Subaru mulling three-row utility, upscale versions of existing models

 

 
Subaru was one of few automakers whose sales actually picked up during the recent recession. But now that auto sales are back on track (and expected to hit pre-recession numbers this year), Subaru is trying to come up with new products to fill voids in its current lineup. Wards Auto had a chance to talk to Subaru's director-product manager Ken Lin, who indicated that the automaker is planning to introduce new models this year that will help it attract new buyers without alienating current ones.

The biggest void, of course, is a competitive three-row crossover, a role the Tribeca does not fill in one a very popular segment. Lin said that while there's no current plan to kill off the Tribeca, Subaru is looking at creating a larger three-row CUV with more interior space. In addition to to something big, Subaru is getting ready to bring its customers more luxury with new touring models, but does not anticipate going toe-to-toe with Mercedes-Benz or BMW.

By the end of this year, Subaru will be introducing a new hybrid model, although we don't yet know on which model it will be based. What we do seem to know is that the car will get its power from a nickel metal hydride battery rather than a more modern lithium-ion pack for the sake of simplicity. Finally, Lin mentioned a new product being brought into the sports car segment, but while the article takes this as a hint toward a possible BRZ Turbo, it could also be a reference to the next generation of the WRX and WRX STI.

UK Bugatti saleswoman sells nearly one Veyron per month

Selling cars is difficult enough without your company's only product being a $2.2 million supercar, but that doesn't seem to have slowed down Anita Krizsan.

As a sales representative for Bugatti, Krizsan sold 11 Veyron models to clients around the world last year, and her efforts have earned her the nickname "The $15 million woman." For comparison's sake, most of the company's salesmen are happy to move three of the ultra cars in a calendar year, and Krizsan's exploits mean she's the worldwide Bugatti sales leader. But getting there has been plenty of work.

The sales rep is available to clients 24 hours a day, and many times, potential customers call her in the middle of the night with questions about the car or its warranty. Krizsan even personally attends every delivery.

BMW recalling nearly 570,000 1 Series, 3 Series and Z4 models over electrical issue

 BMW is recalling roughly 570,000 vehicles in the United States and Canada due to faulty battery cable connectors that can fail, causing the engines in these cars to stall. Of the nearly 570,000 affected vehicles, just over 504,000 are here in the US.

The affected vehicles include 1 Series coupes and convertibles (both 128i and 135i) from the 2008 to 2011 model years; 3 Series sedans, coupes, convertibles and sport wagons (both 328i and 335i) from the 2007 to 2011 model years; and Z4 roadsters from the 2009 to 2011 model years.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "the connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time," which can eventually lead to a break in the electrical connection and a loss of power in the vehicle. If the car loses power, the engine can stall, which could possibly lead to a crash. The Detroit News reports that BMW knows of one minor collision in Canada as a result of this problem, but no injuries.

The official recall program will kick off in March, at which point BMW will notify owners and dealerships will replace the positive battery cable connector, free of charge

Qoros brand debuting in Geneva with 3 Sedan, two concepts

 

There will be plenty of debuts at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, but one of the more unique reveals will be for an entire car company. Chinese automaker Qoros will use the prominent auto show to introduce itself to the world by launching a new production-intent sedan as well as two "concepts" that appear to be production ready. Qoros was founded as a part of a joint venture between Chery Automobile and global holding company, Israel Corporation.

Unlike most Chinese-designed cars we've seen recently, this car is neither unsightly nor a blatant rip off of another automaker. There are some hints of maybe BMW and even a little Kia on the outside and some Volkswagen and Audi on the inside, but the overall design language is clean and unique. This includes the highly detailed exterior with the Qoros name inscribed into the headlights as well as the large eight-inch touch-screen infotainment and navigation display inside the car.

At 181 inches long and 72.4 inches wide, this sedan is just slightly longer and wider than a Ford Focus. Under the hood, there will be two engines available at launch with another two said to be coming later. The base engine will be a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 126 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, and there's also a turbocharged version of the same engine putting out 156 hp and 154 lb-ft; two turbocharged and direct-injected engines (a 1.3-liter inline-three and a 1.6-liter inline-four) will come at a later date. Transmissions include a base six-speed manual or an optional six-speed dual clutch transmission; auto stop-start is also an option.

Looking down the road, the Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept shows a potential crossover model for the brand using a Honda-like Integrated Starter Generator sandwiched between the engine and transmission, but there is also another motor offering power to the rear axle for use as all-wheel drive. Finally, there is the Qoros 3 Estate Concept showing off a likely station wagon model

Fisker may get $350 million bid from China's Dongfeng

Fisker Automotive may receive a $350 million acquisition bid from China-based automaker Dongfeng Motor Corp., Bloomberg says, citing people familiar with the process.

Dongfeng would buy about 85 percent of the California-based maker of the $100,000 Karma extended-range plug-in, the wire service reports. Fisker spokesman Roger Ormisher tells Bloomberg that Fisker's received proposals from "multiple parties in different continents."

Either way, a new majority owner would help Fisker pay back its loans to the US Energy Department. Fisker drew down a $529 million line by about $200 million before the US government froze the rest because Fisker didn't meet certain production targets.

