In case you hadn’t heard, there’s a big football game brewing on Sunday. And, in addition to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers, Chevrolet will spend some time in the spotlight. Chevrolet will air five 30-second commercials before, during and after the big game and Chevy will be featured in the plot of a special, post-Super Bowl episode of FOX’s popular program, “Glee.” And, as if the players on both sides don’t have enough incentive to play at the very top of their game on Sunday, Chevy will award a brand-new Camaro convertible to the Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player. But it’s about more than the Camaro. Joel Ewanick, global chief marketing officer of General Motors, said the Super Bowl provides a great opportunity to tell the story of Chevrolet’s entire vehicle lineup. “Chevrolet has a lot of great news to share right now, and where else do you get to talk to 95 million Americans all at once?” Ewanick said. “Chevrolet is using the biggest broadcast day of the year, all day, to talk about the Volt, the North American Car of the Year; the Silverado HD, Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year; the 42-mile-per-gallon Cruze Eco; and the best-selling Camaro.” Click here for more and be sure to check out Chevrolet’s YouTube channel for a sneak peek at some of Super Bowl Commercials. – Will Stewart, blog editor The rest is here: Look for Chevrolet During Super Bowl XLV

The global economic situation has been steadily improving and luxury manufacturers are seeing strong increases in sales in the United States and around the globe. The good news is that in the midst of this, performance is alive and well. Cadillac’s V-Series lineup has been in the spotlight and Audi has released imported European market cars like the TT-RS and RS5 to our shores. At BMW we’ve seen the addition of a new model, the 1 Series M. It harkens back to the original M3 and, as a new entry-level model, should help increase sales for the M Division. According to new figures released by BMW, the M Division is doing pretty well for itself as it is though. For 2010, global M sales totaled 16,967 units, a strong increase of 14.2 percent. This was off the back of growth around the world, particularly in new and emerging markets. The U.S remains the largest market for M vehicles, with sales up 6 percent to 6,821 units. BMW’s home market of Germany follows with 1,716 sold, and Britain/Northern Ireland in third with 1,264. The best-selling model was the M3, checking in at 5,729 coupes, 2,544 convertibles and just 1,843 of the slow-selling (and probably soon to be phased out) four-door sedan. Chinese sales were up the largest, clocking in at 1,088 for a growth level of 355 percent. BMW’s tamer counterpart to the M cars, M Sport packages, totaled 138,800 sales globally, up by a paltry 1 percent. In short, it’s good to see BMW’s M cars selling better than ever before. This is also taking into account that the V-10 powered last generation M5 was being phased out. With new models like the 1-Series M and new M5 on the way, 2011 should be another banner year for the M Division. Related posts: Porsche Sales See Strong Increases Ford Sales Flourishes in 2010; 2nd in US Sales Brabham Is Back, & Playing With BMWs View post:  BMW’s M Division Sees Strong Sales in 2010

Each week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we simply call him . . . the Continental. BMW and PSA have announced a partnership to develop hybrid components. It will be an “open joint venture,” I am told, and this means not only that suppliers will be invited to play a strong role, but that BMW and PSA also are looking to sell hybrid components to other carmakers. It’s not a foreign concept to PSA or BMW. In the past, BMW even sold diesel engines; a BMW-built 2.5-liter inline-six was available in the Opel Omega, the German equivalent of the Cadillac Catera. Face-Lifted Theta SUVs Several SUVs built on GM’s Theta platform are getting extensive face lifts. First is the Chevrolet Captiva (aka Daewoo Winstorm), which receives a new, exaggerated front end and improved engines. There is a 165-hp, 2.4-liter four, a Holden-supplied 254-hp, 3.0-liter V-6, and a 181-hp, 2.2-liter turbo-diesel four—all of them superior to the engines they replace. Opel is making similar changes to the Antara, the twin brother of the deceased Saturn Vue. I will drive the face-lifted Antara in Scotland shortly. The Antara and Captiva, developed by the company formerly known as GM Daewoo , were a disappointment when they were launched: too heavy, thirsty, uninvolving. In the 1990s, Opel had a strong presence in the SUV market with the Frontera, essentially a rebadged Isuzu Amigo. That legacy was squandered; the Antara came much too late. VW’s New Models VW is launching a number of new cars this year. The Jetta and the face-lifted Eos are at dealerships already. The Geneva auto show will see the launch of the Golf Cabriolet, similar in style to the Audi A3 Cabriolet. This spring, VW will also show a face-lifted Tiguan, with a new front end that blends in with the rest of the VW lineup. In the summer, we will see the next Beetle , built in Mexico again. It was originally supposed to be shown before the Geneva show, but VW has pushed its launch back. The Frankfurt auto show will be dominated by the all-important Up, which will form the basis for a whole family of new cars, including a microvan like the Taxi concept I’ve...

