Volkswagen puts General Motors in Third Place among World's Largest Automakers

According to market research by R.L. Polk Germany, Volkswagen will overtake General Motors as the world’s second largest automaker by volume in 2009.

Polk says that global production of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles is expected to fall 19 percent, or by two million units, to 52.8 million units this year. That’s the lowest output since 1998.

2010 Volkswagen GTI gets more powerful VW Golf R20T

Here are some new spy shots of the upcoming VW Golf R20T, the GTI's big brother.

The cross-hatched front air dam, twin-line grille, lowered suspension and twin central exhaust pipes are all the clues you need to identify this as a car that will be called the R20 when it lands in Australia in early 2010.

The new-generation R-badged Golf gets a name change because it is swapping the current 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine for a turbocharged 2.0-litre four as part of the car maker’s engine-downsizing program.

Volkswagen renews partnership with Major League Soccer

HERNDON, VA— Volkswagen of America Inc., Major League Soccer and Soccer United Marketing, MLS’s marketing arm, today announced a new multi-year partnership.

The agreement renews Volkswagen’s status as the Official Automotive partner of Major League Soccer. Volkswagen has been an MLS partner since 2008.

“After a very successful first year, Volkswagen is pleased to extend its sponsorship of Major League Soccer,” said Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Globally, Volkswagen has been a long-time supporter of soccer. The relationship with MLS strengthens our connection with our target consumers in the U.S. market, particularly families, sports fans and multicultural audiences.

Additionally, MLS's aggressive expansion plans closely align with Volkswagen of America's long-term growth strategy."

As an official partner of Major League Soccer, Volkswagen will receive rights in the United States which deliver value across live in-stadium, grassroots and national television audiences, allowing Volkswagen the ability to continue to enhance consumer experiences around their passion for the sport. The agreement includes utilization of Volkswagen’s fleet of vehicles for MLS special events and league operations, player appearances, intellectual property, content generation platforms, national in-stadium exposure, on-site activation at select MLS games and continuation of Volkswagen’s entitlement of the MLS MVP awards, including full season, MLS All-Star and MLS Cup recipients. In addition to developing new, unique national grassroots programming in partnership with MLS and SUM, Volkswagen will also be a sponsor of existing MLS grassroots initiatives including MLS Futbolito and Sueno MLS.

“Major League Soccer is excited to partner with Volkswagen, a company that is synonymous with excellence and innovation,” said Kathy Carter, Executive Vice President of Soccer United Marketing. “Volkswagen has made a long-term commitment to the sport of soccer in this country and we look forward to working together as we both grow our business.”

Volkswagen continues in its role as presenting partner of D.C. United, exclusively featured on the front of D.C. United’s jersey, as well as partnering with the club on numerous other club and in-stadium marketing programs, helping support United’s passionate fan base in the D.C. market to further engage with the club.

Volkswagen joins the MLS corporate family including: Official Sponsors – adidas, American Airlines, Aquafina, Budweiser, Chase, Diageo, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Gatorade, The Home Depot, Makita USA, NAPA Auto Parts, Panasonic, Pepsi *** U.S. Soccer Foundation, Visa, Xbox 360; Corporate Partners – Glidden, Red Bull.
Major League Soccer’s 14th season begins with “First Kick,” the weekend of March 19-22, 2009, when 14 teams kickoff the 2009 MLS regular season.

New VW Golf GTI-R - A Proper Pocket Rocket Once More

Vollkswagen is secretly readying an even harder, faster Golf GTI to launch in autumn 2009. Badged the VW Golf GTI-R, the hotter hatch will follow the classic performance recipe of more power and lighter weight to switch the Golf GTI (Mk6) from slick and sensible fast hatchback back into a proper pocket rocket again.

Our sources in Germany indicate that the R version will not use the outgoing R32’s V6 engine, preferring a lighter four-cylinder turbocharged motor with some 266bhp. Sounds suspiciously to us like the Audi S3’s engine, also tipped for the forthcoming Scirocco R20T.

