2012 marks the 15th year since the Toyota Prius began its effort to champion the future of motoring. A unique automotive legend would start in late 1997 as the concept of an electric motor supporting a gasoline engine entered production for the Japanese marketplace. Premiering in a very niche market of gasoline-electric vehicles that did not exist, Toyota brought the Prius to North American in 2001. After long attempting the attract a market, the market came to the Toyota Prius when rising fuel prices and the culture of environmentalism erupted in the United States. With other Toyota and Lexus products incorporating the same powertrain configuration trademarked as Hybrid Synergy Drive, a series of milestones (including the 3-millionth Toyota hybrid vehicle produced last year) has earned unparallel praise for the Prius. At the 2011 North American International Auto Show, Toyota’s spot to expand the Prius to a new family of vehicles represented a moment that firmly sent a message to those who opposed gasoline-electric hybrid motoring.

Debuting in production form at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the subcompact Toyota Prius c is launching this year as a hybrid for the younger, first-time new car buyer. Promising average fuel economy of 50 miles per gallon, the Prius c will be the most efficient vehicle sold in the United States powered primarily by gasoline. Set to provide a generous standard equipment vehicle featuring automatic climate control, vehicle stability control, Smart Stop Technology and Bluetooth hands-free with every 2012 Prius c, Toyota has announced pricing for the new economy car will start just under $19,000.

Arriving to showrooms in four trim levels (One, Two, Three and Four), the 2012 Toyota Prius c One will cost a thrifty $18,950. As the basic model, the Prius One offers remote keyless entry and a tilt-telescoping steering column. For an extra $950, buyers of the Toyota Prius c can upgrade to the Two trim level. A six-speaker stereo, cargo tonneau cover and cruise control are highlight features for the Prius c Two that is priced just below $20,000 less taxes, delivery and other dealership costs. At a $21,635 price point, the 2012 Prius c progresses with a standard stash of electronic goodies under the Three trim level. HD Radio, Sirius XM Satellite Radio and Toyota’s Entune system featuring a 6.1-inch touchscreen is key features for the Prius c Three. At the highest end of the trim scale, the Toyota Prius c Four comes with all of the top features from the previous trim level but also adds heated front seats and heated mirror with turn signals. The 2012 Toyota Prius c Four will be well equipped for $23,230 with options such as moonroof and 16-inch wheels.

Since its debut, the Toyota Prius has begun throwing cold water on sceptics of the advanced gasoline-electric vehicles. Disputing many aspects of hybrid vehicles, one of the main critical points regarded the technology’s cost-effectiveness. Since the Toyota Prius was a hybrid-only offering, other cars such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Civic showed hybrid powertrains have resulted in a several thousand-dollar price premium over conventional gasoline-only vehicles. With many analysts doing the math early on hybrid vehicles, it was believed that many owners of electric-assisted cars would never experience enough savings in fuel to warrant spending extra for the hybrid electric hardware. Thanks to Toyota’s environmentally friendly work with hybrid powertrains, the business case for electric assistance in motoring has become an economical choice. While the Toyota Prius c will not be the cheapest hybrid car available (the 2012 Honda Insight retails at $18,350), the 50-mile per gallon economy hatchback will be in position to influence even entry-level car buyers.

When the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf premiered on the auto show circuit, crowds once surrounding these electrified vehicles as marvels of engineering were later repelled by near obscene vehicle prices. The release of the 2012 Toyota Prius c will be a welcomed change in perception for electric-assisted vehicles.

Information and photo source: Toyota Motor Corporation

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2. Meet the New Toyota Prius Hybrid Family
3. Toyota Announces Prius Plug In, Pricing For Updated Lineup

Last May the Aston Martin V12 Zagato debuted at the Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance. It went on to win best of show – and for good reason. We’ll admit, we have a soft spot in our hearts for Aston Martins (like many auto enthusiasts), but this car is a particularly stunning example.

After a very favorable reception at the show and by Aston buyers around the world, two months later the decision was made to produce the car. The V12 Zagato marks the return of the coach builder, and the ensuing relationship between it and the manufacturer. They have made a comeback thanks to modern technologies that make limited production feasible, and even profitable. The V12 Zagato is a result of that.

The car makes the transition from one-off to production vehicle looking just as beautiful the day it was introduced. That means a familiar Aston Martin front end, but a unique twist on the rest of the design, with singular round taillights and a rakish rear end. The narrowing window line, flowing rear haunches – this has future classic written all over it.

