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

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

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

M-Sport has finally taken the wraps off of its Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car after nine months of hard work. The Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car will be eligible to compete in national rally championships around the world and the IRC and S200 World Cup in January 2010.

Power comes from a 1998cc 4-cylinder Duratec engine that makes 280-hp and maximum torque of 192 lb-ft. The engine is mated to an all-wheel-drive system and a 6-speed sequential gearbox. The Fiesta S2000 rally car also includes Brembo brakes and an adjustable sports suspension.

So far, the Ford Fiesta S2000 has complete nearly 3000 kms (1,864 miles) of testing in the UK and Europe. The testing program will continue into the early part of next year until the car makes its competitive debut.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery and the press release.

Ford Fiesta S2000 Rally Car:

Press Release:

All new Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car unveiled

The highly-anticipated Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car has been unveiled at a launch ceremony at M-Sport’s Cumbrian base in the UK. The new rally car, the culmination of nine months’ hard work by the design and engineering team at M-Sport, was presented by M-Sport managing director Malcolm Wilson. Gerard Quinn, Ford of Europe’s Senior Motorsport Manager was present as a special Ford guest during the S2000 launch.

The Fiesta S2000, M-Sport and Ford’s first global rally car, which will be eligible to compete in national rally championships around the world as well as the IRC and S2000 World Cup, is due for homologation in January 2010. However, it will make its public debut this weekend appearing as course car at the final round of the IRC series, the Rally of Scotland.

Invited guests were given an opportunity to get a close-up look at the exciting new car which has been designed by M-Sport’s award-winning technical director Christian Loriaux and his team led by Chief Designer Anthony Brinkman and Test Engineer Chris Gray.

Continuing their close relationship with Ford, the team at M-Sport has worked in tandem with Ford’s Motorsport Technical Manager Mike Norton and the Ford small car design team that developed the acclaimed kinetic design of the Fiesta road car, to develop a dynamic and aggressive looking rally car.

The experience gained from developing the record-breaking Ford Focus RS WRC has been used by the M-Sport team to develop the Fiesta S2000 rally car while working within the new FIA sporting regulations which mean that this car can be used by customers at both national and international level.

The Fiesta S2000 has already completed nearly 3000kms of testing both in the UK and Europe and that extensive testing programme will continue into the start of the next year in readiness for the car’s competitive debut.

The Fiesta S2000 is the latest in a long line of rally cars produced as a result of the successful partnership between M-Sport and Ford, starting with the Escort Cosworth in the 1990s and moving on to the record breaking Ford Focus RS WRC and Ford Fiesta ST.

It follows hot on the heels of M-Sport’s extremely successful two wheel drive Fiesta R2, which was launched earlier this year and has already taken class victories in rallies across Europe.

The arrival of the Fiesta S2000 means that together Ford and M-Sport offer a complete ladder of opportunity for rally competitors to graduate with Ford from national level right through to the WRC in Ford cars.

M-Sport Managing Director Malcolm Wilson said:
“Today is a very exciting day for us. This is the first global rally car for Ford and M-Sport, I really believe that we have produced a fantastic rally car and this launch is a big step to seeing it out competing in rallies. It’s the first time in five years that we have been able to offer a Ford rally car that can challenge for overall victory in national championships across the world.

“It is also the culmination of a huge amount of hard work not only by Christian Loriaux and his team, but by everyone who works at M-Sport. We have worked closely with Ford on this project, their best-selling road car, the new Ford Fiesta, has been a perfect base car and its award-winning styling and kinematics together with M-Sport’s expertise will surely make the Fiesta S2000 a huge global success.”

M-Sport Technical Director Christian Loriaux said:
“It’s a fantastic feeling today to see the car actually launched to the world after all the hard work and testing behind closed doors. Everyone at M-Sport has had to pull together in order to get the Fiesta S2000 finished in such a short period of time and it has been a great team effort to get to this point so quickly.

“The design team, led by Anthony Brinkman and Chris Gray, has worked incredibly hard and the fact that we have been able to deliver the car to schedule is down in no small part to the commitment of the entire M-Sport team to the success of the project. We have made a very promising start in testing and I am more than pleased with the performance of the car so far; it will be interesting to see how the real pace of the car compares to the competition.”