OnStar unveiled several technologies this week that will help electric-car consumers and energy providers better plan for energy usage, while saving money. OnStar demonstrated some of the planned technologies this week during DistribuTECH, the utility industry’s leading smart grid conference and exposition. Naturally, a Chevrolet Volt, the world’s first electric vehicle with extended range capability, was used in the demonstrations. “Managing electricity supply and demand has always been extremely complex,” said Nick Pudar, Vice President of Planning and Business Development at OnStar. “The embedded technology of OnStar allows for accurate monitoring and controlling of the energy used by electric vehicles like the Volt. No other telematics service can offer these capabilities.” Here’s a video that helps explain some of the technologies OnStar has planned. – Will Stewart, blog editor See the original post:  OnStar Unveils Smart Energy Management Solutions

2005 GM Sequel concept GM India is looking to triple production by 2013. Chevrolet’s aim of 300,000 sales follows as India’s economy and demand for cars remain very strong. 2010 saw sales rise 59%, to 110,804 units. In order to increase sales, Chevrolet will introduce six new vehicles within the next two years, including a diesel engined Spark city-car and two new commercial vehicles, according to CEO Karl Slym. Some Chevy models in the Chinese line-up have also been introduced into the Indian car market, with profit shares predicted to rise by 5%. The launch on the commercial vehicle sector should be productive. According to Slym: “In India, 40% of the overall sales of the market are in commercial vehicles, and we don’t sell in that market. That is a big, huge growth area.” See the rest here: GM to triple production by 2013 (IN) More:  GM to triple production by 2013 (IN)

The inevitable has happened! The Mini Paceman will be added in 2013 to Mini’s ever growing range. While details are restricted, BMW’s chief executive and design & development, Klaus Draeger said the Paceman will be produced alongside the Countryman in Graz, Austria by Magna-Steyr and will go into production in 2012, before its launch in 2013. Mini has set a yearly production figure if 20,000 units. The Paceman concept is powered by a turbocharged 1.6 litre petrol engine, developing 208bhp (211PS/155kW) and 260Nm (192lb-ft) of torque. A wide range of engines and drive configurations will be offered. Read the original post: Mini Paceman to launch in 2013 See the original post here: Mini Paceman to launch in 2013

