Poll: Which concept car is hotter?

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• Poll: Which concept car is hotter?
• Kia Optima Loses its Top for 2015 SEMA Show
• Fiat Chrysler Announces Two Recalls Affecting 900K Vehicles
• Hyundai has Sold 10M Vehicles in the US
• Volkswagen Gives Dealers Price Guarantee on Used Diesel Vehicles
• 2008-2009 Honda Accord Recalled for Airbag Issue

Poll: Which concept car is hotter? Posted: The 2015 Tokyo Motor Show has come to a close, and it hosted the debuts of two of the hottest concept cars we've seen in a while. The Yamaha Sports Ride concept was a huge surprise because, well, Yamaha doesn't make cars. The Japanese company is more famous for its motorcycles, ATVs and musical instruments than cars, but if this concept is any indication, Yamaha has some serious tricks up its sleeve. The Mazda RX-Vision is the rotary-powered sports car Mazda fans have been praying for, and just one look at at gorgeous, swoopy design, and you know it means business. But which concept car is hotter? Vote in our poll below. BUT FIRST: Read more about the Yamaha Sports Ride concept here and the Mazda R-Vision here Loading, please wait...

Kia Optima Loses its Top for 2015 SEMA Show Posted: A custom Kia Optima with its top sliced off will make its debut at the 2015 SEMA Show. Called the A1A Optima, this custom sedan draws inspiration from the iconic Florida A1A highway and soaks in the sunshine with a convertible design featuring room for four. The Korean automaker had reinforced steel tubes hidden within the body to retain a rigid structure with the top cut off while the windshield has also been shortened to fit the design. The back doors of the Optima are now on rear-mounted hinges, opening in an opposite direction than a standard Optima. SEE ALSO: 2016 Kia Optima Review Lowering the Kia Optima is a set of Ksport coilover suspension while 20-inch wheels round off each corner in a bright, chrome finish. Inside are soft butter-cream leather bucket seats while the rear has also received custom double buckets that have been separated by an extended armrest and custom center console. Under the hood is the factory 245-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine that breathes a little bit easier with a high-performance exhaust. Find out more about Kia's customized rides at the 2015 SEMA Show when it kicks off next week. AutoGuide.com will be reporting live from Las Vegas with full coverage of the event. Discuss this story on our Kia Optima Forum Loading, please wait...

Fiat Chrysler Announces Two Recalls Affecting 900K Vehicles Posted: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has announced two recalls affecting nearly 900,000 vehicles worldwide. The first recall involves the 2003 Jeep Liberty and 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee models with 284,089 units affected in the U.S. Those vehicles are being recalled to replace components linked to the deployment of airbags, although this recall isn't related to the massive Takata airbag recall. A total of seven injuries related to the issue have been reported and also affects 13,411 vehicles in Canada, 6,277 in Mexico and 48,212 elsewhere in the world. SEE ALSO: 10 Reasons Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is in Big Trouble The other recall affects 275,614 Dodge Journey crossovers from the 2012-2015 model years in the U.S. so that the American automaker can replace parts on the vehicle's anti-lock brake systems. According to Fiat Chrysler, water intrusion may disable the vehicles' anti-lock braking and electronic stability control systems. The Dodge Journey recall also affects 78,148 units in Canada, 36,471 in Mexico and 151,476 in other parts of the world. Discuss this story on our Jeep Cherokee Forum Loading, please wait...

Hyundai has Sold 10M Vehicles in the US Posted: Hyundai has announced that it has sold 10-million vehicles in the U.S. The Korean automaker began in the U.S. market with a single nameplate in 1986, the Hyundai Excel. Within seven months, Hyundai sold its 100,000th Excel in the U.S. that set an industry record for the most first-year sales for an import car company. Three years later, the brand launched its longest-selling model to date, the Sonata sedan. It wasn't until 10 years ago that Hyundai expanded its operations in the U.S. by opening the doors to the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant. Since then, the factory has built 2,660,314 vehicles. SEE ALSO: Hyundai Unveils New Hybrid Engine, 8-Speed Transmission The company broke down sales data for its top five nameplates with the Sonata leading the way comprising 24.98 percent of Hyundai's sales in the U.S. A total of 2,498,203 Sonata sedans have been sold with 2012 being its best-selling year. Following the Sonata is the Elantra at 24.85 percent and 2,484,788 sold. In third is the Sante Fe and Santa Fe Sport models with 1,244,934 units sold and making up 12.45 percent of Hyundai's U.S. sales. Rounding out the top five is the Excel (11.47 percent, 1,146,962 sold) and the Accent (11.03 percent, 1,103,337 sold). "The United States has been a key region of focus for nearly three decades, and this landmark achievement comes after years of accelerated growth and the strategic rollout of our product line," said Derrick Hatami, vice president of national sales, Hyundai Motor America. "Today serves as a testament to the design, quality and value of Hyundai's product portfolio. The American car market continues to be on the rise, with more than 17 million new car sales expected in 2015. Hyundai is well positioned for continued growth in this market, offering consumers a variety of vehicles that meet their needs." Discuss this story on our Hyundai Genesis Forum Loading, please wait...

Volkswagen Gives Dealers Price Guarantee on Used Diesel Vehicles Posted: Volkswagen of America is offering to buy back some used vehicles from its U.S. dealerships at pre-crisis prices. According to three dealerships that have been notified of the plan, the German automaker will guarantee the value of certified pre-owned and other used Volkswagen models equipped with the affected 2.0-liter diesel engines that cheated on EPA emissions tests. Those vehicles in dealer inventory will have their prices set at what was seen before September 18 and if any of those vehicles stay in dealer inventory for 60 days or longer, Volkswagen will buy them back from the dealers at those set prices. SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Group Lost Tons of Money Last Quarter According to a memo sent to dealers, the program will roll out in three phases, starting with an inventory of diesel vehicles on dealership lots so that Volkswagen can determine which ones are eligible for the program. The first step is expected to be complete by November 13 and Volkswagen will detail the following phases over the next two weeks. The German automaker hopes this will help set a pricing floor for used diesel vehicles, which have seen their wholesale and auction sales volume drop over the past month. By offering dealer buybacks, retailers will have certainty that used diesel vehicles sitting on their lots won't become worthless while they wait for Volkswagen to implement a fix. [Source: Automotive News] Discuss this story on our Volkswagen Forum Loading, please wait...