- By: Kap Shah

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid is scheduled to make its market launch in Nov. of 2010. It’s no wonder that engineers working on the Volt are putting in hours even on their days off.

“They’re testing, measuring and evaluating what is arguably the most important vehicle in General Motors Co.’s history,” reports the Detroit News. “They take their work home with them, literally, commuting in the vehicles, strapping baby seats in the back or picking up groceries.”

“We’ve been through three levels of hardware in two years,” said Alex Cattelan, the Chevy Volt’s chief powertrain engineer. “The groups working on the second generation and third generation versions are still providing more information to us.”

Cattelan says that he has no doubt that the Volt will be ready for its scheduled launch in late 2010. At the 2009 LA Auto Show next month, GM will announce plans for initial retail markets where the plug-in hybrid vehicle will be sold.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

You probably thought that Abarth’s 695 Tributo Ferrari was one of the hottest Fiat 500s you’ve ever seen. Well, we’d now like to introduce you to Romeo Ferraris’ modified Fiat 500 that will take part in the ‘6 Hours of Vallelunga.’

The carbon-fiber Fiat 500 is powered by a 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces an outstanding 360-hp. The hardcore Fiat 500 will be driven by Aldo Cerruti, Michela Cerruti and Maria Ferraris.

The Fiat 500 will be available in the North American market with a 1.4L Multiair engine in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Fiat 500 Racer:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Romeo Ferraris (via CarScoop)

As some of you may remember, at the Dodgers Stadium here in Los Angeles last April I test drove a Nissan Cube fitted with what was to eventually be the powertrain of the new 2011 Nissan Leaf. What seemed to be an exercise in futurism, now looking back, was more close to reality that we, in the media, could have expected.

Flash forward to now. Back to the Dodger Stadium, and actually back to the same exact parking lot in the Dodger Stadium, things have changed. I was once again behind the wheel of a Leaf mock-up, but this time, it was 100% accurate to production in terms of powertrain chassis, just fitted with a Versa-based body. Much like the last time, the VersaLeaf (Yes, I just made that up) had a smooth rush of torque off the line, and nice acceleration up to the around-town types of speeds I was able to achieve through the autocross inspired closed course. The expectedly linear rush, of course, was accompanied by only the lear-jet-taxi’ing electric motor hum emanating from the powertrian. The big surprise this time was the nice handling. The steering was nicely weighted and the suspensioned reacted quite well to dynamic transitions. One key factor is that the formidably heavy batteries are packaged under the floorpan and thus, the car’s center of gravity was quite low. A 0-60 time of ‘under 10s’ was thrown around, and I believe it’s probably a conservative number. People looking to drive this car in day-to-day activities will not have any problems with the performance of this car. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see some Leafs pop up in SCCA autocross once the car hits the mainstream.

First Drive: Nissan Leaf EV… sort of:

Back to the event itself: no longer is this a small casual event, it is a full-blown media event. No surprise, as Nissan President & CEO Carlos Ghosn was there himself to talk about the Leaf. Along with him was a panel panel including moderator Tyler Suiters, Chief Correspondent for Clean Skies News, David Crane, President & CEO of NRG Energy, Patricia Monahan, Deputy Director, Clean Vehicles Program, Director of the California Office, Union of Concerned Scientists and Mary Nichols, Chairman of California Air Resources Board. There was a lot of frank discussion back and forth, but let’s start with what you’re likely to be interested in: automotive product.

