The Audi TT RS Plus is powered a 2.5 liter 5-cylinder turbo engine pumping out 360-hp an increase of 20-hp and a maximum torque of 343 lb-ft. Mated to a manual 6-speed transmission and the 7-speed S tronic automatic – the Audi TT RS Plus runs from 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds with the S tronic (4.4 seconds with the manual. Top speed of the car is limited to 174 mph in both Coupe and Roadster forms.

Stopping power comes from a 4-piston fixed calipers in conjunction with perforated brake disks are installed on the front axle.

What sets the Audi TT RS Plus apart from the TT RS is mostly visual upgrades including a Singleframe radiator grille, diamond-pattern mesh is in highly polished anthracite, a frame with a matt aluminum-look finish, housings of the exterior mirrors made of carbon fiber, dual-branch sport exhaust system with black oval tailpipe trims, sound flap that beefs up the sound of the engine, 19-inch cast wheels wrapped in 255/35 tires and a large rear wing.

No word on whether the Audi TT RS Plus will come to the United States. Sales in German start alter this year with prices for the manual TT RS Plus Coupe carrying a price tag of €60,650 ($80,579 USD) or €62,800 ($83,436 USD) with the seven-speed S tronic . The TT RS plus Roadster has a starting price of €63,500 ($84,366) or €65,650 ($87,222 USD).

- By: Omar Rana

The outside also features a front apron and rear trim panel that are grained and the side skirts boast a high-gloss black finish. Wheels consist of 15-inch 3-double-spoke alloy wheels in a brilliant black finish wrapped in 175/55 R 15 (front) and 195/50 R 15 (rear).

The inside gets contrast red double stitching on the black leather seats and instrument panel. The standard equipment includes the audio system basic and exclusive floor mats. The Smart ForTwo Sharpred is based on the passion line so that means you get a softouch automatic gear program, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control and a panoramic roof with sunblind. Electric power steering, heated seats, a lockable glove compartment, the smart sound system with five loudspeakers and the smart audio system navigation/multimedia.

Those interested can order the Smart ForTwo Sharpred now from their dealers and can expect delivery by May 2012. Only 1,800 units will be produced.

- By: Omar Rana

While we won’t be getting it in the United States, General Motors has just released a picture of the Chevrolet Cruze station wagon that will debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show next month. The station wagon variant will be joining the sedan and the hatchback (another trim we wish we got in the U.S. but don’t) in the Cruze’s European lineup.

Check out more news on the Chevrolet Cruze.

“The Cruze station wagon caters to an important market segment. It ticks all the boxes for European drivers in terms of distinctive design, dynamic driving, space and economy,” said Chevrolet Europe President and Managing Director Susan Docherty.

GM even goes out of its way to rub it in the face of Americans in the press release stating: “The new station wagon, which is not planned for sale in North America, features generous storage space and a choice of powerful and efficient engines as well as the state-of-the-art Chevrolet MyLink onboard infotainment system.” – Of course, us Americans hate space, efficiency and state-of-the-art infotainment systems.

Power for the Chevrolet Cruze Station wagon will come from a range go engine when it goes on sale in Euro later this summer. The power train lineup will include a 1.6L and 1.8L gasoline engines, a new 1.4L turbo gasoline, a new 1.7L diesel and an improved 2.0L diesel engine.

- By: Omar Rana

Check out more news on the Toyota Prius C.

The 2012 Toyota Prius C will be available in four grades with each carrying a Hybrid Synergy Drive 1.5-liter DOHC engine with VVT-i, a 60 hp permanent magnet AC synchronous motor, and a 144 volt nickel-metal hydride battery which generates 25.9 hp of electric propulsion for a total system net output of 99-hp. Obviously 0 to 60 mph will take you about 2 days but you’ll be managing some strong fuel-economy numbers.

The Price C One comes standard with  automatic climate control, tilt-telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, multi-information display and Bluetooth hands free phone controls; and remote keyless entry with illuminated entry, a 3.5-inch full color TFT multi-information display and USB port with iPod connectivity.

Check out the full pricing sheet after the jump.

