After strapping ourselves behind the wheel of Kia’s new Forte sedan for our initial drive, we came away thinking that the new Korean was a stylish, reasonable alternative to the scads of Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas populating America’s roadways. Now it’s time for Kia to follow the handsome sedan up with its first-ever two-door coupe Koup, which the automaker has now confirmed is slated to hit a dealership near you later this summer.

Underneath the attractive (if derivative) sheetmetal will be seating for five thanks in part to the same 104.3-inch wheelbase that underpins the sedan. The Koup does sit lower than the four-door, though, and Kia says the ride and handling has been retuned for a sportier feel and features beefier L-shaped lower arms propping up the expected McPherson struts in front. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels and speed-sensitive power steering come standard and an uplevel SX trim stiffens things up even further.

Powering the Koup is the same set of engine options as the sedan, meaning that the base and LX models get a 2.0-liter with 156 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque mated up with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, while the top-level SX gets a 2.4-liter mill with 173 horsepower and 168 lb-ft torque that can be ordered with either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual. EPA fuel mileage estimates range from 25/34 with the base engine to 23/31 with the larger engine and automatic transmission.

All Koup models include all the expected safety gear plus standard Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with Sirius, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, a driver’s seat height adjuster and tilt steering. Options include a sunroof and heated leather seats. Want to know more? Click past the break for the full press release.
Live photos copyright ©2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc

PRESS RELEASE:

KIA MOTORS AMERICA LAUNCHES ALL-NEW 2010 FORTE KOUP

Striking Design and Modern Interior
Highlight Kia’s First-Ever Two-Door Coupe

# Forte Koup’s crisp, clean and powerful exterior styling exudes speed
# Kia’s newest vehicle offers same distinctive Kia style, value and safety features as sedan

SEOUL, July 9, 2009 – With performance-inspired, aggressive and sleek styling, the all-new 2010 Forte Koup joins the Kia Motors America (KMA) lineup later this summer as the company’s first-ever two-door coupe. Following the recently launched Forte compact sedan, Forte Koup embodies the brand’s design-led evolution and raises the comfort, convenience, performance and standard safety feature expectations in the segment

“As the dramatic two-door sibling of our flagship model, and the first coupe in company history, Forte Koup is further evidence of Kia’s style transformation and our continued commitment to offering consumers sophisticated, good looking, and fun-to-drive vehicles,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA. “The addition of the performance-inspired Koup to our lineup gives Kia Motors the ability to offer our design, value and safety story to an entirely new consumer base of automotive enthusiasts.”

Technology Comes Standard

Surrounding Koup’s occupants with the latest in must-have technology, all Forte Koup models feature Bluetooth® connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls that enable voice-activated hands-free operation for compatible cell phones and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio and three months of complimentary service¹. For added listening convenience, steering wheel-mounted audio controls also come standard on all models, as well as USB and auxiliary input jacks in the center console with full iPod® and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit or steering wheel-mounted controls.

Curb Appeal

Based on the KOUP concept vehicle that debuted at the 2008 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), and voted a “Best in Show” by MSN Autos after its official unveiling during this year’s 2009 NYIAS, Forte Koup’s fluid lines and balanced proportions closely mirror the powerful design cues of the concept vehicle and offer the same refined and athletic stance with swept-back wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile. Available in two trim levels (EX and SX), Forte Koup offers a muscular yet sophisticated design. Even from behind, Forte Koup exudes attitude with slim, wrapped tail lights, dual exhaust outlets and a rear diffuser.

Standard exterior features are plentiful throughout the Forte Koup EX, including body-color bumpers, power heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators and 16-inch alloy wheels outfitted with P205/55R16 tires and five-spoke alloy wheels. The SX trim offers an even more powerful profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with P215/45R17-sized premium tires and 10-spoke alloy wheels. Buyers can choose from an exciting array of exterior colors, including Titanium, Spicy Red, Corsa Blue, Copperhead and Racing Red.

Smooth and Vibrant Ride

With a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall length of 176.4 inches, an overall width of 69.5 inches and overall height of 55.1 inches, the Forte Koup body is 2.4 inches lower, 2.0 inches shorter and 0.4 inches narrower than its sedan sibling, but with the same 104.3-inch wheelbase as the sedan, Koup provides comfortable seating for up to five passengers. Koup’s lowered stance provides better aerodynamics for a more exciting and spirited ride with a highly competitive drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.31 and aerodynamic lift coefficient (Ci) of just 0.21.

