Some of you might be too young to remember this, but back in the 60’s, Dodge had a vehicle called the "Dart." It’s been a while since we saw this nameplate out on the streets, but now, Dodge has officially brought it back with the unveiling of a new compact sedan at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.
The new Dart is currently under development and will be based on a modified version of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback’s platform named Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW). According to Dodge, the new Dart will feature a body that’s made out of high-strength steel and a bevy of powertrain options.
The base engine for the new Dart will be a 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine. Just ahead of that is a 2.0-liter Tigershark engine, while the most powerful engine will be a 2.4-liter MultiAir Tigershark engine.
Find out more about the 2013 Dodge Dart after the jump.
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In mid 2011, BMW unveiled the 1-Series Sport and Urban Line models, both of which featured five-door configurations. But what about a three-door version? Well, that will be available too, only we’ll have to wait until sometime during the summer of 2012.
A few leaked patent designs revealed that the three-door version of the 1-Series line will feature a pulled back B-pillar, angled towards the rear of the vehicle, and the absence of rear doors. An arcing roof combined with an arcing side glass will give the impression of a shooting brake model.
As far as power goes, the new 1-Series three door model will have an engine lineup similar to that of the five-door version: a 1.6 liter four-cylinder in-line engine delivering either 136 or 170 HP and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder in-line diesel with either 116, 143, or 184 HP.
More details on the future BMW 1-Series 3-Door will follow shortly, so stay tuned!
Christmas may be over, but the spirit still lives on with some new spy shot gifts. These new images show off two Mercedes A-Class prototypes, one painted in red and one in white, with a little less camouflage than before. With the drop in attire, the new A-Class has revealed new details for the front and rear, as well as a shot of it’s new interior.
The A-Class’ new interior looks very much like the one found on the new B-Class, which would make sense considering the A-Class shares a few features with the B-Class, including its engine lineup. Expect to see a range of five gasoline engines with power ranging from 109 to 204 HP and four diesel models with power ranging from 122 to 204 HP. Previous spy shots have also revealed that Mercedes is working on an AMG version that will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0L four cylinder engine with an output of about 325 HP. A Convertible version is also in the works.
Expect to see the new A-Class launched in early 2012.
Updated 01/20/12: Mercedes has unveiled a first teaser video for the new generation A-Class set to be unveiled in March at the Geneva Motor Show.
With the calendar turning over a new page to 2012, the very first major auto show is set to open its doors in Detroit when the North American International Auto Show welcomes automakers - both local and foreign - to the Motor City.
This year, American brands are coming to Detroit in full force where they will be joined by a number of international automakers in presenting a steady diet of concept cars, production debuts, and just about everything else in between.
Among the notable debuts set to take place include the brand-new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL, as well as the 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8. German automaker Porsche has also penciled in the 911 Cabriolet for the festivities, while Lexus will be on-hand to display the intriguing and mysterious LF-LC 2+2 sports coupe concept.
As for the local contingent, Ford is leading the way with the premiere of the Fusion global mid-size sedan while Dodge is set to introduce their Alfa Romeo Giulietta-based compact sedan, the Dart.
There’s plenty of action headed to Detroit when the 2012 NAIAS opens its doors on January 14th. Head over after the jump to check out a preview of all the cars scheduled to be part of all the festivities.
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Audi is prepping the automotive industry for the next year with a new documents detailing its future plans. The first item on the agenda are plans to invest a total of €13 billion, in new products and technologies, as well as in expanding its sites by 2016.
"To maintain our profitable growth, we will step up investment spending on new products," said Axel Strotbek, Member of the Board of Management for Finance and Organization at AUDI AG. "The Audi Group plans to invest over € 2 billion annually in new products and technologies."
In their immediate future, Audi will be putting their new A8 hybrid on sale, which will then be followed by the launch of the Audi A3. Of course, the most awaited model is the R8 e-Tron which will be unveiled at the end of 2012. When the new R8 e-Tron is released, it will make Audi the first premium manufacturer to bring an all-electric sports car onto the market in a small series.