Fisker hasn't produced vehicles for about seven months. The company couldn't get new batteries because supplier A123 Systems filed for bankruptcy and is going through its own bidding process. Additionally, Fisker's been renegotiating with Finland-based supplier Valmet, Ormisher told AutoblogGreen last month.

Toyota hybrids get more popular in diesel-loving Europe

 

Together, Toyota and its Lexus luxury arm broke the 100,000-unit barrier for hybrid vehicle sales in Europe last year, Automotive News Europe reports.

Long known for their diesel-buying preferences as a way to boost fuel economy, Europeans upped their Toyota and Lexus hybrid purchases by a whopping 29 percent in 2012. While the Toyota brand accounted for more than three-quarters of the approximately 109,000 units sold, about 90 percent of Lexus vehicles sold in western Europe last year were hybrids.

While the 29 percent jump is impressive, it pales in comparison to the gains Toyota made in the US last year. The Japanese automaker boosted US alt-fuel sales by 83 percent in 2012 to more than 327,000 units and accounted for about 60 percent of all the hybrids sold Stateside. Lexus accounted for about 38,000 of the hybrids Toyota sold in the US in 2012.

Best speculative Ferrari Enzo successor rendering yet

While so many supposed Ferrari fanatics are just sitting on their collective hands and waiting for the Italian supercar maker to finally reveal its F150 (or whatever it'll be called) Enzo follow-up, designer Josiah LaColla has gotten busy with his Wacom tablet and set to work. The results, though quite possibly no closer to the actual F150 as any of the other renderings we've seen thus far, are lovely to behold.

Well, actually, "lovely" probably isn't the perfect descriptor – anything less than a little bit brutal wouldn't be a proper successor to the Enzo, nor would it fit the parameters laid out by the test mules we've seen so far. Accurate within the best of LaColla's ability to guess and imagine is probably a better way of looking at these designs, which show a car that has enough venting to keep the bowls of Hell cool (should Hell ever hit the autostrada at 150+ miles per hour).

Porsche acquires ANDIAL, will integrate with in-house motorsports

Porsche has purchased longtime motorsports and tuning house ANDIAL.

The Fountain Valley, California-based tuning house ANDIAL has been around since 1975, when it was formed by the Arnold Wagner, Dieter Inzenhofer and Alwin Springer (the company got its name by combining two letters from each of their names). The three men met while working in a Porsche dealership in Southern California and then left to start a business that would put Porsches in victory lane all over the country.

Porsches prepared by ANDIAL won IMSA GT and Supercar Series championships, the SCCA World Challenge, four Pikes Peak class titles and the 24 Hours of Daytona six times. Alwin Springer left the company in 1997 to run Porsche Motorsport North America until 2004 and remains a consultant with PMNA, Wagner passed away in 2011 and Inzenhofer plans to retire this year. ANDIAL is still a going concern, Inzenhofer presiding over a scaled-down engine parts and restoration business. But Inzenhofer is retiring at month's end, making it a good time for Porsche to step in and take over the company's operations.

PMNA hasn't decided yet how it will use the ANDIAL name, but racing fans will be glad to know it still lives.

2014 Chevrolet SS makes its live debut

  

Chevrolet showed off the new 2014 SS in an airport hangar last night, its first rear-wheel-drive performance sedan in the US since the Impala SS from 1997. We'll have more to say about the SS later today, but this is the sedan that Chevrolet sees as the final piece in restoring its performance credentials. For those of you looking for a manual transmission, however, that wish will go unfulfilled – at least for now: the only two options buyers will have are the color and whether or not they want a sunroof.

Nissan Leaf tops 50,000 sales worldwide

  

Nissan says that its all-electric Leaf has broken the 50,000-units-sold threshold, as the Japanese automaker looks accelerate demand with the start of US Leaf production in Tennessee this year.

Nissan has sold about 7,000 Leafs across Europe, where the EV is sold in 17 countries. About 19,500 of those Leafs were sold in the US in 2011 and 2012.

In all, Nissan Leaf drivers have put more than 260 million kilometers (162 million miles) on their cars, with one Japanese owner clocking in about 110,000 miles.

The company last month dropped the price of its 2013 Leaf by $6,400 to a base of $28,800. Nissan's January US Leaf sales fell 3.8 percent from a year earlier to just 650 units, as the company looked to unload its 2012 model-year inventory.

2014 Kia Sorento

 

   

 

Vital Stats

Engine:

3.3L V6

Power:

290 HP / 252 LB-FT

Transmission:

6-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight:

3,894 LBS

Seating:

2+3+2

Cargo:

9.1 / 36.9 / 72.5 CU-FT

MPG:

18 City / 24 HWY

MSRP:

$31,700 (base)

Research the 2014 Kia Sorento »

It happens all the time. Three or four years into an automobile's lifecycle, the manufacturer goes back to the drawing board, making what it hopes are vital improvements to keep its product at the top of the sales charts. It's true of the vehicle we're discussing today, the 2014 Kia Sorento, but unlike many midlife facelifts, most of what's new here can't be seen with the naked eye.

Yes, there are the normal changes to the front and rear fascias, and a few nips and tucks here and there to improve the crossover's outward appearance. But, for the first time in as long as we can remember, the big news here is that the new Sorento is actually riding atop a new platform, according to Kia.

