Yesterday we saw spy images of the E63 AMG version of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class testing in Germany and now we have new video footage of the performance saloon’s more mundane sibling. This time the car has been spotted at the Nurburgring and once again the thick camo gear that usually plagues Mercedes-Benz prototypes has been eschewed in favour of a thinner and more revealing cover.
(more…)

Toyota is looking to take advantage of the green image its Prius petrol-electric hybrid vehicle enjoys by building upon the ‘Prius’ name and launching a new family of eco-friendly vehicles under it. Japanese execs have mentioned in the past that such an idea was under consideration and latest reports confirm the next-generation Prius, due to be unveiled at next year’s Detroit Auto Show, will come in several different flavors.
(more…)

Production for Dodge’s long-awaited Challenger SRT8 muscle car officially kicked off yesterday at Chrysler’s Brampton assembly plant, with the first car’s scheduled to hit dealer showrooms next week. They won’t be sitting idle for long, however, as the SRT8’s entire first year production run – about 7,000 cars – is already accounted for.
(more…)

Engineers at 9ff have finally accomplished their goal of beating the Bugatti Veyron’s 407km/h (252mph) top speed, with their highly modified GT9 supercar posting a new top speed of 409km/h (254mph) during official testing in Papenburg last month. The world record for the fastest production car, however, is still held by America’s SSC Ultimate Aero TT, which reached a top speed of 411km/h (255mph) last September.
(more…)

With no end in sight to rising fuel prices, Americans more than ever are switching from fuel-heavy SUVs and sporty V8s to economical four-cylinder sedans and compacts. Fuel economy has quickly become the top priority for new car buyers and according to a new survey nearly eight in ten Americans (79%) would choose a car that was ‘greener’ rather than one that was more ’beautiful.’
(more…)

Hyundai, together with Kia, is the sixth biggest carmaker in the world in terms of sales but the company sees its future as being in the top five band of carmakers. To boost sales and market share, Hyundai is developing more premium models such as the new Genesis sedan and coupe but what executives really hope to accomplish is the launch of a full-line dedicated luxury brand like what Toyota did with Lexus.
(more…)

Sharp increases in demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles has seen customers ditch cumbersome fullsize SUVs in droves. For years, American carmakers had a stranglehold on the market for gas-guzzling SUVs and pickups, but as sales dwindle and market share continues to erode executives are keen to develop a new range of lighter and more efficient SUVs in the hope to bring some of those customers back.
(more…)

The spreading exchange rate differential between the strengthening euro and weakening U.S. dollar means importing European manufactured models to North America is now significantly more expensive than just a few years ago. Established import brands are already finding it tough so imagine the challenge Alfa Romeo will have on its hands with trying to juggle launching the brand and dealing with unfavorable exchange rates.
(more…)

Italian coachbuilder Aznom used the recent Top Marques Monaco event to unveil its new ‘Chateau’ hatch based on the new Mini Clubman S. The custom Mini will be produced in a limited run of just 12 examples and will keep the elegant wood trim and shockproof wine cellar (capable of holding six bottles) of the concept model.
(more…)

The U.S. version of Mazda’s new Mazda6 sedan has been known for some time to be a bigger, more brawny version of its international doppelganger, but exactly what that meant was unknown. Thanks to a new internet leak, we have the details.
(more…)

A lack of supply of key parts has caused GM to stop producing some of its best-selling models, such as the GMC Yukon, Denali, Sierra heavy-duty pickups and others.

American Axle’s ten-week strike is one of the primary causes for the short supply, and GM hopes this offer will get the strike over and production back on track.

So far GM has had to cut production back or idle as many as 30 of its assembly lines in North America, which has cost GM over 100,000 vehicles in production and $800 million in revenue.
(more…)

If there was any doubt Porsche was developing a second SUV model positioned below the Cayenne, these latest spy images of a new prototype at the Nurburgring can finally put an end to the uncertainty. Rumors of a baby Cayenne date back more than a year and the car’s existence has continually been denied by Porsche including by its CEO Wendelin Wiedeking.
(more…)

Fast factory versions of frumpy family sedans are nothing new - they’ve been around almost as long as the industry has - but few really capture the mind of the auto enthusiast like the Ford Taurus SHO did. Perhaps because it was one of the few American takes on the concept at the time, or perhaps because it was simply a quick and fun sedan, the SHO’s fans are still clamoring for a revival. One group of fans has made a set of images showing what they hope will be the next SHO.
(more…)

Using tactics that would make any TV crime boss proud, Chinese drivers are using electrically-operated license plate devices that either cover up the legitimate plate or swap out the plate for a fake one. The driver can activate the device whenever a speed camera is near from the comfort of the car’s cabin - while driving.
(more…)

Mercedes-Benz is confident it will have the first volume hybrid model powered by lithium-ion batteries, when it launches the S400 BlueHYBRID next year. The new car will feature a 15kW electric motor mated to 3.5L petrol V6 for a combined output of 220kW and 375Nm of torque – enough to propel the car from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds while consuming just 7.9L/100km (30mpg).
(more…)