Toyota announces plan to turn its popular hybrid model into a whole new brand of hybrid and electric vehicles.
The car that started the hybrid revolution is about to be transformed from a mere model into a whole new brand. At a recent dealer conference in Las Vegas, Toyota announced plans to add two new models to the Prius lineup by the end of 2012, expanding the name into a brand aimed at bolstering the automaker's dominance of the hybrid and eventually the electric-vehicle market in the U.S., according to a report by the Detroit Free Press.
By Julian Rendell
The mid-life refresh of the storming Nissan GT-R will feature a power increases as well as slightly updated styling and new interior trim options.
Nissan is keeping details of the extra power to itself, although rumors imply it might grow to more than 500 hp. The design tweaks are intended to flow more cooling air into the engine bay, which suggests the power might rise substantially.
Nissan may offer loaner cars to ease minds of Leaf buyers suffering from range anxiety.
In what has to be one of the more brilliant marketing strategies in automotive history, Nissan is considering offering free loaner cars to 2010 Leaf electrical vehicle buyers to help alleviate any concerns they might have about the machine’s limited range.
According to a report from The DetroitBureau.com, the incentive would be available to any Leaf owner who wanted to take a trip longer than the car’s stated 100-mile range. The no-cost loan of a conventional, gasoline-powered automobile would be made available to owners for up to a week.
By Dale Jewett
Mustang customizer Shelby American has
locked in the engine-output ratings of GT350 package and frosted the cake with the addition of a 624-hp variant.
Buyers of a Shelby American GT350 Mustang can choose from a range of power ratings--from the Ford factory-standard 412 hp (key for those who want to run the car in SCCA competition), a 430-hp naturally aspirated version, a 525-hp supercharged version and the 624-hp R tune.
By Brad Constant
Hennessey Performance is introducing a convertible version of its limited-edition 2011 HPE700 Camaro.
The tuning company will produce just 24 copies of the 2011 HPE700 Camaro, but it hasn't revealed how many will be hardtops or convertibles.
“We have already sold several of our 2011 HPE700s in hardtop form, increasing the potential for the convertible LS9 Camaro to become an even rarer option than before,” said John Hennessey, president of Hennessey Performance. “I expect that we will sell all 24 units just as we did in 2010. However, this time we will probably sell out even sooner as the convertible option will certainly be attractive--especially with 755 hp.”
By Hans Greimel, Automotive News
Toyota Motor Corp., aiming to restore customer trust after a recall crisis, is launching two new U.S. service plans that will come standard with Toyota and Scion brand vehicles.
Called Toyota Care and Scion Service Boost, the plans will offer free factory scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, the company said Wednesday. The plans take effect immediately.
Toyota said the offer makes it the first full-line brand to provide a complimentary maintenance plan as a standard feature. No-cost maintenance plans were rolled out last spring as part of an initiative to win back buyers following an outbreak of recalls, mostly for unintended acceleration.
Buick teases an image of its upcoming small car.
As we reported yesterday, Buick teased an image from an upcoming small car that will fit below the Regal in the lineup. The image shows Buick's trademark waterfall grille.Few details were released, and it was unclear whether initial reports that the vehicle would be an upmarket Chevy Cruze were true. That the two will share parts, though, has been confirmed.
The Orion, Michigan, plant that will produce the Verano will also manufacture a small Chevy vehicle.
By Diana T. Kurylko, Automotive News
Mini's new Countryman crossover will start at $22,350, only $550 more than the three-door Clubman wagon.
A well-equipped Countryman in a Cooper S trim with optional all-wheel drive will cost just under $30,000, Jim McDowell, head of Mini USA, said Wednesday during the media launch for the vehicle. The prices include destination charges, Mini said.
The Countryman, the biggest model in Mini's U.S. lineup, will arrive at dealerships in late December.
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Contributors
Clifford Atiyeh has spent his entire life driving cars he doesn't own. Raised in Volvos, he has grown to love fast, irresponsible vehicles of all kinds. He is the senior news editor at MSN Autos and also reports for Car and Driver, Road & Track, The Boston Globe and other publications.
In the garage: 21-speed Iron Horse, 2002 Jeep Wrangler X (not his)
Doug Newcomb has covered car technology for over 20 years for outlets ranging from Rolling Stone to Edmunds.com. In 2008, he published his first book, "Car Audio for Dummies" (Wiley). He lives and drives in Hood River, Ore., with his wife and two kids, who share his passion for cars and technology.
In the garage: 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS, two 1984 Chevrolet Blazers, 2008 Honda CR-V
James Tate learned to drive stick at age 13 in a 1988 Land Cruiser - in La Paz, Bolivia. He's since been a mechanic, on a pit crew and has wrenched on every car he's owned since his first 1989 Honda CRX Si (and won't stop until the car is a 1973 Porsche 911 RS). His work has appeared in Car and Driver, Popular Mechanics, Automobile and others.
In the garage: 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera, 1988 BMW M5