So while the bodywork has been reshaped where appropriate, it really is what's under the skin that counts with the 2014 Kia Sorento. We decided this development was worth a closer look, so we borrowed the keys to the new Korean crossover and drove a few hundred miles into the desert in Arizona with nothing but a notebook and our trusty camera.

Let's get the styling updates out of the way. At the front, you'll see thinner chrome trim around the familiar "tiger-nose" grille, which is now finished in an anodized silver shade or black plastic mesh. Flanking the grille are new headlight clusters, which now have LED accents at the top, forming sort of a brow shape over the projector lamps. The optional foglights are pushed to the lower corners for 2014, and the taillights at the rear feature LED bulbs as well. Nothing has changed in between the stem and stern, except for body-color cladding that replaces the thicker black plastic of previous years.

Second-row passengers now enjoy an additional 30 millimeters (about 1.2 inches) of legroom.

Judging from what we saw on the surface, we were a bit dubious when Kia engineers told us the 2014 Sorento was riding on an all-new platform. A closer look, however, reveals a few significant changes to the car's unibody structure. Starting from the top, there's a new panoramic sunroof with larger panes of glass and a single sliding cover. While this would normally reduce structural rigidity, Kia added additional strut tower bracing in the engine bay, new stiffer front and rear suspension subframes with larger bushings and new welding patterns that make the unibody structure 18-percent stiffer than before.

Not only are the guts of the Sorento beefed up, its new suspension bits, though still MacPherson struts and coil springs up front with a multi-link arrangement out back, allow for more interior room than before. Second-row passengers now enjoy an additional 30 millimeters (about 1.2 inches) of legroom and those in the third row see an additional 9 millimeters (not quite half an inch). Those aren't massive increases, but any little bit of knee room is appreciated when packing three rows into a crossover of this size.



The new platform also reduces weight. In its most basic four-cylinder trim, the 2014 Sorento weighs 3,594 pounds, whereas the last-gen machine came in at 3,845. That's significant, and it carries over to the V6 models – a top-level Sorento SX with the V6 engine and all-wheel drive tips the scales at 3,894 pounds, a very useful reduction from the 4,131-pound 2013 model.

The 2014 Sorento weighs 3,594 pounds, whereas the last-gen machine came in at 3,845.

Add up all those changes and we're pleased to say that Kia's not full of hot air when describing the 2014 Sorento's platform as redesigned.

Engine options for 2014 are also a step up from last year. Standard in the new Sorento is a 2.4-liter gasoline direct-injected four-cylinder engine that puts out 191 horsepower at a high 6,300 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 revs. That engine was optional in 2013, with the base machine eschewing direct injection and losing 16 horses and 12 lb-ft in the process. Similarly, a new 3.3-liter gasoline direct-injected V6 engine can be had (the V6 comes standard in SX and SX-L trim) pumping out 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet. It's both more powerful and more fuel efficient than the 3.5-liter engine it replaces.

A six-speed automatic gearbox comes standard with either engine, as does front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional. As before, this on-demand system sends power to the wheel with the most traction, but for 2014, the system adds Torque Vectoring Cornering Control that Kia claims improves stability in certain situations.



Rounding out the mechanical changes for 2014 is a new electronic power steering system that replaces the previous hydraulic unit. Benefits include increased fuel efficiency and a quicker ratio than before. The big drawback, as is so often the case these days, is a numb feel from the wheel, with very little feedback offered to the driver. On the positive side, Kia has fitted the 2014 Sorento with a system it calls FlexSteer that offers three distinct steering weights: Comfort, Normal and Sport (a similar system is offered in the Sorento's platform mate, the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport). Normal felt fairly appropriate, while Comfort seemed there solely to remind enthusiastic drivers that they don't care about comfort and really want to have it in Sport.

It's been fitted with FlexSteer that offers three distinct steering modes: Comfort, Normal and Sport.

Step inside the new 2014 Sorento and you'll be greeted with some fancy technological tidbits that include a seven-inch color LCD center gauge on EX models and up (optional on LX) that is really quite impressive. It takes a few double-takes to realize you're not looking at a simple needle and gauge until you start playing with the steering wheel buttons. The digital gauge can offer up multiple trip meters, fuel mileage and range, music displays, outside temperature, routing directions and more. Better yet, it is crisp, clear and easy to read in all types of light.

An audio system with AM/FM/CD/MP3, Sirius satellite radio and Bluetooth streaming comes standard. If you don't like anything over the air, there are USB and auxiliary input jacks, of course. A very impressive 10-speaker sound system from Infinity is optional. Smartphone owners will also be happy to hear that Kia's latest UVO with eServices is along for the ride. The telematics suite operates through your phone's data connection and makes use of a downloadable app (iPhone available at launch, Android coming soon). Using the eight-inch center-mounted LCD panel, owners can either use the touchscreen or a long list of voice commands for music, phone services and navigation. Vehicle diagnostics, customized maintenance schedules, roadside assistance and Google Maps join entertainment bits like Pandora and Twitter. Best of all, the services are all free for the first 10 years or 100,000 miles, minus, of course, whatever you already pay for your mobile data plan.



