Australian outlet GoAuto apparently learned that Volkswagen AG executives are mulling the possibility of renaming themselves as Auto Union, the original name for what is now known for modern day Audi.
Volkswagen AG has grown to be one of the largest automobile conglomerates in the world with Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT, Skoda, and Volkswagen as well as Ducati, and several commercial truck brands under its umbrella. Though it wouldn’t be entirely historically accurate since the original Auto Union didn’t include Volkswagen until Auto Union changed to Audi and Audi was acquired by Volkswagen.
Source: GoAuto.com
Kia recently rolled out some changes for the 2015 Soul. Though because it was already redesigned for the 2014 year, the updated are rather minor to ensure the model stays extra competitive.
The biggest change is the inclusion of Kia’s new UVO1 eServices Package as an option for the base model, with a variety of tools for road-side assistance, mainly aimed at first-time young drivers. For the higher end Plus and Exclaim models, the UVO1 eServices Package comes standard, offering traffic and weather information, up-to-date fuel price, sports scores, stock information and more.
Those looking for some unique color selection the range-topping Exclaim model can now choose from two new additions: Fathrom Blue and Cloud White. The inside also gets an optional Umber Color Package, adding Nappa leather seats as well.
Propulsion is supplied by an unchanged 1.6L GDI gasoline four-banger with 130hp and 118 lb-ft of torque sourced from Hyundai. It’s mated with a standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed auto. The more expensive models get a 2.0L gasoline GDI engine with 164hp and 151 lb-ft of twist.
Check out the press release after the jump.
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Subaru is gearing up for something big as the Fuji Heavy Industries-owned manufacturer released a teaser for a Japanese-only WRX S4 model.
According to recent reports, the new sedan is set to debut on August 25th of this year and is most likely a domestic version of the 2015 WRX sedan.
The latest 2015 Subaru WRX and WRX STI were revealed last year at the Los Angeles Auto Show and is currently on sale in Australia and the United States. Power is supplied by the traditional 2.0L turbocharged boxer-four with 268bhp and 258 lb-ft of torque for the standard WRX.
Another rumor is out from Motoring.com, who claims that the new Toyota Supra successor is set to be revealed in the next few years.
BMW and Toyota’s collaboration isn’t news, but everyone seems to be shooting speculation out of their arses, left and right, and this latest development is not much different. For this report, BMW is alleged to offer a 2.0L TwinPower turbo four-banger with direct injection, mated to a gearbox also supplied by Munich’s finest, which isn’t entirely accurate since all of the transmissions are sourced either from Getrag or ZF–and they’re their own entity, separate from BMW.
Toyota is also rumored to be researching and developing supercapacitor technology and such tech could be applied to the Supra successor, allowing for plug-in hybrid capability for a combined output of around 350hp. Rumors point to BMW-supplied electric motors developed by Toyota, with two mounted up front and a third motor at the rear for an all-wheel drive setup. Also expected a dual-clutch automatic from Getrag–not BMW themselves.
Source: Motoring.com
Aston Martin has been known to be working on a new Lagonda sedan, rumored as a replacement for the current and soon-to-be outgoing Rapide.
Now, Aston actually teased the official model, though interestingly, the British luxury sports car maker said only the Middle East will get the model. It’s said to be a very bespoke product, most likely funded by the rich and deep pockets of various sheikhs, princes, and oil tycoons out in the dusty deserts.
The new Lagonda gets its backbone from the brand’s latest VH platform and is built with carbon fiber body panels. No technical specifications have been revealed, but the new Lagonda is speculated to get a 6.0L V12 with around 600bhp. The model would be built to order on an “invitation only” basis as a way to “commensurate with the car’s exclusivity, quality, and luxurious nature.”
Check out the press release after the jump.
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A saddening bit of news surfaced for Mopar fans recently as Chrysler is apparently struggling to sell its 300 SRT sedan. As a result, the model could be dropped in the near future, according to CEO Al Gardner.
MotorTrend spoke with Gardner who said that only 75 models per month are being sold, crippling the business case for such a model. This is particularly unfortunate since the we absolutely love the 300 SRT.
