Author: Jake Holmes

GM’s mechanically identical full-size-truck twins, the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, both start at $28,960 for 2011. That’s an increase for the improved trucks of just $500 over 2010 prices.

The entry price is for regular-cab, rear-wheel-drive models with a gasoline V-8 engine. Choosing GM’s powerful and torquey Duramax diesel engine and Allison six-speed automatic transmission adds $8395 to the price of either truck.

For the first time, the chrome-laden Denali trim level (pictured above) will be offered on the Sierra HD. Available only in 2500HD, crew-cab, four-wheel-drive configuration, the Sierra Denali HD starts at $46,860. Denali-specific trim includes a four-bar chrome grille, chrome door handles, chrome accents, and 18- or 19-inch polished aluminum wheels.

Production of the Silverado HD and Sierra HD begins next month, with the trucks scheduled to reach dealerships by June.

Related posts:

1. GMC Sierra HD vs. Chevy Silverado HD: What’s the difference? Depends on What’s Next to It
2. 2011 GMC Sierra HD Introduced, Denali HD Trim Added
3. 2011 Buick Regal Pricing Announced

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will seek a $16.4 million civil fine from Toyota for failing to acknowledge “unintended acceleration” problems. NHTSA rules require automakers to notify the regulatory board within five days of discovering a problem. The agency claims that Toyota knew of sticking accelerator pedals by the end of last September—and warned Toyota dealers in Europe and Canada—but didn’t notify U.S. owners or NHTSA for another four months.

The fine will be the largest civil fine that NHTSA has ever levied against an automaker and is the maximum fine the regulatory board can impose. The maximum fine was chosen because Toyota “knowingly hid a dangerous defect for months from U.S. officials and did not take action to protect millions of drivers and their families,” according to transportation secretary Ray LaHood.

For its part, a Toyota statement acknowledged the NHTSA fine and reiterated that the automaker has already taken steps toward improving its safety record. While we don’t condone Toyota keeping information to itself, if that’s actually the case, we stand by our belief that this whole situation has been blown way out of proportion. This is likely NHTSA’s attempt at saving face, as it has also come under fire for its handling of the recalls.

For more, read our timeline of the Toyota fiasco or our full roundup of recall coverage.

Related posts:

1. Toyota Adds 1.1 Million Vehicles to Floor-Mat Recall, Now Includes Pontiac Vibe
2. Toyota and Lexus Recalling 3.8 Million Vehicles to Fix Pedals, Floor Mats
3. NHTSA Numbers Show Continued Decrease in Road Fatalities

Aston Martin has announced plans to campaign a mildly modified Rapide in this May’s Nürburgring 24-Hour race. Aston says the only changes from the production Rapide involve gutting the fabulous interior, retuning the suspension, mounting racing tires, and adding some extra safety equipment. Oh, and lots of sponsorship stickers.

While a four-door luxo-car might not seem like the best starting point for a race car, the Rapide has serious performance chops. When we drove a Rapide, we found it handled tightly, changed direction smartly, and packed enough grunt to finish the quarter-mile in 13 seconds flat. Last year, a modified V12 Vantage won its class in the 24-hour race; this year, the Vantage will compete again alongside the Rapide when the race commences on May 15.

Related posts:

1. 2010 Aston Martin Rapide – Video
2. 2010 Aston Martin Rapide – Official Images
3. 2011 Aston Martin Rapide – First Drive Review

In a press release detailing plans for its Bremen, Germany, plant, Mercedes-Benz let slip that it will build a C-class coupe there, starting in 2011. We don’t currently have any other information, but we hope the new car doesn’t look as dorky as the last C-class coupe, which debuted stateside in summer 2001 (a 2004 model is pictured above). We’ll bring you more information as soon as Mercedes buries it in another release.

Related posts:

1. The Shape of the Next Mercedes-Benz C-class and E-class – Car News
2. Next-Generation Mercedes C-class to be Built in Alabama from 2014
3. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-class / C300 / C350 / C63 AMG – Review

Subaru U.K. recently posted these teaser photos of a Cosworth-tuned STI to its Facebook page. Dubbed CS400, the car is tuned to deliver 395 hp (the 400 in the name refers to the oputput in PS) and will reportedly cover the 0-to-62-mph sprint in 3.7 seconds, which beats the pants off of our 5.1-second time in the standard, 305-hp STI. Indeed, Subaru says the CS400 will offer “supercar-humbling pace.” The car will use AP Racing brakes, with four-piston calipers gripping 14-inch front discs, and Subaru promises upgrades to the suspension, exhaust, and styling. Oh, and the pictures show some cool Cosworth-branded buckets.

