Nissan has released a concept sketch of a new light commercial electric-vehicle based on the NV200 Concept.

“The low-cost multi-purpose vehicle would allow ambulance drivers to drive directly into the hospital or van and taxi drivers to enter urban areas where CO2 emissions are restricted,” Nissan said in a statement. “The van is one of four electric vehicles Nissan has announced for the future.”

At the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan unveiled its production Leaf electric-car, which will be launched in Japan and the U.S. in late 2010. CEO Carlos Ghosn also confirmed that it will release a four-seater Infiniti electric compact car and a production version of the Nissan LandGlider concept.

Nissan Light Commercial Electric Van:

2010 Nissan LEAF EV:

- By: Kap Shah

While most people who retire spend their life golfing or living in a beach house, 101 year old Virgil Coffman likes living in the fast lane. The centenarian recently became the oldest known owner of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Which Camaro did he purchase? A 400-hp, bright yellow, Transformers edition Camaro SS.

“Impressed by the overall design, Virgil was ultimately sold on the cars’ easy handling. After owning nearly 40 cars in his lifetime, he follows the philosophy that if you want something, get it,” GM said in a statement. “These days Virgil says he can’t go anywhere without strangers asking him about his car and he’s already planning road trips for next summer.”

Coffman has officially became our favorite 100+ year old person.

Click through for a video to see Coffman behind the wheel of his new Camaro.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition:

- By: Omar Rana

A source close to General Motors said that Bob Lutz, the company’s marketing head, will become chairman of the supervisory board of Opel to help the restructuring plan. Lutz, 77, will not take a direct management role in Opel the source said. He is already a member of the Opel supervisory board, which meets three to four times a year.

Earlier this morning, it was reported that the current CEO of Opel, Carl-Peter Forster, is leaving GM of Europe after the Detroit automaker decided to keep Opel instead of selling it to Magna International.

GM said that it expects the restructuring of Opel to cost 3 billion euros ($4.42 billion USD).

- By: Omar Rana

2010 has certainly been a banner year for the GM by way of luxuriously and sleekly redesigned vehicles. We had the opportunity to test out the 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS, and we must say – there was little left to be desired. The ‘10 LaCrosse breaks Buick’s mark as the automobile for grandparents with its sleek design, premium interior, and superior handling. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also named the sedan a 2009 Top Safety Pick.

The Enclave SUV proved that if Buick creates a well-designed and well-executed vehicle, new car shoppers will give it a chance. Will the LaCrosse sedan be a similar success? Let’s find out.

Click through to read more and to view the high-res image gallery (at the bottom of the post).

Review: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS:

2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS Specifications:

Base Price: $33,015.
Price as Tested: $33,960.
Engine: 3.6L V6 VVT Direct Injection – 280-hp/259 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: 6-Speed Hydra-Matic 6T40.
Curb Weight: 3,948 lbs.
0 to 60 mph: 7.0 seconds.
Fuel-Economy: 17/27 mpg (city/highway).

Exterior:

The exterior has a very elegant yet fairly sporty look with its sculpted design scheme of what could best be described as ‘angular curves,’ and with its high rear-end and aggressive front-grille design, the car comes off as almost bullet-like. According to the exterior design team, the front headlamps and grille were all designed to look as if they were three individual pieces of art fused into one. To them we say; well done. The front halogen fog lamps and chrome-tip dual exhaust embedded into the rear-bumber serve as bookends to one of the most attractive exteriors when it comes to the mid-size sedan market. Our 2010 LaCrosse CXS came with 18″ chrome-plated wheels finish of the exterior with a dynamic flair, and the power heated outside rear view mirrors with driver auto-dimming bring the interior’s luxury amenities to the outside. (The fog lamps and 18″ chrome-plated wheels are not available on the CX model, and optional on the CXL)

The ’sculpture’ that is the 2010 LaCrosse stands at 59.2 inches in height, 73.1 inches in width, and 197 inches in length. All of this sits on a 111.7 inch wheelbase and carries an estimated curb weight of 3,948 pounds on the CX model, 4,018 pounds on the CXL with front-wheel drive, and 4,065 pounds on the CXS model.