The Kia-engineered body achieves high torsional stiffness giving Forte Koup taut, responsive handling, a smoother ride quality and greater refinement than its competitors. Tuned in the U.S. to appeal to sportier driver preferences, the Kia-developed suspension is refined for responsive and predictable handling on snaking roads. Built on a lightweight, hydro-formed subframe, Koup’s front suspension employs MacPherson struts similar to the sedan, but with wider L-shaped lower arms for enhanced high-speed stability and an increased caster angle, which provides greater self-centering and a sharper steering feel while driving. The SX trim also comes with a sport-tuned suspension set to provide a firmer ride with reduced body roll and improved handling.

An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system with high gearing adds the finishing touch for precise handling to help provide the most advantageous amount of assist for varying road conditions. Smart front suspension design results in a highly competitive turning circle of just 33.9 feet, or 35.4 feet when outfitted with 17-inch alloy wheels.

Additional refinements are utilized throughout Forte Koup to help ensure a comfortable ride while significantly reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Koup is equipped with a lower bumper bottom lip, underfloor airflow detectors ahead of all four wheels and an engine bay cover, which all assist in achieving reduction in drag. Additionally, all-new noise-lowering materials are used in the engine bay bulkhead and rear parcel shelf, including the injection of sound-dampening foam into hollow sections of the bodyshell at strategic noise-transference points and improved door and window seals.

Refined Performance

Truly a driver’s car, Koup is more powerful than the base Honda Civic Coupe, Ford Focus Coupe or Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe and is driven by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque² that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which allow for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque³ , more than the Scion tC. Expanding upon the dynamic look and feel, Forte Koup’s engine benefits from dual exhaust outlets outfitted on both trims.

Like the Forte sedan, four transmission options are available for 2010 Forte Koup models: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive (EX models), while the SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and Sportmatic®.

Forte Koup fuel economy is not sacrificed for performance as both engines deliver at least 31 miles per gallon (highway). The 2.0-liter engine offers 25/34 mpg (city/highway) when mated with either the five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. Those opting for the more powerful 2.4-liter engine can expect an economical 22/32 mpg with the six-speed manual and 23/31 when paired with the five-speed automatic transmission.

Striking Interior

With a surprisingly spacious interior for a two-door coupe, Forte Koup provides a comfortable and class-leading 90.7 cubic feet of interior volume, larger than the 2009 Honda Civic Coupe, Scion tC or Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe. Driver and passengers have an impressive 38.7 inches of headroom and 43.6 inches of legroom in the front seats and 35.3 inches of headroom and 33.9 inches of legroom in the rear seats. Trips to the beach and weekend getaways will be a breeze with ample cargo space of 12.6 cubic feet, enough to accommodate luggage and belongings of all passengers, while 60/40-split folding rear seats that fold nearly flat extend the available amount of cargo space even further.

Forte Koup continues the luxury treatment with a host of standard interior features, beginning with supportive, nicely appointed sport seats outfitted with more aggressive bolsters on the seat cushion and seat back for optimal comfort. Additional standard equipment on all Koup models includes air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, a driver’s seat height adjuster, adjustable rear seat headrests, tilt steering column, rear defroster, center console with dual cup holders and storage area, dual map lamps with ceiling-mounted, drop-down sunglasses holder and variable intermittent windshield wipers.

Progressing to the SX trim offers additional standard touches such as: unique sport cloth seats with vibrant red stitching, a tilt and telescoping steering column, speaker lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, metal pedals and metal finish trim. Both EX and SX trims also offer an optional power sunroof with tilt.

An optional Leather Package is available on both EX and SX trims. When combined with the EX trim the Leather Package adds leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and heated seats. When paired with the SX trim, it includes leather and heated seats in addition to the standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

A Supervision™ gauge cluster with trip computer, standard on SX models, further enhances Koup’s energetic personality with its red-hued glow and message display shown at the bottom of the cluster. This display includes information on distance to empty, engine coolant temperature, elapsed time, door-open alerts, fuel consumption, average mpg and instantaneous mpg.

