Lamborghini won’t be the only luxury supercar company that will be showing a concept SUV within the next couple of months. According to reports, another Volkswagen Group brand, Bentley Motors, may also debut a concept version of an SUV next month in Geneva.

“We are exploring the potential, but the vehicle has not been approved,” said Christophe Georges, Bentley Motors president and COO said. Word has it that Bentley is quickly putting together something for Geneva next month.

If all this is to be believed, Bentley’s new SUV will ride on the same platform as the Audi Q7 and will feature its W12 engine along with its new V8 that debuted in the Bentley Continental GT V8.

Lamborghini has already confirmed that a concept SUV will debut very soon.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

Based on the same vehicle platform as the Tesla Model S sedan, the TVP (Tesla Vehicle Platform), the Model X actually turns out to be sport crossover with a low center of gravity and nimble tight handling. Obviously, the torque from the electric power train helps assist in some aggressive lane changes.

Check out more news on the Tesla Model X.

The 7-passenger Tesla Model X comes standard in rear-wheel-drive but the company does offer an optional Dual Motor all-wheel-drive architecture. The second motor increases torque by 50% and allows for all-road and all-weather capability. With AWD, the Tesla Model X Performance version can run from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds – that’s sports car performance right there.

The Tesla Model X will be available with two battery pack versions including a 60 or 85 kWh battery allowing for a range of up to 300 miles (for the 85 kWh model).

Before you get inside the Tesla Model X, it’s the way you open the rear passenger doors that will probably turn some heads. Known as ‘Falcon Doors’ the doors open up and out (even in tight parking spots) allowing you ample room to just step inside the all-electric crossover. Once you’re inside there easy third-row access and quite a bit of room for a total of 7-passengers. The driver seat is the most stylish with a Tesla Touchscreen 17-inch, high-res, multi-touch display and a high-res speedometer right in front.

The Tesla Model X will enter production in late 2013 and will start being delivered in early 2014. When you can order yours? Today, if you’re sold on it. The Model X will be priced comparable to a similarly equipped Model S but the company will give out more details as production nears.

- By: Omar Rana

What you’re looking at above is the first and only image of the new 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander. The redesigned model will be making its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Moor Show and will go on sale in Russia this summer followed by all of Europe, Japan, China and North America.

Mitsubishi also confirmed that it will offer an EV-based Outlander model which uses a plug-in hybrid system later this year.

Besides a redesigned exterior, the 2013 Outlander features an upgraded interior with better quality, comfortable second- and third-row seats that can be easily configured to provide a number of seating patterns and also a long luggage space with a flat floor and a power-operated tailgate.

In Europe, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander will offered with a choice of gasoline and diesel engines. The gasoline engine will be a 2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder, and the diesel will be a 2.2 liter 4-cylinder turbo MIVEC engine.

- 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

A $400 million investment is being made by Toyota Motor Corp to move production of its Highlander crossover from Japan to Princeton, Indiana, where the Highlander is currently made.

“This project allows for better utilization of the Indiana plant and will help Toyota capitalize on the improving North American and global auto market,” said Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. “In addition to new jobs at the Indiana plant, this project will increase opportunities and jobs for our North American supply base.”

Toyota is anticipating the hybrid variant to boost Highlander sales overall by 50,000 units before 2014. Last year, 101,868 models rolled off the production line in Indiana, while hybrid sales hit 5,000.

Units produced in the Princeton factory will be exported globally, says President Yoshshimi Inaba, Toyota Motor North America President.

The addition of the Highlander hybrid will also be creating 400 additional jobs.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Volvo dealers are saying that sales numbers for the automaker are being hindered by a lack of inventory. To meet consumer demands, Volvo is now providing retailers with up to 6,000 additional XC60 models thanks to a production increase in Europe.

The production increase is a result of an investment made by Volvo last year which created 200 jobs and 12,000 additional vehicles.

“The XC60 is product that’s been in the market for three years that has been over demand and undersupplied,” John Maloney, Volvo Cars North America CEO said today on the sidelines of the Chicago Auto Show. “So this year, our supply goes go up, which our dealers will welcome. It’s a hot product.”

Volvo also has a plant in China under construction that will supply its local market, and increase availability in the U.S.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoNews

At the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder made its concept debut. However, at the time Nissan focused much its attention on the exterior redesign of the Pathfinder. Today, Nissan is showing us more of the interior along with some significant details on what we can expect when the new model goes on sale.

Check out our original post on the Nissan Pathfinder Concept.

“As Nissan has expanded its range of adventure-ready SUVs to include Armada, Xterra, Murano, Rogue and JUKE, Pathfinder maintains its very important position in the heart of the lineup and the market – as a right-size, 3-row/7-passenger SUV with the seating and cargo capacity that growing families need,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “As families spend more time in their SUVs everyday as well as on weekends, the next-gen Pathfinder is stepping up with enhanced comfort, innovative technology, increased fuel efficiency, and most importantly, more flexibility for the family.”

The unibody platform of the new Nissan Pathfinder offers more benefits including a flat floor for more interior volume.

Some of the things we can expect from the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder’s interior:

• A quiet, comfortable interior includes leather-appointed seating surfaces, heated and cooled front seats, heated 2nd row seats, heated steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start and multiple user memory settings, and an advanced Bose Audio System with 13 speakers.
• Expected to be among the roomiest 2nd rows in its class, it also features exceptional 3rd row access. Larger rear door openings, 5.5 inches of 2nd row seat travel, and forward folding seat allow for ease of entry and exit to the 3rd row.
• 60/40-split 2nd row features an innovative ‘child seat mode’ allowing forward movement and access to the 3rdrow with a child safety seat remaining securely in place.
• The 3rd row seat is a 50/50 split folding design, offering added cargo room.
• Technology: Advanced drive-assist display directly in front of the driver; a large multifunction IT display in the center of the dash, Nissan Navigation System with real-time traffic and weather information and Zagat Survey restaurant guide, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio and RearView Monitor.
• Nissan’s advanced Around View Monitor, which shows the driver a virtual 360-degree image of the area around the vehicle. Tri-zone climate control system, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, power rear liftgate, iPod integration, and tri-zone entertainment system with 2nd row headrest-mounted DVD display screens.  Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) includes an individual tire pressure display and EasyFill Tire Assist.

- By: Omar Rana

Check out more news from the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

“With an award-winning combination of space, capability and fuel-efficiency, Acadia epitomizes GMC’s ‘never say never’ attitude,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of GMC Marketing. “For 2013, our engineers and designers applied that same attitude to developing the new Acadia.”

While things have been upgraded inside out, the GMC Acadia keeps its interior roominess and functionality – including the popular SmartSlide seating system that allows easy access to the third row. The second and third row still fold completely flat allowing for class-leading cargo space.

The exterior of the 2013 Acadia has been completely redesigned and I think it looks quite amazing. The front fascia has a more chiseled and prominent look with premium looking LED running headlamps. The rear also gets some nice touches including a G shaped taillamp.

On the inside, the 2013 GMC Acadia gets an upgraded material with soft-touch materials, stitching and red ambient lighting. It seems GMC has finally received its own interior rather than sharing the same one from the Enclave and other GM brand trucks. The interior of the new Acadia also gets something called GMC’s Color Touch Radio, which was first seen on the 2012 Terran. The feature is now standard in the Acadia with available IntelliLink for Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.

The GMC Acadia Denali gets a totally upgraded interior with perforated leather seating and Denali-specific Cocoa Dune upholstery color, leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood inserts and power tilt/telescope, heated and cooled front seats, accent lighting in footwells and lighted sill plates with Denali logo, color Touch navigation and dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section. Optional on the base Acadia but standard on the Denali are some strong safety features including Side Blind Zone and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

So all that stuff is new but what about the powertrain choices? Unfortunately, no – and that may not be a bad thing. The 2013 GMC Acadia keeps its 3.6 liter V6 making 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 2013 Acadia returns an EPA estimated fuel-economy of 17/24 mpg (city/highway) for the FWD model and 16/23 for the AWD.

- By: Omar Rana

The Tesla Model X will make its world debut at the SpaceX facility tomorrow – but before the covers come, we have some interesting bit of information for you. Word has it that the Tesla Model X will feature something called ‘Falcon’ doors.

Check out more news on the Tesla Model X.

What are falcon doors you ask? Basically the doors ‘lift up and fold – like the wing of a bird.’ The feature allows rear passengers to have minivan-simplicity of entering and loading the rear part of the Model X with car seats and cargo.

To see what it really looks like – you’ll have to wait and see tomorrow 8:00 pm EST.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

Some new rumors are floating around the mill regarding Maserati’s next efforts to expand its lineup and replace the wonderful, but aging Quattroporte. Word says that an all-new Quattroporte will possibly debut at next year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Reports have stated the new Quattroporte will be six inches wider and two inches longer than the current version. But despite the increase in size, the new Quattroporte is also said to get a 220lb diet.

Within that same rumor, there was a hint that Maserati could also introduce a smaller version of the Quattroporte for 2013. Though despite the sparse details, the “baby Quattroporte” will be roughly the same size as the current BMW 5-Series (which is still huge) and will be powered by either the choice of a turbocharged V6 gas or diesel engine.

In terms of Maserati’s other cars, reports also say that the Kubang SUV concept could see a production version as early as 2014 and will be based on the current Jeep Grand Cherokee. As for the also aging GranTurismo and GranCabrio, replacements are projected for 2015.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: WorldCarFans

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

BMW has announced pricing details on the new 2013 BMW X6 M, which will hit dealerships in spring 2012.

The updated 2013 BMW X6 M will get minor styling changes and a price jump of $1,600 – bringing the total price tag to $91,900.

Options:

• Active Ventilated Seat Package (ZAV) - Active Ventilated Seat package no longer includes SA456 and has been re-priced to $900.
• Full LED Headlights (552) now available as a stand-alone option for $1,900.

The 2013 BMW X5 M will also see a price jump of $1,600 to a total of $88,850.

Both are powered by a 4.4-liter, 32-valve twin-turbocharged V8 engine with direct injection making 555-hp at 6,000 rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque between 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed M Sport Automatic transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control – 0 to 60 mph comes in just 4.5 seconds with a top speed limited to 155 mph.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: BMWBlog

SRT Brand and Motorsports Director of Marketing and Operations Beth Paretta handed over the keys to the drivers at the Fiorano circuit in Maranello, Italy, yesterday.

The exclusive 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 models received a special SRT exterior treatment; taking design inspiration from Ferrari styling, coated in Rosso Corsa colored paint. The grille is painted matte black with red inserts, a black racing stripe has been added, and the mirrors are capped in carbon fiber. An Italian flag was painted on the underside of the rear spoiler, as well.

Check out more news on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

A set of custom, forged aluminum 20-inch wheels have been fitted to the Grand Cherokee models, which have also been dropped by 1.5 inches all the way around.

On the inside, Ferrari Red leather details were fitted throughout the cabin, with contrast stitching and a yellow-accented instrument panel.

Power for the 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 comes from the new V-8 6.4-liter Hemi, which features Fuel Saver technology, making 470-hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, making a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds.

“We’re excited and proud to be able to share ‘Ferrari-style’ custom-built versions of the most powerful and best handling Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 ever with two of the most talented drivers in the world,” Paretta said. “We know that both Fernando and Felipe will feel right at home in our ultimate performance SUVs that are identically built with classic Ferrari styling cues and one-of-a-kind Rosso Corsa exteriors. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 brings a combination of Jeep’s world-class capability to the road or the race track along with unparalleled luxury and refinement and advanced innovative technologies for all driving enthusiasts.”

By: Alexandra Koken

According to Automotive News, a senior source at Lamborghini’s parent company, Audi, has confirmed that the supercar maker is working on a new SUV/crossover based on the Q7.

“I can’t comment in detail but the speculation in the press is largely correct,” an Audi manager said when questioned about reports. Earlier this week, we showed you what were said to be leaked images of the concept Lamborghini SUV.

The Lamborghini SUV will gets is concept unveiling at the Beijing Motor Show in April and is expected to join the lineup in 2016. The model will go head-to-head with the Maserati Kubang, Porsche Cayenne, BMW X6 and many other luxury performance SUVs on the market. Lamborghini plans on selling 1,500 units annually. China and the United States are said to be key markets.

Reports also suggest that the Lamborghini Estoque sedan is also under consideration with the higher-ups.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

Mercedes-Benz has just dropped pricing details on the new 2012 ML63 AMG, which is arriving in dealerships as we speak.

Prices for the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG start at $95,865 including a $875 destination charge.

Follow the jump for the list of standard equipments.

Check out our original post on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG.

Refresher: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG comes from a 5.5 liter V8 biturbo engine making 518-hp at 5,250 rpm with a maximum torque of 516 lb-ft between 1,750 – 5,000 rpm. That allows 0 to 60 mph to come in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Buyers can add the AMG Performance Package, which increases output to 550-hp at 5,750 rpm and 560 lb-ft between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm. The package allows a 0 to 60 mph of 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 174 mph. The engine is mated to a AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission with engine deactivation through one of the three driving programs.

Standard equipment includes:

• AMG illuminated door sills in stainless steel
• AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
• COMAND system with hard-drive navigation & SIRIUS real-time traffic & weather
• 10-way power front seats w/door-mounted controls plus driver and passenger memory with 4-way lumbar support
• harman/kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system
• HD radio
• Bluetooth audio streaming
• USB port
• 7″ display with central COMAND controller
• 4.5″ color instrument cluster display
• Power lift gate
• Multi-color ambient lighting
• Power sunroof w/express open and close
• Heated & active ventilated front seats

The AMG Performance package includes:

• Top speed of 174 mph
• AMG Performance steering wheel with DINAMICA grips
• Increased output +32 hp / 44 lb-ft
• Red brake calipers
• Carbon fiber engine cover

Ford has released the online configurator for the new 2013 Ford Escape with some preliminary pricing details. As of right now, prices start at $22,720 for the Escape S model and top out at $30,620 for the Titanium.

Check out our original post on the 2013 Ford Escape.

The 2013 Ford Escape has dropped V6 and Hybrid variants and has opted to go the all 4-cylinder route. The lineup include a 2.5 liter Duratec, 175-hp 1.6 liter EcoBoost and a 240-hp 2.0 liter EcoBoost. All engine choices are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Click here to visit the configurator.

- By: Omar Rana

The Nissan Juke-R may be a joke to many, but the car deserves its performance credits thanks to its 3.8 liter twin-turbo V6 from the Nissan GT-R along with the drivetrain, suspension and transmission. It produces a whopping 485-hp and can apparently go head-to-head with a Lamborghini Gallardo, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and a Ferrari 458 Italia.

Check out more news on the Nissan Juke-R.

While it is street legal, sadly, the Nissan Juke-R is not a production car and only two versions were built (a right-hand drive and a left-hand drive).

Either way, check out a the official video by Nissan after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

GM announced today that it is starting construction next week on its new $200 million facility that will create around 180 jobs. The new plant is a part of GM’s Arlington manufacturing complex and will be responsible for producing the next generation of full-size Chevrolet Tahoes, Suburbans, GMC Yukons and Cadillac Escalades.

“Our investment in GM’s Arlington plant is one more example of GM strengthening the economy and creating jobs throughout the many U.S. communities where GM does business,” said GM Manufacturing Manager Larry Zahner.

The plant currently receives stamps from several GM plants with some pars coming from more than 1,000 miles away.

GM’s new investment in the facility is on top of a $331 million investment to purchase tooling and equipment and expand the Arlington Assembly Plant that was announced along with 110 additional jobs in May 2011.

- By: Omar Rana