OTR).  Mazda is taking the opportunity presented by the arrival of its all-new MZR-CD 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, with a choice of three power outputs, to also introduce some specification upgrades and one additional [...]

 

Read more...

Fisker rolls out production Karma luxury plug-in hybrid saloon

California's Fisker Automotive has unveiled the production version of its Karma plug-in hybrid at the Detroit Auto Show today, just 12 months after the car was shown in concept form at last year's show. With only minor design enhancements made to the exterior of the original concept, the production Karma, seen this week in production trim for the first time, retains the extreme proportions and sculptured look of the show car. "We are very excited to be bringing the Fisker Karma back to NAIAS," said Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker. Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid

View article...

Read more...

GM will build Volt battery factory in the U.S. with LG Chem

Despite the movement towards electric and hybrid propulsion by many manufacturers over the last few years, none of them actually manufacture the most important component of the vehicles – the batteries. That's about to change as GM builds its own factory in Michigan to produce battery packs for its crucial Volt plug-in hybrid in 2010. Construction is expected to begin early this year and expected to reach full output by mid-2010. General Motors will work with LG Chem, who will supply the individual lithium-ion cells and these will then be assembled along with other battery electronics and components to produce the Volt's 16 kWh T-shaped battery, which is roughly 6 feet long and weighs nearly 400 pounds, The production of battery components locally is important according to GM CEO Rick Wagoner. 2011 Chevrolet Volt Production model

View article...

Read more...

Audi plans Q5 hybrid SUV for U.S. by 2010

Hybrid-electric and other green propulsion systems are as much a theme of the 2009 Detroit Auto Show as is the restructuring and 'right-sizing' of the industry - even more so, at ground-level. Audi is doing its part to contribute to the swell of green vehicles and announcements by revealing its plans to bring the Q5 hybrid SUV to the U.S. in 2010. Already Lexus' RX 400H is leading the compact crossover hybrid race and BMW is positioned to make an entry later in 2009 with the X6 ActiveHybrid, so Audi's decision is as much about competition as it is innovation. 2009 Audi Q5 European specification

View article...

Read more...

Toyota unveils 2010 Prius hybrid

Following months of conjecture and a number of leaks, Toyota has finally unveiled its all-new 2010 Prius hybrid. Using the 2009 Detroit Auto Show as a launching pad, the third-generation Prius is scheduled to simultaneously hit showrooms in the U.S. and Japan by late spring and will filter across to other markets soon after. The 2010 Prius will offer even better mileage ratings and performance than the current model, while also being quieter, roomier, and equipped with more features. Some of these include an available moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel. The first-generation Prius, which was EPA rated at 41mpg for the combined cycle, was replaced by the current model, which is EPA rated at 46mpg for the combined cycle. 2010 Toyota Prius

View article...

Read more...

Lincoln C concept previews future connectivity technology

Ford has given us a preview of its future in-car connectivity technology with the unveiling today of the Lincoln C concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The new concept features a sophisticated human machine interface (HMI) and a number of connectivity technologies that are expected to filter across Ford's lineup in the coming years. The key to the new interface is to enable information to be offered in a simple, intelligent format that keeps a driver informed – but not distracted. This is done with a simplistic approach to how and where information is displayed. 2009 Lincoln C concept

View article...

Read more...