Dual ventilated front seats are a very nice touch, and are most appreciated in the sunny climes of Arizona where we tested the Sorento. Those in colder climates will also be happy to hear that both the front and rear seats are available with optional heating elements. Of course, these are just a few of the many options available on the Sorento. There are two leather choices in addition to the standard fabric, a power liftgate with programmable height control, power driver and passenger seats, a backup camera, and Kia's first use of blind spot monitoring.

We found the ride to be on the firm side of comfortable, just as we prefer.

Seventeen-inch silver-painted wheels come with the base LX model, while the EX upgrades those to 18 inches and the SX goes all the way to 19. The EX V6 model we tested wore the 18-inch wheels, which were not only attractive, but appropriately sized to nicely fill the wheel wells.

When the unibody Sorento first debuted in 2009, many a rumble was heard about the crossover's stiff ride – so much so that Kia upgraded the 'ute with Dual Flow Damper shocks in 2011. These units are still in use for 2014, and we found the ride to be on the firm side of comfortable, just as we prefer. Handling also benefits from the high-tech shocks, as the Sorento tracks well on long stretches of highway and, though nobody will mistake it for a sportscar, it even feels a wee bit sprightly when the going gets twisty, likely helped by its smaller-than-average footprint and manageable weight.



Those somewhat downsized dimensions are a key point when discussing the Sorento. Consider: Kia points to the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Edge and Toyota RAV4 as the Sorento's main competitors. None of those crossovers are particularly large, and the Sorento's wheelbase is shorter than all but the RAV4's. Just as interestingly, now that Toyota has dropped the third-row option in its RAV4, the Sorento is the only one that offers seven-passenger seating. That could be an important point for families, but bear in mind that space inside will be at a premium. Think of the Sorento as something of an in-betweener nestling in the space just larger than compact but smaller than other seven-seat CUVs.

Think of it as something just larger than compact but smaller than other seven-seat CUVs.

We're happy to report that Kia has upgraded the Sorento's four-wheel disc brakes for 2014. All four rotors now measure 11.9 inches in diameter, ventilated up front and solid at the rear. It's not that there was anything wrong with the previous brakes, but who's to argue with an eight-foot reduction in stopping distance from 62 miles per hour? We found the brakes perfectly adequate and noted a firm pedal feel.

We didn't get a chance to sample the direct-injected four-cylinder engine, as all the test cars we drove were equipped with the 3.3-liter V6. Not that we're complaining – the new direct-injected engine is smooth, powerful and unobtrusive, and the six-speed automatic it's paired with executes nicely timed shifts. There's plenty of power from the V6 engine, and acceleration felt more than zippy enough, and while nobody is going to be disappointed with the six, we hope to get some seat time in a four-cylinder model soon before assuming the bigger engine is necessary.



Fuel mileage comes in at 18 city, 25 highway and 21 combined (18/24/20 with AWD) with the new V6 – a small improvement over the last model's 18/24 rating. We'd have expected a bit more, considering the lack of hydraulic power steering, the addition of direct injection and the notable weight loss. Opting for the standard four-cylinder engine improves matters with ratings of 20 city, 26 highway and 22 combined (19/24/21 with AWD). None of these figures is impressive, and they are all lower than competitors such as the Ford Edge (with 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost), Chevrolet Equinox (2.4-liter four-cylinder) and Toyota RAV4 (2.5-liter four-cylinder).

It's pretty attractive, and that really matters in this segment.

Base price for an LX model with front-wheel drive and the four-cylinder comes in at $24,100 (plus $850 for destination on all models) and adding all-wheel drive bumps that to $25,800. A fully loaded SX-L trim (new for 2014, with upgraded leather and a host of premium options) pushes the price all the way to $39,700 with all-wheel drive. That's dangerously close to starting with a four, in case you didn't notice. A mid-level EX with AWD, some convenience items and a third-row seat will settle somewhere near $34,000.

So, add it all up and what do you end up with? A capable, comfortable crossover that doesn't particularly stand out in any way, good or bad. It can get pretty pricey considering its size, but it counters that by offering three rows of seating, a powerful engine option and all the technology goodies you could possibly want. Plus, it's pretty attractive, and that really matters in this segment. Before setting out on your new-car-shopping adventure, though, take some time to consider your priorities. Do you really want a seven-passenger crossover, or would a minivan suit your needs more appropriately? If it turns out you are indeed a crossover kinda family, you'd be wise to consider the Sorento.

VW readying CC Shooting Brake?

 

   

This was bound to happen. Volkswagen's relentless drive for big volume has the brand mining seemingly every niche it can find for additional sales worldwide. And with its CLS Shooting Brake, fellow countryman Mercedes-Benz has already shown that a wagon based off of a "four-door coupe" can look dead sexy and command extra dollars. So it follows that the Volkswagen CC (whose existence is all but directly attributable to the success of the original CLS sedan) will also get a load-lugging variant. That's according to the UK's Autocar, which notes that the five-door will come in the CC's next generation.