The 2012 Prius C Two will add a 6-speaker audio system, auto windshield wipers, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with adjustable headrests, cruise control, engine immobilizer, center console with armrest and storage compartment, and a cargo area tonneau cover.  Getting a little more interesting, the Prius C Three will add a Display Audio system with Navigation and Entune with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Sirius XM Satellite Radio capability, HD Radio with iTunes Tagging, USB port with iPod connectivity and control, vehicle information with customizable settings, and advanced voice recognition. It also gets color-keyed outside door handles with touch- sensor lock/unlock feature, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, Multi-information Display, Bluetooth hands free phone and voice command controls, a Touch Tracer Display, and a Smart Key System on the front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry. 15-inch alloy wheels are also aded along with tilt/slide moonroof.

Last but not least the Prius C Four adds 15-inch, 8-spoke alloy wheels, Softex-trimmed heated front seats, color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, and integrated fog lamps.

2012 Toyota Prius c Pricing Sheet

2012 Prius c Options and Packages

Available for Prius c Three:

• Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade – MSRP $850
• 15-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels with P175/65R15 tires- MSRP $390

Available for Prius c Four:

• Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade – MSRP $850
• 16-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels with P195/50R16 tires – MSRP $300
• 16-inch Alloy Wheel Package: combines 16-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels with P195/50R16 tires and power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade – MSRP $1,150

Available Exterior Colors:

• Habanero
• Blue Streak Metallic
• Summer Rain Metallic
• Absolutely Red
• Black Sand Pearl
• Magnetic Gray Metallic
• Classic Silver Metallic
• Moonglow
• Super White

- By: Omar Rana

“The idea was to make the Track’ster tough looking, like a bulldog,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer for KMA. “But the car had to be approachable as well. We wanted to base the car in reality so people instantly knew it was a Soul, but with a lot of attitude. It had to be a bold interpretation that would change people’s conceptions of what a sporty Kia could be.”

“Mission accomplished,” Kia says – and mission accomplished indeed.

Besides its bold and aggressive looks with an eye-catching White and Inferno Orange exterior, Kia Track’ster features a grille with air intake slit trimmed in lightweight carbon fiber.  It also gets LED driving lights with aluminum surrounds, 14-inch Brembo brakes, a ‘backpack’ panel that accentuates the Track’ster’s 75.5-inch width, which is more than 5-inches wider than a production Soul.

Check out more news on the Kia Soul.

Power for the Kia Track’ster comes from a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 250-hp – 66 percent more than the production model. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission which helps transfer power to all four wheels.

Kia says that it has no current plans to produce the Track’ster. “Concept cars are icing on the cake,” said Kearns. “They allow KMA’s design team to dream about what could be. Whether that dream becomes a reality or not is a separate question.”

However, if you make a lot of noise Kia will hear you.

- By: Omar Rana

Most of the coupe’s exterior resembles the Elantra sedan, buy takes the brand’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design theme to a sportier design language.

Check out more news on the Hyundai Elantra.

Power comes from the 1.8 liter 4-cylinder in the Elantra sedan, which pumps out 148-hp and 131 lb-ft of torque. Mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, the Hyundai Elantra Coupe manages an estimated fuel-economy of 29/40 mpg (city/highway) and 28/49 mpg (automatic). That enables the Elantra Coupe to return a highway driving range of up to 500 whopping miles and makes it more fuel-efficient than the Civic Coupe and Kia Koup.

Inside, the story is pretty much the same as the Elantra sedan in terms of technology options and features, however, roominess is sacrificed. Nonetheless, the interior volume comes in at 110.2 cubic feet,which exceeds the 2012 Honda Civic Coupe and 2012 Kia Forte Koup by quite a lot.

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe will be available to order this spring. Sit tight for pricing details.

- By: Omar Rana

“Elantra GT is a fun-to-drive, functional, five-door compact hatchback,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Elantra GT is the latest example of how Hyundai is redefining the compact car and setting new standards in automotive design, efficiency and functionality.”

Hyundai says that the new 2013 Elantra GT will compete with the Ford Focus, Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf and will offer more interior space and fuel-economy than its competitors. It also weighs the least out of the bunch at just 2,784 pounds (with an automatic) - 175 pounds lighter than Focus, 151 pounds lighter than Mazda3 and 222 pounds lighter than Golf.

Power for the Elantra GT comes from the same 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine as the Elantra sedan. The engine pumps out 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque. Mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT averages an estimated 28/39 mpg (city/highway).

