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Kia unveiled its all-new K7 sedan in Korea today, offering the world a sneak peek at a car known as Cadenza in the Middle East and Amanti in North America. The current-generation has been sold around the globe for a decade, and it is more than ripe for replacement. Just one look at the styling reveals a serious product about to be unleashed. The new car is slightly shorter than the current model, though rides on a longer wheelbase. Within the more space-efficient package is an abundance of creature comforts, with dual-zone climate control, push-button start, rearview camera, and parking sensors being among the announced features. Kia has announced a 3.5-liter Lambda II V6, though it would seem a natural to also offer the upcoming direct-injection Theta II four-cylinder engine that parent corporation Hyundai has described as being essential to its fuel economy efforts. We expect to see this future Amanti on the auto show circuit this season. Read our last Kia Amanti review .
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Mazda will introduce its award-winning Mazda2 subcompact to North America at the LA Auto Show. It is offered in sedan, three-door hatchback, and five-door hatchback body styles in other markets, though it looks like it will be the five-door that makes its American debut. The Mazda2 shares its platform with the much promoted Ford Fiesta, another international import being unveiled for the first time in American trim in LA. (Read: " Ford Fiesta to Arrive in 2010 .") Overseas, the Mazda2 is offered with diesel and gasoline powertrains, though it is anticipated that it will have a traditional 1.6-liter gas engine for the U.S. market. Details will be revealed in a few days, but it will likely have a 120-hp four-cylinder with a choice of six-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission. The Ford is relatively refined for a small car, agile, and generally rather entertaining. We would expect the Mazda2 would be, as well. And we look forward to verifying that assertion. See our highlights from the 2008 LA Auto Show .
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Los Angeles kicks off the North American new-car auto show circuit on December 2nd when the LA Convention Center opens its doors to the media, ahead of the public days later that week. Among the unveilings being teased is an array of high-tech models from Mercedes-Benz, including the SLS AMG supercar, the fuel-sipping E350 BlueTec and the fuel-cell-powered F-Cell. Mercedes will also show its first hybrid SUV, the ML 450 Hybrid, and its SplitView dual-content viewing technology that allows the driver and passenger to see something different on the LCD screen. The model expected to insight the most salivation is the SLS AMG, the modern reinvention of the classic mid-1950s 300SL. This new version features a lightweight aluminum space-frame body with gullwing doors and a 563-horsepower dry-sump V8 engine. With its front-mid engine and dual-clutch seven-speed, the SLS AMG has a balance weight distribution and track-honed dynamics. See our highlights from the 2008 LA Auto Show .
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Volvo is continuing its recent tradition of giving very early looks at upcoming models with this 2011 Volvo S60 preview. The relatively curvaceous styling was first seen at the 2009 Detroit auto show , where the concept gave a clear indication of the production styling. (See the S60 concept .) From the front, it bears more than a passing resemblance to the XC70 , and it is aerodynamic enough to forever erase the connotation that Volvo design equates to the classic, darn-near-bulletproof 240 boxes. The production model will make its debut in March 2010 at the Geneva Motor Show, and the factory will begin building the new sedan the following summer in Belgium. Volvo previously indicated that the new 2011 S60 will be powered by a 1.6-liter/180-horsepower turbocharged, direct-injection engine. As seen on the concept car, the S60 is expected toboost fuel economy by using an auto start/stop function; twin manual gearboxes that work in tandem; electric steering; grille shutter to reduce aerodynamic drag; a DRIVe-Mode economy function that prioritizes a variety of functions to emphasize fuel economy; and flat under-chassis panels. The S60 will tout a new, potentially life-saving Volvo safety...
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Hyundai flirted with the import performance crowd with the Tiburon , but the Korean-automaker is pink-slip serious about appealing to the aging “The Fast and Furious” crowd with its latest coupe. The new, rear-drive Genesis Coupe is a well-executed sporty car with impressive fit-and-finish and decidedly performance-driver bent. For those enthusiasts with a passion for customization and factory-besting performance, Hyundai is introducing the 210-horsepower Coupe 2.0T R-Spec at the Specialty Equipment Market Association ( SEMA ) Show this week. Consider this new edition as a blank slate for tuners. Priced at just $23,750, it gives enthusiasts an affordable head start on their wrench-turning adventures. The hardware is based on the Track model, with the track-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, and Torsen limited-slip differential. It also adds a set of front strut camber adjustment bolts to further enhance initial turn-in and handling response. R-Spec comes only with a manual transmission. While it has the performance goodies, the R-Spec eliminates “non-essential” features for both cost and, to a lesser degree, weight, including Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control...