Standard Kia Motors Safety

Forte Koup offers the same class-leading level of standard safety equipment as the sedan, with features such as front active headrests, dual advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, side impact door beams, front and rear crumple zones, four-wheel disc brakes with an Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Industry-Leading Warranty

Like all Kia models, Forte Koup is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

[Source:Autoblog]

We don’t have to tell you how important the Chevrolet Volt is to General Motors. Even if the model isn’t likely to turn a profit for many years, the plug-in electric car’s success or failure is likely to be seen as a crucial indicator of GM’s post-bankruptcy prospects in the eyes of many. This being the case, it’s not surprising that automaker is practically throwing everything it’s got at the project. According to Chief Engineer Andrew Farah, the Volt team is currently working on getting the sound and feel of the driving experience just right. Speaking to Automotive News, Farah said:

The engine, not being directly connected to the foot, is one of the things we continue to tune. We don’t want it to be discomforting to people. There is an expectation of what happens when you put your accelerator to the floor in the way the car sounds and feels. We’ve got the feel. We’ve got the feel of a sports car. The sound part and the way the engine plays into that perception is one of the areas we have to work on.

Clearly, creating a plug-in car with mass-market appeal isn’t as simple as bolting an electric motor and a bunch of batteries into an existing chassis. People have come to expect certain things to happen as an automobile is driven, and GM needs to find the right compromise between zero-emissions technology and time-honored driving dynamics. Further complicating the issue is the tremendous weight of the car’s T-shaped battery pack. Farah explains:

Here’s the thing to remember: When you put the battery in, it actually lowers the center of gravity of the car. There are a thousand reasons why heavy is bad, but a few why it is good. And so we are getting those advantages of the good heavy, and the disadvantages we are managing.

[Source:Autoblog]

Suzuki is getting in on the free gas bandwagon that Hyundai kicked off this year by launching a “Free Gas for Summer” promotion on all SX4s sold between now and August 31st. Of course, it pays to read the fine print – what the purchaser really gets is a pre-paid credit card loaded up with $270 for the SX4 Sedan or $290 for the slightly less fuel efficient SX4 Crossover.

Whether or not this incentive is really “free gas for summer” depends on how much you plan to drive over the next three months or so. Still, it’s a relatively pain-free way for Suzuki to advertise “Free Gas!” and it’s still a few hundred bucks off the running costs of the car.

Along with the aforementioned sales promotion, Suzuki has also announced that it’s offering $2,000 in customer cash off the price of any SX4 sold with a manual transmission, which we found to be a willing partner in eking out the most performance from the little runabout and much more desirable than the four-speed slushbox when we tested it last year.
Photos Copyright ©2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

PRESS RELEASE:

Suzuki Announces FREE GAS FOR SUMMER Sales Event

• Offer available on retail purchases of new 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sedan and 2009 SX4 Crossover models through Aug. 31

• Suzuki offers $2,000 in customer cash on all 2009 SX4 models equipped with manual transmission

BREA, CA - July 1, 2009: To help motorists at the pump this summer driving season and generate additional traffic to U.S. showrooms, American Suzuki Motor Corp. has announced a nationwide sales promotion offering car buyers three months of free gasoline on retail purchases of new 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sedan and 2009 SX4 Crossover models. In addition, Suzuki is offering $2,000 in customer cash on all 2009 SX4 models equipped with manual transmission. The Suzuki “Free Gas for Summer” sales program, which kicks off July 1 and runs through Aug. 31, is expected to further build brand interest and bolster summer sales of its versatile SX4 lineup.

“Suzuki recognizes the economic challenges facing Americans and thought this promotion was a great way to provide relief for car buyers,” said Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president, American Suzuki Automotive Operations. “Working through our U.S. dealer network, we’re happy to extend this unique program to consumers across the country, providing potential buyers even more reason to consider purchasing a Suzuki SX4 during the summer shopping season.”

Customers will receive a stored value debit card that can be used for fuel purchases. The amount of each stored value gas card is determined by several factors, including an assumed three-month timeframe for summer driving, the car’s EPA estimated highway mpg, the Federal Highway Administration’s estimated average of 1,000 miles driven per month and the U.S. national average price of one gallon of regular gasoline as determined by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

“Free Gas for Summer” Program 2009 Model Free Gas Incentive (pre-paid card)

SX4 Sedan/Sport $270
SX4 Crossover $290

To learn more about Suzuki’s “Free Gas for Summer” sales promotion, or to locate the nearest Suzuki dealer, please visit www.suzukiauto.com.

[Source:Autoblog]

The Citroen C3 is old enough in car years that it’s getting a re-do before it undergoes a mid-life crisis. The new version is certainly a more mature design, receding hairline and all. Citroen has come up with its own euphemism for it, coining the phrase “Zenith Windscreen” to describe a large windshield that extends further up into the roof than normal to create a panoramic feel to the interior.

