Earlier this week, engineers and other members of the Chevrolet Volt team provided the media with an update on the development of the new plug-in hybrid vehicle.

There is less than one year to go before GM starts making the production Chevrolet Volt, according to Vehicle Chief Engineer Andrew Farah. The plug-in hybrid is scheduled to go on sale in Nov. 2010.

Click through to see highlights from the presentation.

Here are some highlights from Farah’s presentation:

• GM has teamed with LG Chem to produce a great battery cell for the vehicle. It puts the team in a position to meet customer expectations and to use this technology to make vehicles beyond the Volt.
• Inside the Volt’s battery are cells, which are grouped together into modules that are grouped together into battery packs – or, the T-shaped objects that actually go into the vehicle.
• The Volt is meeting energy power requirements and is now balancing issues such as safety, regulations and customer satisfaction with other issues such as performance, durability, packaging and vehicle design.
• The team has completed the pre-production build process and is in the process of testing the vehicles. Some are being tested around the clock 24/7.
• The team has built all 300 packs for the Volt and the results have been excellent.
• There have been more than 250,000 miles of testing on the pre-production and mule vehicles. Some of the highlights of this testing include hot weather testing in Death Valley, mountain testing at Pikes Peak and a 65% calibration drive.
• Everything is not perfect on these drives, but there are not any problems that will not be handled before production. This is not unlike any other challenges that come with developing a new type of vehicle such as the Volt.

Engineering Group Manager Bill Wallace:

• There are 50,000 cells available for testing and to date, none of the cells have failed in the tests.
• Pack development is lining up with overall vehicle development and both tracks will meet with the start of production in November 2010.
• Battery cells go through 150 tests, including cell crushing, cell overcharging and cell life cycling.
• There are three major battery modules (groups of cells) inside the pack and they are tested to measure pressure, stress and high dynamic impact, among other things.
• The battery pack itself undergoes more than 20 different types of tests, including corrosion, crash and life cycle use.
• The team learned that the battery is well protected inside the vehicle and the cell abuse tests have shown the cells to perform as expected.
• Since the vehicle is so quiet, noise is an issue and the team is working on ways to reduce ambient noise when the vehicle is in motion.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: GM FastLane Blog

The Cadillac CTS Coupe is going to be released in May 2010 as a 2011 model year and will share all of its engine choices with the CTS and the CTS-V sedan. Bob Lutz confirmed back in July that General Motors was indeed going to offer a CTS-V Coupe, which we just learned will make its debut at the 2010 Detroit Show.

Lutz recently confirmed that GM will also offer a Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon.

Power for the CTS-V Coupe and the CTS-V Sport Wagon will come from the same 6.2L Supercharged V8 LSA found in the CTS-V sedan. Output is rated at 556-hp with a maximum torque of 551 lb-ft.

Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Straightline

Valentino Rossi has once again grabbed the MotoGP title and two honor his victory, BMW presented him with a brand new BMW M3 sedan and let him take a few hot laps in the new 2011 BMW M3 GTS.

“With his fleet of cars acquired through the BMW M Award, Valentino Rossi is a certified expert on BMW M,” BMW said in a statement. “So it hardly came as a surprise when the nine-times MotoGP world champion expressed an urgent wish after covering the first few kilometres of the home journey at the wheel of the BMW M3 GTS: he wants to add to his private fleet an individually manufactured BMW M3 GTS made at the BMW production workshop.”

Click here to read more news on the BMW M3 GTS.

Refresher: Weighing in at 3,285 pounds (the standard BMW M3 coupe weighs 3,704 pounds), the 2011 BMW M3 GTS is powered by a 4.4L V8 making 450-hp. Power is transmitted to the wheels through a 7-speed M DKG Drivelogic gearbox.

Valentino Rossi drives the 2011 BMW M3 GTS:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: BMW

At the 2009 LA Auto Show early next month, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will make its U.S. debut alongside the fuel-sipping ML450 HYBRID SUV, the first hybrid SUV from Mercedes-Benz.

