Mitsubishi’s 2011 ASX is already making waves in Japan. Dealerships received the car only last Feb. 17 but to date, the company has received 5,169 orders.

The carmaker had initially hoped to sell about 1,500 units each month. The ASX, which is known as the Outlander Sport in the US, is compact and is fuel efficient. Owners may also opt to outfit the car with four-wheel drive or a CVT. What makes the ASX more appealing is that it is included in Japan’s list of small, gas-sipping cars that can take advantage of a tax break. Of the 5,169 orders, about 75% chose the highest “G” specification with wide-angle HID headlights and push button start. The “M” spec attracted 18% of buyers and the entry-level “E” spec got 7%. The US-grade Outlander Sport will offer the 2.0-liter MIVEC four-cylinder as standard. This car will debut at the New York Auto Show later this month and will arrive at dealerships this fall. Mitsubishi has yet to announce further specifications for this car though. This car is believed to be popular in China because many of its buyers have chosen to downsize from luxury SUVs and large sedans. Whether the 2011 Outlander Sport will achieve the same success in the US is the big question.

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Tags:2011 mitsubishi asx, car news, Mitsubishi
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About 412,000 of Honda Motor Co. vehicles in the US will be recalled over risks that brake pedals may feel soft and slip closer to the floor over time.

Customer complaints have led to this recall of about 344,000 Odyssey minivans and 68,000 Element SUVs for the 2007 and 2008 model years. In a statement, Honda said that there’s a possibility that air would enter the unit that controls braking and stability system. This may lead to the “soft brake pedal” or “low brake pedal” after several months or years. According to Honda spokesman Chris Martin, the US Transportation Highway Safety Administration has received reports of several crashes and three minor injuries related to this issue. Honda clarified that not all vehicles included in the recall have this issue but because it wants to assure customers about their cars’ performance, the carmaker chose to recall all positive units. Of course, everyone’s a bit jumpy when it comes to recalls. Toyota currently faces scrutiny over vehicle safety issue in light of safety problems affecting Toyota Motor Corp vehicles.

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Tags:car news, Honda, honda element recall, honda ofdyssey recall, honda us recall
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Ram wants to rival Ford’s F-150 SVT Raptor, which is acclaimed for being one mean purpose-built off-roader. Ram has tasked its Mopar performance division to design a high-speed off-roader of its own based on the new Ram 1500 half-ton pickup.

The debut of this car is expected at the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. PickupTrucks said that the truck hasn’t been confirmed to be going into production and that for now, this project vehicle only aims to do some real world research. According to sources, Mopar’s primary consultant is veteran Baja racer Kent Kroeker who has had much success at racing through the Mexican desert. Continued after the jump!

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Tags:car news, easter jeep safari moab, ram f-150 svt raptor rival
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In the UK, Nissan’s Murano crossover SUV line-up now offers a diesel engine option. Previously, Nissan had introduced the Juke, the fourth member of its Crossover line-up, as well as the revised Qashqai.

The latest addition to the Murano range is powered by a 2.5 dCi four cylinder engine capable of generating 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque. Nissan states that the engine is equipped with a diesel particle filter (DPF) that helps Murano meet EURO5 emission standards. Simon Thomas, Nissan’s European Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing, said that the addition of a diesel version to the Murano lineup is being done at the same time that Nissan moves to strengthen its leadership as the pioneering Crossover brand in the automotive industry. Continued after the jump!

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Tags:2010 murano diesel, car news, Nissan, nissan murano diesel
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VIP guests at the premiere of ves Saint Laurent’s retrospective exhibition last week were treated to a unique ride. Citroen collaborated with famous fashion designer to create a Yves Saint Laurent special edition of the 2010 DS3.

The colors identified with Yves Saint-Laurent were used. Red was used for the DS3’s body and black is featured on the roof. The car also has a Yves Saint Laurent Logo on its roof and it rides on bespoke rims. But before you start whipping out your checkbooks, take note that this version of the DS3 is not for sale. The Pierre Berge foundation worked on the display that features more than 300 models, showcasing a complete image of Yves Saint Laurent]s work. Citroen considers the DS3 to be special since it marks the introduction of the DS range to the market. We should expect this new line-up to be filled with luxury versions of some of Citroen’s existing models. The DS3, which is based on the C3, has recently been launched. The DS4 and DS5 will follow soon. Photo gallery after the jump!

