Author: Jake Holmes

Michael Bay, maker of cinematic epics like Transformers and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, is making a sequel aptly called Transformers 3. We didn’t really care until Bay announced that the new film will feature an Autobot disguised as a Ferrari 458 Italia.

We at C/D headquarters are conflicted about this news, because we really like the 458, but the Transformers movies . . . not so much. Anyway, those crafty robots are going upmarket; In prior films, they transformed into Chevrolet Camaros and other GM products. The film is scheduled to hit the silver screen July 1, 2011.

[via Autoblog]

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Before you send nasty emails, yes, the above image has been doctored with the magic of Photoshop. (Pretty good, eh?) We might have had real pictures of the newest 2011 Sorento trim level if we’d been at the Atlanta auto show today, but, erm, we must have forgotten to mark the date on our calendars. Kia promises we’ll have official pictures once the car makes it to the New York auto show, which is just two weeks away.

Anyway, here’s what we do know about the 2011 Kia Sorento SX. The trim adds extra equipment, visual dress-up (can’t wait to see it!), and a sharper suspension compared to the LX and EX models. It’s equipped exclusively with the Sorento’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

The SX dons new front and rear fascias, LED taillights, a chrome exhaust tip, and special silver-painted 18-inch wheels. On top are chrome roof rails; underneath, stainless-steel skid plates. Interior changes include stainless-steel pedal covers, a metallic gauge cluster surround, and extra accent lighting.

Additional standard equipment includes heated leather front seats, an auto-dimming mirror, a 10-speaker Infinity Audio surround-sound system, and a voice-activated navigation system with a backup camera. Most of these add-ons are optional on the LX and EX trims, but standard with the SX level.

The Sorento SX rides half an inch lower than other models and employs “Dual Flow Damper” shock absorbers. Kia says this gives the Sorento a sportier stance and better handling, all without compromising ride quality.

We hope to have official pricing information and photos during the New York show. Until then, check out our second drive of the 2011 Kia Sorento.

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Today marks the start of production of an all-new Chrysler engine, a 3.6-liter V-6 unit that’s being built in Trenton, Michigan. Chrysler says the Pentastar V-6 is its most advanced powerplant ever. It’s a 24-valve, dual-overhead-camshaft design with variable timing for intake and exhaust valves. The block and head are aluminum, and it can run on either regular-grade gasoline or E85 biofuel.

We’ll first see the engine in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee later this year. In that configuration, the Pentastar V-6 will produce 290 hp at 6350 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4300 rpm.

By 2014, the 3.6-liter unit will almost entirely replace the 3.5-liter V-6 that currently dominates the Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep lineup. That means we’ll see it in updated versions of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, as well as other applications. Chrysler hints that the engine could eventually be upgraded with turbocharging, direct injection, or Fiat’s Multiair technology.

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3. Petty’s Garage Begins Building Signature Series Dodge Challengers

At last year’s SEMA show, Richard Petty launched Petty’s Garage, a new enterprise to build street vehicles. Now Petty’s Garage has teamed up with engine builder Arrington Performance to produce its first line of custom vehicles, dubbed the Signature Series. Over the next five years, Petty will release 200 Signature Series vehicles: 43 this year, then 50 per year through the end of the production run. For those doing the math at home, that means the group will build just seven vehicles in its last year—one for each of Petty’s NASCAR Cup championship wins.

This year’s car is a modified Dodge Challenger. Petty starts with an R/T model, fitted with a 5.7-liter Hemi engine and six-speed manual, and makes substantial modifications. Engine internals are replaced with tougher forged parts to handle 9 psi of boost from a Magnuson supercharger. The upgrades should be good for 600 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque.

Petty also bolts up a Hurst short-throw shifter, a Pedders coil-over suspension, Brembo brakes, and BFGoodrich tires wrapped around five-spoke Forgeline SP3S wheels. The Signature Series Challenger gets an all-black exterior treatment, with an optional functional shaker hood and non-functional racing stripe. The interior receives special leather seats and Petty’s signature on the instrument cluster.

The first Signature Series Challengers should be delivered next month. If you want one, plan on spending $34,930 on top of the cost of a stock Challenger R/T.

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