This is Ford’s ‘new’ Territory compact SUV for the Australian market. According to Ford, this is the second generation Territory, despite the doors, mirrors, tailgate and various trims carried over from the outgoing model. The new model features extensive external redesigning on the front and rear fascias, quarter panels, bonnet, and wheelarches. The interior has also been redesigned and features an 8” touch-screen, which controls the climate control, audio system, and telephone. The Territory was designed and developed by Ford design team in Australia, supervised by Chris Svensson, Design Director for Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. “We worked hard to ensure the new Territory was an evolution of the original model and, through the use of Ford’s distinct design DNA, also gave a hint of the future” said Svensson. Emily Lai, Ford Australia’s Design Manager for Colours and Materials said: “Our customers made it clear they wanted to feel like they were in a car, not a truck,” she said. “The new Ford Territory’s cabin environment is both sporty and sophisticated and its high chrome and satin highlights are modelled on the architectural finishes found in many modern homes and businesses. Both satin and gloss finishes not only provide a high level of sophisticated elegance but link the vehicle’s exterior styling with the interior.” Three trim-levels will be offered; TX, TS, and Titanium, with the latter adopting LED daytime running lights and tail-lights. While Ford has needlessly wasted its whole press release on the company’s ‘Kinetic Design’, it don’t reveal any powertrains, however, a TDCi diesel engine, possibly a 2.2 litre unit or a V6 unit will be offered, alongside a range of EcoBoost petrol engines. Sales in Australia start in April. Video: Originally posted here: New Car: 2011 Ford Territory (AU) More:  New Car: 2011 Ford Territory (AU)

This teaser rendering (brightened by Mr. Photoshop) shows the Swift S-Concept that Suzuki will unveil at the Geneva auto show next month. All we know for sure so far is that the concept will be a “more sporty and exciting” version of the Swift hatchback. Given the roof spoiler, aggressive front-end styling, and flared fenders visible here, we expect that a more powerful engine and firmer suspension are in store for the concept, which likely presages the next Swift Sport. Suzuki unveiled the current  Swift at the Paris auto show last September. In Europe, the little hatch is available with either a gasoline or turbo-diesel engine, each displacing 1.2 liters. A 150-hp Sport model, possibly powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder, has been rumored to succeed the last-generation, 123-hp Swift Sport. Though the newest Swift was reportedly designed to meet American safety and emissions regulations, there have been no firm plans so far to sell it on our shores. Check back early next month for full information on the Swift S-Concept from its Geneva unveil. Related posts: Rinspeed Previews BamBoo Concept Ahead of Geneva Auto Show Suzuki Swift Plug-In Hybrid Concept – Auto Shows Kia Previews Next-Gen Rio Ahead of Geneva Auto Show View post: Suzuki Previews Swift S-Concept for Geneva Show Read more: Suzuki Previews Swift S-Concept for Geneva Show

GM is teasing the new Zafira Tourer Concept. Vauxhall/Opel’s design executive Mark Adams is holding an iPad that the Zafira hologram is projected out of. The concept will premier at next month’s Geneva motorshow. The image reveals the fascia will be inspired by the Ampera range-extending vehicle, as well as the trademark ‘blade’ appearing on the flanks. Mark Adams said: “We’ve applied the lounge concept to a motor vehicle. A lounge is a place you want to escape to and relax, a place where you really want to be. We wanted to offer the same feeling in a monocab and make it the lounge you want to spend time in.” The newcomer won’t replace the current Zafira as the new Zafira will be bigger, more sophisticated, and intended to contend with the Ford Galaxy/S-Max, Renault Espace , and Chevrolet Orlando. The outgoing Zafira will undergo a comprehensive facelift and remain on sale. The next Zafira will adopt a Flex-7 seat system where the rear-most seats can be folded into the floor independently in a single motion. Power outputs on the petrol side will range from 120bhp (122PS/89kW) to 180bhp (183PS/134kW). Diesel engines will offer outputs from 110bhp (112PS/82kW) to 160bhp (162PS/119kW). The new Zafira will centre on GM’s Delta II platform, but will also be pushed upmarket with a higher sticker price and a quality feel as Vauxhall/Opel plans to detach itself from the Chevrolet Orlando. The 2012 Vauxhall/Opel Zafira is scheduled to debut at the 2011 Frankfurt motorshow. Original post: Vauxhall/Opel tease Zafira Concept Original post: Vauxhall/Opel tease Zafira Concept