We’re hoping Mercedes-Benz will offer some pricing details on the US-spec Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Earlier this week, it was announced that 563-hp SLS AMG will carry a price tag of 177,310 euros ($265,513 USD) in Europe.

The Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID will make its U.S. debut with a 3.5L V6 engine mated to two-electric motors producing a total of 335-hp and a peak torque of 381 lb-ft. Mercedes-Benz says that fuel-economy is improved by 46 percent. The ML450 HYBRID SUV can also drive solely on electric power up to a maximum speed of 34 mph.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG:

- By: Omar Rana

Press Release:

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, ML450 HYBRID and Fuel Cell to Debut at L.A. Auto Show

All-New SLS AMG Supercar, Fuel-Cell-Powered F-Cell, and New Hybrids Share the Spotlight

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18 — The 563-horsepower Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar, the fuel-sipping E350 BlueTEC and the fuel-cell-powered F-Cell will be making their North American debuts at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, open to the public December 4-13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Mercedes-Benz will also launch its first hybrid SUV — the ML450 HYBRID — as well as the impressive SPLITVIEW dual-content viewing technology.

All-New SLS AMG Supercar

The first-ever car designed and developed from the ground up by Mercedes-AMG, the new SLS AMG supercar features a lightweight aluminum space-frame body with gullwing doors and a 563-horsepower dry-sump V8 engine. With its front-mid engine and dual-clutch seven-speed, the compelling SLS AMG boasts ideal weight distribution and race-car-like handling.

F-Cell for Fuel Cell Electric Power

Essentially an electric car that makes its own power on board, the new Mercedes-Benz F-Cell will make its North American debut at the L.A. Show. The F-Cell car has a range of about 240 miles and, running on compressed hydrogen, boasts an equivalent fuel mileage of 86.6 city-highway combined miles per gallon. In 2010, 200 production F-Cell cars will be delivered to customers in the U.S. and Europe as part of a special lease program.

BlueTEC – The World’s Cleanest Diesels

Sharing center stage with the F-Cell and the SLS AMG, the fuel-sipping E350 BlueTEC is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 210 horsepower, an impressive 400 lb.-ft. of torque and approximately 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine. Now with revolutionary AdBlue injection that makes diesel exhaust super-clean, the E350 BlueTEC will be available in all 50 states in Spring 2010.

S-Class Debuts SPLITVIEW Technology

Also at the L.A. Show is an S-Class equipped with SPLITVIEW — a single display screen that allows the driver and front passenger to view two different programs at the same time. For example, the driver can view the navigation system, while on the very same display screen, the front passenger can watch a movie.

ML450 HYBRID Boasts 46 Percent Better Fuel Economy

Making its West Coast debut at the L.A. Auto Show, the Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, two electric motors and sophisticated electronics to produce more than 46 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model. Integrated within the modified automatic transmission, each magneto-electric motor is dedicated to a specific purpose — one for pulling away under electric power, the other specifically for acceleration. With both electric motors, the ML450 HYBRID has a total system performance of 335 horsepower and 381 pound-feet of torque.

During parking and low-speed operation, the ML450 HYBRID runs on the electric drive only. The ML450 HYBRID can drive solely on electric power up to a maximum speed of 34 mph.

The electric motors are powered by a liquid-cooled, 288-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery that’s enclosed under the rear cargo floor.

- By: Omar Rana

This just in – the 2011 Buick Regal will be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. During an event this morning in Michigan, the press was allowed to take the new 2011 Buick Regal for a spin. On hand was a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged Regal with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Jim Federico, the man behind the Opel Insignia and Buick Regal said that the 2.0L turbo version of the new GM sedan will be offered with a 6-speed manual shortly after it debuts in the second quarter of 2010.

When it arrives at local dealerships, the 2011 Buick Regal will be offered in two variants including a 182-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder and a 220-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged.

Now if we can just get a 6-speed manual on a 335-hp 2.8L turbocharged V6 Buick Regal GS – we may stop complaining about the Pontiac G8 GXP being gone (okay no – we’re just kidding – we still miss the G8).

