We nab exclusive spy shots of Hyundai’s upcoming two-door Elantra. It wasn’t long ago that two-door variants of compact cars were both expected and somewhat popular, but the options lately have dwindled. Even the Americans—once mainstays in the segment—have backed out, with the new Ford Focus and the Chevy Cruze eschewing the formula, while Chrysler hasn’t had a little coupe since the first-generation Neon. Absent those, in which cars will high school girls of the future hang leis and plastic necklaces? A two-door Honda Civic or a Kia Forte Koup? No way. Those, like, aren’t even that cute. Keep Reading: 2012 Hyundai Elantra Coupe Spy Photos – Future Cars Go here to see the original: Exclusive! 2012 Hyundai Elantra Coupe Spy Photos Read the original here:  Exclusive! 2012 Hyundai Elantra Coupe Spy Photos

So there I am, helping my friend Carl sort out Vanagon parts in his home-based shop. Carl is usually into things like Riviera Grand Sports and modified Audi S6′s, but Carl is also into camping. Which means he’s been pouring huge amounts of cash into rebuilding a Volkswagen Vanagon Westphalia. It’s still in the body shop (late, as usual), so we’re puttering around getting all the bits and pieces we should be putting on the thing sorted and ready to go when it does finally arrive. Washer nozzles and fender trim and door panels that he ordered new from VW. And older, still functional stuff that he took off the car. Things like breather stacks and vent grills and those little flip up doors for the stove and outboard power and all that. These last bits, or anything plastic at least, he stacking off to the side. “These I’ve got to clean,” he said nonchalantly. He finally picks up about a third of the original plastic parts and starts heading into his house. “Uh, what are you going to do with those?” I query. “Take ‘em inside and run them through the dishwasher.” Which makes a ton of sense, apart from the fact that it’s in the kitchen, and his long-suffering wife, Stephie, would most likely quibble with the idea. We’re about half way through fitting these bits and bobs in like a game of 3-D Tetris, when Stephie clocks to what we’re doing. She’s in the living room grading some papers (she balances out Carl by being an English professor) when she looks up and says, “Carl, what are you putting into my dishwasher? Are you putting car parts in there? Again?” “Just a few,” he says, hoping for things not to escalate too far. And as things do escalate, but only to the level of gentle ribbing, I zone out, their back and forth taking on the tenor of an off camera adult lecturing Charlie Brown (wah-WAH-wah-wah-wahwah-wah) when I hit upon (what I think) is a brilliant idea: The garage dishwasher. You know how when you remodel your kitchen or buy a new fridge, you normally take the old fridge out to the garage and fill it with beer (and the freezer full of gin and/or vodka)? You should do the same with the dishwasher if you remodel your kitchen or buy...

We built it, we love it—did you expect anything less? Date: June 2011 Months in Fleet: 6 months Current Mileage: 18,334 miles Average Fuel Economy: 15 mpg Average Range: 270 miles Service: $0 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $120 Damage and Destruction: $566 It’s no surprise that we constantly fight over who gets to drive our long-term CTS-V. After all, a 556-horse punch is incredibly intoxicating, especially when it’s stabled in a station wagon and gallops through a satisfying manual gearbox. Keep Reading: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon – Long Term Road Test Update Original post: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon Long-Term Update: We Built It, We Love It Read the original post: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon Long-Term Update: We Built It, We Love It

As anticipated, BMW of North America will offer a six-cylinder version of the new 6 Series Coupe and most likely the 6 Series Convertible as well. At the BMW press launch of the new 650i Convertible, BMW officials stated that a six-cylinder options for the 6 Series family is a normal step for the company, as seen with the 7 Series products, but a timeline was not provided at the moment. The launch date for the new 6 Series Coupe was set for October 1 and according to Autoblog , a 640i Coupe model will be offered as well. The 640i Coupe uses the 3.0 liter N55 twin-scroll turbocharged engine which outputs 315 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to the 8-speed ZF transmission. BMW will offer in standard form the 6 Series Coupe with a rear-wheel drive setup, but an xDrive model is available for the V8-powered models. The 650i Coupe will make its North American debut during the Pebble Beach festivities in Monterey, California this August, but the 640i won’t be shown. [Source: Autoblog ] Read more: BMW to offer six-cylinder 6 Series Coupe in America

