The 2010 XF will be priced starting at $52,000 MSRP. The XF Premium, with the new 5.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, will have a base MSRP of $57,000. The new XFR with the 510hp supercharged engine will retail for $80,000 MSRP. Also, taking the details that define luxury to higher standards, the 2010 XF Premium offers a Portfolio Pack for an additional $4,000. The Portfolio Pack offers the most luxurious XF specification, and features the naturally aspirated version of the new 5.0-liter V8.

 

As for the 2010 XK line up, it will start with a base MSRP of $83,000 (Coupe) and $89,000 (Convertible). The XKR with its 510 horsepower engine will retail for $96,000 (Coupe) MSRP and $102,000 (Convertible) MSRP.

 

Both 2010 Model Year XF and XK are true to the heritage of Jaguar’s legendary performance, delivering a superb balance of dynamic ability and refinement. The Jaguar revealed the new 2010 Model Year XF and XK which includes the new XFR, and next generation XKR in January.

 

The new powertrain options that are at the heart of the changes for 2010 model year are quite interesting. The new AJ-V8 GEN III direct-injection 5.0-liter engines are the most advanced engines Jaguar has ever produced, each offering significant increases in performance and impressive fuel economy. Both deliver more torque and power than the previous generation of engines.

 

The 2010 Model Year XF and XK models blend effortless high-performance and state-of-the-art powertrains with a new level of advanced technologies, intuitive control and Jaguar’s superbly crafted, new-fashioned luxury interiors. In addition, both models include a number of standard luxury features including navigation, heated front seats and satellite radio. The first XF and XK cars will be delivered to U.S. customers in summer 2009.  

The all-new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, scheduled to go on sale this spring, will star in the film "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen".

 

A concept version of the new Camaro played the Autobot Bumblebee in the 2007 Dreamworks and Paramount Pictures motion picture "Transformers". The soon-to-be-released America’s latest muscle car reprises that role in the forthcoming release "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen".

 

Unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show, with four of its Autobot friends, this version of Bumblebee is different from the earlier one. This version, based on the production model, has the requisite black and yellow paint, different wheels and a more aggressive hood scoop and front fascia. General Motors says some of the modified components will be offered as accessories.

 

The Camaro may be upstaged in the film by one particularly interesting character: the swoopy, stylish and futuristic concept Corvette that plays the character Sideswipe. Jolt, a stylized Chevrolet Volt; Skids, a slightly customized version of the Chevrolet Trax concept car first shown at the 2007 New York International Auto Show; and Mudflap, an electric green version of the Chevrolet Beat that also debuted in New York alongside the Trax are the other automotive characters. Chevrolet recently announced that the Beat will be offered as a 2011 production model called Spark.

 

It may be mentioned here that the original “Transformers” movie was one of the 20 top-grossing movies of all time. GM says that after the first movie, awareness for the new Camaro jumped 97 percent. The movie and subsequent DVD sales helped the famed automaker identify 500,000 people who were possibly interested in buying a new Camaro.  

The highly anticipated 2011 Fiesta will debut in early 2010. The 2011 Fiesta is purposely bold and sophisticated – designed to clearly stand out from any other car on the road. The new Fiesta is specifically designed to appeal to increasingly savvy customers who value fuel efficiency, technology and aesthetics.

 

The consumers will have an opportunity to drive, experience and learn all about Ford’s newest global vehicle - the 2011 Fiesta – even before it hits the U.S. roads. Under a program titled "Fiesta Movement", Ford is going to select up to 100 tech-savvy vehicle enthusiasts to drive a Fiesta and then relate their experiences through social media sites.

 

They will also be asked to submit a 2-5 minute video explaining why they want the opportunity to become part of the Fiesta Movement. Applications will be accepted up to March 13. Ford claims this is a chance for the consumers to drive the international model before its official U.S. debut.

 

The 2011 Fiesta has a sleek look with dynamic exterior featuring 16-inch pained aluminum wheels, premium paint and color choices. The interior has a selection of sophisticated materials - three cloth and three leather options - that set it apart from other small cars. Powered by a sporty engine with five-speed manual or new, full-efficient automatic transmission, the 2011 Fiesta takes a bold step forward with its Intelligent Protection System that includes up to seven air bags. The electronic stability control is standard. Whether it is mileage, technology or fun, the 2011 Fiesta is fine-tuned to meet all your needs.  

