First pictures and details of the production-ready Alfa Romeo 4C sports car ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Auto Show next month.

The design, penned by the Alfa Romeo Style Center, draws its inspiration from the classic 33 Stradale of 1967. The car at 4 metres long and 2 metres wide it’s around the same size as the Lotus Elise while the 4C is nearly identical to the award-winning concept that bowed in Geneva two years ago.

Underpinning the Alfa Romeo 4C is a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, this helps cut weight.

It's powered by what Alfa calls “an evolution of the engine in the Quadrifoglio Verde version of the Giulietta” - expect base models to pack about 240 horsepower and more expensive trim levels to bump that number up to 270 hp through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission . A 0-62mph time of around 4.5sec has been mooted, with a top speed limited to 155mph.

The car will be offered in a number of countries around the world, including several European nations and Japan.

KIA has taken the wraps off their Cross GT concept, which it describes as "blurring the line" between GT sedan study and a luxury crossover vehicle.

While clearly a member of the same bloodline as the award-winning Sorento, the Cross GT cuts an even more imposing figure. At 122.0 inches, the Cross GT's wheelbase is longer than Sorento's by 15.7 inches, and its overall length of 192.8 inches is 8.4 inches greater than Sorento.

Some of the upscale styling cues include the clamshell hood and LED technology creates a strong and unique lighting identity that dramatically highlights KIA's signature grille.

Motivation for the concept comes from a 3.8-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic - that gives the luxury crossover a combined output of 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.

Inside, the Cross GT equipped with leather upholstery, navigation and climate control systems, American Walnut trim and a touch screen infotainment system.

“The debut of the GT in 2011 heralded a new frontier for Kia, both from a design and a business perspective,” noted Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors Corporation president and global chief of design.

Source: KIA

 

Designed especially for United States and Canada, the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept big six-seat SUV will enter production in 2015.

It will replace the elderly and slow-selling Routan MPV with a plug-in diesel electric hybrid drivetrain, the hulking five-door.

The VW CrossBlue makes use of a hybrid powertrain consisting of a TDI Clean Diesel Engine that develops 190 hp (142 kW) and 54-hp front along with DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, and an electric all-wheel-drive system.

When the 9.8 kWh lithium-ion battery is fully charged, the car can store about 14 miles of all-electric range at a maximum speed of 75 mph although top speed is reduced from 127 mph (204 km/h) to 75 mph (121 km/h).

Inside, a 10.2-inch touch screen infotainment system controls all audio functions, leather and wood are also used to finish the interior, climate-control system and iPad® mini devices are integrated as monitors in the front-row head restraints.

If the CrossBlue concept receives the green light, Volkswagen will price the SUV above some of its competitors, starting at $32,000 (£19,800).

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: Volkswagen CrossBlue concept (pictures) [/alert]

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BMW first showed us its new M6 Gran Coupe in December and now German carmakers has officially unveiled the model at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Looking bold and aggressive, the model distinguished by a signature twin-kidney M grille, large front air inlets, evised side skirts, Adaptive LED Headlights and a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) diffuser.

The cabin is trimmed in touchable leather and carbon fiber with plenty of space for rear-seat passengers. The M6 Gran Coupe gets an Alcantara headliner and a M-specific steering wheel.

Under hood, the M6 Gran Coupe uses the same twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces 560 HP (412 kW) and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque. The fast four-door brings up 60 miles per hour in just 4.1-seconds and hit an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h or 305 km/h with the optional M Driver's Package.

The M6 Gran Coupe will arrive in US dealerships this summer with pricing to be announced. Tells us what you think about the hotted up four-door in comments, below.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe (6 pictures) [/alert]

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Acura has unveiled a thinly-disguised prototype version of the next-generation MDX Prototype crossover form today at the Detroit Auto Show.

Unfortunately, the fact that it's a prototype and not a production model, but that's only because it isn't 100-percent finished.