In late 2012, BMW will introduce the second generation 1 Series Coupe.  Built on the F20 platform, the new 1 Series Coupe will move up in class and be sold under the 2 Series badge. The car will share some design cues with the recently unveiled 1er Hatchback, a controversial model that received mixed reviews. At the front, the new 2 Series Coupe will most likely feature the same headlight design as the hatchback model. The front bumper is expected to have a more aggressive look and a lower stance. At the rear, the taillights will receive the LED treatment and will continue to be designed with the usual BMW L-shape approach. Rendering by David Kiss In the US, the new 2 Series family will include the Coupe and Convertible models, and a potential M2 from the M division. The engine offerings for the US will include the new four-cylinder turbo engines, along with a higher-end six-cylinder engine. By positioning the new coupe and convertible as 2 Series products, BMW will be able to sell them at a premium price while including some of the options featured in higher-end models, like the 3 or 5 Series. [Source: Worldcarfans ] Original post: Rendering: 2013 BMW 2 Series Coupe

MINI USA release pricing on the recently unveiled MINI Coupe . The latest addition to the MINI family will go on sale this fall in the US and will start at$22,000 for the Cooper version. The Cooper S sportier model has a base price of $25,300, while the high-end JCW Coupe begins at $31,900. Along with the pricing for the new Coupe, MINI also publishes the full pricing list for the other US-based vehicles. Below you can find a summary of all MY2012 changes. Model/Variant MY2011 MY2012 MINI Coupe Cooper – $22,000 Cooper S – $25,300 John Cooper Works – $31,900 MINI Hardtop Cooper $20,100 $20,200 Cooper S $23,700 $23,800 John Cooper Works $29,800 $30,600* * John Cooper Works model now includes aero kit as standard for 2012 MY (option in 2011 MY) MINI Clubman Cooper $21,800 $21,900 Cooper S $25,500 $25,600 John Cooper Works $32,000 $32,100 MINI Convertible Cooper $25,550 $25,650 Cooper S $28,550 $28,650 John Cooper Works $35,000 $35,800* * John Cooper Works model now includes aero kit as standard for 2012 MY (option in 2011 MY) MINI Countryman Cooper $22,350 $22,450 Cooper S $25,950 $26,050 Cooper S ALL4 $27,650 $27,750 All 2012 pricing includes a $700 Destination and Handling charge (unchanged from 2011).   Equipment / Technology Changes Versus 2011MY Vehicles In regards to model year updates versus 2011, changes for the MINI Hardtop, Convertible, Clubman and Countryman models will be related to customization. MINI Yours debuts in 2012MY, which is a more premium and very exclusive series of options from upholstery, interior surfaces and exterior colors that can be purchased as a package or as individual options. MINI Yours interior options include: An instrument panel covered in a smooth two-tone soft-touch leather that has exposed stitching Two-tone leather steering wheel The new MINI Yours 17” alloy wheel – on all Cooper and Cooper S models MINI Yours pattern “Soda” mirror caps, which have a three-dimensional effect MINI Yours Soda pattern Lounge Leather, where the unique Soda pattern appears on the sides of the backrests and headrests, and a contrasting black leather stripe runs down the middle of the seats and is offset with a premium piping View original here:  MINI USA Releases Pricing on the MINI Coupe

The world watched in horror as the earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan; so the legendary rock band KISS partnered with MINI USA and unleashed the power of The KISS Army to battle the elements with dollars – and plenty of them. KISS (www.KISSonline.com) and MINI USA raised $129,000 during an eBay online charity auction of four custom-painted and autographed MINI Countryman vehicles. After shipping, all proceeds will be donated to UNICEF to help children in Japan and other emergency efforts around the world. And the initiative keeps on giving… KISS vehicle wraps based on the auctioned designs are still available for purchase through www.MINIUSA.COM/KISS or local MINI dealerships. MINI USA’s proceeds from those sales will continue to help those in need. “The KISS Army is the greatest army in the world and when they heard the cry for help, they fought back in the best way that they knew how – with their wallets,” said Paul Stanley. “The KISS MINIs are the ultimate way to show your KISS Army colors and it’s a reminder that we have the best fans in the world.” The four custom-painted vehicles are the all-new 2011 MINI Countryman, and each vehicle features the iconic makeup and costume association of one KISS member, including co-founder and rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley (Starchild), co-founder and bassist Gene Simmons (The Demon), lead guitarist Tommy Thayer (Spaceman) and drummer Eric Singer (Catman). All of the MINIs are autographed by all four members of KISS and have become instant collector’s items. “The KISS MINIs are rare one-of-a-kind collector’s items and KISS salutes the winners of the auction,” said Gene Simmons. “The new owners have the satisfaction of knowing that they not only have an instant investment that will keep growing in value, but every time they look at the car, they’ll also be reminded that the real value is knowing that their dollars helped children in the greatest need.” “Thank you to the auction participants and MINI owners who bought vehicle wraps, thereby contributing to this charitable effort. MINI USA is proud that our vehicles were featured as part of such a remarkable initiative and helped raise much needed funds,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI USA. “It is fantastic to see what started...

