Contact Us

First, I would like to thank you for stopping by and catching up on all the latest automotive news.

Second, you can now follows us on Myspace or on our Facebook fan page. You can, of course, contact us at autowatch411@gmail.com. Please feel free to comment, critique, and question. We appreciate, and value, your opinion.

Thank you,
Anthony Alaniz
Executive Editor

GM Works on Twin-Turbo to Compete with Ford

It looks as if General Motors is not letting Ford get away too quickly in the forced induction race. GM Insider has confirmed that GM will be producing its own turbocharged engine.

GM engineering sources have said that GM is working on a twin-turbo 3.0L V6, though output numbers are still unknown.

Expect the engine to debut in late 2011 or early 2012 in the Cadillac XTS, and maybe later in the next Chevrolet Camaro.

-Anthony Alaniz

[Source: GM Insider]

Fiat Moving Production to North America

Fiat has unveiled a new strategy that will cut 5,000 jobs at three Italian plants, while Chrysler is set to build Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Lancia cars in North America for Europe.

Last November Chrysler said that it will build 270,000 units of Lancia and Alfa Romeo for Fiat by 2014.

Fiat's job cuts come as Fiat cuts its model offerings from 14 to nine.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Chrysler]

BMW's New Powerplants Coming

BMW, known for its luxury sedans, and pure performance coupes, has announced it is developing a slew of new gasoline and diesel engines, including its first ever three-cylinder engine.

The new engines are being designed for BMW's new front-wheel architecture, though customers can expect the new engines to appear in their rear-wheel-drive-cars as well.

The new front-wheel-drive design will first underpin the third-generation Mini hatchback in 2014. The second model will be a new BMW that is slotted below its 1-series line, but will remain rear-wheel-drive.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Automotive News]

Term of the Day

Turbo Lag - Is the time required to bring the turbocharger up to speed where it can work effectively. It is noticeable when there is hesitation in throttle response when coming off idle.

-Anthony Alaniz

Video of the Day: Great Dane: Zenvo ST1

Pentastar V6 Engine Begins Prodcution

Chrysler is celebrating the launch of its all new Pentastar V6 engine, once known as Phoenix, at the South Engine Plant in Trenton, Mich.

The new V6 engine will improve fuel-efficiency by 25 percent across Chrysler's entire product lineup. The new engine will replace seven current Chrysler engines.

Customers should expect to see the new Pentastar V6 to begin appearing first in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee later this year.

Chysler is preparing Michigan to be its powertrain leader; investing $1 billion into its Michigan facilities since 2007.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Chysler]

Ford to Invest in Green Technology in UK

Ford recently announced that it will be investing $2.3 billion USD into green technology in its four British facilities. Over the next five years Ford is planning to invest into its facilities after it secured a $549 million USD loan guarantee from the government.

Ford's Bridgend facility is scheduled to produce the new EcoBoost engines. Joe Greenwell, Ford of Britain chairman said, "It greatly assists in delivery Ford's commitment to invest...in new, affordable, volume-produced low CO₂ technologies."

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: egmCarTech]

Volvo XC30 for 2012

Volvo may be branching out to launch a new compact crossover, set to compete with the BMW X1, and Mercedes-Benz BLK, called the XC30.

Lex Kerseemaker, Volvo's president of overseas corporate strategy said, "There will be further expansion of the XC range in the near future."

A range of gas and turbo-diesel engines are expected to be offered, along with an all-wheel drive system. The XC30 will have a similar stying to the current XC60.

Volvo is also working on a five-door wagon based off the C30, though Volvo is not planning on going smaller than the C30 platform.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Cars Guide]

Laura Soave to Head Fiat of North America

Laura Soave, former Volkswagen General Manager of Experimental Marketing, was named the Head of the Fiat Brand for North America. Soave has also worked at various positions with Ford, most recently as a Brand DNA Manager.

Soave will first introduce the Fiat 500 to North America. She will be solely responsible for all profits and losses of the North America brand. Her position has her answering directly to Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Group.

-Anthony Alaniz

[Source: Chrysler]

Ralliart To Close

Ralliart, the motor sport division of Mitsubishi, has announced that is closing its doors as of April 2010. The company's closer, that has been closely tied to Mitsubishi, will not affect any current or future Ralliart Mitsubishi vehicles.

"Because of the sudden change of economy situation since the year before last, the business circumstances surrounding our company radically became worse and so, this time we have reached the conclusion that we Ralliart Inc., would scale down our business activities as of the end of March 2010," the company said in a statement.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: egmCarTech]