Check out more news on the Hyundai Elantra.

Inside the Elantra GT, offers more interior volume than the Toyota Matrix, Mazda3, Ford Focus and VW Golf and even more cargo capacity than the Nissan Juke crossover. Technology wise, the 2013 Elantra GT comes standard with a 172-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod/USB/auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth and Hyundai’s new BlueLink infotainment system. Optionally, buyers can add SiriusXM Satellite Radio, real-time NavTraffic and Data services, leather trim, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT hits dealerships this summer. Price, as always, will be announced closer to launch date.

- By: Omar Rana

“First-time luxury buyers tend to place a high value on exterior styling, affordability and environmental issues, and that’s what we have created with the new Acura ILX,” said Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design Studio. “The strategy behind this new model is to position ILX as the first opportunity for many young buyers to enter the luxury market.”

Power for the 2013 Acura ILX comes from three powertrain choices including the brand’s first-ever gas-electric hybrid. The base model features a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine making 150 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm. Mated to a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, the ILX 2.0L returns an EPA estimated 24/32 mpg (city/highway). For those that want more power, the Acura ILX also comes with a 2.4 liter 4-clyinder making 201-hp at 7,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft torque at 4,300 rpm. Mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission, the ILX 2.4L will deliver an EPA estimated 20/29 mpg.

Check out more news on the Acura ILX.

The 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid features Honda’s 1.5 liter engine and the Integrated Motor Assist electric motor. Fuel to the 20-hp electric-motor comes from a lithium-ion battery pack. Working together, the system produces 111-hp at 5,500 rpm and 127 lb-ft between 1,000-3,000 rpm. Mated to a CVT transmission, the Acura ILX 1.5L Hybrid averages a nice 35/38 mpg.

Interior features includes a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and push-button start, along with Pandora internet radio interface and SMS text message function. Buyers can opt for a Premium Package and the Technology Package. The Premium Package gives you leather heated seats, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system, a rear view camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin. The Technology Package adds an ELS Surround audio system, AcuraLink Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather with radar image maps. There is also an onboard 60GB hard drive.

The 2013 Acura ILX will go on sale later this year. Keep your eye out for the pricing information.

- By: Omar Rana

Mazda has finally announced pricing on its new 2013 CX-5 5-passenger compact crossover, which is currently on its way to dealerships with the company’s first full suite of SkyActiv technologies.

Prices start at $20,695 for the base model with a SkyActiv-MT 6-speed manual transmission. it comes standard with Sport trim, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels wrapped with 225/65R17 Yokohama all-season tires, daytime running lights (DRL), power side view mirrors, automatic headlight shutoff, body-colored outside mirrors with turn lamps, door handles, a roof spoiler and a color-keyed shark fin antenna. On the inside you get Black or Sand Beigh cloth seating, push-button start, power windows with driver’s side one-touch auto open/close, cruise control, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control functions, air conditioning, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible radio with Automatic Level Control (ALC) as well as auxiliary and USB connection ports. All that is standard.

Check out more news on the Mazda CX-5.

“The 2013 CX-5 is a look to the future of the Mazda brand,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “Our achievements in Research & Development have led to breakthrough engineering with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. It shows not only in the CX-5′s impressive fuel economy but also with its dynamic handling and performance, which only Mazda can bring to the compact crossover SUV segment.”

Moving up a notch, buyers can go for the 2013 Mazda CX-5 Sport model with a SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed automatic starting at $22,095. When you add all-wheel-drive – the price jumps to $23,345. A Bluetooth Audio Package will cost you $400 and will give you hands-free phone and audi connectivity and a 5.8 inch touchscreen display along with HD Radio Technology.

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 Touring model gets all the above as standard and adds fog lamps, upgraded cloth seats, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, rearview camera, an upgraded 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering- wheel-mounted audio, Bluetooth and cruise controls, a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system as well as a rear-seat armrest with cup holders. SKYACTIV-Drive automatic becomes standard on Touring models. Prices start at $23,895 for the front-wheel-drive and $25,145 for the all-wheel-drive.

