The name of the concept was taken from the founder Giovanni Bertone’s son, who took over the company and separated it into two divisions – one division of the company was focused on building vehicles while the other was focused on designing them for clients.

Giuseppe ‘Nuccio’ Bertone died in 1997.

Stay tuned for more details from the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

- By: Omar Rana

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Pininfarina will be showing a new concept that it calls the Cambiano Concept. The concept hints at a elegant and refined sport sedan so you can expect it to have a sloping rear roofline like the Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-Benz CLS.

Following three teasers that Pininfarina released last month, the company has now dropped a video teaser before the Cambiano’s Geneva debut.

Check out the video after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

Buick got the attention of classic car insurance firm Hagerty Insurance with its latest Regal GS model, which made the insurer’s “2012 Hot List”, receiving special recognition.

The Hot List is a list of mass market classic cars priced under $100,000. ”In order to be included on the annual Hagerty Hot List, the vehicle must be geared toward the driving enthusiast beyond just being a form of transportation,” said Hagerty.” Like the other Buick classics listed here, the 2012 Regal GS will be remembered more than most of its peers for many years down the road.”

Given Hagerty’s strong opinion of the Buick, it was placed on the Hot List amongst all classic cars. One of the outstanding factors of the model is the manual transmission, which they commented “at a time when allegedly more sporting makes don’t offer real three-pedal manual transmissions, Buick is doing it with the Regal GS.”

“The Regal GS is a unique and thrilling vehicle for the Buick brand,” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. “As someone who drove a classic Skylark to prom and owned other incredible Buicks like an ’87 GNX, I can say it deserves to be viewed among the best Buick has built.”

Along with the Hot List, Hagerty put together a list in collaboration with Buick of the Top 10 most-collectable Buick models. The list is as follows:

•  2012 Buick Regal GS
•  1932 Model 90 sport phaeton
•  1937 66C Century convertible coupe
•  1940 Super Model 59 Woody Estate Wagon
•  1947 Roadmaster Woody Wagon
•  1949 Roadmaster Convertible
•  1953 Skylark
•  1963 Riviera
•  1970 GSX Stage 1 Hardtop Coupe
•  1987 GNX

While the Hot List includes models under $100,000, this Buick list includes some valued well over that mark.

- By: Alexandra Koken

BMW of North America has announced pricing details of the new 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe, which will hit dealerships early summer. The 2013 640i Gran Coupe will set you back a total of $76,895.

The BMW 640i Gran Coupe will be powered by a 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 315-hp at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 330 lb-ft between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. That allows 0 to 62 mph to come in just 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

Later in the summer the 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel-drive 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the line. Prices of those model will be announced closer to launch date.

Click here for our original post on the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.

Refresher: The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be available in the United States in three models including the 640i Gran Coupe, which will be available early summer 2012. The 650i Gran Coupe and the 650i Gran Coupe xDrive will join the range later in the summer. The BMW 640i Gran Coupe will be powered by a 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 315-hp at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 330 lb-ft between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. That allows 0 to 62 mph to come in just 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. The 650i Gran Coupe models will be powered by a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 making  445-hp between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 480 lb-ft between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

- By: Omar Rana

The Ford SYNC system is now available on more than 4 million vehicles on the road. The feature is available either as an option or standard equipment on every new Ford model sold in North America. Ford now says that it will go ahead and offer the SYNC system as standard equipment on the new Ford Fusion and Flex.

Check out our original post on the Ford Fusion.

“Ford SYNC technology has led the industry in transforming the way we connect to our cars,” said Dave Mondragon, Ford general marketing manager. “SYNC has enabled Ford drivers to take advantage of the latest communication and entertainment technology with an easily upgradeable architecture that is friendly to use.”

Every new 2013 Ford Fusion model and Flex model will come with SYNC whether it has an entry-level audio system or FoMoCo’s MyFord Touch infotainment system. Those with compatible phones and media players can be connected to SYNC through a standard USB port or wirelessly via Bluetooth.

- By: Omar Rana

Maybach has announced that seven years into its run, the ultra-luxury automaker will be closing its doors for good in 2013.

Several factors have contributed to the brand’s demise. Hyper-focused on aesthetics and refinement, Maybach used its price tag to represent status, not the ground-breaking technology, stellar engineering, or ahead-of-the-curve releases like one might expect from a vehicle in this segment.

Exceptional service at Maybach dealers was not enough to keep models rolling off their lots, as yearly sales consistently averaged between 150 and 300 units, with a lifetime total of 3,000 units sold.

Daimler also gave more of its attention to other brands, making the decision to drop Maybach a quick one. Another contributing factor to the end of Maybach is the estimated $438,000 the brand lost on each unit sold.