With the world premiere of the BMW Concept ActiveE at the beginning of 2010, just a year after presenting the MINI E, the BMW Group underscored the rapid and consistent continuation of its intensive research and development activities in the field of electric mobility. This concept has now become perceptible and tangible reality in the form of the BMW ActiveE. project i – research and development of tomorrow’s mobility. The BMW ActiveE is the BMW Group’s next systematic step towards an emission-free, mass-produced electric vehicle. Within the framework of project i, the BMW Group is carrying out research and development work on the realisation of electrically powered vehicles. The main focus is on the concept of a Megacity Vehicle (MCV) that meets the demands of a sustainable mobility solution for congested urban areas. For this purpose, the BMW Group is conducting field tests on an internationally unparalleled scale for the use of purely electrically driven vehicles in everyday road traffic. Ongoing field tests in the USA and Europe involving more than 600 MINI E cars are already providing vital knowledge about the demands on future electrically powered production vehicles. Starting in 2011 in the USA, Europe and China, a test fleet of over 1000 BMW ActiveE vehicles, produced at the Leipzig plant, will provide further valuable insights into the everyday use of the vehicle. The findings will serve to deepen the knowledge already gained on the everyday use of electric vehicles and to learn more about customer requirements. The feedback from customers testing the MINI E and the BMW ActiveE will be fed directly into series production of the MCV, which the BMW Group will be launching under a new sub-brand in 2013. With the BMW ActiveE, the BMW Group is extending field tests on electric mobility with a clear perspective of series-production capability and is intensifying research into electric mobility in everyday road traffic. For this reason, the drive components and energy storage units that will be used in the MCV are being tested on the BMW ActiveE at a pre-production stage. The knowledge gained will be fed directly into series development of the MCV. With the BMW ActiveE, the future of individual mobility combining driving pleasure with CO2-free driving...

Both visually and technically, the Vision BMW ConnectedDrive points out that a possible mass production vehicle is still far down the road. The latest concept comes to Geneva to showcase some of BMW’s newest technology advancements and to give you an idea of what currently goes on behind closed in Munich. To tell the story of the Vision ConnectedDrive, BMW has integrated three fictitious stories in the press release to illustrate the benefits of interaction between driver, vehicle and environment. The functions are described through uses cases experienced during their research project. Comfort Scenario – the vehicle is your own personal concierge. In the first BMW Vision ConnectedDrive scenario, you are alone in the automobile. After you get in, your smartphone automatically connects to the vehicle, the vehicle-specific apps are activated and can be accessed from the main vehicle menu on the freely programmable instrument cluster. The vehicle then immediately synchronises with your calendar and learns that you have a lunch appointment with a colleague in town very shortly. It passes the address of the restaurant to the navigation system and searches for a s suitable route in order to arrive at the appointment on time. Up-to-the-minute traffic information is a component of the route calculation, as well as preset preferences, which for instance might get you there particularly quickly or particularly efficiently. In addition, parking options are considered as well as alternative methods of getting there by public transport. On the way to the restaurant, you receive a text message from your colleague. The Head-Up Display makes you aware of the arrival of new text message, you can read the message itself on the instrument cluster, or simply have it read out loud to you via the text-to-speech feature. Your colleague writes that he is already at your agreed meeting point but that the restaurant is much too crowded. He asks you to suggest an alternative. You then activate the BMW Assist Information Service. Your personal operator in the BMW ConnectedDrive Call Centre looks for an equivalent option nearby and, once you have agreed to his or her suggestion, he or she makes a reservation for you. This Concierge Service also transmits the new address information...