How does the exterior of the LaCrosse compare to its rivals? Well, while Acura still thinks its milk-mustache grille on the TL is something positive and while Lexus’ ES still remains mundane and dull, the Buick LaCrosse (we feel) eats its competitors for lunch when it comes to styling. Who would have thought that someone would ever say that about a Buick.

Interior:

The interior of the 2010 LaCrosse is without question one of the most luxurious interiors on the market today in terms of build quality and design. The swooping dash and interior door panels flow seamlessly so that as a passenger or driver, you will feel nestled in a pod of comfort and luxury; quiet luxury and comfort as the 2010 LaCrosse also offers one of the quietest rides on the market today. The center console sweeps up from the shift-knob and meets the dash to create a hub that houses AM/FM/CD/XM stereo (or a navigation system if you opt for one), automatic climate control knobs, and power-lock buttons. The dash cascades out in dramatic fashion from the center stereo and connects to the beautiful, leather-upholstered interior door panels that sweep back and disappear behind the front seats.

The front bucket seats on our $33,105 LaCrosse CXS (that’s the starting price) were adorned in plush and supple leather, and offered 8-way power adjustability for the driver. Other cool standard features on our CXS test-model included a Harman/kardon 11-speaker, 5.1 Matrix sound system with USB port. Is that it? Apparently so. One (or a couple) bone we had to pick with the $33,105 LaCrosse CXS was that it didn’t have a sunroof, which is a $995 option; nor did have Xenon headlamps, a $695 option. We’d rather have those two options over 18-inch chrome wheels – the 18-inch aluminum wheels would’ve done just fine.

Buyers going for the base $27,835 2010 LaCrosse CX, will get a bunch of standard features including OnStar, cruise-control, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, single-zone climate control.

Those that go for the 2010 LaCrosse CXL, which starts at $30,395 for the FWD model, will enjoy extras such as:

• Automatic Dual-Zone Air Conditioning
• Auto-Dimming Inside Rearview Mirror
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Heated Leather-Appointed Seats
• Power Driver Lumbar Support
• Remote Start

Those that want a little more can go for the $33,765 LaCrosse CXS which has everything from the CXL but adds:

• Harman/kardon 11-speaker, 5.1 Matrix sound system with USB port
• USB Stereo Connectivity
• 110 V Power Outlet
• Heated and Ventilated, Perforated Leather-Appointed Seats

Besides the sunroof and the xenon headlamps, buyers can also choose the $1,995 navigation and audio system option (AM/FM/XM stereo, single CD/DVD player, 40GB Hard Drive Device, MP3 playback, HDD-based navigation and rearview camera system) or the $1,295 rear seat entertainment system.

When compared to the interiors of its Japanese rivals, the Acura TL and the Lexus ES, the Buick LaCrosse definitely stands up strong – if not pulls out ahead in some cases.

Performance:

No matter how discriminating the buyer, no one in their right mind purchases a Buick with the expectation of a sporty, performance oriented ride. If you are, then there is a BMW 5-Series for that.  That being said; for what the 2010 Buick LaCrosse actually is, we thought it rode and handled exceptionally well.

All models come standard with a MacPherson strut front suspension, power brakes, and StabiliTrak stability control system that includes traction control and brake assist.

The basic model, the LaCrosse CX, is powered by a 3.0L V6 that makes 255-hp and a peak torque of 217 lb-ft. Buick will later add a 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder Direct Injection engine mated to a 6-speed Hydra-Matic 6T40 transmission. The result is a machine that will put out 182 horses and 172 lb.-ft. of torque. All of this is supported by the front end MacPherson struts and 4-link rear suspension, and controlled by a power rack-and-pinion steering system.

The CXL derives its power from a more powerful 3.0L V6 VVT Direct Injection engine that comes mated to the same 6-speed Hydra-Matic 6T40 transmission. The more powerful engine on the CXL is realized with the output of 45 extra horses for a total of 255-hp on the FWD model and 252-hp on the AWD model. The FWD model achieves 217 lb.-ft. of torque while the AWD gets 215 lb.-ft. Both models are supported by the front end MacPherson struts and H-arm rear suspension, and have the same power variable effort magnetic rack-and-pinion steering system found on the CXS. Rear Park Assist is also available on both CXL models, and standard on the CXS.

