Hyundai News - Hyundai bringing diesel mill to the U.S. by 2010

, Green, Crossovers/CUVs, Hyundai

Hyundai already offers a diesel engine in its Veracruz crossover abroad, but like many other would-be U.S-bound oil burners, it doesn’t meet the emissions standards of all 50 states. That’s said to change, when Hyundai overcomes those hurdles and releases their three-liter V6 diesel in the U.S. in either 2009 or 2010.

The S-engine will be made available initially in the Veracruz, according to Hyundai’s CEO, Dong Jim Kim. “We think this is a very good engine. With a little more effort we can meet the U.S. requirements,” said Kim during an interview with Automotive News.

The BorgWarner-developed V6 utilizes an electronically controlled turbo that increases performance and fuel economy, and at the same time creates 240 HP.

At $27,000, the Veracruz is currently the most expensive model in Hyundai’s lineup, so it’s safe to assume that the diesel-equipped CUV will command a slight premium.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

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Source: www.autoblog.com

[tags]hyundai cars, hyundai news, hyundai models, hyundai[/tags]

Developing developments: BMW 1-series cute ‘ute still planned (BMW Cars News)

, BMW

We’ve been trying to avoid reporting on the rampant rumor mongering that seems to take place every month in some of the European buff books. One month you’ll have tales of a new rear-engined V-Dub, while on the other end of the newsstand you can read all about the supposed new flagship from Skoda. Don’t get us wrong, there are a few mags from across the pond that we devour, but some are the automotive equivalent of the Weekly World News. Autocar can sometimes be more the same.

According to Winding Road, the UK pub reports that BMW is hard at work on a 1-series-based cute ‘ute to take on the LR2s of the world, complete with four- or six-cylinder engines - petrol or diesel — and likely sporting an X1 badge on the boot.

Proof that development is underway comes via a BMW employee that claims to have seen a Honda Element hanging around the R&D facility in Munich. As our friend Paukert points out, that isn’t anything to get too excited about, until you understand that Honda doesn’t sell that particular vehicle anywhere near Germany. It could be for research purposes or it could be because that particular engineer has a thing for toasters on wheels, regardless, we’re sure to hear more as BMW expands into other niches.

[Source: Autocar via Winding Road]

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Source: www.autoblog.com

[tags]bmw cars, bmw news, bmw models[/tags]

Toyota News - Cops: Loverboy preferred the public’s transportation over public transportation

, Toyota

Love makes us all a little crazy sometimes. Some of us, however, a little crazier than others, as evidenced by this story. Police say Antonio Moreno, 31, loved his girl so much he was willing to drive 180 miles round-trip several times a month to see her in Santa Barbara. Dedication to the gal you love is hardly ever worth the attention of the cops, but according to the authorities, Moreno was making these three hour drives in someone else’s car. Sorry, someone else’s cars. Plural. In fact, about 26 someone else’s cars.

Moreno, who was apparently without transportation or license, is accused of stealing cars, mostly mid-80s and early 90s Camrys, in his hometown of Los Angeles. He’d then drive them up to Santa Barbara for some lovin’, dumping the Toyotas near his girlfriend’s house, then stealing another car to take home. Police say nine stolen Camrys were found near his girl’s house, and when Moreno was arrested in L.A., he was driving a 1988 Camry recently reported stolen in Santa Barbara.

So now Moreno faces multiple auto theft charges and if convicted, probably faces some pretty lengthy jail time. At least he’ll have his lady to greet him when he gets out…oh, wait. The story ends with, “The woman, who had been trying to end the relationship over the last several weeks…” What? She too good for Camrys?

[Source: The Santa Barbara Independent]

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Source: www.autoblog.com

[tags]toyota cars, toyota news, toyota suv, toyota[/tags]

Chevrolet News - GM releases pic of production Camaro and a bit more

, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet

click above image to view high-res version

General Motors released an image today of GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner, Vice-Chairmen Bob Lutz and Fritz Henderson standing in front of a production clay model of the 2009 Camaro being chiseled. The official caption of the pic refers to the car as a “production clay model”, although from what we can see through the pleated pants of these three GM execs, the front end looks exactly the same as the Camaro Concept that first debuted at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show.

What’s more interesting, perhaps, is the fuzzy background showing this design studio’s wall on which hangs a concept rendering of what appears to be a new Chevy vehicle. Josh Oliver from TheGMSource.com surmises that it’s a new rear-wheel drive coupe, possibly a new Monte Carlo or Chevelle. We’re not sure from the available evidence that such a claim can be made with any degree of certainty, but it is clear the car on the wall is one we haven’t been officially introduced to yet. Any thoughts on its identity? Impala, perhaps? Drop your guess in the comments.

[Source: GM via The GM Source]

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Source: www.autoblog.com

[tags]chevrolet cars, chevolet news, chevrolet models[/tags]

Nissan News - Gear up with the NISMO Spring/Summer collection

, Nissan

Click image for gallery of sample products

Aficionados of Nissan’s motorsports arm, NISMO, will be able to gear up with new branded swag via the automaker’s Japan-market dealerships and its online shop. The 2007 NISMO Spring/Summer Collection is made up of three product lines: Premium, Basic and Team Color . The Premium collection, as you’ probably figured out by now, includes more expensive items. The Basic collection ranges from the usual tchochkies like keychains to stuff like NISMO athletic shoes. The Team Color collection features gear in the NISMO racing colors. A sampling of some of the available items is in the attached gallery, and you can browse the full lineup at the online store. Hey, you can order the stuff too, but those shipping costs are probably gonna hurt.

[Source: Nissan]%Gallery-2855%

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Source: www.autoblog.com

[tags]nissan cars, nissan autos, nissan news, nissan models, nissan[/tags]

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