According to the report, the next CC will be available in front and all-wheel drive variants with the usual assortment of gas and diesel four-cylinders found in the Wolfsburg empire, with the possibility of a gas plug-in hybrid model, too. The rakish estate will ride atop VW's MQB architecture, a shorter variant of which is also found underneath the new Golf. The scalable chassis is set to spread like kudzu throughout the company's lineup, but the CC probably won't happen until after the launch of the next European-market Passat in 2015.

Will we get it in North America? Hard to say. Volkswagen sells the standard CC saloon here, but not in particularly large numbers, and when the company moved to a North American-specific Passat, it dumped the wagon variant. The traditional VW estate apparently continues to pick up sales momentum abroad, however, making the CC Shooting Brake a seemingly natural fit for buyers who still want the utility of a two-box form but can afford to sacrifice a bit of cargo room in the name of style.

Europe getting special Mercedes-Benz CLA Edition 1

 

   

Last week when we saw the leaked ordering guide for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, one particular image caught our eye showing the interior of the new sedan with a neon yellow stripe on the seats and yellow stitching throughout the cabin. As it turns out, this will be part of a limited-edition model called the Edition 1 about which Mercedes-Benz just released some information.

Usually, automakers wait until later in a vehicle's life to introduce special models like this, but the Edition 1 will be available right out of the gate for the first 12 months the CLA-Class is on sale. The 2014 CLA-Class Edition 1 includes the more aggressive Sport package adding AMG-style fascias and wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights and a lowered suspension; it will be offered only in five colors – unfortunately, Northern Lights Purple is not one of them. In addition to the bright yellow cabin accents, the Edition 1 will get sport seats wrapped in leather and microfiber, a sporty, flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather and real aluminum trim on the instrument panel.

With no mention of the US, we're only left to imagine that this car will not be arriving on our shores, but customers in Europe will definitely be able to enjoy the mean styling and funky interior with prices ranging from 35,402 euros up to 43,940 euros.

NYT's Tesla Model S trouble report is "fake," says Elon Musk [UPDATE]

 

    Remember that episode of Top Gear, where the notoriously anti-EV crew pushed a Tesla Roadster to show what would happen if the car's battery had run out of juice? And then Tesla got all litigious and filed suit (which the company eventually lost)? Well, we might be in for another public scuffle about the merits of electric vehicles.

The New York Times recently sent John Broder out in a Model S between the two new Superchargers on the east coast, located in Newark, DE and Milford, CT. Since, as Broder notes, the stations are "some 200 miles apart" the 85-kWh battery in the Model S should be able to make the drive. The EPA rates this model at 265 miles, after all. Heck, even the 60-kWh mid-range model has a 208-mile range. The trick, as we all know, is that your mileage may vary.

Following a 49-minute visit to the Supercharger in Delaware for a full charge (well, at least seeing a screen that read "charge complete"), Broder kept on driving, but discovered that, after 68 miles of driving, he had lost 85 miles of estimated range. He shifted over to energy conservation mode (driving slow, turning off the cabin heat, etc.). He writes:

Nearing New York, I made the first of several calls to Tesla officials about my creeping range anxiety. The woman who had delivered the car told me to turn off the cruise control; company executives later told me that advice was wrong. All the while, my feet were freezing and my knuckles were turning white.

The report caused TSLA to drop 2.5 percent to $38.27 (it has since regained some ground and sits at $38.42) and got a response from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who tweeted that, "NYTimes article about Tesla range in cold is fake. Vehicle logs tell true story that he didn't actually charge to max & took a long detour."

Alfa Romeo 4C spy shots reveal production interior

 

   

In advance of the Alfa Romeo 4C going on sale in the US for the 2014 model year, it looks like engineers are getting some time with the coupe on American soil. This new set of spy photographs was captured on Michigan roads and it happens to give us our best look yet at the Alfa's interior.

The driver may have been trying to block the lens of our intrepid shooter, but we still come away from these spy shots with some interesting information about the 4C. The prototype utilizes a pushbutton transmission, with no gear lever at all. A button labeled "A/M" would seem to indicate both an automatic and a manual mode, which would lead us to believe that paddle shifters are hiding behind the steering wheel. That same center console has a large metal switch which looks like it could be used to toggle between drive modes, too. The hazard-light button, window controls and side-view mirror controls all get premium real estate on the center console, too.

The gauge cluster in this 4C is completely digital, and seems very much like other reconfigurable units we've seen from Jaguar, Cadillac and others. As configured for these images, the display shows a prominent tachometer with a 6,500 rpm redline and a numeral readout for speed in the center. Again, we'd expect that all or part of this screen could be adjusted to suit an owner's preferences.

Finally, the in-cabin shots reveal a rather interesting mix of high and low-tech stuff. In addition to the modal ride control (probably) and fancy display, we spy what appears to be a pretty standard head unit for the media controls (likely no navigation in this example), a traditional key in the ignition, a standard manual hand brake, and a general theme of simplicity throughout. While we've no doubt that the Alfa sports car will offer more goodies than we're seeing in these photos, this test car does make us hopeful for a de-contented, basic version with, presumably, a more reasonable starting price.

Nissan Leaf Nismo headed for production, spec-race series canned?