The 2014 Acura MDX has an evolutionary design which incorporates "Jewel Eye" LED headlights, prominent fenders and large shield grille.

Although the vehicle height was successfully lowered by 1.5 inches, a spacious interior equivalent to the current model was secured through highly-efficient packaging

Detailed specifications were not released, but Acura says the car will also be an all-new 3.5-liter V6 under the hood with direct injection and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM).

Acura plans to produce the all-new 2014 MDX at its Alabama plant and introduce it to the US market by mid-2013.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: 2014 Acura MDX Prototype (pictures) [/alert]

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The new 2014 Infiniti Q50 sedan, which replaces the G, is the first Infiniti branded with the more simple naming designation, that makes its debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.

The Q50's styling will also distinguish it from competitors, which tend to be quite conservative to appease European and Chinese tastes.

The Q50's front end features a tapered, very vertical front fascia with a gigantic Infiniti badge centered on its grille. It also sports a side “character” line that integrates seamlessly with the LED taillights and 19-inch wheels are available.

Inside, the cabin has been designed with enhanced interior roominess to stunning effect inside and out. Infiniti also added its new InTouch infotainment system offer an optional navigation system with various SiriusXM traffic.

There's no doubt four-cylinders are becoming more important than ever in premium sedans. The conventional Q50 will be motivated by a 3.7-liter V-6 that puts out 328 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, a seven-speed automatic transmission is standard regardless of engine.

“Anything is possible. The dynamic capabilities of this platform are very significant, and it can handle far higher power than the engines we are using,” de Nysschen says.

The Infiniti Q50's four-wheel independent multilink suspension is made from lightweight aluminum components along with a firmer sport suspension. It offers four settings including Sport, Standard, Eco and Snow modes for the transmission.

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 goes on sale this summer in North America, with the global rollout following soon after.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: 2014 Infiniti Q50 (8 pictures) [/alert]

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A new subcompact Honda crossover due in 2014 will take its cues from the Urban SUV concept, entry-level model about nine inches shorter than the automaker's existing CR-V.

The Honda Urban SUV Concept is built on the Fit platform and it looks like a more rugged version of the Nissan Juke.

However, the new crossover seems to share its design more with Acura than any Honda. Underpinning the 4300mm-long Urban SUV Concept is the next-generation Jazz's platform.

In terms of interior space, we expect the small SUV offer standard Bluetooth and touchscreen interfaces on its current Civic and CR-V compacts hasn't been outlined.

Tight-lipped Honda isn't talking about powertrains right now, but we predict this engine would be a 1.5-liter I4 paired with a continuously variable transmission.

Honda says its new small utility vehicle will go on sale late this year in Japan and US sales joining in next year in an effort to double its sales to 6 million units by 2017.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: Honda Urban SUV concept (9 pictures) [/alert]

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Just hours after we posted the first official images of Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis, we now have a better idea about what this sleek concept is all about.

The Hyundai Genesis was the start of something bigger and more luxurious than ever before for the Korean automaker in the American market. The Korean firm will be hoping to steal even more sales from manufacturers like Audi and BMW.

Hyundai says that the HCD-14 Genesis is its latest “fluidic precision” design, four-door coupe package that will probably ditch the three-box bodywork for a more tapered rear end.

“We instilled HCD-14 Genesis with a premium-sport four-door coupe road presence”, said chief designer of Hyundai Design North America Christopher Chapman. “Its sleek and lightweight silhouette does not punish the wind but used fluidic precision with dramatic surfacing that conveys natural restraint.”

In addition to the styling of the car, there are plenty of new features being introduced on the concept that may be intended for the final product. This include eye tracking technology and 3-D gesture recognition.

To that end, the car has all the things you'd expect from a next-gen premium Hyundai: a 5.0-liter V8 and an eight-speed automatic. According to Hyundai, the HCD-14's high-tensile steel chassis is as rigid as a Catholic school nun. Befitting its status as a more performance-oriented model, the HCD-14's exhaust was designed to have a deep baritone sound.

