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Lexus is likely to introduce an estate variant on the next generation of its Lexus IS - and make the model range hybrid-only.

The Japanese firm's BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class rival is in its second generation, and a third edition is due in 2011. But while the original model did offer an estate variant, called SportCross, the current car - introduced in 2005 - has never been available in a wagon.

Lexus insiders now admit that this policy has hurt sales of the car in Europe, where it must face the 3-series Touring and A4 Avant.

The next IS is also likely to only be available as a hybrid, fitting in with the firm's current push towards this technology. It already has two standalone hybrid models, the HS250h and the CT200h.

It is unclear how this switch could affect the prospects of a successor to the V8-engined IS F.

Thanks to: Autocar

Rumors of a Porsche Panamera four-door convertible are nothing new, but new patent drawings suggest Porsche is, in fact, working on just such a car.

Don't take the looks of this prototype as gospel. In an effort to hide from prying eyes, Ford has trussed up the Explorer with parts from other models. What it does indicate is what lies beneath the skin. In a large break from tradition, the Explorer will abandon its long-running body-on-frame construction in favor of a unibody structure. Reports suggest the new rig will ride on Ford's D4 architecture, which underpins the likes of the Ford Flex and Taurus X (parts of both appear on this mule), and is similar to the D3 platform used in both the Taurus and Lincoln MKS sedans.

If you want a good look at the new Explorer's exterior form, we suggest you take a look at the Explorer America concept from the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Like the show car, the new Explorer will also make use of a turbocharged engine -- in this case, the new 2.0-liter "EcoBoost" turbo four-cylinder introduced earlier this year with the 2012 Focus. The engine will be mated with a six-speed transmission (possibly Ford's new dual-clutch gearbox), and will reportedly yield a 25-percent improvement in fuel economy.

Thanks to a $180 million expansion, Ford will produce the new Explorer in its assembly plant outside Chicago, Illinois, that also builds the Taurus and MKS. Expect more details on the SUV to emerge later this year.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Mitsubishi is closing its Ralliart division, bringing to an end more than 25 years of high-performance, motorsport-related tuning and development.

A statement on the official Ralliart website from the division's president Masao Taguchi said, "Because of the sudden change of economy situation [sic] since the year before last, the business circumstances surrounding our company radically became worse.

"And so, this time, we have reached the conclusion that Ralliart Inc would scale down our business activities as of the end of March 2010."

The release states that Ralliart will end its support of motorsport customers, scrap new planning, development and merchandise of Ralliart products, and pull its internet information and news service.

The Ralliart name became most famous during Mitsubishi's successful rally campaigns in the late 1990s - although in truth, these activities were the work of Ralliart Europe in Rugby.

However, Ralliart has played a key role in developing Mitsubishi's Evo line of road cars, which continues to play a leading role in international Group N rallying. The statement indicates that this work will now be conducted "by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation as it is".

Thanks to: Autocar

It’s the news Rover fans have been waiting for! Spied testing in Australia, these are the best pictures that we’ve seen yet of what the Chinese based firms Fiesta rival will look like.

Called the Roewe 250, or possibly even 150, the new Roewe will be the first small car the manufacturer has manufactured since its owners, the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation took over the MG Rover group in 2005.

We’ve already seen pictures of the 250 during its early stages of testing wearing a Fiat Punto shell, but these latest shots show the Punto was probably a mule used to test the engine. It is unlikely thought that the 250 will be based on the most likely Rover 25 platform, as going by the pictures it would be too long for a car like the 250.

The pictures also shows the car being tested in left-hand-drive guise and with the MG-F back into production in the UK, we think that it might not be too long before Roewe enters into the European market. Look out for a world debut towards the end of the year most likely at one of the Chinese shows, either Beijing or Guangzhou. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

There’s nothing terribly creative about the name of Nissan’s new commercial van—NV stands for Nissan Van—but the Japanese Sprinter-fighter is a fresh take on the commercial carryall box. Nissan will launch the van in three strengths with a choice of a V-6 or V-8 engine.

The NV is a clean-sheet design; Nissan claims it spent five years researching the commercial-vehicle market to come up with the slab-sided, space-efficient package you see here. The NV has body-on-frame construction and doghouse-less powertrain packaging—for more interior room and easier servicing—as well as mobile-office interior features like a flat-folding passenger seat that can do desk duty, an optional removable center console, and plenty of nooks, pockets, and cubbies to stash the tools of the trade.

