Chrysler expands 300 line-up with 300S and 300C Executive Series models

Chrysler is putting extra toppings on its popular 300 series with the new 300C Executive Series and the 300S (ultra high-performance 300 SRT8 discussed earlier). The 300C Executive Series is a top-of-the-line 300 that includes everything in the 300 goody bag along with ultra-soft Italian leather covering just about every surface (including the dash). The real wood trim is hand processed for a richer look (right). The 300C Exec comes with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 363 hp mated to a five-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is available. Expensive? Yes but pricing won't be announced until shortly before the new model's intro in the Fall.

The new 300S could be described as SRT8 Lite, but that wouldn't do the new model justice. The 300S has all of the go fast looks with blacked-out and body-color trim in lieu of the shiny pieces, spoiler, body kit, and special 20-inch wheels. The interior has Piano Black accents with either Black or Radar Red (see pic after the jump) leather and includes Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment system. The 300S comes with an exclusive sound system that includes the first integration of Beats™ by Dr. Dre™ audio technology. In other words their are speakers and sub-woofers everywhere. The really coll thing about the 300S is the engine line-up. you can order your 300S with either the 3.6-liter PentaStar V6 (tuned to 292 hp) with an eight-speed (yes 8) automatic, which should provide class-leading fuel economy, or the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (363 hp) backed by a five speed automatic. Both engine choices can be ordered with all-wheel drive. The suspension is touring (V6) or sport (V8) tuned for excellent handling. If you order the optional Luxury Group (with the V-6) it includes premium Nappa leather sport seating in black or exclusive Radar Red, driver's seat memory, heated rear seats, heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering column, power-adjustable pedals, power sunshade, vehicle security alarm, driver’s side auto-dimming mirrors and auto-tilt in Reverse, heated/cooled cup holders, trunk mat, satin chrome lower door sills with “Chrysler” logo, and LED illuminated front-footwells and front and rear map pockets. The 300S with the Hemi gets the good stuff from the V-6 with Luxury Group and adds 160-mph LED-illuminated instrument cluster, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Smartbeam headlamps, ParkView® rear back-up camera, and HomeLink universal transceiver. In other words, you should have no trouble finding a 300 model to fit in your full-size parking space when the 2012 models roll out this Fall. And they look really good too.

Source: Chrysler - Press release after the jump.

2012 Kia Rio sedan revealed in New York

Kia unveiled the all-new Rio sedan at the New York Auto Show continuing the Korean carmaker's run of styling successes. The sedan, like the Hyundai Accent, will be the "base" car with the Rio5 (pics after the jump) five-door hatchback taking the car into more upscale and sport territory. The new Rio gets a new 1.6-liter direct-injected four that makes 138 hp that is estimated to get 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/highway. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual and an available six-speed automatic.

The sedan will be available in LX, EX, and SX trim levels. The LX trim includes body-color door handles and side mirrors, driver's seat height adjuster, and 15-inch steel wheels with 185/65R15 tires, while the Rio5 adds a rear spoiler. Moving to the EX trim brings additional standard features, including power door locks with keyless entry, standard power windows with automatic up/down on the driver's window, Bluetooth®5 wireless technology connectivity, telescoping steering column, 60/40 split folding rear seats, leatherette door trim. and a standard rear wiper for the Rio5. If you want a little sport in your Rio, the SX trim offers standard 17-inch wheels with 205/45R17 tires, fog lamps, LED daytime running and rear combinations lamps, dual chrome tip exhaust, outside heated mirrors with turn signal indicators,  Supervision™ meter cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, trip computer, cruise control, UVO powered by Microsoft®6 in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system with rear camera display, chrome-coated accents, and, unique for the Rio5, projector headlamps. Upgrades for the Rio EX include a Convenience Package and Eco Package, while the SX level offers an available Premium Package. The Convenience Package includes 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic light control, fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, trip computer, cruise control and the UVO powered by Microsoft® in-car hands-free communication and entertainment system with rear camera display8 and more. The Eco Package appeals to the environmentally friendly consumer with ISG technology and an Active Eco System for optimal fuel-efficient driving. Upgrading the SX trim with the Premium Package includes a navigation system (replaces the UVO system), push-button start with Smart Key, leather seat trim, heated front seats, and a moonroof.