While we didn’t get to drive the actual production LEAF we did get a chance to take a spin in a Nissan Versa that carries the same powertrain. Power comes from a 107-hp electric-motor that runs on power supplied by lithium ion cells. On a full-charge, the Nissan LEAF allows for a driving range of 100 miles with a top speed of 87 mph. A full charge takes up to 8 hours on a standard 200V outlet. Buyers can opt for the DC 50kW quick-charger, which recharges the battery up to 80 percent in under 30 minutes. One tasty tidbit of information that Carlos threw out there was an upcoming Infiniti 4-passenger compact luxury car that would also utilize the same or similar powertrain along with a light commercial vehicle (we imagine badged as a Renault) and two other yet unnamed vehicles. The Leaf will be built in Nissan’s Smyrna, Tennessee plant along with its batteries. The interesting thing about how the vehicle will be sold is that the car will be available for purchase, but the batteries will be leased to the consumer. This does 2 things: 1) makes price of the Leaf more competitive with gas-engined equivalent cars and 2) structures the variable cost portion (battery lease + electricity) to be competitive with fuel costs at a projected 12,000-15,000 miles a year. As gas will only be getting more expensive, while battery technology would make batteries cheaper, this disparity will only increase. Carlos added that this leasing scheme would also future-proof the consumer from new battery technologies as they can simply trade-up to new batteries rather than being stuck with outdated technology. When asked about third party battery providers, Carlos mentioned that since Nissan would be producing its own batteries, it would not have to work to convince a 3rd provider that there is a market for the batteries in order to get them to commit to building capacity. This speeds up the process, however Nissan is open to 3rd party providers as long as those batteries meet the requirements needed.

The key to making the vehicle successful, according to Carlos, is being able to build the car in mass-scale. Per unit, he said, electric cars are not by nature more expensive and actually have much less components and thus less complication. However, they are dwarfed by the scale of internal combustion cars and thus cannot, at the current sales levels, compete on price. Economies of scale are paramount and thus the impetus for getting some initial critical mass for the Leaf. He envisions volumes of 500,000 cars a year worldwide once all markets are on-line. He quoted a volume level of over 10% of worldwide sales moving forward. Being that Nissan-Renault sold around 6 million some odd vehicles last year, this doesn’t seem too unreasonable and actually might be conservative.

Infrastructure is also a key need that needs to be satisfied, though David Crane was quick to point out that this should not be a chicken/egg issue where one is waiting on the other. The infrastructure and cars able to utilize that infrastructure must build together, not sequentially. To that, Patricia Monahan added that government can help build this critical mass through its use of tax incentives, etc.

From an environmental standpoint, an acceleration in volume of non-oil powered cars would be required to hit required greenhouse gas reduction targets. Especially as tailpipe emissions are still 25% worse than even coal produced electricity. What’s different now than the so-called ‘false start’ we had in the early 90’s (they didn’t mention them by name, but they were of course referring to the EV1, RAV4 EV, etc.), is that the private sector (including automakers themselves) is on-board, not just being ‘forced’ into it by regulation. Furthermore, and probably more importantly, there is now public support for electric cars. It is now, as they said, just forward thinkers such as academics, scientists, etc. as was the case a decade or two ago.

First Drive: Nissan Leaf EV… sort of:

- By: Kap Shah

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Jack Rosenfeld – egmCarTech.

Aptera announced today that its Aptera 2e electric-car has been pushed back to 2010.

“We’re making significant progress every day with product refinements, the completion of engineering and design details, and securing meaningful strategic partnerships,” said Paul Wilbur president and CEO. “However, we now have to adjust our production schedule to align with financing realities. Properly managing the resources of the company means we’ll complete our first vehicles in 2010, not by the end of 2009 as previously projected.”

Aptera said that it has received nearly 4,000 deposits for the 2e which are fully refundable and remain in an escrow account, if you’re one of the many that are not willing to wait until 2010.

Click through for the press release.

Press Release:

FIRST ALL-ELECTRIC APTERA 2e PUSHED BACK TO 2010

Co-founders Fambro and Anthony step aside from day-to-day operations

VISTA, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2009) — In September 2008, when fledgling vehicle manufacturer Aptera named Paul Wilbur president and CEO, the 27-year Detroit auto executive set forth a series of financial goals and product deadlines. “Aptera’s production and delivery will be tied directly to funding,” said Wilbur.

During the past 12 months, the company’s initial offering – the aerodynamic Aptera 2e, an all-electric, three-wheeled two-seater that gets the equivalent of 200-plus mpg – has evolved from concept to near reality. Companies including Google and IdeaLab have made significant investments in the southern California auto manufacturer, and numerous potential private and public backers are in the process of doing their due diligence. However, according to Wilbur, the vehicle development progress has been outpacing the rate of fundraising.