2010 Ford Mustang Review - 1969 Vs Today

IT’S a lot like 1969 again. The Dodge Challenger, with styling that draws heavily on a sport coupe Chrysler introduced in late 1969, made its return last year. The Chevrolet Camaro, whose shape evokes the popular 1969 model, recently went back into production. Each is a clean and lean interpretation of its ancestor from the muscle-car era.

Meanwhile, Ford’s retro-futuristic Mustang, based on a late 1960s fastback model, has been around since the 2005 model year — and is beginning to look as droopy as a Fu Manchu mustache. So for the 2010 model year, a sartorial segue to a more ripped look, to stay current with the competition, was in order.

None of the period-perfect charm of its predecessor has been lost in the newest edition of Ford’s seminal pony car. But you’d probably need to park a 2009 next to a 2010 to see how truly different they are. The redesign seems to have carved away about half the body fat; what’s left is, appropriately enough, all muscle.

“Muscle goes modern,” Mark Fields, president of Ford’s Americas division, said when he introduced the car in November at the Los Angeles auto show. “This car is a modern legend — with more than nine million of them sold in the last 45 years. We needed to make sure the legend continues to live up to expectations.”..

Honda launches Acura Financial Services

TORRANCE, Calif. - 04/23/2009 American Honda Finance Corp. (AHFC) this week launched Acura-branded financial services to better satisfy the needs of Acura dealers and customers.

The creation of Acura Financial Services (AFS) marks a major milestone in Acura history. This is just the first step of a multifaceted effort to further enhance customer service and raise the brand image for Acura, the luxury nameplate that pioneered the launch of Japanese luxury automobiles in the U.S.

"With our most recent ranking in the top two, three and four positions in the luxury lease segment of the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates Consumer Financing Satisfaction Study, the timing is perfect to utilize our years of experience and expertise to create financial services that will meet the needs of Acura clients," said Stephen E. Smith, senior vice president of AHFC. "The creation of separate Acura-branded financial services parallels other moves to strengthen and differentiate the Acura luxury brand."

About American Honda Finance Corporation
American Honda Finance Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor *** Inc., is the captive finance provider of consumer financial products for Honda and Acura automobiles, sport utility vehicles, trucks, minivans, Honda motorcycles, Honda power equipment, and Honda marine products. In addition, AHFC also provides Honda and Acura dealerships with vehicle floorplan programs, real estate, construction and capital loans, revolving lines of credit and inventory insurance.

2010 Volvo XC60 attacks the Competition with Aggressive Car Ads

Summer is coming up again, and who could forget the wild ride of last summer's gas prices? In California, it seemed that finding a gas station with regular-grade gas priced at $4/gallon was considered "cheap" by 2008 standards, and in those not-so-distant times, downsizing was considered the most sensible step. Compacts and hybrids enjoyed high sales levels last summer, and nearing a year later, the awareness of staying small still reverberates throughout the American populace.

With its competitors playing aggressively in the small premium utility segment, Volvo has upped its game with its XC60. With the lowest base price among its competitors (average transaction price of $38,550), the innovative City Safety program, and a free panoramic roof (launch phase only), the XC60 was not thrust into the sales arena unprepared. But to combat the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes GLK, and Lexus RX 350, Volvo also launched ads on all media fronts.

2010 Scion iQ Concept Tested at the 2009 New York Auto Show - US First Look

Toyota already sells the iQ, a tiny urban runabout, in Europe and Japan, but this is the first time the company has acknowledged a desire to sell the car here in America. The Scion iQ concept that debuted at the 2009 New York Auto Show wears high-zoot bodywork from Five Axis, a car customizer from Huntington Beach, California, but if an iQ comes to your Scion dealership, it likely won't look quite as crazy as this.