Chief Executive Officer Ulrich Bez says the car is a celebration of “both Aston Martin’s heritage and its future…..our relationship with Zagato stretches back more than 50 years. Together in that time we have created a series of very special cars. The first – the DB4GT Zagato – is a true icon: fast, beautiful and incredibly desirable. In the V12 Zagato I believe we have captured the spirit of that car and combined it with a confident twist of modernity to give it a character all of its own.”

Indeed. Aston says the car will be built in a limited run, with only 150 examples. It is a hand-built project, completed in the special operations center setup for the One-77. Pricing starts at about $520,000 USD at current exchanges. Word is that nearly the entire run has already been spoken for.

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Seen by approximately one in every three Americans, Super Bowl 46 in Indiana’s Lucas Oil Stadium was a closely matched showdown between two NFL football teams with only victory in mind. On the field, the New York Giants resisted the last-second charge of the New England Patriots for the glory of this Sunday sporting classic. Apart from the battle on the gridiron, corporations have been spending on average 3.5 million dollars for every 30 seconds of commercial time in order to win over the vast television viewing public.

Auto companies again utilized breaks during this big game as an attempt to woo purchasers of what is often their second-most costly expenditure. For the 2012 game, Chevrolet bought several commercial spots, an Audi S7 Sportback inadvertently battled vampires and Mathew Broderick took a day off with the 2012 Honda CR-V. For the second year in a row, Chrysler’s Super Bowl advertisement garnered an MVP award-worthy play during halftime of the Big Game.

Compiling the revered “Imported from Detroit” marketing campaign into a two-minute spot for the 2011 Super Bowl, it was unarguable that Chrysler advertisement ran on emotions rare conveyed by a commercial. To the musical background of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”, a Chrysler sedan roared down the Detroit streets implying a shared sense of deviance to surrender to the worst of a broken economy. For the 2012 ad titled “Halftime in America”, Chrysler’s message was sent poignantly to an entire country.

Narrating and appearing in the Chrysler commercial was true American fixture Clint Eastwood. Through his signature raspy, low-toned voice, Eastwood initiated the Chrysler spot stating “It’s halftime”. Suggesting the NFL Championship at hand, television viewers were quickly introduced to halftime being a grander, symbolic reference. “It’s halftime in America, too. People are out of work and they’re hurting. And they’re all wondering what they’re going to do to make a comeback. And we’re all scared, because this isn’t a game.” Eastwood declared. In the advertisement, a visual of Americans from many walks of life. Instead of the chorus resisting failure on last year‘s ad, Chrysler’s 2012 Super Bowl commercial leaves on a note of rallying optimism with Clint Eastwood saying, “This country can’t be knocked out with one punch. We get right back up again and when we do the world is going to hear the roar of our engines.”

Though possessing a primary purpose of luring customers to buy Chrysler Group products, the spirit and words of the 2012 Super Bowl commercial is profound enough to motivate the general American public searching for the strength inside. Advocating the notion of an entire nation acting as one to combat even the most difficult decisions for a country, this attitude of some political pundits following the Sunday night Super Bowl commercial deeply contrasted the message. On Monday, several news shows read the Chrysler advertisement as a politically motivated act. Rather than showing the progress that Americans in the auto industry have made in only a short time, analysts and commentators felt the message was instead a shaming of those who did not support the United States auto company in its time of need. It seems disappointing that the accomplishments for a large group of people rising up in a tough economy (labourers, engineers, designers, accountants, salespeople and even the executives) has become another casualty of a presidential election year’s selfish, hurtful politics.

David Kelleher, President of Chrysler’s National Dealer Council representing 2,300 dealership outlets shared a statement February 8th relating to the “Halftime in America television ad. Kelleher stated the commercial theme was “… simply a recount of the achievement of Chrysler, and its dealers who sacrificed and drove to take this American icon from depths during the national economic downturn to the success we have accomplished to date.“ The statement ended with David Kelleher saying, “We have no doubt that this ad had no political agenda of any kind but rather a statement of fact and hope for the future for all of us and America.”

The spokesperson of the commercial Clint Eastwood was also confronted with questions that the Chrysler message demonstrated his so-called political leaning. Eastwood was required defend himself against words indicating no direct political message. For those who wanted to bring Clint Eastwood’s political past (that included serving as a mayor of Carmel, California) into the debate of this Chrysler commercial, he has shown an unapologetic ability see both sides of the story. Like so many Americans, Clint Eastwood overall appears only to support ideas, not parties.