What does Rolls-Royce do in honor of British antique and art fair Masterpiece London? It drops a Phantom Drophead Coupé on ‘em, Harry! Ginned up especially for the event, but no doubt soon to be snatched up by some well-heeled aficionado of the finer things, the Masterpiece London 2011 Drophead Coupé is the first Roller to be sprayed in Mazarine Blue paint. Given the company’s limited production and that a Rolls-Royce purchaser is greeted with 44,000 shades to choose from, this is not quite the shocker it would be if the car in question were, say, a Model T. The Masterpiece London car also features the Chris-Craftabee teak decking—a gimmicky touch that we love nonetheless. The interior’s done up in Seashell leather with Navy Blue floor and door panels, mother-of-pearl inlays and Santos Palissander wood veneers. In short, it’s the most nautical thing on the road this side of an Amphicar. This particular car’s soiree -stopper is a custom Asprey jewelry case designed to fit the glove box just so . The suede case is made of one hide cut into fifteen separate pieces, and took craftsmen two working days to assemble. Do you have any idea how many Model Ts Henry’s men could’ve thrown together in the same amount of time, circa 1925? About 20,o00 of them. Fear not, plutocrats! German efficiency has not wholly sullied your symbol of utter dominance with the same-y ways of mass production! Go here to read the rest: One-Off Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupé Created for Masterpiece London 2011, Has Space for the Family Jewels See the original post: One-Off Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupé Created for Masterpiece London 2011, Has Space for the Family Jewels

What does Rolls-Royce do in honor of British antique and art fair Masterpiece London? It drops a Phantom Drophead Coupé on ‘em, Harry! Ginned up especially for the event, but no doubt soon to be snatched up by some well-heeled aficionado of the finer things, the Masterpiece London 2011 Drophead Coupé is the first Roller to be sprayed in Mazarine Blue paint. Given the company’s limited production and that a Rolls-Royce purchaser is greeted with 44,000 shades to choose from, this is not quite the shocker it would be if the car in question were, say, a Model T. The Masterpiece London car also features the Chris-Craftabee teak decking—a gimmicky touch that we love nonetheless. The interior’s done up in Seashell leather with Navy Blue floor and door panels, mother-of-pearl inlays and Santos Palissander wood veneers. In short, it’s the most nautical thing on the road this side of an Amphicar. This particular car’s soiree -stopper is a custom Asprey jewelry case designed to fit the glove box just so . The suede case is made of one hide cut into fifteen separate pieces, and took craftsmen two working days to assemble. Do you have any idea how many Model Ts Henry’s men could’ve thrown together in the same amount of time, circa 1925? About 20,o00 of them. Fear not, plutocrats! German efficiency has not wholly sullied your symbol of utter dominance with the same-y ways of mass production! More: One-Off Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupé Created for Masterpiece London 2011, Has Space for the Family Jewels Continued here:  One-Off Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupé Created for Masterpiece London 2011, Has Space for the Family Jewels

While watching the new Mission: Impossible 4 trailer, reader Bardia N. noticed some gratuitous BMW product placement in the form of the upcoming i8 plug-in hybrid sports car and the 2012 6-series convertible . In one shot, the i8 sidles up to a fancy hotel, while in another, Tom Cruise’s character bails out of a 6-series convertible just before it smashes head-on into an SUV. There is some Hollywood “magic” to the 6-series scene, as a shot of the interior just before Cruise ditches shows an automatic transmission shift lever, while a preceding sequence shows him operating a clutch and pulling aggressively back on a stick. Beyond that, the trailer features the scantily clad women, ass-kicking fights, and steroidal sound track required of any action movie worth its salt. More: BMW i8 and 6-series Convertible Play Starring Roles in Next Mission: Impossible Movie See original here:  BMW i8 and 6-series Convertible Play Starring Roles in Next Mission: Impossible Movie

BMW has just confirmed that its six-cylinder version of the 6-series coupe and convertible, the 640i, will be offered to shoppers in the U.S. In the past, the company indicated that we’d only get the eight-cylinder 650i, while the 640i was to be confined to Europe. The upcoming 640i will use a roughly 320-horse version of BMW’s N55 single-turbo inline-six engine; that mill makes 300 in other applications. (Although BMW recently introduced a six-cylinder 7-series called the 740i , that car uses the twin-turbocharged N54-series motor, good for 315 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque.) Although the 650i coupe will offer all-wheel drive as an option to buyers, the 640i will remain a strictly rear-drive affair. We anticipate that the option of a manual transmission, however, will carry over from the eight-pot model. The 640i should significantly lower the cost of entry into the 6-series range. Opting for a six-cylinder engine in your 7-series instead of the eight saves about $13,000—or 16 percent of the cost of the more expensive vehicle. This could very well knock the price of the 640i coupe into the mid-$70,000 range. Still expensive, but, uh, less so. We look forward to seeing whether the 640i can, like the 740i, offer compelling performance without quite as much pain in the dealership or at the gas station. Until then, check out our first drive of the 650i . Read more: BMW Confirms Six-Cylinder 640i for the U.S. View post: BMW Confirms Six-Cylinder 640i for the U.S.