The point here, as is often the case with concept cars, is to gauge consumer interest, so Scion will display the iQ at several auto shows this year and then make a decision by the end of 2009 as to whether the iQ will be sold here. If the iQ does make it here, we'd expect to see it sometime in 2010. It would become the fourth Scion model, after the xA, the xB, and the tC coupe.

By American standards, the iQ is indeed tiny, but Scion thinks there is an emerging market for small urban cars for young people who increasingly eschew the suburbs where they grew up for hip city centers. At only about ten feet in length, the three-passenger iQ sure would be a snap to park.

2009 Mini Cooper Convertible - Review of New Bodystyle Cabrio

It may be hard to tell, but BMW's highly acclaimed remake of the MINI Cooper is now in its second generation, and the convertible version is finally here as well. The roofless version of the nimble compact was a smash hit in its last generation, having sold 164,000 units worldwide. Now based on the slightly sleeker body and stiffer chassis of the latest MINI Cooper, the new convertible is aiming to be just as successful.

Model Lineup
Like every Cooper since its reintroduction in 2001, the new convertible is available in two primary trim levels: the basic Cooper Convertible and the more powerful Cooper S Convertible. Although both have taut suspension and a good chassis, the Cooper S is far and away the performer, thanks to its punchy turbocharged engine. Aside from proprietary badging, the Cooper S can easily be recognized from its hood scoop and center-exit exhaust pipes.

Both convertible trims offer plenty of features, with many former options now standard equipment. They are available with dozens of additional options, accessories and packages, including a navigation system and a $1,500 Sport Package consisting of a traction-control system, 17-inch wheels, hood stripes, fog lights and sport seats, but not the "Sport Suspension" option, oddly enough...

2010 Dodge Challenger SMS 570X Redesigned at the 2009 New York Auto Show

Steve Saleen and his brand new company, SMS Limited, showed off their very first production vehicle here at the 2009 New York Auto Show - the SMS 570 Challenger. Based on the Dodge Challenger R/T, the SMS 570 Challenger features an SMS Red Butterfly Induction hood and other SMS ultra-high performance elements like an upgraded drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

SMS will offer the car in two trim-levels including the SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 570X Challenger. Power outputs come in at 500-hp for the SMS 570 Challenger and 700-hp for the SMS 570X Challenger.

2010 Kia Forte Koup revealed at the 2009 New York Auto Show

At the 2009 New York Auto Show today, Kia unveiled its new Kia Forte Koup adding a two-door variant to its Forte lineup that will hit dealerships later this year. Kia says that the Forte Koup will compete with the Honda Civic Coupe, Ford Focus Coupe and the Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe.

The two-door model is built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame just like the sedan. It sits on an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and stabilizer bar along with a torsion beam rear suspension with struts and coil springs. When the Kia Forte Koup hits dealerships, it will be available in two trim-levels including EX and SX. The entry level EX is powered by a 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder engine making 156-hp and

2010 Bentley Continental Supersports. Starting Price $267,000. Taking Orders Now

$267,000 - that’s how much you’ll have to cash out to own the fastest, most powerful Bentley ever produced - otherwise known as the Bentley Continental Supersports. You can place your order starting October 2009.

Power comes from a 6.0L W12 twin-turbocharged engine making 621-hp and a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft. The engine is capable of running on gasoline and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two. Keep in mind that the first couple hundred units headed to the U.S. will be gas only.

Mercedes Benz E-Class debuts at New York Auto Show

04/08/09 New York, NY – At the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), Mercedes-Benz is presenting a broad spectrum of automobiles for our times – from fascination to responsibility.

These include the new E-Class sedan and the E-Class Coupe, as well as the U.S. version of the recently restyled GL-Class. Extraordinary performance paired with the highest levels of efficiency are the distinguishing characteristics of the latest hybrid vehicle from Mercedes-Benz – the ML450 HYBRID - with its innovative two-mode hybrid system enables fuel savings of up to 60 percent. The E250 BlueTEC combines the features of the new highly-efficient four-cylinder CDI engine with the benefits of SCR emissions technology, while performance-hungry showgoers will surely find the E63 AMG to their taste.