There were also proposals that never came to be that might have given the brand a boost in sales, such as a luxury SUV with sleeper seats, a smaller entry-level model, and a convertible. There were talks of releasing a line up with five different all new models that never made it to production, either.

With the end of the Maybach will come seven new luxury Mercedes-Benz models based on the upcoming S-class, set for release in 2013.

By: Alexandra Koken

Source: CAR

According to a report coming out of the UK, Jaguar is seriously thinking of a hotter ‘S’ version of the XFR sedan. Executives inside Jaguar say that the 503-hp XFR is being ‘outgunned’ by new rivals such as the 552-hp BMW M5 and the 549-hp Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.

The recently launched Jaguar XKR-S is powered by a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 making 550-hp with a maximum torque of 502 lb-ft of torque, It goes from 0 to 60 mph comes in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 186 mph.

Reports suggest that a prototype was recently spotted on the Nurburgring.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Volkswagen is beefing up positions at its Chattanooga production facility to increase output from 31 to 35 cars per hour. The jobs will be integrated into the company’s current two-shift operation and filled by full-time Volkswagen employees.

“We have had good success hiring local people who can work together as a team to build our cars safely and with the highest quality,” said Hans-Herbert Jagla, Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Volkswagen Group of America Chattanooga Operations, LLC. “Now, we are excited to have 200 more people join our team.”

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen Passat.

The move comes as Volkswagen tries to keep up with strong demand of the new Passat sedan.

The plant currently employs 2,500 people. Volkswagen is aiming to add another 200 employees.

Refresher: The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is offered in three trim levels, S SE and SEL. Entry-level 2012 Passat models are powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine making 170-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Standard transmission choice include a 5-speed manual while an optional 6-speed automatic is available. Moving up, buyers can pick a 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel 4-cylinder unit making 140-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission, the 2012 Passat TDI gets 43 mpg on the highway and a range of approximately 800 miles. The range-topping 2012 Volkswagen Passat is powered by a 3.6L VR6 units producing 280-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG, the 2012 Passat VR6 will get 28 mpg on the highway. Prices will start around $19,995.

- By: Omar Rana

“The Optima SX Limited was introduced to the world in our ‘Drive the Dream’ Super Bowl commercial and now visitors to the Chicago Auto Show will experience it firsthand,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “The Limited delivers upscale features and premium materials that discerning midsize sedan customers are not able to find in many of our competitors. The Optima has been earning design, performance and value awards since arriving in showrooms in early 2011, and the Limited is the latest example of the brand’s compelling package of style, fuel economy, technology – and now opulence – to appeal to an even wider consumer base.”

The Kia Optima Limited will be offered exclusively in Ebony Black, Snow White and Titanium Metallic colors and features LED daytime running lights, chrome-accented rear spoiler, lower door sills and wood interior trim. It also gets red front-brake calipers and chrome 18-inch wheels. Based on the Optima SX Turbo, power comes from a 2.0 liter turbo GDI engine making 274-hp with a fuel-economy of 22/34 mpg (city/highway).

On the inside, the Kia Optima Limited gets high-grade black or white Nappa leather on the seats, door panels, center console armrest and center fascia trim. It also has wood accents on the steering wheel, interior door trim and shift knob, and a black tricot fabric headliner, sun visor, and A, B and C pillars. Oh, and just in case it also has a first-aid kit and cloth door weather strip.

Tech wise, the 2013 Kia Optima Limited gets Optima SX equipment including: unique front and rear lower bumper design, sport-tuned suspension, HID headlamps, Supervision meter cluster with LCD display, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal pedals, illuminated door scuff plates, panoramic sunroof, 4-way power front passenger’s seat, driver’s seat memory, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, navigation system with back-up camera and SiriusXM Traffic and Infinity audio system and speakers.

Yes, Kia is moving on up in the world.

- By: Omar Rana

The previous record for the largest audience viewing a single commercial was General Motors’ ‘Miss Evelyn,’ a spot for the Chevrolet Camaro in Super Bowl XLV last year. This year, GM once again took the title with Cadillacs 30-second preview of the upcoming 2013 ATS sport sedan during Super Bowl XLVI.

The commercial, titled ‘Green Hell,’ was the most-viewed single advertising spot in U.S. television history, according to a study released Tuesday.

Check out more news on the Cadillac ATS.

”We have a big message this year – Cadillac is expanding with new models challenging the world’s best luxury cars. This stunning viewership data proves that Cadillac’s big message reached the largest audience,” said General Motors Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick. “When it comes to Super Bowl ads, everyone has opinions on their favorites. But it’s a fact that this Cadillac spot had the biggest audience during the game.”