The good-looking sub-compact (almost a compact in size) Rio offers another competitive entry in the growing sub-compact market. With so many choices, remember to drive the models that you like and choose from there. All sub-compacts (and all cars for that matter) are not created equal and you need to make sure that what looks good on the outside, will get you down the road in a manner that fits your driving needs and style.

Source: Kia - Press release, pics, and spec chart after the jump.

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 storms New York

You knew when the new 300 was revealed earlier this year that an SRT8 version was around the corner. Well folks, here it is and it should be something. The 300 SRT8 features the new 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 465 hp and 465 lb./ft. of torque that puts the power to the rear wheels through a heavy-duty five-speed automatic. The 300 SRT8 will hit 60 in under 5 seconds, hit the quarter mile taking less than 13 seconds, take 120 ft to stop from 60, and run out of breath at 175 mph. New for 2012 is an Adaptive Damping Suspension (ADS) system that is tuned specifically for the Chrysler 300 SRT8. Exterior tweaks include a monochrome body color accents with a blacked-out grille and headlamp backgrounds. An available Black Chrome Package adds more sinister. The all-new interior adds world-class luxury accommodations with performance-oriented technology and appointments. An all-new leather-wrapped, heated, SRT-exclusive steering wheel features a unique rim section and paddle shift controls. Real carbon fiber interior trim pieces are integrated into the new instrument panel, door spears and shifter bezel along with new racing style brake and gas pedal pads are standard. The new full-color graphic EVIC with exclusive Performance Pages includes timers for 0-60 mph, one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times, 60-0 braking distance, along with lateral and longitudinal g-forces within the touchscreen display. The new instrument panel’s 8.4-inch color touchscreen display is customizable to a driver selectable background. An available Premium Leather Interior Package offers Poltrona Frau “Foligno” leather wrapped upper door trim panels, instrument panel, cluster brow and center console side panels. Nappa leather covers the door bolster, armrest and center console armrest. Also new for 2012 is the available SRT performance sound system from Harman Kardon® with 900-watts and 19-speakers and Uconnect® Touch 8.4N system provides all of the next-generation mobile infotainment and multimedia items any owner might want. For more info, check out the press release or visit our local dealer. If you want a fast, yet elegant ride, this is it.

Source: Chrysler - Press release after the jump.

Subaru shows XV Concept in Shanghai

Looking for all the world like an Impreza Outback, Subaru showed the XV Concept at the 2011 Auto Shanghai show. The XV is a crossover (CUV) that features Subie's 2.0-liter four and a CVT (Continuously-Variable Transmission). The XV seats five and has an interesting dash with mucho electronics. Three different displays (one each for navigation, car audio, and vehicle information) are united in the design and the touch panel technology should make the electronics easy to use and intuitive. What strikes me about the XV is that it looks "ready for prime time." In other words, minus the paint and wheels, this car looks like it could be at your dealer - today. The XV is painted in what Subaru calls "Electro YellowGreen" and what I call "Kermit the Frog metallic matte." Who knows? It might grow on you. The interior is finished in "Silvery White" leather with lime-green piping. The high-mounted center display is used for Subaru's "Eye Sight" system that uses stereo cameras. At first the paint put me off, but this is a good-looking CUV that could be very popular. How about a turbo from the WRX to go with the Subaru all-wheel-drive system?

Source: Subaru - Press release after the jump.

Revised and refreshed - the 2012 Jaguar XF takes to the Big Apple

When Jaguar released the new XF, jaws dropped at the car's beauty. For 2012, the new XF gets a few updates that bring the car's styling in line with the graceful new XJ. The front clip has been altered with revisions to the grille, hood, and front fenders (which incorporate new triangular side vents) and headlamps with bi-function HID xenon technology that allow the lamps to be slimmer. The headlamp clusters include LED daytime running lights arranged in a distinctive Jaguar ‘J-Blade’ signature. The tail lamps are full-LED for stop, tail light and turn signal functions and have been redesigned and now extend onto the central portion of the trunk lid. Each XF model receives styling cues that are distinctive to the particular model for greater visual difference. The interior has been upgraded with new seats, instrument panel, and an optional 1200W Bowers & Wilkins® premium surround sound system. The start-up show, with the opening vents and rising shift knob, is still there. The XF infotainment system has been completely redesigned for 2012 which includes a full-color display and the transmission now features eight forward speeds. New interior and exterior colors will be available. If you read the second (Euro) press release after the jump, you'll see that the XF is available across the pond with a new turbo-diesel that gives the car outstanding fuel economy (52.3 mpg in the Euro cycle). Wonder if we'll ever see it now that gas prices are climbing.