     

Remember the Nismo Leaf Nismo Concept show at the Tokyo Motor Show more than a year ago? To refresh your memory, it was a Nissan Leaf gussied up with an aerodynamic body kit, new wheels and a few cosmetic enhancements inside the cabin – the motor and powertrain remain unchanged. In any case, it appears that the green vehicle has received the green light for limited production.

Nismo chief Shoichi Miyatani has reportedly confirmed to Autocar that the zippier-looking electric Nissan will head down the assembly line in Japan this summer. But instead of a world-wide launch, the five-door will be sold only in the automaker's domestic market until consumer reaction is gauged. Even then, such low volumes will hardly justify expanding to other markets, Miyatani added.

In other news, it appears that the Leaf RC race car program – hinted as a one-make race series – is probably not going to happen.

Subaru's first hybrid drawing close

    

In 2011 Subaru parent company Fuji Heavy Industries confirmed that a hybrid Subaru would debut this year. Ever since, there's been speculation about what kind of technology the gasoline-electric hybrid would use – Subaru's own or some version of the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive, which car would debut the new system – Forester, Legacy, or Outback – and whether it would come to America or be a Japan-only model.

A report in The Detroit Bureau says that whatever that first model is, it could be shown as soon as the New York Auto Show, and while the company feels it's a must-have offering for the Japanese market it will also come to the US. It will have a Subaru-developed mild hybrid system that could have been previewed by the Hybrid Tourer concept shown at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, and is not expected to be able to drive on electric power alone. The Hybrid Tourer used a direct-injected, 2.0-liter boxer engine connected to a CVT and assisted by an electric motor rated at 13 horsepower. Subaru has yet to give anything away about the details of its hybrid plans, so we'll look to New York for the long-awaited unveil.

Mini Clubman Bond Street inspired by London shopping

    

 

Mini again plucks a London landmark as the appellation for a special edition, the Mini Clubman Bond Street joining the Mayfair and Camden, and Bayswater and Baker Street editions of the recent past. You'll recognize the formula of primary color and polished contrasting color, in this case its Midnight Black Metallic for the main event and Cool Champagne for the highlights like the roof, mirror caps and trim rings on the 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside it's Carbon Black leather set off by surfaces in Deep Champagne and the Chrome Line package.

It will premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March before going into production for a limited run that same month. Four engines will be offered, with on-the-road prices ranging from 20,275 pounds ($31,961 US) in the UK for the 122-horsepower gas engine to 24,045 pounds ($37,918 US) for the 143-horsepower SD diesel version

Subaru readies BRZ RA Racing for Japanese trackdays

    

As if we needed any more reasons to take a Subaru BRZ to the track, Subaru has just announced that it will be producing a racing-spec version of the car straight from the assembly line. The only problem is that the BRZ RA Racing is being offered for the Japanese domestic market only, and won't be visiting any road courses in the US any time soon.

To get the BRZ ready for some serious track time, Subaru added brake ducts beneath the front fascia, removable tow hooks and an oil cooler behind the grille. Inside, the car gets a factory six-point roll cage (including custom-fit floor mats) and a four-point race harness for the driver. Now we get to pricing where US enthusiasts will get even more miffed. The entire suite of racing add-ons increases the BRZ's price by 31,500 yen, which converts to less than $350 US; the total price of the car converts to right around $31,500 US.

Carlsson turns Mercedes-Benz SLK into 610-HP hill-climb clawer

  

     
Carlsson's race-tuned versions of the Mercedes-Benz SLK have been taking checkered flags for years, and we won't be surprised if its SLK 340 hill climber fares any different. Developed by multiple German and Swiss hill climb champion Reto Meisel, the carbon-bodied SLK 340 with lightweight brakes and a closed underbody weighs 1,716 pounds. Propelling that tiny bit of weight is a 3.4-liter V8 from Judd with 610 horsepower, and it rolls on 18-inch wheels shod in Avon tires.

It will debut at the Geneva Motor Show before beginning its racing campaigns in the summer. This one won't just tear up roads in Europe, though – Meisel says he plans on bringing it to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado tows in new configurator, microsite

      

Judging by your continued enthusiastic response to configurator notices, dear reader, you enjoy speccing out new cars as much as we do. Better still, there tends to be even more ways to personalize, configure and bloat theoretical MSRPs on full-size trucks as there are with more ordinary passenger cars. In addition to trim level, engine and transmission choices, truck buyers usually have to specify items like cab configuration, bed length, number of driven axles, tow packages, gear ratios and all sorts of bits and bobs.

That's why we're pleased to see the DIY specification utility for the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado come alive so soon after this week's Detroit Auto Show debut. While the configurator lacks pricing (General Motors hasn't announced numbers yet) and full options, you can still spec out your half-ton rig, and even print it out or email it to your friends. Beyond the configurator, the new model-specific site is pretty cool, too, with various videos and closer looks at the truck's new features.

The new Chevrolet pickup range won't be on dealer lots until sometime this summer, so whether you're a building contractor, an avid sportsman or just a guy or gal that loves full-size trucks,

Mitsubishi Mirage bows in Montreal without a name, Canadian sales promised

The Detroit Auto Show had plenty of major debuts for North American car buyers, but the Montreal Auto Show is being used for the North American debut of a new subcompact hatchback from Mitsubishi. Although this car is unnamed, it is almost identical to the redesigned Mirage we saw back at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show (and has been on sale in Asian markets such as Thailand since last year), but it is unclear if the car will carry this name when it goes on sale for our neighbors to the north starting this fall.