A T.27 electric prototype acing a crash test. But only if we dare think outside of the box I’ve been following the Gordon Murray T.27 story for some time now. Sure, the T.27 electric car is too small to fit the American market, but for China, Asia and the future of the auto industry, the T.27 is beginning to foretell a compelling story. For instance, the fact that the T.27 is already 86 percent more energy efficient per km than the Mini E, for instance, demonstrates the real world potential of much cheaper electric cars. Sure the T.27’s increase in efficiency is mostly based on size and weight reductions as well as out-of-the-box mass production techniques. Nevertheless, despite it’s small stature, the T.27 has performed well in crash tests. The T.27 has wheels. Again, such a small plug-in will probably have little chance of resonating in the US regardless of its efficiency or even cheap price tag, but in markets void of the kinds of gas-guzzlers that rule US roads – basically the rest of the world – such vehicles will ring the right bells. Even better, new safety technologies – essentially smart telematics – could make even the tiniest vehicles unimaginably safe. Believe it or not, but the T.27 is more evidence that cheaper and more efficient plug-ins are coming. Such plug-ins are the future, which is probably why you won’t find them in the US any time soon, unless Americans suddenly become austere enough to cut the fat off our transportation expectations. Regardless, the US won’t be able to enjoy the past forever. That bubble is already deflating. Read the original here: Making plug-ins 86 percent more energy efficient today

The refreshed 2011 Dodge Journey seems to embody the expression “when good enough simply isn’t good enough.” It was a mediocre performer when we tested it in 2008, and it remains one of those vehicles that, despite Chrysler’s recent efforts to improve it, simply falls well short of expectations. What went wrong? Well, even though it received a new V6 engine and a slightly better interior the Journey stumbles when it comes to handling agility, fuel economy, and transmission performance. And while it rides well and is quiet, our Journey’s high price makes it a tough sell. Watch the video below for more insights, and check out our road tests of eight Chrysler vehicles from the August issue of Consumer Reports. Read the original here:  Test complete video: 2011 Dodge Journey

Prius C to be built off Rush platform Prius C to take on Nissan Juke Remember that small hybrid that Toyota showed off this last year on the auto show circuit dubbed the Toyota Prius C . Fo’get about it. You never saw it because it’s never happening. OK. The Prius C hybrid is still going to happen, but its not going to look anything like the auto show concept. Instead, the new Toyota hybrid will be built upon the Toyota Rush platform and take on the likes of the Nissan Juke. According to MotorTrend the 5-door hatchback will offer roughly the same dimensions as the upcoming Prius V , the larger Toyota Prius . Using a revised 1.5 liter four-cylinder with Toyota’s new THSII system, the new Prius should deliver class-leading fuel economy while offering “engaging” handling. Likewise, the new Prius C will utilize a unique design that incorporates a lithium-ion battery pack under the rear seat and a new non-Prius-like front end. While the Prius C was supposed to hit dealerships in late 2011, supply issues have pushed the launch date back to the Spring of 2012. Early reports suggest the new Prius C could start around $22,000, at least based on the exchange-rated Japanese estimate. Unfortunately, this report is somewhat disappointing as I had hoped the Prius C would live up to Toyota’s early hype – the cheapest hybrid to date. Nevertheless, if Toyota can live up to the estimated price, it seems the new Prius C could easily conquest Juke sales, but since the Juke only moved 2,000 units last month, Toyota must only be assuming sales of about 30,000 units a year – much less than what a cheaper Prius could achieve. Toyota might be the hybrid king, but this new move sure suggests Toyota is still far from ready to go all in, in the hybrid game. Original post:  Toyota Prius C takes new shape, higher price tag

Highlander hybrid recall limited to 2006-2007 model years Possible defective power module 45,500 Toyota Highlander hybrids and 36,700 Lexus RX 400h hybrids from 2006 and 2007 have been recalled to fix a potentially bad power module. According to the recall a few transistors on some power modules were “inadequately soldered” during manufacturing and could cause the power module to fail. If the power module experiences any problems, the gauge display will warn drivers as the vehicle either shifts into the fail-safe “limp mode” or even shuts down entirely. The recall is expected to take place in mid July. For more info, owners can call Toyota at 800-331-4331, or Lexus at 800-255-3987. Source: KickingTires Excerpt from: 2006-2007 Toyota Highlander hybrid, Lexus RX 400h recalled