Source: Jaguar - Press releases after the jump.

Hyundai adds a little spice to the new Accent

Hyundai has been on a roll lately, with the new Elantra and the Sonata. The new Accent is a quantum leap ahead of its predecessor, but is not quite the home run of the its bigger brethren. Don't get me wrong, the Accent is a nice looking car with a great interior for the price point. The 2012 Accent comes in three flavors (which makes picking your car much easier) a four-door GLS and two five-doors (hatchbacks) in GS and SE (sport) trim. The standard features list is long and there are only a couple of packages like the Comfort Package for the GLS sedan (air, power windows and mirrors, upgraded audio, and more) and the Premium Package (remote keyless entry with panic, steering wheel mounted audio controls, cruise control, Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, Piano black accent, fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels and more). Five-door models come with more standard equipment but with higher price tags. The new Gamma 1.6-liter four makes 138 hp and can be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The extensive press releases and charts have all the info you might need if the Accent is your cup of tea. For more info, check with your dealer when the Accent arrives this summer with prices ranging from $12,445 (plus freight $760, taxes, license, fees, and options) for the GLS sedan with the manual transmission to $16,795 (pluses) for the SE five-door with the automatic.

Source: Hyundai - Extensive press release and charts after the jump.

Top Five Posts as of 4-24

The 2012 Honda Civic shown post continues to dominate receiving more than 7X the page views of the next popular post, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 defines SUV high performance (right). In the past, the Jeep Wrangler Black Ops special edition post dominated in a similar manner for weeks.

Chevy love was reflected by the popularity of the 2012 ZL1 reveals Chevy performance Camaro-style post.

New Volkswagen Beetle comes out of its shell is a new post from the New York Auto Show. The post includes a link to a brief video of the new Beetle's (VW just calls the car Beetle and not New Beetle from this model forward) intro in New York.

The last of the Top Five is the 2012 Ford Focus Quick Look (below) that I included since the new Focus is arriving in showrooms at this time.

Recent posts at sister site
uautoknow.net - Classic.

Nissan Leaf named World Car of the Year.

2012 Honda Civic pricing announced. Includes model pricing chart after the press release.

2012 Chevy Sonic gets Z-Spec'd out (below).

2011 Auto Shanghai and New York Auto Show posts - Update (32)

2011 has been a big year for auto shows so far, with the Geneva Motor Show opening earlier this year and now Auto Shanghai and the New York Auto Show opening in the same week. As a result of this potential overlap, I'm combining the posts for both shows into one recap and to be honest, it's easier for me. After the jump, you'll find a photo, the post title, and the beginning of the post (in alphabetical order) to make a click through, to the post of interest, easier for you to access. Click on the title to read the full piece (including any press releases). Posts with video or video links will include a red "V" in the title and those with slideshows with lots of pics will sport a red "S." I may have missed a couple and will try to add them later (after Update in the title is the number of posts). Enjoy!

Chrysler adds a little 'tude with the 2012 200 S Sedan and Convertible

Just like its Dodge sibling, the Avenger R/T, the new 200 S Sedan and Convertible (shown) add a little attitude and performance to Chrysler's mid-size entries. The new 200 S models add all of the good stuff like the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 (283 hp), a six-speed automatic, leather, power everything, a Boston Acoustic sound system with a 276-watt CD/DVD/MP3/30 gigabyte hard drive media center with Uconnect® voice command, special 18-inch aluminum wheels, suspension tweaks, darkened exterior trim (grille, logo, wheel accents, head light background), body-colored mirror surrounds and door handles, exclusive front and rear fascia and more. The look is upscale and stylish and adds a bit of zest to a mid-size that can be a little boring otherwise. The 200 S Sedan and Convertible will be at your local dealer this Spring and can be ordered now. Pricing starts at $26,790 (including $750 destination, plus taxes, license, fees and options). The 200 S Convertible starts at $32,490 (including $750 destination, plus taxes, license, fees and options). The 200 S Convertible has a soft fabric top or a metal folding hardtop. For more info, check out the press release or visit your dealer.