The new C3 is a smoother looking supermini than before, with slicker styling keeping it modern and slipping through the air with a Cd of .30. Inside the redone sheetmetal, the interior gets classed up and quieted down. Most notably, there’s an integrated air freshener, presumably useful when you’re using all 10.5 cubic feet of boot space to haul big dogs or foie gras party platters.

An HDi (Citroenese for “diesel”) engine keeps CO2 emissions low, and new powerplants are in the pipeline for 2011. The new engines will use stop/start, the diesel versions of which will drop carbon dioxide emissions further, while gasoline-fueled C3s will also dip below the 100g/km of CO2 emissions level with a new three-cylinder engine. The C3’s new duds don’t come with the typical generational increase in weight, and the Chevron-emblazoned C-class car will motor onto the small car battlefield ready to earn more accolades with its latest generation. Follow the jump for Citroen’s official press releas,e or browse over the C3’s new design in the high-res gallery below.

[Source: Citroen]

Press Release:

A TOUCH OF GLASS: CITROËN INTRODUCES THE NEW C3

Citroën has released first details of the new C3, a completely redesigned successor to the popular C3 supermini – a bestseller with over 2 million units delivered worldwide.

Arriving in the UK early in 2010, the new C3 boasts contemporary lines and seductive styling, compact exterior dimensions – cleverly matched to exceptional interior space – good environmental credentials and a refined, high quality interior – as well as offering a unique and innovative windscreen design.

On the outside, new C3 gets a sportier edge, with a tauter profile that gives the car a more dynamic, yet robust appearance. Nowhere is the modern styling more apparent than in the design of the new C3’s unique Zenith windscreen, which flows dramatically up and over the heads of the front occupants. Coupled with slim side pillars, the huge progressively tinted windscreen offers a truly panoramic field of vision – along with optimum overhead sun protection.

‘Visiodrive’ – the word created to best describe the new Citroën C3 – is born out of this unique windscreen, which is yet another example of Citroën’s use of ‘Creative Technologie’. The screen helps to create a bright and pleasurable cabin environment for driver and passengers alike – improving visibility, road safety, driving pleasure, ambience and the overall feeling of spaciousness.

Inside the cabin, attention to detail and the use of high quality materials, delivers an air of refinement and class, which is complemented by enhanced sound insulation and a pleasant fragrance from the car’s integrated air freshener.

Despite its added sophistication, increased comfort and interior space, the new C3 remains one of the most compact vehicles in its segment – and avoids any increase in weight over the current model. At just 3.94m long and 1.71m wide, it offers a generous 300 litres of boot space, along with numerous storage areas throughout the cabin. Occupants also benefit from a feeling of comfort and roominess with a slightly raised seating position for ease of access and improved visibility.

The new C3 is at ease in the city, with its compact dimensions and 10.2m turning circle, as well as on the open road, thanks to its enhanced dynamics. The careful control of weight, combined with optimised aerodynamics (Cd of 0.30), allows the new C3 to achieve excellent fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

From launch, an HDi 90 powered version will be available emitting just 99g/km CO2 – the first full production Citroën to emit less than 100g/km. Whilst the arrival of new power plants from 2011, incorporating second-generation Stop & Start technology, will see diesel versions emitting as little as 90g/km CO2, to be followed by new generation three-cylinder petrol engines with less than 100g/km CO2.

Modern and perfectly at home in the 21st century, the new C3 can be well connected with USB, iPod and Bluetooth® functionality, as well as offering Citroën’s ‘MyWay’ satellite navigation and Hifi System®.

[Source:Autoblog]

With a nod to our current global economic and environmental issues, super GT maker Aston Martin has reportedly announced the world’s first super luxury supermini. Having blown their development budget on the V12 Vantage RS, Rapide and One-77 hypercar, they turned to an unlikely partner for some help: Toyota. Aston Martin has taken the Toyota iQ 3+1 commuter and given it a tailored suit from Saville Row. The result is the new Aston Martin Cygnet you see above. In case you’re wondering, a “cygnet” is a baby swan, not to be confused with an ugly duckling.