Click here for more news on the Buick Regal.

2011 Buick Regal:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Straightline

We’ve heard about Rolls-Royce working on an electric version of the Phantom many times before. According to AutoCar, Rolls-Royce could have an electric Phantom on the roads within 12 months. That would be just in time for the car to make its debut at the 2012 London Olympics, which are being sponsored by parent company BMW.

Boss Tom Purvis has previously said that he wishes to produce an electric version of the Rolls-Royce Phantom to cushion the company from a possible future ban on big-engined sedans in urban areas and avoid tough CO2 regulations.

Insiders have said that the excess weight of a lithium-ion battery is the least of Rolls-Royce’s concerns since the Phantom already weighs close to three tons with its V12 engine.

Rolls-Royce is also reported to be working on an hybrid version of the new Ghost sedan, which should improve fuel-economy by 15 percent.

2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

We reported last week that the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG may spawn a smaller sports car that will compete against the likes of the Porsche 911. According to a senior source that spoke with AutoCar, the car is already in planning.

“Mercedes’ management has been very supportive of AMG’s efforts in developing the SLS,” the senior source said. “The feedback we’ve received since showing the car at the Frankfurt motor show has been extremely encouraging. A second model that will project a similarly exclusive image but be more accessible in terms of its pricing is already in planning.”

However, we’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of a convertible or Black Series variant. AutoCar recently spoke to AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg and asked him when we can expect to see a convertible version of the SLS AMG. Mornhinweg replied: “Convertible? There are some surprises coming but I can’t confirm anything at the moment.”

As for the SLS Black Series, Mornhinweg said: “That sounds like fun. All I can confirm is that we are thinking about a competition future for the SLS. Its first race track duty, however, will be as the FIA safety car for next year’s Formula One championship.” It was reported last month that an SLS Black Series is due for release in 2013.

All we can say is keep your fingers crossed.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

A new study called Electrification Roadmap predicts that there will be at least 14 million electric-vehicles on U.S. roads by 2020 and that EVs could account for 75 percent of all light-duty miles driven by 2040. The new study is backed by Nissan, FedEx, Coda Automotive and Coulomb Technologies.

“Up to now, electrification seemed like a pipe dream,” said Fred Smith, chairman and CEO of FedEx and a member of the Electrification Coalition. “But we are offering a realistic, practical, achievable plan to build a transportation system that will enhance our national security, propel economic growth and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.”

The results from Electrification Roadmap are expected to capture the attention of the government, automakers and many companies that participate in developing electric cars.

The Nissan LEAF and the Chevrolet Volt are both scheduled to release in 2010. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn recently predicted that electric-vehicle sales will reach around 1 million in the U.S. by 2015.

2010 Nissan Leaf EV:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Reuters

Mazda announced today that it will unveil the US-spec Mazda2 at the 2009 LA Auto Show on Dec 2.

“Bringing Mazda2 to North America completes the bookends in our line-up,” said Jim O’Sullivan, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations. “With the seven- passenger crossover CX-9 at one end and the sub-compact Mazda2 at the other, Mazda’s line-up now spans the most significant product segments in the industry, and is the strongest, best-designed, best-built we have ever offered. Mazda2 will be true to everything that makes our cars stand apart from the competition: it will be stylish, fun-to-drive and a heck of a value. In short, it will be the definition of Zoom-Zoom.”

Sales of the Mazda2 will start in the late part of 2010.

We’ll be live in LA starting Dec. 2 – so make sure you join us for live coverage.

Click through for the press release.

2010 Mazda2 (Thailand):

Press Release:

North American Mazda2 to Debut at 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show

Hiroshima, Japan, 18 November 2009. Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the Mazda2 at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The globally-acclaimed Mazda2 brings a level of style and driving dynamics to the North American sub-compact segment that no other competitor can offer. The vehicle will be sold in the U.S. and Canada beginning in late 2010. The LA Auto Show press days are 2-3 December; public days run from 4 through 13 December.