A third and final detail of the 2012 Super Bowl ad considered Chrysler’s claim of nationality. On YouTube, there was at least one comment aware that the promotion the United States in the television ad does contain a taste of irony. Realizing that Chrysler is majority owned by Italy’s Fiat Group, Chrysler is not a purest’s idea of an American auto company. In an auto sector where global diversity is being exercised to build cost effective, reliable vehicles, every car brand can carry many flags. The recent automotive marketplace has become a situation where product nationality considers the people who build and sell a vehicle.

As inspiring or controversial the commercial “It’s Halftime in America“ is overall, Chrysler appears determined to continue fighting its game that has netted some major advances. Chrysler was able to boast the efforts of the company, employees and the loyal customers succeeded together to refire the automaker’s production engines. Leaving 2011 with year-end sales 26 percent higher than 2010, the regenerated Chrysler Group left the year posting the highest 12-month increase of the Detroit Three auto companies. Chrysler products enter this year 44 percent more customer sales in January 2012 than compared to a year ago. This 2012 Super Bowl Chrysler commercial promotes an auto company ready to introduce new products such as the Dodge Dart and SRT Viper less than three years following the near ruins of bankruptcy.

Information, video and photo source: Chrysler Group

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Looking at Kia’s lineup and its clear it is one for those who don’t want to blend in. Bold, sharp designs that make you love them or hate them. Hyundai’s fluid styling is less polarizing. The Soul is one of those polarizing cars, but what you can’t really deny is its coolness factor. We can’t help but think of the hamsters when we see it either. Now there’s the mark of a successful advertising campaign…..

At Chicago Kia is either offering us a preview of the next Soul (which is a way out) or a new sports model. Lets hope it is the former. As far as funky small coupes go, Hyundai has the Veloster. Kia is left without one, selling the more mainstream Koup. Ditching the four-door layout of the Soul, the Track’ster is, as its name implies, designed for the track in mind.

A track-going Soul might have been a laughable thought, but the Track’ster is unlike any Soul you’ve ever seen. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 250 horsepower. Instead of front-wheel drive, the Track’ster puts power to the wheels through an all-wheel drive system. Its pretty much the concept of a hot hatch and one that has styling win written all over it. The Track’ster is low to the ground and decked out in a white and red color scheme.

The roof is painted in red, and it slants downward to the meet up with the rear C-pillar. It conveys motion, and still should offer a nice amount of headroom back there – if there was a seat that is. For the concept, there isn’t. Instead, the Track’ster has a shelf that is meant for racing gear like suits, helmets, tools and the like.

So is this production or a dream entry? Who knows, it isn’t clear with the Track’ster like it is with most concepts. WIth Hyundai having the Veloster though we think it is a distinct possibility. As for us, we give a resounding yes to whether or not it should be produced. From a styling and packaging perspective we’d rather have this than a MINI Cooper or Fiat 500. We bet it would cost a whole lot less too. Kia design is on a roll!

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Over the past few auto shows, GMC hasn’t had anything new to show off. That changes at Chicago with the 2013 GMC Acadia. It is an update to the hot-selling large crossover that debuted for the 2007 model year.

Since then, it has sold very well and generated conquest sales from other brands. As with anything though, continuous improvement is necessary. While still very competitive, it has been getting a bit long in the tooth after years on the market. A mid-cycle enhancement is exactly what it needs to stay fresh, and GMC really brought it with this update. GMC’s tagline is “We are Professional Grade.” GMC has always been about trucks, and the new 2013 Acadia pays homage to that tradition.

Sleek and car-like is thrown out the window for this update, with a very bold and in-your-face new design that we love. Its modern, fresh and unique. You probably won’t mistake the Acadia for anything else on the road. If there is one quibble, its that from some angles it seems a bit grafted on. When the Acadia debuted in 2007, it was along with its Saturn Outlook counterpart. That model is long gone along with the rest of the Saturn brand, but out back the Acadia’s taillights look very similar.

Inside, GMC keeps things fresh with a redesigned center stack and upgraded materials. When the Lambads debuted, they were at the top of their class in interior design. After a few years they have fallen behind a bit. This update changes that, adding ambient lighting, soft touch materials on the dash, and offering new technology. As far as safety, the Acadia includes GM’s class-exclusive and industry-first front center airbag. This new restraint system is designed to protect the driver and front passenger in side-impact crashes. The engine package remains the same, with the Acadia’s powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine making 288 horsepower.