A multitude of unique new developments in the fields of drive systems and intelligent networking of the driver, the vehicle and the environment will be presented by BMW to the public at the Geneva Motor Show from 3rd to 13th of March 2011; all of these contributing to a steady, continuous increase in both vehicle efficiency and driving pleasure. The leading position in the automobile world occupied by BMW in the development of innovative driver assistance systems and mobility services will be further strengthened at the 2011 Motor Show by the world premiere of an extraordinary concept vehicle. The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive study demonstrates current and future methods of mobile networking in a particularly focused way. The design and technology of this spectacular roadster are aimed at making the vehicle an integral part of a networked world. Comfort, safety and the infotainment experience in the vehicle can be precisely optimised by the innovative functionality, individually tailored to suit the requirements of both the driver and passenger. New technologies and design concepts are employed to add even more facets to the unmistakable BMW driving pleasure. BMW presents new aspects of its distinctive driving pleasure to the motoring public with the development of concepts for electromobility. In the framework of BMW EfficientDynamics, the purely electric drive has adopted a key role on the road to CO2-free mobility. For the first time, electromobility styled by BMW is on the verge of becoming available to everyone for day-to-day use. The 2011 International Motor Show is the venue for the world premiere of the BMW ActiveE, an emission-free vehicle that offers the sporty feel, so typical of the brand, to up to four people. Read more:  World Debut: BMW Vision ConnectedDrive

By John Montford Chairman, General Motors Foundation Senior Advisor, GM Government Relations and Global Public Policy Education has always been my passion, so I am excited to tell you that today is an especially important day. I can’t think of anything more important than investing in tomorrow’s leaders. We’ve talked so much in the past few years about the competitiveness of the U.S. auto industry. Collectively, returning the American auto industry to the position of technology and innovation leadership — not to mention bolstering our nation’s economic strength in the global economy — requires that we develop a diverse, talented workforce, empowering our brightest minds and ensuring that our best talent has the opportunity to achieve. To support that goal, today the GM Foundation and Buick launched the $4.5 million-a-year Buick Achievers Scholarship program designed to inspire, celebrate, and enable human achievement.  It’s one of the largest programs of its kind with awards of up to $25,000 for 100 qualifying students who demonstrate talent and community mindedness, but have financial need — and, an additional 1,000 students with $2,000.  You should also note these scholarships are renewable for up to four years, and in the instance of longer-term engineering programs, five years. If you’re doing the math, that could add up to as much as $100,000 or more for one individual scholarship. What’s more, at the board’s direction, the Foundation plans to award a new group of 100 students with up to $25,000 a year (again, up to four years) each year – – that means in four years’ time, the Foundation could be funding as much as $18 million to outstanding students. So, what’s the catch?  To be eligible, high school seniors or graduates applying for the Buick Achievers Scholarships need to be entering a four-year college or university for the entire 2011—12 academic year; plan to major in areas such as science, engineering, design and other technology related fields and have an interest in pursuing a career in the auto industry. Through the  Buick Achievers  Scholarship Program, the GM Foundation will contribute to the development of the skilled, diverse and talented workforce the U.S. auto industry will need...

Volkswagen has been in the news for its highly-successful “The Force” Super Bowl advertisement . Featuring a mini-Darth Vader, the ad proved to be a great way to introduce the 2012 Passat. The redesigned Passat, formerly known as the “NMS” (New Mid-Size Sedan) is coming as VW looks to expand its influence in the United States-market. The 2011 Jetta first heralded this new approach, introduced as a model to go head-to-head with more downmarket competition than before. The new Jetta, with its lower price point, competes against cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Many have lamented the company’s new, more cookie-cutter approach. It doesn’t mean the company has to abandon offering more premium models altogether however. The GLI comes as an upscale offering akin to the previous Jetta. At launch, VW planned for four engine availability options to be available in the new Jetta. Three have already been made available, the 2.0- and 2.5-liter engines, along with a 2.0-liter TDI diesel. The new GLI brings the forth the fourth (no pun intended) engine option in the group. Upgrading to it means getting one of the best engine and transmission combinations in VW’s portfolio. The GLI’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder comes from the GTI and makes 200 horsepower and 207-pound feet of torque. It is mated to your choice of VW’s excellent DSG automatic gearbox or a good ol’ six-speed manual. To maintain control of that power, the car gets the GTI’s XDS cross-differential system as well as four-wheel disc brakes with floating red calipers. The GLI’s styling is more aggressive, with new 18-inch wheels, and a larger cooling air intake and front spoiler that Volkswagen says “completes the masculine look of the car.” Out back the car gets smoked taillights. The GLI also adds some of the premium features that the standard Jetta lost to get to its current price point – things like multilink rear suspension. VW says the GLI has a “track tuned…four-way independent suspension.” This is something shared with the North American Jetta’s more upscale European Jetta counterpart. There is no word on whether the car gets the European model’s upgraded wiring system,...

