Official: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth

Fiat released an official image of the 500 Abarth a  while back and now we have even more images and official specs to digest.

The 500 Abarth will, as speculated, use a 1.4 litre Multi-Air engine that is both intercooled and turbocharged to 160 horsepower. 16 inch wheels are standard with 17′s optional (it’s also optional to have them painted either white or black) along with an upgraded rolling stock, suspension and brakes.

Inside you’ll fine highly bolstered bucket seats, a flat bottomed thick rimmed steering wheel, turbo boost gauge, shift light and sat-nav.

No price has been mentioned yet which I suspect will be the main factor of whether 500 Abarth sales keep an upward trend. And you know Fiat 500 Abarth vs. Mini Cooper S comparos are just itching to get underway so this should make for a very interesting segment.

Head over to Autoblog for more pics.

[Fiat]

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to Become More Powerful

Hyundai is significantly boosting the power on the impressive Genesis coupe for 2013.

The 2.0 litre turbo will now make 275 horsepower and 275 pound feet of torque, up 65 horses from the current unit’s 210 horses. The V6 will now produce 350 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque. The V6 uses the same direct injection technology found in the 2012 Genesis sedan, but Hyundai actually made it more powerful than the sedan’s 333 horses and 291 pound feet of torque. Each engine can be mated to an optional 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual. This update makes the Genesis coupe the most powerful in the segment in which it competes. If Hyundai manages to keep the price down, that is tremendous value. As the Gensis coupe is already a capable vehicle, this will surely make it better.

Along with the power upgrade, the Genesis coupe will get a facelift for 2013. Wearing a more corporate look, the Genesis coupe’s front facia ads a newly redesigned grille and headlights.

The 2013 Genesis coupe will debut at the Detroit Autoshow in January 2012.

[Carscoop]

Cadillac Spings A Leak: XTS Unintentionally Revealed

Oops!

Looks like someone at Cadillac might be in some deep doggy-doo as an official photo revealing the new XTS sedan was mistakenly placed on the company’s website. The image has since been removed, but obviously the damage has been done.

The XTS was slated to officially debut at this year’s LA Auto Show. It’s looks are fairly in line with the concept that debuted at least year’s Detroit Auto Show. It takes Cadillac’s sharp edge ‘art & science’ desisng and softens it down all while remaining quite eye-catching and well proportioned. Originally expected to compete with the likes of the BMW 7-series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the XTS will be smaller in size and thus makes it more of a 5-series and E-Class competitor.

More details on powertrains will likely become available at the official launch. Stay tuned.

[Jalopnik]

Oh Hi: 2013 Ford Flex

It’s not even 2012 and yet 2013 models are starting to show their faces. Case in point, Ford has released images and new details on the refreshed Ford Flex.

The Flex has always been a bit of a polarizing design with some saying the flat white roof is a rip-off of the Mini Cooper while others say it looks like some sort of stretched hearse. Well, Ford didn’t care to tone down the design, in fact they’ve probably made it even more polarizing. This could be a smart move on Ford’s part as unique designs that push the envelope usually end up being embraced in the end.

The front facia is really where the big changes are. A large brushed aluminum bar across the grille is probably the first thing you notice along with re-worked headlights. You’ll notice there’s no longer a blue oval to be seen anywhere up front as Ford decided to just put the Flex’s name front and centre.

Inside a refreshed dash and console can be found which now includes MyFord Touch (an updated version) along with push-start standard and rain sensing wipers.

There are powertrain updates as well. The base 3.5 litre V6 will get a power boost by 20 horses now making 285 horsepower, all while being 1.6 litres/100 kms more efficient. The V6 Ecoboost engine will cary over unchanged.

What do you think of the Flex’s new schauz? Hit or miss?

[Ford]

Oh Hi: 2013 Volkswagen Passat CC

There’s little doubt that Volkswagen is capable of making some extremely gorgeous cars, but in my point of view, the one that really tops them all in terms of design is the Passat CC. While Mercedes-Benz may have created the idea of the curvilinear coupe-like sedan, Volkswagen was the first to make one that didn’t cost as much as a small island.