UK president and CEO of Hyundai Tony Whitehorn said: “The idea of a Genesis Coupe for the UK is definitely interesting. We need to wait until the time is right to introduce it, though.”

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis (12 pictures) [/alert]

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Want a first look at the 2014 Nissan Versa Note? It's right here, from the Detroit Auto Show. Called the Versa Note, the five-door is expected to hit the United States market later this year.

From the outside, the Nissan Versa Note with somewhat different front-end details and some additional chrome detailing. The hatchback is will be positioned as a more up-scale model with more standard and available features than the four-door.

In Japan, the Note makes use of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 109-horsepower, with either a five-speed manual gearbox or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Nissan hasn't yet confirmed other details for the Versa Note, but expected EPA ratings for CVT models earned EPA ratings of 31 mpg city, 40 mpg highway rating.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: 2014 Nissan Versa Note (8 pictures) [/alert]

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A warmed-up version of the 2013 Dodge Dart GT has made its debut at the Detroit auto show today, a rebadge that also brings with it a lower-than-expected price tag.

It comes with the same 2.4-liter engine making 184 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, and customers still have the choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

The car's suspension has been upgraded, with “frequency sensing” dampers and stiffer spring rates, 18-inch aluminum wheels, dual exhaust tips, black projector headlamp bezels and certain styling features such as the sports front grille with black accents.

On the technology front, the 2013 Dodge Dart GT will come standard with an 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen infotainment system; ParkView rear backup camera and a 7.0-inch TFT display.

Pricing is set at $20,995 (which does not include a $795 destination charge), the car will go on sale in the U.S. in the second quarter of the year.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: 2013 Dodge Dart GT (14 pictures) [/alert]

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After numerous leaks and teasers, Chevrolet has finally unveiled the all-new, seventh-generation (C7) Corvette Stingray.

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever, with GM's newly developed 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine featuring direct injection. This will enable the mill to develop approximately 450 bhp (336 kW) and 450 lb-ft (609 Nm) of torque.

A big improvements is said to be offered to the steering through a variable ratio electric power steering system and supporting technologies.

Chevrolet says that output is enough to empower the C7 Corvette to sprint from 0-60 mph in under four seconds. Two active exhaust systems are available; the base setup uses its active valves to tame noise during four-cylinder cruising.

“Stingray is one of the hallowed names in automotive history,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. “We knew we couldn't use the Stingray name unless the new car truly lived up to the legacy. The result is a new Corvette Stingray that breaks from tradition, while remaining instantly recognizable as a Corvette the world over.”

From what we gather, the 2014 Corvette has an evolutionary design with the front fenders are designed to reduce drag, while a long ventilated hood that is constructed out of carbon fiber.

The styling changes carryover to the cabin where the model has a significantly improved interior. Among other highlights is aluminum and hand-wrapped leather materials; infotainment screens; two new seat choices and the new 8-inch screen in the center of the instrument panel flanked by regular gauges.

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will be built at GM’s Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant, and will hit the market in the second half of 2013.

[alert style="white"] Hi-Res Gallery: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (pictures) [/alert]

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Skoda has released new teaser images of the 2013 Octavia has given us first look at the interior of the third-generation mid-size.

The new photos show the design of the front grille, LED tail-light assembly, C-pillar and side mirrors with built-in turning lights.

The single interior image uncovers a corner of the 2013 Skoda Octavia steering wheel, chrome finish for the instrument gauges, Bluetooth phone connectivity,  buttons for voice control and the infotainment system.

As previously mentioned, quality looks set to take a step forward by offering more equipment, more refined along with higher quality materials inside the cabin.

The new 2013 Skoda Octavia is based on the same MQB platform as the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 - and will be considerably lighter than the outgoing version.