Through 6 days of January, the 2011 Barrett-Jackson Auction offered a treat to the eyes and senses of any car crazy person. Antique, custom, historic, hot rods, sports cars and even race cars were sold in a field in Scottsdale, Arizona supplying a wealthof horsepower, flash and colour. Along with cars, personalities like actor Tim Allen, rocker Bret Michaelsand NASCAR car owner Rick Hendrick were a visible presence at this most popular automobile sale. With a lot of money changing hands in the 2011 edition of this 40th annual auction, Barrett-Jackson vehicles presented something for every taste. Becoming the star from 1950s motoring, Saturday saw a 1956 De Soto Fireflite convertible draw some incredible interest. A truly perfect restoration of a rare example of the former Chrysler brand, the plum coloured De Soto sported a 3-speed automatic transmission and a rare optional steering wheel-mounted watch. The new owner of the 1956 Fireflite convertible has parted with $368,500 (including buyer’s commission) for the De Soto. Featured previously on Automoblog.net, a GM LSX454R crate engine being auctioned off for the benefit of the American Heart Association. Selling on Friday night being wheeled onto the Barrett-Jackson car auction stage on a customized dolly, the largely turn-key engine raised $67,000 through passionate bidding. You could have some bidders had their heart set on owning the first LSX454R crate engine. Of the 22 charity auctions at the 2011 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale sale, General Motors also offered another first-time purchase opportunity. A surprise announcement on the Arizona grounds Friday set was the introduction of the 2011 Indianapolis 500 pace car, a Chevrolet CamaroSS convertible. Styled with the same white and orange colour scheme as the famous 1969 Camaro SS convertible Indy 500 pace car, the new convertible proceeded for bids was 1 of 50 Indy 500 festivities vehicles to be used for the upcoming event. Earning $225,000 as one buyer won this initial Indy 500 pace car edition, the proceeds to the 2011 Camaro SS convertible pace car’s sale went to the David Foster Foundation. General Motors was not the only auto company contributing a special product for charity listings during the 2011 Barrett-Jackson. Ford Motor Company collaborated...

Ask what the star of the Infiniti lineup is and there is no question the answer will be the G Sedan and Coupe. The rear-wheel drive G has reinvigorated Infiniti and provided strong competition to other cars in the sector, much like the CTS has done for Cadillac. However, Infiniti is still looking to push further with its goals of becoming a leading luxury brand. Last year, Infiniti sold 103,411 units, a strong increase placing it above other brands like Lincoln and Audi but still less than competitors Acura, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus. Going forward, more sales are needed, as well as a halo model that will help build cachet and increase the value of the brand in the minds of the consumer. An improved image means being able to charge more as well, which increases profitability. But what way to do that exactly? A few options are being considered. A halo model has clearly been considered, as evidenced by the Infiniti Essence Concept. The car went over well with the public, but a decision for production has yet to be made. Brian Carolin, Nissan’s vice-president of sales, spoke with Wards Auto and said that Infiniti needs a “high-priced, halo flagship model.” The question is whether to offer a large luxury sedan to compete with the Mercedes S-Class or a performance model in the vein of Audi’s R8 and the Lexus LF-A. “It’s kind of perennial debate within the organization… w hat do we need by way of a flagship for the Infiniti range?” says Carolin. “I don’t think we’ve yet arrived at a conclusion.” The new Infiniti M, competitor to the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5-Series, currently serves as the company’s de facto flagship. Another model being considered is a new entry-level entry. The G25 six-cylinder currently serves in that capacity, but an all-new model could be in the works, similar to what Lexus has done with the CT 200h. 2011 should be another good year for Infiniti, as it is the first full year of new models like the G25, M Sedan and QX SUV. Related posts: Report Says Future Infiniti IPL Models Slated for AMG Power Infiniti Performance Line Provides Added G-Wiz Hyundai Mulling Options For A Standalone Luxury Brand Read more:  Infiniti Mulling New Models

Last year, the reborn 2010 Chevy Camaro coupe serve as the pace car for the Indy 500, and Chevy built  200 replicas wearing Inferno Orange paint with White Pearl stripes that it sold to the public. The car was a throwback to the first Indy Camaro pace car, which lead the field in 1969, except that it had a fixed roof and a reversed color scheme. Now, with the introduction of the 2011 Camaro convertible , Chevrolet was able to create a much more accurate reproduction of the original, which will steady the racers at this year’s 100th-anniversary running of the Indy 500. Essentially done in the same fashion as the 2010 coupe, the so-called 2011 Indianapolis 500 Festival Committee cars start life with the 2SS equipment package—the 400-hp V-8 hooked to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Brembo brake package, 20-inch wheels, and the center-console auxiliary gauge package—as well as the RS package, which fits HID headlights and unique taillights. Unique features of the special-edition cars include the Summit White paint with orange stripes, “Pace Car” graphics on the doors, Indy 500–embroidered headrests for the orange leather seats, and a different grille treatment. Additionally, the interior trim is done in white and features a cool touch with the exterior orange stripes extending onto the dash. Just 50 examples of the Festival Committee cars will be offered for sale at a price yet to be announced, with the first example of the production run hitting the Barrett-Jackson auction block on Saturday, January 22. The winner of the car will also be granted the opportunity to drive the car during a parade lap just before the start of the race. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the David Foster Foundation, a charity formed to support children in need of life-saving organ transplants. Related posts: Chevrolet to Offer 2010 Camaro Indy 500 Pace Car Replicas 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible – Feature 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible – Auto Shows More: 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible to Pace 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500; Chevy Offering 50 Replicas for Sale View original here:  2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible to Pace 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500; Chevy Offering 50 Replicas for Sale