2008-2009 Honda Accord Recalled for Airbag Issue Posted: The 2008-2009 Honda Accord is being recalled for inadvertent airbag deployment. A total of 303,904 Accord sedans are impacted by the recall in the U.S., which addresses a flaw that could result in the side-door airbags deploying even if the vehicles are not involved in a crash. According to the recall notice, the affected 2008-2009 Honda Accord sedans may inadvertently deploy their airbags if the ignition is on and a door is slammed, or if there's a significant impact to the lower body of the car. Honda has received 19 reports of injuries related to the issue. SEE ALSO: 2016 Honda Accord Review The recall is separate from the massive Takata airbag recall that involves over 20-million vehicles. That airbag recall has been tied to at least eight deaths in Honda vehicles after exploding with too much force and spraying metal and plastic shards at passengers. Honda will upgrade software in order to address the glitch in the affected Accords for free. This recall is not a hardware or supplier-related issue. Discuss this story on our Honda Accord Forum Loading, please wait...

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Top Five Cars of the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show

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• Top Five Cars of the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show
• Top 10 Most Anticipated Cars of the 2015 SEMA Show
• Scion iM Stars in 2015 Scion Tuner Challenge
• 2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0 Priced from $30,005
• 2016 Scion iA Gets Customized for 2015 SEMA Show
• Hennessey Venom GT Returns Packing 1,451 HP

Top Five Cars of the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show Posted: To one side is Tokyo Bay, to the other, Japan's capital and largest metropolitan area on planet Earth. In between these leviathans is a world-renowned biennial motor show. Maybe you've heard of it? 2015 Tokyo Motor Show Coverage  Here are the Top Five Cars revealed in Tokyo this year. 5. Honda Clarity Fuel Cell And we start with Honda. The company's Clarity Fuel Cell may have landed in fifth place on this list but its fuel is No. 1, LITERALLY. Instead of traditional petroleum this four-door is powered by hydrogen, which of course it the first element on the periodic table. See? I told you! SEE ALSO: Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Concept Details  Its fuel-cell stack boasts numerous advancements. It's a third smaller than its predecessor yet 60 percent more energy dense, delivering around 134 horsepower. Even better, this car carries enough hydrogen to provide a driving range of up to 435 miles. The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is slated to go on sale in Japan next March. 4. Subaru VIZIV Future Concept Moving on, this is the Subaru VIZIV Future Concept. It's a sharp-looking crossover that's powered by a hybrid drivetrain. Aside from its styling, which really is quite striking, this vehicle highlights the autonomous technology that Subaru has been working on. SEE ALSO: Subaru VIZIV Future Concept Details  It can drive straight ahead all on its own and even avoid pedestrians and cyclists in urban situations. 3. Toyota S-FR Concept But not everyone wants some boring old crossover. Toyota kept things interesting with its S-FR concept. This half-pint machine looks like a perfect foil to the ever-popular Mazda MX-5. It's a hypothetical entry-level sports car designed to get young people interested in cars. With a front-mid mounted engine and rear-wheel drive it should be a hoot and a half to drive. SEE ALSO: Toyota S-FR Concept Details  2. Yamaha Sports Ride Concept Along the same line as the S-FR is Yamaha's Sports Ride. This company doesn't build any cars today, but this concept explores the idea. Borrowing motorcycle cues, it's built around a strong, yet light tubular metal structure. On top of this skeleton, ultra-rigid fiber-reinforced body panels are attached. SEE ALSO: Yamaha Sports Car Concept Details  The Sports Ride is small, featherweight and looks like a miniature supercar. I say BUILD IT, Yamaha! Now, that's all well and good, but the No. 1 car, the hottest, most amazing thing to see at the Tokyo show this year is undoubtedly Mazda's RX-Vision concept. This dead sexy coupe hints at a revival of the brand's world-famous sports-car line. Appropriately, it features a rotary engine and rear-wheel drive along with DEAD SEXY styling and proportions. In person it looks lick-ably good! SEE ALSO: Mazda RX-Vision Concept Details  So there you have it. Those are a few highlights from the 44th Tokyo Motor Show, though there's so much more going on than we have time to report. Loading, please wait...

