Holden reveals the new VF Commodore (Calais V). The Chevrolet SS Sports Sedan for the USA

Holden is really going crazy over this new Commodore, calling it the best Commodore ever, that is also safer, more user-friendly and more fuel efficient. But what bothers me is that it looks like an Opel even if they say they "raised the bar". Richard Ferlazzo Holden Chief Designer (Creative Design) even said they took "a great existing form and brought it up to another level,”

I disagree, it still looks like an Opel Insignia (the back is more similar to the Malibu), and i actually prefer the VE, it was more distinctive. Having said that the car isn't ugly, it is classy and looks more luxurious, and while the interior is completely new, the exterior has the roof, doors and glasses of the older model. Besides that it was completely designed and engineered in Australia, something to be proud of.

One of the main aspects is the inclusion of several technologically advanced features, like the Auto Park Assist available on all modes, where the driver operates the pedals but the car effectively parks itself and you can choose between a parallel or 90 degree angle park. You also have the MyLink infotainment system and keyless entry and start.

The new safety features include Reverse Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Alert, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and a Head-Up Display. Pretty cool, right?

Engines or specifications weren't revealed but the car will go on sale in Australia from Mid-2013, and will reach the United States of America as the Chevrolet SS, both built in Australia. Still the engines should be the same V6 and V8 from the VE model. See the Calais V gallery below.

Oh and don't worry this won't be the last Commodore, a new one will show up in 2016.

Alfa Romeo will return to the North American market late this year

Sergio Marchionne, chief executive of both Fiat SpA and Chrysler Group LLC, confirmed on Friday that the Italian brand will return to USA in late 2013 with the Alfa Romeo 4C.

Marchionned added that "For sure it's coming back this year with the 4C. With the Alfa Romeo 4C," and "We are finalizing the car now, so it should be here this year.". The objective is to increase Alfa's sales and reduce the losses of Fiat in Europe. 

Source: reuters

Volkswagen USA also announces R-Line versions of the Tiguan and Touareg

Volkswagen will introduce the Touareg and Tiguan R-Line at the Detroit Auto Show, starting next week, for the North American market. Both SUVs will join the recently presented Beetle and the older CC with their respective S-Line trims.

The changes are only cosmetic, with no modifications or new offerings for the engines available. Both cars have new 19 and 20inch wheels available, new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler and LED lighting.

On the inside we also have specially design parts, including a flat-bottom R-Line multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters, unique high-gloss black and brushed aluminum trim on the dashboard, center console and doors, aluminum sport pedals, and a black headliner.

Source: vw usa

Short News: Best selling vehicles in the U.S.A.

2012 is already over so all car brands made ​​their final accounts to find out how many cars each one sold and we can now conclude that for the third year in a row the number of vehicles sold increased. So what was the best selling model? Find out below.

The top three sellers in 2012 are the same from 2011, but the Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Cruze are gone from the 2012 list.

1. Ford F-Series with 645.316, a 10.3 percent increase over 2011
2. Chevrolet Silverado with 418.312, a 0.8 percent increase over 2011
3. Toyota Camry with 404.886, a 31.2 percent increase over 2011
4. Honda Accord with 331.872, a 40.8 percent increase over 2011
5. Honda Civic with 317.909, a 43.7 percent increase over 2011
6. Nissan Altima with 302.934, a 12.6 percent increase over 2011
7. Ram Pickup with 293.363, a 19.9 percent increase over 2011
8. Toyota Corolla with 290.947, a 21.1 percent increase over 2011
9. Honda CR-V with 281.652, a 29.0 percent increase over 2011
10. Ford Escape with 261.008, a 2.6 percent increase over 2011

Source: kickingtires

2013 Fiat 500L Trekking

Together with the North American version of the 500L, Fiat will also show the new 500L Trekking in the Los Angeles Motor Show that starts today. The most obvious change between the European and N.A. version are the new headlights.

Comparing with the "normal" model, the 500L Trekking gains protections around the body made in plastic and painted in black, a redesigned front bumper and rear bumper with some minor changes, and a higher ground clearance.

There will be only one engine available for the American market, which is the 1.4liter MultiAir with 160hp connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. On the inside we will be able to find the UConnect system with a 6.5 inch touchscreen.

Source: ES.AutoBlog

Ford Fiesta ST in the USA couldn't be more different of the European version

Even if they have the same name, the North American version of the Fiesta ST will only be available as a five-door version while in Europe it is only available with 3 doors. If that wasn't enough the European model has 180ps (178bhp) and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) in comparison with the 200ps (197bhp) and 290Nm (214lb/ft) or the North American market.

The engine is the same for each side of the pond, a 1.6liter turbocharged Ecoboost with different outputs connected to a six-speed manual gearbox providing the driver a fuel consumption of 6,9liters every 100km (39mpg).

The ST is 15mm lower than the standard Fiesta working together with an electronic Torque Vectoring Control, an improved braking system and quicker steering ratio of 13,6:1.

The look has to be easily recognized so Ford added a different honeycomb front grille and bumpers, side skirts, 17inch wheels, roof spoiler and rear diffuser. The interior is also unique with leather Recaro sport seats, a new steering wheel and unique trims.

 

Ford will publicly display the new ST for the USA in the upcoming LA Motor Show.

 

Source: carscoop