The Hyundai Genesis won the prestigious Car of the Year Award on Sunday, ahead of the media preview days for the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Hyundai has proved that it has what it takes to keep up with the kind of leading-edge technology hitherto found in BMW or Mercedes-Benz luxury sedans.

 

This is the first time Hyundai has launched a large luxury car in the United States. While Hyundai still remains true to its roots with its budget-oriented models, the company also wishes to appeal to upscale customers with a new affordable sport sedan- the Genesis. Hyundai's claim of a 0-60-mph time of less than 6 seconds for the Genesis V-8 puts the car right up there among other benchmark sedans, one giant leap in the right direction for the Korean automakers.

 

The Genesis is powered by a standard 242-horsepower, 3.3-liter engine. A 3.8-liter engine is pumped up to achieve nearly 300 horsepower. The new Tau 4.6-liter V-8 optional engine makes up to 375 horses, and is Hyundai's first V-8 in the U.S.

 

The Genesis V-6 engines get a standard five-speed automatic, but the optional Tau gets a new ZF six-speed automatic with Shiftronic manual control. Prices for the Genesis start at $32,000 for V6-powered models and rise to $36,000 to $40,000-plus with the optional all-aluminum V-8.

 

The Genesis will feature a sweeping list of standard features, including eight airbags, active restraints and electronic stability control, typically found on more expensive cars. To be eligible for the prestigious Car of the Year Award, a vehicle had to be all-new, completely redesigned or "substantially changed", and available to customers during calendar year 2008.    

The 2010 Audi A1 will make its debut in the US as a model-year 2010 car. While the 2010 Audi A1's basic design will be influenced by VW's Polo, Audi says it is concentrating upon designing "modules" which can be matched to create unique products. The 2010 Audi A1 will be offered in two models, both using 4-cylinder engines: an entry-level model with front-wheel drive and a high-power version with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive.

 

The Audi A1 base model will be equipped with VW's unique "Twincharger” 1.4-liter engine rated for 130 horsepower; the AWD version of the  A1 will use the 1.4-liter engine good for up to 168 horsepower. The "Twincharger" uses a supercharger to maximize low-end torque, and a turbocharger to maximize high-rpm power. Both models offer a choice of a standard 6-speed manual transmission and an optional Audi S-Tronic that shifts like an automatic.

 

The 2010 Audi A1 will be generously equipped and well-appointed with standard features such as a good audio system, antilock brakes, curtain side airbags and full power accessories. The AWD version will upgrade to include leather upholstery, antiskid/traction control, automatic climate control, sport-tuned suspension, larger wheels and tires.  

The eagerly awaited 2010 Shelby GT500 willl be displayed at the Detroit Auto show running Saturday, January 17 through Sunday, January 25, 2009. With the introduction of its redesigned 2010 Shelby GT500, Ford invests in a high-end performance model at a time when most competitors are changing tack with such models.

 

The GT500 features increased horsepower, an aggressive new exterior fascia, improved interiors, performance enhancements and a leap in horsepower for the 2010 model year. The GT500 is powered by the specially tuned supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine that makes 540 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 510 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm.

 

A new cold-air intake pulls in air from the upper front grille to generate an increase in power. The Cobra emblem now features on the passenger side so as not to hinder the air intake. The new model also wears Goodyear's Eagle F1 Supercar tires, 19-inches for the coupe and 18-inches on the convertible version. Ford says that the 2010 GT500 model delivers a 10 percent improvement in highway fuel economy returning around 22 mpg highway.

 

Karl Brauer, editor in chief at Edmunds.com. said that investing money on a niche sports car would help Ford distinguish itself from General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC, which are dependent upon federal assistance to get ahead. The GT500 is expected to generate excitement when it hits dealer showrooms in 2009, just about the same time that GM plans to launch the Chevrolet Camaro. The 2010 Shelby GT500 will go on sale in early spring 2009.  

The 2009 Dakar Rally will be held in South America from January 3 to 18, 2009. The maximum number of entries has been set at 560, including 275 motorbikes and quads, 200 cars and 85 trucks.

 

The rally will begin at the Argentine capital Buenos Aires on Saturday, January 3. The competition will see the much anticipated participation of the Mitsubishi's all-new turbo-diesel 'Racing Lancer'.

 

From the Argentine capital, the rally route will head west over the dusty trails up and over the Andes mountains. After a day's rest at the historic Chilean Pacific port of Valparaiso, the rally will resume on January 11, taking the racers to the Atacama desert, then back across the Andes and into Argentina again. Officially, the rally will end at Buenos Aires on Sunday 18. The total stage distance is said to be 6,000 kms on non-paved surfaces, sand covering as much as 90 per cent of this distance.

