BMW is continuing to downsize its engines and employ more turbos with its latest Sports Activity Vehicle. The 2013 BMW X3 is due to receive a new TwinPower 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder motor that will product 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque with the help of a twin-scroll turbocharger.

The new engine will be [...]]]>

BMW is continuing to downsize its engines and employ more turbos with its latest Sports Activity Vehicle. The 2013 BMW X3 is due to receive a new TwinPower 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder motor that will product 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque with the help of a twin-scroll turbocharger.

The new engine will be the base unit for the X3 xDrive28i and it will replace the current generation’s 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine. The new engine will continue to be mated to BMW’s smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.

While the new engine will offer the same amount of horsepower as the current model (not to mention more torque), it’s expected to yield better fuel economy. Acceleration will also remain about the same with a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds.

The new BMW X3 will also benefit from Driving Experience Control, allowing drivers to select between four different driving modes including Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+.

For those craving more performance, and more room, BMW has also announced the new X5 M Sport Package for 2013. This will give the larger X5 crossover an aerodynamic kit, a sportier suspension system,  and special 20-inch alloy wheels. The package will also add plenty of M badging throughout the interior.

Timing for the X5 M Sport Package is being finalized, but you can expect the latest X3s equipped with the new turbo four to arrive in showrooms in May.

Hyundai’s latest entry into the full-size sedan segment caused quite a stir at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. Its sleek lines, roomy interior, and innovative technology, certainly gave the impression that it would give the likes of the Buick LaCrosse and Toyota Avalon a serious run for their money. And speaking [...]]]>

Hyundai’s latest entry into the full-size sedan segment caused quite a stir at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. Its sleek lines, roomy interior, and innovative technology, certainly gave the impression that it would give the likes of the Buick LaCrosse and Toyota Avalon a serious run for their money. And speaking of which, the Korean automaker has officially priced the 2012 Azera from just $32,000.

At that price point, buyers will enjoy a range of standard amenities including leather seating, a navigation system, 18-inch wheels, and Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system. The sedan also features a 293 horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine that’s mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai also asserts the Azera offers best-in-class fuel economy of 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

Upgrading to the range-topping Azera model with the Technology Package add a range of features including 19-inch alloy wheels and tires, panoramic sunroof, HID Xenon headlights, power rear sunshade, an Infinity audio system, and rear parking assistance sensors to name a few.

Now in its second-generation, the new 2012 Hyundai Azera is a bold model that employs Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design language – sleek, sophisticated style that creates the illusion of constant motion. When combined with a bevy of standard content, impeccable safety, and strong value, the Azera looks to be a promising entry into the crowded full-size sedan segment.

Kia unveiled its Kia’s Track’ster Concept at the Chicago Auto Show this week, showing what’s essentially a three-door, all-wheel-drive, 250-horsepower version of its cute and quirky Soul crossover. While the Track’ster likely won’t receive the green light for production, it may provide clues into what the next-generation Soul might look like.

The biggest [...]]]>

Kia unveiled its Kia’s Track’ster Concept at the Chicago Auto Show this week, showing what’s essentially a three-door, all-wheel-drive, 250-horsepower version of its cute and quirky Soul crossover. While the Track’ster likely won’t receive the green light for production, it may provide clues into what the next-generation Soul might look like.

The biggest different between the Track’ster Concept and the current Soul isn’t looks, but rather performance. Until now, the Soul hasn’t offered much in terms of sporty characteristics. However, the Track’ster hints that that’s all about to change. It boasts a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to a six-speed short throw manual transmission, a setup which routes power to all four 19-inch wheels by an all-wheel-drive system.

Although the Track’ster is a three-door vehicle, its wheelbase is almost an inch longer than the current Soul and its rear track is five inches wider. The concept’s guaranteed to stop on a dime too, thanks to 14-inch Brembos clamped by six-piston calipers up front and 13.6-inch discs with four-piston calipers in the rear.

“The idea was to make the Track’ster tough looking, like a bulldog,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer for KMA. “But the car had to be approachable as well. We wanted to base the car in reality so people instantly knew it was a Soul, but with a lot of attitude. It had to be a bold interpretation that would change people’s conceptions of what a sporty Kia could be.”

It’s clear from the interior that the Track’ster is very far from production-ready, but it’s sporty exterior cues continue on the inside. Rear seats have been removed and replaced with a fully integrated equipment tray that’s been designed to house helmets, race suits, gloves, tools and all the accoutrement that goes with being a serious track rat.

“We saw the Track’ster as a performance-inspired concept that could spend time on the road and racetrack,” said Kearns. “The idea was to make the tools and equipment necessary to keep the car performing in top condition easily accessible.”