Top 10 Most Anticipated Cars of the 2015 SEMA Show Posted: The 2015 SEMA Show kicks off next week and the Las Vegas Convention Center will be packed with hundreds of the wildest modified rides. While most high-profile projects are typically kept under wraps until the show opens its doors, some builders and automakers preview what they will showcase ahead of time. There's a lot to be excited about this year based on what has already been announced, so AutoGuide.com has compiled a Top 10 list of the most anticipated cars of the 2015 SEMA Show. SEE ALSO: 2015 SEMA Show Preview 10) Ludacris' Acura Legend Seriously, how can you not be excited to see how Acura and Ludacris have planned to bring his classic Legend back to life? If the Japanese automaker is daring enough to make it one of its main showpieces at SEMA, there's a real good chance the Legend will be outfitted with some crazy modifications especially now that Ludacris is synonymous with Fast and Furious. We'll be sure to head to the Acura booth bright and early Tuesday to check out Ludacris' restored Acura Legend. 9) Nissan GT-R NISMO N-Attack Package The Nissan GT-R NISMO N-Attack package won't hold any surprises when it makes an appearance in Las Vegas, but it will still be nice to see up close and personal. Launching in the U.S. exclusively through Stillen, the Nissan GT-R NISMO N-Attack package outfits the Japanese sports car with all the aerodynamic goodies to help make it the fastest volume production vehicle on the Nurburgring. That's a lap time of 7:08.679 and along with the aerodynamic changes, the GT-R is outfitted with different suspension and better brakes. 8) Honda Ridgeline Concept Honda is heading to this year's SEMA show with a collection of modified HR-Vs to showcase the new crossover, but what the main attraction will be is a concept vehicle with a "Desert Race Truck" theme. Once you get passed all the accessories, the concept will actually preview the next-generation Honda Ridgeline that will compete in the Baja 1000. Under the hood will be a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox while FOX Racing shocks, General Grabber tires and plenty of Honda Performance Development (HPD) goodies will make it a contender in the Baja 1000 next month. 7) Tjin Edition Hyundai Genesis Coupe Hyundai has previewed a selection of modified rides that will be showcased in its booth this year, but the one that intrigues us is the Tjin Edition Hyundai Genesis Coupe. What makes it so interesting is that it isn't the 2.0-liter turbocharged model, but rather the 3.8-liter V6 that has gotten a boost in performance from a Vortech supercharger. It's no secret that there's plenty of toys out there for Genesis Coupe 2.0T owners, but it looks like the V6 engine is finally getting some real love. 6) Bisimoto Engineering EcoBoost Ford Mustang Bisimoto Engineering has been known among import enthusiasts for over a decade, creating some of the wildest high-performance rides that prove themselves on the track. And that's why it is so interesting that this year, Bisimoto will lend a hand in creating an EcoBoost Ford Mustang that reportedly pumps out 900 horsepower. If there's one thing Bisimoto knows how to do well, it's squeezing power out of a four-cylinder motor. We can't wait to see how this Mustang looks in person and check out the engine bay that will prove there is maybe a replacement for displacement. 5) Dodge Challenger GT AWD Concept Dodge teased this Challenger concept as part of its 2015 SEMA Show lineup and what really caught our eyes is the GT AWD badge on the spoiler. Considering the current Challenger is built on a modified version of the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 platform, an all-wheel drive Challenger wouldn't be so difficult to create. You see, both the Charger and 300 models are offered with all-wheel drive, so why wouldn't Dodge create the first factory-built, all-wheel drive muscle car? The big question will be what's powering the Challenger GT AWD concept. 4) Wald Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Bison Edition There's plenty of room at SEMA for luxury cars and Toyo Tires will play host to a Wald Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Bison Edition. It will actually be the world debut of the Rolls Royce Wraith Black Bison Edition sporting Wald's newly designed front bumper, side skirts, rear lip, trunk wing and sport exhaust. The luxury coupe will sit on 22×9-inch front and 22×10.5-inch rear B11C wheels wrapped with Toyo Proxes STII rubber. 3) H&R RWB Porsche 964 RWB Porsches have become a staple in recent years at SEMA and 2015 won't be any different. While we've seen quite a number of the widebody Porsches in Las Vegas, this particular project has caught our eye. Built by Jon Sibal, it will make its debut at the H&R booth sporting 18-inch Work Meister S1 wheels and Pirelli PZERO Rosso tires. Lending a hand on the RWB Porsche 964 was RSTRADA, where the vehicle was built while Meguiar's will make sure it's perfectly detailed for the show floor. Oh yeah, and how can we forget the Club Race big brake kit from Brembo peeking behind those super-wide Work Wheels. 2) Misha Designs Ferrari 458 Another Toyo Tires creation, the Misha Designs Ferrari 458 will be seen at the tire manufacturer's booth in the South Hall. As a limited edition body kit, the Ferrari 458 gets a three-inch wider track while the large rear spoiler has been inspired by the LaFerrari FXX K. The exotic will also serve as the world debut of Savini's "Forged Step Lip" concave wheel technology with the 458 getting 20-inch wheels wrapped with Toyo Proxes 4 Plus all-season tires. 1) Ringbrothers Carbon Fiber Ford Mustang Fastback Last year Ringbrothers arguably stole the show with its custom Chevelle pumping 980 hp through a Chevrolet LS7. This year, Ringbrothers will be bringing a custom all carbon fiber Mustang fastback pushing 959 hp through a Whipple-supercharged Wegner Motorsports 416-cubic inch engine outfitted with a custom Flowmaster exhaust. The hand-crafted carbon body will be finished in a BASF Glasurit Waterborne custom color called "Spy Green," and if last year's project was any indication, this one will be the talk of the show. AutoGuide.com will be sure to stop by the BASF booth Wednesday morning when the car is officially debuted. Loading, please wait...

Scion iM Stars in 2015 Scion Tuner Challenge Posted: The Scion iM five-door hatchback is the star of the 2015 Scion Tuner Challenge. Previewed at a special event in Los Angeles ahead of being displayed at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, the 11th Annual Scion Tuner Challenge will forgo the past three-car format for a pair of custom iM hatchbacks. Doing battle this year will be two prominent streetwear brands, illest and Crooks & Castles, both of which have put their unique spin on one of Scion's latest models. Both teams received a brand new Scion iM and a $15,000 build budget. Starting off with illest's creation, creative director Mark Arcenal drew inspiration for their iM concept from the Japanese VIP world. It's a bit of a departure from the race-inspired Scion tC that Arcenal created for the 2008 Scion Tuner Challenge. Featuring Rotiform wheels on all four corners, the illest Scion iM goes with a clean and conservative approach with subtle accents, Brembo brakes and Air Lift suspension. "With a background in motorsports, I went with familiarity for my previous Scion Tuner Challenge experience. I wanted to push the boundaries even further this time," Arcenal said. "The iM has a sporty look I thought would mesh well with the aggressive VIP style, making for the perfect combo to win the competition." SEE ALSO: 2015 SEMA Show Preview Competing against illest's Scion iM is a creation by Rob Panlilio, co-founder of Crooks & Castles. Sticking to his Japanese car roots, Panlilio went with a widebody design and AccuAir suspension to bring the Scion iM to the ground. Featuring a black and white color scheme in true Crooks & Castles fashion, the interior of the iM has received an all-white leather-wrapped rollcage and black rewrapped race seats. Panlilio finished off his Scion iM with his signature trademark custom white mesh wheels. Another significant change from past Scion Tuner Challenges, this year's competition will be judged by last year's participants, Super Street magazine, GT Channel and Speedhunters. Also, the winner of the competition won't be revealed until the 2015 LA Auto Show on November 28, where either Mark Arcenal or Rob Panlilio will receive a $10,000 grand prize check. Discuss this story on our Scion iM Forum Loading, please wait...