Mazda2 has been a sales and media success in markets around the world, winning 48 awards and being recognized as Car of the Year in more than 20 countries. Additionally, Mazda2 was named “2008 World Car of the Year,” besting all other new cars around the world.

Mazda’s press conference is scheduled to take place from 11:05 to 11:30 (local time) on Wednesday, 2 December 2009.
Main Exhibits

- By: Kap Shah

We have just received some new images of the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder, which will make its debut at the 2009 LA Auto Show next month. We’ll be in LA live covering the show, so make sure you join us on Dec. 2 to see some live photos.

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.

Click through for the updated high-res image gallery.

2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder:

- By: Omar Rana

GM announced today that it will show the U.S. production version of the Chevrolet Cruze sedan at the 2009 LA Auto Show on Dec. 2. The Cruze will be joined by the Chevrolet Volt, Camaro, Equinox and other hot-selling Chevys.

The Chevrolet Cruze has already been launched in Europe and Asia and will hit U.S. roads in the third-quarter of 2010 with a lineup of fuel-efficient engines including a 1.4 turbocharged 4-cyinder unit. The base 1.4L 4-cylinder will deliver up to 40 mpg on the highway.

GM said that it will also announce plans for initial retail markets where the Volt will be sold at the LA Auto Show.

We’ll be in LA providing live coverage so make sure you join us on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3.

Click through for the press release.

2010 Chevrolet Cruze:

Press Release:

Chevrolet at the Los Angeles International Auto Show

- U.S. premiere of the all-new Cruze, delivering up to 40 mpg highway
- Volt electric vehicle to be available in select markets in 2010
- Camaro, Equinox and other hot-selling Chevrolet vehicles also on display

DETROIT – Chevrolet affirms its commitment to fuel solutions and building refined, eco-friendly vehicles with the debut of the U.S. production version of the Cruze sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show, on Dec. 2. The Cruze, along with the much-anticipated Volt electric vehicle, will give visitors to the L.A. show a close-up view of Chevrolet’s expanding lineup of gas-friendly to gas-free products.

“With expected highway fuel economy up to 40 miles per gallon, Cruze will be extremely gas friendly while the Volt electric vehicle can be operated gas-free,” said Brent Dewar, vice president, Chevrolet. “Chevrolet’s focus is on forward-looking technologies to the benefit of our customers, such as the highly efficient, small-displacement turbocharged engine in the Cruze or the Volt electric vehicle with extended range.”

The Cruze has already launched to high acclaim in Europe and Asia and has undergone refinement for America. It goes on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2010 but has already logged more than 4 million miles in quality and durability testing worldwide, making it one of the most globally tested Chevrolet products prior to a U.S. launch.

Cruze is designed to achieve class-leading highway fuel economy using a new family of efficient engines that include a 1.4L turbo. It will lead the way for Chevrolet in small-displacement, turbocharged engines that are designed for excellent fuel efficiency and durability – while also being fun to drive.

Defying preconceptions of what a compact car can be, Cruze will offer a more spacious interior and cargo capacity than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, and upscale infotainment amenities such as a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and XM Satellite Radio. Ten standard air bags that provide a safety cocoon for occupants – along with OnStar– also make it one of the safest vehicles in the segment.

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. It is expected to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt’s lithium-ion battery is depleted of energy, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the total driving range to more than 300 miles before refueling.

Chevrolet will announce plans for initial retail markets where the Volt will be sold. Chevrolet will also announce the winner of a nationwide consumer competition to name a Volt unique paint color. Consumers determine the winner by voting now for their favorite of three finalist names at www.chevroletvoltage.com, until 8 a.m. Eastern time on Dec. 1.

From Nov. 27-29, the Volt will be on display next to Bloomingdale’s at the Westfield Century City mall in West Los Angeles. During regular mall hours, visitors to the Chevrolet Volt display may get two free tickets each to the L.A. Auto Show, while supplies last. The L.A. Auto Show opens to the public Dec. 4.