Aside from a slightly less annoying shade the of green we saw the car painted in at the Tokyo show, there are a few changes made for the car's Canadian debut. The biggest difference is that it is almost three inches longer, which is likely a result of the new rear fascia that is also visually different with some altered lines and small, circular reflectors. Other changes include a bigger three-cylinder engine (with a 1.2-liter displacement instead of the Tokyo car's 1.0-liter engine) and headlights that have new amber lenses for side reflectors.

There is still no word as to whether or not we'll see this new car in Mitsubishi's US lineup anytime soon, but it does seem like a good competitor against cars like that Mazda2, Chevrolet Spark and Hyundai Accent.

Mitsubishi has provided a press release for this Canadian hatchback

Toyota exec sees future where all cars sold in US are built here

    

 

A growing number of foreign automakers have been shifting more vehicle production to the US – including recent announcement by Nissan and Honda – but Toyota could be on the verge of taking an unprecedented step by producing all of the cars it sells in the US right here in North America. According to the Detroit Free Press, Bill Fay, VP and GM of Toyota US, hinted at such a possibility, but the wording in the report makes it sound like this is far from a done deal and would not apply to Scion or Lexus models.

Currently, the automaker already builds 70 percent of its US-sold cars in North America including some of its more popular models like the Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Tacoma and RAV4. While most of the Japanese-made Toyotas that are sold in the US are slower-selling models (like Land Cruiser, FJ Cruiser and Yaris), the Prius lineup is the glaring exception, and last we heard, Toyota still has plans to ship Prius production to the US by 2015. This is all a part of Toyota's plan to add 3,500 jobs in North America to go with recent investments totaling $1.6 billion.

Chip Foose custom 1953 Ford F-100 sells for $170k at Barrett-Jackson

      

There may not be a more recognizable name in the world of custom cars than Chip Foose, and those star-struck (and well-healed) fans of Foose just had the opportunity to purchase one of the designer's custom creations for their very own garage. This 1953 Ford F-100 pickup was created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the one item just about everybody has in their toolbox: WD-40.

Way back when, WD-40 was sold by the Rocket Chemical Company, and the vintage artwork on the door highlights that little bit of trivia. Under the truck's massive flowing hood sits an original 239-cubic-inch flathead V8 engine, with appropriately modern updates, naturally. A set of one-off Foose wheels wearing Pirelli P Zero tires completes the aesthetic.

All proceeds from the vehicle sale will benefit two charities: Childhelp and Victory Junction.

GM CEO Dan Akerson's 1958 Chevrolet Corvette sells at Barrett-Jackson for $270,000

     

 

General Motors CEO Dan Akerson has said his final goodbye to his own personal 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. The car just sold here at the 2013 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, with a final gavel price of $270,000 – since 100 percent of the sale price is slated to benefit Habitat for Humanity Detroit, there are no extra charges from the auction house on top of the sale price.

For those interested, the base price for a '58 'Vette Convertible was $3,591, complete with a 245-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine. Of the 9,168 Corvettes sold in 1958, just 510 of them were painted in this particularly attractive shade of blue, known as Regal Turquoise.

First US-built BAC Mono headed to Cars & Coffee

Sector111 has announced it will unveil the first US-built BAC Mono at the upcoming Cars and Coffee in Irvine, California. The car was built from a knock-down kit, and Sectior111 says the company's allocation of 2012 Mono units has completely sold out. It's currently taking orders for 2013 models. As you may recall, the single-seat, street-legal racer tips the scales at a mere 1,190 pounds, and gets around your favorite track thanks to thrust from a 280-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine worked up by the minds at Cosworth. If that sounds like a party to you, best head to Irvine tomorrow for a look.

A little over a year ago, BAC announced it was partnering with Sector111 to bring its heathen machine to our shores, albeit in very low numbers.

2014 Subaru Forester priced from $21,995*

Subaru has officially announced that its all-new 2014 Forester will carry a base MSRP of $21,995 when it hits dealerships early this year, (*not including $895 in destination fees). This represents an increase of $700 over the outgoing 2013 model.

That new price will net buyers the base 2.5i model equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Subaru will also sell the 2.5i engine in Premium, Limited and Touring trims, though the automaker has not released specific price points for those models. These models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Subaru says that with its standard all-wheel drive, the Forester 2.5i will be good for fuel economy numbers of 24/32 miles per gallon (city/highway) when equipped with the company's continuously variable transmission. Manual models see those numbers drop to 22/29 mpg.

The more powerful Forester 2.0XT will only be offered in Premium and Touring trims, starting at $27,995 (not including destination). These models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four, sending 250 hp and 258 lb-ft to all four wheels. Fuel economy doesn't suffer terribly with this more powerful engine, as only the CVT is offered. Subaru quotes figures of 23/28 mpg here.

Upmarket Forester models are available with the company's new Eyesight driver assistance system and Starlink infotainment technology. Other new features available for the 2014 Forester include Hill Descent Control on CVT-equipped models, a rearview camera, power liftgate, navigation with smartphone integration and a 440-watt Harmon/Kardon premium audio system.