The CS400 will only be offered as a hatchback, and production will be limited to just 75 units. It’ll reach dealerships this June, with more photos and info set for release closer to that time. Our fearless prediction is that, like the Impreza R205 and STI spec C, this hot Subie isn’t intended for American buyers.

Related posts:

1. 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
2. How to Throw a Subaru Impreza WRX STI into the Atmosphere – Feature
3. Subaru Impreza WRX STI Carbon – Auto Shows

Daimler and Renault-Nissan could soon form a partnership that would see the two companies sharing future vehicle platforms and engine technologies. According to Automotive News and The Wall Street Journal, a partnership could be announced on April 14.

The plan would be to share vehicle components among the Daimler, Smart, Renault, and Nissan brands. The primary focus is expected to be on building a Smart Fortwo successor that would also serve as the basis for the next-generation Renault Twingo, and possibly an updated Mercedes-Benz A-class.

The groups would also work together on fuel-efficient powertrains, probably gasoline and diesel engines no larger than 1.8 liters. It also seems likely the two will share electric-drive technology, given that both companies are developing electric cars: Nissan will soon launch the Leaf and Daimler is developing an electric Smart Fortwo. Daimler also recently announced a  partnership with Chinese company BYD to build a Chinese-market electric vehicle.

Related posts:

1. 2009 Renault Clio RS Renault Sport – First Drive Review
2. Daimler and BYD Partner to Build Chinese-Market EV
3. Renault to Revive Gordini Badge

Three race-prepped versions of the Chevrolet Cruze will compete in the 2010 World Touring Car Championship. The season features races on 11 tracks in locations as diverse as Japan, the Czech Republic, and Spain.

While it is based on the European car that will come to the U.S.—Cruze Eco and Cruze RS variants of which were shown alongside the racer in New York— the WTCC car differs a bit from the roadgoing version. The Cruze’s interior is gutted and a roll cage is fitted, helping bring overall weight down to 2535 pounds. The engine is still a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but tuned to produce 285 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque and mated to a six-speed sequential transmission. Chevy says the car’s top speed is 158 mph.

The Cruze rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped in nine-inch-wide Yokohama racing tires. Brakes are upgraded to four-piston calipers with 13-inch discs in front and two-piston calipers with 11-inch discs in the rear. The suspension retains its twist-beam rear axle, but presumably with upgraded springs and dampers.

Related posts:

1. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco and Cruze RS – Official Photos and Info
2. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze – Official Photos and Info
3. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze – Video

If you need to waste some time at work (not that we endorse that kind of thing), allow us to suggest the McLaren MP4-12C configurator. The online tool lets you customize your own version of McLaren’s upcoming supercar.

Many of the tweaks have performance in mind. You can spec a lightweight exhaust, carbon fiber for the mirrors or spoilers, carbon-ceramic brakes, or lightweight forged wheels. Then there are the visual possibilities: 31 exterior paint colors and a choice of five different interior leathers. “Practical” accessories include a car cover or fire extinguisher.

The “IRIS” option adds a voice-activated navigation system with 80-GB hard drive that can connect to wireless networks,  allowing you to copy music files from your computer. The “Driver Zone” interior option creates an asymmetrical cockpit look by changing the leather trim around the driver’s seat separately from that of the passenger seat. You could have a red leather driver’s seat and a black Alcantara passenger seat, if you want. Carbon-fiber interior bits are also offered.

If you’re stuck and need inspiration, there’s also a video of Formula 1 champs (and current McLaren F1 drivers) Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton using the configurator to design their ideal rides. Hamilton wants parking sensors (huh?) and lots of carbon fiber.

Related posts:

1. 2011 McLaren MP4-12C – Car News
2. McLaren Gives MP4-12C Acceleration Estimates: It’s Going to Be Fast
3. 2011 McLaren MP4-12C – Official Photos and Info

Mazda says it will offer a mid-size car with a fuel-efficient diesel engine in the U.S. by 2012. (This would seem to indicate an oil-burning 6 sedan, given that it’s the firm’s only mid-size car.) The car will be rated at up to 43 mpg in highway driving and be Mazda’s first diesel offering on our shores.

It will employ a diesel engine called the SKY-D, which was announced alongside the SKY-G gasoline engine and an automatic transmission called SKY-Drive at last year’s Tokyo show. We’ve now learned that all three technologies will make their way to American vehicles.

