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Future Chryslers to include Charger Super Bee, 40+ mpg Fiat 500

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat

2011 Dodge Charger

2011 Dodge Charger – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler is fresh off the introduction of 16 new or refreshed models, but Team Pentastar isn’t out of breath just yet. According to Inside Line, CEO Sergio Marchionne told reporters and analysts that there will be more changes throughout 2011.

For starters, the Dodge Charger will reportedly add a Super Bee variant. The familiar badge will likely be a mostly cosmetic upgrade, though Chrysler hasn’t yet announced any specifics. Meanwhile, the Jeep Wrangler will finally – finally – receive a new engine. The ancient 3.8-liter six will be replaced by the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which boasts 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in most applications. The far more powerful 3.6-liter will also come with a reported 10 percent increase in fuel economy, though the Wrangler won’t get the eight-speed auto transmission that should arrive from Getrag later in the year.

One of the Chrysler brands will also receive a rebadged version of the Fiat 500 before the end of 2011. The efficient little runt, which could be badged as a Dodge, must hit at least 40 miles per gallon to satisfy a requirement necessary for Fiat to receive another five percent ownership of Chrysler. If and when that happens, Fiat will own a 51 percent majority of the American automaker.

Team Pentastar is also looking to add more diesel models to its lineup. The oil burners will reportedly make up 14 percent of the automaker’s model mix by 2014. We know that the Jeep Grand Cherokee is getting Chrysler’s 3.0-liter CRD V6 in the coming years, and we’re crossing our fingers for an oil-burning Wrangler, as well.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Charger: First Drive

2011 Dodge Charger

Future Chryslers to include Charger Super Bee, 40+ mpg Fiat 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 May 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Lamborghini plans surface; include Estoque, Sesto Elemento and Gallardo-replacing Cabrera

Filed under: Lamborghini, Rumormill

Lamborghini range

With the new Aventador now uncovered and sold out for at least the next year, Lamborghini is undoubtedly preparing its next model. And the one after that. And incoming reports have detailed what could be the Raging Bull marque’s product plan for the next several years.

First to come could be the limited-production version of the Sesto Elemento concept car. Rather than taking the place of any current model, the Sesto Elemento could take up a Reventon-like position in the line-up, offering limited numbers at high prices.

The Estoque concept also appears to be edging closer to production, sharing its underpinnings with the next-generation versions of the Porsche Panamera, Audi A8 and Bentley Continental. The four-door model could also be joined by a GT coupe.

Of course, we can expect to see variants of the Aventador coming ’round the mountain as well, including potential Roadster and eventual Super Veloce versions.

Finally the Gallardo will eventually need replacing, and sources suggest that its successor could carry the Cabrera nameplate in reference to a bloodline of famous fighting bulls. Given that the Gallardo has spawned a good dozen variants over the years, you can bet the Cabrera will give rise to a few of its own, as well.

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Lamborghini plans surface; include Estoque, Sesto Elemento and Gallardo-replacing Cabrera originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia K9 sedan spied, upscale cues include Maserati-style side vents

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Kia, Luxury, South Korea

Kia K9 – Click above for image gallery

Remember the proposed Kia K9 luxury sedan? Apparently, it’s a reality, as spy shots of the Kia flagship have hit a web forum in Korea. As you can see, the K9’s camouflage (which sneakily includes Hyundai Genesis wheels) doesn’t obscure a set of Maserati Quattroporte-style fender ports. Just how upmarket is Kia shooting with this? Well, according to the tipster who sent them to us, the K9 is expected to slot into the market space between the Hyundai Genesis and Equus sedans.

If those two are anything to go on, Kia might be on to something. From these photos, it looks like the K9 will not only sport Quttroporte-referencing vents along its fenders, but long, angular headlights and a protruding grille, leaving impressions of the BMW 5 Series and Jaguar XJ – lofty benchmarks, indeed. Thanks for the tip, K7!

Gallery: Kia K9 out and about

Kia K9 front disguised Kia K9 read disguised Kia K9 mirror Kia K9 wheel Kia K9 headlight

[Source: Bobaedream.co.kr]

Kia K9 sedan spied, upscale cues include Maserati-style side vents originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Feb 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear China pilot to include Cadillac versus… donkey?

Filed under: China, Etc., Celebrities

top gear china

The rumors appear to be true and Top Gear China is reportedly officially underway. According to the Global Times, a 30-minute pilot episode has been filmed and Chinese comedian Cao Yunjin will be one of the three hosts helming China’s version of the greatest automotive television show… in the world.