The ML450 HYBRID features the latest two-mode hybrid technology and exhibits maximum energy efficiency. The control system of the full hybrid vehicle automatically selects the optimum driveline configuration depending on driving conditions - enabling purely electric or purely combustion engine operation, as well as a combination of both. The two-mode technology is distinguished primarily by its high-degree of efficiency in both urban stop-and-go traffic and unhindered driving on open roads at increased engine loads and higher speeds.

Fuel consumption and emissions are down by up to 60 percent against those of comparably powered vehicles such as the ML550. The vehicle, which was conceived specifically for the North American market, achieves a city fuel economy of 21 mpg, while its combined economy of 22 mpg is around 47 percent lower than that of the ML550.

Classified as a SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle), the SUV complies with the most stringent of all current U.S. emissions legislation. At the same time, the ML450 HYBRID delivers a system performance of 335 hp and an overall torque of 381 lb-ft to guarantee a superior driving experience combined with increased powertrain refinement. Powertrain control functions fully automatically, meaning that the driver can concentrate on the traffic and enjoy the driving experience of the ML450 HYBRID without additional operational effort.

Typical M-Class benefits such as intelligent use of space, high levels of passive and active safety, first-class driving comfort and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive are fully retained in the ML450 HYBRID. The integration of the hybrid technology has been perfectly implemented and requires no additional packaging space that would in any way compromise comfort and functionality. The spaciousness of the passenger cabin and the generous trunk capacity remain unchanged. From the outside, the ML450 HYBRID is recognizable by its modified hood, the BlueEFFICIENCY logo on the fender and by the HYBRID badge on its tailgate.

E250 BlueTEC – unique combination of highly-efficient four-cylinder diesel engine and SCR emissions technology

The E250 BlueTEC puts into clear focus the opportunities presented by the innovative BlueTEC concept and adds emphasis to the leading position held by Mercedes-Benz in the development of fuel-efficient, low-emission diesel models. Thanks to the highly efficient exhaust treatment system introduced by Mercedes-Benz, BlueTEC vehicles fulfill the strictest global emissions standards to make them the cleanest diesels in the world.

In the E-Class, this technology will be available in the U.S. in early 2010 in the E350 BlueTEC. With the E250 BlueTEC, Mercedes-Benz is now demonstrating how BlueTEC technology in the E-Class can be combined with a four-cylinder engine with optimized fuel consumption. When fitted to the Mercedes-Benz seven-speed automatic transmission, the E250 BlueTEC boasts fuel economy of 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers (preliminary value). CO2 emissions stand at an extremely low 139 grams per kilometer.

First-class performer - the new GL-Class

BlueTEC technology, even more attractive equipment, fresh exterior design elements and an upgraded interior – the GL-Class is now even more irresistible. At the forefront of the luxury SUV field, the 2010 GL-Class boasts further improved environmental compatibility with 50-state and EU 5 compliance across the entire model range.

A more contemporary look for the bumpers, redesigned chrome skid plates front and rear, restyled chrome tailpipes, a new-look grille and a distinctive new pairing of the fog lamps and daytime running lights mounted in chrome all add even greater impact to the already impressive presence of the GL-Class. Also new are the light alloy wheels ranging in size from 19 to 21 inches. The interior of the GL-Class comfortably seats up to seven adult occupants with exceptional spaciousness.

The new model year sees the addition of redesigned leather seats, while the GL550 top model is offered complete with heated and active ventilated front seats and three rows of leather upholstery. The GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 both receive an added touch of refinement with Burl Walnut trim as standard. All vehicles feature a new instrument panel, a Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel and NECK-PRO crash active headrests for both driver and front-seat passenger. The optional Full Leather Seating package offers leather upholstery on all three seat rows, comfort head restraints and the indirect ambient lighting familiar to S-Class customers. The innovative PRE-SAFE® system comes as standard, as does the POST-SAFE® system, which automatically unlocks the doors and shuts down the engine and fuel system following an accident. Another new feature of the 2010 GL-Class is the Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring system, which checks the individual pressures of all four tires and provides the driver with a graphic read-out.

