Last week Fisker provided media outlets with an extremely simple and not-too-revealing line-sketch of the NINA concept car: a plug-in hybrid model smaller than the Fisker Karma. Today we spotted the new Fisker Nina as it was being loaded onto a transporter heading to Manhattan for its debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show April April 6-15. 

Although we should have full details at the press preview days April 4-5, we already know that the Fisker Nina will be built in Wilmington, Delaware at the former GM/Solstice plant. We also know that Fisker has an agreement with BMW for a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Brenda Priddy & Company

UPDATE 4/4/12 - Fisker has officially announced today at the NY auto show the production model name of the Nina Concept Project car - Fisker Atlantic - and promises the car will definitely go into production in 2013.

Porsche will expand its target product portfolio in 2013 when it introduces a small SUV to slot beneath the laudable midsized Cayenne. Long rumored to follow with the alliteration theme of Cayenne, Cayman, and Carrera, the Cajun moniker will not see production. Instead, the fifth Porsche model will be called Macan (mah-chahn).

The name Macan is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger, and it hints that this SUV will both purr and roar. More...

We've seen this referred to as the upcoming R4, as well as an R5; but, whatever Audi decides to call this, many will continue to think of this hot-looking sports car as the “baby R8.”

Based on the Audi e-tron styling, we're expecting the production version to look much like this illustration (check out the future Audi A3 Cabrio). In addition to the R5 (or R4, as may be the case), the on-again off-again VW BlueSport and entry-level Porsche—if they go to production—will also be riding on this same chassis.

More details to follow on the production version as they come in.

Illustration Copyright: Brenda Priddy & Company

Read autoMedia's Audi Test Drive Reviews:

2012 Audi A6

2012 Audi A7

2011 Audi A8

Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen recently confirmed that the Audi A3 will be sold in sedan form in the United States—implying that the hatchback will not arrive in the marketplace here. 

But what about the convertible?  

There is strong speculation that it, too, will be sold in the U.S., and we now have several illustrations of the new cabrio. 

Although we haven't been able to confirm powertrains, there are rumors of a pure EV and/or a PHEV variant. 

We're expecting lots of A3 news at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

Illustrations Copyright: Brenda Priddy & Company

Fiat will introduce its all-new 500L at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show on March 6th, revealing a family-scale 500 that combines efficiency, fun, and respectable rear accommodations. Before you dismiss this as a B-Class, Euro-market special, Fiat has announced that the 500L will be sold in the United States in 2013, presumably as a 2014 model.

The Fiat 500 made an impression Stateside already, reintroducing the fabled Italian brand to our market right when consumers are considering small cars. The Cinquecento line has been broadened with a clever retractable-top 500C and most recently a sporty Abarth edition. Combined, Fiat has aggressively introduced a line that aims squarely at Mini. With the 500L, it will even stand up against the Mini Clubman. Can an SUV variant be far behind? More...

Bringing back old model names is nothing new at Dodge, as witnessed by the company’s modern-day renditions of the Challenger and Charger. Now, Dart–a name well-known half a century ago–is being reawakened, for use on an all-new compact four-door sedan. The 2013 Dart will be the first Chrysler Group vehicle based on a FIAT architecture, taking advantage of Chrysler’s current kinship to the renowned Italian automaker.

Specifically, the 2013 Dodge Dart will be adapted from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (a Fiat product), which Chrysler advises is renowned for its “road-holding, ability and safety.” To suit American tastes and physiques, the Italian Giulietta’s platform will be lengthened and widened, thereby promising “segment-leading” interior space. Dodge actually calls the Dart’s new architecture Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW), noting that 68 percent of the body will be made of high-strength steel.

Actually, Dodge originally used the Dart name not once, but twice: first on a midsize model produced in 1960-62, then on a brand-new compact that emerged in 1963. Offered not only as a sedan, but in stylish hardtop coupe and convertible form, the late 1960s Dart could have a small-block V-8, as an option to the standard, long-lived “slant-six” engine that powered most examples of this family-focused compact. After introducing Swinger and Demon editions early in the 1970s, Dodge abandoned the Dart after the 1976 model year. More...