Auto News 5

Peter Wouda, head of exterior design on the VW Concept BlueSport, talks to us about the sporty two-seater debuting in Detroit. Full story...

Chrysler LLC jolted automotive journalists ready to see the world premiere of four production-vehicle-based electric cars and trucks at the Detroit auto show, adding a surprise electric show car dubbed the 200C EV. Full story...

For the past 16 years, a group of North American jurors has convened yearly to vote on the North American Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year. The panel of some 50 automotive journalists has selected the Ford Flex, Hyundai Genesis and Volkswagen Jetta TDI as finalists for the 2009 North American Car of the Year- while the truck of the year finalists included the Dodge Ram, Ford F-150 and Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC. Full story...

Force India's Mercedes-powered 2009 car will be revealed and run for the first time at Jerez in early March, team owner and boss Vijay Mallya said on Sunday. Full story...

When is fast too fast? According to Bentley's latest model, the answer is "never". On display at the NAIAS in Detroit, the Continental GTC has been given the 'Speed' treatment by Bentley's go-fast scientists- emerging with a twin-turbocharged, 12-cylinder engine and 600 horsepower to enable a 200 mile per hour top speed. These figures make The Continental GTC Speed Bentley's most powerful drop-top ever. Full story...

Just months after production of the last-generation BMW Z4 ended, the popular roadster has been updated, redesigned, and sent to Detroit to bow in front of NAIAS showgowers. The 2009 Z4 will boast the longest wheelbase in its class, as well as a folding aluminum top that opens and closes in just 20 seconds. Power will come from a pair of inline six cylinder engines- topping out with a 300 horsepower punch delivered by a pair of turbochargers and direct-injection technology. Full story...

Chrysler's first ever electric vehicle is scheduled to be launched in 2010, with three more EV's in production by 2013. At this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the American automaker showed the public updated versions of three electric powered vehicles that were first announced several months back- including a Lotus-esque Dodge sports car (now called the 'Circuit'), a Chrysler Town and Country EV and a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV. Full story...

Subaru's highly anticipated Legacy Concept took the stage for its world debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today. Celebrating two decades of the Legacy Sedan, Subaru officials say that the concept is indicative of the future direction of the car's design. Full story...

The folks at MINI have been busy updating their popular Convertible, and the fruits of their labor were on display at this week's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). BMW says the revised model gets various updates to packaging, safety and styling while leaving its cheeky personality unchanged. Fans of the Mini lineup noted the model's subtle size increase and various evolutionary styling updates. Full story...

We're not sure why the Germans keep calling sleek four-door models 'coupes'- but regardless of the definition, there's a new one expected from Audi in 2010. Think along the lines of a Mercedes-Benz CLS or the Volkswagen Passat CC. Full story...

Kia's urban 'crossover', the Soul, is being eagerly anticipated by shoppers after an affordable, stylish and practical machine with both street smart looks and flexibility. Set for a European launch in early 2009, the Soul will start sales overseas with diesel power and a selection of customization and personalization options including a moonroof, fog lamps and an audio system upgrade. Full story...

Detroit - Lexus celebrated its 20th anniversary of existence today by introducing the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, its first entry-luxury hybrid sedan, at the North American International Auto Show, in Detroit. Full story...

Detroit - Volkswagen has unveiled what could become an MX-5 killer. The styling of the BlueSport Concept roadster is modern and limited to the essentials. The interior shows finesse in details and conveys a high level of technological fascination. Think of the intuitive and easy to operate touch screen, or those lightweight construction leather upholstered seats with single-piece seatbacks. Full story...

Volvo's anticipated S60 concept took the stage at the Detroit Auto Show today, giving those in attendance a glimpse at the possible future styling direction of the Swedish brand's sedan. The concept demonstrated a daring and sleek silhouette that displays a new level of energy and excitement not yet seen in Volvo's styling. Full story...

Jaguar displayed an upcoming performance model in Detroit today, after photos of a test prototype have been swirling the internet for months. Jag's latest creation aims to put the British automaker's XF model into the realm of the high-performance premium sedan. The standard model is fitted with all the standard vents, openings and trim pieces expected of a high performance machine, alongside increased wheel and tailpipe diameters. Full story...

The future is electric, and Cadillac is presenting its vision with the Converj, a four-passenger, luxury grand touring coupe. GM's much-anticipated EV powertrain that will motivate the Chevrolet Volt is called Voltec, and will also power the Converj. The car's range is 64 kilometres, and swells to several hundreds when the gasoline engine regenerates energy for the battery pack. Full story...

The folks at MINI have been busy updating their popular Convertible, and the fruits of their labor were on display at this week's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). BMW says the revised model gets various updates to packaging, safety and styling while leaving its cheeky personality unchanged. Fans of the Mini lineup noted the model's subtle size increase and various evolutionary styling updates. Full story...

We're not sure why the Germans keep calling sleek four-door models 'coupes'--but regardless of the definition, there's a new one expected from Audi in 2010. Think along the lines of a Mercedes-Benz CLS or the Volkswagen Passat CC. Full story...

The popular Chevrolet Equinox SUV is set to enter the 2010 model year with a complete update, restyle and new powertrain lineup. Under the hood, a new set of engines provide optimized performance and mileage. Owners can choose either a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine or a three-litre V6. Full story...

Jaguar displayed an upcoming performance model in Detroit today, after photos of a test prototype have been swirling the internet for months. Jag's latest creation aims to put the British automaker's XF model into the realm of the high-performance premium sedan. The standard model is fitted with all the standard vents, openings and trim pieces expected of a high performance machine, alongside increased wheel and tailpipe diameters. Full story...