Production for the Volt is expected to begin in late 2010. Pricing has not been announced.

The Chevrolet show exhibit also will feature the all-new, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro sports coupe and Chevrolet Equinox compact crossover SUV. The popularity of these vehicles helped Chevrolet boost sales by 9 percent in October, including a significant 31-percent increase in retail sales.

The Camaro continues to distance itself from its closest competitor as a fuel-efficient interpretation of a 21st century sports car, achieving 29 miles per gallon on the highway when equipped with the popular 304-horsepower direct injected V-6. Camaro has been a leader in the regular sports car segment for the last five months.

Demand for the Camaro continues to be strong, as Chevrolet now has more than 36,000 sold orders for the car.

The all-new 2010 Equinox is a compact crossover that combines distinctive design, extensive functionality and outstanding efficiency. At 32 mpg highway, the Equinox gets better fuel economy than the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV-4. It even beats the Ford Escape Hybrid while costing $7,000 less.

In just a few short months, Equinox has captured 10 percent of the critical compact crossover segment, its best share since August of 2007 and up 4.6 percent from a year ago. More than half of 2010 Equinox customers traded in a non-GM vehicle (based on internal PIN data). Demand is so strong for the Equinox that the plant where it is built recently added a third shift.

- By: Omar Rana

According to Chattanoogan.com, Volkswagen has received 65,000 applications for about 2,000 positions for its new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen of America accepted applications for about three weeks.

Volkswagen plans to kick off production of a new mid-size sedan at Chattanooga in 2011. The automaker has yet to decided on the official name of the sedan, which will replace the Passat in the United States. CEO Stefan Jacoby said that the company has plans to sell 100,000 units annually and also has plans to export the U.S. built sedan.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Free Press

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was spotted driving around in Michigan roads looking rather nice in a matte-black paint job with black wheels. We’re guessing this is just a prototype of the next-generation Grand Cherokee making rounds at local dealerships.

Click here for more news on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Refresher: The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be offered with two new powertrains including Chrysler’s new flexible fuel 280-hp Phoenix 3.6L V6 which increases fuel-economy by up to 11 percent. The range will be topped off with a 5.7L HEMI V8 making 360-hp and a maximum torque of 390 lb-ft.

Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee in Michigan:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Jeep Garage (via accelerating-perspective and AutoBlog)

Among the 13,000 entries received from consumers for the Chevrolet Volt’s paint color name contest, GM has chosen three finalists. The three finalists include:

• EV-ergreen: by Devin McQuarrie, 30, of San Jose, CA
• Viridian Joule: by Dave Thomas, 40, of Sanford, FL
• environMINT:  by Matthew Valbuena, 30, of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

You can vote for your favorite name at www.chevroletvoltage.com through 8 a.m. ET on Dec. 1. All finalists will be flown out to Los Angeles where the winner will be announced on December 1st. The winner will get to be the first consumer to test-drive a pre-production Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

Press Release:

Every Vote Counts: Finalists in Chevrolet Volt Color Contest Compete to be First to Test-Drive a Volt

- Nearly 13,000 consumers submitted entries
- Every state represented with at least one name entry
- Consumers vote Nov. 16 through Dec. 1 to decide the winner
- Winning name will be announced Dec. 1 in Los Angeles

DETROIT – “Chargetruse,” “Recharge Silver,” and “Voltaic Platinum” are among the nearly 13,000 entries consumers submitted in Chevrolet Volt’s paint color name contest. Chevrolet has named three finalists whom will compete for a chance to be the first consumer to test-drive a pre-production Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle.

Chevrolet selected “EV-ergreen” offered by Devin McQuarrie, 30, of San Jose, CA; “Viridian Joule” submitted by Dave Thomas, 40, of Sanford, FL; and “environMINT” entered by Matthew Valbuena, 30, of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Chevrolet chose the three finalists based equally on originality, creativity and the ability to capture the innovation and spirit of the Volt.