2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0 Priced from $30,005 Posted: The 2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0 has been announced. Featuring a unique Lunar Storm paint shade, the 2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0 will be priced from $30,005 including destination when equipped with a manual transmission. An automatic transmission will have a $1,100 premium. The FR-S Release Series 2.0 will be limited to just 1,000 units and is the most exclusive Scion Release Series model yet. Along with the Lunar Storm exterior, the special FR-S also gets 17-inch forged alloy wheels and a unique aero kit that features spoilers on both the front lip and the trunk. Both pieces are subtle and flow nicely with the sports car's bodylines. SEE ALSO: Second-Generation Scion FR-S Discussions Ongoing Many of the upgrades are in the cabin with heated seats finished in black Alcantara and leather with camel-colored accents. The same two-tone black and camel theme carries over to the leather-trimmed steering wheel, while the shift knob and parking brake lever are covered in black leather. Camel trim can also be found on the door armrests and upper trim, while Scion opted to finish off the knee pads and center armrest in black. Found throughout the interior is camel accent stitching and embroidered on the dash insert is the release series badge, sequentially numbered from 1 to 1,000. Buyers will also get smart key with push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control and HID headlights with LED daytime running lights. "The FR-S is well known for being a fabulous sports car, and now we're taking it up a notch in the luxury arena," said Scion vice-president Andrew Gilleland. Discuss this story on our Scion FR-S Forum Loading, please wait...

2016 Scion iA Gets Customized for 2015 SEMA Show Posted: Scion reached out to its lifestyle partners to demonstrate the customization possibilities for the new 2016 Scion iA. Ever since Toyota created the Scion brand, it has embraced customization as the core of its vehicles. With two new models launching, the Japanese automaker is wasting no time to show off the versatility of the iA and iM platforms. Along with the two Scion Tuner Challenge iM vehicles this year, Scion will be bringing a pair of Scion iA sedans, one built by Eddie Huang and another by Skybound Entertainment. Huang is most well-known for his book and TV adaptation, Fresh Off The Boat, and is embracing Los Angeles culture with a modern take on the classic lowrider. That's right, this custom Scion iA features a chain-link steering wheel, custom swivel front seats and more. Bringing it to the ground is a dual-stage air bag system with independent wheel control that allows the iA to go from side-to-side and front-to-back with three-wheel motion. The exterior features a metallic yellow paint with root beer accents, while a mural of a "human panda," which is how Huang refers to himself, is on the hood. No lowrider-themed vehicle is complete without a set of wire wheels, and this iA has them finished in gold. There's also a massive gold-plated front grille to finish off the exterior modifications. SEE ALSO: 2015 SEMA Show Preview The other iA project will appeal to fans of The Walking Dead. For this Scion iA, Skybound Entertainment executed Robert Kirkman's latest comic book, Outcast, giving it a theme of demonic possession. In other words, this iA will move and operate on its own through pneumatic movements of multiple components and an automated sequence of light and audio effects. The exterior boasts an orange, black and green finish with a demonic spirit graphic directly inspired by the comic book found on the roof. The car will gyrate, smoke, change colors and emit eerie sounds at the 2015 SEMA Show, even though it will be a few days after Halloween. Discuss this story on our Scion iA Forum Loading, please wait...

Hennessey Venom GT Returns Packing 1,451 HP Posted: Hennessey is heading to the 2015 SEMA Show with three vehicles pumping out a combined 2,875 horsepower. The most exciting of the three vehicles is the Venom GT Spyder, pushing 1,451 hp as the company's flagship hypercar. That's 207 hp more than the previous generation Venom that clocked a top speed of 270.4 mph at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida last year. The new Venom GT also uses a 7.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine but horsepower and torque have been increased thanks to the ability to run E85 Flexfuel, allowing Hennessey to increase boost pressure from 19 psi to 26 psi. Weighing 2,743 pounds, the hypercar comes standard with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and has a 0-60 mph time of just 2.4 seconds. "Being the fastest matters," said company founder and president, John Hennessey.  "We are intent on keeping the Venom as the fastest, best performing and most exciting hypercar on the road." SEE ALSO: 2015 SEMA Show Preview Also heading to the 2015 SEMA Show from Hennessey is a Ford Mustang convertible packing 774 hp from its 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine. The 2016 HPE750 Supercharged Ford Mustang convertible is the only 2015 Mustang to attain a verified top speed of 200 mph and recently ran 207.9 mph on Jay Leno's Garage. The third vehicle is a 2016 VelociRaptor 650 Supercharged Ford F-150 pickup with the 5.0-liter V8 engine churning 650 hp for a 0-60 time of nine seconds. Discuss this story on our Ford Forum Loading, please wait...