Source: Chrysler - Press release after the jump.

BMW Z4 sDrive28i packs four-cylinder punch

BMW used the Big Apple's auto extravaganza to show the first car in BMW's current US line-up to use the company's new 2.0-liter twin-turbo four, the Z4 sDrive28i. This new four will expand to other models in the US BMW range as the need for greater fuel economy increases (due to both regulations and consumer demand). The 2.0-liter twin-turbo engine makes 240 hp which is close to the power created by the naturally-aspirated six of last year's model. Expect a six-speed manual and the eight-speed automatic or the dual-clutch transmission to get the power to the rear wheels. More info to come...

Source: BMW - Brief press release after the jump.

Soul gets big updates for 2012

 

 

Kia Soul that is. You'll have to do the work on yourself, well yourself. Anyway, the 2012 Kia Soul five-door hatchback gets some mid-cycle updates like the new projector-beam headlights, LED taillights, revised bumpers, upgraded interiors, and two new engines ant transmissions. The '12 Soul comes in four trim levels - Soul, Soul+, Soul!, and Soul Sport.

The "base" Soul gets all the standard goodies like the new 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injection (135 hp) engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission (new six-speed automatic is optional), air conditioning, power door locks, power windows, external temperature display and digital clock in the radio, an upper storage bin, dual-level glove box, 12-volt power outlet, rear window defroster, cargo area light, clear lens auto-off headlamps, body color door handles and side mirrors, black body side molding, rear wiper/washer, front and rear disc brakes and 15-inch steel wheels.

Step up to the Soul+ and you add the new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (available with either the six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission) that produces 160 horsepower, key-less entry with flip key, Bluetooth®5 hands-free phone connectivity, privacy glass on the hatch and rear side windows, dual body-color power side mirrors with integrated turn signals, 16-inch alloy wheels, telescoping steering column, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel-mounted controls, cruise control (on automatic transmission models only), hands-free Bluetooth® wireless technology connectivity, dual 12-volt power outlets, and tweeter speakers.  

Soul! buyers will get a power sunroof, new LED projector headlamps... read on

Source: Kia - Press release after the jump.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 defines SUV high performance

Whenever you see the letters SRT added to the name of any Chrysler product, you know that you're in for a treat and in the case of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, you're getting the "most powerful, technologically advanced, high-performance Jeep® vehicle ever." The motive force is provided by Chrysler's newly updated 6.4-liter V8 that creates 465 hp and 465 lb./ft. of torque. Sixty mph falls by the wayside in 4.8 seconds. A quarter mile run falls in the mid 13s and the car halts in just 116 feet from 60 mph. Because the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the ultimate Jeep speedster, it gets just about everything in the Jeep grab bag like an adjustable adaptive suspension system (Jeep Select-Track), all-wheel drive, 20-inch alloy wheels, tuned and lowered suspension, heavy-duty components, body kit, Electronic Vehicle Information Center, SRT-styled Nappa leather and suede seats, and just about every safety feature available (see press release). Garmin Navigation and SIRIUS Travel Link are standard (with the 430N AM/FM/CD/DVD radio). Options include an available 825-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harman Kardon® that includes a 10-inch subwoofer. The optional Vehicle Entertainment System (VES) includes a DVD player and rear seat overhead screen that delivers a variety of programming choices, with ports to connect games and media players with audio and video output capability, including iPod® connectivity. The Media Center or the VES remote can control multiple screen inputs and each screen can play something different. There's also an available CommandView® dual-pane sun roof, and a Luxury Group that adds premium leather to the door trim panels, instrument panel, and center console along with a power liftgate, adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning and Blind-spot Monitoring. What can I say? The ultimate Jeep high-performance crossover will be at your local dealer in the Fall. Check out the press release for all the info.

Source: Jeep - Extremely detailed press release and pics (7) after the jump.