Consumers now determine the winner by voting for the favorite name of the three at www.chevroletvoltage.com through 8 a.m. ET on Dec. 1. The finalists and a guest each will travel to Los Angeles where the winner will be announced by Chevrolet on Dec. 1. Votes are limited to one per person, per internet protocol address during the voting period.

About 27,000 people – or half of all visitors to www.chevroletvoltage.com during the entry period Oct. 22 through Nov. 4 – submitted a color name.

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. It can drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt’s lithium-ion battery runs low, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the total driving range to more than 300 miles before refueling or stopping to recharge the battery.

Production for the Volt is expected to begin in late 2010. Pricing has not been announced.

- By: Kap Shah

Starting today, Europeans will be able to order the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG for a starting price of 177,310 euros ($265,513 USD). Deliveries of the new high-performance Benz coupe will begin in Spring 2010.

Click here for more Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG news.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.2L V8 making 563-hp with a maximum torque of 479 lb-ft of torque. Mated to an E-SELECT system that controls the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, the SLS AMG can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds (with the Race Start launch control system) with a top speed of 196 mph.

Click through for the press release.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG:

Press Release:

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG can be ordered from 16 November: The Gullwing is in the starting blocks

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the absolute highlight at this year’s International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, is now available to order. From Monday, 16 November 2009, company-owned sales and service outlets and sales partners of the Mercedes-Benz brand in Germany will be taking orders for this super car with its characteristic gullwing doors. The sales price is 177,310 euros (including 19 % VAT).

“Following a high-profile world premiere at the IAA, we are very excited about the SLS AMG’s commercial release on Monday. There is huge interest in our new super sports car and we are convinced that the SLS AMG will captivate our customers,” says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of the Management Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

As of the commercial release on 16 November 2009, prospective buyers will be able to obtain high-quality informational material which provides details of the paint finishes, leather colours, standard equipment and optional extras available for the SLS AMG. It will also be possible to configure your dream vehicle online at www.mercedes-amg.com and www.mercedes-benz.com. To bridge the time until the market launch in spring 2010, it is worth watching the web specials at www.mercedes-benz.com/sls-amg or www.mercedes-amg.com/#/sls . These offer a comprehensive insight into all the top features of the SLS AMG. Both online magazines cover performance, technology, design and equipment in exciting video material, as well as in words and pictures.

Mercedes-Benz and AMG active on online platforms

customers on social media platforms: at www.sls-amg-reporter.com fans of AMG will find short video clips and articles by Matthew K., the SLS AMG reporter. This 36‑year old car enthusiast is following the market launch of the SLS AMG and provides information about various events worldwide at which the Gullwing model is presented to the public. Matthew K. is also active at http://twitter.com/sls_amg , reporting live on his travels with the SLS AMG, as well as about his experiences and thoughts on the super sports car. Up-to-date information about the SLS AMG is also available from www.facebook.com/MercedesBenz – fans can communicate with other users and even upload their own photos and videos that express their passion for Mercedes-Benz.

A new legend delivering exceptional performance

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG dazzles with its purist design, intelligent lightweight construction and superior handling dynamics, and is bound to cause a sensation in the super sports car segment. The new SLS AMG is nothing short of a masterpiece by Mercedes-AMG GmbH. As its first completely independently developed vehicle, the super sports car is the highlight in the company’s more than 40-year history.‑It not only takes AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, into a new era, but also demonstrates development expertise of the very highest order.

The SLS AMG’s unrivalled technology package is an alluring proposition: aluminium spaceframe body with gullwing doors, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine developing 420 kW/571 hp peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones and a kerb weight of 1620 kilograms based on the DIN standard – this superlative combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent and the vehicle’s low centre of gravity are testimony to the uncompromising sports car concept. The ‘Gullwing’ accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 317 km/h (electronically limited). Fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) makes it one of the best among its competitors.

The SLS AMG sells at 149,000 euros net and 177,310 euros gross (including 19% VAT). Thanks to a diverse range of optional extras, the Gullwing model can be enhanced to suit any personal taste.