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Friday, Dodge Motorsports revealed its Dodge Challenger entry for next year’s NASCAR Nationwide Series. The new car will make its track debut with the July 2nd Daytona race and appear next at Michigan on August 14th. In total, the Challenger will be campaigned at four races in 2010, then compete with the full schedule in 2011. This Challenger is also part of an announcement that Dodge is expanding its partnership with Penske Racing. Next year, Penske will support two cars in the Nationwide Series and three teams in the Sprint Cup. The Challenger isn’t the only muscle coupe to move to the big track. Ford is making a similar move with the Mustang. (Read “ Unveiled: 2010 Ford NASCAR Mustang .”) General Motors will not make this a three-way competition by moving the Camaro to NASCAR. Read our Dodge Challenger review for our take on the street version. Expand your NASCAR knowledge with: NASCAR - Common Terms and Phrases Defined NASCAR Basics - Understanding NASCAR
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As the fifth-generation 2010 Chevrolet Camaro recalls the classic 1967-1969 original, it is only natural that the most legendary Camaro return, as well. At the upcoming Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) next week, General Marketing Capital Incorporated (GMCI) will show a 2010 Yenko Camaro Prototype certain to bring an instant grin to any bowtie enthusiast. The prototype is based on a Camaro SS that has been upgraded to a “Phase 1” Yenko. Initial information shows the transformation includes a supercharger to boost output to 600 horsepower, Tremec six-speed manual transmission, Hurst short-throw shifter, six-piston big brake package, and Magnaflow high-flow cat-back exhaust system. The appearance is given the full Yenko treatment with the essential, distinctive strips, emblems, and retro-styled 22-inch aluminum wheels. The interior features Yenko Super Car (sYc) embroidered headrests, Yenko/SC sill plates, Yenko/SC embroidered floor mats, and more. Production will include Phase II and III offerings with greater power increases and more aggressive chassis upgrades. Today, original Yenko Camaros command head-spinning prices. Rest assured, this will not be an inexpensive package...
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In a day for sketchy news, Volkswagen released this illustration depicting a new mid-sized sedan that will be production at its new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Although designed with a focus on the American market, this sedan is expected to be exported. Priced in the $20s, the car is a key part of VW’s ambitious goals to significantly increase global sales. Annual production for this model is forecasted to be about 100,000 units. Looking like a cross between the Jetta and Passat, it could be a replacement for either. VW hasn't released any details just yet. More information is expected to be trickled out in coming months. Given the struggling economy Stateside, the best news here is the ongoing investment that will create factory and supplier jobs, trickling further revenue into the nearby communities. The sedan goes on sale in the U.S. late 2011. Read our current Jetta and Passat CC reviews, and research Volkswagen in the new car buyer's guide .
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Acura will add a sport wagon version of its TSX sedan range in fall 2010 as a 2011 model. The automaker is mum on other details, but much can be inferred. Just as the TSX is based on the European-market Accord, the TSX Sport Wagon will be an Americanized Accord Tourer (shown here). Except for the rear cargo section, the interior is likely to carry over from the TSX. Same underhood, where a 2.4-liter, 201-horsepower four-cylinder and 3.5-liter, 280-horsepower V-6 should carry over. The overall package for the current car delivers an appealing balance of performance, driver-centric feel, high-tech amenities, just-right sizing, and competitive pricing. The same should hold true for the hatchback. The TSX sport wagon will probably make the show circuit rounds this coming season, before it competes against the Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3 Series , and Mercedes-Benz C-Class next fall. See our Acura TSX V6 and Acura TSX reviews .
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In just a few more days, the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) will open its doors in Las Vegas, showcasing the latest aftermarket components and high-performance project cars. The event allows manufacturers to meet with wholesalers, establishing new business and continuing partnerships. For those in the media, it is a chance to learn about the latest chromed widgets, emerging product trends, and fuel our automotive fantasies. To that end, Ford will be celebrating the Mustang’s 45th anniversary with a diverse herd of modified Mustangs. (See our 2010 Ford Mustang review .) The Mustang is the most customized car in the $31.8 billion aftermarket industry. As proof, it is hard to find a stock Mustang outside a rental fleet. Daresay, the vast majority of pony cars are customized in some way. Ford even makes it easy with an online customizer , and an abundant catalog of cosmetic and go-fast goodies. In the aftermarket, there is a vast array of offerings from dedicated, talented companies. Some of the best examples will be on hand at the show, which in the past has drawn over 100,000 industry attendees. And a few bloggers. Ford Vehicle Personalization will display a carbon...
