Top speed is limited in both cases to 280 km/h (173.98 mph). Regarding the fuel consumption, Audi promises an average of just 8.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (27.67 US mpg) for the Coupe with S Tronic and 8.6 liters per 100 km (27.35 US mpg) for the Roadster using the same transmission. The Coupé with manual transmission, including quattro drive, weighs just 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 lb); its power-to-weight ratio is 4.0 kilograms (8.82 lb) per horsepower.

The power-to-weight ratio of the Roadster is 4.2 kilograms (9.26 lb) per horsepower. The design of the car is completed by the 19-inch wheels featuring the five-arm “Rotor” design, wrapped in 255/35 tires. The adaptive damping system known as Audi magnetic ride is available as an option. A large, fixed rear wing increases downforce at the back of the car. The car also features the Singleframe radiator grille. The Carbon design package gives the engine compartment a more exclusive look. Moreover, the gear knob features an aluminum-look trim ring and a TT RS plus badge. Regarding the price, the Audi TT RS Plus Coupe with manual transmission will cost €60,650 in Germany or €62,800 with the seven-speed S tronic . The TT RS plus Roadster will be more expensive and will have a list price of €63,500 or €65,650 respectively. The car will hit the European dealerships this spring.

Hyundai gave the Elantra a slinky styling as well as a roomy interior to attract young buyers. Hyundai plans to market the Elantra coupe as a fun-to-drive option to a slightly different audience than the enthusiast-oriented, Genesis Coupe. The five-door hatch version meanwhile, dubbed the GT, is targeted to replace the Elantra Touring model and is positioned against the Ford Focus, the Mazda 3 and the Volkswagen Golf.

The Elantra GT carries the same powertrain choices as the coupe, and boasts of a mileage of 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The GT offers up to 51 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the rear, with the seats folded down. Hyundai unveiled last year a version of the GT, the i30, to target other markets in Europe. Hyundai hopes to further increase its Elantra sales this year with the introduction of the GT and Coupe versions.

It comes with features that are typically used on luxury vehicles such as LED daytime running lights, chrome-accented rear spoiler, lower door sills and wood interior trim. The stunning red front-brake calipers are visible through the Optima Limited's uniquely designed chrome 18-inch wheels. Meanwhile, the 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine offers class-leading 274hp4 and offers 22/34 mpg5 (city/hwy). The interior features high-grade black or white Nappa leather on the seats, door panels, center console armrest and center fascia trim to achieve a premium look. The steering wheel, interior door trim and shift knob have wood accents.

Meanwhile, the headliner, sun visor, and A, B and C pillars use a black tricot fabric, giving it a luxurious feel. A first-aid kit and cloth door weather strip are featured on the Optima Limited. As expected from all Optimas, the Limited has a refined, performance-oriented look with a sleek silhouette, bold stance and sculpted features that are consistent with the chief design officer Peter Schreyer’s styling language. All the 2012 Optima models have an amazingly long list of standard equipment. The Optima Limited enhances the technology, performance and convenience elements on the Optima SX such as the unique front and rear lower bumper design, sport-tuned suspension, HID headlamps, Supervision meter cluster with LCD display, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal pedals, illuminated door scuff plates, panoramic sunroof, four-way power front passenger's seat, driver's seat memory, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, navigation system with back-up camera and SiriusXM Traffic and Infinity 7 audio system and speakers.

The Norwegian Police were awed with the Single Vehicle Architecture technology and its application in the Insignia and Astra models. Vauxhall Special Vehicles has also been invited to demonstrate the vehicles to an audience of fleet managers in March 2012. Moreover, the Danish Police was given a demonstration of the Police automobiles.

Vauxhall is a member of the One Box Consortium working with ACPO ITS, which offers a standardized specification to which all suppliers and manufacturers can adhere, letting them produce common wiring for connection points and equipment. This enables plug-and-play electronics, lowering the time needed for decommissioning and equipping automobiles.

“With such vast experience and creative design talent, David will be a huge asset to the team at Crewe,” said van Braeckel, adding that Hilton’s proven creative excellence will help Bentley build its current highly successful model line-up as well as enhance the appeal of its vehicles to customers worldwide.

Hilton noted that the company has a distinctive design language that reflects the history and heritage of the Brand but remains relevant to today’s high luxury customers. He added that he could help shape the design of the next generation of Bentleys. Bentley appointed Hilton in lieu of Raul Pires who joined VW’s Italdesign.

According to the report of The Wall Street Journal, JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Ally are among the banks that Chrysler is in talks with. WSJ cited unidentified individuals who are familiar with the situation. Chrysler is the only one among the three Detroit automakers that does not have a dedicated financing arm. In the run-up to its 2010 initial public offering, General Motors decided to purchase AmeriCredit Corp for $3.5 billion cash.