The lighted cargo area behind the two front seats has a floor length of 120.7 inches, a max width of 70.3 inches, and a height of 55.4 inches with the standard roof or 76.5 with the optional high roof, which is designed to allow (almost) anyone to stand up and work in the back. Nissan definitely kept upfitters in mind: there’s a no-drill roof-rack mounting system, weld-nut attachment points for interior shelving and racks, and optional pre-wiring for extra electricity-needing accouterments.

Three models will be available—NV1500, NV2500 HD, and NV3500 HD; information on their differences and equipment is coming later. All will be available with the standard roof, while the high-roof option will be limited to the 2500 and 3500 vans. Nissan’s 4.0-liter V-6 will be the base engine and its 5.6-liter V-8 will be optional, both paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. No power figures were quoted for this application. We’ve seen 261 hp from the V-6 Frontier and 317 hp from the V-8 in the Titan and expect similar, if not identical, numbers for the vans.

While it’s not quite as funkadelic looking as the NV2500 concept from 2008, the NV has a decidedly foreign look to it, more Sprinter than Ford E-series, although the grille is definitely Ford-esque. All of the special features aside, we think the availability of a powerful, modern V-8 will be the big differentiator between the NV and our current big-van favorite, the Mercedes-Benz/Freightliner Sprinter.

The NV will be built at Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi, plant and is scheduled to arrive toward the end of the year. Nissan has promised some more commercial vehicles as well, so we may soon be seeing something in the Ford Transit Connect size range or possibly a chassis-cab version of the NV.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Audi claims it builds the sportiest cars in the premium segment, but another carmaker headquartered just 50 miles south, BMW, begs to differ. The battle is raging—and we couldn’t be happier. Early next year, Audi will launch its sportiest A8, the S8, as its latest volley. From what we know so far, it has the potential to become our favorite luxury car.

Powered by a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V-8, the upcoming S8 will make 450 hp, matching the current model's naturally aspirated V-10. But it will produce significantly more low-end torque, which is one of our few issues with the current S8. The V-10 never felt as strong as its power suggested, although we will miss the sweet sound, which suggests that of a distant Formula 1 racer. What we won't miss is the V-10's appetite for fuel; the turbocharged V-8 will bring considerable improvement in that regard.

The upcoming 4.0-liter V-8 is a new, direct-injection engine which will also be built in a single-turbo configuration with a 400-hp rating. The lower-output unit will be offered in the regular A8, where it will replace the current naturally aspirated, 4.2-liter V-8. And it will power the S7, the sporty top-of-the-line version of the hatchback A7.

The Audi S8 will be differentiated from the regular A8 by exclusive S wheels, a four-outlet exhaust system, and an integrated rear spoiler. The interior will reflect its sporting aspirations with special seats and trim.

"Audi is pursuing the same path which BMW is following with its M models, where the lack of synergies with Formula 1 has led to the abandonment of V-10 engines," says Andrew Fulbrook, analyst at CSM Worldwide in London. He predicts that "Audi's V-10 engines will be limited to the R8 and to Lamborghini."

The S8 will be the sportiest A8, but not the most powerful: This honor will belong to the A8 W12, which will be launched this fall with a naturally aspirated, 6.3-liter W-12 that makes 500 hp. That's less than BMW's turbocharged 760Li, but the Audi, with its all-aluminum body, is the lighter car. Keep the battle going, we say.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Chevrolet is launching a special Corvette Z06 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vette first competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1960. Called the 2011 Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, only about 500 examples will be available when it goes on sale in late summer.

While the Corvette ZR1 is the fastest and most advanced—and most expensive—model in the lineup, the lightweight, naturally aspirated Z06 is a favorite among track rats, some of whom consider it to be better balanced and more focused with its 505-hp, 7.0-liter V-8. (We preferred the departed Z51 Vette’s poise and livability to the Z06’s hairiness.) Many Vette enthusiasts, however, have been clamoring for the option to add some of the ZR1’s chassis goodies without paying that car’s $107,830 sticker price, according to the company.

Enter the Z06 Carbon. Positioned to bridge the gap between the Z06 and ZR1, this special-edition Z06 adds the ZR1’s 15-inch carbon-ceramic brakes, driver-adjustable magnetorheological shocks, black 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, and Michelin Pilot PS2 rubber. A carbon-patterned engine cover also is included, as are black headlight surrounds, door mirrors, carbon-fiber ZR1 rocker extensions, a carbon-fiber ZR1 front splitter, and numbered door decals for when you take your Carbon to the track. A raised carbon-fiber hood like the ZR1’s (but without the plastic window to the engine bay), a carbon roof panel, and a body-color, full-width rear spoiler round out the exterior mods. The only colors offered are Inferno Orange and a subdued Supersonic Blue, the latter being new for 2011.