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Volkswagen Reaffirms Plans to Invest in Chattanooga Plant

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• Volkswagen Reaffirms Plans to Invest in Chattanooga Plant
• Audi RS4 Avant Mule Spied Testing Near the ‘Ring
• Mazda Remains Committed to Diesels for US
• Mazda Makes MX-5 Even Lighter for SEMA with Spyder, Speedster Concepts
• Ford Bringing Custom Focus ST, Fiesta ST Projects to SEMA
• Subaru VIZIV Future Concept Looks Great, Drives Itself

Volkswagen Reaffirms Plans to Invest in Chattanooga Plant Posted: Volkswagen is still planning on investing $900 million into its plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In light of the recent news that the German automaker lost nearly $2 billion due to its diesel scandal last quarter, the Volkswagen Group has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its Chattanooga facility while moving forward with producing a new midsize SUV for the U.S. market. The total investment will be around $900 million to setup production of the seven-seater SUV and Volkswagen expects to invest $600 million in the state of Tennessee alone as part of the expansion. In addition, the new production will add 2,000 new jobs to the plant when production begins at the end of next year. SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Group Lost Tons of Money Last Quarter Along with the investment to add a new manufacturing line, Volkswagen will also create a new Engineering and Planning Center in Chattanooga. That center will be home to all future projects for the North American market, giving the automaker a central location to quickly and efficiently implement market-specific changes to its vehicles. The Chattanooga expansion will increase the current space of the plant by 50,000 square meters. "The United States continues to be one of the most important markets for Volkswagen, and our commitment to Chattanooga and the state of Tennessee is clear proof of that," said Michael Horn, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. "The Chattanooga plant is a core part of our strategy in North America. Here and throughout the region, we will work toward meeting the demands of our U.S. customers and regaining their trust in the Volkswagen brand." Discuss this story on our Volkswagen Forum Loading, please wait...

Audi RS4 Avant Mule Spied Testing Near the ‘Ring Posted: The next-generation Audi RS4 Avant has been spied testing near the Nurburgring. While the North American market can only hope the RS4 comes to the U.S. and Canada in sedan form, Europeans get to celebrate that the RS4 will live on with the new A4 body. At first glance, it appears that this is your run-of-the-mill Audi S4 Avant, but it features fender flares from the Audi allroad that have been bolted on along with wider 20-inch wheels. That certainly hints that Audi is up to something especially since the current RS4 Avant comes standard with similar 20-inch wheels. SEE ALSO: Audi R8 e-tron Looks Stunning in Blue on the Nurburgring It is more than likely that the S4 is serving as a mule for an RS4 Avant, but don't expect the RS4 to come with similar allroad fenders. Expect flared bodywork that is typical on the more aggressive, high-performance RS variants from Audi akin to what BMW does for its full-fledged M models. As for what will power the new RS4? It appears that Audi will use the same 3.0-liter engine found in the S4 but with a twin-turbo setup. What is unclear is whether Audi will incorporate an electric turbo, technology that the German automaker has been exploring in recent concepts. There's still hope that the RS4 could come to the U.S. Fourtitude reports that when it explained to Audi of America how it wished the RS6 would come to the U.S., the company replied that something else like that may come instead. Discuss this story on our Audi A4 Forum Loading, please wait...

Mazda Remains Committed to Diesels for US Posted: Mazda's rollout of diesel engines in the U.S. is facing further delays in the wake of the VW emissions scandal, but the company remains committed to the launch.  Mazda's managing executive officer in charge of research and development, Kiyoshi Fujiwara, says that reports of Mazda giving up on launching diesel engines in the U.S. are untrue. The initial rollout of Mazda's diesel engines in the U.S. was delayed and re-planned for 2016, but new regulations are going to delay the launch even further. "We're committed to launching diesel-fueled cars in the United States," Fujiwara told Reuters. "There is no doubt about that." SEE ALSO: Mazda Makes MX-5 Even Lighter for SEMA with Spyder, Speedster Concepts He went on to say that new tougher emissions tests being devised for diesels are set to cause further delays, which is why "we cannot say when we are going to be able to launch our diesel cars in the U.S. market at this point." According to Mazda, U.S. regulators have not notified them of changes to the testing procedures yet, but the company believes that revisions are coming which will delay the launch of its diesels. "Tests are going to be tougher," he said. "Regulators are not telling us or anybody what additional testing steps they have added to the processes." [Source: Reuters] Discuss this story at our Mazda Forum Loading, please wait...

Mazda Makes MX-5 Even Lighter for SEMA with Spyder, Speedster Concepts Posted: Mazda is teasing possible new variants of its small sports car, both of which will be on display at the upcoming SEMA show.  For the MX-5 Spyder, the brand tried to include the character of the vintage roadster mixed with modern day design. Inside, the Spyder includes a leather interior while the car is finished with a new Mercury Silver paint color. 2015 SEMA Coverage  The Speedster takes the lightweight MX-5 and strips off even more pounds, forgoing every part that is unnecessary, including ditching a windshield in favor of a small deflector. Mazda didn't divulge specific weights, though the brand did say that both of these concepts will be "significantly lighter" than the the 2,332-lb curb weight of the MX-5. Discuss this story at our Mazda MX-5 Forum Loading, please wait...

