After missing the mark in 2008, Subaru continues to add higher levels of performance to the WRX, bumping the power output to 265-hp in 2009 and now announcing that for 2011 all WRX models will come with the STI’s wide-body. And it’s not just for show either. Starting in 2011, those flared fenders will make...
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Next week Mitsubishi will launch a new compact crossover in North America called the Outlander Sport. Already unveiled in Japan (as the RVR) and in Europe at the Geneva Auto Show (as the ASX), the new crossover gets yet another name for North America. We have to wonder what the marketing folks at Mitsu are...
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After its debut at the Geneva Auto Show just a few weeks ago, Lexus has now officially announced it will sell the CT200h hybrid hatchback in the United States. The CT200h will be the first full hybrid offered in the premium compact class. Power comes from a version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system using...
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Rumors about Mazda importing the CX-7 diesel to North America just won’t go away, leading to increased speculation that one day the more fuel efficient models will eventually arrive. The latest bit of info comes from Road & Track, claiming that the Japanese automaker continues to mull the decision. While the upcoming 2016 fuel economy...
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It is now becoming apparent how Volkswagen’s partnership with Japanese automaker Suzuki and it’s plans to become the world’s largest automaker are intertwined. Outlined in a VW employee newsletter is an interview with VW board member Detlef Wittig, who says that the German automaker will rebadge Suzuki models as Volkswagens. The vehicles could then be...
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With all the time, energy and resources used in building the Lexus LFA supercar, it seems the Japanese automaker might not be all that interested in anyone driving the vehicle as they’ve made it prohibitively difficult to get into. It’s not the cost that might keep people away ($375,000 being a rather reasonable price for...
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Honda has already locked down 7,000 orders for its CR-Z hybrid sports car, more than half of the car’s annual sales target of 12,000 units. Still, Honda should be cautiously optimistic as last year sales of the new Insight model started out strong but started to dwindle once Toyota released its third-generation Prius – a...
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Despite competition from Tata, known for building the world’s cheapest car, Suzuki has no plans to compete head-to-head with the Indian automaker. Currently Suzuki has a stranglehold on emerging markets like India, but Tata is looking to take a chunk of that with the Nano, which undercuts the already inexpensive Suzuki models. Slamming the Indian-made...
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Having just received its world premiere at the Geneva Auto Show, Nissan announced the Juke will be sold in the U.S. and will give the crossover a North American unveiling at a private event just ahead of the NY Auto Show. Slotting in just underneath the Rogue in Nissan’s lineup, we’re excited to see if...
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Honda has announced that it will recall a total of 412,000 vehicles due to a problem with the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) modulator, that could cause a soft brake pedal feel. In total, 344,000 Odyssey minivans and 68,000 Elements, from the 2007-8 model years are affected. Honda claims a “self check” mode for the system...
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Scion will introduce a mid-cycle update to the boxy xB model for 2011, with some mild updates and a minor price increase. Included is a facelift with new front and rear bumpers, headlights and taillights and a new front grille. The changes aren’t big, but do add a bit more aggression to the already mean...
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Infiniti has had tremendous success with the G series of “entry-level” luxury sport sedans, rivaling industry leaders like the BMW 3 Series, but when it comes to full-on flagships, Nissan’s luxury arm has only ever produced failures. With the introduction of the new M for 2011, Infiniti is now saying it has no plans to...
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The Lexus crazy folks over at LexusEnthusiast have uncovered a Japanese story about a possible Nürburgring Edition of the new LFA supercar, adding credibility to earlier reports that a more track-focused model is on the way. The extra high performance model is reportedly named after the world famous race track/public road where the LFA underwent...
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Subaru is reportedly looking to scrap plans for an AWD version of the Toyota FT-86 in favor of a rear-drive only model. This is sure to have the marketing department at Subaru up in arms with the accountants, as Subaru’s whole brand identity is based on the company’s Symmetrical AWD setup. Japan’s Best Car is...
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Lexus is looking to bring back the IS SportCross – at least in Europe. The wagon body style of the original IS300 was a massive flop in North America, causing Lexus to eliminate the oddly shaped five-door from its product plans when it came around to building the second generation of cars. With North Americans...
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After announcing the IS350C F-Spot Special Edition earlier this week, Lexus has now provided us with the first photos of the sporty drop-top. Priced from $57,500, it will be offered in only Tungsten Pearl (above) or Obsidian. Unique to the Special Edition is a set package of F-Sport goodies including: new 19-inch forged wheels with...
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The Orange County, California, District Attorney has announced plans to file a civil lawsuit against Toyota. The suit is over safety concerns with Toyota vehicles, and comes as Toyota has recalled over eight million vehicles worldwide due to several different safety issues. The suit aims to stop Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. from “continuing to...
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When the Nissan GT-R finally made its way over to the Stateside, people rejoiced that we’d finally be able to get our hands on one of Japan’s finest creations. Over the past couple of decades, the Nissan Skyline GT-R moniker has become infamous and synonymous with performance and excellence. The initial exclusivity and price tag...
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Suzuki is looking to get back into the U.S. auto market in a big way and to do so it launched the Kizashi mid-size car last year to compete with hallmarks like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Accord. Initially offered with only a 4-cylinder, Suzuki doesn’t want anyone walking away from its dealerships wanting for...
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ABC News has now admitted that a part of the video it used to illustrate the unintended acceleration of a Toyota model in a recent report was faked. The video, outlining a tactic used by professor David Gilbert of Southern Illinois University to cause an unintended acceleration in a Toyota product, was not an actual...
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After Japanese Mitsubishi-tuner Ralliart announced early this morning that it would shut its doors for good, Mitsubishi wants to clarify that the closure will not affect Ralliart branded Mitsubishi models sold in the United States. According to PR boss Maurice Durand, Ralliart vehicles will continue to be produced and, “this doesn’t mean there won’t be...
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[*UPDATE*] Since the announcement below, we have talked with Mitsubishi USA PR boss Maurice Durand, who assured us that none of the changes will affect Ralliart products in the United States, or likely elsewhere in the world. Durand explained that the Ralliart subsidiary in Japan that makes high-performance and racing products will close its doors,...
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To celebrate 20 years since it first began selling cars, Nissan’s Infiniti luxury division has announced 20th Anniversary Editions of the brand’s most popular model, the G. These special editions models get an ultra-premium Graphite Shadow paint with Monaco Red leather interior. The Coupe and Convertible come with Red-toned Maple accenting and the two Sedan...
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Mazda will reportedly add a brake override system to all of its future products. According to an article by Automotive News, Mazda will make the step towards added safety on the heels of Toyota’s recall woes and that automaker’s decision to begin installing a brake override system in all of its new models. The system...
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