The interior is available in any color as long as it’s black and is accented by a unique Z06 Carbon emblem on the steering wheel, as well as special sill plates and embossed head rests for the still-unacceptable seats. Dark faux suede material is used in abundance, with the steering wheel, shifter, seat inserts, armrests, and door panels covered in the stuff. Navigation and the Vette’s leather-upgrade package are the only options, with the latter including blue or orange French stitching, depending on the exterior color.

GM says the Carbon’s lighter-but-more-robust equipment, such as the larger brakes and rolling stock, means the Z06’s curb weight stays the same at a still-feathery 3150 pounds, or about 200 fewer than the ZR1’s. The added grip and stability, however, translate into the Carbon being a claimed three seconds faster than the standard Z06 around both the company’s Milford, Michigan, proving grounds and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in California. The 638-hp ZR1, however, likely will still qualify on pole, GM concedes. While the company has yet to release pricing info, expect it to be positioned between the regular Z06’s $75,230 starting point and the ZR1, or about $90K.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Porsche boss Michael Macht says that staff in the firm are fully committed to building the 918 Spyder, the biggest shock - and hit - of the Geneva motor show.

Taken from drawing to show car in under five months, the 918 mixes a 500bhp petrol V8 with two electric motors for a combined 718bhp. Porsche has calculated that it could be quicker than the old Carrera GT around the Nordschleife.

Porsche has yet to commit to producing the car - but speaking to Autocar, Macht admitted that the positive reaction to the 918 had already swayed opinion within the firm.

"There is no one inside Porsche who doesn't want to build the 918," he said. "The response has been marvellous; we will ask buyers to sign letters of intent.

"The 918 Spyder provides the answer to whether there can be high-performance cars in the future," he added. "Many have said they are finished. This car shows they are not."

Insiders say the production 918 is likely to go on sale within five years. However, like all Porsches, it will need to make money, despite its 'halo' status within the firm's range.

Macht also denied that a hybrid version of the Cayenne would damage sales of the diesel variant, which made its world debut at Geneva. "The Cayenne hybrid will account for about 15 per cent of sales," he said, "and appeal to customers who use their cars mostly in urban areas. We believe the hybrid sales will be incremental, and the diesel will be better at rural and highway use, where people need its cruising economy and high gearing."

Thanks to: Autocar

Infiniti is marking its 20th anniversary this year, and we'll give you one guess at what they're doing to celebrate "two decades of luxury" -- yep, special edition models! Called the 2010 Infiniti G Anniversary Editions, the specially equipped G37s (350 G Sedans, along with 200 G Coupes and 200 G Convertibles) are scheduled to hit Infiniti dealerships in April.

With the debut of the 2010 Opel Astra at the Geneva auto show, our spy photographers knew it was just a matter of time before the wagon variant would appear for winter testing. Fortunately, they were on hand when it did. Say hello the Astra Sports Tourer, which essentially a slightly bigger version of the standard car with more cargo volume.

We hear the powertrain options and interior from the standard Astra will carry over. The Astra's eight available engines include gasoline and diesels ranging in displacement from 1.3 to 2.0 liters and output from 95 to 180 horsepower. We also hear a hot GSi version is forthcoming.

GMC has always been about "Professional Grade" trucks, but the Denali trim level takes it up a notch or two -- it's the package for people who work hard but like to do it in style, too. Now, the folks in the big trucks will get their own pampering as GMC reveals the new 2011 GMC Sierra Denali Heavy Duty.

The Sierra Denali HD marks the first time the luxurious Denali trim has been offered on GMC's toughest trucks. Specific to the Denali package is a four-bar grille with a chrome surround, chrome accents on the doors and door handles, body-color bumpers and new 18- and 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels. Inside, the Denali package features a Bose audio system, power-adjustable pedals, 12-way power seats and brushed aluminum trim. A heated steering wheel and heated and cooled seats are optional.

Beyond the Denali package, which will only be offered on the Sierra 2500 Crew Cab Standard Box model, those who look closely may notice a few other subtle enhancements to the 2011 Sierra's appearance. Most notable is the enhanced hood with its big louvers and powertrain badges, along with new 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheel options. Non-Denali trucks also get a new three-bar grille and a full-width chrome front bumper.