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Nissan is offering a Krom edition for the 2010 Rogue , giving the compact SUV line a sportier variant with cosmetic attitude. Pronounced “chrome,” the Krom concept has been previously applied to the Nissan Cube , giving the asymmetrical box a version with street-cred to rival the Scion xB. (See our Scion xB, Kia Soul, Nissan Cube Gen-Y crossover comparison .) With the Rogue, the Krom package sharpens the body with a unique grille and front fascia fitted with fog lamps, rear fascia with center-exit exhaust routing, body-colored rear spoiler, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The side mirrors are body colored, and the rear windows are finished with darkened privacy glass. Obligatory badging further announces its presence. Inside, the modifications are limited to steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The Krom edition is available on front- and all-wheel drive models, and it is offered in Venom Red, Wicked Black, and Gotham Gray paint. It goes on sale in December 2009. The Rogue carries over relatively unchanged for 2010, aside from the Krom edition and a new 360-degree value package for the Rogue S with unique 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, privacy glass, integrated rearview mirror rearview...
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This year, Jeep has announced four vehicles will be introduced at SEMA, including the Dodge Challenger 1320 Drag Pak, upscale Dodge Ram Bianco, Jeep Wrangler Overland camp-anywhere concept, and the Jeep Wrangler Lower Forty....
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In an interesting turn, Ford is introducing the Mustang to the Nationwide NASCAR Series in four races next year. Based on the Nationwide version of the Car of the Tomorrow, the templated car is given a Mustang front fascia and decal treatment. The number 16 example shown here will be driven by Truck Series 2008 Rookie of the Year Colin Braun for Roush Fenway Racing . We previewed the NASCAR Mustang in July, but this marks the first official unveiling of the car. Mustang has a storied history in motorsports and can claim more than 2,000 professional race wins worldwide. Ford hopes to further the legacy with visits to victory lane in 2010. It will first compete next July at Daytona International Speedway. Racing has long been about selling cars on Monday, though there hasn’t been the direct showroom connection in recent years. (When was the last time you saw a Fusion with full race livery?) It remains an open question what Mustang’s race involvement will mean to enthusiasts, who typically picture their pony car competing one quarter mile at a time. Read our 2010 Ford Mustang review for our take on the street version. Expand your NASCAR knowledge with: NASCAR - Common Terms and Phrases...
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Toyota will use the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show to unveil its latest concept car, the FT-86 sports car. The name doesn’t roll off the tongue, but the car itself is quite tasty. The FT-86 is the long-rumored coupe co-developed with Subaru, and it suggests fun may be returning to the rather conservative product line. The FT-86 is rear drive, with a 2.0-liter boxer engine under hood. Toyota has not yet released the horsepower, though it may be rather entertaining, for Subaru offers a turbocharged 2.0L in Japan. The car measures 163-inches long and 69-inches wide, making it about the size of the Nissan 370Z . For contrast and historical perspective, it is more than a foot shorter than the Subaru XT sports car from the 1980s and about seven inches shy of the last-generation Toyota Celica . Toyota refers to the FT-86 as a five seater, though from the photos it is hard to imagine it holding that many full-sized humans. Subaru is expected to introduce its own version of the FT-86 on the show circuit this year. Naturally, the car will feature all-wheel drive. It could be quite interesting with a 2.5-liter engine family, like the Impreza, ranging up to the 265-hp WRX and 305-hp STI. This is definitely...
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If you love American musclecars (and who doesn't?) or if you own one or more of these choice chariots, join Jim Wangers --the man behind the success of the Pontiac GTO --as he opens his warehouse-sized collection of classic, muscle and exotic cars Saturday, October 17, 2009 , kicking off a weekend celebration of American performance cars of all makes and models. The festivities will commence with a car show and include an awards ceremony, BBQ lunch on Saturday (for all who pre-register by October 14, 2009), and the big West Coast reveal of the Jim Wangers Signature Edition GTO . The Jim Wangers Signature Edition GTO is a custom restomod production car based on the 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge and built by Big 3 Performance, with power supplied by a 505 cubic inch Butler Performance Pontiac 700-hp V8 engine mated to a Viper-spec TR6060 six-speed transmission, for starters. Yes, you can buy one. In honor of the auto industry's struggles over the last year, Wangers is inviting lovers and owners of all American performance cars to attend the two-day Show ‘n Go Tour de Wangers weekend. Sunday, October 18 th is Muscle Car Drag Day and the chance for all pre-registered participants/owners...
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