With lower internal friction and “innovative combustion” techniques, the SKY-D engine should be 20 percent more fuel-efficient and offer more torque than Mazda’s current 2.2-liter turbo-diesel (which we sampled in a Euro-spec Mazda CX-7). A ceramic diesel particulate filter means the engine will meet American emissions standards without a urea exhaust-treatment system.

In 2011, Mazda will launch the SKY-G engine globally. The gasoline engine will reportedly be 15 percent more fuel-efficient and offer 15 percent more torque than today’s comparable engines. The improvements stem from a higher compression ratio, reduced internal friction, optimized combustion, and “intake volume control.” SKY-G will become Mazda’s core powerplant and is said to offer zesty performance on top of the fuel savings.

Both engines will use the SKY-Drive gearbox, an updated version of Mazda’s six-speed automatic transmission. It will lock up the torque converter more often, making it five percent more efficient than Mazda’s current automatics while offering a direct feel and quicker shifts; Mazda says the automatic will feel like a dual-clutch transmission.

Related posts:

1. Efficient Mazda SKY Engines and Transmission to Debut in Tokyo
2. Ford to Bring Four Electric Vehicles to Market by 2012 – Auto Shows
3. 2010 Mazda CX-7 2.2 MZR-CD Diesel – Quick Spin

On Thursday, Subaru will pull the wraps off this car at the New York auto show. All they’re telling us for now is that “The wing is back!” So what’s under that sheet?

We spy the outlines of a hood scoop and aggressive front fender flares which, coupled with the big rear wing, suggest the high-performance STI. (Then again, so does the recently announced 2011 Impreza WRX.) But the current STI is only offered as a five-door hatchback, and this teaser image shows a more sedan-like roofline. Does this mean Subaru is releasing an STI sedan, as was offered on the prior generation? We’ll find out for sure at the New York auto show later this week.

Related posts:

1. Mini Has a Laugh With Its Stand at the New York Auto Show
2. Acura TSX Sport Wagon Headed for New York Debut
3. 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Appears Before New York Show

The all-electric Nissan Leaf will start at $32,780—or less, depending on tax rebates. Eligible buyers could earn a $7500 federal tax credit for buying an eco-friendly vehicle, so Nissan says a Leaf could effectively cost as little as $25,280. Certain states offer additional tax incentives: California has a $5000 rebate, Georgia offers a $5000 tax credit, and Oregon will offer a $1500 tax credit.

Nissan will also offer a 36-month lease for $349 per month, after a $1650 down payment and $595 acquisition fee. We figure that’s a total cost of $14,460 over the three-year period. The lease offer assumes that Nissan offers a $7500 incentive in lieu of the federal tax credit.

We now know the Leaf will be offered in two trims: SV as standard and SL for an extra $940. The SV trim includes stability control, six airbags, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and three years of roadside assistance. The SL trim adds a rearview camera, solar-panel rear spoiler, fog lights, and automatic headlights.

Nissan will begin taking reservations for the Leaf on April 20. Buyers interested must pay a refundable $99 reservation fee starting April 20. In August, Nissan will begin taking actual orders, starting with customers who’ve reserved a spot in line. The Leaf will be made available in certain markets this December, with national roll-out by 2011.

On top of the purchase price, Nissan estimates that installing a 220-volt home charging system will cost an average of $2200, although federal tax rebates could repay up to half of that cost. The upshot is that fully charging the Leaf is reported to use just $3 worth of electricity.

Related posts:

1. Nissan Leaf Pricing Clarified (Somewhat)
2. 2009 Tokyo Auto Show: We Turn Nissan’s New Leaf
3. 2011 Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle – Official Photos and Info

According to internal Volvo documents obtained by Jalopnik, Volvo will stop selling the V70 wagon (pictured above) in North America and will reduce the number of engine choices for model year 2011.

According to the document, V70 sales have lagged behind sales of the XC60, XC70, and XC90 crossovers since 2000, so it no longer makes sense to sell the wagon in the U.S. and Canada. To appease buyers, Volvo will add a front-drive option for the XC70 starting next year. The V70 will continue to be sold in other markets worldwide. The V50 wagon is unaffected.

Volvo will also consolidate its engine lineup. The S40 sedan and V50 wagon will henceforth only be offered with Volvo’s turbocharged, 227-hp T5 engine with front-wheel drive and automatic transmissions. The naturally aspirated 2.4i engine disappears, as does the option to equip T5 models with all-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmissions. The reasoning is that the T5 engine offers equivalent fuel economy with more power than the 2.4i unit.