Overall, the Acadia really shows the level GMC design has advanced to. After seeing the Acadia we can’t wait for what else the brand has in store. We’re particularly looking forward to the next-generation Sierra trucks and Yukon SUVs, which are just around the corner.

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Last month Acura previewed major changes to its lineup. The NSX Concept was no doubt Acura’s main event, and one of the stars of the show. Overall though, the new supercar is a deviation from the strategy that the brand is pursuing. Acura hopes the NSX effect will trickle down, but at the show the ILX Concept was the most important debut, showing off a change in approach for the brand.

Instead of trying to take it to Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Acura is repositioning as a more near-luxury brand, going against Buick and Lexus. Its a space that Acura has always found success in in the past. Why not return to it now? The ILX is a return to that. The ILX Concept we really liked at the North American International Auto Show is barely different here; that car was a concept in name only. The ILX’s style is crisp and youthful, with some very nice lines and surfacing.

It is a genuinely good-looking car, and that is something we have been hard pressed to say about any Acuras of late. This design has had us hopeful about Acura’s future. While the ILX is Civic based, you would never know it. The interior is where the problem begins….

It doesn’t feel special enough; we’re getting Civic vibes. That’s unfortunate, given that the Civic’s interior isn’t even impressive for its segment. That isn’t to say the ILX doesn’t Acura-ify things up; it does. Instead of being canted slightly toward the driver, the center stack is vertical and upright. It follows the Acura design motif of a thin swoopy head unit integrated into the center stack. There is also a new navigation system setup mounted in the upper dash. Nice, but a definite win for the Buick Verano in the interior.

Under the hood there are three engine options. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder making 150 horsepower. The top-shelf engine is 201 horsepower 2.4-liter unit mated to a six-speed manual. The fuel economy leader is Acura’s first hybrid, a Integrated Motor Assist setup combined with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder making 11 horsepower. Acura estimates it will get 35 mpg city/38 mpg highway. The ILX is making a play for first-time luxury buyers in their 20s and 30s. With competitive pricing and based on the looks alone, it should do better than most Acuras in recent memory. It’s just too bad they didn’t bring their A-game in the interior.

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The Chicago Auto Show is in full swing, and Hyundai is busy adding new variants to its hot-selling Elantra lineup. In just a few years Hyundai has gone from joke, to also ran and now, one of the segment’s leaders. The Elantra is well-regarded as one of the best new compact cars on the market. Stylish, fuel-efficient, reliable – we’d rank it right up with the Chevrolet Cruze if we were in the market. What it has lacked up until now is diversity – it has sold with just one model, the standard four-door sedan. Today, the Elantra adds a coupe model as well as Elantra GT.

We’ve already seen the Elantra GT – in Europe and other countries it is known as the i30. This is the strategy that Hyundai followed last time when it brought over the European hatchback model. It was previously called the Elantra Touring though. Given its European roots, the Elantra GT is a bit more upscale than the standard sedan.

There is projector headlamps, and the interior design we like better than the more polarizing look of the American Elantra. This Elantra GT goes squarely against other hatchback models in the segment like the VW Golf, Mazda3 and the Focus. Hyundai is trumpeting the Elantra GT as the lightest car in its segment, checking in at 222 pounds less than the Golf, 175 pounds less than the Focus and 151 pounds less than the 3. Fuel economy is estimated to be 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway. Nice job guys. Under the hood is the same 1.8-liter four-cylinder that powers the rest of the Elantra lineup.

It makes 148 horsepower, which is a best-in-class output of 82.2 hp per liter. The GT also has a driver knee airbag, a first for the Elantra line and another feature you can thank the Europeans for. While hatchbacks never have been the biggest sellers in the United States, their share is increasing so expect Elantra sales to get a nice boost from the addition of the GT.

What we didn’t expect is an Elantra Coupe! Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design philosophy translates really well. Hyundai seemed to take care in getting the proportions right. If you notice, there is a wide expanse between the front and rear of the Elantra Coupe. There is a bigger door and larger rear seating area than most small coupes. Part of that is due to is due to the fact that the Elantra Coupe is longer than the standard sedan, by 0.3 inches.

The length helps make the front end look stubby from certain angles. Overall though, props to Hyundai. The only other car with a coupe in this segment is the Honda Civic. Maybe if the Elantra does well, it will spur more competitors to jump into the fray. We’d like to see a Mazda3 and Chevrolet Cruze Coupe. Pricing information for these two has yet to be released. The Elantra GT and Elantra Coupe mark the third and fourth vehicles in Hyundai’s recurring 7/11 product initiative (7 products in 11 months). The first two were the Veloster Turbo and refreshed Genesis Coupe. Check out our gallery for photos of Hyundai’s expanded Elantra lineup.