2012 Subaru Impreza shown in New York

When I saw the first spy pics and leaked photos, I was underwhelmed. When I got the official photos, I felt much better. The 2012 Subaru Impreza is good-looking. Especially the five-door model. Maybe not as attractive as the concept that previewed the new car's styling, but a definite step up from the previous generation. The new Impreza comes as a five-door hatchback or a four-door sedan with a new 2.0-liter Boxer engine that makes 147 hp. Early fuel economy estimates are 27 mpg/city and 36 mpg/ highway which are good numbers for cars with standard all-wheel drive. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual or a CVT (Continuously-Variable Transmission). The Impreza will be available in three (actually five)  trim levels base, Premium, and Limited for the sedan and Sport Premium, and Sport Limited for the five-door model. All 2012 Impreza models come equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), a standard 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist safety system, upgraded materials, and Subaru's full suite of safety equipment. The base model features a tilt/telescoping steering wheel; power windows, door locks and side mirrors; a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat; a multi-function display with fuel economy information; remote keyless entry; security system with engine immobilizer; and carpeted floormats. Impreza Premium models add... read on

Source: Subaru - Press release and pics after the jump.

Nissan unveils next-gen Versa sedan

Nissan has introduced the latest version of its popular Versa compact sedan for 2012. Available this Summer, the new Versa will continue with the previous model's traits of quality and features for a low starting price. While the new Versa won't be everyone's cup of tea, it is another option for those with a limited budget that want a new, and not a used, car. The new Versa comes equipped with a new 1.6-liter four that makes 106 hp that uses Nissan's five-speed manual (1.6 S model only) or their CVT (Continuously-Variable Transmission) for a combined EPA-rating of 33 mpg (with the CVT). The all-new 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan will be available in three models the Versa Sedan 1.6 S (offered in 5MT and CVT versions), Versa Sedan 1.6 SV (CVT only) and Versa Sedan 1.6 SL (CVT only). Three options packages are offered: the Cruise Control Package (1.6 S CVT only); the SV Convenience Package (1.6 SV only - with Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, upgraded audio, iPod® control, map lights and front passenger vanity mirror) and the SL Tech Package (1.6 SL only - adds Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® {XM® subscription required, sold separately} and 5-inch color touch-screen display and XM® Satellite Radio {XM® subscription required, sold separately}). If you're looking for an inexpensive ($10,990 base sticker price) ride, the new 2012 Versa could be it.

Source: Nissan - Press release after the jump.

Jeep expands Wrangler line-up with new Mojave special edition

Nobody does special editions better than Jeep and the new 2012 Wrangler Mojave special-edition model is the latest. Based on the Wrangler Sport model, the Mojave features include a body-color hardtop and fender flares, “Mojave” and lizard decals on the hood and rear, the Sahara model’s side steps, an available Wrangler Rubicon tire and wheel package (mineral gray 17-inch wheels shod with 32-inch tires). Inside, Wrangler Mojave’s seats are dark saddle leather with a lizard logo embossed on the front seats, driftwood accents (surrounds the vents, front-passenger grab handle, steering-wheel spokes, and door-handle inserts). and Mopar® tread pattern slush mats and overhead grab handles. The new 2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave is available in Sahara Tan, Bright White, and Black with prices starting at $29,195 (plus $750 destination, taxes, license, fees, and options).

Source: Jeep - Press release and pics (4) after the jump.

Scion FR-S RWD sport coupe debuts

There's nothing quite like a candy-apple red sports coupe to get your blood flowing. Previously shown as the FT-86 II concept, Toyota's new sportster graces the New York Auto Show stage as the Scion FR-S (Front engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport) Concept and a striking thing it is. Developed with Subaru, the FR-S uses Subie's boxer (flat) four with the addition of Toyota's direct-injection system for more power and efficiency. The production version will use either a six-speed manual or automatic to get things moving to the rear wheels. Some of the concept's details might not see production like the low-in-the-door door handles, giant (compared to the car) wheels, the slimline mirrors, etc. We should see the production version debut at an upcoming auto show soon. Will there be a Toyota and a Scion version (along with the Subaru version)? All-wheel drive? Turbocharged engines (from the Impreza WRX STi)? Price (said to be "affordable")? Good questions all. It's nice to see a Toyota model that one can lust after. I hope it's worth the wait.

Source: Scion - Press release after the jump.

