Holden to get its own version of Chevy Cruze in 2010

Holden, GM’s main brand in Australia, has confirmed that it will be building a compact 4-cylinder car as a response to the changing buyer behavior. Holden will take advantage of the government’s $6 billion car plan to produce new Chevrolet Cruze based small car at its Holden’s Elizabeth plant in Adelaide alongside the Commodore.
Holden says that the 4-cylinder engine and an optional diesel will use 20 percent less fuel than the brand’s V6 powered Commodore. The Australian brand says that it will also have a hybrid system for the car later down the road.
Holden’s version of the Chevrolet Cruze will create more than 1,000 jobs when production kicks off in the fourth-quarter.

British Fabrio announces GTS350 Supercharged Track Day Car

Fabrio Sports Car has announced their 2009 Track Day Car which will have a limited production of 25 units. The track going car is based on the GT350 Supercharged model with an intercooler and upgraded injectors pumping out 350-hp while weighing in at 956kg (2,103 pounds) - that’s a 366-hp power to weight ratio.
The 2009 Track Day Car will be sold with a list of options to customize the car for enthusiasts that have more than enough money to take out their frustrations on a track. The new model keeps its carbon fiber body with an addition of a fuel-bag tank, an uprated gearbox with limited slip differential, dry sump and low profile Toyo R888 tires.
The car will be good for the road until it is specifically built for the track with an FIA approved roll-cage. 350-hp not enough for you? Higher output option are available with up to 450-hp (a 471-hp/ton).

Note: Pictured above is the standard Fabrio GTS.

Fiat 500 C convertible coming to Geneva in March

Fiat is set to launch a convertible version of the much-loved 500 at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March. The Fiat 500 C will go on sale shortly after being unveiled in Geneva just in time to drop the top for the summer season.
The 500 C will be a 4-seater, soft-top convertible which folds into the boot of the minicar. It will keep its door pillars and roof structure so don’t expect and roadster-style experience here.
Power will come from the same 1.2L making 70-hp and a 1.4L making 100-hp. No word of Abarth version as of yet.
Will it make it to the U.S.? Probably not anytime soon; however, Fiat is considering the 500 minicar for the stateside.

Note: Pictures above is the Fiat Tender Two by Castagna.

2010 Lincoln MKT pricing starts at $44,995

FoMoCo has announced the pricing details on the all-new 2010 Lincoln MKT crossover. Pricing starts at $44,995 for the three-row front-wheel-drive model while the all-wheel-drive model will run you $46,990.
The 2010 Lincoln MKT will come with a choice of two engines including a 3.7L V6 making 268-hp and a 3.5L V6 with EcoBoost making 355-hp. A full-equipped, twin-turbo 355-horsepower EcoBoost Lincoln MKT is will cost you approximately $55,000.
The Lincoln MKT crossover will hit dealerships later this summer with a list of standard and optional features which you can learn more about in the press release posted after the jump.

