Auto News 5

Volvo today unveiled the XC Coupé concept ahead of its official debut at Detroit's NAIAS on January 13th. This model foreshadows the next-generation XC90, which will go on sale by the end of 2014.

The Volvo XC Coupé is based on the new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), which will underpin the brand's future midsize and full-size vehicles. As a 2-door, 4-passenger CUV, it features large 21'' wheels, more accentuated wheel arches, T-shaped DRL lights, ultra-thin LED taillights, and a front-end look emulating the Coupé concept unveiled in Frankfurt.

Additional details and pictures will come next week.

Photo: Volvo

Through World Car Fans, we now have the first allegedly official pictures of the all-new 2015 Subaru WRX STI, which will make its official appearance at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Based on the redesigned WRX, the 2015 Subaru WRX STI on these pics sports a blue exterior with golden alloy wheels. Some sources claim that a 2.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged BOXER engine producing around 300 horsepower lies under the hood, but that remains to be confirmed.

Come back next week for further information.

Source : worldcarfans.com

Although he's been retired from racing for eight years Rusty Wallace will be driving again in a No. 2 Blue Deuce for Penske Racing this week at Daytona International Speedway.

He won't be racing for points it's just a guest appearance - homage to his former sponsor, Miller's 40th anniversary in the sport - during the two-day NASCAR test session.

Wallace, 57, a NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee and television analyst will be wearing a firesuit with the original Miller Lite logo during the test.

The Miller Lite car. (Photo: Penske)

This retro fire suit will also be worn by Brad Keselowski and the No. 2 Miller Lite Ford team crew members at the upcoming Daytona 500 as well. The Miller Lite Ford Fusion will also feature a commemorative white Miller Lite paint scheme for the event television calls “Great American Race”

“I am pretty pumped up about this,” said Wallace.

“This is a big deal, and I can't wait to get the No. 2 Miller Lite Ford up to speed - especially at Daytona. This will be my first time driving the new Gen-6 car, and I think it will give me a better perspective on how I cover the races for ESPN as an analyst. This is going to be a lot of fun, yet there is also a business component too. I can't thank Miller Lite, ESPN and Team Penske enough for giving me this opportunity. Man, what a fantastic way to start the year.”

The last time Wallace piloted the storied No. 2 Penske machine was at the season ending race at Homestead-Miami Speedway November 20, 2005.

“This is a terrific way to pay homage to the heritage and prestige of the No. 2 Miller Lite Ford,” said Keselowski. “To have Rusty Wallace, a NASCAR champion and a NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, assist Miller Lite in recognizing the long association they have had with Team Penske and NASCAR is something special. I feel privileged to be a part of it.”

Miller Lite and Team Penske began their over two decade long relationship with Rusty Wallace driving the storied No. 2 car. During his time behind the wheel of the Miller Lite machine, Wallace earned 39 victories.

"Miller Lite is proud of our heritage and partnership with Team Penske,” said Ryan Reis, senior director of marketing for Miller Lite. “Having Rusty Wallace on board to celebrate the original light beer and our rich tradition with NASCAR is something our fans are excited about."

Almost twenty-five year after it left Formula 1, British team Onyx will make a return in motorsport to compete in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).

Onyx's founder, Mike Earle is leading the project.

Onyx shone in various development formulas such as Formula 2 and Formula 3000 during the ‘80s before it graduated to F1,competing in 1989 and 1990.

The best result of a Cosworth V8-powered Onyx was the third place of Stefan Johansson at the Portuguese Grand Prix in 1989.

Earle crated Arena Motorsport in 1999 to compete in the BTCC, the British Touring Car Championship. The team also ran two Ford Focuses in the WTCC until it closed its doors last year.

Stefan Johansson, Onyx F1, Jerez, 1990. (Photo: WRi2)

According to Autosport, Onyx will enter the WTCC for at least the next five seasons, and has apparently been working on the cars for a few months already.

The name of the constructor, model type, drivers and sponsors will be announced later.

December brought a strong finish to the year for Western Europe's car market with sales in the month up 11.8% on 2012's pace, according to data issued by LMC Automotive.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally, ending months of speculation, will not take a job at software giant Microsoft and will remain at the automaker through at least this year, the 68-year-old executive told the Associated Press in an interview Tuesday.

Chrysler Group is scheduled to start building its first salable 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel pickups this month, several months later than originally expected.

The 2014 Volkswagen Passat Sport will start at $27,295 including destination when it goes on sale early next year.

After selecting new creative and media agencies last March, American Honda is turning its attention to digital strategy and web development for its brands in North America.

Nissan has recruited a rising star from Hyundai, Derrick Hatami, to take over its United States sales operations as Nissan reorganizes its North American management structure.

General Motors today named Paul Edwards, a GM marketing director, as vice president of U.S. marketing for Chevrolet. Edwards, 44, replaces Chris Perry, who resigned last month. He will report to Chevy's global marketing chief, Tim Mahoney.

Last week, Audi board member for technical development Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg was meandering down the California coast, sampling red wines.

Just before a refreshed Rolls-Royce Ghost debuts at the

Nissan plans to build a new US$60m engine plant in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro state, according to chief executive officer Carlos Ghosn.

Some of General Motors' Chevrolet brand cars sold in the US and Canada will soon get a new OnStar 4G LTE connection, running on AT&T's network, claimed to be the nation's fastest and most reliable.

News 13 Jan, 2014

Sleek Volvo Concept XC Coupe that hints at future SUV is unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show

Even though just a few years ago, cars weren't a prominent part of the annual

News 14 Jan, 2014

450bhp V8-powered Lexus RC F coupe debuts at Detroit, shows firm has its mojo back

Japanese supplier Nippon Seiki and its affiliates have agreed to pay a $4.56 million civil settlement for price fixing its instrument panel clusters.

News 8 Jan, 2014

New flagship SEAT Leon Cupra outmuscles VW Golf GTI with an incredible 276bhp