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG – the high-performance E-Class

Just a short time after the world premiere of the E-Class, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz Cars presents the new E63 AMG. The dynamic sports sedan is perfect for everyday use and delivers impressive performance, exhilarating handling and technology transferred from the SL63 AMG high-performance roadster. The E63 AMG is distinguished from the standard Mercedes-Benz E-Class by its all-new AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping and a new front axle, as well as distinctive AMG exterior and interior design. Thanks to the application of efficiency improvements, Mercedes-AMG has also achieved a reduction in fuel consumption of almost twelve percent on the new E63 AMG. With its unique combination of pioneering driver assistance systems, the E63 AMG further expands its leading position in the field of safety.

Generating 518 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, the AMG 6.3 liter V8 engine in the new E63 AMG offers the same exceptional output as the SL63 AMG. The high-performance roadster also transfers its AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. The gearbox dispenses with the usual torque converter and uses instead a compact, wet start-up clutch. The resulting direct connection to the driveline, combined with the four individual driving programs and the rev-matching and RACE START functions, deliver an exceptionally emotional and highly dynamic driving experience.

The powertrain package is unique in this segment and places the focus firmly on sporty performance. The E63 AMG sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The high-revving naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 6,208 cc boasts impressive throttle response and outstanding pulling power.

Despite the increase in power output of 11 hp compared with its predecessor, the fuel consumption of the new E63 AMG has been reduced considerably. The fuel economy of the new E63 AMG is almost 12 percent better than before and marks a best-in-class among sports sedans with more than 500 hp. The new AMG V8 sound provides a thrilling soundtrack, while its smooth running characteristics make for hallmark Mercedes long-distance comfort. An all-new water cooling system guarantees maximum stability even under the highest levels of dynamic load on the racetrack.

Highest safety levels, class-leading comfort, pioneering assistance systems – the Mercedes-Benz E-Class

With the E-Class, Mercedes-Benz sets the pace in safety, comfort and environmental compatibility within this market segment. The sedan further extends the leading position held by Mercedes-Benz in the luxury segment through a unique combination of driver assistance systems. These include ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, Adaptive High Beam Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control with automatic emergency braking activated on imminent threat of an accident.

In the new sedan, Mercedes-Benz has increased the characteristic long-distance comfort of the E-Class primarily through intelligent bodyshell technology. It boasts up to 30 percent more stiffness, further improved seating and newly developed running gear with shock absorbers that adjust automatically to the prevailing driving conditions. The optional air suspension now operates together with an infinitely variable, electronically controlled damping system.

The environmental compatibility and economy of the E-Class are just as outstanding as its safety and comfort. All the engine variants in the new E-Class are 50-State compliant and fulfill the European EU5 emissions standards. In the case of the E350 BlueTEC, the emissions are below the limits set by the European EU6 emissions standard scheduled for implementation in 2014.

E-Class Coupe – stylish luxury with a sporty edge

An exciting new product is celebrating its U.S. premiere at the New York International Auto Show - Mercedes-Benz is presenting the coupe version of the all-new E-Class. This marks a special highlight for the brand, while continuing a tradition that has repeatedly aroused enormous passion throughout the history of the E-Class.

The new E-Class Coupe is a very special combination of emotion and exclusivity. With its classic coupe sideline uninterrupted by a B-pillar and with fully retractable windows, the new two-door provides a particularly sporty interpretation of the new E-Class.

The U.S. line-up includes two engine variants, the E350 Coupe with the 3.5-liter V6 with 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and the E550 Coupe powered by the outstanding Mercedes-Benz V8 with 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. AGILITY CONTROL suspension comes as standard and offers a damper system that adapts automatically to the prevailing driving conditions. The E550 Coupe is equipped with the Mercedes-Benz Dynamic Handling suspension for distinctly sportier damping characteristics.