Finally, the S80 sedan will lose its optional V-8 engine. For next year, Volvo plans to revise the turbocharged T6 engine to make 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, as well as improve fuel economy by nine percent. Volvo says this makes the top-spec V-8 option (311 hp, 325 lb-ft) redundant. A naturally aspirated V-6 remains the S80’s base engine, and the V-8 engine will continue to be offered in the Volvo XC90.

Related posts:

1. 2008 Volvo V70 3.2 – Road Test
2. 2008 Volvo V70: No Nav, but the Same Infotainment Annoyances
3. 2011 Volvo C70 – Auto Shows

Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd., has finalized plans to buy Volvo from Ford. The agreement will see Geely owning 100 percent of Volvo’s operations  as well as the company’s intellectual property. The transaction is reportedly valued at $1.8 billion and should be completed, pending regulatory approval, by the third quarter of this year.

The two companies have agreed that Ford will continue to provide Volvo with engines and other components for some time after the deal closes; Ford will also offer technical support and access to Ford technology that features in Volvo vehicles. Geely plans to keep Volvo manufacturing plants in Sweden and Belgium, and will establish new plants in China to produce Volvo products for the Chinese market.

Related posts:

1. Ford and Geely Settle on Terms of Volvo Sale
2. Ford Chooses Chinese Automaker Geely as Preferred Bidder for Volvo
3. Volvo: A Win-Win for Geely

Ford’s European performance division is teasing the Focus RS500, a high-po variant of the already-fast Focus RS (pictured above). For now all we have is this teaser video and a promise of more information in five days’ time. Autocar is reporting the RS500 will gain 50 hp over the standard RS, totaling 350 hp and be limited to just 500 copies—hence “RS500”.

Like the current Focus RS, the RS500 will be aimed squarely at European markets. But using the latest 2012 Focus platform, Ford has already promised a performance variant for American shoppers. It won’t be as hardcore as the Euro RS models, and it’s unknown if it will wear an SVT or ST badge, but at least we’ll get in on some of the fun.

Related posts:

1. 2011 Ford Focus RS500 – Car News
2. 2012 Ford Focus Global Performance Version Confirmed – Car News
3. 2009 Ford Focus RS – Auto Shows

Enthusiasts like us get frustrated by the steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles on Porsche’s PDK-equipped vehicles: they’re toggle switches on both sides of the steering wheel that each nudge back and forth for shifts. Porsche has started to remedy that by offering a factory steering wheel with traditional shift paddles: pull right to upshift, left to downshift. For now, the wheel is only offered on the 911 Turbo (as a $490 option) and the Boxster Spyder, but we expect it will spread to other models.

For buyers who’ve already got an older PDK-equipped Porsche, TechArt is offering a retrofit package. The company will sell you a new steering wheel with the proper shift paddles. They are plastic, but painted silver to look like metal. The steering wheel costs €490 plus taxes, or just over $650, which is a relatively small price to pay for perfecting your Porsche.

Related posts:

1. 2009 Porsche Boxster S PDK – First Drive Review
2. 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S PDK – Short Take Road Test
3. How to: Launch a 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S Manual and PDK – Feature

When the Alpina folks take a BMW 7-series and turn it into the feisty Alpina B7, they extract 500 hp from the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine. That’s a lot of power for just two drive wheels, so BMW will introduce an xDrive all-wheel-drive version of the B7 at the New York auto show.

As before, you can pick from standard- or extended-wheelbase models, and now between rear and all-wheel drive. Other specs will probably match those of the rear-drive model; click here for the full rundown on that car. We wonder whether the extra traction will improve on the B7’s quoted 4.7-second 0-to-62-mph time. Details to follow once the New York show gets underway next week.

Related posts:

1. 2010 BMW Alpina B7 – Auto Shows
2. BMW Alpina B6 GT3 Race Car – Auto Shows
3. BMW Alpina B7 Officially U.S.-Bound

After months of hand-wringing and discussions over the Swedish brand’s future, Saab has resumed vehicle production. Now owned by supercar maker Spyker instead of GM, Saab restarted production at its Trollhättan, Sweden, factory following a seven-week hiatus.

The first car down the line was a Saab 9-5, seen above, destined for internal test fleets. The new 9-5 is scheduled to launch later this year.

Our question: Are they planning to cap production at 999?

Related posts:

1. Saab Product Plans for 2010 and Beyond – Car News
2. Saab Officially Dead
3. Spyker Flirts with Buying Saab