This endeavor was intended to settle a major investor concern as well as to satisfy GM dealers who protested that a lack of financing options cost them sales. Fiat has a deal with Credit Agricole that dates back to 2006. Fiat handles relations with the dealers while the Paris-based bank finances the venture. Chrysler spokesperson Ralph Kisiel and Ally spokesperson Gina Proia both declined to make a comment. [source: Autonews]

The V12 Zagato offers the novel ideas, materials, processes and technology that were first used on One-77. But at the same, is staying true to the purity and craftsmanship of its famous predecessor. Each Aston Martin is a unique combination of advanced materials, technology and time-honored craftsmanship. The V12 Zagato brings this philosophy to a level that has only been previously seen in its One-77 supercar, which rounds up its build run in 2012. No more than 150 units of the V12 Zagato will be built at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire. Every V12 Zagato is built using a meticulous process that takes about 2,000 man-hours to complete.

Similar to the One-77, the V12 Zagato is built using a combination of hand crafted aluminum and carbon fibre. Hand-crafted aluminum is used for the bonnet and its signature ‘double-bubble’ roof and doors. Meanwhile, the front and rear fenders, door sills and boot lid surround are built from carbon fibre. The finished body is actually painted in the same dedicated area as the One-77. The V12 Zagato is offered in four unique colors: Scintilla Silver, Alloro Green, Alba Blue and Diavolo Red. Painting one takes 100 hours. It then goes to the sports car production area where the body and the drivetrain are merged. The V12 Zagato is moved to the standalone facility initially produced to accommodate production of the One-77. This model is already available and has a price tag of £330,000 (plus local taxes). The production specification V12 Zagato will be displayed in March 2012 at the Geneva Salon International. Deliveries begin in Autumn 2012.

In Europe, the New Generation Outlander will provide a choice between two low impact engines whether in 4WD or 2WD. These engines are the 2.0 l MIVEC petrol or 2.2 MIVEC Clean Diesel (MMC's own 4N14 engine). Depending on market, engine, specifications and model, Auto Stop & Go will be offered. An all-new 6-speed automatic gearbox is also available. As part of its fresh technical package, the new model will also be fitted with an "eco-friendly driving system", which notifies the driver when driving is at maximum efficiency. As a result, the driver can opt to drive at maximum efficiency to boost the vehicle's actual fuel consumption. Availability of this system depends on model & market.

After its launch at the Geneva motor show, the Next Generation Outlander will be introduced in Russia this summer, then in Europe in late summer. It will make its Oceania, Japanese, North American and Chinese debuts, too. Beginning 2013 in Europe, MMC will also take advantage of the built-in potential of Outlander's versatile architecture to add an EV-based plug-in hybrid powertrain. This is a complete integrated solution based on MMC's EV technology and makes the best use of MMC's extensive 4-Wheel-Drive expertise. When used on the Outlander, the Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid EV system will enable a range and very low carbon dioxide emissions similar to that of the MITSUBISHI Concept PX-MiEV II which provides more than 800 km and a target of less than 50 g/km.

Bob Carter, general manager of Toyota Motor Sales USA, revealed that this year, new models will account for 40% of the cars that dealers will receive, compared to just seven percent in 2011. Carter said the company’s actual sales in the U.S. could reach 13.8 million, surpassing the forecast of 13.6 million, which he described as low. With the company’s production back to normal, following supply problem in 2011, Carter expects Toyota, Lexus and Scion sales to continue to recover in 2012.

The company is still struggling to match demand with supply of some models, including the Tacoma pickup. The company is also changing the production mix of its Camry sedans at its Georgetown, Ky., plant after its SE version received unexpectedly high demand.  Toyota originally expected that the SE would account for only 8% percent of Camry sales, but figures show that the sports version accounted for 40% of the model’s sales. [source: freep]

Through a dedicated website alfaromeo.co.uk/testme, the latest Alfa Romeo models are pitted against Volkswagen, Audi and BMW models when it comes to the fuel efficiency, safety, technology and environmental benefits. Through the new ‘Test Me’ campaign, Alfa Romeo will seek to prove that Alfa Romeo gives customers a lot more than its German rivals. The campaign seeks to emphasize Alfa’s passion, heritage and design flair inherent in each model as well as its class-leading economic advantages in terms of fuel efficiency and environmental considerations. What its customers get is the chance to drive in an extraordinary car that has both style and substance.

According to Damien Dally, Head of Brand for Alfa Romeo UK, customers like the stylish lines and sleek design of an Alfa Romeo but because of preconceived misconceptions, some would go to their rivals thinking that they’re being offered something better. The Alfa MiTo 1.4 8v 78bhp Sprint is priced at £12,950 OTR, £189 per month or 0% APR. Meanwhile, the Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120 bhp Turismo has a price tag of £17,755 OTR, £259 per month or 0% APR. Furthermore, customers can take advantage of a special introductory limited offer on Giulietta ALFA TCT, which has the same monthly terms as the manual version.