The format is expected to remain true to the Top Gear style, but so far, little is known about the actual content being filmed. One challenge from the pilot episode has been leaked, and it apparently features a Cadillac taking on a donkey. The two are tasked with lugging millstones around a farm to see which tackles the job more efficiently. Uh-huh.

Here’s hoping the next challenge involves deciphering Geely’s multi-brand system.

[Source: Global Times]

Top Gear China pilot to include Cadillac versus… donkey? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM expands axle pin recall to include more pickups, SUVs

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Recalls, Safety, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

2011 GMC Sierra

It would seem that General Motors has discovered that the defective axle cross pins responsible for a recent recall were installed in more vehicles than originally thought. The automaker has expanded the recall to cover a total of 26,751 vehicles, up from the 1,262 units in the original notice. As of right now, certain 2011 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Avalanche, Colorado, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe models as well as GMC Canyon, Sierra and Yukon models are included in the newest recall.

As with before, the vehicles were built with rear axle cross pins that may not have been heat treated. As a result, the pieces could fracture and move out of position. If this happens, the defect could actually cause the rear axle to lock up while driving. Needless to say, the problem could easily cause an accident.

GM will replace the pins free of charge, though the recall isn’t scheduled to get underway until January 25. The company says that while one owner did experience a loss of power to the rear axle as a result of the defect, no accidents have been reported. Hit the jump to take a look at the full recall notice.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading GM expands axle pin recall to include more pickups, SUVs

GM expands axle pin recall to include more pickups, SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lancia’s Geneva lineup to include Chrysler 200-based Flavia

2011 Chrysler 200 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Some might deride Lancia as the Plymouth of the Fiat group, but instead of being killed off like the defunct American marque, the pseudo-premium Italian division is being teamed up with Chrysler in an effort to increase the Pentastar’s global reach while rejuvenating the Lancia brand.

We’ve seen the pairing take effect already through the appointment of Lancia CEO Olivier Francois and the toe-in-the-water demonstration of a Chrysler-badged Lancia Delta at last year’s Detroit show, but it looks like things could finally materialize at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

There, according to the latest reports from Europe, the Fiat/Chrysler alliance will unveil a Lancia-fied version of the new Chrysler 200. The model is expected to revive the Flavia nameplate last seen in 1975 and receive only a few modifications, in the form of a new grille (natch), European-spec bumpers and the possible mechanical additions of a manual transmission and diesel engine.

Headline though the development is, it is expected to be only one of several new debuts – some Chrysler-based, some not – that Lancia has planned for the Swiss expo. A Chrysler 300-based Thema flagship sedan is reportedly in the cards, as could be a Lancia version of the Chrysler Town & Country minivan (as a potential replacement for the Phedra that was jointly produced between Fiat and PSA). Finally, Lancia is expected to unveil the new Ypsilon hatchback, which itself could make its way Stateside as a Chrysler. Now all we need is a Pentastar-badged version of the New Stratos and we’ll be all set.

Gallery: 2011 Chrysler 200: First Drive

2011 Chrysler 200

[Source: Automotive News Europe – subs. req’d]

Lancia’s Geneva lineup to include Chrysler 200-based Flavia originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Shelby Mustang Concepts – Click above for image gallery

Earlier this year, Shelby announced it would focus less on building complete cars and more on selling parts, and that transition began when the company brought much of its manufacturing in-house and created a new speed shop to customize Mustangs at its Las Vegas facility.

Looking to the future, Shelby has now posted a query online asking its customers what they want to see from the company, and in the process it’s proposed four Mustang aftermarket packages ranging from a V6 model to a twin-turbo Shelby GT500.

While probably the least likely to appeal to the everyday Mustang enthusiast because of its cost ($100,000 not including the car), the twin-turbo GT500 obviously caught our attention. The concept, codenamed 2010-04a, would be based off the 2007-2009 GT500 and would feature a twin-turbo system with variable boost good for 1000+ horsepower at the rear wheels in addition to an adjustable suspension, widebody kit, 10-point roll cage and more.

On the other end of the spectrum, Shelby is considering offering a package for 2010+ V6 models carrying the Shelby GTS moniker. This seems more likely to make it to production, especially since Shelby has already produced a working prototype. The GTS would feature various visual and performance upgrades and the package would retail for somewhere between $9,000 to $12,000. Finally, the last two concepts are based on the new 2011 Mustang GT and would feature the same styling upgrades as the V6 version. Follow the jump for a full list of proposed features for both the twin-turbo GT500 and the GTS model, and let us know which packages you think Shelby should offer.

Gallery: Shelby Mustang Concepts

[Source: Shelby American]

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New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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