Ford Bringing Custom Focus ST, Fiesta ST Projects to SEMA Posted: Ford has released another set of preview images showcasing the custom Focus ST and Fiesta ST projects heading to the 2015 SEMA Show. The American automaker will have a wide range of custom cars in Las Vegas this year including four Focus ST hatchbacks and a pair of Fiesta ST hatches. Taking on the Focus ST this year will be CJ Pony Parts, Rally Innovations, Cobb Tuning and FSWERKS. Modifying the pair of Fiesta STs will be Cinemotive Media and DSPORT Magazine. Like all the previous projects Ford has previewed so far, each build varies in design and style, ranging from a street cruiser to rally racer. The Rally Innovations Focus ST might be the most aggressive of them all, sporting wider overfenders and a set of 19-inch Rays 57 Xtreme wheels to showcase the future of rally. SEE ALSO: Eight Custom Ford Mustangs Invading 2015 SEMA Show As for the two Fiesta STs, Cinemotive Media went the route of creating a capable support vehicle lowered on BC Racing BR Type coilovers while a staggered set of 17-inch ADV.1 ADV5 Track Spec wheels have been paired to Falken RT-615K rubber. Exterior modifications come from Fifteen52 while Cobb Tuning contributed with performance upgrades. Lastly, the DSPORT Ford Fiesta ST looks to create some major horsepower with a Full-Race Motorsports turbo upgrade. The car has been prepped to compete in the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car class however, so it's restricted to 300 hp but is capable of much more. Volk Racing TE37V wheels outfit each corner while KW two-way adjustable coilovers give it the stance it needs. AutoGuide.com will be sure to check out everything Ford has to offer at the 2015 SEMA Show, so check back next week as we will be reporting live from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Discuss this story on our Ford Fiesta Forum Loading, please wait...

Subaru VIZIV Future Concept Looks Great, Drives Itself Posted: Subaru unveiled a pair of design studies at the Tokyo Motor Show. This one happens to be called the VIZIV Future Concept. As for mechanical bits, it features an electrified powertrain, one with a downsized, turbocharged engine at its heart. This next-generation powerplant was supposedly borrowed from the company's XV Hybrid model and features best-in-segment thermal efficiency for enhanced fuel economy. But this isn't where the VIZIV Future Concept really shines. Instead, cutting-edge technology is what counts here. Subaru engineers have been hard at work developing autonomous driving technology, like just about everyone else in the industry, but whatever. To deliver this groundbreaking feature they tapped into the power of their existing EyeSight system. SEE ALSO: Complete 2015 Tokyo Motor Show Coverage With stereo cameras, this suite already provides a host of advanced assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and pre-collision braking. But in the VIZIV Future Concept, EyeSight is augmented by around-vehicle radar and highly accurate GPS. These extras allow this crossover to drive straight ahead all on its own while avoiding obstacles and other vehicles. However, in urban situations it's also capable of avoiding pedestrians and bicyclists while turning corners or backing up. Adding another feather to its cap, this vehicle can park itself, either at your home or in a commercial space. Now, beyond all of this, what Subaru would be complete without all-wheel drive, other than the BRZ coupe of course? To achieve four-wheel grip, this concept features a single electric motor at the rear, which powers both aft wheels, an unexpected benefit of hybrid technology. According to Subaru the VIZIV Future Concept is designed to convey a sense of "high density" and "sturdiness." That seems reasonable, with those extended fenders and signature hexagonal grille. All in all this vehicle looks pretty much ready for production so don't be surprised to see it on the road sooner rather than later. Discuss this story on our Subaru XV Forum. Loading, please wait...

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Mitsubishi eX Concept Hints at Three-Crossover Lineup

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• Mitsubishi eX Concept Hints at Three-Crossover Lineup
• Toyota S-FR Previews a Mazda MX-5 Miata Fighter
• Yamaha Wants to Sell You A Sports Car
• Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Promises to be as Easy to Own as a Gas-Powered Car
• Lexus LF-FC Concept is the Fuel-Cell Flagship of the Future
• Ken Block Goes Rear-Wheel Drive for Latest Gymkhana Machine

Mitsubishi eX Concept Hints at Three-Crossover Lineup Posted: Mitsubishi has revealed another all-electric crossover concept, the eX, at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.  The concept previews a new compact crossover that is meant to slot in between the Outlander and Outlander Sport. A dual-motor all-wheel drive electric drivetrain powers this crossover, showing Mitsubishi's commitment to electrification and the brand's plans to grow its crossover portfolio. "We are building the strength of Mitsubishi on a global scale, focusing on SUVs and electric power vehicles on which we excel," Mitsubishi President Tetsuro Aikawa said during the brand's press conference. Tokyo Motor Show Coverage The positioning of the new crossover in between the Outlander and Outlander Sport suggests that those two crossovers will also change size, with the Outlander growing and the Sport shrinking to accommodate their new stablemate. A redesigned Mitsubishi Outlander was recently revealed while a new Outlander Sport is expected to debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. Discuss this story at our Mitsubishi Forum Loading, please wait...

Toyota S-FR Previews a Mazda MX-5 Miata Fighter Posted: Toyota unveiled its adorable S-FR concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, previewing a sporty little Mazda MX-5 Miata fighter. A diminutive 2+2, the S-FR has a front-engine and rear-wheel-drive layout and will be slightly smaller than the Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S with a 3,990-mm length, 1,695-mm width and 2,480-mm wheelbase. No power/engine details have been released yet, but expect the car to weigh about 2,000 lbs and output about 130 hp from a four-cylinder engine. ALSO SEE: Full Coverage from the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show Promising a back-to-basics sporty drive, expect the S-FR to be a raw, lightweight car that isn't that fast, but is fun to drive quickly, just like the Miata it will compete against. And there's more good news: It will come with a six-speed manual transmission and an all-round independent suspension. This amazing little car is right up enthusiast alley and is sure to become a hit if it was put into production. Sadly, there is no official word yet on if the S-FR will see real roads. Discuss this story on our Toyota Forum Loading, please wait...

Yamaha Wants to Sell You A Sports Car Posted: Yamaha's latest machine has four wheels, but it's definitely not an ATV. Looking more like a tiny supercar, it foreshadows a possible new venture by the motorcycle maker into the real of automobiles. Called the Sports Ride concept, it's based on the iStream process developed by Gordon Murray; the man who created the McLaren F1. This isn't the first time Yamaha and Murray have teamed up either, debuting the Motiv city car at the same show two years ago. As such, it's designed to use light weight materials and use technologies from Formula 1. Nearly identical in length and width to the MAzda MX-5, it's roughly 2.5-inches lower overall. Weighing just 1,654 lbs there's no word on an engine, though the possibilities are endless. Not only is Yamaha entirely capable of making high-revving powerplant for small machines, they even created the spectacular 4.8-liter V10 in the Lexus LFA. Loading, please wait...

