Rolls-Royce is joining Volvo in offering HD Radio as standard on all of its 2010 and 2011 models. Of course, that doesn’t mean a lot seeing as Rolls-Royce only has the new Ghost and three different variants of the Phantom; not to mention if you’re paying over six figures for a vehicle, features like HD Radio should come as standard (especially when a company like Volvo is offering it as a standard option).

Mercedes-Benz is also rolling out HD Radio on some of its premium packages and Audi plans on offering them on all of its 2011 models as well.

2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: CrunchGear

We are just one day away from the official reveal of the new 2011 BMW 5-Series F10 debut; however you can always count on the Internet for some leaks and teasing before hand. These three shots of the next-generation 5-Series just hit the web for your viewing pleasure.

The 2011 BMW 5-Series sedan will make its official debut tomorrow via Live-Stream from the unveiling ceremony.

We’ll have all the pictures and details in a little – stay tuned.

2011 BMW 5-Series Teasers:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: 5Post.com

Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann has said many times before that the Italian automaker is dedicated to introducing a new model every year. Following the Reventon Coupe and the Reventon Roadster, Lamborghini is working on the Jota for next year, set to replace the Murcielago. The Jota will get a new a carbon fiber chassis with carbon fiber aluminum body. Power is expected to come from a 6.0L V12 with direct-injection making more than 700-hp.

According to sources, Lamborghini is also planning a model above the Jota, known as the Urus (and no we’re not talking about a production Lamborghini Estoque sedan).

Insiders say that the Urus will come to the market to compete with the Ferrari Enzo. The model will be based on a modified chassis that will underpin the Jota. It will be reworked to be light and dynamic as possible, reports CarUK.net. Power is rumored to come from a V12 making over 800-hp, allowing for a 0-60 mph time in the low 3 second range.

When can you expect to see the Urus? Not until 2011 and don’t expect to see it on the roads until 2012. The Lamborghini Jota will arrive sometime in late 2010.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CarsUK

You may think that Lamborghini vehicles and Mercedes-Benz’s SLS AMG Gullwing have some exotic styles for their doors. Well, Ferrari is said to be working on a new kind of door that is aimed at improving passenger and driver entry into its vehicles, reports AutoCar.

The publication has acquired some documents from Ferrari’s patent application for a door that shows a part of the front wing and hinges, so that when opened, the driver or passenger can directly place their foot behind the front wheel.

Apparently the move will allow occupants to get in and out of a low-slung Ferrari vehicle easier than before.

The patent application claims that the new door would be “easy and cost-effective to make” when compared to gullwing doors.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Spyker Cars has announced that it will be moving production of its premium sports car to it supplier CPP Ltd in the UK. The automaker said that by relocating its production line from Zeewolde to Coventry, it will improve efficiency of production and reduce cost.

The move is expected to be completed by the end of 2009. Spyker said that of the 135 Spyker employees in the Netherlands, approximately 45 jobs will be directly affected. It said that engineering, corporate staff functions, sales, marketing and its Works’ GT race team will remain in Zeewolde.

Spyker will continue to look for ways to reduce cost and said that further headcount reduction may not be excluded in its efforts.

Click through for the press release.

Press Release:

ZEEWOLDE, The Netherlands (November 20, 2009) – Spyker Cars N.V., manufacturer of exclusive premium sports cars, announces today that it will relocate vehicle assembly to its supplier, CPP (Manufacturing) Ltd, UK.

By relocating its assembly lines from Zeewolde to Coventry, Spyker will achieve considerable improvements in efficiency and substantial cost-reductions. The relocation is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Of the 135 Spyker employees in the Netherlands, approximately 45 jobs will be directly affected. A full social plan will be prepared in consultation with the trade unions, and Spyker will work with the trade unions to assist the employees concerned in finding a new job. Engineering, Corporate staff functions, Sales, After-Sales, Marketing and “Spyker Squadron”, the company’s Works’ GT race team, will remain in Zeewolde. Management will continue its efforts to reduce costs and further headcount reduction may not be excluded.