Our test 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS was powered by a 3.6L V6 VVT Direct Injection engine and the same transmission as its two baby siblings. The 2010 LaCrosse CXS produces a total of 280-hp and a maximum torque of 259 lb.-ft. 0-60 mph comes in at 7.0 seconds. EPA estimated fuel-economy comes in at 17/25 mpg and we managed a total of 18.4 mpg over the full week.

Overall:

As compared to its key competition as identified by GM; the Acura TL, Toyota Avalon, Lincoln MKZ, and Lexus ES350, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse arrives as best in class. The phenomenal price tag on this superior product is enough to entice one alone; the CX carries a starting MSRP of $27,835, the MSRP on the CXL is $30,395/$32,570(AWD), and the CXS carries a starting MSRP of $33,765. The ride, amenities, comfort, and styling offered by the LaCrosse give even the finest interiors a run for their money, though none that rival the LaCrosse come as modestly priced.

Review: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS:

- By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright ©2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

We’ve previously heard that Rolls-Royce is working on an electric version of the Phantom. Well, before the electric Phantom hits the streets, Roll-Royce will put out a hybrid version of the new Ghost. According to AutoCar, the Rolls-Royce Ghost will share its green-technology with the new BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

Engineering the Ghost hybrid will be fairly straightforward since the F01 7-Series and the Ghost share the same rear-wheel-drive platform. Joining the Ghost’s 563-hp 6.2L V12 will be a new electric-motor with a mild hybrid application. No electric-only driving will be possible. The hybrid Ghost will also feature automatic start-stop technology that will save fuel in the future. The 20kW/155 lb-ft electric-motor will sit between the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption on the hybrid Ghost should be 15 percent better than its standard model, which manages an estimated fuel-economy of 17 mpg.

Click here for more news on the Rolls-Royce Ghost.

2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

In what we think is a good decision, General Motors said that its other plug-in hybrid offerings will not have Volt branding on them to identify with the compact plug-in hybrid that will launch later next year. By contrast, Toyota is planning to make a family of hybrid vehicles that will carry the Prius badging.

“Our thought is to take the Volt technology to other products,” Brent Dewar, chief of global operations for Chevrolet said. “The Volt was the original vehicle that we started, but I wouldn’t see that as a brand marketing direction for us.”

Dewar said that the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid would pave the way for more vehicles based on the same Voltec technology; however, the Volt name will not be found anywhere on GM’s future electric-vehicles.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Volt.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Reuters

According to a report by Spiegel Online, the head of General Motors’ European business, Carl-Peter Forster, is leaving the company after GM’s board of directors decided to keep Opel last week. A former BMW executive, Forster had strained ties with GM after being in favor of the Magna deal.

Forster was expected to head Opel under Magna International. His departure from General Motors would mark the first high-profile manager to exit as a result of GM’s decision to keep Opel and restructure it. Spiegel Online said that GM plans to replace Forster with Nick Reilly, who is the head of international operations based out of Shanghai.

A GM Europe spokeswoman declined to comment but Opel said that Forster was still be chairman and an announcement would be made should there be changes.

Last week, GM said that it expects the restructuring of Opel to cost 3 billion euros ($4.42 billion USD), which it says lowers the costs associated with outside bids for the brand.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters

Wish that the new 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG looked more like the old Gullwing? Well, ever since the launch of the SLS AMG at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the folks at Gullwing-America have been working on their own version of the new Stuttgart supercar – the Gullwing 300SL Panamericana.

After seeing the new 2011 SLS AMG coupe, Arturo Alonso, Gullwing-America’s chief engineer, went back to the drawing board and decided to add a new grille, ribs on the hood and fenders and other touches from the original Gullwing. The kit consists of seven body parts made from Hybrid Aluminum and carbon fiber.