[alert style="green"] 2013 Skoda Octavia photos [/alert]

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The BMW i3 Concept Coupe is a two-door version, "stream flow" design wrapping its LifeDrive architecture and Life Module cabin.

The carbon-fibre body's visual impact is largely shaped by the gracefully flowing coupe roof line, that saves weight while adding safety strength.

Measuring 3,964 millimetres in length, 1,768 wide and 1,555 high, the BMW i3 Concept Coupe can be noted for its highly individual proportions.

The rear wheels are driven by an electric motor that produces 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft and power is sends to the rear wheels via a single-gear transmission.

The motor's energy source is a lithium-ion battery pack in the car's floor,  which sits low to the ground to improve the car's center of gravity for optimal handling.

[alert style="green"] BMW i3 Coupe Concept photos [/alert]

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Now entering its seventh year in showrooms, the 2013 Mazda CX-9 global debuts for the L.A. auto show that runs for the public from November 30 to December 9, 2012.

For 2013 - which we first saw at last month's Sydney Motor Show, the biggest member of the Mazda lineup taking nearly identical design cues from the TAKERI Concept and "Soul of Motion" design language.

"It's definitely an exciting time for the Zoom-Zoom brand," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO.

The 2013 Mazda CX-9 borrows its restyled grille and front-end design from Mazda's CX-5 compact crossover. Inside, the cabin is the automaker's next-generation infotainment, a 5.8-inch color multi-information touch screen display and a speech-recognition (HMI).

The 2013 CX-9 is powered by a turbocharged SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter diesel engine, capable of hitting 24 mpg on the highway.

The 2013 Mazda CX-9 is in showrooms today with  a base price of $29,785, while both the 2014 CX-5 and 2014 Mazda6 will go on sale in January 2013.

[alert style="green"] 2013 Mazda CX-9 photos [/alert]

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About 18 months after debuting as a new-for-2012 model, the 2013 Honda Civic has introduced this morning at the Los Angeles Auto Show has updated styling.

The 2013 Civic gets significant updates inside and out, which the Japanese automaker hopes will stem the tide of criticism levied at the completely redesigned 2012 model.

The 2013 Honda Civic gets a new grille, clear-lens corner lights, compact sporting an updated lower bumper, updated taillights and different wheels, a chrome-trimmed black honeycomb mesh grille plus a deeper front bumper opening.

Changes to the Civic's interior are designed to give it a more premium feel, feature a rearview camera; a dashboard is visually similar to the outgoing model; an outside temperature gauge; USB and iPod connections; a sliding center armrest; a color LCD screen; audio controls on the steering wheel and SMS text and Pandora.

Newly optional safety tech includes retuned the suspension, a forward collision alert system, a lane departure warning system and steering settings to sharpen the Civic's handling.

The price will jump by $160 across the line, the base 2013 Honda Civic LX model starts at $18,165 and a Civic sedan at $18,995, including the $790 shipping charge.

[alert style="green"] 2013 Honda Civic photos [/alert]

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We've previewed it, and now we can bring you live photos of the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV has been officially unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Chevy is confident it will offer one of the longest ranges in its class, with the capability to accept SAE Combo DC Fast Charging. An onboard charging receptacle accommodates 120- and 240-volt outlets, owners can hit 50 percent charge in 12 minutes and 80 percent in just 20 minutes.

“Spark EV's battery has undergone more than 200 ,000 hours of testing in our global battery systems labs,” said Larry Nitz, executive director of GM's global electrification engineering team. “This testing paved the way to allow our customers to do multiple DC Fast Charges daily to help alleviate range anxiety and improve convenience.”

In the Chevrolet Spark EV engine bay lies an electric motor - good for 130 horsepower and an impressive 400 pound-feet of torque, the car scoots to 60 mph in less than eight seconds.

Inside, the Spark EV has two 7-inch color screens and Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system.

The compact electric vehicle will be launching initially in California, Oregon, Canada, and South Korea, the MSRP is close to $33,000 - it isn't the cheapest electric vehicles on the market.