“Aptera management is being a prudent steward of all resources to ensure future viability for the company and strong returns for its stakeholders. Therefore, we’ll begin volume production vehicles once our current series of private funding has closed or when we secure financing through the Department of Energy’s Advanced Technology Vehicle loan program, whichever comes first.”

The aerodynamically-inspired Aptera 2e goes from zero to 60 in under 10 seconds, tops out at 90 mph and has already received nearly 4,000 deposits, which are fully refundable and remain in an escrow account. The production vehicle includes enhanced safety features, a redesigned interior cabin that is airy and user-friendly, a monocoque, structural composite body as well as a telematics and infotainment system.

“I’m as disappointed as any of our depositors and loyal followers around the country that we’re delaying initial production,” says Wilbur. “There’s no one who’s more anxious than we are to put the 2e on the road.

“Because of this production delay, we’ve unfortunately been forced to lay off some hard working employees. It’s a strategy to streamline our spending to hone in on the items that advance our fundraising and completion of our first vehicle.

“Additionally as part of this plan, co-founder Chris Anthony is stepping aside from day-to-day activities to concentrate on his two other companies, Epic Boats and Flux Power.”

Aptera’s other co-founder, Steve Fambro, who started tinkering with the idea of building an aerodynamic vehicle five years ago, is taking a short leave of absence and will re-engage with the company in the new year.

“Right now my advanced work is a lower priority for Aptera,” said Fambro, the company’s Chief Technical Officer who directs all advanced concept development activities. “We’ve got to be wholly focused on funding and getting the first 2e on the road.

“Paul’s leadership and (chief engineer) Tom Reichenbach’s talent have led to changes in the vehicle that are spot-on. They’ve made the vehicle safer, it’s better handling and more comfortable. Once we get through this stage, we’ll begin mass producing the 2e – the most aerodynamic and efficient vehicle in the world.”

According to Wilbur, “Building and launching a new car company is the challenge of a lifetime – even in the best economic times. At Aptera, this is especially true because we didn’t start with an existing architecture for our vehicle. The 2e was designed from scratch, which is why we’re focused on properly, and painstakingly, creating a foundation that can succeed over time; it’s a chance for everybody working at Aptera to reshape the automotive world for the next generation.”

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

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

Daimler AG is ready to kick off a pilot program for its Smart cars2go service in Austin, Texas. The program allows city employees to rent a Smart for a couple of hours and return to a designated location provided by Daimler. A pilot with 200 Smart ForTwo cars will run with Austin city employees, reports Automotive News.

Daimler tested the program in Ulm, Germany, earlier this year in March. Registered users in Germany were able to pick up a car2go Smart ForTwo anywhere off the street or pre-book it for as long as they needed. Users were charged 19 euro cents per minute including taxes, insurance, mileage and fuel. Frequent users were able to buy 49 euros ($73.40 USD).

Daimler AG CEO, Dieter Zetsche, said that the Smart cars2go services could be expanded to other cities and that ”many other big metropolitan areas around the globe are interested.

No pricing details were given on the U.S. pilot program.

cars2go: Smart ForTwo cdi:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Renault and Nissan’s CEO Carlos Ghosn is still betting big on the ultra low-cost car segment and reaffirmed that the group will have a Tata Nano competitor, in a partnership with Bajaj Auto, by 2011. Speaking at the India Economic Summit, Ghosn said that the compact car is still a goal not only in India, but even globally and the three partners were working to get one on the road by two years.

“The entry price point, which will be $2,500 is still very important for the market, not only for India, but also for lot of emerging markets,” Ghosn said. “We have to bring in the car with basic feature, basic functionality at a very affordable price.”

In earlier press release, Nissan said that “initial planned capacity will be 400,000 units per year. Sales will start in early 2011 in India, as a primary market, with growth potential in other emerging markets around the world.

“I know that some of our competitors like Tata has already put the car in the market … its moving on. We will continue to work to bring in this car (with Bajaj) into the market,” Ghosn said.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: The Economic Times

The Nissan Leaf has made it on to TIME Magazine’s list of 50 Best Innovations of 2009. TIME said:

It’s not the world’s first electric car, but the Nissan Leaf, launched in August, is the first fully electric vehicle built for mass production for the global market. To help drivers shift their thinking from gas to green, Japan’s third largest automaker has about 30 partnerships worldwide focused on developing an infrastructure of battery-recharging stations to keep electric vehicles on the roads.