 

Meanwhile, anticipation is high to see the Mitsubishi's Racing Lancer speed through the South America's bumpy, twisting, grueling and most stunning landscape. The Mitsubishi's teams are expected to dominate the competition with the efficient turbo-diesel engines.  

The NV200 concept is the brainchild of designers from Nissan Design Center (NDC) in Japan and Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in the United Kingdom, inspired by the needs of a marine biologist and underwater photographer. The concept adds a whole new dimension to the archetypal small commercial van, with a design brief that is both radical and futuristic.

 

The NV200 is innovative and offers suitable accommodations for a mobile lab or office, workspace or living quarters, with serious potential for a wide range of customers and professions. Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., described the NV200 as a highly efficient tool but one with a human touch.

 

On the outside, the NV200 looks no different than a modern van, with a cab-forward design, wraparound grille, upward sweeping side windows and a high beltline. The van sits on a 111.4-inch long wheelbase, is 72.4 inches tall, and provides a spacious cargo and load area.

 

A sliding cargo pod features storage divisions where diving and photographic equipment can be stowed away. The pod sits in the load area while driving, and slides out on “drop-down” legs when required. As the pod is pulled out of the van, the area left behind is transformed into a mobile office and IT dock, with two LCD screens. The front passenger seat doubles up as a chair for the workstation.

 

The NV200 features an environmentally friendly clean diesel engine and comes with a sweep of safety systems based on Nissan's Safety Shield concept, including RearView Monitor and Distance Control Assist System. Power for the computer, shower, refrigerator and other electrical fixtures comes from a small generator which is charged by solar panels on the roof.

 

According to Shiro Nakamura, “the NV200 was created for one specific user. But the concept is totally adaptable and flexible with a number of applications in different areas of the market.”

 

The Nissan NV200 Concept debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show and has also been unveiled at motor shows in Europe. The Nissan design team also identified mobile libraries, Farmers’ Market vendors, florists and field ambulances among potential applications of the pod concept.  

Currently the fuel that drives America is gasoline, which is refined from oil. The US uses about 360 million gallons of gasoline a day and much of that comes from imports.There are environmental and energy concerns, because of a dependency on other countries and the fact that oil is a non-renewable resource that is expected to run out soon. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is another form of fuel that can be used in cars, and there is increasing interest in developing vehicles that can alternatively run on CNG.

 

The Toyota Prius gas-electric hybrid is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in America. Toyota has built a special concept CNG Camry Hybrid which was displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show recently, as part of its current explorations in alternative fuel applications research and development strategy. The gasoline fuel system in the Camry Hybrid was replaced by a CNG system, which included twin CNG tanks set in the tire well of the hybrid’s cargo area and run-flat tires, to make up for the lack of a spare tire.

 

With the CNG equivalent of 8 gallons of gasoline the Camry Hybrid is likely to hit an estimated range more than 250 miles, thus killing two birds with one stone – price and efficiency. CNG is also clean; therefore a CNG engine has much less wear and tear on it. The downside is that there are fewer than 1,000 CNG refueling stations in the U.S., and not many are open to the public. Natural gas is also highly flammable and hard to store.

 

While the CNG Camry Hybrid currently remains just a concept vehicle, Toyota has plans to include CNG-based vehicles in its future portfolio.  

The Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards acknowledges the efforts of automakers in producing vehicles that retain the most value. Resale Value Awards are presented to the best vehicles across 15 vehicle categories and the brand that projects the best resale value for its entire lineup.

 

The Cadillac CTS receives the Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Award for the Best in Category-Full-size Car. The 2009 Cadillac CTS is a consummate all-American car adorned with a host of high-end gadgetry and luxury features. For 2009, the CTS adopts a balance between form and function with its redesign, new styling, more power, and new standard features. Cadillac’s Crest and wreath logo hold pride of place at the center of its chrome grille.

 

The midsize 2009 Cadillac CTS competes with European and Japanese rivals in the entry-luxury sport sedan segment. Trims include CTS 3.6L V6 and CTS 3.6L Direct Injection, offered with choice of either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration.The base model is powered by a 263-horsepower 3.6-liter V6; the Direct Injection model receives a 304-horsepower V6 engine; a six-speed manual transmission with mechanical shift linkage is standard on the base model, while the 3.6L Direct Injection comes with a six-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is offered for the first time.