You do check to make sure you’re getting the best deal on financing and car insurance every year, right? If not, shame on you. Finance and insurance rates are always changing, and if you’re not staying on top of it (checking at least once a year,) you could easily be losing out on hard-earned cash. Your first step – check out this cool infographic giving car insurance stats state-by-state so you can get a good idea of what you should be paying in your state: C’mon, New Jersey, get with the program From FatWallet.com Next up, forget your commission-based insurance agent and use the power of the internet to find the insurance best for you. No one insurance is better for everybody but make sure to look for reviews from current (or former) customers and check out the JD Power ratings for the insurance company you want to go with. Depending on what you find, either buy new car insurance or modify your existing terms if you find a way to save some cash. It’s also helpful to get an idea of how much it will cost to insure your specific car, since insurance rates vary greatly depending on the car you drive. The five least expensive new cars to insure in 2010, according to Insure.com: #5: Toyota Sienna #4: Dodge Grand Caravan #3: Chrysler Town & Country #2: Honda Odyssey #1: Mazda Tribute So, it’s safe to say if you own a slow, boring car, you’re safe. The five most expensive? #5: Mercedes CL600 #4: Porsche Panamera Turbo #3: Dodge Viper SRT-10 #2: Mercedes S65 AMG #1: Porsche 911 Carrera GT2 Mercedes and Porsche pretty much dominated the rest of the list, too. Luckily, if you’re buying a Mercedes or Porsche, you probably aren’t too concerned with the insurance premiums. In addition to checking insurance, make sure to shop around for financing rates as well. Your credit may have improved since last year, or maybe that financing plan the dealership set you up with isn’t such a deal after all. Either way, shop around your local credit unions (they often have the best deals,) or if you (or your parent) were ever a member of the military, don’t forget to look into USAA. Make sure not to fall into the trap that many car buyers do, however, and extend your term. If you have a five-year with three years left,...

For the Z28 fans eagerly awaiting the high-performance Camaro meant to revive the famous moniker, the 2011 Chicago Auto Show debut of Chevrolet’s newest pony car is a bittersweet unveiling. Fulfilling the desires for a Chevrolet Camaro performing above the current top of the line SS trim, it’s apparent that the spied prototype many identify as the Camaro Z28 was working under assumed name. Launching in 2012, the 550-horsepower Chevrolet Camaro is named the ZL1. While some bowtie fans hold the Z28 name in the highest of esteem, many of those same Chevrolet enthusiasts recognize the ZL1 with significance. In 1969, only 69 examples special-ordered Chevrolet Camaro vehicles were produced as a meticulously hand-built, all-aluminum 427 cubic-inch Big Block V-8 estimated to producing 550 horsepower. Devoted for drag racing competition, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 early application of lightweight technology and rarity makes the car a hot commodity at classic car auctions. During the 2007 Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, one bidder paid $880,000 for a white Camaro ZL1 coupe. Intended for a higher production number and more widely available, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro will again bring high-performance to the General Motors pony car. Exemplifying the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 coupe, the primary exterior detail is the aluminum hood featuring a raised carbon fiber insert within the center. Incorporating special vents GM call air extractors, excess airflow is allowed to escape through the hood over top of the Camaro ZL1 inspiring improved aerodynamics. Front end look of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 casts an exotic street performance appearance with an unique fascia integrating a lower splitter. Standard HID headlamps, fog lights and 20-inch, forged aluminum wheels centered within specially-developed Goodyear Supercar F2 tires accomplishes the ZL1 outer character. Inside the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, a black, leather interior decorated with specific microfiber suede inserts is found with a full-array of standard features. Heated, six-way power-adjustable bucket seats with ‘ZL1′ embroidered on the front headrests. Other interior equipment on the Camaro ZL1 includes Boston Acoustics premium sound system, rear camera system and Bluetooth connectivity livening...