The Track’ster Concept as it stands today at the Chicago Auto Show likely won’t make it to showrooms. However, it certainly makes us eager to see what’s in store for the next-generation Kia Soul.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Kia Trackster Concept Press Release

The folks at Autocar recently decided to put together a fun comparison test that pitted the Nissan GT-R against BMW’s latest M5 sedan. Considering Godzilla now boasts 545 horsepower, sprints from 0-60 in under 3 seconds, and has a substantial weight advantage of the M5 (which weighs 400 more than the GT-R), the winner [...]]]>

The folks at Autocar recently decided to put together a fun comparison test that pitted the Nissan GT-R against BMW’s latest M5 sedan. Considering Godzilla now boasts 545 horsepower, sprints from 0-60 in under 3 seconds, and has a substantial weight advantage of the M5 (which weighs 400 more than the GT-R), the winner of the comparison shouldn’t be too much of a surprise.

Despite the rather overt advantages of the GT-R, the new M5 held its own surprisingly well. Autocar‘s testing examined acceleration, cornering, braking, G-force and general feel. See if the GT-R managed to win each of the tests by checking out the full comparison video below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Hyundai had once been thought to be considering an entirely separate Genesis brand for its most luxurious models. While there hasn’t been much discussion in recent months about a sub-brand comprised of the Equus, Genesis Sedan, and Genesis Coupe, new reports suggest that Hyundai is still very much considering separating its luxury vehicles [...]]]>

Hyundai had once been thought to be considering an entirely separate Genesis brand for its most luxurious models. While there hasn’t been much discussion in recent months about a sub-brand comprised of the Equus, Genesis Sedan, and Genesis Coupe, new reports suggest that Hyundai is still very much considering separating its luxury vehicles from its higher-volume vehicles.

If such as brand comes to fruition, it would replace Hyundai’s round “H” badge with an entirely new badge on rear-wheel-drive premium vehicles. However, they would likely still be sold in Hyundai dealerships, not through completely separate showrooms. According to the Korean automaker’s sales chief, many Genesis buyers are already replacing the Hyundai badge with a winged Genesis badge as a dealer-installed option.

“There’s a conversation going on within the company that says, ‘Does having the Hyundai badge on the premium vehicles sell more vehicles, or does it restrict us from selling more vehicles?’” said Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president of sales for Hyundai Motor America, in an interview with Automotive News.

While any re-branding decisions have yet to be made, Hyundai isn’t likely to follow in the footsteps of many of its competitors by setting up separate sales channel along the lines of Lexus, Infiniti and Acura.

The all-new 2012 Toyota Prius C will officially become the automaker’s least expensive hybrid. When it goes on sale in March, it will have a base price of just $18,950.

At that price point, the Prius C is an amazing value if MPG is your top priority. The latest addition to the Prius [...]]]>

The all-new 2012 Toyota Prius C will officially become the automaker’s least expensive hybrid. When it goes on sale in March, it will have a base price of just $18,950.

At that price point, the Prius C is an amazing value if MPG is your top priority. The latest addition to the Prius family boasts the highest rated city fuel economy of any vehicle without a plug — 53/46/50 miles per gallon (city/highway/combined). But of course the five-door hatchback will also offer a bevy of features to make it just as comfortable as it is efficient.

Powering the Prius C is a Hybrid Synergy Drive 1.5-liter DOHC, 16-valve engine with VVT-i, a 60 hp permanent magnet AC synchronous motor, and a 144 volt nickel-metal hydride battery which generates 25.9 hp of electric propulsion for a total hybrid system net output of 99 horsepower.

There are a total of four trim levels, appropriately designated as One, Two, Three, Four (could it be Toyota’s homage to Space Balls?). Standard amenities include automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone controls and remote keyless entry. Opting for the range-toping Prius C Four model adds fog lights, 16-inch, eight-spoke alloy wheels, and premium SofTex trim with heated front seats.

Find more details on the 2012 Toyota Prius C below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

2012 Toyota Prius C Press Release

The Hyundai Elantra has already earned a bevy of awards, even the 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year, and continues to be a hit with consumers. As if the new sedan’s stellar momentum wasn’t enough, Hyundai decided to launch a two-door variant to better give the Civic a run for [...]]]>

The Hyundai Elantra has already earned a bevy of awards, even the 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year, and continues to be a hit with consumers. As if the new sedan’s stellar momentum wasn’t enough, Hyundai decided to launch a two-door variant to better give the Civic a run for its money.

At the Chicago Auto Show this week, Hyundai unveiled the Elantra Coupe, which boasts a wheelbase that’s three inches longer than its two-door Civic rival. Under the hood is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet and up to 29 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on the highway highway when mated with a six-speed manual gearbox. An automatic transmission is also available.

There are also plenty of performance-inspired features that can be had along with the Elantra’s newfound sportiness. Such features include 17-inch wheels, rear lip spoiler, lower profile tires than the sedan, and re-tuned suspension. Inside, a touch-screen navigation system is available along with Bluetooth streaming audio, iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs, heated front seats, power sunroof, and dual automatic temperature control with Clean Air Ionizer and auto-defogger.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect it to be competitive. The Elantra Coupe already has more room, more horsepower, and better fuel economy than the Honda Civic Coupe, and it may have better styling too.