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The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a very cool car. Mainly for a younger crowd, the Coupe gives us the quintessential sports-car layout: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR,) on a lightweight, fun-to-drive platform for a measly $23,000 (starting price.) And what do nearly all import tuners do with an FR layout sports car? Well, they drop in a humongous LS1 V8 from a Corvette, of course.

We originally saw this car at the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas last November. And now it’s for sale – for only $45,000.

Mated to a Magnusun Roots Style Supercharger and T56 Manual Transmission (used in everything from a Dodge Viper to the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish,) this bad boy puts out somewhere around 560 hp to the wheels. Yes, that’s ridiculously fast.

Of course, more than just the engine and transmission were modified to achieve this sort of power. The builders, Enjuku Racing, also installed and replaced all sorts of internals, modified the suspension to BC Racing Coilovers, added a Quaife LSD, BC Racing Wheels, a Wilwood 14″ Front Big Brake Kit to slow all that momentum, SPEC Stage 1 Clutch & Flywheel, ISIS Performance Race Exhaust, Custom headers, Hurst Short shifter, Sparco racing seats, a Carbon Fiber body kit (including the hood, trunk, lip, and roof skin,) and plenty of other minor goodies to make the car safe to drive.

The parts total: $51,000 alone. You can buy the car without the supercharger, but why would you want to? Either way, Enjuku Racing will dyno and tune the car for you upon purchase.

Check out the short driving video of the car:

The supercharger popping out the top looks pretty funny, but it sure does sound good.

If you’ve got $45k to blow on a one-of-a-kind show car from Enjuku, check out the eBay listing for more info and pictures: 2011 Enjuku Racing Hyundai Genesis Coupe

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This past decade, in-car infotainment electronics has evolved from a multi-disc CD charger and the occasional rear-seat DVD viewing system to a level of innovation once thought of as absurd. Satellite radio, electronic GPS guidance and even wireless Internet connections on several luxury products provide a mere tip of the iceberg to what is currently available to vehicle occupants.

An exhibition that coincided with the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas provided a spotlight on all things high technology. Countless tablet computers, WiFi digital cameras and smartphones were the common spectacle of future electronics. Tempering with the usual balance of the CES in Las Vegas, representatives for the 20th century’s most pivotal invention (the automobile), brought some cutting-edge solutions for the 21st century’s demanding mobile technology world. In fact, Ford Motor Company took an innovation award away from the 2012 CES for their latest MyFord Mobile App.

On several occasions during the 2012 technology show in Las Vegas, a term began to swirl over automotive company products at a higher frequency than ever. The use of the term “The Cloud” was inserted into the presentation of several devices for the future of automotive infotainment. Instead of storing electronic programs and files on a physical hard drive or disk, information is stored through a virtual space called the “cloud”. As in-car electronic systems (most notably navigation services) progressed from the use of DVDs to hard drives that well surpasses many tablet PCs, the venture to the cloud for auto equipment manufacturers means limitless possibilities. The introduction of cloud computing principles have grown most prevalently with the popular navigation program called Google Maps employed on systems including the Ford SYNC and Audi MMI. Unlike previous GPS systems that either stored limited information or require time-consuming updates through a home computer, Google Maps uses a cloud interface to calculate routes. At the recent 2012 CES exhibition, auto companies are certainly becoming wiser to high-flying cloud computing ideals.

Making use of the open world of the cloud, Mercedes-Benz unveiled an upgraded version of their mbrace telematics suite of security and comfort connectivity features set for introduction starting the new SL roadster in the 2013 model year. An enhanced service, mbrace2 expands its reach in providing Mercedes-Benz occupants with a richer, even more connected electronic experience. Facebook, Yelp and Google Local Search are some Apps users of mbrace2 can expect immediately. Based on a cloud-based system, the mbrace2 system can be easily and conveniently updated allowing for delivery of an even greater selection of Apps in the future. The one necessity of cloud computing is a constant wireless connection. For the Mercedes-Benz mbrace2 system, Verizon will provide the subscribed service as it rolls out early this year.