Buyers can add two side vents, a set of chrome touches including a new grille frame, new oval dual xenon headlamps, 19 or 20-inch Gullwing America wheels and a sport tuned muffler system. Owners can also add racing stripes on the front fenders in any combination they desire.

Power still comes from the 6.2L V8 making 563-hp with a peak torque of 479 lb-ft of torque from the SLS AMG.

Click here for more news on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Gullwing 300SL Panamericana (Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG):

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Gullwing America

While we still await the arrival of the road-going Mini Countryman Crossover, which has now been delayed to March 2010, Prodrive is reportedly prepping the vehicle for a possible WRC entry for Mini. According to a report by Autosport, a World Rally Car version of the Countryman is likely to be launched at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

The publication says that Prodrive has been working on a new generation Mini WRC for much of 2009, developing the parts required without actually working on a base model.

“Right now there is nothing to say and I don’t think there will be anything to say until the spring, said Technical director David Lapworth. “This is not an official statement from me, it’s just the way things look. That said, it’s going to be very difficult to keep this thing under wraps.”

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Autosport (via MotoringFile)

The German Design Council said that it will present a 2010 Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Audi A5 Coupe. What does the Head of Design for the Volkswagen Group, Walter de Silva have to say about that?

“The Audi A5 Coupé is the most beautiful car I’ve ever designed and is well on its way to becoming a design icon. I’m therefore thrilled by this accolade, as it also validates my hard work. The A5 Coupé clearly has an automotive personality all its own. It is an absolute highlight of Audi’s progressive and stylish design language. The A5 is naturally a very powerful and supremely sporty automobile. Yet it isn’t the least bit aggressive or arrogant.”

This prestigious design award will be presented as part of the opening ceremony of the International Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt on February 12, 2010. Audi sold some 112,000 units of the A5 Coupe worldwide between its launch in June 2007 and late September 2009.

Personally, we’re bigger fans of the Audi S5.

- By: Kap Shah

Starting in 2012, we can expect to see an influx of Fiat-based Chrysler Group LLC vehicles, according to Automotive News. Joseph Veltri, VP of product planning for Chrysler unveiled the product plan on Wednesday. 56 percent of Chrysler’s vehicles will be derived from Fiat platforms by 2014, Veltri announced in the plan.

Chrysler projects a $5 billion operating profit by 2014, CFO Richard Palmer announced during an eight-hour program outlining Chrysler’s strategy for the next five years.

Palmer predicts that U.S. sales will more than double during that time from 950,000 units sold this year to 2 million units sold. The plan also calls for each Chrysler brand to receive new nameplates that build off of Fiat platforms.

Chrysler’s 5-Year Product Plan:

- By: Stephen Calogera

It was not even a year ago when Ford relinquished half of its stake in Mazda Motor Corp., and Seita Kanai, Mazda’s head of r&d, says that there will be fewer joint projects between the two companies such as the shared platforms and drivetrains that were developed over the course of the 30-year relationship.

“The Ford-Mazda partnership is cited often as an example of a successful international alliance of automakers. Ford first took an equity stake in Mazda in 1979 and brought Mazda under its control in 1996 as the Hiroshima carmaker struggled to survive. But by late last year the tables were turned, and a cash-strapped Ford sold a large part of its stake to raise capital,” Automotive News says of the two companies’ relationship.

Major elements of the de-integration include; Fords presence on the Mazda board being cut from 3 representatives to 1, separate drivetrain strategies, and Ford’s implementation of in-house developed platforms and phasing out of Mazda’s platforms.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Earlier this morning we saw the lightest model available in Porsche’s lineup – the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder. We now have a video of it in action – check it out after the jump.

Click here to view our original post on the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder.

Refresher: Weighing in at 2,811 pounds, the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder is powered by a 3.4L 6-cylinder engine with direct fuel-injection making 320-hp. Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission and the Sports Chrono package, the Boxster Spyder goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 166 mph with the roof open.

Make the jump for the video.

2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder:

2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder:

- By: Kap Shah

Two days ago we saw Chrysler’s brand new logo leaked via the U.S. Patent Office website. We now have the official high-res logo from Chrysler. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments section after the jump.