Hyundai isn’t a brand that is content to sit back and rest while the competition passes it by. In fact, the company has just completed a blitzkreig of new product introductions as part of its 24/7 product initiative. The initiative 24/7 means seven new models in 24 months, and the company has delivered on that promise. In 24 months, the company has introduced all-new and redesigned models like the Tuscon, Sonata, Equus, Elantra, Veloster and Accent. The high-end Equus builds off a luxury foundation that started with the rear-wheel drive Genesis that arrived in 2009 as a 2010 model. Now, just two model years later the Genesis is getting a mid-cycle enhancement that includes some important changes. If Genesis styling looks a little more sophisticated and defined up front – it is. The Genesis has always been a handsome looking vehicle, if a bit understated. For 2012, Hyundai helps enhance its luxury appeal with a key element being redesigned headlights, adding LED elements and daytime running lights. The fascia and grille have been reworked for a more aggressive and refined appearance. There is also new rocker panels, power-folding mirrors with puddle lighting and a side window surround finished in brushed aluminum. Out back, the taillights are all-new and the rear fascia has been redesigned with dual asymmetrical exhaust tips. While we’re not big fans of the asymmetrical exhaust tips, overall we like the updates to the car’s exterior. Now to the even more impressive part – the engine lineup. The Genesis now has three engine options, starting with a new top-level R-Spec model. The centerpiece is the R-Spec’s 5.0-liter V-8, an all-new direct-injected unit making 429 horsepower and 376 pound feet of torque. This engine makes the Genesis R-Spec the most powerful vehicle Hyundai has ever produced. The 5.0-liter stands as a shining example of Hyundai’s engine expertise and development prowess. Also entirely new is an in-house eight-speed automatic transmission. The 4.8-liter V-8 that has formed the top-level model for the Genesis gets a bump in horsepower to 385, and increased efficiency to boot, now returning 26 mph on the highway, up one mpg from 25. The base model 3.8-liter V-6 adds 43 hp and 27 lb-feet, now returning 333 hp...

by Sam Briones Car maintenance can not only be inconvenient, it can be expensive as well, especially on a luxury car like an Audi. One way to save money is to invest in preventative measures that can keep your Audi running smoothly. Not only can you prevent major expenses later, you can keep your Audi in top shape, and give it a better chance for a fantastic resale later. Just follow the tips below! Change your car’s oil every 3000 to 4000 miles – Oil is needed for the lubrication of your car’s engine. Leave oil in for too long and it becomes thick and goopy, and can even cause damage to your engine. Audi owners should get an oil and filter change according to the recommendation of their car’s service department (usually every 3000-4000 miles). If you haven’t done it recently, check the date on the oil change sticker, and take it in if it’s overdue! Regularly check brake fluids, transmission and power steering – When something goes wrong with these parts of the car, it could usually mean big trouble for the owner, so make sure your Audi is checked regularly for these items. See if your brakes are still working well, and the car is easy to maneuver. You can make these observations yourself, or you can go to an Audi service shop to have these checked as well. Check tire pressure monthly – You don’t want your tires blowing out on the highway, so make sure your tire pressure is checked regularly. Tire pressure can be greatly affected by changes in temperature, so if you’re from a place that has wildly fluctuating temperature, give your tires a check. Perfect tire pressure is not only safer on the roads, but will give your Audi better mileage as well. Make sure your batteries and cables are free from dirt and corrosion – Dirt and corrosion could mean that it may be time to change the cables or the battery in your car. The last thing you need is your battery to die out in the middle of nowhere, leaving you stranded. Prevent this by having your Audi service center look at your battery on a regular basis. Make sure your lights are working – When your lights aren’t working perfectly, it’s not only unsafe, but it could land you a ticket and a hefty fine. Don’t compromise your safety, or the safety of other drivers – check...