Find more details on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe Press Release

Acura has officially taken the covers off of the production version of the 2013 ILX, the brand’s all-new compact sedan. First shown at the Detroit Auto Show in January, the production model at the Chicago Auto Show this week hasn’t changed much, aside from a few different chrome bits.

Based on the same [...]]]>

Acura has officially taken the covers off of the production version of the 2013 ILX, the brand’s all-new compact sedan. First shown at the Detroit Auto Show in January, the production model at the Chicago Auto Show this week hasn’t changed much, aside from a few different chrome bits.

Based on the same platform that underpins the latest Honda Civic, the new Acura ILX is powered by a either a 150-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed automatic, a 201-hp 2.4-liter engine mated to a six-speed manual, or a 111-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that combined Integrated Motor Assist and a CVT. The latter, which is Acura’s first hybrid is capable of delivering 35 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

“We are excited to be launching these two new luxury models as the gateway of Acura’s revitalized product lineup,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura. “As we embark on our second 25 years as a premium luxury-performance automobile brand, we are excited about the role these two vehicles will play in welcoming a new generation of luxury car buyers to the Acura brand.”

The 2013 Acura ILX is squarely aimed at attracting successful 20 and 30-somethings moving into the luxury car ranks. While what’s under the hood may not impress these folks, the ILX will certainly deliver on the value front. Buyers will also be enjoy a well-appointed interior that boasts standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, along with Pandora internet radio interface and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world. Available goodies include Acura’s award winning ELS Surround audio system, nav system with 60 gig harddrive, and a new multi-view rear camera.

Look for more details on the 2013 Acura ILX below.

2013 Acura ILX Press Release

Taking a cue out of the Porsche playbook, Nissan has decided to make the revamped 2013 370Z more evolution than revolution — which is just fine with us. The updated Z will likely look relatively unchanged to the casual car buyer, but enthusiasts will see a more refined look that retains the car’s [...]]]>

Taking a cue out of the Porsche playbook, Nissan has decided to make the revamped 2013 370Z more evolution than revolution — which is just fine with us. The updated Z will likely look relatively unchanged to the casual car buyer, but enthusiasts will see a more refined look that retains the car’s classic lines.

The 2013 Nissan 370Z will make its official debut tomorrow at the Chicago Auto Show. Changes are modest, and include new 19-inch wheels, red-finished brake calipers, and Euro-tuned shocks on models with the Sport Package. Other updates for the upcoming model year include a new front facia that’s losing the current model’s distinctive fangs. There’s also a red reflector that’s been added to the rear facia. The base 370Z Coupe will also receive new 18-inch wheels. Buyers can also choose from two new exterior colors – Magma Red and Midnight Blue.

As with the current model, the 2013 370Z will be available in coupe, convertible, and NISMO variations. That latter trim will also get an updated Bose audio system that includes two additional speakers and two subwoofers, not to mention premium 19-inch wheels, and Nissan GT-R style high-rigidity brake hoses and performance brake fluid. The NISMO 370Z does not adopt the new front fascia/rear reflector, Euro-tuned shocks or Midnight Blue exterior color.

“Since the original 1970 Z was first introduced our goal has always been to keep the design moving forward. The changes for 2013, though subtle, go a long way in enhancing its dynamic appearance inside and out,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

Take a closer look at the 2013 Nissan 370Z via the gallery below. And, stay tuned for more updates from Chicago.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Nissan has recently focused on crossovers and commercial vehicles at recent auto shows here in the U.S., but the automaker will be focusing on the B-segment for the Geneva Motor Show. When the show gets underway next month, Nissan will debut its new hatchback concept called the Invitation.

The Nissan Invitation looks more [...]]]>

Nissan has recently focused on crossovers and commercial vehicles at recent auto shows here in the U.S., but the automaker will be focusing on the B-segment for the Geneva Motor Show. When the show gets underway next month, Nissan will debut its new hatchback concept called the Invitation.

The Nissan Invitation looks more akin to the Honda Fit than the brand’s own Versa or European Micra — which is a good thing. The concept will also wear Nissan’s Pure Drive badge, indicating that a production version would deliver class-leading levels of fuel efficiency and emissions.

“The name we have given to this concept is self-explanatory,” said François Bancon, Deputy Division General Manager of Product Strategy and Product Planning Division. “It is designed to be inviting thanks to its sensuous exterior design and generous and comfortable interior space, cleverly packaged within compact overall dimensions.”

Most car buyers probably don’t regard the B-segment as offering much in the way of exciting technologies. But the Invitation does feature Nissan’s advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) safety technology which makes reversing and parallel parking as stress-free as possible. The concept also incorporates the Nissan Safety Shield Technologies, which interacts with the driving environment keeping the driver aware of what is happening around the car.

Check out more images of the Nissan Invitation below. Stay tuned for more details closer to the Geneva Motor Show.