Chrysler Logo:

- By: Kap Shah

General Motors is thus far out performing the estimates of their own viability plan that was conceived before their June bankruptcy, according to Automotive News. “I’m not going to get into whether we’re generating cash or not generating cash, but I would certainly say the situation is more stable than what the outlook was even just two months ago,” Henderson told the press.

The plan as it was originally outlined, called for the stabilization and rebounding of GM on the backs of four core brands; Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC, and called for a 19.5 percent share of the market in 2009. The plan also called for drastic cost cutting as their North American structural costs would decline from $30.8 billion in ‘08 to $23.2 billion ‘10.

“GM’s total U.S. sales through October are down 34 percent to 1.7 million. GM’s sales for October were up 5 percent to 176,632. And 95 percent of those sales were from the four core brands,” said the Article. CEO Fritz Henderson says that while the current data is not great, it shows stability and indicates effectiveness of the original strategy.

The article also mentions that “Henderson said he is confident in GM’s ability to repay the $50 billion in financial support to the U.S. government. He said GM has a greater ability now to generate value in its stock than it did in the past because it has a stronger balance sheet and fewer liabilities such as health care expenses.”

- By: Stephen Calogera

Time once was when seat belts were considered a luxury option in a vehicle. Ford, Motor Company is set to revolutionize the seatbelt as we know it. The next-generation Ford Explorer, which is set to go into production next year, will bring to the market the world’s first inflatable seat belts, combining the best safety features of the airbag and the standard seatbelt.

During daily wear, the seatbelts operate just as conventional ones and are fully compatible with child safety seats. According to Ford, their research showed that 90% of those who tested the new belts found them just as or more comfortable than traditional seatbelts, which Ford attributes to the softer, padded nature of the belts construction.

The belt consists of an accordian-folded inflatable airbag that uses cold compressed gas to fill it upon impact. The belts inflate at a lower rate and with less pressure than traditional airbags being that there is no need to fill a gap between the passenger and surface, such as with traditional airbags. The concept behind the belt is the diffusion and distribution of energy caused by impact over a larger area, and therefore easing pressure on the head, neck, and chest.

Ford has always been on the cutting edge of safety innovation, as they were the first automaker to introduce seatbelts in 1955, and made driver and front-passenger air bags standard in most vehicles by the mid 90’s.

Make the jump for the press release and a video after the jump.

Ford’s Rear Inflatable Seat Belts:

Press Release:

FORD INTRODUCES INDUSTRY’S FIRST INFLATABLE SEAT BELTS TO ENHANCE REAR SEAT SAFETY

* Ford introduces the auto industry’s first-ever production inflatable seat belts, which are designed to provide additional protection for rear-seat occupants, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to head, chest and neck injuries
* Ford’s inflatable rear seat belts will debut on the next-generation Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle, which goes into production next year; Ford eventually plans to offer inflatable seat belt technology in vehicles globally
* Ford’s inflatable rear seat belts spread crash forces over five times more area of the body than conventional seat belts; this helps reduce pressure on the chest and helps control head and neck motion for rear seat passengers
* More than 90 percent of Ford research participants indicated that Ford’s inflatable seat belts are similar to or more comfortable than traditional belts, which could help increase the lower rate of rear belt usage

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 5, 2009 – Ford Motor Company is bringing to market the world’s first automotive inflatable seat belts, combining attributes of traditional seat belts and air bags to provide an added level of crash safety protection for rear seat occupants.

The advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to such injuries.

Ford will introduce inflatable rear seat belts on the next-generation Ford Explorer, which goes into production next year for the North American market. Over time, Ford plans to offer the technology in vehicles globally.

“Ford’s rear inflatable seat belt technology will enhance safety for rear-seat passengers of all ages, especially for young children who are more vulnerable in crashes,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environmental and Safety Engineering. “This is another unique family technology that builds on our safety leadership, including the most top safety ratings of any automaker.”