The front-wheel-drive, full-size Hyundai Grandeur, the company likes to point out, is the top-selling premium four-door in its Korean home market. Here in the States, however, it’s known as the Azera , and there’s not much to brag about: the sleepy sedan doesn’t exactly fly off dealer lots, and its pillow-soft personality, styling, and dynamics don’t offer much to get the blood pumping. That may change in its next iteration, as our next Azera will follow in the radically modern footsteps of the all-new 2012 Grandeur released in Korea earlier this month. Hyundai’s Best Design Yet? As with most of Hyundai’s recent new-product efforts, including the 10Best -winning 2011 Sonata and the eye-catching 2011 Elantra , the fifth-generation Grandeur moves boldly upscale in style and content. The new model rides on a wheelbase that is 2.6 inches longer; it’s wider by 0.5 inch, lower by 0.8 inch, and overall length remains the same at 193.3 inches. Incorporating a pastiche of current Hyundai styling devices, such as a Sonata-esque snout and Equus-inspired rear haunches, the Grandeur looks familiar yet fresh, and very well proportioned; this could be Hyundai’s best-looking sedan yet. The Grandeur’s interior appears wildly futuristic compared with the pipe-and-slippers environs of its predecessor. The amenities list contains some surprises, too, including Nappa leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, a 14-way power driver’s seat, a panoramic sunroof, a semi-automated parking system, intelligent cruise control, and nine standard airbags—including a driver’s knee airbag. We have no reason to think that Hyundai will hold any of these features back for the U.S.-market Azera, especially considering the high level of content available on the new Elantra. New DI V-6 The next-gen Azera may be the first (although certainly not the last) Hyundai/Kia product to bring us the company’s new 3.0-liter direct-injection Lambda II gasoline V-6. Producing 266 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque (up six ponies but down four lb-ft compared with the 3.3-liter V-6 in the 2011 Azera), the new engine may not offer industry-leading output, but Hyundai’s claim of 27 mpg is impressive for such a large car. In Korea, the Grandeur also offers Hyundai’s ubiquitous 2.4-liter four-cylinder...

! Nicknamed the “Black Devil of Moscow”, this Russian madman weaves and wheelies his Yamaha R1 through Russian traffic at a pace that is hard to believe. We hope the Black Devil remains a continent away from our daily commute. [ EnglishRussia ] More » View post:  Insane Russian Street Bike Rider is Insane [Video] Read the original here:  Insane Russian Street Bike Rider is Insane [Video]

Always wanted to own the car Batman drives on the big screen? If your Batmobile preference is the Batman Returns vintage and you have several hundred thousand dollars to play with, you too could patrol Gotham in style. More » View original here: Always Wanted to Own the Real Batmobile? Here is Your Chance [Found On EBay] Go here to see the original: Always Wanted to Own the Real Batmobile? Here is Your Chance [Found On EBay]