Although technically just a concept, word has it that the vehicle will be put into limited production and sold exclusively to existing Aston Martin owners, at least initially. There’s a full press release after the jump, but the Cygnet should sell for around £20,000 (around $33k USD) when it goes on sale late next year. The car will retain the iQ’s unique 3+1 seating but will be tailored to the individual customer’s needs when it is assembled in Gaydon. Think of it as a move to “1-down” BMW’s MINI brand. We only have the one photo for now, but from what we can see it doesn’t look as unfortunate as we might have expected with Aston’s distinctive grille, hood cutouts, side vents, and of course, the winged badge. Still, you have to wonder what this sort of thing might do to the Engish company’s brand equity, no? Follow the jump for the presser. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Press Release:

New Aston Martin “Cygnet” inspired by Toyota’s iQ
Collaboration marks critical step in plans to expand ‘iQ world’

Toyota’s revolutionary iQ platform is about to reset traditional thinking, with plans that the world’s
smallest four-seater will serve as the basis for a new luxury commuter car to be exclusively built for and
sold to Aston Martin owners. Toyota Motor Europe (TME) today announced that the new “Cygnet” would
pair Aston Martin’s trademark design flair with the Toyota iQ’s highly compact and low-CO2 city driving
package. The commuter car will be tailored specifically to customer requirements at Aston Martin’s
global headquarters in Gaydon, the United Kingdom.

‘It’s a great compliment that the Toyota iQ has been hand-picked by one of the world’s most prestigious sports
car brands, a company with whom we also share a strong friendship. This collaboration represents a natural
pairing of strategies: a small yet spacious package, perfect for the city driver, finished off with Aston Martin’s
iconic design language,’ said Tadashi Arashima, CEO and President of TME. ‘The Cygnet is a good choice for
the Aston Martin owner looking for that second or third car, which is luxurious and eco-conscious,’ he added.

Although radically different in size and customer base, Aston Martin and Toyota are united in their corporate
philosophies of delivering superior quality, engineering excellence and innovative technology. The collaboration
is also fortunate to benefit from a strong relationship underlined by a passion for cars.

The Toyota iQ is considered a breakthrough in intelligent design. Less than three metres in length, its flexible
package can accommodate up to four people, providing owners with a new dimension of versatility. Featuring a
range of design innovations – such as its flat under-floor fuel tank and asymmetric dashboard – the iQ is
positioned as the “no compromise choice” with CO2 emissions starting as low as 99 g/km. It also offers
outstanding levels of passive and active safety equipment resulting in a Euro NCAP 5-star rating.

Despite tough market conditions for the automotive industry, the Toyota iQ has proved appealing to a wide
variety of city drivers with a taste for style, driving performance and low CO2. The Toyota iQ made its European
sales debut in January 2009. It continues to perform in line with expectation, with over 25,000 units sold to-date.

The planned collaboration with Aston Martin is a timely endorsement of the iQ’s superior packaging. The
announcement marks a critical step in Toyota’s longer-term planning to expand the ‘iQ world’ – that is, to bring
new versions of the Toyota iQ to market globally and expand the company’s eco-friendly line-up.

[Source:Autoblog]

Financially struggling Norwegian EV maker Th!nk has been saying for some time that it wants to build some of its cars in in the United States. That announcement could come as soon as this week in Louisana. In a report published in Louisiana newspaper The News Star, factory owner Jim Davison will make an announcement on Wednesday of this week. Davison owns a factory that was formerly part of Guide, previously a General Motors lighting division.

While Davison declines to give details of the project or what cars will be built there, some hints are available. The project reportedly includes Silicon Valley venture capitalists Ray Lane and John Doerr of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. KPC&B has made a lot of green technology investments in recent years, including Th!nk and Fisker Automotive. While Fisker is certainly a possibility, it’s less likely since the California-based company already has a deal with Finland’s Valmet for production of the new Karma. Th!nk has been showing its electric city car in the U.S. recently, so we figure their products are the most likely ones to emerge from Ouachita Parish (about midway between Shreveport and Jackson, Mississippi). Thanks to Justin for the tip!

[Source:Autoblog]

Americans may have the opportunity to welcome the Tata Nano to their shores in just over two years, according to a confirmation from David Good, a U.S. rep for the Indian automaker. Before it arrives, Tata assures that the ultra-cheap compact with a base price of just $2500 will be configured to meet all emission and crash standards. If successful, we could see see versions of the Indian microcars running on biofuel and diesel.

But who will distribute the teensy Tatas? Well, that’s up in the air right now. A brand-new dealer network for the brand has been discussed. Another option would be selling the Nano through Jaguar and Land Rover dealerships — the Indian automaker owns both, after all. That long shot was quickly dismissed by Stuart Schorr, a spokesman for Jaguar Land Rover, before the repercussions could sink in.