With much of the auto sector devoted to the development of exclusive in-car infotainment solutions (i.e. MyFord Touch, Cadillac CUE, and Kia UVO), the outside stereo and car entertainment suppliers appear to have lost leverage on the marketplace. Other than the units created in-house or through partnerships, Aha by HARMAN have been making some serious inroads on the automotive infotainment market utilizing a cloud-platform. Launched as an iPhone App in 2009 as Aha Mobile, the web-based platform delivers an array of interactive products. Internet radio, navigation-related information, as well as audio dictation of Facebook and Twitter messaging is obtained through the Aha Mobile App that will also soon be joining the Android device marketplace. While Pioneer introduced the first automotive stereo system to incorporate Aha by HARMAN technology, the growth of the brand depends on forging relationships with the automakers.

During the 2012 CES, Subaru and Honda will be the first OEM deployment of Aha by HARMAN technology in the North American market. Demonstrated on a 2013 Subaru BRZ sports car at the 2012 CES exhibition in Las Vegas, the vehicle presented the new web-based entertainment options available through Aha by HARMAN. In the case of Subaru, customers can expect Aha by HARMAN to become part of what will be a “fourth band” of car radio joining AM, FM and satellite radio options on future vehicles.

Cloud computing principles will most definitely affect the evolution of an already growing market for in-car infotainment electronics. Late in 2011, Ford announced a brand-new MyFord Touch infotainment suite for their upcoming 2013 model year vehicles. As they outfit future products with the new in-car system, previous owners of Ford products featuring the first-generation MyFord Touch are being provided with an upgrade through a USB stick. While not a terribly labour intensive task, cloud computing solutions in automobiles would allow updates and improvements to be conducted near seamlessly.

For automotive consumers, cloud computing could unveil a reality where a car or truck could feature the same technological flexibility as an Apple iPad. Numerous Apps, limitless music and media storage, the most current road maps possible as well as effortless data sharing are advantages cloud-based vehicles can provide. Along with the expansive abilities of cloud-based in-car technology, new features such as voice recognition can be modified through software upgrades allowing motorists to immediately experience the advancements of technology (no longer a prize reserved for the purchaser of the newest vehicle). Among the only possible downside could be privacy and security of cloud-based systems. While all automotive uses of cloud computing engages methods to properly protect information, the future is as wide open as the cloud network for debate on this very accessible data.

The cloud computing integration with automobiles could also mean a buyer trading in their vehicle can take more than the custom floor mats and the air freshener with them to the next automotive upgrade. Contingent on the fact a buyer stays with a single auto manufacturer (at least for the time being), it will be highly likely all unique Apps and set-up information can be seamlessly passed to the next vehicle.

Information source: Ford Motor Company, HARMAN International Industries, Mercedes-Benz USA, Subaru

Photo source: Mercedes-Benz USA, Pioneer, Subaru

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The “year of the Tesla Model S” is upon us, but the company is kicking off the year by introducing a new car – the Model X. Tesla’s plan has always been to start with a roadster, follow with a lower-cost sedan and then build out the lineup from there.

Tesla aims to be a full-fledged car company, and you can’t be that with just one model. The platform that underpins the Model S has been developed to be modular and flexible, enabling multiple models to be based on it. That kind of platform utilization will be needed if Tesla is to generate the necessary margins to survive. Introduction of the Model X is just a few days away – February 9th to be exact.

The reveal will take place at a private event in Hawthorne, California where Tesla’s design studio is located. Like the Model, S, the Model X is slated to have a striking design. It is said to be sized like the Audi Q7, but with 40 percent more room and performance like a Porsche 911. The end goal is a car with the “functionality of a minivan…[and the] consumer appeal of a sports-utility vehicle.”

Space in a purpose-built electric car is improved – part of the reason that is able to shoehorn two child-seats in the rear loading area of the Model S. That might give the Model X one of the first usable third rows in the segment – yippee! As far as striking design goes though, the San Jose Mercury News reports the doors of the Model X “lift up and fold – like the wing of a bird.” Another report via Green Car Reports refers to them as “falcon doors.”

This would be a groundbreaking feature of the Model X; one that shakes up conventional thinking. While a boon for practicality, it will be interesting to see if they attempt to find any solution for safety – as in rollovers that block opening of the doors. All this is making us more excited for the car’s debut on Thursday. Stay tuned.

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Slowly but surely, Buick has been transformed. It all started in 2008 with the Enclave crossover, and it has continued with the LaCrosse, Regal, Verano and upcoming Encore. Buick has been one of the fastest growing brands at General Motors.