Buyers can add the Moonroof/Bose and Technology Package to the Touring model for $1,130. The package adds a 9-speaker Bose Centerpoint sound system, a moonroof, in-dash TomTom navigation, an auto-dimming mirror with Homelink, automatic on/off bi-xenon auto-leveling headlights, a pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), rain-sensing windshield wipers, an anti-theft alarm and Sirius Satellite Radio.

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring basically adds everything above and gets 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, leather heated front seats, and an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat. Prices for the 2013 Mazda CX-5 start at $27,045 for the FWD and $28,295 for the AWD. Buyers can add the Technology package for $1,325 – adding a TomTom navigation, bi-xenon headlamps – adaptive and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry.

Power for the 2013 Mazda CX-5 comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out 155-hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. EPA rated fuel-economy comes in at 26/35 mpg (city/highway).

- By: Omar Rana

Four different options are available for power, all of which can be paired to either a six-speed manual, or a six-speed automatic. The petrol versions of the motor produce 120hp or 181 hp, the diesels are slightly slower, at 110hp or 141hp.

Check out more news on the Mini Cooper.

Exterior paint comes in three color options which include Iced Chocolate metallic, Midnight Black metallic and White Silver metallic. A set of 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted to the car, and it is accented with a brown soft top and hood stripes.

On the inside, Dark Truffle leather seats come with contrast stitching, along with a set of stainless steel pedals, special floor mats, and brushed aluminum trim.

By: Alexandra Koken

Called the Nissan Invitation, the concept hints at a new mainstream B-segment model that is due to be launched in the UK from 2013. The Invitation concept itself well debut next month at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

“Invitation is an energetic design, bringing fresh style, innovation and excitement to the mainstream market,” Nissan said in a statement. “The clean fluidity of the silhouette hints at its dynamic potential and showcases class-leading aerodynamics for enhanced efficiency.”

The Invitation Concept brings together advanced engine tech, a lightweight platform and an aerodynamic design create a fuel-sipping compact vehicle. Nissan said it also ensures strong driving dynamics with agile handling.

Well, we won’t know if all this is true until 2013. Stay tuned.

- By: Omar Rana

Mercedes’ upcoming A25 AMG model may still be in development, but we now have an idea of what direction Mercedes is headed in to power the model of the A-Class.

AMG has reached out to its High Performance Engine subdivision to aid in the development of a 2.-liter four cylinder for the A25. Starting with the M271/M274 petrol motor, HPE will be working to produce a heavily modified version. Ola Kallenius, former HPE head, has been brought on to the project, and has set some high goals for the engine.

Kalleniusis is aiming to produce over 335hp, which takes the Audi RS3 Sportback a 2.5-liter to produce and the BMW straight six makes even less in the upcoming M135i hatchback, with a 2.0liter engine.

Check out more news on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Swiss company Hyprex was originally Mercedes’ pick to provide a pressure-wave turbocharger, but the automaker chose to go a more conventional route instead with an exhaust-gas driven twin-scroll turbo, and direct injection.

The rest is left up to speculation, which could mean that the anticipated 2.0-liter is a strong possibility, as is a bore and stroke of roughly 83mm x 89mm.

Whatever may end up powering the A25 will also be shared with the CLC25AMG and CLC25 Shooting Brake AM. Both models are scheduled for launch next year, while the A25 is expected to be released at the Paris Motor Show in September.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoCar

Recent spy shots of the third-generation Mini Cooper suggest that the compact hatchback could get a Clubman-style third door when it hits streets next year.

The spy shots show a second shutline, covered by tape, behind the driver’s door.

BMW Group received a lot of criticism for the use of a single rear-hinged club-door on the Mini Clubman in the UK, since it was on the wrong side for right-hand-drive cars. To rectify the situation, Mini will add a rear-hinged door on both the Countryman and the second-generation Clubman.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

According to reports coming from dealers, Honda will be offering a mid-cycle update to the Honda Civic sedan this fall – just 18 months after the new model was launched. The move signals a rush to improve the Civic in time for the 2013 model year after it received critical reviews from Consumer Reports and The Wall Street Journal.

Check out more news on the Honda Civic.

John Mendel, executive vice president at American Honda Motor Co., has previously said that Honda planned to get a mid-cycle refresh for the Civic sometime in 2013. Even that would been quite quick since most company’s wait three years into a 5-year lifecycle for a mid-cycle change.