Now Volkswagen has updated the Passat CC to incorporate more of a family resemblance mimicking Volkswagens new design language. The lower front facia now incorporates Volkswagen’s new signature grille and the headlights are now bi-xenon with LED turn indicators. Out back the tail lights have been re-worked to resemble the regular Passat. While the re-worked tail lights look clean, I actually prefer the four oval tail lights that the current version has. It looked oh-so-good at night. The interior seems to remain largely unchanged.

Also expected to remain unchanged is powertrain options with the 2.0T and 3.6 litre V6 carrying over as well as Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive.

The 2013 Passat CC is expected to go on sale in the spring. Click past the jump for a rear snap.

[Volkswagen]

Read the rest of this entry »

Porsche Pajun Planned (No, That’s Not A Typo)

If you don’t know by now, Porsche has seen so much success with the once black sheep of the family, the Cayenne SUV, that they have decided to make a smaller version called the Cajun. This new compact Porsche ‘ute will be largely based on the Audi Q5. Since the Cayenne was met with strong opposal from Porsche purists who feel the 911 is really the only true Porsche and yet has been selling tremendously well, Porsche is betting that the Cajun will see similar success.

But Porsche is not stopping there. They are betting that a smaller version of the Panamera will help to fill profit margins, so a sedan, coupe, convertible and even shooting brake version of the Pamamera will be produced in junior form. The baby Panamera is going to be called the Pajun….for now. Let’s hope this is just a temporary moniker.  Anyway the Pajun is expected to share underpinnings from Bentley and Lamborghini so don’t worry, the Pajun will still be a performance bred Porsche.

Powertrains will range from V6′s, V8′s, diesels and plug-ins – pretty muhc everything. The top range Pajun is expected to make 600 horses!

What do you think of the idea of the Pajun? Do you think Porsche should stop expanding or will this be another success story for them?

[Car Magazine]

Oh Hi: 2012 Ford Focus ST

Volkswagen has the GTI, Mazda has the Mazdaspeed3, Volvo has the C30 T5 and now another hot hatch will be available for us to choose from.

Finally, after what seems like decades of waiting, Ford has decided to let us Canadians in on one of its best kept secrets: the Focus ST. Considering how good the ‘ordinary’ Focus has gotten, it’s safe to say that this new Focus ST will not disappoint in the performance department.

This hot hatch will get a 247 horsepower eco-boost 2.0 litre four cylinder which can divvy up a healthy 265 pound feet of torque. Right now a six-speed manual has been confirmed and also tuned to help reinforce a symphonic engine and exhaust note. No word on if an automatic will be available, but it likely will down the line if not from launch.

The Focus ST will be front-drive only. That means that torque steer was Ford’s worst enemy and to combat it, Ford has developed a torque steer compensation system mated with electronic power steering. When both are working in harmony, Ford says torque steer is virtually non-existent.

The lucky dogs in Europe actually get a wagon version of the Focus ST, but no such luck for us Canucks. I suppose beggers can’t be choosers. Expect the Focus ST to bow next year.

So, if it were your hard earned cash, which hot hatch would you plunk money down for? The GTI, the Mazdaspeed3, the C30 T5, or the Focus ST?

[Ford]

Cadillac XTS & ATS to Be Canadian Built

Cadillac has just announced some good news for us Canadians today. Mark Reuss, the American President of GM, announced that Cadillac’s two newest members of the family, the ATS and the XTS will be built at their Oshawa Ontario plant. It’s expected that the new models will increase production and create around 400 new jobs. GM plans on investing $117 million into the Oshawa plant. Currently the plant makes the Chevy Equinox, Imapala and Camaro.

The XTS is going to be a replacement for both the aging DTS full size sedan and the much forgotten STS sedan. It is expected to look fairly similar to the concept XTS pictured above. The XTS will likely take on the likes of the Audi A8, BMW 7-series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Hyundai Equus.

The ATS, on the other hand, is promised to be of a more nimble sporting nature as Cadillac has stated that its direct competition will be the BMW 3-series. Even if, by the time it becomes for sale, it will have been built to compete with a previous generation 3-series. Still, considering how good the current 3-series is, it’s likely that the ATS won’t disappoint.