That is despite having just three competitive models during that time – Enclave, LaCrosse and Regal. Strong sales are thanks to the strength of the brand’s products. Years into its model-cycle, the Enclave remains a strong seller, as well as the LaCrosse, which has proven to be more capable versus the Lexus ES than anyone thought. A groundbreaking move with the LaCrosse for the 2012 model year was the standardization of eAssist technology.

Buick’s eAssist is a mild hybrid technology, and it boosts mileage by a significant amount. So far it is remained as a Buick-only option. The addition of the technology is powerful for advertising, and it enables customers to choose from two options at the dealer: fuel-efficient four-cylinder or V-6 power. They are both at the same price point.

Now for 2013, the Regal is adopting this same strategy. Up until now, eAssist has been available on the Ecotec 2.4-liter as a $2,000 option. For 2013, it will be standard equipment, with the V-6 being optional. It is a way to gain traction in the segment thanks to fuel economy, leapfrogging the competition. It also puts further space between Regal and the Chevrolet Malibu. The eAssist Regal will get 25 mpg city, 36 mpg highway. It isn’t clear how pricing will be impacted – GM hasn’t released figures for the 2013 model yet. Also new is that the performance Regal GS will be available with a six-speed automatic as a no-cost option. These changes show a responsiveness to the market and a penchant for continuous improvement. Up next for Buick is the refreshed 2013 Buick Enclave at the New York International Auto Show in April.

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3. Buick Teases 2013 Encore

Ask the numerous failed car companies if launching a new automaker is an easy task. So far Fisker Automotive has been exception, getting a lot farther than most independent automakers ever do.

Fisker has survived through some difficult economic times in the United States. They haven’t been without problems though – the Fisker Karma began deliveries last year when it originally was supposed to arrive in late 2009. There has also been some disappointment in the efficiency ratings it has been given by the Environmental Protection Agency. Through all that though, we’re rooting for Fisker – we want to see it succeed. A potential roadblock has come today with news about a delay in funding from the Department of Energy.

In 2009, the DOE agreed to a $529 million loan, in order to spur development of the Karma as well as the low-cost Project Nina. Out of that loan, only $193 million has been given to Fisker. That money has been earmarked for the Karma. Fisker has made up for some of the lack of funding with private equity – late last year the company led a new round of $260 million in investment, bringing the private total to $850 million. That’s some serious backing, and it is needed – Project Nina is an expensive undertaking.

Fisker has announced there is a renegotiation of the terms regarding the $336 million balance in funding. Fisker didn’t confirm why the negotiations are taking place or what terms will be changed, but they expect the funding to be delivered eventually. With the last dispersement of funds received in May of last year, work on Fisker’s Wilmington, Delaware plant has ceased. Work has been ongoing on the former General Motors factory where the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky were produced. Phase one of this project has been completed, but it is on hold until discussions with the DOE are complete. As a result of this 26 people have been laid off.

Fisker says Project Nina is “well advanced” with “much of the engineering. design and development near complete.” They expect to ramp up operations again quickly. For Fisker’s sake, hopefully the funding arrives soon. For now, production and sales of the Karma are continuing unimpeded.

Related posts:

1. Fisker Karma Returns 52 MPGe, 32 Miles of Electric Range
2. Fisker Karma Gets Another Price Hike
3. Detroit 2009: Production Fisker Karma is revealed, jaws begin dropping

Our collective favorite television show, Top Gear (the original British version,) is about to release the most recent Season 17 on Blu-Ray and DVD, and we’re giving away three free copies to you, lucky readers of Automoblog.net. Keep reading for how to enter and to see a description of the season.

It’s simple to enter – just Share this article on Facebook and/or Twitter, fill out the short form below, and you’re entered! When the release date rolls around on February 28th, we’ll draw a random winner from all the eligible entries, and three lucky souls will have a DVD or Blu-Ray (your choice) sent to them in the mail.

The only information we need now is in the form below. If you win, we’ll also need your mailing address (duh.)

If you share on both Facebook and Twitter, you get two entries!

Step 1: Share this on Facebook or Twitter – we’ve even made it easy for you; just click on one or both of the sharing buttons below:

Step 2: Just fill out this short form:

It’s that easy! We’ll let you know if you’re a winner on February 28th!