Last year, Honda sold 221,235 units of the Civic, far below its traditional 300,000+ rate. However, in January 2012, Honda topped the segment selling 21,883 units of the Civic.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoNews

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz will be unveiling the new 2013 A-Class hatchback. A video footage of the car was caught and uploaded on YouTube while it was undergoing a photo shoot in the Canary Islands.

Check out more news on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Mercedes-Benz has made no comment on the video but as you can see, the car seems pretty close the concept version that was shown at the 2011 New York Auto Show.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class will go on sale later this year in Europe and will come to the stateside early next year.

Stay tuned for more info.

Hit the jump for the video.

- By: Omar Rana

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI, the first Beetle TDI Clean Diesel model since 2006, is powered by the company’s 2.0 liter turbocharged, direct-injection diesel engine making 140-hp and a maximum torque of 236 lb-ft of torque. Mated to either a 6-speed manual or a dual-clutch DSG transmission, estimated fuel-economy comes in at 29/39 mpg (city/highway).

The 2013 Beetle TDI will be available in three models including the TDI, TDI with Sunroof and the TDI with Sunroof, Sound and Navigation. All models come standard with power windows with one-touch up/down; cruise control; V-Tex Leatherette seating; the kaeferfach secondary glovebox; Bluetooth; a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with audio controls; three auxiliary gauges; Keyless entry with push-button start; and a Media Device Interface with iPod cable.

Check out more news on the Volkswagen Beetle.

The base 2013 Beetle TDI model comes standard with 17-inch alloy-wheels, a standard audi system with AM/FM radio, CD player, Bluetooth, and eight speakers.It also gets an interior and exterior chrome package. The TDI with Sunroof adds a panoramic tilt/slide sunroof, a Premium VIII audio system with a full-color touchscreen display, a 6-disc CD changer, and an SD card reader. The TDI with Sunroof, Sound and Navigation adds a 5-inch touchscreen with navi and a Fender Premium audio system.

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI will go on sale this summer – prices will be announced closer to launch.

- By: Omar Rana

General Motors has just released its Super Bowl XLVI commercial for the Chevrolet Volt for the big game on Sunday.

Titled ‘Aliens’, the 30-second spot shows the curiosity about the Volt and its electric powertrain extends to extraterrestrial beings from galaxies far, far away.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Volt.

Refresher: The 2012 Chevrolet Volt is powered by 16-kWh, ‘T’-shaped lithium-ion battery that powers the electric drive unit, which allows it to drive 40 miles on battery power alone. The system puts out 149-hp and a maximum torque of 273 lb-ft, allowing the Volt to go from 0-60 mph in about 9 seconds, hitting a top speed of 100 mph. The battery can be re-charged by plugging into a household outlet and takes 4 hours to recharge on 240 volts, and about 10-12 hours on a standard 120-volt outlet. The Chevrolet Volt also carries an 84-hp 1.4 4-clyinder engine that allows the five-door, FWD sedan to travel additional miles while averaging a fuel-economy of 50 mpg. A fully charged battery and full tank of gas will allow the Volt to travel 379   miles. The 2012 Chevrolet Volt gets an EPA estimated 93 miles per ’gallon-equivalent’ when driving under electric power only, 37 mpg when in gasoline mode and over the long term it is estimated to get 60 miles per gallon in combined gasoline-powered and electric-powered driving. Prices for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt start at $39,995 but with a full federal income tax credit (which range from $0 to $7,500), the Volt can cost a total of $32,495.

- By: Omar Rana

The 2013 Fiat 500L offers “MPV passenger space combined with the feel of a small SUV on the road and the restrained dimensions and efficiency of a B segment car, the new Fiat model defies the conventional distinctions between the various segments, combining the typical characteristics of different categories in order to create a distinctive alternative to the traditional B and C segments,” Fiat said in a statement.”

Check out more news on the Fiat 500.

The model is a 5-seater and measures 414 cm long, 178 cm wide and 166 cm high. Engine choices will initially include two gasoline engines (TwinAir and 1.4-liter) and a turbo diesel (1.3 MultiJet II).

Sales will kick of in Europe in the last quarter of 2012. No word if it will make it to the stateside.

- By: Omar Rana