Audi to Introduce An A2 Hatchback By 2014

Monday, March 8, 2010 4:03PM - By Chris Weiss
audi a2 Audi to Introduce An A2 Hatchback By 2014
2002 Audi A2

The A1 just officially debuted in Geneva last week, and word from Audi indicates that the German automaker will be working on an A2 revival, which will be positioned just above  the A1 and below the A3. The small car will be based on the new A1 in terms of styling and will include an electric powertrain option. The original A2, produced in Europe, faded out of existence back in 2005.

German media outlets are reporting 2014 as an expected launch for the new A2. It hasn’t been decided whether the car will be offered in the States, but we’re certainly not counting on it. [via Autoweek]

Next Corvette Might Get Global Influence

Monday, March 8, 2010 3:27PM - By Chris Weiss

corvette c6 logo Next Corvette Might Get Global Influence

The Corvette may be as American as baseball and gorging on apple pie until you’re drastically overweight, but the icon may get a little more international flair in the future. GM is currently considering designs for the next-generation Chevrolet Corvette and has been accepting design studies from a network of global studios. This represents the first time GM is seriously considering international designs for the Corvette.

The new global focus is an effort by GM to broaden the ‘Vette’s appeal in Europe and to boost it’s sales among young Americans that prefer the look of imports. So far, GM has 10 design studies from around the world under consideration. A decision is still pending.

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Super-Hero Two-Wheeler: Bat Bike Motorcycle Concept

Monday, March 8, 2010 2:55PM - By Chris Weiss

concept bat bike2 Super Hero Two Wheeler: Bat Bike Motorcycle Concept

We’ve seen plenty of actual motorcycles that look suitable to play host to Batman’s glutes, but this one was designed a little more purposely toward that end. Called the Bat Bike, the bike is the creation of industrial designer Marouane Bembli. The movie-inspired design  includes a v4 engine and some pretty gnarly tires. Other than that, the concept is decidedly more subtle than the actual Batpod featured in the movie. However, it’s clearly ready to take on any high-speed chase through the streets and back alleys of Gotham. More pics after the break. [AutoMotto via Jalopnik]

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Prime Edition Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertibles

Monday, March 8, 2010 1:59PM - By Chris Weiss

Mercedes E Class Cabrio Prime 2 Prime Edition Mercedes Benz E Class Convertibles

Mercedes introduced its 2011 E-Class Cabriolet at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year. Ensuring that the first owners of the new Mercedes have a little extra hint of class and exclusivity, Mercedes-Benz announced the Prime Edition packages for the E 250 CDI, E 350 CDI, E 250 CGI, E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY and E 500 models.

Outside, Prime Edition cars get subtle but stylish tenorite grey metallic paint job, as well as AMG six-twin-spoke alloy wheels. Interior upgrades like dual-tone leather seats, seat heating and memory package for the seats, steering column and mirrors join with performance enhancements like Agility Control sports suspension to round out the Prime package. [via Carscoop]

German Tuner Rolls Hummer H2 Through the Chrome

Monday, March 8, 2010 1:34PM - By Chris Weiss

Chrome Hummer6 German Tuner Rolls Hummer H2 Through the Chrome

Giant, gas-guzzling SUVs. Full-body chrome tunes. These are a few of our least favorite things. So combine the two in a fully chromed-out Hummer H2 and we were expecting to see red. However, the chrome on this CarFilmComponents Hummer H2 tune actually doesn’t look as terrible as most of the chrome-ups we’ve seen. Not to say it looks good–the H2 looks like a walk-in refrigerator on massive 28-inch rims, but it’s definitely better than a chrome Lambo.

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2011 BMW M5 Spied in Half-Camo

Monday, March 8, 2010 12:37PM - By Chris Weiss

bmwm5spyshot 2011 BMW M5 Spied in Half Camo

Judging from the selectively placed camo on the 2011 M5 spied out on the streets, BMW is getting closer to finishing its new sedan. The sportier look is expected to be accompanied by a move from the current generation’s V10 engine to a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. The engine produces 555 hp and 500 lb-ft, and is expected to get a little extra boost in the M5 bringing the totals up to 578 hp and 530 lb-ft. 0 to 60 mph should slot right between four and five seconds at 4.5.

We should see the official debut of the 2011 M5 later this year. [via AutoBlog]

2010 Mitsubishi Galant Gets Recalled

Monday, March 8, 2010 12:23PM - By Chris Weiss

2010 Galant 2010 Mitsubishi Galant Gets Recalled

Another week, another recall. Today’s recall is on a much, much smaller scale than others we’ve seen in the past weeks/months. Mitsubishi is recalling 2,307 2010 Galant models for an issue in the automatic transmission oil cooler pipe that has the potential for causing leaking and fires.

The NHTSA describes the issue: “The automatic transmission oil cooler pipe assembly on some vehicles may have insufficient plating to prevent corrosion. If the pipe should develop a hole due to corrosion, automatic transmission fluid leakage may occur. ATF in the presence of an ignition source may result in a potential fire hazard.”

The recall will begin this month and dealers will inspect the pipe for problems, replacing it if necessary. [via Inside Line]

Audi A1 Gets a Little Sportier With S-Line Packages

Friday, March 5, 2010 11:00AM - By Chris Weiss

2011 audi a1 s line Audi A1 Gets a Little Sportier With S Line Packages

The Audi A1 became official in the halls of the Geneva Motor Show just days ago, and Audi has followed that up with details on the S-Line package for the small hatchback. The S-Line Sport package will bring a little extra zip and pep to the A1 through stiffened suspension and larger wheels and tires. The package offers 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, adjustable suspension kit and leather sports seats and steering wheel.

Conveying that subtle sportiness to the world, Audi also provides a variety of body work including a new roof spoiler, side sills, modified bumpers and larger air intakes. These body upgrades will also be available in the S-Line Exterior package, which doesn’t include the wheels, leather or suspension kit. [via MotorAuthority]

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Autocar Takes Aston Martin Rapide Head-to-Head With Porsche Panamera Turbo

Friday, March 5, 2010 10:00AM - By Chris Weiss

Aston v. Porsche Autocar Takes Aston Martin Rapide Head to Head With Porsche Panamera Turbo

There’s something absolutely enthralling about an all-out street battle between two venerable, high-end supermobiles. Even if the cars sport four doors, if they bear names like Porsche and Aston Martin, we want to see them race. Like two undefeated heavyweights going into the ring for the first time, each bears its own hefty reputation. But after battle, only one can come out victorious.

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