[General Motors]

BMW i3 and i8 Revealed in Frankfurt

If the picture above makes it seem like both vehicles are still in ‘concept’ mode, well you’re right. Sort of. Just like how BMW introduced the M5 ‘concept’ and Gran Coupe ‘concept’ there will be only minor tweaks to the production verisons of both models. Still, BMW has spilled the beans on the specs.

Hit the jump to find out more.

Read the rest of this entry »

Canada Will Get Diesel Version of Cruze

GM is getting serious about offering potential Cruze customers fun and frugal driving. The Eco-model appears to be getting decent reviews and now GM has announced that a diesel version will be in the cards for us Canadians.

There are very few details as of now, but the unit is expected to be a 2.0 litre four cylinder making 147 horses and 235 pound feet of torque. That’s awfully similar numbers to the Volkswagen Jetta TDI’s numbers of 140 horsepower and 236 pound feet of torque. Looks like GM is looking to take a bite out of Jetta TDI sales. Still, it may be easier to use the 2.0 litre 160 horsepower and 265 pound foot torque unit found in the Holden Cruze diesel in Australia.

Chevrolet now joins Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Jeep for manufacturers that currently offer diesel models for non-pickup trucks in Canada. It will likely come in as the cheapest diesel available to boot.

Considering a lack of pick-up was exactly what I thought was missing in the current Cruze on the highway, a diesel may be the perfect solution since they’re inherently torque-y.

Expect the diesel version of the Cruze to bow in 2013 with an expected mid-cycle refresh.

[GM Canada]

2012 Nissan Versa Gets Lowest MSRP in Canada

Nissan Canada has just announced pricing for the redesigned Versa sedan and it comes in at $11,798. That makes it the cheapest brand new car you can buy in the country.

The new Versa sedan will be powered by a 1.6 litre four cylinder mated to either a manual transmission or a CVT. Notable options include Bluetooth, a 5 inch navigation touch screen and XM satellite radio.

This is particularly interesting because the Hyundai Accent has long held the cheapest-new-car crown. With its redesign, it offered even better value, but now Nissan has raised the bar in short order. The new Versa sedan is actually closer to being mid-sized that compact which makes that compact price even more desirable. It also reinforces my questioning the existence of the 2011 Nissan Sentra. Perhaps it will be a question of whether people want value or refinement.

Oddly enough, the Nissan Versa hatchback, which is arguably the more desirable variant of the two by Canadians, will continue on unchanged for 2012.

In Canada the Versa sedan will come in three trim levels:

• 1.6 S 5 MT starting at $ 11,798,
• 1.6 SV 5 MT starting at $ 13,798
• 1.6 SV CVT Starting at $ 15,098
• 1.6 SL CVT Starting at $ 16,298

[Nissan Canada]

Oh Hi: 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe

It’s finally here: the 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe.

BMW has taken the wraps off the newest member of the Mini family and it promises to stay true to Mini roots, which is of course, fun. How much fun? Well BMW says it is the fastest from the factory Mini ever. And with some unique style to boot. The Coupe loses the rear seats to allow for a much lower roof line. This creates a “three-box” design which is a first for the Mini brand. While the front facia may seem very familiar, the rear design is quite the departure with accentuated hips which includes a retractable, usable rear spoiler. At speeds below 60 km/h the spoiler stays hidden, but above 80 km/h the spoiler shows its face. Unlike most spoilers on the market, this one is actually fairly functional as it keeps the the Cooper Coupe’s rear and planted at highway speeds. Although in reality, you would need to achieve autobahn type speeds in order to actually lift the Cooper Coupe’s rear end.

The Cooper Coupe will come in three iterations: the Cooper Coupe, The Cooper S Coupe and the John Cooper works Coupe. All will used differently tuned versions of the 1.6 litre four cylinder currently found in the Mini Cooper. The former will get 122 horsepower and 118 pound feet of torque with a 0-100 time of 8.3 seconds. The mid-level Cooper S Coupe will get 181 horsepower and 177 pound foot torque with a 0-100 sprint of 6.5 seconds while the John Cooper Works Coupe will take 6.1 seconds from 0-100 using 208 horsepower and 192 pound foot torque.

The new Cooper Coupe, like it’s hatched brother, can also handle like the dickens thanks to enhanced body rigidity and weight balance.

Prices have yet to be set, but expect to pay a bit of a premium over the regular Mini Cooper.