ALL-NEW 2010 LINCOLN MKT DELIVERS MORE FEATURES, CLASS-LEADING FUEL ECONOMY FOR UNDER $45,000

- The 2010 Lincoln MKT, equipped with an extensive list of enticing equipment, will arrive this summer priced at $44,995 (including destination) for the front-wheel drive model; equipped with a premium engine and all-wheel drive, prices start at $49,995- The Lincoln MKT offers two fuel-efficient engine choices: a proven 3.7-liter V-6 designed to deliver an estimated 268 horsepower or a new Twin turbo 3.5-liter V-6 with EcoBoost™ able to deliver an estimated 355 horsepower while delivering best in class fuel economy- Further growing the brand’s momentum and joining the all-new flagship Lincoln MKS sedan and updated 2010 Lincoln MKZ, the 2010 Lincoln MKT three-row crossover will be available in dealer showrooms in late summer 2009
Lincoln MKT, a distinctive new premium crossover, will be available in late summer 2009 with a long list of standard comfort, convenience and technology features that make it an exceptional value.
Starting at $44,995 for the front-wheel-drive model, the three-row Lincoln MKT brings to the luxury market standard luxury features, quality interior appointments and design, class-leading fuel economy and a distinctive new exterior that embodies a fresh interpretation of Lincoln design DNA.
Similar to the flagship Lincoln MKS sedan, the new three-row Lincoln will offer customers an enticing mix of inviting luxury and useful technology. The base model will come well equipped, with a list of standard features that include:
- SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts - Eight-inch, color touch-screen for audio and HVAC control - Rear view camera - 20-GB hard drive for music jukebox music storage - Intelligent Access with Push Button Start - SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad - Adaptive Headlamps with High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps - Auto High Beams - Rain-Sensing Wipers - Reverse-sensing parking assist system - Power opening / closing rear liftgate - 12-way powered, heated-and-cooled front row seating - Adjustable pedals - Heated second-row seats - Three-zone HVAC - Ambient lighting - Panoramic Vista Roof featuring two large glass panels - 19-inch Premium Painted aluminum wheels - Integrated spotter mirrors - And a comprehensive, complementary list of active and passive safety features designed to help protect both driver and passengers.
In addition to a front-wheel drive powertrain, the Lincoln MKT will also be offered with all-wheel-drive. The AWD model with the normally-aspirated, 3.7-liter engine is expected to carry a starting price of $46,990 when it arrives in dealerships this summer. Compared to a similarly priced Acura MDX (the segment leading in sales volume), the Lincoln MKT offers far more interior space, better highway fuel economy and features consumers want, such as adjustable pedals, rain-sensing wipers, auto high beams and the connectivity of SYNC.
The 2010 Lincoln MKT will be available with a premium, 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost powertrain as well, and all EcoBoost models will be fitted with AWD. The direct-injection, twin-turbo, 355 horsepower engine is expected to deliver not only best-in-class power but also best-in-class highway fuel economy, superior to both the Acura MDX and Audi Q7. The 355-hp Lincoln MKT will have a starting price of $49,995. Acura does not offer a premium engine upgrade in the three-row MDX.
Lincoln MKT buyers looking for more luxury and convenience features can choose the Elite Package, priced at $5000. The Elite package includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): A system that allows the driver to set and maintain vehicle speed, while radar monitors traffic ahead. This optional system automatically adjusts speed and slows the vehicle to maintain the set distance behind traffic ahead. - Collision Warning with Brake Support: A system enabled by Adaptive Cruise Control that provides the driver with a “head-up” display that flashes on the windshield when the system senses slower moving traffic ahead. If the driver doesn’t respond, the system will pre-charge the brakes to prepare the vehicle for a more aggressive stop. - Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™): BLIS is a radar sensor on the outboard rear quarter panel used to monitor the traditional blind spot areas and can notify the driver with a warning indicator light in the corresponding side view mirror. - Cross Traffic Alert: Utilizing BLIS sensors, the Lincoln Cross Traffic Alert helps detect approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space. When the vehicle is in reverse and senses traffic, mirror warning lights illuminate and audible signals sound. - Voice-activated Navigation: An advanced, next-generation system with an internal hard-drive for map and point-of-interest information storage and an updated THX audio system with exclusive new feature – Neural Surround – that helps improve audio reproduction from compressed digital formats. - Power-opening Panoramic Vista Roof
Stand-alone options available on the 2010 Lincoln MKT include:
- Active-Park Assist: Available on EcoBoost-equipped vehicles, this Lincoln-exclusive system literally “steers” the Lincoln MKT into a parallel parking spot while coaching the driver through conventional throttle and braking inputs. Active-Park Assist employs an ultrasonic-based sensing system, as opposed to video camera-reliant competitive offerings, to detect edges of adjacent objects to calculate optimized trajectory and making hands-free parallel parking a breeze. It works at the touch of a button, requiring less driver programming and reducing the risk of selecting an inappropriately sized parking space. - 20-inch polished wheels - Dual, headrest mounted DVD family entertainment system - Second-row, heated-and-cooled bucket seats with power lumbar - Second-row, console-mounted refrigerator - Class III trailer-towing capability
A full-equipped, twin turbo 355-horspower Lincoln MKT is expected to cost approximately $55,000, placing it thousands less than a comparably equipped Audi Q7. In addition, the Lincoln offers better fuel economy, more interior space and class and exclusive features like Active-Park Assist not available on the Audi Q7.