The new coupe offers the full spectrum of technical innovations typical of a sporting luxury coupe. These include adaptive shock absorbers, ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and PRE-SAFE® preventative occupant protection. Adaptive High Beam Assist and an automatic emergency braking system are other examples of how the new model range is setting benchmarks in this vehicle segment.

Volvo wins Genius 2009 by Allianz for City Safety System

Volvo Car Corporation has received the prestigous award "Genius 2009" by the insurance company Allianz.

The Allianz Centre for Technology has been testing cars for traffic safety purposes since 1971. And the "Genius"award was given to Volvo Cars for the development and implementation of the Volvo City Safety system.

"This award is a great honour because it singles out our great commitment to the development of innovative safety systems," said Thomas Viehweg, Managing Director of Volvo Car Germany, at the award ceremony on Wednesday during the Auto Mobil International (AMI) in Leipzig.



"The strong point of this system is that it automatically intervenes when it is to late for the driver to prevent an accident," said Dr Christoph Lauterwasser, managing director of the Allianz Centre for Technology Automotive (AZT).



AZT has been researching vehicle damages and ways to prevent traffic accidents since 1971.



The Allianz "Genius" was awarded for the fifth time this year. The award honours a technological development which has already been implemented and contributes to greater safety in road traffic. Moreover, the innovation must be proven to have a permanent effect in reducing claims frequency and the severity of accidents.

Dr Karl-Walter Gutberlet, executive officer at Allianz Versicherungs AG, praised the great potential of th

e new Volvo safety system during the presentation of the award. "A quarter of the liability claims come from collision accidents, and the majority of them occur within urban areas. This year's award-winner has succeeded in developing an innovative protection system for this accident situation, thereby increasing safety in road traffic," said Dr Gutberlet.



Volvo City Safety offers more safety especially in congested city traffic and is enabled at speeds up to 30 km/h. The system operates with an optical laser which continuously monitors traffic. For example, City Safety recognises a sudden braking by the vehicle in front of the car. If the driver does not react, the system automatically triggers an emergency stop. The system can prevent a collision completely if the relative speed difference between the two vehicles is less than 15 kph. In the range of 15 to 30 kph, the emphasis is on effectively reducing the collision speed, minimising the consequences of the accident.


Press release via Volvo

Yamaha issues Voluntary Recall Repair Program due to Rhino Rollover Deaths

WASHINGTON, March 31 (Reuters) - Yamaha Motor Co Ltd (7272.T) halted sales of three models of its Rhino off-road recreational vehicles until those already sold are repaired to reduce the risk of deadly rollovers, the U.S. Product Safety Commission said on Tuesday.

The U.S. government has investigated more than 46 driver or passenger deaths linked to the Rhino 450, 660 and 700 models of off-road vehicles, mostly involving rollover accidents. "Of the rollover-related deaths and hundreds of reported injuries, some of which were serious, many appear to involve turns at relatively low speeds and on level terrain," the safety agency said in a statement.

Some 145,000 of Rhino models 450, 660 and 700 have been distributed nationwide since 2003, it said.

Subaru offers Free Car Inspection during National Car Care Month

CHERRY HILL, N.J., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. announced today that the company is endorsing the Car Care Council's National Car Care Month, a nationwide April program focusing on the importance of regular vehicle maintenance.

To celebrate the occasion, participating Subaru dealers are offering free vehicle diagnostic inspections to Subaru owners, emphasizing items that affect fuel economy and offering driving tips for optimizing fuel mileage. For a list of participating dealers, consumers can visit www.subaru.com or call 1-800-SUBARU3.

"April is always a good time to assess any needed maintenance or repairs resulting from winter driving, and to make sure your vehicle is ready for summer travel," notes Jim Sinclair, Vice President, Service, Subaru of America, Inc. "And in today's economy, the increased fuel efficiency and lower fuel costs that come with a well-maintained vehicle are more important than ever."