For more pics, click here.

[Mini]

Oh Hi: Supercharged Honda CR-Z Mugen

Say hello to the hottest version of the CR-Z.

Making a hot version of the CR-Z isn’t too hard in the first place since the current CR-Z is a hybrid is wolf’s clothing, but the folks at Mugen have been planning to add some go to the CR-Z’s show for quite some time now in the form of a supercharger. That’s right, the CR-Z Mugen will keep the electric motor, but power will be tweaked from both motors.

The CR-Z Mugen has yet to get any official numbers, but they are predicting their version of the 1.5 litre four cylinder plus electric motor will generate a healthy 197 horsepower and 181 pound feet of torque. Add some 110 pounds of weight loss and you’ve got yourself something that’s as close as you can get to a Honda CRX successor.

Now for the bad news. It’s just a concept. But if there is enough positive response, Mugen will considering making some for sale. But the fact is, they really shouldn’t have to do this in the first place. Honda should be making a hotter CR-Z a priority. If they had just made the CR-Z like this from the get-go, they wouldn’t have to worry about the CR-Z’s slumping sales numbers.

Anyway, good to see a somewhat return of cheap performance oriented Hondas.

[Honda]

Oh Hi: 2012 Chrysler 300S

Before you go rolling your eyes at the thought of another Chrysler product that is seemingly aimed at chrome-loving douchebags or Mafia wannabes, read the following sentence:

“No chrome . . . no wood . . . matte carbon fiber finishes . . . unique black or Radar Red leather . . . our biggest wheels, and world’s first integration of Beats by Dr. Dre audio technology – the best standard audio system period.”

That was Olivier Francois, president and CEO of the Chrysler brand describing the new 300S. Sounds pretty good so far, doesn’t it? Apparently Chrysler had been in negotiations with Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine for months trying to get a deal to get the Doc’s audio technology standard in the 300S. If you’ve ever experienced Beats by Dr. Dre, you should very much appreciate that Chrysler went through all that effort because they’re definitely worth it.

Also, the 300S isn’t just all show. You get your choice of a either a 292 horsepower V6 or the 363 horsepower Hemi V8. A performance suspension, steering mounted paddle shifters and bigger ventilated disc brakes are all standard.

Helping to set itself apart from the regular 300 and the 300 SRT-8, the 300S will get a body coloured front facia, black bezel head lights, and 20 inch wheels. The horizontal grille blades will get painted in black chrome. So yeah, I guess Chrysler can’t quite quench its chrome addiction even when they try. At least it’s black chrome though. Whatever that is.

Anyway, the 300S will slot itself as the mid-level trim in the 300 range. I must admit, this is the closest Chrysler has come to making a credible and tasteful performance sedan. Keep it up, Chrysler!

[Top Speed]

Mercedes-Benz Re-Introduces Its M5 Killer

Mmm, gotta love those big German performance sedans!

At the New York Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz decided to let the 2012 AMG version of the E-Class out of the bag. The new E63 AMG will now get a more economical 5.5 litre V8 capable of making 518 horsepower. That number goes up to an exceptional 550 horsepower if you check off the AMG sport package on the options list. Which you really should, because if you do, your E63 AMG will be able to get from 0-100 in an impressive 4.3 seconds. The E63 AMG with out the AMG sport package still manages an impressive 4.4 seconds. A seven speed automatic is standard and was developed by AMG themselves. The Speedshit MCT transmission allows for very quick, smooth shifts.

But if you’re the type that feels quite guilty as you keep opening your wallet to feed your AMG, don’t worry because this new version is supposedly 22% more efficient. And if you’re the type that feels quite guilty knowing you’re probably killing Mother Nature every time you drive your AMG, the E63 AMG helps her out with spray guided direct injection, stop/start technology and eco friendly power steering which basically only draws power (and thus fuel ) when the steering wheel is being turned. It’s no Prius, but it’s good to know Mercedes thinks of little things like these.

Speaking of the steering wheel, it is an all new sport steering wheel with alluminum paddle shifters. Alcantra can be found of the wheel if you opt for the AMG sport package.

So, do you think this is enough to lure  loyalists from the newly redesigned BMW M5? Which would you rather? Sound off in the comments section.

[Mercedes-Benz]