[alert style="green"] 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV photos [/alert]

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Ford has officially introduced its performance-minded the 2014 Fiesta ST at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Along with 2014 Ford Fiesta, American buyers are finally enjoying something of a small performance car renaissance.

Powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that's paired with a six-speed manual transmission, the 2014 Ford Fiesta ST 1.6-liter EcoBoost has initially rated at 197 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque.

Even with the high-spec engine, peak torque is available at 3500 rpm while the hot hatch will achieve 34 mpg combined in the fuel economy department. The car also gets an electronic Torque Vectoring Control, sports suspension, better brakes and a three-mode stability control system.

The Ford Fiesta ST gets aggressive styling to back up its performance include sportier side skirts, special 17-inch wheels, lower chin spoiler, a rear fascia diffuser and a gaping mesh grille with an ST badge in the corner.

Like the Focus ST, the car is available with MyFord Touch, shift knob, natural voice-recognition technology, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and highly bolstered Recaro sport seats.

Unfortunately, Ford has yet to reveal U.S. pricing for the new Fiesta ST.

[alert style="green"] 2014 Ford Fiesta ST photos [/alert]

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The brand new second-generation 2014 Porsche Cayman broke cover yesterday at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

As expected, the new model is essentially a closed-roof version of the Porsche Boxster roadster.

The base 2013 Porsche Cayman in the engine bay will be the buyer's choice of two flat-six motors: a 2.7-liter making 275 hp - capable of hitting 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and upgrading to the Porsche Cayman S nets a 325-bhp 3.4-liter flat-6 cylinder - will blast to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

Also available are carbon ceramic brakes, new power steering, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), active transmission mounts (another feature of the Sport Chrono package), a brake-induced torque-vectoring system and optional carbon ceramic brakes.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but based on the current Boxster's asking price, the 2014 Porsche Cayman will begin at $52,600 for the base model, and the Cayman S will command $63,800.

[alert style="green"] 2014 Porsche Cayman photos [/alert]

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The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series, a designation emblematic of extreme horsepower enhancements has officially landed at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Mercedes says the car draws its exterior design inspiration from the company's SLS AMG GT3 racecar, all in keeping with its circuit bred lineage.

The car boasts 622 total horsepower, 6.3-liter normally aspirated V-8, the SLS AMG Black Series hits 60 mph from a complete stop in just 3.5 seconds, and reach a 196mph top speed.

As a reminder, the car gets a rear diffuser; flared fenders; tinted headlights along with matte-black alloy wheels include 19-inch in the front - 20-inch in the rear.

Further engine changes centre around the exhaust system, a stiffer suspension, chassis developments wider, enlarged air intakes with carbon-fiber flics.

The 2014 Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series will hit the market next summer, but us expect it to close in on $300,000.

[alert style="green"] 2014 Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series photos [/alert]

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Aiming to grow its position in the small car segment, Ford has pulled the sheet on its refreshed 2014 Ford Fiesta sub-compact at the L.A. Auto Show on Wednesday.

Using Ford's turbocharging and direct-injection technology, which now gets optional 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost turbocharged engine that produces 123-hp and 148 lb-ft of torque.

“Our goal with this Fiesta was to take a car that was already a leader in fuel efficiency, performance, connectivity and personality, and make it even better,” says Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas.

The 2014 Ford Fiesta gets an upgraded interior with an available MyFord Touch 6 .5-inch LCD sits atop the subcompact 's center stack, simpler Bluetooth pairing and upgraded navigation controls.

The EPA has yet to certify the Ford Fiesta EcoBoost, but is projected to get more than 40 miles per gallon, Ford said.

The 2014 Ford Fiesta will come to the US market in the second half of next year, while the engine has commanded a roughly $1,000 to the price of the vehicle.

[alert style="green"] 2014 Ford Fiesta photos [/alert]

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