Next Dodge Journey to be Made in Detroit from 2016

Chrysler will reportedly move production of the next-generation Dodge Journey and its Fiat Freemont clone from Toluca, Mexico, to Sterling Heights, Michigan.

According to a report published byWardsAuto/AutomotiveCompass that was cited by the Detroit Free Press, U.S. production of the next-generation crossovers will begin in January 2016. The next generation of the Chrysler 200 sedan, which will go on sale next year, will also be made in Sterling Heights, a Detroit suburb.

Sam Fiorani, senior automotive market analyst for AutomotiveCompass, said all three vehicles will be built on a common platform that Chrysler shares with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. He added that plans were revealed to AutomotiveCompass by several suppliers, and that Chrysler will discontinue production of the Dodge Avenger, currently built at Sterling Heights.

The Dodge Journey is a compact crossover that struggles to compete with models such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape or Toyota RAV4. Last year, sales of the Journey were just under 80,000 units. In Europe, Fiat sells the Freemont, a rebadged version of the Dodge Journey.

Inaugurated in 1953, the Sterling Heights plant employs about 2,500 hourly employees on two shifts. In 2010 and 2011 Chrysler announced a more than $1-billion investment to build paint and body shops at the site. Construction is expected to finish this year.

Today, Chrysler employs about 2,500 hourly employees on two shifts at the plant. Chrysler declined to comment on the AutomotiveCompass report.

 

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Next Dodge Journey to be Made in Detroit from 2016

Ford Mustang Loses Traction, Takes a Swipe at Porsche 911 During Highway Race

And this is why they don’t use real Porsches, Ferraris, Lamborghinis or any other expensive sports cars during the filming of street racing scenes in films like the Fast and Furious or the upcoming Need for Speed flick…B(r)ought to you by the crew fromThatRacingChannel (TRC), who for legal reasons cunningly state that, “The following video wasdigitally created in Mexico on a closed course,” is this incident and almost costly accident that occurred when a heavily modded Ford Mustang drag raced a 997-generation (that’s the previous one) Porsche 911 on a public highway.

It isn’t clear if the Mustang lost control first and hit the rear wheel of the Porsche causing its tire to explode, or if the Ford’s rubber gave in first leading to the loss of control, but either way, the two drivers should consider themselves lucky.

In the video description, TRC says, “Luckily no one was hurt in the digital  creation of this video! Damage report: mustang needs a new skinny and porsche needs to re-paint a wheel!”.

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Ford Mustang Loses Traction, Takes a Swipe at Porsche 911 During Highway Race

BMW Unveils 2014 X5

The all-new 2014 BMW X5 is here and for the first time it offers rear-wheel-drive.

BMW has revealed full details and gallery of photos of its all-new X5 SUV, or SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) in BMW-speak. Compared to its immediate predecessor, the new X5 isn’t a dramatic departure but there are a few notable changes. For starters, buyers can now opt for the sDrive35i trim, the first time a rear-wheel-drive version of the vehicle has been offered. All-wheel drive, of course, remains optional. The base engine is the automaker’s familiar 3.0-liter twin turbo inline-six that’s good for 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

This engine-gearbox combo, according to BMW, will haul the X5 from 0-60 mph in about 6.2 seconds. For those wanting more beef to their steak, the X5 xDrive50i is powered by the latest version of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 445 hp and 480 lb-ft. It too is paired with the same eight-speed slushbox and can make the dash to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The diesel-powered xDrive35d comes with a new 3.0-liter inline-six oil burner that’s good for 255 hp and 413 lb-ft. The new X5’s exterior design isn’t dramatically different from before, but we can clearly see styling cues taken from the latest 3 Series in the front grille.

Overall, the 2014 X5 has a more sculpted look, notably the side character lines, front air intakes and three-dimensional LED taillights. The new interior has standard wood trim and gloss black surfacing with chrome accents. A variety of leather upholstery options such as Nappa leather are also on hand. Also standard is Driving Dynamics Control and electric power steering, but buyers can tack on other high-tech toys like Active Driving Assistant and Active Cruise Control. Final prices weren’t announced, but expect the new X5 to arrive in showrooms at the end of the year.

 

BMW Unveils 2014 X5

Maserati Going Small with GranSport

Modena is splitting the GranTurismo into two models: one bigger, one smaller.

