Thursday, January 21, 2010

Lexus LFA: Early Customer Interest Exceeds Production Numbers (You don't Say...)


To no one's surprise, in the three months that have passed since the official introduction of the LFA at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009, the number of formal expressions of interest in purchasing the $375,000 V10 supercar is already far greater than the limited production run of only 500 examples, Toyota's subsidiary announced today.

2010 Toyota Auris Facelift gets Subtle Makeover and New Hybrid Version with Prius Drivetrain


When Toyota introduced the successor to the hatchback versions of the Corolla (the sedan variant kept the name) in Europe in 2006, the company's bosses decided to baptize the new car "Auris", not only due to its supposedly fresh and contemporary styling, but also because the name "Corolla" had become more synonymous with dull than with quality in the Old Continent.

Fast forward to 2010, and the Auris has yet to shake off its predecessor's bland-mobile reputation...

And while the subtle cosmetic makeover for the 2010 model year won't make the standard Auris any more interesting than before, the addition of a full hybrid version to the range is something that could very well capture the interest of European buyers.

One more 2010 Camaro-Based Pontiac Trans Am Conversion


Not surprisingly, Pontiac's demise has spurred an interest in the creation of Trans Am replicas based on the new Chevrolet Camaro. We remind you that we've already seen a conceptual proposal for a modern-day Pontiac Trans Am from ASC Creative Services and real-life examples from Lingenfelter and Trans Am Depot.

The latest company to join the list of tuners interested in creating a Trans Am replica is a company called Gearhead Performance Group.

Kia Ray Hybrid Sport Sedan Concept Teaser Leaked, Will Debut in Chicago


A teaser shot of what is said to be the Kia Ray concept car has made its way onto the interwebs. According to the folks over at Insideline that broke the story, the sporty-shaped sedan was penned at Kia's American design studio and it's supposed to hint at a possible design direction for a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

2011 Buick Regal Pricing Announced, Starts from $26,995, Less Costly Version to Follow in 2011


General Motors has just released pricing for the new 2011 Buick Regal sedan, or if you prefer, the North American market version of the Opel Insignia. Initially, the Regal will be offered in a premium CXL trim with two engine options, a 182HP 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder with direct-injection and a 2.0-liter Ecotec turbocharged and direct injected four-pot rated at an estimated 220HP.

Prices have been set at $26,995 (that's about €19,100 for our Euro friends) for the CXL 2.4L and $29,495 (€20,870) for the CXL 2.0L Turbo and include a $750 destination charge in both cases.

GM to Shut Down Antwerp Plant in Belgium, Announces More Cuts for Opel / Vauxhall


General Motors has turned its focus on its European division as a little after the announcement on its decision to wind down its Saab unit, the U.S. carmaker revealed that it intends to close Opel's manufacturing plant in Antwerp, Belgium, which employs around 2,600 workers. GM said that if confirmed, production would conclude at the plant in the next few months.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

GM to Present New Crate Engine at 2009 SEMA Show


Among the various aftermarket products and tuning proposals that General Motors is planning to bring along to the 2009 SEMA Show in early November is a new crate engine (a V8.