Subaru Unveils 2013 Legacy Sedan and Outback with Reworked Fascias and New 2.5-Liter Boxer

The 2012 New York International Auto Show will see Subaru performing the world premiere of the updated 2013 Legacy sedan and Outback crossover models, both of which gain a newly developed 2.5-liter boxer four along with a new face and changes to the chassis and interior.

Subaru's new 2.5-liter double-overhead-cam (DOHC) FB series boxer engine produces 173 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque, compared to 170hp and 170 lb.-ft. from the previous 2.5-liter SOHC engine. It can be combined with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a second-generation Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission).

Read more »

Infiniti Introduces 2012 M35h with Improved Fuel Economy and Lower CO2 Emissions

Infiniti has released details on its new model year M35h hybrid that will roll out across Europe in the forthcoming weeks. There are no styling or equipment changes to the 2012 M35h as Infiniti focused on improving the hybrid model's fuel efficiency and CO2 emission figures.

To do so, the Japanese brand's engineers made key enhancements to electric motor accuracy and battery charging, which allow the M35h to rely more on electric power when starting off from cold.

Read more »

Mercedes-Benz Outlines Future Plans, Says Next S-Class with Have Six Derivatives

After posting new records for vehicle sales, revenue and earnings in 2011 and with 2012 off to a good start as the company is expected to report its best sales ever in a first quarter, Mercedes-Benz has every reason to be optimistic about the future, despite some hiccups such as the axing of the Maybach brand.

During the opening ceremony of a new plant in Kecskemét, Hungary, Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, outlined the company’s 2020 growth strategy.

Zetsche said that the Mercedes-Benz cars division intends to conquer the number one position in the premium segment not only in terms of brand, products and profitability, but also of vehicle sales.

Overall, worldwide car sales are forecasted to increase from 60 million units in 2011 to 100 million units in 2020. According to Zetsche, Mercedes-Benz's medium-term target target is to lift sales from 1,279,100 in 2011, to more than 1.5 million vehicles in 2014 and more than 1.6 million in 2015.

Read more »

Volkswagen Group Nabs TeamRS and SVT Boss Jost Capito from Ford

In a surprising development, the Volkswagen Group has grabbed the much-famed Jost Capito from the Ford Motor Company.

The 53-year old will head the German company's Motorsport division effective May 1, 2012, replacing Kris Nissen, who will remain in the company to support Capito during the transition phase and consequently assist the Group in an advisory role, according to VW.

Capito, who is credited with overseeing the development of the original Focus RS as well as the current Focus ST and Fiesta ST models, was Ford's director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development. Both the North American SVT and European TeamRS performance divisions reported directly to Capito. It is believed that he will have a similar role in the VW Group as well.

It is not known who will replace him at Ford yet.

Read more »

Corvette Z06 Chases a Nissan GT-R Around the Track Until it Surrenders

What Nissan has managed to do with the R35 GT-R is nothing short of amazing, as the Japanese carmaker's flagship model has become the de facto standard in the sports car world upon which all other vehicles are judged.

Of course, we should never forget that another important factor that weighs in at any type of race is the driver and how capable he or she is behind the wheel.

The video that follows, isn't a race per se, as the drivers of the Corvette Z06 and Nissan GT-R running at the MotorSport Ranch Performance Car Country Club in Texas were probably there to do some hot laps around the track, but still, the chase that ensued makes for a pretty interesting watch.

Read more »

This Toyota Corolla "Horse Whisperer" Ad has Garnered 1 Million Views in Two Days, but Why?

As much experience as one might have with online media, you can never be entirely certain which commercial will draw the attention of viewers.

Sure, you can assume that Fiat's "naughty" campaign for the 500 Abarth with Catrinel Menghia will not go by unnoticed, but after seeing Toyota's "Horse Whisperer" ad for the Corolla sedan, would you really think that it could gather close to a million views (937,575 when we last checked) in less than 48 hours?

We don't have access to the stats to see where all this traffic came from, but we can tell you that the video has 45 likes and 121 dislikes. Maybe we're missing something here…

You can take a look at the 15 second ad in the video right past the break.

Read more »

Mitsubishi Bringing Facelifted 2013 Outlander Sport / ASX to the New York Auto Show

It's only been on the market since spring of 2010, but Mitsubishi feels that it's time for its Outlander Sport, which some of our readers will know as the ASX and RVR, to receive a mid-life facelift.

The Japanese automaker revealed on Wednesday that the refreshed 2013 Outlander Sport will break cover at the New York International Auto Show on April 4.

Even though we don't get any photos of the 2013 Outlander Sport (what you see here is the current, 2012 model), Mitsubishi outlined the most important changes for its compact crossover.

Read more »