One of the first introductions we saw from the North American International Auto Show was the GMC Sierra All Terrain HD. The truck is a concept that shows GMC’s take on the performance off-road truck segment. Ford has reinvigorated interest in off-roading and performance trucks with its Raptor, which now is available in four-door Crew Cab guise as well. We’ll take one in orange, please. The Sierra All Terrain HD is more than just a performance package though – it also shows off different design cues and details that seem to hint at the look of the next-generation of the Sierra pick up. Ground clearance has been increased by about three inches for All Terrain duty and width is up by 4 inches, to 73 inches.To complete the look there are new 20-inch aluminum wheels with 35-inch BF Goodrich KM2 mud terrain tires. Motivation comes from General Motors’ 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V-8. It produces 397 horsepower and an insane 765 pound-feet of torque. After speaking with the truck’s designer Carl Zipfel, Autoblog reports that the truck is being considered for production, although there are no official plans to build it. Things they did confirm for production is the truck’s Iridium Metallic paint color (set to be a GMC exclusive) as well a dark anodized satin trim finish. We think producing it makes sense, especially for the GMC brand which is very focused on things like towing. The Sierra All Terrain HD isn’t exactly a direct competitor to the Raptor though – hence the Heavy Duty title. For competition we’d need a lighter, more agile truck. Maybe Chevrolet can produce that one? Related posts: Detroit Preview: GMC Sierra All Terrain HD GMC Granite Concept GM To Ditch Unibody Pickup Plans Read the original: GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Being Debated For Production?

As the American automobile industry best and greatest hopes for a strong future is on exhibit at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, this weekend who have many fans admiring what wonderful innovations are prepared for current and future vehicles. Relishing this promising present for cars and trucks in the United States, this week also marks a pivotal milestone to the advancement of the automobile. Would you believe at one time in history a single person made money off almost every automobile built in the United States? Holding early ownership of the automobile concept was George B Selden, an inventor and patent lawyer. Enjoying royalties for almost 16 years from the broad image, Selden’s monopoly of the automobile sector would be challenged by the rapidly emerging force of Henry Ford. Creating a small internal combustion engine in 1878, George Selden would conceive the usage of his practically-sized powerplant in a four-wheel conveyance patenting the idea one year later. Selden continuously modified his patent until the time it was granted in 1895. Though Carl Benz (immortalized as the latter half of Daimler-Benz) had publicly exhibited the automobile within Europe through the late 1880s after being granted his German patent in 1886, the process of acquiring international patents was rarely explored at the time. Possessing the United States patent which would be known as the Selden Patent, George Selden did not go directly into the auto manufacturing business. Instead, he saw a more profitable venture in allowing other prospective automakers to pay for use of the patent’s framework. One of the first companies to pay rights to Selden was the Electric Vehicle Company. Despite building electric-powered, the Electric Vehicle Company (EVC) paid Selden a then-generous royalty of $15.00 for each vehicle they would produce. Along with bolstering Selden’s claim to ownership of the automobile, EVC co-owner William C. Whitney entered a partnership with George Selden creating what has been considered to be the biggest road block to the early automotive industry in the United States. The Association of Licensed Automobile Manufacturers (ALAM) was founded as an American auto industry overlord. Officially created in 1903, the EVC began...

Kia’s presence at the auto show in Detroit was limited to the KV7 minivan concept, but they are just taking a breather after nearly their entire lineup has been redesigned in a short period of time. In close sync with platform mates at Hyundai, new models like the Soul, Forte compact, Sorento crossover and mid-size Optima sedan have been released. Kia’s current subcompact offering is the aging Rio, which lacks the necessary style and technology to compete in the face of fresh competition. The subcompact market in the United States is set to be more diverse than ever before, with entries like the European-sourced Ford Fiesta and Fiat 500 as well as the new Sonic from Chevrolet. In fact we think it could be a good idea for Kia to start all over with a new nameplate for the Rio, much like Chevrolet did with the Aveo nameplate. It appears the brand will be sticking with it however. To give us a taste of what to expect from the next-generation car, Kia has released some renderings that illustrate the car’s new design. The production Rio is set to make its first appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Initial impressions from these renderings look good, especially around back. We’ll have to see actual photos to know more. What is clear though is that the new cars from Kia have of a focus on sporty design compared to Hyundai, and we think that positioning serves the company well. Related posts: Rolls-Royce Releases an iPhone App for the Ghost Hyundai Teases 2012 Azera Lamborghini Releases Another Teaser Pic of the Jota Continued here:  Kia Releases New Sketches of Next-Generation Rio