We’ll be posting our first drive feature on the Leaf later today – stay tuned.

Click here for more news on the Nissan Leaf.

Refresher: Power comes from a 107-hp electric-motor that runs on power supplied by lithium ion cells. On a full-charge, the Nissan LEAF allows for a driving range of 100 miles with a top speed of 87 mph. A full charge takes up to 8 hours on a standard 200V outlet. Buyers can opt for the DC 50kW quick-charger, which recharges the battery up to 80 percent in under 30 minutes.

2010 Nissan Leaf EV:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: TIME

Daimler AG’s CEO Dieter Zetsche told The Wall Street Journal that Mercedes-Benz is planning on bringing a new small luxury car to the United Stated by 2012 in an effort to compete with the Audi A3, BMW 1-Series and the Mini Cooper.

“We believe the future customer will continue to want to show some statement” in the luxury car the customer drives, but “the definition of luxury will be somewhat different,” Zetsche told WSJ. “It will be fewer CO2 emissions and more modesty in appearance.”

Zetsche said that Mercedes-Benz will offer upscale luxury in a smaller package and that the brand will import at least one of four next-generation compact models it will start selling in Europe in late 2011.

Now we’re not sure of Zetsche is talking about the A-Class or B-Class or a brand new model – stay tuned for further details.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WSJ

Over the years, Mazda’s vehicles have put on some weight. Well, the Japanese automaker is now setting a target to reduce its vehicle weights by at least 220 pounds starting 2011. Mazda will use a combination of lighter materials, smaller vehicle footprints and a better engineering process.

According to Robert Davis, Mazda North America’s senior vice president of product development and quality, the typical Mazda has put on at least 80 pounds with each successive redesign. For example, the 2003 Protege weighed in at 2,634 pounds; its successor, the 2010 Mazda, weighs in at 2,868 pounds.

Davis said that cutting weight by 220 pounds will improve fuel-economy by 3 to 5 percent. However, there are obstacles that must be faced including maintaining safety regulations while keeping Mazda’s zoom-zoom feel along with the cost of engineering involved in cutting excess weight.

Check out our review of the 2010 Mazda3.

Review: 2010 Mazda3 Grand Touring:

- By: Kap Shah

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

Source: AutoWeek

The 2010 Volkswagen GTI has been named the 2010 Automobile of the Year by Automobile magazine.

The GTI was up against a very impressive lineup of test-vehicles including the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS, a 2010 Ford Mustang GT, a 2010 Porsche Panamera S, a 2010 Jaguar XFR, a 2009 BMW Z4, and a 2009 Porsche Cayman S.

“Remarkably competent on the track,” said tech editor Don Sherman. “Superb handling and good feedback,” seconded road test coordinator Mike Ofiara, who has a Mark 3 and a Mark 5 GTI at home. “Oodles of fun,” enthused contributor Preston Lerner, adding, “front-wheel drive never seemed to be an issue.”

We’ll have the 2010 Volkswagen GTI in the egmCarTech garage on Nov. 20th so we’ll be sure to fill you in with daily updates and a full review.

Refresher: Powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 206-hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 149 mph.

2010 Volkswagen GTI (US Spec):

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Automobile

If you’re someone looking to get into a Pontiac before General Motors shuts the brand down, you better act fast. Tweeting at its Twitter account, Pontiac today listed the number of units for each model left in its dealer inventory.

Here is the list as it stands today:

Pontiac G8 GXP: 16
Pontiac G8 GT: 570
Pontiac G5: 1500
Pontiac Torrent: 400
Pontiac Solstice Coupe: 139
Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP: 160
Pontiac Vibe: 350
Pontiac G6 GXP: 530

Check out our review of the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP here.

Reviewed: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP:

- By: Omar Rana

All Photos Copyright ©2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

Source: Twitter

Gordon Murray Design and Zytek Automotive have announced that they will have four prototypes of an all-electric three-seater city car on the roads by February 2011. The move is made possible by a £4.5m ($7.5 million) investment from the government-backed Technology Strategy Board.