Here’s the description of Top Gear Season 17:

It’s time for the next installment of madness, mayhem, and motor hilarity from Top Gear, the world’s most popular car entertainment show and “the best unscripted series on television” according to the San Francisco Chronicle. This season begins with host Jeremy Clarkson throwing a low key party for the 50th anniversary of the legendary Jaguar E-type—complete with live music, classic fighter planes and a group of Royal Marines. And that’s just the start…

This season finds host James May testing the durability of the Range Rover Evoque by driving it through California’s Death Valley, before testing it for luxury by turning up in Las Vegas with a passenger who looks suspiciously familiar. Host Richard Hammond heads to South Africa to test a bigger, even more rugged alternative to the famous Hummer while James meets up with gold medal winning British Olympian skeleton racer Amy Williams for a wintry test of the latest Mini rally car. The boys then head to Italy to take part in a series of tricky challenges (and increasingly loud arguments) as they attempt to find the world’s best hot hatchback. In an attempt to make train travel cheaper, faster and more interesting, the boys replace the conventional train cars with a series of campers attached to a specially modified car. It’s either the world’s most ingenious idea or the prelude to the world’s biggest accident. And in a fantastic showcase of destruction, the boys are challenged to knock down a row of derelict houses in less time than it takes a team of demolition experts to do the same job. “Celebrities in a Reasonably Priced Car” include rock legend Alice Cooper, Mr. Bean himself Rowan Atkinson, comedian Ross Noble and Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel. All this and more in six action-packed episodes.

Bonus features include:
· Bonus episode from Top Gear US
· New series introduction by Clarkson and May
· Behind-the-scenes chats with Amy Williams and Ross Noble
· Behind-the-scenes Celebrity Laps

Related posts:

1. Top Gear America Season 1 Now on DVD & Blu-ray
2. One Week Left to Win Top Gear Season 10 DVD
3. Win a Copy of Top Gear Season 10 on DVD

Every year, many people’s favorite part of the Super Bowl are the commercials. Year after year, it seems like more and more automotive-related commercials are being aired. For 2012, the Super Bowl XLVI didn’t disappoint, with a range of funny car commercials. Check them all out below:

(if the videos fail to load at first, click here to reload the page)

Chevy Sonic “Stunt Anthem”

Hyundai Veloster Turbo – “Cheetah”

2012 Acura NSX – “Transactions” (Jerry Seinfeld)

Chevy Silverado – “2012″ (The one Ford asked Chevy not to air)

Cars.com – “Confident You”

2012 Honda CR-V – “Matthew’s Day Off” (aka “Honda’s Ferris Bueller Commericial”)

2012 Audi S7 – “Vampire Party”

2012 Toyota Camry – “It’s Reinvented”

Hyundai Genesis Coupe – “Think Fast”

2012 Kia Optima Big Game – “A Dream Car. For Real Life.”

Cadillac ATS – “Green Hell”

Suzuki Kizashi – “Sled” (with 50 Cent)

2013 Lexus GS – “Beast”

Fiat 500 Abarth – “Seduction”

Chrysler – “It’s Halftime in America”

2012 Volkswagen Beetle – “The Dog Strikes Back”

Bridgestone – “Performance Football”

2012 Toyota Camry – “Connections”

Related posts:

1. Super Bowl Car Commercials
2. 2011 Automotive Super Bowl Commercials
3. Volkswagen Debuts Two Super Bowl Commercials

A long-wheelbase BMW 3-Series? Early April fools joke, right? No it isn’t a joke – not in China, the land where all kinds of unique automotive creations exist. It is well-known that China is the land of long-wheelbase models; the raft of these models introduced at the Beijing Auto Show has been a testament to this.

Unlike in the United States where we put the emphasis on the driver, executives in China prefer to be driven around. Having a stretched car means more rear legroom and a sumptuous environment for these business executives. A BMW in these circumstances doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, being “The Ultimate Driving Machine” and all, but we digress. The company already sells a stretched 5-Series, as well as the 7-Series, which we get here.

A stretched 3 takes the phenomenon to new heights (or should we say lows) though. The 3 is the quintessential drivers car in the compact luxury segment. has always been compact and designed around the driver. We’re a believer in this formula – a 3-Series sits in this writer’s driveway. By the way, the 3-Series pictured is the standard car – images of the stretched model haven’t been released yet. Its true that rear legroom has often been a complaint in the 3-Seres – it is tight back there for most of us. Still, it is a bit laughable to be driven around in an compact extended wheelbase sedan.

Extended version of the 5 and 7 make a lot more sense in that regard. Being entry-level, we aren’t sure it is a very ego-stoking proposition; it strikes us as more for appearance sake than anything. There is a precedent for this though; Audi sells an A4L in the country. To each, their own. Don’t expect the BMW 335li to be offered here, or anywhere else for that matter. Left Lane News expects the car will be built and sold exclusively in China.

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