Chrysler PT Cruiser ending production this summer

Chrysler LLC President Tom LaSorda said that the company will stop building the PT Cruiser this year and is seeking buyers for the equipment it used to make the model. The move comes as Chrysler looks for ways to save cash.
In a phone interview with Bloomberg, LaSorda said that the PT Cruiser will end production this summer. He said that Chrysler currently doesn’t have any offers for the assets used to make the model but is pursuing a buyer.
With the PT Cruiser ending production in the summer, the Chrysler badge will appear only on the Sebring, 300C sedans ad the Town & Country minivan. Chrysler LLC has dropped the Dodge Durango and Magnum, Chrysler Crossfire, Aspen and Pacifica SUVs under Cerberus Capital Management.
Sales of the PT Cruiser fell 49 percent last year to 50,910 units.

2010 Jaguar XFR and XKR Promotional

Jaguar has released two promos for its new high-performance 2010 Jaguar XFR and XKR sedan and coupe. Both models made their debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show earlier this week.
The 510-hp Jaguar XFR will take on rivals such as the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG while the XKR will take on the likes of the BMW M6. Both are powered by a 5.4L AJ-V8. That allows the XFR to go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and the XKR in 4.6 seconds.
The first promo shows the XFR and the XKR in action and the second video shows the XFR prototypes 225.675 mph top speed run at Bonneville.
Both models will arrive in the later part of summer 2009.

Alfa Romeo RIAR MiTo: Only 46 limited-edition models to be made

Alfa Romeo will celebrate RIAR’s (Resitro Italiano Alfa Romeo) 46th year as an Alfa Romeo owners club with a limited-edition version of the MiTo minicar.
The RIAR MiTo will features a black-exterior paint job with satin-finish that replaces the chrome accents on the grille. Alfa Romeo threw on new dark-tint 17-inch wheels that are influenced by the 8C Competizione with red brake calipers. The Italian automaker also added a new rear-spoiler, rear-diffuser, fog-lamps and a reverse parking system. Interior upgrades include sport-seats, black or burgundy leather, dual-zone climate control and carbon fiber trim.
Under the hood of the RIAR MiTo is a 4-cylinder engine that makes a total of 170-hp - 15-hp extra than the standard MiTo.
Alfa will build on 46 units of the limited-edition MiTo with pricing to start at €20,000 ($26,305 USD). Want one? Tough luck - you have to be a member of RIAR to purchase one.

Volvo SC90 Concept: What a Volvo Porsche Panamera rival would look like

It seems like every luxury automakers is gearing up to compete in the ‘four-door-coupe’ segment. Mercedes-Benz already has the CLS, Porsche recently released images and details on the Panamera, Aston Martin is preparing the launch of the Rapide and Lamborghini is planning a production version of the Estoque.
What you see here are renderings designed by Nouphone J. Bansasine of what is known as the Volvo SC90 - a proposal for a futuristic premium Volvo four-door-coupe. Bansasine designed the SC90 during his internship at Volvo in the Summer of 2007 where Volvo asked him to work on a new premium product for the brand.
He said that the sportscar with 4-doors and 4-seats would become Volvo’s new flagship model driving the Swedish brand to a more emotional direction. Will Volvo ever put Banasine’s SC90 into production? We certainly hope so but we don’t see it happening anytime soon.

2009 Honda CBR600RR ABS - First official pictures

Honda has released the full details and pictures for the revised 2009 Honda CBR600RR ABS.
The main news is the addition of Electronically-Controlled Combined ABS – an all-new ABS system using electronic control to not only regulate brake pressure to prevent wheels locking, but also to spread braking force between front and rear brakes to give optimum stopping.