So far, you may be wondering what the big deal is. Leather and chrome packages don't mean much on work trucks, so you'll be happy to know all the money GMC didn't spend on aesthetic upgrades was directed toward upgrading the Sierra's chassis and powertrain. The result is the same 20,000-pound maximum towing capacity with a fifth-wheel trailer as the Silverado HD, as well as the same 16,000-pound maximum towing capacity with a traditional hitch and the same 6,335-pound maximum payload capacity. Unfortunately for GMC and Chevy fans, that's a little short of the specs for the new Ford F-Series Super Duty, though not by much.

Making it all possible is the latest version of the 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V-8, which has been reworked internally to increase strength and improve efficiency. GM has just released details of the Duramax, which has been rated at 397 horsepower and a monstrous 765 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm -- a best-in-class figure that's an improvement of 32 horsepower and 105 lb-ft over last year’s engine. In addition, the automaker claims to have reduced the engine's NOx emissions by 63 percent. If you don't need that much twist, there's always the 6.0-liter Vortec gasoline V-8 (360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque), which is mostly unchanged save for a new camshaft that increases torque at low RPM.

Any way you cut it though, the diesel is the star of the show. Internally, the Duramax has seen its oiling system upgraded substantially and the engine can now run on B20 biodiesel without any modification. GMC says the improvements are good for an 11% increase in highway fuel economy and a range of 680 miles thanks to its massive 36-gallon fuel tank. A urea solution injected into the exhaust stream from a 5.3-gallon tank cleans up the emissions and will reportedly last 5,000 miles between fill-ups. A new diesel particulate filter now lasts for 700 miles between regenerations, a full 300 miles longer than the outgoing truck.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

It's hard to believe, but Lotus' pint-sized sports car has soldiered on with only minor changes for the last 10 years. For 2011, more small changes are on the way to give the Elise a fresher look for the new decade.

For the most part, styling revisions are limited to the car's front fascia. Designers sought to visually tie the Elise with the company's all-new Evora, replacing the quad headlamps with two angled lamp assemblies. The lower fascia receives a grille and side splitters that ape the Evora, while the upper air intake is also restyled for a resemblance. Side air intakes are simplified on the new model, and the engine cover has also been restyled.

To cut fuel economy and CO2 emissions, Lotus plans on offering a 1.6-liter I-4 in entry-level European-spec cars, but we wouldn't be surprised if Elises destined for North America continue to use the tried-and-true Toyota-sourced 1.8-liter four-cylinder. Expect the refreshed Elise to go on sale in Europe later this year and make its way Stateside by early 2011.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

After being unceremoniously outed on the Web by a classic pre-show embargo leak, Lexus has officially taken the wraps off its new 2011 Lexus CT 200h compact hybrid, which is set to make its debut at the 2010 Geneva show.

As has been expected, the CT 200h borrows heavily from the LF-Ch concept shown at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show, but the wild styling and flamed surfaces of the show car have been toned down for the production model. Instead of the large side front brake ducts of the LF-Ch concept, the CT 200h has deeply recessed fog lights to help give it a more aggressive look. The LED headlights have also been replaced with xenon units, but the car does continue to use LED lighting for daytime running lights.

At the rear of the car, the concept' s L-shaped taillights and angular rear hatch of the are no more, and Lexus also moved the rear fog lights from the concept's deep recesses to a new position, where they sit almost flush with the rear bumper skin. The center-exit dual exhaust tips remain in the same general spot, but they're substantially wider.

Inside, the CT 200h's flowing center stack is replaced by a more conventional design, but the tiered instrument panel still resembles the one used in the concept. Dark soft-touch materials are used extensively throughout the car according to Lexus, as are contrasting metallic accents. An 8-inch pop-up infotainment screen is placed at the top of the dashboard, and is operated by Lexus' new Remote Touch trackball-esque controller on the center console.

As the "h" suggests, the CT 200h is, in fact, a hybrid. If you're at all familiar with Toyota's Prius, you'll likely recognize the driveline in the CT, which pairs a 1.8-liter I-4 with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system. The CT 200h can run on electricity alone for up to 1.2 miles -- as long as you keep speeds below 28 mph. Lexus hasn't disclosed final output figures, but given its similarity to the Prius, we're expecting the net power to be around 135 hp or so.

The CT 200h's E-CVT transmission has four drive modes -- EV, ECO, Normal or Sport. As the names imply, you can take the car from super frugal to relatively sporty depending on your mood and driving style.

The hybrid hatch features a suspension design unique to the vehicle that employs a McPherson strut front with a double wishbone setup out back -- a combination that Lexus says offers drivers both superior handling and ride comfort. Components developed exclusively for the CT 200h at the front include the coil spring, shock absorber, bump stop, upper support, upper and lower insulators, and anti-roll bar.