[Source:Autoblog]

According to Australia’s Drive, Holden boss Mark Reuss has confirmed that General Motors’ Australian outpost will produce a hatchback version of the Cruze sedan that it shares with Chevrolet

The liftback will apparently be very much an Aussie product, with research and development being carried out Down Under, and there are plans to assemble the model at Holden’s South Australian plant beginning in the fall of 2010. Critically, it’s being built with foreign markets in mind, so that could mean that the model might find its way to North American shores, although const constraints would likely make such things difficult on such a low-cost model.

As it has here in the States, GM has halted importation of the European-built Astra into Australia due to cost concerns, and it also stopped selling the Korean-built Viva (a rebadged Daewoo Lacetti) earlier in 2009.

Interestingly, Drive suggests that the Cruze hatch model could be an upmarket stablemate to the sedan model, with different steering and suspension tunings, along with unique styling. While that sounds enticing, a higher-cost hatchback model might not go well with America’s historically hatchback-averse marketplace, leading us to doubt that the car will eventually be offered Stateside.

As of yet, there are no official plans to build a version of the hatchback domestically in Chevrolet’s Lordstown, Ohio plant where the Cruze sedan will be assembled.

[Source: Drive.com.au]

[Source:Autoblog]

General Motors has issued a cryptic press release suggesting it plans to retool an existing plant here in the United States to build a new small car. No specifics are given on what small car this may be, as the missive only says that the plant will have the capacity to build up to 160,000 small and compact cars and that “this vehicle adds to GM’s growing portfolio of U.S.-built, highly fuel efficient cars including the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt.” Know what that means? It’s speculation time!

GM’s most well-known small car is arguably the Chevy Spark, which was introduced earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show and is based on the Beat concept from 2007. It’s possible this is the small car GM is referring to, but it’s not the only option. The automaker could also introduce a model slightly larger than the Spark that would still slot below the upcoming Chevy Cruze compact that’s slated to replace the aging Chevrolet Cobalt, possibly based on either the Opel Corsa or Astra. Have any other ideas? Check out the press release after the jump, and then free to sound off in the comments.

PRESS RELEASE:

GM Announces Plans to Build Small Car in U.S.

* GM to utilize and retool idled assembly and stamping facility for future production.
* Additional production will help the company deliver outstanding new vehicles to the compact and small car markets and meet future fuel efficiency regulations.

DETROIT, Mich. — General Motors Corporation (NYSE:GM) announced today it plans to build a future small car in the United States utilizing an idled UAW-GM facility. This vehicle adds to GM’s growing portfolio of U.S.-built, highly fuel efficient cars including the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt.

“Small cars represent one of the fastest growing segments in both the U.S. and around the world,” said Fritz Henderson, General Motors President and CEO. “We believe this car will be a winner with our current and future customers in the U.S.”

The re-tooled plant will be capable of building 160,000 cars annually, which can be a combination of both small and compact vehicles. Selection of the site will be determined in the future.

“I would like to personally thank the UAW for agreeing to work with us to ensure our overall manufacturing competitiveness in the United States,” said Henderson. “This vehicle segment, while important today and expected to be more so in the future, is extremely challenging. It takes a special effort by everyone to bring a domestically produced small car to market in a cost-competitive and profitable way - but that is what we are going to do together.”

GM already has a strong manufacturing presence in the United States. Currently, about 67 percent of GM cars and trucks sold in the U.S. are built in the U.S. With this announcement, GM anticipates that U.S. production levels will increase beyond 70 percent by 2013, augmenting its already automotive industry-leading U.S. manufacturing footprint.

[Source:Autoblog]

To coincide with the official launch of the 2010 Toyota Prius in its home market of Japan, the automaker has unleashed a whole slew of styling and performance upgrades available through Modellista, its in-house tuning arm. There are three separate body kits available that offer varying levels of flair: Modellista Versions 1 and 2 and an Aero Tourer Kit. We’re not so sure the exterior bits from the Aero Tourer kit actually improve the car’s looks any, but perhaps they improve its already stellar aerodynamics somewhat.

Questionable aesthetics aside, there’s also a few aftermarket bits that could potentially improve the car’s handling performance, like optional 16-inch alloy wheels and a new set of springs that lower ride height by 20 millimeters. At this point, it’s not expected that Toyota will import any of these kits outside of Japan, but, if you’re really interested, there’s always eBay.

[Source:Autoblog]