January 2011 sales report numbers indicate that all three of the German luxury brands saw a significant increase in the total of units sold in the United States. Compared to same period of time in 2010, BMW sales increased 20 percent, Audi also publishes a 20 percent increase while Mercedes-Benz reports 14 percent raise. Although showing the smallest percentage gains, Mercedes-Benz took the German luxury sales crown last month in the U.S. market, a change from December 2010 when BMW sat at the top of the luxury sales. In January 2011, BMW sold January 15,905 vehicles. Best performing vehicles included the new X3 SAV – officially on sale in the U.S. for only two weeks – up 273.3 percent to 1,075 units; the 5 Series, up 76.2 percent to 4,350 units and the facelifeted X5, up 23.6 percent to 3,038 units. Mercedes-Benz managed to sell 17,273 vehicles in January. Best-selling Benz was the E-Class with 4,795 units. The C-Class sales grew 3.6 percent to 4,172 models sold. The M-Class SUV reported sales of 28.9 percent over last January, or 2,484 vehicles. Mercedes also saw impressive growth for its diesel models, with sales of Bluetec-powered products growing nearly 136 percent. 2010 was the best sales year ever for Audi. Ingolstadt-based automaker sold 100,000 units and 2011 has started on the positive side as well. In fact, this past month was Audi’s most successful January in history, moving nearly 7,812 off dealer lots across the U.S. BMW X3′s biggest competitor, the Q5 compact crossover, continues to show remarkable sales numbers, 1,584 units sold (a 50.9-percent increase over last year). A4 remains the best sold Audi in the United States with 2,483 units. Audi’s larger SUV, the Q7 sold to 756 customers, 59.8 percent improvement over last January. The all-new Audi A8 shows 450 units sold, but still lower than the 626 7 Series sold in the same month. Lexus has been dominating the luxury sales for years, but January sales are an indication that their reign on the top of the throne might be over. The Japanese automaker reported a decline of 17 percent in the sales department last month with just 12,860 deliveries. From U.S.-based automakers, General Motors showed impressive numbers as well, up 23 percent in January, with the luxury-brand Cadillac up an...

Mercedes-Benz showed sneak previews of two of its newest models in the Superbowl ads that were shown recently. The ads, entitled ‘Welcome’, feature four Mercedes cars, namely the SLK and CLS63 AMG models which have already been shown, plus the new SLS cabriolet and C-class coupé. The four cars appear toward the end of the ad. The SLS cabriolet and C-class coupé were always the two cars furthest away from camera to tease viewers. The screen grabs show their front-end styling and and overall look from above. The C-class coupé was designed to replace both the CLK and CLC. It will be presented to the world at the Geneva motor show next month. Meanwhile, the SLS cabriolet is being rumored to make an appearance late this summer after its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show. It will have an electrically operated fabric hood, just like its E-class convertible brother. Looking specially elegant in the ad with its top down, the SLS cabriolet should be a serious contender in the luxury convertible segment. View original post here:  Elegant SLS Cabriolet And C-Class Coupe Preview At The Superbowl

In another first, Mercedes has delivered to a Spanish custormer 5 Vito E-Cell vans. With Basque Prime Minister López, Mercedes-Benz Vans Production Head, Dr Heinrich Weiss and Jose Luis Lopez-Schummer Trevino, President of Mercedes-Benz Spain, the presentation of the E-Cell Vito Vans were made to Augustine Markaide, President of the supermarket chain Eroski. After 100 of these vans were successfully used in Berlin and Stuttgart, the Vito E-Cell will prove its suitability for everyday applications in Spain. The Vito E-CELL is not a proof of concept vehicle. It is the first van of its kind to roll off the series-production line, just like any other Vito. With a payload of around 900 kilograms plus a load compartment with no restrictions on use whatsoever the Vito E-Cell assumes all the usual transportation duties of any vehicle in its class. The Vito E-Cell’s batteries are kept in a storage compartment beneath the floor. These state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries have an overall capacity of 36 kWh, sufficient for a range of around 130 kilometres. This means that the Vito E-Cell meets the average customer requirements for vans of about 80 kilometres per day and still have a generous reserve. This van’s electric motor is rated at 60 kW with a torque output of 280 Nm. This gives the Vito E-Cell performance comparable to current diesel engines but without the noise and pollution. More here:  Vito E-Cell Heralds New Era For Commercial Electric Vehicles