Auto News 5

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 liter four cylinder engine or a three liter V6. Full story...

Even if the nameplate has been cancelled, resurrected and bounced around in the recent past, the newest Ford Taurus is a very big deal. Built from the Lincoln MKS platform, the 2010 Taurus will hit the market with a complete redesign- bringing the Ford brand flagship sedan to a whole new level. Full story...

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is opening its doors today to the international press. Around 6,000 journalists from some 60 countries are on site to report on close to 30 production vehicle and concept unveilings. Full story...

Even if the nameplate has been cancelled, resurrected and bounced around in the recent past, the newest Ford Taurus is a very big deal. Built from the Lincoln MKS platform, the 2010 Taurus will hit the market with a complete redesign- bringing the Ford brand flagship sedan to a whole new level. Full story...

There are several models in Lotus' current line-up, including a couple that aren't available in Canada, but they're all based on the Elise that has been around since 1995. So the arrival of the all-new Evora is big news for the small British automaker. Full story...

Chrysler put its electric vehicle efforts center stage for the Detroit auto show with a display of the latest versions of several production-intent EVs. Full story...

Designer Moray Callum's latest project at Ford wasn't designing just another car. He was charged with making over one of the company's most-famous nameplates: Taurus. Full story...

Get used to seeing, hearing and reading about the redesigned 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but don’t look for it at the North American International Auto Show. Full story...