Victor R. Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars stated: “In these challenging times, a small manufacturer like Spyker has to find ways to reduce costs as well as improve its efficiency. By relocating vehicle assembly to CPP (Manufacturing), which was Spyker’s very first contracting partner at the inception of our company in 2000 and has been one of our most trusted partners ever since, we secure the future of our business”.

“With approximately half of our vehicles’ parts and components sourced in the UK, and virtually all key suppliers being located there, moving closer to our suppliers and engineering partners will result in substantial savings and tangible efficiency improvements”.

“We realise that jobs will be affected in the Netherlands but we believe this move is necessary under the current economic circumstances and is in the best interest of the company and all of its stakeholders,” he added.

Brendan O’Toole, Managing Director of CPP (Manufacturing), stated: “We have worked closely with Spyker since 2000 when we built their very first prototype chassis, and have grown with Spyker to become one of the leading low-volume manufacturers in the industry. We will maintain the highest standards of quality in the assembly of Spyker vehicles, while at the same time achieving significant cost reductions and operational efficiencies for Spyker”.

- By: Kap Shah

Despite the fact that Los Angeles is probably one of the largest luxury market in the United States, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Bentley won’t be attending next month’s 2009 LA Auto Show.

“Bentley won’t have a presence in LA,” Dark Reuter, Bentley’s chief U.S. spokesman told The Detroit Bureau. Ferrari also said that it won’t be attending the show along with its sibling brand Maserati. Both have pulled their displays from the famous Concours Hall in Staples Center.

“It’s just the economy.  We’re cutting back on a lot of things,” the Ferrari executive said.

Well, that mean no Ferrari 458 Italia for us when we land in LA next month.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: LA Auto Show, The Detroit Bureau

After a pretty dismal October, Chrysler is looking to boost sales with new incentives.

“Chrysler Group is happy to kick-off our ‘Year-end Wrap-up’ just in time for the holiday season,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer–Ram Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. “We want consumers to come into our showrooms and see what the new Chrysler Group has to offer. With great vehicles like the award-winning Dodge Ram truck, four vehicles that earned the top-safety pick from IIHS, competitive prices and a variety of incentives, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram offer customers vehicles that are fun to drive, and get the job done.”

The incentives will kick off today and will be valid until Jan. 4, 2010.

Click through to see the list of incentives for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge.

Chrysler Brand:
Beginning today, consumers purchasing select Chrysler vehicles can choose from:

- 0 percent financing for up to 60 months
- Consumer cash of up to $3,000
- All-wheel drive at no cost with the purchase of a Chrysler 300
- A no-cost DVD system with the purchase of a Chrysler Town & Country minivan
- Attractive financing rates and a no-cost service/maintenance program for three years/36,000 miles

Jeep Brand:
Jeep customers can choose from 0 percent financing for up to 60 months, consumer cash of up to $4,000 or attractive financing rates and a no-cost service/maintenance program for three years/36,000 miles.

Dodge Car Brand:
Beginning today, consumers purchasing select Dodge vehicles can choose from 0 percent financing for up to 60 months, consumer cash of up to $2,500 and all-wheel drive at no cost with the purchase of a Dodge Charger.

Ram Truck Brand:
The Ram Truck Brand is offering consumers combinations of attractive financing and/or consumer cash including 0 percent financing for up to 48 months or 2.9 percent financing for 60 months, or consumer cash of up to $2,500.

Ram is also offering consumers 0 percent financing for up to 72 months or up to $5,500 in consumer cash on most 2009 Dodge Ram trucks.

- By: Omar Rana

MTM has released a new tuning package for the Audi TT RS, a rebirth of the 5-clyinder engine that MTM says is “perfect motorization for drivers who like their car being suitable for racing.”

After undergoing some upgrades, the MTM Audi TT RS makes total of 424-hp and a peak torque of 413 lb-ft. That allows for a 0 to 62 mph time of 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 185 mph.

If you feel 424-hp is too much for you (and we don’t know why you would feel that way), MTM also offers a 404-hp upgrade and a 408-hp upgrade. To make it a little more exciting, MTM added original BIMOTO design in 19 and 20-inch wheels.

Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

MTM Audi TT RS:

Press Release:

It is still being good for best lap timing: the MTM Ur-Quattro S1, with its 5 cylinders engine, has once again shown this summer that it gets around the Hockenheimring almost as fast as the Porsche Armada. 25 years younger as the legendary S1 and directly from the same development department, the tuning specialist presents the MTM TT-RS with the rebirth of the 5 cylinders engine as perfect motorization for drivers who like their car being suitable for racing. After the MTM power therapy, the sport car from Audi gets a power of 424 BHP and 560 Nm of torque and shows itself with a new aerodynamic which is based on the Ur-Quattro.

The secret: love for details and understanding of the new engine from Audi. In addition to the adjustment of the engine control unit, MTM has also worked on the exhaust system: new middle- and end- pipes with throttle valves. Moreover, an additional pre-pipe with metal catalyser can be built in. The result: a high-revving engine, lots of torque in every range of performance and an impressive sound thanks to MTM exhaust system technology with throttle valve. A compact sports car which will be good for best lap times and this not only on the small track of Hockenheim.

The MTM TT-RS can be ordered in 3 different stages of power enhancement. Besides the maximal stage of 424 BHP with 84 BHP more as the 340 from the series car, MTM also offer 2 stages with 404 and 408 BHP and 550 Nm. MTM sports rims with the original BIMOTO design in 19 and 20″, as well as suitable spacers in 20 mm and 30 mm are available.

- By: Kap Shah

Two people familiar with the situation told Reuters today that electric-vehicle automaker Tesla Motors is planning to go public soon. The sources said that Tesla is outlining plans to offer an IPO and cash in on investors who are interested in the future of electric-vehicles.

A source said that an IPO filing from Tesla is expected any day; however, the source would not give a specific time frame.

Tesla spokesman Ricardo Reyes declined to comment on the report and called it “rumor or speculation.”

Tesla’s investors include Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Reuters

Michael Schumacher is reported to make a come back to Formula 1 with the new Mercedes team, according to BBC Sport.

“Mercedes want the seven-time champion as their lead driver after taking over title-winning Brawn,” BBC Sport’s Eddie Jordan says. ”The possibility is being actively pursued and I believe it is going to happen.”

Schumacher’s return to F1 with Mercedes GP will reunite him with Ross Brawn, who assisted him with all his seven title wins at Benetton and Ferrari.

41-year-old Schumacher pulled out of a temporary come back to F1 earlier this year to replace Ferrari driver Felipe Massa.

Schumacher’s spokeswoman Sabine Kehm told BBC Sport that a return was “highly unlikely – but never say never”.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: BBC Sport

Volkswagen AG is planning to invest an automotive capital expenditure of around 19.9 billion euros ($29.55 billion) between 2010 and 2012. The German automaker said that an estimated 13.3 billion euros of the total investment will go into property, plant and equipment and will help modernize and expand the company’s product range.

“In the area of powertrains, new engine generations will be introduced that offer additional improvements in performance, consumption and emissions. Automatic gearbox capacity will be aligned with growing demand,” Volkswagen said in a statement. “Because of the high quality and cost targets, the new products require modifications to press and paint shops as well as assembly facilities. Outside manufacturing, investments are planned mainly in the areas of development, quality assurance, genuine parts supply and IT.”

The other 6.6 billion euros will be investing in ”cross-product technologies” in the coming three years.

This investment does not include another 4.4 billion euro earmarked over the same period at its two Chinese joint ventures.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters

You might think that as the market shifts its focus to fuel-efficient vehicles, high-performance vehicles are likely to be short-lived. Speaking to AutoWeek, Mark Reuss, General Motors’ vice president of global marketing, said that Chevrolets with the SS badge are safe as long as he’s with GM.

Reuss said that the SS line of vehicles could offer more in the future. He said that he envisions vehicles outfitted on a case-by-case basis, rather than generically adding more output and the red SS badge to Chevrolets across the board.

Reuss comes to GM after leading Holden operations in Australia, the origin of the Detroit automaker’s enthusiast-oriented rear-wheel drive underpinnings known as Zeta.