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Promises to be as Easy to Own as a Gas-Powered Car Posted: Honda took the wraps off its Clarity Fuel Cell sedan at the Tokyo Motor Show, a hydrogen-powered car that Honda promises will be as easy to drive and operate as a regular gas car. As a production car and not a concept, the Clarity signals Honda's commitment to alternative powertrains. The five-seat sedan is powered by a fuel cell stack that is 33 percent smaller, but has a 60 percent higher output density. Honda says this fuel cell stack is about the same size as a typical V6 engine, meaning it could be stored under the hood of a car and not under the passenger seats or in the trunk. ALSO SEE: Full Coverage from the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show Honda says the zero-emissions Clarity can travel up to 435 miles on a single tank of hydrogen and that the car can be fully refulled in about three minutes. Honda promises a "highly responsive and exhilarating driving experience and excellent quietness at the same time." The car can also generate electricity and be used as a generator in times of disaster. The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell will be available for lease in Japan starting in March 2016. There is no word yet on if it will make its way over to North America. Get the Flash Player to see this player. Discuss this story on our Alternative Fuels Forum Loading, please wait...

Lexus LF-FC Concept is the Fuel-Cell Flagship of the Future Posted: The course of the Lexus flagship sedan is about to take a dramatic turn. Debuting at the Tokyo Motor Show, the LF-FC concept previews the next-generation of Lexus LS with a low-slung coupe-profile and a hydrogen fuel-cell powerplant. Lexus calls it a, "visionary new vehicle that offers a peek into the design and technology direction of the brand's future flagship sedan." In fact, the Toyota luxury division says the plan for the car is to push boundaries. "Lexus wants to surprise and evoke emotion with its distinctive design and forward-thinking technology. For us, it is more than just a car, and we should exceed conventional imagination.  The LF-FC expresses our progressive luxury and high-tech vision of a not so distant future," said Tokuo Fukuichi, Lexus International President. Not only does the LF-FC look entirely new, with a long slant-nose front, new mesh grill design and 21-inch carbon fiber wheels, it also comes with an entirely unique powertrain. Rather than a conventional V8 or hybrid, the LF-FC makes use of a fuel cell system that not only powers the rear wheels, but also sends torque to in-wheel electric motors in the front, making the LF-FC all-wheel drive. More future-forward technologies lie inside the car, with a vehicle interface that's controlled by hand gestures. Lexus also claims the car is equipped with the latest autonomous driving technologies and is designed for a world absent of traffic accidents. If the concept is any indication, the new LS will be roughly a six-inches longer than the current car when it arrives on the market in roughly a year's time. Loading, please wait...

Ken Block Goes Rear-Wheel Drive for Latest Gymkhana Machine Posted: Believe it or not, Ken Block has never done a Gymkhana video with a rear-wheel drive vehicle. All that is going to change now that the driver and Hoonigan Industries has unveiled their latest creation, a custom 1978 Ford Escort MK2 RS sporting a Rocket Bunny widebody kit and a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 333 horsepower. Best of all, the powerplant has a redline of 9,000 rpm with all the power being sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. SEE ALSO: Watch Ken Block Hoon the new Ford Focus RS Along with the wider stance, Block and Hoonigan decided on a flat black paint job with white star-spangled graphics and wheels to contrast the look. On all four corners are custom two-piece fifteen52 wheels paired to Pirelli rubber. To demonstrate what the Escort is capable of, Block and Hoonigan have released a video of it undergoing a shakedown at the Hoonigan Donut Garage. They are working on a bigger video project that will showcase the vehicle for 2016. "This Escort Mk2 is special to me, it's actually my first Ford rally car," said Block. "I purchased it in 2008. It was designed to compete in tarmac events, but unfortunately those are quite lacking now stateside, so instead of converting it into a gravel machine, I had my team at Hoonigan Racing Division extend on its tarmac capabilities and develop it into the ultimate rear wheel-drive Gymkhana car." Get the Flash Player to see this player. Discuss this story on our Ford Forum Loading, please wait...

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Lexus LF-LC Spied Testing Near the Nurburgring

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• Lexus LF-LC Spied Testing Near the Nurburgring
• Ram 1500, Jeep Cherokee Recalled to Address Safety Hazards
• Watch Toyota’s Tokyo Motor Show Reveals Live Streaming Here
• GM Recalls 1.4M Older Cars to Fix Fire Risk Again
• Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport Pricing Leaked
• Mazda Confirms Sports Car Concept Will Be Rotary-Powered

Lexus LF-LC Spied Testing Near the Nurburgring Posted: The Lexus LF-LC is getting ready for testing at the world famous Nurburgring. Spy photographers have caught the production Lexus LF-LC close to the Nurburgring, but, unfortunately, they haven't seen it doing laps yet. It was rumored that the production Lexus LF-LC would revive the SC nameplate for the brand as a luxury performance coupe, but Lexus has also trademarked the LC badge, so we'll have to wait and see what the automaker decides to do. Regardless of what the model will be called, Lexus is definitely preparing a sports coupe that will sit above the current RC in the automaker's lineup. Expect it to closely resemble the LF-LC concept that debuted at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, albeit toned down a bit. SEE ALSO: Lexus SC Spied Again Looking Production Ready Unfortunately, it's unclear what engine Lexus will use to power this new model, but a candidate is the same 5.0-liter V8 found in the current RC-F but tuned for more performance. A hybrid V6 model is also a possibility, while an LC-F could see a twin-turbo version of the V8. Our spy photographers also said that the LF-LC has been seen testing alongside a BMW 6 Series, Porsche 911 and Maserati Gran Turismo, hinting at the competition Lexus is gunning for when the model heads to dealerships. Discuss this story on our Lexus Forum Loading, please wait...