Some of the main options include:

- AMG ceramic composite high-performance braking system: €9500 net/ €11,305 gross
- AMG performance suspension with a stiffer setup for optimum lateral dynamics: €1200 net/€1428 gross
- AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), tyre sizes 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €950 net/€1130.50 gross
- AMG forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), with tyre size 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €2000 net/€2380 gross
- AMG performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara: €400 net/€476 gross
- AMG sports bucket seats: €3300 net/€3927 gross
- AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover: €4000 net/€4760 gross
- “AMG alubeam silver” paint finish: €10,000 net/€11,900 gross
- “AMG monza grey magno” paint finish: €3250 net/€3867.50 gross
- AMG carbon-fibre trim (front stowage tray and rear stowage compartment including lid, AMG DRIVE UNIT surround, surrounds for the centre console, shiftgate and rear, trim strips for centre console and door armrests): €3500 net/€4165 gross
- AMG interior carbon package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrests and sides, door sill panels): €3500 net/€4165 gross
- leather nappa exclusive single-/two-tone: €2500 net/€2975 gross
- Memory package with electric seat and steering column adjustment, as well as four-way lumbar support: €1225 net/€1457.75 gross
- 6-disc DVD changer: €660 net/€785.40 gross
- Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system: €5900 net/ €7021 gross

- By: Kap Shah

When the 2011 Buick Regal goes on sale in the second-quarter of 2010, it will be offered with a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine making 182-hp and a maximum torque of 172 lb-ft. A turbocharged variant making 220-hp will join the lineup later next year.

However, for those of you looking for more power from the new Regal (basically an Opel Insignia OPC version of the Regal) you’re in for a treat. According to Bob Lutz, under consideration is the revival of the Regal GS with the same 335-hp 2.8L turbocharged V6 and all-wheel-drive as the Regal’s European sibling, the Opel Insignia OPC.

Also under consideration is the Regal Sport Wagon, a Buick version of the Insignia Sports Tourer that will compete with the upcoming Acura TSX wagon. Lutz said that GM may definitely consider the model if the new Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon does well in the U.S. market.

Now only if we can get the Regal Sport Wagon in a GS trim – we’ll be satisfied.

Click here for more news on the Buick Regal.

2011 Buick Regal:

- By: Omar Rana

Source CARandDRIVER

The launch of the next-generation BMW X3 SUV has been delayed to encourage buyers to custom order the crossover according to their specifications. According to the CEO of BMW North America, Jim O’Donnell, the move will allow BMW to offer up to four engine choices at launch, making a lower-priced version available from the beginning. The current BMW X3 is only available with an all-wheel-drive model that starts at $39,575.

The delay means that the next-generation X3 won’t hit U.S. showrooms until mid-2011, six months after the model goes on sale in Europe.

Production of the BMW X3 will be moved from Magna Steyr in Austria to BMW’s Spartanburg, S.C., factory.

O’Donnell says that lower-priced versions could offer a 4-cylinder gasoline and a diesel variant. He said that a final decision will be made by the end of this year.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

Here is some more Buick Regal news for you guys. According to Wards Auto, General Motors is planning a mild-hybrid version of the Regal sedan for launch in the later part of 2010. The model will be the first GM vehicle to make use of the company’s second-generation hybrid drivetrain. The hybrid Buick Regal sedan will improve fuel-economy by at least 20 percent over the base gasoline version.

The new hybrid system will feature a 120 V lithium-ion battery back by Hitachi, which takes up 24 percent less space, has 40 percent less mass, and has 33 percent more power than the current system found in the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid sedan.

The base 2011 Buick Regal will be powered by a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine producing 182-hp and a peak torque of 172 lb-ft. It will be mated to Hydra-Matic 6T45 6-speed automatic helping it deliver an estimated fuel-economy of 20/30 mpg (city/highway).

Click here for more news on the Buick Regal.

2011 Buick Regal:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Wards Auto (via GM-Volt)