Reuss said that the Zeta platform is also safe under his watch and that GM is working on a sedan in Australia that is expected to return impressive fuel-economy with a 3.0L engine. He said that future performance cars from GM will have stellar performance, better fuel-economy and reduced weight.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

Pricing for the 2010 Nissan Cube will start at $13,990 for the base Cube 1.8 model, unchanged from the price-tag in 2009. For 2010, the Cube S and SL models get Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering wheel audio controls as standard options. The S models also get iPod connectivity, MP3 CD-ROM playback capacity, Radio Data System, speed-sensitive volume control and two additional speakers (for a total of six) as standard. A new exterior color, Sapphire Black, is also being offered.

The 2010 Cube 1.8 S Krom Edition gets a new 4.3-inch color audio display with USB connectivity and a RearView Monitor as standard equipment. Both are optional on the SL Preferred Package.

2010 Nissan Cube Pricing (MSRP):

cube 1.8 Base 1.8L I4 M/T: $13,990
cube 1.8 S 1.8L I4 M/T: $15,030
cube 1.8 S 1.8L I4 CV: $16,030
cube 1.8 SL 1.8L I4 CVT: $17,130
cube 1.8 S Krom Edition 1.8L I4 CVT: $20,120

Check out our review of the 2009 Nissan Cube here.

Click through for the press release.

2009 Nissan Cube:

Press Release:

Nissan Announces U.S. Pricing on 2010 cube®

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced pricing for the 2010 Nissan cube®, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. The 2010 Nissan cube is available in three well-equipped models: cube 1.8, cube 1.8 S and cube 1.8 SL and in a special cube 1.8 S Krom Edition. The starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) for the cube 1.8 Base model of $13,990 USD is unchanged from 2009. Earlier today, the 2010 Nissan cube was named a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Every cube includes many standard safety features, including six standard air bags.

The front-wheel drive cube is offered with a standard 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a choice of Nissan’s advanced, smooth shifting Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmission.

For 2010, the Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering wheel audio controls are now standard for cube S and SL models. New standard equipment for cube S models includes the Interface System for iPod®, MP3 CD-ROM playback capacity, Radio Data System (RDS), speed-sensitive volume control (SSV) and two additional speakers (six total). One new exterior color is available, Sapphire Black.

The cube 1.8 S Krom Edition adds a new 4.3-inch color audio display with USB connectivity and RearView Monitor, along with Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition as standard equipment. In addition, the 4.3-inch color audio display with USB connectivity and RearView Monitor is added to the optional SL Preferred Package.

About the 2010 Nissan cube
The cleverly designed Nissan cube®, with its asymmetrical rear window, refrigerator-style rear door and wide range of personal accessories, enters its second year of production in 2010 with its unique style firmly intact. The cube’s roomy interior is designed as an inviting social space for up to five passengers, with comfortable front seating and a three-position sliding, reclining theater-style rear seat. Unique interior features include asymmetrical Fine Vision gauges, “Water Drop” interior accents and detachable multi-hooks.

Available cube technology includes the Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer with six upgraded speakers, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and Interface System for iPod®. The cube also meets the practical needs of today’s active, environmentally aware drivers, providing a small footprint with a large interior space – along with fuel efficiency of 31 mpg Highway with the CVT transmission.

The specialty vehicle cube 1.8 S Kr?m Edition includes exclusive upper and lower front grilles, fully integrated front and rear bumper fascias and body side sills, rear roof spoiler and 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, along with a custom interior with exclusive black and gray seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum-trimmed pedals, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, upgraded audio system with 4.3-inch color display, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer and RearView Monitor. More than 40 individual accessories are offered – ranging from a unique 20-color interior accent lighting kit and “shag dash topper” inserts to aerodynamic body kits and custom wheels – allowing cube owners to personalize their vehicles to reflect their own tastes and needs.

In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com.

- By: Kap Shah

Acura has released the pricing details on the new 2010 Acura ZDX crossover, which will arrive at dealerships starting Dec. 15. Pricing will start at $45,495 for the base ZDX.