Safer and more comfortable
Advances in air bag inflation and seat belt construction methods have enabled Ford and its suppliers to develop inflatable seat belts that are designed to deploy over a vehicle occupant’s torso and shoulder in 40 milliseconds in the event of a crash.

In everyday use, the inflatable belts operate like conventional seat belts and are safe and compatible with infant and children safety car and booster seats. In Ford’s research, more than 90 percent of those who tested the inflatable seat belts found them to be similar to or more comfortable than a conventional belt because they feel padded and softer. That comfort factor could help improve the 61 percent rear belt usage rate in the U.S., which compares to 82 percent usage by front seat passengers, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.

“Ford is pioneering inflatable seat belt technology to help enhance crash safety protection, while encouraging more people to buckle up with a more comfortable belt,” said Paul Mascarenas, Ford vice president, Engineering, Global Product Development.

In the event of a frontal or side crash, the inflatable belt’s increased diameter more effectively holds the occupant in the appropriate seating position, helping to reduce the risk of injury.

Vehicle safety sensors determine the severity of the collision in the blink of an eye and deploy the inflatable belts’ air bags. Each belt’s tubular air bag inflates with cold compressed gas, which flows through a specially designed buckle from a cylinder housed below the seat.

The inflatable belt’s accordion-folded bag breaks through the belt fabric as it fills with air, expanding sideways across the occupant’s body in about the same amount of time it takes a car traveling at highway speed to cover a yard of distance.

The use of cold compressed gas instead of a heat-generating chemical reaction – which is typical of traditional air bag systems – means the inflated belts feel no warmer on the wearer’s body than the ambient temperature. The inflatable belts also fill at a lower pressure and a slower rate than traditional air bags, because the device does not need to close a gap between the belt and the occupant.

“It’s a very simple and logical system, but it required extensive trial and error and testing over several years to prove out the technology and ensure precise reliable performance in a crash situation,” said Srini Sundararajan, safety technical leader for Ford research and advance engineering.

The inflated belt helps distribute crash force energy across five times more of the occupant’s torso than a traditional belt, which expands its range of protection and reduces risk of injury by diffusing crash pressure over a larger area, while providing additional support to the head and neck. After deployment, the belt remains inflated for several seconds before dispersing its air through the pores of the air bag.

Ford’s safety leadership record continues to grow
The inflatable seat belt debuting on the next-generation Ford Explorer continues Ford’s record of safety innovation. Ford today has more 5-star U.S. government ratings and “Top Safety Picks” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety than any other automaker.

Ford was the first automaker to introduce seat belts in 1955 and led the way in making driver and front-passenger air bags standard in most vehicles by 1993.

This year, Ford introduced radar-enabled Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning with Brake Support and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA). These technologies – introduced on the new 2010 Ford Taurus and Fusion – help drivers avoid potential dangerous crash situations using radar to detect the relative position of other vehicles and warn the driver with a combination of visual and audio alerts.

Ford’s other recent seat belt and air bag innovations include the industry-first BeltMinder system in 2000, which the U.S. government credited with increasing front belt usage by 5 percent in Ford vehicles. On the 2002 Explorer, Ford launched the industry’s first rollover-activated side curtain air bags – called Safety Canopy – as well as Roll Stability Control technology that goes a step beyond traditional stability control systems by helping measure and prevent side-to-side skidding and dangerous situations that could lead to rollovers.

Ford also introduced on the 2009 F-150 and 2010 Taurus some of the industry’s first pressure-based air bag technologies that help deploy side air bags up to 30 percent faster.

- By: Stephen Calogera

If you were keeping up-to-date yesterday with egmCarTech you probably noticed that most of our posts had to do with Chrysler’ 5-year product and business plan. If you missed anything the plan is available to view in detail over at http://www.chryslergroupllc.com/business/.

You can check out some of the important slides right here.

- By: Omar Rana

Suzuki today dropped the pricing details on its new 2010 Kizashi sedan, which arrives in dealerships in December 2009.

Pricing starts between $18,999 and $21,749 ($19,734 and $22,484 including destination and handling charges) for the entry level Kizashi S. Standard features on the 2010 Kizashi S sedan include push button keyless start, dual-zone climate control, 9-speaker audio with steering controls, EPS and ABS, projector beam headlamps, power windows, doors and mirrors, ambient lighting and 8 airbags.

