Video of the Day: All New Cadillac CTS-V Coupe In Action

Audi's New Slew of Electric Vehicles

In the last four months Audi has released three (well, almost three) electric vehicle concepts. Audi unveiled the third e-tron at the Detroit Auto Show this week. The latest model, with a weight of 2,976 pounds, can go from 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds. Power is delivered by four independent engines that drive each wheel, creating 204 horsepower. Audi claims a 155 mile range after an 11 hour charge.

The e-tron is expected to go on sale late in 2012, with the latest concept closer to what consumers will be seeing on the road.

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: Audi e-tron Concept from Autoblog)

[Source: Autoblog]

Volkswagen Set to Double Sales in U.S. by 2013

Volkswagen of America, with sales down four percent from 2009, is aiming to not only become profitable, but double sales as well. In 2009 Volkswagen sold 213,454 cars in the U.S. The entire Volkswagen group only sold 297,537 vehicles in the U.S., including the luxury brand Audi, in 2009 which is down five percent from 2008.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: egmCarTech]

Ford Showcases Nine New Engines and Six Transmissions at NAIAS

Ford, in a process that began back in 2008, is continuing on its plan of launching 60 new or upgraded engine, transmission, and transaxles over the next five years world wide. The new drivetrain components are seen in the Mustang, Fiesta, Super Duty truck line, F-150 and the new Focus.

One of the newest and most anticipated engines is the 2.0-liter directed injected four-cylinder engine that will be found in the new 2012 Focus.

The 2011 Ford Fiesta is packing a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a PowerShift dual clutch transmission that is estimated to get 40 mpg on the highway; more than its competition, the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris.

The Mustang and Mustang GT also get upgraded power plants. The Mustang receiving a 3.7-liter V6 that is good for 307 horsepower. The Mustang GT resurrects the 5.0-liter engine and produces 412 horsepower.

The Super Duty line of trucks will have two new engines; a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 and a 6.2-liter gasoline engine. Also making a debut in Ford's truck engine lineup, the F-150 will get the EcoBoost 3.7-liter V6 engine that achieves V8 power 20 percent less fuel consumption.

Ford is planning to have EcoBoost engines in 90 percent of its lineup by 2013.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Motor Authority]

Chryler 300 Special Editions

Fiat is not only offering new editions of their Dodge brand lineup, but is also enhancing their Chrysler brand as well. The Chrysler 300 is receiving two special editions, the S6 and S8. Both are badged as the "300 S."

The first noticeable difference is in the grille. The customary chrome grill has been replaced with a blacked-out grille, the only chrome remaining is on the surrounds. The mirrors are body-colored, and the headlight bezles are darkened. The S6 and S8 are riding on 20 inch rubber. Interior touches are also done subtly, which carbon woven stitching throughout.

The S6 is powered by 3.5-liter V6 that is good for 250 horsepower and 250 ft-lbs of torque. The S8 receives the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that produces 340 horsepower and 190 ft-lbs of torque. The S6 and S8 are nearly identical, with the S8 having twin pipes and nearly solid-red taillights.

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: 2010 Chrysler 300 S8 from Autoblog)

[Source: Autoblog]