The double wishbone rear employs lightweight trailing arm, with the coil springs and shock absorbers positioned separately in an effort to minimize intrusion into the loadspace floor. Other compenents developed exclusively for the CT 200h's rear suspension include the the coil spring, shock absorber, upper support, bump stop, hub and bearing, and anti-roll bar.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Having made its world debut in Geneva, the 2011 Kia Sportage will share top billing on the Kia stand at the New York Show in a few weeks' time along with the new Optima sedan.

A crisp, handsome, compact SUV designed under the direction of Peter Schreyer, the third generation Sportage is 3.5in longer, 0.6in wider and 2.4in lower than the previous model. The wheelbase has only grown by 0.4in, however. Aerodynamic drag has been cut from a Cd of 0.40 to 0.37, and weight has been cut by 200lb. Although available with all-wheel drive as well as front drive, the new Sportage is even more road biased than its predecessor, riding an inch lower to the blacktop.

The exterior design was done in Kia's southern California studio, and clearly draws on the Kue concept shown the 2007 Detroit Show. A key design element is the relationship between its high shoulders and narrow glasshouse, says Schreyer. "We've created an SUV with a sportscar-like ratio between sheet metal and glass. The side-windows are very narrow which gives you an almost rally-car feeling." The striking reverse angle C-pillar enhances the car-like side graphic. "The size, the shape and the proportion of the C-pillar determines the entire look and feel of the car," confirms Schreyer.

A unique detail is the stepped line across the top of the windshield that echoes the design elements of Kia's new corporate grille. This feature first appeared on the Kee concept unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Show. "It's crucial that we draw real design inspiration from our concept and showcars and inject that motivation into our production cars," says Schreyer.

The interior, which features striking splashes of color in some versions, is the work of designers in the company's Frankfurt studio. Black cloth is standard, and unusually, an all-black headliner can be specified. Options include part-leather and full-leather seat trim, with a choice of contrasting stitching. Base models feature a dark Gun Metal colored dashboard and centre stack, but as with the Soul buyers will be offered a number of contrasting color treatments on higher trim level models.

Manual air-conditioning is standard. The audio system for new Sportage features CD player with MP3, USB and iPod connectivity. An all-new navigation system with a 7.0-inch screen, Bluetooth and voice recognition will be offered. Other available high-tech "comfort & convenience" features include a Smart Card (for keyless entry, together with engine start/stop button), "welcome home" escort lights, Xenon headlamps, LED Daytime Running Lights and a tailgate-mounted reversing safety camera with interior mirror display monitor.

The hatch-like design means the C-pillar has been moved 7.3in rearward compared with the old Sportage, improving rear seat access. Luggage space benefits from a 2.8in increase in the rear overhang. With the rear seats upright, the cargo bay is 3.2in longer and 4.3in wider at floor level, thanks to the more compact design of the new multi-link rear suspension. Kia claims cargo capacity is among the best in class, ranging from 19.9cu ft with the rear seats occupied, to 47.8 cu ft with the rear seats folded.

Storage space within the cabin includes a larger glovebox (cooled in some models), a larger center console and four door pockets. Two large cup-holders are located between the gear selector and the centre console, while the folding centre armrest in the rear seat has twin cup-holders.

U.S.-spec Sportages will be available with a choice of four cylinder or V-6 engines, driving through a six speed automatic transmission. Traction control is standard on the FWD Sportage. The AWD drivetrain delivers 100 percent of engine torque to the front wheels, with a percentage of torque automatically transferred to the rear wheels to maintain forward momentum if wheelspin is detected. In slippery conditions - such as rain, snow, mud, unpaved roads and off-road - the driver can manually select 'Lock Mode' for better stability. This mode shares the torque equally (50%/50%), between the front and rear axles and maintains that split up to a speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). Whether FWD or AWD, traction is also boosted by the available Hillstart Assist Control which prevents slipping backwards, and Downhill Brake Control which limits vehicle speed to just 5 mph on steep descents.

Steering is by way of a new electric power steering rack-and-pinion system that is speed-sensitive and requires just 2.96 turns of the steering wheel from lock-to-lock. Kia says switching from the previous model's hydraulic system to electric power assistance offers a 3.5percent improvement in fuel economy.

Both the front and rear suspension systems are mounted on a lightweight hydro-formed subframe. Up front are MacPherson struts, largely carried over from the previous model, while at the rear is an all-new multi-link system. Adjustable rear shocks are available as an option on European-spec Sportages. The new Sportage will go on sale in the U.S. later this year.
Thanks to: Motor Trend