“Kantar Media’s Super Bowl audience study found that the Cadillac spot reached an audience rating of 43.5, highest among all advertising spots shown during the NBC-TV telecast,” GM said in statement.

You can check out both GM commercials after the jump.

Refresher: The 2013 Cadillac ATS sedan will go on sale later this year and will come with a choice of three engine units. The based model will carry a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo engine making 270-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5 liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder will also be available, making 200-hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line Cadillac ATS will be powered by a 3.6 liter V6 making 318-hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. Prices will be announced closer to launch.

- By: Omar Rana

After a difficult year last year with disaster in Japan, Toyota is planning to make up for lost time this year, as it was announced at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention that the automaker will be releasing 19 new models in November.

Overall, Toyota has given reasonable growth targets to its dealers, along with the assurance of new inventory and plenty of support. Sales forecasts have been put at 13.6 million for U.S. sales, while Bob Carter, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. General Manager, believes that figure to be closer to 13.8 million. He also notes that while new car models contributed to 7% of sales last year, this year 40% were from new car sales.

Toyota is still struggling to meet demand on both the Tacoma pickup and the Camry sedan, which is having a better year then expected with the SE trim level.

One of the notable new models so far is the new Avalon, which will be released at the New York Auto Show in April, and is said to come with 33mpg or better.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: FreePress

The Volvo 760 is a classic icon with its shape and distinctly Volvo design. Launched back in February 1982, the model is now celebrating 30 years of success.

The 760 did more for Volvo then sell more cars, the automaker credits its creation with saving the company overall, as it was made in a time when the brand was struggling financially.

When Volvo Car Corporation was created as a sub-division of AB Volvo in 1980, then CEO Hakan Frisinger made the decision to go with one of the original concepts that had previously been cut. Launching a whole new design with plenty of features, reliability and technology at a reasonable price point ended up in 221,309 total units sold. The model was not replaced until 1990, with the 960.

Although the design and theory behind the 760 were both fairly basic, this successful model deserves its credit for salvaging the Volvo brand.

By: Alexandra Koken

“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

Not too long ago, I started a little section of egmCarTech called “Randomly Spotted,” where in my travels, if I were to stumble upon a rare and odd automobile, I would bring it to the table for discussion.

But in this version of Randomly Spotted, today’s feature may not seem too rare and odd to begin with, unlike that old Citroen I spotted. For starters, right off the bat, you may think: it’s a normal BMW E28 5-Series from 1981-1988, what’s so special?

And of course, I’d agree with you…that is, until your eyes meet the number badging on the right side of the trunk. Most of us Americans have become used to 5-Series designations like 525, 528, 533, 535, 540, and so on. But wait a second…5-2-4-t-d or 524td? What the heck is that?

Most of us are aware that BMW has as much of a history producing diesel passenger cars as every other European manufacturer, though their efforts were isolated to other markets where diesel passenger cars were more established. And it wasn’t until the introduction of the E90 335d and the E70 X5 3.0d that made it seem like BMW was offering diesel powered cars for the first time in America. But if you’ve ever pondered the question as to whether BMW had any previous diesel models offered in America in the past, the answer is yes, they have! Truth be told, the E90 335d and the E70 X5 3.0d were not BMW’s first attempt at importing diesel-powered models into North America.

This E28 524td happens to be the first and last diesel-powered model BMW ever sold in America prior to the 335d and the X5. Only imported from 1985 to 1986, the BMW 524td was the brand’s experimental model that would compete against the at-the-time, aging, but tried, tested and true Mercedes-Benz W123 300D.

That said, where as Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen were well established for importing diesel passenger cars consistently and with great success, BMW had attempted to jump on the bandwagon for the North American Market. But why was it only offered for one model-year?

At the time of the BMW E28’s launch in 1981, the brand’s reputation for sporty performance automobiles was deep in the process of being established and embedded in the opinions and minds of critics and consumers in America. As a result, BMW of North America didn’t feel that the 524td’s 114hp turbodiesel straight-six was fitting for the brand’s up and coming image, especially since BMW’s M-Division was beginning to take form from models like the E12 and E28 M535is, the fathers of the world-renown BMW M5. And despite this call, the E28 BMW 524td was the world’s fastest and most powerful diesel production car at the time and was capable of 30 mpg’s in the city and 33 on the highway.

Additionally, diesel was receiving terrible reception after General Motors had attempted to produce diesel passenger cars of their own. Arguably criticized for being powered by normal gasoline engines converted to diesels—which explaining why that doesn’t work is a more technical discussion—General Motors ruined the reputation of diesels because their versions were deemed terribly unreliable and underpowered.