The system was designed specifically with sportsbikes in mind, and as such it won’t interfere until the last possible moment before the rider loses control of the bike and crashes. Pulsing at the lever is also eliminated by electronic pumps operating the calipers.
The rest of the bike is largely unchanged – minor changes to the cylinder head, pistons and exhaust have increased torque from 8000-12,000rpm according to Honda, and the fairing has been slightly redesigned to reduce wind noise and increase stability at speed. New colours include green/black, red/black, white/blue/red or a limited edition white with blue graphics. Price and availability will be announced later this year.

The stunning new 2009 CBR600RR is set once again to stretch the boundaries of dynamic and visual motorcycle performance. Combining peerless speed on the race track with impeccable road-going manners, the supremely compact and potent new machine allows an ever-wider range of riders - from near-novice to expert - to thrive and excel in the saddle. And for 2009, the exciting addition of optional electronically-controlled Combined ABS puts the CBR600RR right at the forefront of enhancing confidence in motorcycle safety.Now in its fourth generation, the 2009 machine builds on the heritage of blistering pace and supreme control set in 2003 by the first CBR600RR - and, like a fine wine made from the purest ingredients, it’s improving with age. Clearly influenced by, and using technology derived from, Honda's MotoGP campaign, the machine benefits from the common DNA it shares with the World Championship winning RC211V and this year's contender, the RC212V. With its twin philosophies of ultra light weight and easy, precise handling, the CBR600RR stands out from the crowd, with every rider able to feel the pleasure of the Super Sport experience, even if they’re not an expert Super Sport rider.With key technical enhancements for 2009, the CBR600RR reasserts its position as the leader in this most competitive of classes, with improved performance both as an accessible road-going machine and a proven race winner. Among the changes for 2009 are updates to the CBR600’s ultra-compact engine which have improved the torque from 8,000 rpm to 12,000 rpm to give even better driveability and flexibility. The fairing has been improved to enhance stability while reducing noise emission levels. And exciting new colour schemes are designed to attract a wider range of image-conscious riders.For 2009, Honda continues to lead the way in the world of high performance sports machinery by introducing the option of electronically-controlled Combined ABS on the CBR600RR for the first time. Proven to be a significant aid in emergency braking situations, the availability of Combined ABS on the 2009 CBR600RR once again demonstrates Honda’s commitment to the continuous improvement of motorcycle confidence, while offering maximum choice to its customers.In order to fit Combined ABS on such a sport-oriented machine, Honda has developed a brand new system suitable for the special demands of Super Sports riding. While not designed to be a performance enhancement for riding at maximum pace on the track, Honda’s electronically-controlled Combined ABS is a huge step forward in motorcycle ABS, which has not been seen before on such a high performance sports motorcycle.With the enhanced security and confidence that go hand in hand with Combined ABS, the riding pleasure of the CBR600RR will now be opened to even more riders.

Rolls-Royce unveils Phantom Sapphire Edition

A special edition Phantom has been made by Rolls-Royce as part of their Bespoke Collection highlighting their wide-ranging customization program. The Phantom Sapphire gets its name from the bodywork’s exceptional shade of Milori Sapphire which is a distinctive shade of navy blue.

The inside comes in an option of two color combinations either navy blue with seashell accents or seashell with navy blue accents, the walnut burr veneer highlighting inlaid diamond pattern decorative designs. Hidden under the rear seats is a cool box together with two diamond motif hand engraved crystal tumblers and champagne flutes. The dash clock is finished with a fine guilloche pattern and highlights a single diamond shaped sapphire at the twelve o’clock gradient.

The Phantom Sapphire gets its name from the bodywork’s navy blue Milori Sapphire paintjob.

The interior has an option of two color combinations: navy blue with seashell accents or seashell with navy blue accents. Walnut burr veneer with inlaid diamond pattern decorative designs are also new.

As is traditional a set of faintly ludicrous extras are included, such as a cool box with engraved crystal tumblers and flutes, hidden under the rear seats.

A dash clock is finished with a diamond-shaped sapphire, for those who like to tell the time with semi-precious stones.

New car news

One less than most...