The 2010 Kizashi SE model starts at $21,499 and $22,749; it comes with a 10-way adjustable power driver’s seat, 3-position memory driver’s seat, leather wrapped parking break and steering wheel with cruise control options and a CVT transmission.

The sporty 2010 Kizashi GTS model, available with a 6-speed manual or a CVT with paddle shifters starts at $22,499. It adds a 425 watt Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with 10 speakers, Bluetooth audio and calling capabilities, fog lights and power moon roof. The Kizashi GTS pricing tops out at $24,849.

The range-topping Kizashi SLS model builds on the GTS and adds leather seats, power passenger seat, heated front seats, dimming rear-view mirrors, Homelink Universal garage door opener, heated outside mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps. Prices range from $24,399 and $26,749.

Click here for more news on the Suzuki Kizashi.

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

2010 Suzuki Kizashi:

Press Release:

SUZUKI ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2010 KIZASHI

With Kizashi, Suzuki delivers sophistication and driving experience of a premium sport sedan for price of a modest midsize car

* Kizashi is the best equipped mid-size sedan starting under $19,000, with volume models averaging between $22,000 and $24,000.
* Kizashi offers the most standard safety features in its price class and already meets the NHTSA’s 2014 safety standards.
* The AWD Kizashi, available in all trim levels with CVT transmission, can be purchased for less than some of the segment’s volume leading FWD sedans.

BREA, Calif. (Nov. 5, 2009) — Tapping in to its heritage of building high performance outboard motors and motorcycles, American Suzuki Motor Corp. today announces pricing for the all-new 2010 Kizashi sedan (pronounced “Kee-Zah-Shee”) which will debut in dealer showrooms in December 2009.

The Kizashi offers a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes, premium design aesthetics and craftsmanship yet to be experienced in this category. Suzuki expands on its best-in-class platform while offering features more appropriate to the near-luxury segment. In short, Kizashi delivers a premium package and experience without the premium price tag.

With the well-equipped entry-level Kizashi S priced between $18,999 and $21,749 (plus $735 for destination and handling), a prospective customer enjoys an energetic platform, comfortable accommodation and expressive design for prices appropriate to a modestly equipped compact. This base price includes many standard features usually found in vehicles costing thousands more or as options in the competitive class. Standard features of the Kizashi S include:

* 8 airbags (front/rear side and curtain)
* Pushbutton keyless start
* Dual-zone climate control
* 9-speaker audio with steering controls
* EPS Stability Control and ABS
* Projector beam headlamps
* Power windows, doors and mirrors
* Ambient and footwell lighting

The FWD Kizashi SE will cost a mere $2,500 more and will allow customers the benefit of the efficient and responsive continuously variable transmission (CVT), P215/55R17 tires on alloy wheels, power driver’s seat with 10-way adjustment (including power lumbar), 3-position memory driver’s seat, and leather wrapped parking break handle and steering wheel with cruise control. The Kizashi SE, with prices ranging from $21,499 to $22,749 (plus $735 for destination and handling), will be Suzuki’s volume model.

The sporty GTS model, available in six-speed manual or performance tuned CVT with steering wheel paddle shifters, starts at just $22,499 (plus $735 for destination and handling) and includes multiple upgrades from the SE model, including 425 watt Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with 10 speakers, Bluetooth®1 streaming audio capability (with compatible MP3 and iPod®2 connectivity) and hands-free calling with voice command, P235/45R18 tires, fog lights and power moon roof. GTS pricing will top out at $24,849 (plus $735 for destination and handling).

The luxuriously appointed SLS model builds on the GTS and includes leather seats, power passenger seat, heated front seats, auto dimming rear view mirror with Homelink®3 Universal garage door opener, heated outside mirrors, automatic rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and rear proximity sensors with audible warning and graphic display. Prices for the lavish SLS range from $24,399 to $26,749 (plus $735 for destination and handling).

- By: Omar Rana