Combine that with the fact that gasoline prices took a dive after the 1973 Oil Crisis, relieving consumers of the concern for fuel economy, the circumstances weren’t favoring BMW’s campaign to market the 524td. The final result: the 524td was pulled from the US market in 1986.

Because the 524td was so short-lived in North America, it is extraordinarily rare to come across one, both either running or rotting away in a barn or backyard. And why is it important? BMW only reintroduced diesels for the American market in 2009, so many prospective buyers in North America were still found to be a little apprehensive with swallowing the diesel passenger car pill. But thanks to a more open-minded consumer sphere in North America and greater awareness, diesel passenger cars have slowly been trickling their way into bigger prominence here in the states. That said, prospective American buyers shouldn’t be afraid of BMW diesels despite the impression that the brand only begun their diesel prospects for North America in 2009. The fact of the matter is that BMW has been producing diesel passenger cars for quite some time, just for Europe and other markets. So they ain’t no stranger to the game.

But should you express interest in picking up an E28 524td as a project or an antique, all I could say is good luck finding one, because this was the first North American E28 524td I’ve ever randomly spotted in the flesh and it seems like only the diehard Roundel enthusiasts are aware of the 524td here in America. And unfortunately, they only came with an automatic here in Americaland.

- By: Chris Chin

Buick has just released some news stating that there’s a new transmission option for their Regal lineup, specifically for the performance-oriented GS. Previously offered with only a six-speed manual transmission, the new 2013 Regal GS comes with a no-cost option for an Aisin AF40 automatic.

“With the Regal GS, we made a conscious decision to go against the current trend and give enthusiasts the manual transmission they desire as standard equipment” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “Adding an automatic simply makes the performance of the GS even more accessible.”

And with that statement, it seems that General Motors, or at least Buick, is making a bet that manual transmissions are still desirable and it’s comforting to hear that GM is keeping the enthusiast in mind.

Actual performance figures for the automatic-equipped Regal GS have yet to be announced, but Buick says that it will match the manual version’s sprint to 60 of just 6.7 seconds while returning 19 mpg’s in city runabouts and 27 on the highway.

The new six-speed automatic will also be equipped to the Regal eAssist, boosting its EPA estimate to around 36 mpg’s in the combined average cycle. At the expense of this newly equipped Regal eAssist is the discontinuation of the base 2.4L Regal.

“Buick is committed to increasing innovation across the lineup,” said DiSalle “By making the advanced eAssist powertrain standard on a second vehicle, we are putting the spotlight on smart technology.”

- By: Chris Chin

One of the most important things that engineers are paying attention to while completing development on the new 2013 Cadillac ATS is not only its driving dynamics – but the sound it makes.

Click here for our original post on the Cadillac ATS.

The man behind the whole thing is Kyle Stanforth, noise and vibration engineer on the Cadillac performance team. Stanforth said the ATS is engineered to enhance the performance-tuned sound for each of the three available engines. It also keeps unwanted to noise from entering the cabin.

“Cadillac customers expect a level of refinement beyond what most cars have. Yes, it’s quiet, but it’s more than that,” Stanforth said. “They also love to hear that sound of refined power when they ask for it. So when you open it up, you not only feel the power, you hear it too.”

Stanforth and his team shaped the intake system to allow the engine to breathe easier while keeping annoying sound from coming inside the cabin. However, when you’re outside the ATS should sound pleasing to the ear.

“The ATS sounds distinctly like a Cadillac should. We’ve created a signature sound that expresses Cadillac power, refinement and luxury – and we make it sing,” Stanforth said.

We can’t wait to hear it.

Refresher: The 2013 Cadillac ATS sedan will go on sale later this year and will come with a choice of three engine units. The based model will carry a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo engine making 270-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5 liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder will also be available, making 200-hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line Cadillac ATS will be powered by a 3.6 liter V6 making 318-hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. Prices will be announced closer to launch.

- By: Omar Rana

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

Upgrades to the turbochargers, exhaust manifold, catalytic converters, air filters, and ECU combine to make the 150hp gain, along with an additional 96 lb-ft of torque. This puts the total power output at 700 horsepower and 649 lb-ft of torque, giving the Panamera a 0-62 mph time of just 3.5 seconds, a .2 second shave off the stock version, with a top speed of 211mph.

Check out more news on the Porsche Panamera.

Edo also dropped the body by 30mm all around, and sticking it to the pavement is a set of 22-inch carbon-fiber finish wheels, wrapped in a wider set of rubber.

In addition, Edo Competition is offering plenty of interior upgrade options for the Porsche, and an exterior package.

- By: Alexandra Koken