The model on the other hand happens to be popular overseas, such as in the Middle East. Either way, the fate of the 300 SRT should be confirmed when the Chrysler 300 sedan gets updated for the mid-cycle at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show.
Source: MotorTrend
Audi doesn’t seem to be phased by BMW’s and Tesla’s growing battle to produce luxury EVs according to UK’s WhatCar.
Instead, Audi still stands by their investments into plug-in hybrid technology since apparently their customers prefer that over normal EVs, according to Audi’s Rupert Stadler, who spoke with the magazine.
After some market research, Stadler said his team found that customers would be more interested by the comfort of classic internal-combustion reliability in terms of distance and once Audi produces their Q7 plug-in hybrid, customers would be more inclined to choose that model over the incoming Tesla crossover.
Stadler also said that BMW’s i vehicles are at a disadvantage because they need special accommodations to build the i3 and the i8 while Audi can build its plug-in hybrid models in all of its factories, favoring flexibility.
He also confirmed plans for a long-wheelbase plug-in variant to the Q7, the A8, and the A6 in the somewhat near future.
Source: WhatCar?
Buick apparently shared plans for its future lineup with AutomotiveNews.
In the latest report, Buick is said to be receiving their own rebadged version of the Opel Cascada convertible, in similar fashion to how the current Buick Regal is a rebadged and slightly reengineered version of the Opel Insiginia. The new Buick convertible could be due sometime at the beginning of 2016, sporting a different name. Power could be provided by a turbocharged 2.0L four-banger with at least 250bhp on tap. This is the same EcoTec III turbo four currently found in the Buick Verano and Regal Turbo.
The Verano itself is planned for a complete redesign in 2016 as a 2017 model, utilizing Opel’s next generation D2XX platform, the same one destined for the next-gen Opel Astra and Chevrolet Cruze. The same 2.0L turbo engine is said to be offered as well in addition to a new 1,5L turbo four as the base engine.
A new Regal is set for 2017 too as a 2018 model year and much like the current model, the new Regal will be a reworked version of the next-generation Opel Insignia on the brand’s new E2XX platform. Also using the same platform is a new LaCrosse, planned for the end of 2015 as a 2016 car.
The Encore should also be updated around the same time with an all-new redesign in 2018 while first hints of a US-bound Envision surface for sometime in the second half of 2015 as a 2016 model. Following that, the Enclave will also get completely redesigned for 2017 with less weight, a newly updated Lambda platform, smaller engines, and a nine-speed auto.
Source: AutomotiveNews
Bentley might be on the path to reviving the Azure and Brooklands models, according to the brand’s CEO, Wolfgang Durheimer.
According to a new report from AutoExpress in the UK, the new Azure is to take form as a convertible, like past Azures, while the Brooklands is most likely to be a coupe like the last limited production Brooklands.
“I’m truly convinced that we have a lot of opportunities with our existing model lines. In Crewe you used to see a very nice convertible called Azure – we also had it as a hidden [concept] car in Pebble Beach in 2011,” said Durheimer, “I hear from our customers that there is remarkable demand for a car like this, and if we do the Azure, the Brooklands just comes automatically.”
Should all proceed, the new Azure and Brooklands would be based on the current Mulsanne, 6.75L twin-turbo V8 and all. Durheimer also hinted at the possibility of expanding the Continental lineup even more as well.
Source: AutoExpress
Chrysler apparently wants to get a slice of the full-size crossover pie as MotorTrend reports that Chrysler’s brand CEO, Al Gardner, confirmed that a new model is on the way to compete against the Buick Enclave, the Chevrolet Traverse, and the GMC Acadia.
According to the new finding, the model will take on a size larger than the Dodge Durango, but with less aggressive styling.
As usual, specifics aren’t confirmed, but the new crossover will ride on a large front-wheel drive platform, most likely receiving power from a Pentastar V6. This is a part of Chrysler’s newly established five-year plan to launch new models. A production date sometime in 2017 is expected.
Source: MotorTrend