To help owners get the best possible fuel mileage, dealers will be performing the "MPG Inspection." While the vehicles will receive a thorough check-up of all major operating systems, the MPG ("Maintenance Preserves Gas") Inspection puts extra emphasis on the systems that directly impact fuel mileage. Drivers will receive a written report on the vehicle's condition plus helpful driving tips for maximizing fuel efficiency.

Future Hyundai Tiburon (Coupe) to be Small, Lightweight. Reminiscent of old CRX

With the new, rear-wheel drive Genesis Coupe already available on the market, Hyundai is now concentrating on the successor of the Tiburon (called Hyundai Coupe in Europe and other markets) that is scheduled to be introduced in 2011. Speaking with Autoweek magazine, John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, revealed that the firm's new coupe will be positioned below the current Tiburon in terms of size and more importantly, in price. If you're thinking in the likes of the long-gone Honda CRX, you're probably right.

Mercedes Benz SL63 AMG powered to 600 HP CK63 RS by Carlsson

Not happy with only 518 hp and a 4.5-second 0-to-60-mph time from your shiny new Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG?

Lucky for you, the German tuners from Carlsson are now offering performance-upgrade kits in the United States.

Through GGI European Tuning in Miami--the exclusive North American importer of Carlsson parts--SL63 owners can massage their rides to churn out 600 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque and to handle better than stock. With the changes, Carlsson renames the vehicle the CK63 RS.

Custom Car Designer Bitter developing affordable Vero Junior

Small-scale German manufacturer 'Bitter' is known for making its own breed of custom cars based on vehicles from the GM stable.

The company made a comeback last year with the release of the Vero saloon, which is based on the Aussie-made Holden Statesman and is sold in limited numbers throughout Europe.

Though exclusive and relatively unique, the Vero is a tad expensive at €121,975 considering the only changes to the donor car on which it’s based is a slightly revised exterior and dressed up cabin. Understandably, the cars have not been running out the door but to boost sales Bitter is reportedly planning a more affordable model.

Speaking with AutoWeek.nl, Erich Bitter, the man behind the automotive outfit, said there were plans for a new model to be called the Junior.

Hyundai Genesis joins BMW 3-Series, Acura TL on Most Popular Luxury Car List

Some people purchase luxury rides for their plush interiors, slick exteriors and high-tech amenities. Others do it for the status. Either way, they have purchased a vehicle in a segment known for refined cosmetics, top-shelf build materials, gadgets galore and ultracomfortable ride characteristics.

Unfortunately, luxe cars are also known for their high sticker prices — a fact that consumers haven't overlooked. The luxury market was down 16.6 percent in 2008, compared with 2007. However, with the exception of the most expensive entries, the overall luxury segment's share of the U.S. car market actually increased slightly, so people are still interested in plush performance.

MSN Autos separates the luxury segment into three categories: near luxury, luxury and ultraluxury. Not surprisingly, the lesser-priced near-luxury category (prices start in the low to mid $30Ks) is the most researched group on MSN Autos. Regardless of its popularity, sales in this subcategory are down around 13 percent in 2008, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

Is there a silver lining here? Sure. What hasn't been hurt by this topsy-turvy economy is the quality and selection of luxury cars available to buyers today, which is reflected in this year's list of the top 10 most researched luxury cars on MSN Autos.

Ford may add a 300-plus-hp Focus to its U.S. lineup.

The Focus RS, a three-door hatchback sold in Europe, is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder Volvo engine with 305 hp.

Hermann Salenbauch, Ford Motor *** director of advanced product creation and global performance, says the decision to sell the Focus RS here will depend on reaction from U.S. car enthusiasts, such as Focus SVT owners.

Ford is looking for "feedback from the media and customers," he says. "How much do they like it? Is it really what they want? We are pretty confident that it is."