The production model, currently known as the T.27, will be the world’s most efficient electric car due to its low weight and ‘clean sheet of paper design,’ says Gordon Murray Design.

Where does Zytek come in? Gordon Murray Design says that making the T.27 the most efficient electric-car isn’t possible with conventional steel design or existing drivetrains, gearboxes, electric-motors or batteries. Zytek will integrate an efficient drivetrain to a new lightweight manufacturing process developed by Gordon Murray called iStream. The move will result in a three-seater city car that is slightly smaller than a Smart, but with more interior room. Gordon Murray has not yet released any technical specs of his T.27.

The 16 month project aims to have a manufacturing facility in the UK, with the ultimate goal of producing the T.27 in the UK.

Make the jump for the press release.

Press Release:

GORDON MURRAY DESIGN & ZYTEK AUTOMOTIVE ANNOUNCE ELECTRIC CITY CAR PROGRAMME

Gordon Murray Design and Zytek Automotive announce an all-electric three-seater city car, made possible through a £4.5m investment from the government-backed Technology Strategy Board. With a total cost of £9m, the new research and development project will allow the consortium to develop four prototypes by February 2011.

Professor Gordon Murray, Chief Executive and Technical Director of Gordon Murray Design said of the announcement “As we head towards the new industrial revolution brought about by rising energy costs and concern over the effects of greenhouse gases, we at Gordon Murray Design feel proud to be working with the Technology Strategy Board in helping the UK play a leading role in tackling the issues we all face. More often than not the UK has been responsible for innovative concepts and technologies only to have the end benefits seen abroad. In this case, we’re all working together to keep the technology and the production in this country.”

The T.27 will be the world’s most efficient electric car due to its low weight and ‘clean sheet of paper design’. This ambitious target cannot be achieved by applying a conventional stamped steel construction design, nor with a drivetrain using existing gearboxes, motors or batteries. Instead, an entirely fresh approach is proposed; accepting no compromise in safety, performance, range, space, weight, rolling resistance and ride quality. By applying iStream® methodology, a new manufacturing process developed by Gordon Murray Design, to the T.27 and fully integrating it with a custom-designed lightweight, highly efficient drivetrain from Zytek, every aspect of the vehicle can be optimised. This holistic approach results in a car slightly smaller than a Smart, but with more interior space.

A similar approach was used by Gordon Murray Design for a three-seater petrol-driven car (T.25) which is receiving significant market interest. The T.25 programme provides confidence that the aims of the T.27 programme are 100% achievable.

T.27 will also set new standards in environmental sustainability. High level lifecycle analysis derived from T.25 data predicts life-cycle emissions 63% less than the average car and for the T.27 lifecycle emissions 27% less than the nearest EV rival which is partly due to the iStream® manufacturing approach. Rival compact city car EVs do not simultaneously address all of the factors noted above and so this combination of attributes presents a significant market opportunity.

Zytek has designed and integrated electric drive systems for a wide range of European and US vehicle manufacturers and is currently building high performance electric drivetrains up to 70kW and 300Nm for cars, buses and light commercial vehicles. The T.27 focuses on ‘efficient performance’ with all aspects of the drivetrain designed to maximise efficiency and minimise weight. The motor, power electronics and gearbox will form a single, highly integrated unit designed specifically for the performance requirements of the T.27, but offering scaleability to heavier vehicles as required.

“This is an exciting project on several levels,” says Zytek Automotive Sales and Marketing Director Steve Tremble. “As well as supporting the development of a new family of E-Drives, it will show what can be achieved when the vehicle design is optimised for zero emissions propulsion. It’s a terrific initiative and we are delighted that the Technology Strategy Board has agreed to back it.”

The 16 month project has several aims; to position the consortium positively to further explore the possibility of scaling up and building a manufacturing facility in the UK, with the ultimate goal of producing the T.27 in this country; keeping the new technology and IPR within the UK and making this affordable, fun and environmentally friendly car widely available on the open market. The project outcomes will help justify the required follow-on commercial investment to take the vehicle into manufacture by providing a body of evidence that the concept is a viable design for production.