McLaren shows P1 at private event in Beverly Hills,

     

 

McLaren invited us to private showing of its near production-ready P1 supercar in Beverly Hills last night, offering its affluent customers a sneak peek at what promises to be one of the finest - if not the best - sports car in the world when it arrives later this year. While the development team continues to hold many of the coupe's cards close to its chest, a trickle of details emerged that only served to further whet our appetite for the upcoming exotic.

• The Volcano Orange prototype (the same one shown at the Paris Motor Show) is fully functional, with a complete operating powertrain. Before each public display, a dark tint is applied to the windows to hide the interior from view.
• The chassis utilizes a carbon-fiber passenger tub shared with the MP4-12C, with aluminum structures front and rear for crash protection (carbon fiber is lighter, but it doesn't crush and absorb energy as well). All body panels are carbon-fiber and nearly all exposed metal (including the mesh vents) is made of titanium alloy. The target curb weight is 1,300 kilograms, or less than 2,900 pounds.
• Based on a recorded engine soundtrack played at the event, and noting a pair of intakes each likely feeding a turbocharger (we spotted genuine gold foil in the engine bay to help to ward off heat), it is assumed that the P1 will be fitted with a high-output version of the MP4-12C's twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 making about 800 horsepower. A KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), similar to what is used in Formula One, will provide a strong boost of even more horsepower for short periods. While McLaren has avoided all-wheel drive, don't rule out some sort of electric propulsion on the front axle.
• McLaren doesn't have the Porsche 918 Spyder in its crosshairs – it's too heavy and slow. Instead, it is aiming its sights directly at the upcoming Ferrari F150 (the successor to the Enzo). That said, the British automaker expects its P1 to be the world's quickest production vehicle around Nürburgring.
• Assembly should start within the next several months. Only 500 copies will be made, with each costing about $1.2 million.

Honda Gear concept explored at Montreal Auto Show

     

 

Our friends at Autoblog Canada have just come away with a closer look at Honda's surprise Gear Concept at the Montreal Auto Show. The little three-door hatchback is arguably the automaker's first real shot at the North American city car market (the Gear is much smaller than the Fit) and may be an indication that Honda is getting serious about going after Scion on this side of the world after the CR-Z hybrid failed to deliver. Honda says the Gear Concept takes its inspiration from the fixed-gear bicycle scene, and should allow buyers an unprecedented level of customization. Designers also wanted to show that a car can be both fun and practical.

We're all for a compact stylish three door with functional room inside, but given Honda's propensity for draining the personality from its concepts on the way to production (at least the ones that don't look showroom ready), we don't hold much hope for the Gear.

Honda recalling 748k Odyssey and Pilot models over airbag concern

     

American Honda today announced a recall of approximately 748,000 Odyssey and Pilot models due to faulty airbag concerns. The vehicles in question are Odyssey minivans from the 2011 to 2013 model years and Pilot crossovers from the 2009 to 2013 model years.

According to a statement from Honda, driver's side airbags in the affected vehicles were potentially assembled without some of the rivets that secure the bag's plastic cover. Because of this, the airbag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, leading to further occupant injury. As of this writing, no injuries have been reported in conjunction with this issue.

Honda will begin officially notifying owners via mail in mid-February. The automaker urges customers to take their vehicles to an authorized dealership, where vehicles will be inspected and, if necessary, repaired. In lieu of waiting for the snail mail approach, owners may also visit www.recalls.honda.com or can contact the automaker directly at 1.800.999.1009 and select option four.

2014 Chrysler 200 to set design tone for brand

     

Speaking with Wards Auto at this year's Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler design chief Ralph Gilles said that the next-generation Chrysler 200 will launch a whole new styling direction for the brand when it arrives for the 2014 model year. Gilles did not reveal any specific design cues or elements that will be found on the next 200, only saying that the new car "shares no surface language with any previous Chrysler we've ever seen."

Indeed, the current 200 isn't exactly setting the world on fire with any sort of clever, emotive design, but Gilles knows that. "The current Chryslers on the road today certainly don't reflect where we're headed," he told Wards Auto. Instead, Gilles said that "we are deviating from where we are today, completely. It's a very different feeling (and) look."

The launch of the new Chrysler 200 will officially mean the death of its Dodge Avenger counterpart, though Gilles says that the company is working on an all-new product to replace that vehicle down the road. Still, Chrysler will need a successful player in the popular midsize segment, and Gilles fully expects the new 200 to be up to the task. "I think it's going to be a beautiful and relevant vehicle."

1956 Chrysler Diablo Concept dances with the devil for $1.375 million at Barrett-Jackson

     

It's always special when a classic concept car goes up for auction, and that was surely the case as this 1956 Chrysler Diablo Concept crossed the auction block at the 2013 Barrett-Jackson event with a top bid of $1,375,000.

Designed by the famed Virgil Exner Sr. in collaboration with Italian styling house Ghia, this show car is said to have been designed in a wind tunnel after being drawn by Exner himself. Underneath the beautiful bodywork lies the chassis of a 1956 Chrysler 300, fitted with a 392-cubic-inch V8 engine with dual four-barrel carbs