Top Gear confidently predicts that 2009 will be the year that the three-wheeler returns. If three-wheelers were ever fashionable enough to warrant a return, that is.

The revolution starts with this, the Hodge Hawk – a design concept dreamed up by New Zealander Alex Hodge. Yes, it’s completely fictional, no more than a bunch of pretty renderings, but we like it nonetheless. Especially because we watched The Dark Knight on DVD last night, and it’s not a million miles away from the Batpod. Maybe.

Theoretically powered by a one-litre Honda V-Twin bike engine putting out 120bhp, the Hodge Hawk would certainly be quick – 145mph quick, in fact, which might feel a touch scary when you’re sat approximately four millimetres off the ground.

So go on, Mr Hodge. Build it. And then give us a Reliant Robin for the 21st century. Or even the 20th century…

2009 Lamborghini Gallardo to receive 2-wheel-drive treatment

The Estoque Concept that unveiled the styling brilliance of Lamborghini isn’t reserved for 2-door vehicles were preceded by rumors of a possible SV (superveloce) version of the Murcielago. A piece of the rumor said that it would be 2-wheel drive, instead of the all-wheel-drive that is standard in Lamborghini. A fresh report has come out that gives credibility to that idea even while it shows it in a different light.

The initial vehicle that will receive the 2-wheel-drive treatment, scheduled late next year, will be the Gallardo, reports AutoTelegraaf after an interview with Lamborghini Boss Stephan Winkelmann. Designated as LP560-2, the new vehicle will also sport the title ‘Superleggera’, or ’superlight’ in Italian. The superleggera variant of the preceding-generation Gallardo was content with AWD, however, so the new vehicle should be even less heavy. Getting rid of the front drive axles and differential thus isn’t about cutting costs, but about weight reduction, and the same philosophy will be applied to the Murcielago that will come later. Continued after the jump!

The Murcielago will also highlight the new identification rule, having an LP640-2 model number. Though the SV nameplate hasn’t yet been officially attached to the fresh Murcielago, it’s an apparent likelihood. Talks that an SV-badged Murcielago may emerge, at least in concept form, in March at the Geneva Motor Show would match with a timeline for becoming available later next year. The SV is also anticipated to shed off as much as 220lb (100kg) in contrast to the regular vehicle, and could most likely be only rear-wheel-drive.

High-Performance

2010 Porsche Panamera: 20 new photos

Following the official unveiling of the 2010 Porsche Panamera, we’ve now got 21 new photos of the car, offering some different perspectives on the car’s unusual design. As previously noted, the sedan is expected to compete with the more expensive Aston Martin Rapide and Lamborghini Estoque models. Its nearest rival, in terms of anticipated price point, the BMW CS, was recently canceled.

In September, the automaker released a teaser shot of the Panamera’s characteristically Porsche nose, and until now that was the only official look at the finished exterior. Porsche says that the Panamera is 76 inches in width, making it an especially wide sedan. A Mercedes-Benz S-Class, for comparison, is less than 74 inches wide. The Panamera measures 55.8 inches in height and 195.7 inches in length. Clearly, its styling inspiration comes most from the recently-revised Cayman and Boxster.

The entry-level powerplant will be Volkswagen’s 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower. The ‘S’ model will deliver 400 hp from a 4.8-liter V8, and the Turbo variant will offer an estimated 500 horses. All models are equipped with Porsche’s new PDK dual-clutch gearbox. Porsche is also planning a hybrid variant of the Panamera, though the automaker failed to disclose any further details. The turbocharged version will come standard with all-wheel-drive. Rear wheel drive will be standard otherwise with four-wheel propulsion a line-wide option.

Inside, Porsche says that the Panamera features a driver-oriented dashboard, seating for four and folding rear seat backs for additional cargo space. The automaker hasn’t released official interior photography, though our spy photos reveal an interior that clearly follows current Porsche design language.

According to Edmunds, the base car will come with a sticker price of $127,000. Despite the high price tag, Porsche says it plans to sell 20,000 Leipzig, Germany-built Panameras annually.