Ram 1500, Jeep Cherokee Recalled to Address Safety Hazards Posted: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has recalled its Ram 1500 pickup and Jeep Cherokee SUV. The recalls are for two separate issues with the first one affecting 65,760 Ram 1500 pickups from the 2015 and 2016 model years. The affected trucks were built between mid-June and late September 2015 and dealerships will inspect and replace the rear-axle shafts or rear axles as necessary. According to the American automaker, it discovered that a supplier may not have properly heat-treated the axle shafts, potentially causing them to have increased wear. As a result, they would overheat enough to "illuminate a vehicle's Anti-lock Brake System warning light." FCA is aware of potentially one related non-injury accident and has recommended customers whose ABS warning light illuminates to contact their dealer. Most of the affected vehicles are still in dealer inventory. SEE ALSO: More Than 1M Ram Trucks Affected by 3 Different Recalls The other recall affects 75,364 Jeep Cherokee SUVs so the automaker can inspect and potentially replace the air conditioning lines. The voluntary recall is the result of an investigation that was opened after two complaints were filed to federal regulators of smoke and flame in the engine compartment. Following an internal investigation, FCA found that the air conditioning lines on some Cherokee SUVs could have been installed too closely to the engine's exhaust manifolds, posing a fire risk. The company is unaware of any injuries or accidents related to the defect. Discuss this story on our Jeep Cherokee Forum Loading, please wait...

Watch Toyota’s Tokyo Motor Show Reveals Live Streaming Here Posted: Toyota is live streaming its 2015 Tokyo Motor Show press conference. Highlights from the Japanese automaker's presence at this year's Tokyo Motor Show include the new 2016 Prius, C-HR concept, S-FR, FCV Plus, Kikai and a non-automotive Kirobo Mini robot. While we've already seen the all-new Prius and C-HR concept, the S-FR has our interest serving as a baby FR-S model that will unlikely ever head to the U.S. if it gets produced. Measuring at 157 inches long, the S-FR is roughly 10 inches shorter than the Scion FR-S but it is slightly taller and about three inches narrower. SEE ALSO: 2015 Tokyo Motor Show Coverage Check out everything Toyota has to show off at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show by watching the live stream below. It will kick off on Tuesday, October 27 at 10:00 PM PT or on Wednesday, October 28 at 1:00 AM ET. Loading, please wait...

GM Recalls 1.4M Older Cars to Fix Fire Risk Again Posted: GM is recalling 1.4 million older cars dating as far back as 1997 to fix an issue that was supposed to be addressed in two previous recalls. The affected cars are from the 1997 to 2004 model year, and can leak oil due to degraded valve cover gaskets and possibly catch fire. The leaking oil can fall onto the exhaust manifold under hard braking and catch fire. This is the third recall for this issue in seven years. This recall affects mostly cars in North America an includes the following cars with 3.8-liter V6 engines: the 1997 to 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick Regal, the 2000 to 2004 Chevrolet Impala, the 1998 and 1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, and the 1998 to 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. GM hasn't come up for a fix for this issue yet, but it is in the process on contacting owners. To see if your car is affected, you can check here. Loading, please wait...

Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport Pricing Leaked Posted: Pricing for the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport has been leaked, and the track-only car will allegedly start at $165,000. A standard, street-legal Cayman GT4 starts at $84,600, so the stripped-down Clubsport model will likely demand a more than $80,000 premium. The Clubsport will be powered by the same 3.8-liter flat six with 385 hp, but at a light 2,866 pounds, the track car will be much lighter than the regular Cayman GT4, so acceleration times will likely be faster. Very little information about the Clubsport model is available; we don't even know what it looks like yet (the standard GT4 is pictured above). ALSO SEE: 10 Exotic Cars the Porsche Cayman GT4 Beat Around the Nürburgring We do know the coupe gets a double-clutch transmission with paddle shifters (so far the regular GT4 is only available with a manual), a mechanical rear-axle locking differential, a lightweight suspension strut front axle system taken from the 911 GT3 Cup, a welded-in safety cage, a racing bucket seat, and a six-point harness. The car also gets bigger 380-millimeter steel brake discs. The Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport will make its public debut at the L.A. Auto Show in November, and according to the leaked pricing document, will go on sale in February 2016. More information and photos will be available at launch. [Source: Automobile] Discuss this story on our Porsche Forum Loading, please wait...

Mazda Confirms Sports Car Concept Will Be Rotary-Powered Posted: Mazda will be bringing a new sports car concept to the Tokyo Motor Show this week, and the Japanese automaker has confirmed that it will have a rotary engine. Seemingly answering enthusiasts' prayers, Mazda has told Autocar that the new rotary engine in what will likely be the RX-9 concept will be called the SkyActiv-R. "People think rotary cannot meet modern Eco demands," Kiyoshi Fujiwara, the company's head of research and development, said to the publication. "The SkyActiv engineers worked on rotary and have it cutting edge tech. It is an essential part of our DNA and it just be passed onto future engineers. It is synonymous with the brand. Some time in the future it will return and be called SkyActiv-R" ALSO SEE: Is This the Mazda RX-9 Sports Car We've Been Dreaming Of? The concept is a low-slung, two-door, two seater that was previewed in the leaked image/render seen above. There is no official launch date for the next Mazda sports car, but 2018 will be the 40th anniversary of the original RX-7, which would be a prime time to debut an RX-9. Stay tuned, as AutoGuide.com will be covering the Tokyo Motor Show live, and will bring you more information on this Mazda concept when it becomes available. [Source: Autocar] Discuss this story on our Mazda Forum Loading, please wait...

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