The 2010 Acura ZDX with a Technology Package will run you $49,995 and will ad Acura’s Navigation System with Voice Recognition, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather with radar image maps, a full VGA display screen and an innovative new multi-view rear camera. It also includes an upgraded Acura/ELS Surround 415-watt Premium Audio System with a built-in 15-gigabyte hard disk drive media storage system, a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control system and Keyless Access System.

The 2010 Acura ZDX with an Advance Package costs $56,045 and builds on the Technology Package with a new blind spot information system, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigating Braking System, an Integrated Dynamic System active damper system, heated and ventilated front seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather seating surfaces, premium brushed tricot headliner material and a sport steering wheel.

All 2010 Acura ZDX model are powered by a 3.7L VTEC V6 engine making 300-hp and a maximum torque of 270 lb0ft. EPA-rated fuel-economy comes in at 16/23 mpg (city/highway). All ZDX models also get Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.

Click here for more news on the Acura ZDX.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

2010 Acura ZDX:

- By: Omar Rana

Speaking to the folks over at TheDetroitBureau.com, the General Manager of Lexus, Mark Templin, said that the luxury brand is giving some serious thought to launching a new compact luxury model in the United States.

“There is a group of buyers growing up now who won’t buy cars by the pound,” said Templin. “We have already seen a structural shift” to the compact and more affordable models in the luxury market over the past couple of years.

He said that Lexus’ compact model, which will be based on the Lexus LF-Ch Concept that debuted in Frankfurt, “won’t necessarily be targeting the budget-constrained” luxury shopper.

“We’re not going to build a smaller vehicle with all that technology (found in the likes of a top-line LS sedan) and knock the price down,” the executive stressed. “Just because it’s small doesn’t mean cheap.”

So what will it take for Lexus to put the LF-Ch Concept into production? The concept will now make rounds at North American auto shows including the 2009 LA Auto Show next month and the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in January. Lexus said that it will measure the reaction to the hatchback and if it is positive, Templin said a production edition “potentially” will appear in Lexus dealerships by 2012 or earlier.

Lexus LF-Ch Concept:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: TheDetroitBureau

When Ford first introduced the new Focus RS to the European market, it had planned to produce only 1,200 units. However, due to high-demand, Ford of Europe has decided to build an additional 400 units of the 305-hp Ford hatchback – exclusively for sale in German.

Ford said that this is the final decision and that there won’t be any more Focus RS units build after the 400 units are completed.  If you live in Germany and you’re interested, you can order the car now and expect delivery in the early part of 2010.

Click here for more news on the Focus RS.

Refresher: Power comes from a 2.5L 5-cylinder Duratec engine with a large Borg Warner K16 turbocharger. That makes a total of 300-hp and a peak torque.

2009 Ford Focus RS:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Ford (via CarScoop)

Volkswagen’s Supervisory Board  confirmed today that it will buy land, machinery and equipment formerly belonging to Karmann at its Osnabrueck, Germany. Volkswagen said that it will build a new vehicle in Osnabrueck in 2011 but did not specify what the new car would be.

“Volkswagen will begin vehicle production in Osnabrück in 2011,” Volkswagen said in a statement. “According to present plans, this will create over 1,000 jobs by 2014. Ongoing development contracts will continue in effect. Some 200 specialists will already be needed from next year to start production and set up the vehicle project.”

Volkswagen said that employees and former employees of Karmann have extensive experience in the production of small series models, and this experience will be accessed in line with requirements.

- By: Omar Rana

Back in June when Chrysler emerged from a U.S. government funded bankruptcy it terminated nearly 800 dealerships in an effort to keep its network size in line with its U.S. market share. Chrysler came out of bankruptcy court with about 2,400 dealerships and had 2,366 at the end of October. The Auburn Hills automaker is now planning to close another 100 dealerships if they cannot reach a new financing deal with GMAC Financial Services or other lenders.

Chrysler spokeswoman Kathy Graham said that Chrysler was “optimistic” that nearly all dealerships would find financing for their vehicle inventories and other expenses by the end of November.

Around 1,500 Chrysler Group LLC dealerships sought financing through GMAC, which eventually replaced Chrysler Financial as preferred lender to the dealerships in April.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters