Spied: 2010 BMW X5 M & X6 M

Autocar has learned that high performance M-Power versions of the BMW X5 and X6 will be introduced next year.

According to Ludwig Willish, boss of BMW’s M-Division, sportier versions of the two SUVs, which will be branded as the X5M and X6M, are a priority to allow the company to take the fight to the Porsche Cayenne GTS and the Mercedes ML63 AMG.

Both the X5M and X6M will be powered by BMW’s twin turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, launched in the standard X6 earlier this year. In standard guise it delivers 408bhp, and the M-Power version will be retuned to offer around 500bhp. Torque is also expected to swell to around 480lb ft, up from the current V8 X6’s 443lb ft.

“BMW M division is working on these projects,” confirmed M-boss Willisch. “But it will be late 2009 at the earliest before they will be ready for the road.”

BMW plans to revise the current four-wheel drive system for the sportier M-versions, providing more rear-drive bias.

Adding two big off-roaders to the M-division roster is part of BMW’s broader plan to move into new market segments. But it also reveals M division’s preference for tuned, twin-turbo V8 power, rather than developing the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V10 that is used in the M5 and M6. Company insiders also indicate it’s likely that the 2011 M5 will downsize to use a more modern, economical turbocharged V8 engine.

Autocar also understands that the more powerful V8 will be used to create an M version of the 8-series – a sleek new four door saloon previewed by the CS concept first revealed at last year’s Shanghai motor show.(Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures).

NB: Check out WheelHQ.com's selection of BMW X5 Wheels.

Spied: 2010 Toyota Prius

Shown here are the latest spy photos the 2010 Toyota Prius, sporting what looks to be a significantly redesigned front end. Both longer and wider than its predecessor, the new Toyota Prius is playing host to rumors that have everything from a station wagon to convertible variant in the works. While we're not sure about either of those predictions (especially with Toyota's hybrid lineup scheduled to grow with entirely new models), what we do know is that the new Toyota Prius hybrid will eventually be built at Toyota's new U.S. assembly plant, currently under construction in Mississippi.

The next-generation Prius is expected to be bigger dimensionally from the outgoing car and will probably get a new, 1.8-liter engine with some 100 horsepower on tap. Combined horsepower (engine and electric motor) should push past the 150 mark from 110 today -- all while increasing fuel economy from the current car's 48 city/45 highway numbers.

Other speculation has the new Prius featuring solar panels on the roof to power such accessories as the air conditioning system, as well as to help charge up the hybrid's batteries. The new Prius is expected to retain the current model's nickel metal hydride batteries for the time being, though it could make the switch to smaller, lighter lithium ion batteries later in the production run after the new batteries have been tested on a new plug-in hybrid model set for 2010 release.

Currently, dealers are selling out of Prius models worldwide in the wake of the recent spike in gas prices, prompting Toyota to bump production by 70 percent and build 480,000 examples annually when the new version hits the streets. Toyota is also building two new battery plants in Japan with partner Panasonic, in hopes that it will keep up with growing demand for hybrid automobiles. Eventually, Toyota hopes to be selling 1 million hybrid vehicles per year, globally. It has sold some 1.5 million Prius models since the car's 1997 inception.

Look for the third-generation Prius hybrid to make its debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, with production models hitting showrooms both in Japan and the U.S. later next year.

USA: 2009 Hyundai Azera

Hyundai has finally revealed all the official information and images of the refreshed 2009 Azera. Already on sale in many dealerships across the United States, the 2009 Azera brings a host of new exterior, interior, and mechanical changes. Hyundai has also kept the price stagnant, meaning added value for the car.

For 2009, the Azera comes equipped with new features such as redesigned 17-inch hyper-silver alloy wheels, new chrome grille, blue interior lighting, chrome interior accents, dark brown woodgrain accents, saddle (brown) interior option, new audio head unit with larger screen, and standard AUX/USB ports. Electroluminescent cluster display is now standard in the base GLS model. Hyundai has also improved the steering and suspensions to eradicate the wallowy handling of the 2006-08 Azera. The Limited trim can be opted with a LG navigation system.

The Azera is available with two powertrain: a 234 horsepower 3.3L V6 and a 268 horsepower 3.8L V6. Both are mated to a 5-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission. The GLS is priced at $24,600, while the Limited is priced at $28,550.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading to view more images and the official press release.



PRESS RELEASE: 2009 AZERA PACKS MORE PERKS INTO PREMIUM SEDAN SEGMENT

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Hyundai Azera’s long list of features has been expanded and upgraded once again for the 2009 model year, adding to its outstanding reputation for luxury and value in the premium sedan segment. Updates to the 2009 Azera include improved steering and suspension for better ride and handling on all models, new blue interior lighting, chrome interior accents, more distinctive chrome grille, redesigned alloy wheels and first-ever standard iPod®/USB and auxiliary inputs. Mid-year model changes carried over into the 2009 Azera include an LG in-dash navigation system. This more competitive Azera features no price increase for the GLS or Limited base models.

NEW EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2009

· Redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels
· More distinctive chrome grille
· Signature blue interior lighting
· Electroluminescent cluster display standard on GLS
· Chrome interior accents
· Dark brown woodgrain accents
· Ion-plated metalgrain accents
· More contrasting interior trim panels
· Brown interior color choice
· Audio head unit with larger display screen
· Standard iPod®/USB auxiliary inputs
· New exterior color options – Ivory Pearl, Black Onyx Pearl, Mystic Blue Pearl, Crimson Red Pearl, Smoky Gray Pearl, Silver Frost Metallic, Silk Beige Metallic

More and more customers are discovering how well Azera stacks up against the competition. Enhanced design and convenience features, together with comprehensive standard active and passive safety technology packages, make the 2009 Azera a strong competitor to vehicles like the Lexus ES350, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima and Buick Lucerne. Spacious and luxurious, the Azera even features more interior volume than expensive luxury sedans such as the Mercedes Benz E-Class and BMW 7-Series. There’s no question that Azera is one of the smartest premium large-sedan choices available in the American market today.

STRIKING FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Azera’s proportions are elegant, purposeful and aerodynamically efficient, reducing wind noise while adding maximum stability on the highway. Inside, its spacious cabin provides not only roomy comfort, but a luxurious look and attention to detail that makes both driver and passengers alike feel that they are riding in a much more expensive sedan.

SAFETY FEATURES

Maintaining Hyundai’s emphasis on class-leading safety technology, the 2009 Azera boasts impressive active and passive safety features to protect its occupants in the event of a collision, earning the vehicle the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) top crash test ratings for frontal offset impacts. The Azera continues to set standards by making key life-saving active safety technology standard, such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with a Traction Control System (TCS).

Also standard are independent double-wishbone front- and multi-link rear suspension, large four-wheel disc brakes and an Antilock Braking System (ABS) that includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), which automatically adjusts the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle’s brakes for optimal performance under poor road conditions, speeding, loading and other potentially hazardous situations.

Additionally, Azera offers impressive passive safety features including eight standard airbags, active front head restraints to help prevent whiplash, a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for children’s seats and three-point seatbelts for all positions while shingle-style rear-seat head restraints provide drivers with improved visibility. Security is further advanced with an anti-theft engine immobilizer and remote keyless entry with alarm.

ACCOMMODATING INTERIOR

The 2009 Azera offers luxurious appointments and spaciousness that rivals the finest premium competitor brands. It offers a roomy cabin, with nearly 44 inches of legroom up front and more than 38 inches of legroom for rear-seat passengers. Hyundai engineers have created efficient packaging to maximize interior volume, with the 2009 Azera offering more interior volume (123.5 cu.-ft.) than the Toyota Avalon, Mercedes Benz E-Class sedans and the BMW 7-Series.

Special attention has been paid to other interior details, such as the enhanced electroluminescent cluster display and steering wheel audio control functions. The new blue backlighting for interior gauges, switches and buttons along with ion-plated accents highlight the vehicle’s modern appearance. Other unexpected luxury appointments include rain-sensing wipers, power adjustable foot pedals and power folding side mirrors with turn signal indicators on the Limited version.

The Azera comes standard with dual front automatic climate controls, electrochromic auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink®, power seats for driver and front passenger, as well as woodgrain and new metalgrain interior accents. More contrast has also been added to the interior trim panels, and for the first time ever, a brown interior color choice is available.

An AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system that includes a four-channel, 172-watt internal amplifier and six speakers comes standard in the Azera GLS. Audiophiles with even more demanding tastes will be impressed by the available Infinity audio system that includes a seven-channel, 315-watt amplifier with an in-dash six-disc CD changer and 10 speakers, standard in Limited trim levels.

Music lovers will also welcome the 2009 Azera’s inclusion of standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods®. When an iPod or flash drive is connected through the USB port, which is located in the center storage compartment, not only does it play music through the vehicle’s speakers, but it also charges the iPod and allows the driver to access tracks with the steering wheel audio controls. This system also allows both driver and passengers to easily view song/artist/title information and control the music from the audio head unit rather than just the iPod itself.

LG NAVIGATION

LG, the South Korean-based international manufacturer of consumer electronics has developed an exclusive navigation system for the Hyundai Azera, Santa Fe and Veracruz models. Using touch screen functions, the navigation system comes equipped with a premium 605-watt Infinity Logic 7® surround sound system with 12 speakers, 11-channel digital amplifier and AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 reception capability which replaces the six-disc CD changer and auxiliary input jacks. It also includes mapping software for the continental United States and has available POI’s (Points of Interest) for entertainment, shopping and dining. Route guidance is provided by audio and visual prompts.

POWER AND PERFORMANCE

The Azera GLS is equipped with a 3.3-liter, DOHC V6 engine that produces 234-horsepower and 226 lbs.-ft. of torque. As the first member of Hyundai's “Lambda” engine family, this engine has all-aluminum construction, four valves per cylinder and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), all for a broad power spread. It also features a Variable Intake System (VIS) that further broadens its power curve to improve the vehicle’s off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. EPA fuel economy estimates for the Azera GLS are 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway.

The Azera Limited delivers a powerful performance, due to its clean and efficient all-aluminum 3.8-liter, DOHC V6 engine, which delivers 263-horsepower and 257 lbs.-ft. of torque. To maximize the power spread, this engine also uses CVVT and a Variable Intake System (VIS) to help cylinders breathe efficiently at both low and high rpms. The Azera offers more standard horsepower than the Buick LaCrosse and even the BMW 528i, yet still remains environmentally friendly with an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) certification rating. EPA mileage figures for the Azera Limited are 17 mpg city / 26 mpg highway.

Both V6 engines are matched with Hyundai’s five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control. This transmission offers smooth shifts and a wide ratio spread that ideally suits the engine’s characteristics.

COMFORTABLE AND CONTROLLED SUSPENSION

Hyundai engineers benchmarked the best cars in the category before designing the Azera’s double-wishbone front and multi-link rear four-wheel independent suspension system. By using high-tensile steel in critical unibody areas, the Azera features increased stiffness and rigidity, which ensures formidable resistance to flexing, enhanced ride and handling tuning, while at the same time lowering interior noise levels. Attached to the Azera’s rigid structure is improved suspension and steering hardware to keep the vehicle even flatter through turns and more compliant over bumps. The enhanced suspension features four revalved twin-tube, gas-charged dampers, softer bushings and a quicker steering rack. The Azera also has front and rear stabilizer bars and rides on 17-inch wheels and 235/55VR17 tires.

TWO ENHANCED, WELL-EQUIPPED MODELS

From the well-equipped GLS, to the downright luxurious Limited, the 2009 Azera lineup addresses the needs and desires of premium sedan customers with a highly competitive mix of features and benefits. Each model delivers a level of standard equipment that is a cut above competing models.

AZERA GLS

The GLS now includes a more impressive range of standard features that give it a competitive edge, including a powerful and efficient 3.3-liter, DOHC V6 engine with 234-horsepower, a smooth-shifting, five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control, standard ESC with TCS, eight airbags, active front head restraints, electroluminescent gauge cluster and a six-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD audio system with iPod®/USB and auxiliary inputs. The vehicle achieves 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway fuel economy ratings.

Further enhancing the GLS’s first-class appearance are new 17-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels and 235/55VR17 tires. Upscale features include LED tail and brake lights, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with HomeLink®, power seats for both driver and front passenger, dual front automatic climate controls and automatic headlight control.

AZERA GLS with PREMIUM PACKAGE

The Azera with Premium Package adds leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and a power sunroof to an already-loaded standard equipment package.

AZERA LIMITED

A truly impressive array of standard features and amenities define the prestigious Azera Limited. Additional standard features on the Limited include leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, power glass sunroof with tilt and slide, power folding side mirrors with turn signal indicators, power rear sunshade and a powerful 315-watt Infinity AM/FM/XM/MP3 audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer. The Limited now adds new hyper silver alloy wheels and iPod® /USB and auxiliary inputs.

AZERA LIMITED with ULTIMATE PACKAGE

The Ultimate Package defines Hyundai’s flagship Azera, offering a 605-watt Infinity Logic 7® Surround Sound AM/FM/XM/MP3 audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer, 12 speakers (including subwoofer and external amplifier), and iPod®/USB and auxiliary inputs. The Ultimate Package also offers, power adjustable tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power adjustable pedals, integrated memory system (power driver seat, exterior mirrors, and power tilt and telescopic steering wheel), woodgrain steering wheel and door pulls, and rain-sensing wipers.

AZERA LIMITED with ULTIMATE NAVIGATION PACKAGE

The Ultimate Navigation Package includes all of the Ultimate Package items plus the LG navigation system, which replaces the six-disc CD changer and auxiliary input jacks.

WARRANTY

The Azera, like all 2009 models, is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Azera buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit), a service that includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of this coverage.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by almost 800 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

Hot News: BMW Isetta

Two of the most important new cars ever are about to ‘bubble’ to the surface – and in a world exclusive head-to-head, Auto Express has brought them together for the first time!

These are the clearest illustrations yet of BMW’s new Isetta and its sister, the Fiat Topolino. They are the result of a new deal between the two firms, which will also be extended to include next-generation versions of the MINI and Alfa Romeo MiTo.

The Isetta and Topolino are crucial to BMW and Fiat’s attempts to reduce the overall CO2 emissions of their ranges – but they will also offer buyers 100mpg fuel returns! Reviving a name not seen since the bubble car of the Fifties, the Isetta will take BMW into a new sector of the motoring market.

It will be joined by the Fiat Topolino – which we featured in Issue 1,013. Both machines will offer incredible fuel consumption and low emissions, as well as tiny dimensions, and rival the imminent VW up! and Toyota iQ.

The Isetta will be hugely important, because it will help BMW comply with the European Commission’s plans to impose an average 120g/km limit on the model ranges of all firms selling cars across the Continent by 2012. And, as there are plans for an electric version, it would also enable the manufacturer to meet California’s upcoming zero-emissions vehicle legislation.

As you can see from our artist’s impression, the Isetta harks back to the original bubble car shape. But it has been given a modern reworking by the design team, with the addition of some BMW-style chunkiness. The body is made up of simple panels, likely to be fashioned from plastic to save weight and help resist parking dings.

Meanwhile, the Topolino gets a retro look inspired by the 500, with a cheeky front end featuring a smooth nose and large headlights. Under the skin
of both models lies an all-new platform that places the engine in the rear and sends drive to the back wheels.

With an electric-only Isetta some way off, small-capacity petrol and diesel engines will feature initially. And as Fiat is using a new 900cc two-cylinder petrol motor in the Topolino, the Isetta could benefit from the same unit.

The new powerplant was previewed in Fiat’s Panda Aria concept at last September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, and it arrives in dealers under the bonnet of the 500 later this year. While two outputs will be offered in this car – a 105bhp turbo and a normally aspirated 65bhp unit – it will be the latter that powers the Topolino.

Twin-clutch semi-automatic gearboxes are likely to be used by both models, as is a stop-start set-up which switches off the engine when the car
is stationary in heavy traffic. Combine this technology with a lightweight body, and the newcomers will be incredibly efficient. Expect combined fuel economy of 100mpg and CO2 emissions of less than 90g/km.

The interior layout is still up for debate, but there is likely to be enough room for three occupants with an occasional fourth seat, allowing owners
to juggle luggage capacity with passenger space.

It will be interesting to see if BMW and Fiat can make the rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout work efficiently. An insider at VW recently told Auto Express that a similar mechanical layout in the up! is being ditched in favour of a front-engined, front-wheel drive format, after it was found that the layout was too costly to develop and made the car unstable in cross winds.

Although official production dates have yet to be decided, the Isetta and Topolino are set to arrive some time in 2010.

NB: Check out WheelHQ.com's selection of BMW Wheels.

Hot News: Ford C-Max 7-Seater

Ford’s latest compact people carrier is shaping up nicely. This is the forthcoming new C-MAX, which debuts a fresh look that mixes styling cues from the S-MAX with the recently launched Kuga SUV. But the best news is that it will have seven seats.

The current car has proved extremely popular thanks to its combination of a clever five-seater layout and great dynamics. However, the second-generation model will take that to new heights by featuring an extra rear bench for the first time, allowing it to go head-to-head with Vauxhall’s Zafira.

Sitting on a totally new platform from the upcoming third-generation Focus, the C-MAX promises to be the best-handling car in its class.

Our spies have already caught engineers testing a prototype, clad in a stretched and widened bodyshell from the current car. Look at our spy shots and you can clearly see the flared wheelarches and extra metalwork around the B-pillar, which gives more rear space.

Inside, the new seven-seater arrangement is modelled on the S-MAX’s set-up, with fold-flat seats and a large boot. As with the car’s stablemate, Ford will probably offer a five-seat version, too, although to cut costs it is unlikely that this will get a separate bodystyle as with the Scenic and Grand Scenic from rival Renault.

Cabin quality will take a big leap forward, borrowing its design and materials from the Kuga off-roader.

Engines will probably be carried over from the current car, with a range of 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol and diesel units, including a low-emission ECOnetic oil-burner. There’s also the possibility that Ford’s new EcoBoost line-up of small turbocharged petrol powerplants could debut in the new MPV.

Standard transmission will be a five or six-speed manual, with Ford’s new twin-clutch semi-automatic Powershift box available as an option. Expect sales to start in 2010.

Hot News: Lotus Esprit Delayed

Lotus won’t replace the Esprit until early 2011, company boss Mike Kimberley has said. The British supercar is being totally redesigned after Lotus put it on the back burner to fast-track the new Lotus Evora.

Now there are hints that the range-topping Esprit could be offered as a hybrid, possibly using a mix of Lotus and Toyota technology.

Kimberley has said he wants to offer “guilt-free, high performance motoring” and admits the company is “working on something”.

With Lotus’ long-held expertise in lightweight structures, it has a wide-ranging engine development and alternative propulsion programmes on the go.

Kimberley is pretty scathing about early versions of the Esprit, which were under development before he returned to Lotus in 2006. “I lost it three times,” he said of its handling. “I also burnt out the clutch four times. Its engine wasn’t free-revving enough either.”

The new Lotus Esprit - there’s no word yet on whether this famous name will be revived – will use the same chassis platform as the new Evora, made wider and longer and with a new rear structure designed to accommodate a longitudinally mounted engine. It will also make use of the Evora’s compact double-wishbone suspension.

Besides this flagship Esprit, Lotus is working on additional versions of the Evora - there will eventually be six - including a two-seater, a convertible and an automatic. And work is also advancing on S3 versions of the Elise and Exige.

Kimberley claims that Lotus itself is in better shape since he arrived. The engineering side of the group, which the previous regime was thinking of closing down, has been rejuvenated. Lotus is currently working on 340 projects for 147 clients, Kimerley explained. “That’s not a record,” he said, “but not bad considering it was going to be rolled up.”

The company now has engineering centres in Detroit, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur as well as project in Abu Dhabi and India. Last year it made a modest £2 million profit after several years of losses, and that should continue to grow this year.

Spied: 2010 Hyundai i20

The i20 is the latest product in Hyundai’s dramatic product renaissance, and another potential worry for Europe’s established car makers. Hyundai insiders insist that it will combine strong equipment levels – almost certain to include standard air conditioning – with ultra-competitive pricing and a five-year warranty.

We’ve spied the three-door version, but the i20 will also be sold as a five-door. It will be produced in India on a new production line adjacent to the one that makes the i10, with the quality of interior trim dramatically improved compared to the Getz: we’re assured it will be as big a leap forward for the brand as the i30 was over the old Accent.

Power will come from two petrol and two diesel engines at launch. The 1.2-litre motor from the i10 will be the entry-level petrol motor, with buyers also getting the chance to choose a more powerful 1.4-litre unit. Two new 1.4-litre common-rail diesels will be offered, likely to be in 75bhp and 90bhp states of tune. All powerplants will be highly competitive on fuel economy and CO2 emissions, with a more frugal i-Blue variant likely to follow.

The five-door i20 goes on sale in the UK next January with the three-door set to follow a couple of months later. Pricing details will be announced closer to the launch, but anticipate a sub-£8000 entry level price, with generous standard equipment. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures).

CLR X650 BMW X6 by Lumma

Tuning companies are catching on to the all powerful teaser image, and German tuner, Lumma Design, have issued theirs - with the controversial BMW X6 model. Love it or hate it, the BMW X6 Coupe Crossover is an interesting car and Lumma's CLR X650 is no different – yet in a different character.

With a beefy front bumper fascia, which contains no less than 6 air vent openings, the entire kit gets a dash of aggression with side skirts and quarter panel leg vents plus revised mirrors, however, the added attitude comes from the 40mm suspension drop with the 23-inch arch filling black dished wheels.

As one of the first tuning companies to put together a dramatic styling kit for the X6, the CLR X650 takes the whole X6 hatchback coupe vibe and molds it

New Car: 2009 Porsche 911 Targa

The very latest edition of the 911 family is here! These are the first official pictures of the 911 Targa, and as you can see, it's got a touch of glass.

The Targa sports a distinctive glass sliding roof, which gives occupants the open-air experience come rain or shine. The two-piece roof features specially-treated glass to cope with harsh UV rays, but when the sun's not so glaring, the roof slides back in just seven seconds for the full wind-in-the-hair experience.

Under the skin it's much the same as the new generation of 911s, with the new PDK double clutch drivetrain and direct fuel injection flat six engines in 345bhp 3.6 and 385bhp 3.8-litre guise.

The Targa 4 and Targa 4S will benefit from Porsche's Traction Management (PTM) system which delivers power to all four wheels via a mechanical limited slip diff.

Expect to see the new Targa in UK showrooms from October 25, priced from £72,980.

Hyundai cutting production of Santa Fe

Hyundai will reduce production output of its US-made Santa Fe, as the automaker reported a 10.6 percent drop in net profit in the second quarter. Manufactured in Hyundai's Montgomery, Alabama plant, the Santa Fe has seen decreased sales due to escalating fuel prices. Hyundai told the Wall Street Journal that it will cut the Santa Fe production by 40,000 units.

Hyundai has already cut production of the Santa Fe over the last several months, and increased the output of the Sonata sedan. Thus, Hyundai will not be forced to cut workers or shifts due to the switch.

[Source: Birmingham Business Journal]

Hot News: Opel/Vauxhall Calibra Returns?

The Vauxhall Calibra could be making a come back, Autocar can exclusively reveal.

GM insiders reveal that a business case is being considered for launching a large Vauxhall coupe based on the recently revealed Insignia.

It’s expected to be a sporty two-door model, whose design would be based on the Insignia’s original GTC concept car, which was revealed at the Geneva motor show in March 2007.

“We’re not ruling it out,” said our Vauxhall source, “we know that there are plenty more possibilities for the Insignia (beyond the hatch and saloon).”

If a new Calibra gets the production green light, it wouldn’t be ready until at least 2011. The next Insignia variant will be the estate, which will make its debut at the Paris motor show and arrive in showrooms by spring 2009. According to GM design boss Mark Adams it will be sleeker and more rakish than the Vectra wagon it replaces, but with similar load space.

Vauxhall’s keen to get the Insignia estate, saloon and hatchback variants established in the market before giving further consideration to a Calibra successor.

But another GM insider spoke of strong support within the company for a new Calibra, as it would confirm that GM is taking alluring design more seriously. “We want to be seen as design leaders, and niche models such as coupes are a good way of doing it,” said our well-placed source. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures)

New Car: 2009 Fiat 500 Ferrari Edition

Could this be the hottest supermini ever? Well, bearing the markings of the world’s most famous Italian supercar maker should help!

This is the Fiat 500 Ferrari edition, and it’s nearly as exclusive as the models that roll out of the Maranello factory gates.

That’s because this 500 has been designed as a courtesy vehicle for Ferrari owners while their supercars are in the garage. Only 200 will be made.

The makeover includes red paint and brake calipers, scarlet stitching for the leather trim and special edition badging. There’s no supercar acceleration, however, as the 500 has a standard 100bhp 1.4-litre engine, although a tuned exhaust has been added. Fiat isn’t simply focusing on its model line-up, though. The firm is mystery shopping at its entire UK dealer network, in a bid to improve customer satisfaction.

It’s rumoured that up to 20 per cent of showrooms could get the chop if they don’t come up to scratch. Fiat UK boss Andrew Humberstone has already anonymously visited 80 of 160 sites, and told trade magazine Car Maker: “Sometimes, I am deeply disappointed.”

Hot News: Ford to Sell Six European Small Cars in USA

Anyone who has ever seen or driven European Ford products and cursed executives for not selling them in North America, your day is coming.

The current U.S. lineup has nothing in common with Ford of Europe products, but by 2010, 40 percent of the vehicles will be shared, and that number hits 100 percent by 2013, says Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas, in the July 24 second-quarter earnings briefing.

It means the next-generation European Ford Focus sedan and five-door hatchback will be the same C-segment car here as in Europe, China, and the rest of the world when it goes on sale in 2010 in the U.S.—and should be far superior to the one on North American roads now.

The same melding will occur in the next size up: the Ford Fusion in North America and Mondeo in Europe will merge in size into a single model.

And the B-segment Ford Fiesta sedan and five-door, which is going on sale this year in Europe and China—it arrives stateside in 2010—is also of European descent. The lag time is necessary to ensure it meets all U.S. regulations as its sale here was not envisioned years ago when design work began.

Fiesta design began back in the days of affordable gasoline prices, when few Americans saw the need for small, fuel-miserly cars—a climate that has been turned on its ear to the extent that carmakers can’t make enough small vehicles with smaller-displacement engines, hybrids, and electric cars today.

Ford won’t just have the two body styles each of the Focus and Fiesta, it also promises a new Mercury small car in 2010 (defying the perception Mercury is on its deathbed), as well as a new so-called “whitespace” entry (we interpret this to mean a product in a new niche) for a total of six European small vehicles on sale here. Officials will not provide details on the mystery “whitespace” car other than to say it rides on a European small-car platform. Europe’s C-Max mini-minivan or the Kuga small crossover come to mind.

As expected, Ford uses its dismal second-quarter earnings release as a springboard to announce the next series of moves to transform from a company traditionally associated with trucks to one heavy with small cars and hybrid vehicles. Going forward, two thirds of product spending will be on cars and crossovers, compared with only half today, Fields says.

In the next five years, Ford says it will build more than 1 million vehicles a year, worldwide, from its global B-car platform and almost two million from the C-segment architecture.

The number of hybrids in the fleet will double when the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrid sedans go into production late this year for sale in 2009. To date, Ford only has the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrid SUVs. A third shift will be added in Kansas City this year to build all four hybrids.

Slovakia: Kia produces 108K cars in first-half of 2008

Kia Motors announced that it has produced 108,000 units in its Zilina, Slovakia plant in the first-half of 2008. The company stated that its average production rate was 850 cars, with its best monthly numbers in April with 19,300 units. The plant primarily produces the compact Cee'd range, which accounts for 83.2 percent of the cumulative production.

The plant produced the Cee'd SW the most in the time period, taking up 35.84 percent of the production. It was followed by the Cee'd hatchback (30.74 percent), Sportage (16.76 percent), and pro_cee'd (16.66 percent). The 1.6L diesel was the most demanding powertrain, accounting for 41.8 percent of the production.

Kia plans to produce 220,000 cars in the plant by the end of 2008. The automaker plans to add the eco_cee'd into production in the near future.

[Source: tasr]

Hyundai Q2 net profit slips as sales rise

Hyundai Motor stated today that its second-quarter net profit has slipped nearly 11%, while its sales rose. The company earned 546.93 billion Won ($542.1 million) during the period, a 10.6% decline compared to the same period last year. On the other hand, sales rose 12.8% from 8.08 trillion Won to 9.12 trillion Won ($9.03 billion). The automaker did not report the reason for the profit decline.

Hyundai stated that its first-half net profit increased 2.2% to 939.6 billion Won ($931.6 million), while sales during the six months ascended 17% to 17.3 trillion Won ($17.2 billion). The brand has sold nearly 1.5 million units in the first half, which is a 15% gain from the same period last year. "Higher oil prices and strong demand from emerging markets are boosting sales of small- and medium-sized sedans worldwide," Hyundai stated. Hyundai vowed to export its fuel-efficient compact cars aggressively throughout the second-half.

[Source: The Associated Press]

Spied: 2010 Porsche Cayenne

Autocar spies have snapped these pictures of the next-generation Porsche Cayenne testing in Germany. There has been speculation that Porsche is building a smaller version of the Cayenne but these spyshots confirm that the vehicle in question is actually the next generation of the popular SUV.

In an effort to disguise the car’s bulk, Porsche has lowered the roofline and made it look sleeker. The smaller window apertures also point to a reduction is size, especially around the rear passenger window.

The wheelarches are larger than the current Cayenne’s, giving the new car a far more aggressive stance.

This car will be built on the same platform as the forthcoming Panamera four-doorallowing it to utilise hybrid and diesel powertrains.

Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking is rumoured to be fast-tracking development of the car to get it ready by early 2010, before the release of the second-gen VW Touareg later that year. (Thanks to Autocar for News and Pictures)

Hyundai Avante/Elantra worldwide sales surpass 5 million

Hyundai has surpassed the 5 million sales milestone for the second time with the Avante/Elantra today. The automaker achieved the milestone for the first time with the Accent/Verna in 2001. The Elantra exceeded the 4 million mark in March 2006.

Introduced in 1990 as the Elantra, the first-generation model scored 948,348 units cumulatively. The second-generation was introduced in 1995 as the Avante/Elantra and 1.2 million units of it were sold. Introduced in 2000, the third-generation Avante XD/Elantra exceeded 2.2 million units throughout its sales course. Lastly, Hyundai has sold 593,915 units to date of the fourth-generation Avante/Elantra, introduced in 2006. To date, 3 million units sold were exports overseas.

[Source: Chosun]

Ferrari F430 Scuderia by Novitech

The Ferrari F430 Scuderia is one car most people would have no problem in adding to my fantasy garage, the 510 horsepower supercar capable of doing 320km/h is more than sufficient to to satisfy most of our lusts. But should you wish for something a little extra why not enlist the help of specialist Ferrrari tuner Novitec Rosso who have just released their own tuning package boosting the engine up to a monstrous 717 horsepower bringing the top speed up to 348km/h and the 0-62mph time down to just 3.5 seconds.

The engine gets new belt driven twin-superchargers with a limited boost pressure of 0.48 bar, the heat insulated intake manifold have been redesigned to provide the engine with pre-compressed air and the it also gets two high performance air filters and eight larger injectors. The extra heat generated from the additional power is cooled with a higher capacity coolant system.

The subtle interior modifications include a new flat bottomed sports steering wheel featuring leather and carbon fibre materials as well as carbon-fibre shift paddles.

Kia Soul & Forte on the streets

Here's yet another series of photos of the long-anticipated Kia Soul on the streets. The culprit in the spotlight is a Vanilla White model that looks to be the range-topping one, as indicated by the attractive 18-inch alloys, roof racks, and chrome door handles. I'm not sure if these are candid photos, judging by the high quality of the photos and great angles.

The Soul is slated to go on sale in South Korea in September, making its show unveiling later in the Paris International Motor Show in October. Kia plans to produce 120,000 units of the Soul per year. It will arrive in American showrooms next April.

UPDATE: New images added with Forte shots. It turns out these are not amateur spy photos, but images for an editorial article in Chosun and AVING Network.

[Source: CAReview.co.kr]

Europe: Hyundai launches emission-cutting i-Blue moniker

Debuted at the British Motor Show, Hyundai has launched a new range of low-emission vehicles under a new i-Blue marque. The first i-Blue model will be the i30 hatchback, powered by a 1.6L CRDi diesel engine. This model achieves 6g/km less emissions from the standard model. This was done merely by a change of gear ratios. In the UK, the i30 i-Blue will start at 13,155 (US$26,275) pounds. The drop in emissions lowers the country's annual registration fees (judged by emission levels) from 120 (US$240) pounds to 35 (US$70) pounds.

Hyundai will also tack on the i-Blue badge on every i10 with the new 1.2L Kappa engine (releasing this September) and manual transmission. This is due to the fact that the particular trim falls under the 120g/km emissions rating, qualifying it for discounts.

The automaker stated the future i-Blue vehicles will incorporate stop-and-go, hybrid powertrains, and hydrogen fuel-cell technology. Hyundai did not release details on the i-Blue's possible arrival into the US.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading to view one more image of the i30 i-Blue.

Gallardo Superleggera by Edo Competition

Following the tuned Murciélago LP 640, edo competition presents its second Lamborghini project with the Gallardo Superleggera.

Through high flow breathing components such as a massive air box and newly designed high flow catalytic converters plus a recalibrated engine control unit, the Gallardo SLE produces 30hp (22 kW) more to 560 hp (411 kW) at 8,250 rpm. Top speed is bumped up to about 6 km/h (4 mph) to 320 km/h (199 mph) and 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) arrives in 3.7 seconds and 0 – 200 km/h (124 mph) in 11.7 seconds.

Also, 19-inch three piece racing wheels shod in stock-sized or 245/35 ZR 19 (F) 305/30 ZR 19 (R) Dunlop Sport Maxx tires plus 15mm lowered suspensions and smoked side turn signals round out the package, except for one last detail.

The exhaust system's sound volume can be adjusted at the press of a button via remote control. Check out the video above for demonstration.