2013 Taurus SHO shows the way to future Ford performance

The Taurus SHO (Super High Output) has been a popular full-size performance sedan for years. Just ask Conan. The SHO model returned when the Taurus had its most recent redesign and the 2013 iteration gets all of the good stuff like the stiffer body, improved styling, updated safety and tech features that debuted on the regular Taurus plus a few tweaks that are for the SHO alone. The black mesh grille is a welcome change as is the addition of the Taurus SHO Performance Package that adds new brakes, 20-inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires, and an enhanced heavy-duty cooling system for more spirited driving. The Performance Package even includes a lower axle ratio that provides quicker starts. At the top-of-the Taurus line-up, the SHO has all the good stuff like the 365 hp EcoBoost V6, All-wheel drive, leather-trimmed sports seats, woven aluminum trim, the latest generation of Sync with MyFord Touch, torque vectoring control, a six-speed high-capacity automatic, and more. For more info, check out the press release, pics and brief video after the jump or go to www.ford.com. The Taurus SHO will be available early next year as a 2013 model.

Source: Ford - Press release, pics (4), and video after the jump.

Buick Envision gives a peek at future Buick design

China is Buick's largest market (GM sells almost twice as many Buicks in China as they do in the US) so it's good that many of Buick's recent design successes have come from GM's Chinese Design studios (remember the Buick Riviera from a couple of years ago?). The Envision SUV Concept is Shanghai GM's latest and debuted it at the 2011 Auto Shanghai. The Envision is a plug-in hybrid that has all-wheel drive, adjustable suspension, micro-camera rear view mirrors, a 3-D head-up display, and more, as well as a drivetrain that consists of a 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo four with two electric motors that are mounted on the Envision's eight-speed automatic. Lithium-ion batteries are used and the panoramic roof has solar cells to help with battery recharging. The Envision has lots of concept features like two large scissor doors (pic after the jump), 22-inch wheels, and a concept car interior. The Envision is a sleek crossover concept that would look good in Buick showrooms. The design is said to point towards Buick's design future and that future looks bright if the Envision is any indication. Maybe the Envision is the new compact crossover that has been rumored. For more, read on...

Source: Buick - Press release and pics (3) after the jump.

Audi A3 E-Tron Concept charges onto the Shanghai stage

Audi rolled out the A3 sedan concept at the Geneva Motor Show (which is said to be a new model in the next-gen A3 range) and the A3 E-Tron Concept plug-in hybrid has graced the Shanghai show. The good-looking A3 E-Tron Concept features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that includes a 211-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four that is mated to a lithium-ion battery-powered electric motor that produces 27 hp that puts the power to the road through Audi's seven-speed S-Tronic automatic transmission. The A3 E-tron will hit 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds to a top speed of 143 mph. The A3 E-Tron can travel for 34 miles on electric power alone which improves fuel economy. While the A3 E-Tron features many concept car features like the giant wheels and interior, expect to see a version of the A3 E-Tron compact in showrooms in the next few years (maybe sooner). For more info and a closer look, check out the press release and extensive video (about 10 min) after the jump.

Source: Audi - Press release, additional pic, and video after the jump.

2012 Dodge Avenger R/T brings mid-size performance

Fiat-led Chrysler and its Dodge division have been in a period of rebirth, with new models (Grand Cherokee, Charger, 300, Durango) and some breathed-on holdovers, like the Dodge Avenger. For 2011, the Avenger received styling tweaks that call to mind the larger Charger and also upgraded interiors. For 2012, the R/T model returns to the Avenger range joining the Avenger Express, Mainstreet, Heat, and Lux. The Avenger R/T gets blacked out trim, special badges, a body kit, rear spoiler, stiffened suspension, dual exhaust, 18-inch alloy wheels, and the 283 hp, 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 mated to a six-speed automatic. Expect EPA-numbers of 19 mpg/city and 29 mpg/highway. The interior of the 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T sports Aunde fabric with Z stripe fabric inserts, red stitching, and aggressive leather-trimmed bolsters (2011 Avenger interior shown). The front seats are heated and sport an “R/T” graphic stitched in red on the front headrests. With the addition of the Avenger R/T, consumers get an attractive performance mid-size that should be fairly easy on the wallet. Your dealer will receive the Avenger R/T this fall. Could be worth a look.

Source: Dodge - Press release and video after the jump.