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Tags:2010 citroen ds3 yls, 2010 ds3 yves saint laurent, car news, Citroen
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All carmakers would want to have Subaru’s main problem – which is keeping up with the high demand for a product. The Outback wagon has had tremendous success ever since it debuted last summer.

It’s no wonder that Subaru got the highest percentage US sales increase of any brand last year. In fact, Subaru is expected to continue to outpace the market for the rest of 2010. Starting December, Subaru of Indiana Automotive has boosted the speed of production at its plant for two times now. There are plans to increase the pace again in April and another time in July, with each push standing for a 5%-6% increase in line speed. Continued after the jump!

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Tags:car news, Subaru, subaru outback demand
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Ford Europe is set to introduce a sporty special edition for the Fiesta only for UK, Spain, Switzerland and Austria, which it considers to be the top markets in the continent. The Fiesta Sport+ model can be ordered with the 1.6 liter petrol engine delivering 120 HP or with the 1.6 liter diesel unit that offers 95 HP.

It is distinctive due to its styling kit, which comprises a redesigned front bumper that features a flared lower part, new side skirts, a rear spoiler and a fresh rear spoiler that integrates a diffuser. Continued after the jump!

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Tags:2010 fiesta sport plus edition, 2010 ford fiesta sport plus, car news, Ford
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Bmw revealed today the new 2011 5-Series Touring, a new car which combines the extensive comfort and safety features from the sedan with the powerful design aesthetics, modern premium-level functionality and brand-typical driving dynamics.

As you expected from a station wagon, the new Bmw offers a maximum capacity of 1,670 litres guaranteed by the 40:20:40 split folding rear seats, which , according to the Bavarian manufacturer are unique in this segment. The 2011 Bmw 5-Series Touring offers also the most advanced drivetrain and suspension technologies in order to ensure supreme sportiness and a higher level of motoring comfort. The new car comes with Optional Dynamic Driving Control which enables the drivers to set the suspension individually to their personal requirements. We also find the pneumatic suspension on the rear axle, including automatic self-leveling. Adaptive Drive and Integral Active Steering are optionally available. Continued after the jump!

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Tags:2011 5-series touring, 2011 bmw 5-series touring, Bmw, car news
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This is the new 2011 Kia Optima also known as Magentis in some markets, which is set to make its official debut in April at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.

As you can see from the photos, the new car carries the new design line from all Kias: “the striking visage of the Optima features a new interpretation of Kia’s bold ‘tiger’ family face that’s edged by piercing projector headlamps”. Comparing it to the current generation, the new car is longer, wider and lower while its coupe-like profile is enhanced by the sweeping chrome arc that flows from A to C pillar. According to the manufacturer, the new Optima will bring more space as well as class-leading levels of safety and luxury equipment. “The Optima embodies Kia’s confident new design direction,” says Schreyer. “It’s a global car with individual appeal.” “The next generation Optima possesses the power to surprise,” says Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer. “It’s a car that people will simply not expect from Kia – and that’s exactly what we set out to achieve.” Photo gallery after the jump!

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Tags:2011 kia magentis, 2011 kia optima, car news, Kia
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The Ford Police Interceptor, a new front-drive sedan that shares underpinnings with the Ford Taurus, will replace the Crown Victoria police car.

The Police Interceptor is a vehicle that’s purposefully engineered to surpass the Crown Victoria’s durability, safety and performance record. The Police Interceptor will start being assembled in late 2011, which is when the Crown Victoria ends production. Ford will also be offering an all-wheel-drive version. In a statement, Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas, said that this vehicle is in response to police throughout the country who want a “new kind of weapon in the battle for public safety.” Continued after the jump!

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Tags:2012 ford police interceptor, car news, Ford
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