The Maserati GranTurismo is just too damn big. At 192 inches from bumper to bumper, it’s significantly longer than its three chief rivals: the Aston Martin DB9, Bentley Continental GT and Jaguar XK. Maserati knows that, and plans to replace the current model with something significantly shorter. About 15 inches shorter, the size of the new Corvette Stingray. That model is expected to be called the GranSport, reviving the name of the model which the current GranTurismo replaced back in 2007.

The new coupe will also be lighter than any current Maseratis, and use a modified version of the platform that underpins the new Ghibli and Quattroporte. We’re told to expect the new twin-turbo V6 to power the new GranSport, potentially mated to a new dual-clutch transmission instead of the sedans’ eight-speed automatic. But the platform is also engineered to fit the V8 as well, so there’s the outside chance a more powerful model could follow. After speaking with Maserati CEO Harald J. Wester, Motor Trend forecasts that the new GranCabrio will also be based on this model. But that’s not all.

Maserati isn’t about to retire the GranTurismo nameplate, tipped to use it instead for a larger, four-seat model that will be more sedate than the GranSport. That model name was expected to be applied to a new mid-engined sportscar, which could still be on the table, but likely under a different name. Rumors of a Maserati version of the new LaFerrari, however, have been quashed.

Maserati Going Small with GranSport

Mercedes Benz Introduces S-Class Edition 1

Mercedes rolls out a special Edition 1 for the new S-Class sedan.

Lately Mercedes-Benz has taken to rolling out a new model with a special Edition 1 variant. That’s what it did with the CLA and the A45 AMG recently, and now it’s doing the same with the new S-Class sedan. The S-Class Edition 1 can reportedly be had in dark blue or bright white, with a panoramic sunroof, intelligent headlights and special badges as standard. But inside is where it’s really distinguished from the standard version, with two-tone blue and tan Nappa leather with contrasting stitching.

There’s even leather sun visors, microfiber trim and illuminated sill plates as well. The special-edition sedan also comes packaged with interior ambient lighting and the parking, driving assistance and other packages as standard. You’ll have to pay an extra 19,706 euros for the privilege, and the Edition 1 seems to be confined to European markets only for the time being.

Mercedes Benz Introduces S-Class Edition 1

Ford to Sell the EcoSport SUV in 62 Countries

‘

he Nissan Juke, Buick Encore and Mini Countryman are the most important subcompact crossovers on sale today in the U.S.

Developed entirely in South America, the EcoSport will be available in Europe with three engines. The gasoline units are a 109HP (110PS) 1.5-liter normally aspirated four-cylinder and a 123HP (125PS) 1.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged unit, while the only diesel option is a 89HP (90PS) 1.5-liter.

 

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Ford to Sell the EcoSport SUV in 62 Countries

Honda Slashes Fit EV's Monthly Lease Price

The battery-powered Honda Fit EV has just become more affordable for American consumers as the Japanese carmaker has reduced the monthly lease price by more than 30 percent, from $389 to $259 a month for new as well as existing lessees beginning from June 1.

Honda’s new three-year lease offer comes with no down payment and includes unlimited mileage, routine maintenance, collision coverage and a 240 volt EV home charging station equipment –albeit excluding installation- from Leviton.

“The Fit EV already is a benchmark electric vehicle with a leading-range rating, fun-to-drive dynamics and excellent packaging,” said Steve Center, vice president of Environmental Business Development at American Honda Motor. “Now it’s the only EV on the market with no down payment, unlimited mileage, collision coverage and a free home charging station, giving customers an unprecedented value that only Honda can provide and a compelling reason to get off the barrel and onto the grid.”

The drop in (lease) pricing coincides with the introduction of a more streamlined Fit EV online application process, which Honda says will allow for “quicker approval and delivery of the vehicle to the customer”. Furthermore, Honda announced that its network of qualified Fit EV dealers in California, Oregon, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island and Connecticut will expand from 36 to more than 200 by the end of this June.

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Honda Slashes Fit EV's Monthly Lease Price

Bentley Flying Spur Heads to China

The Bentley Flying Spur may have a W12 engine, but for Chinese buyers the rear seats and its cushy features are the main attraction.

The new Bentley Flying Spur is quite a machine and is undoubtedly one of the finest luxury sedans in the world. Powered by a 6.0-liter W12 with 616 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, the new model dropped the “Continental” from its name, leaving that solely to its two-door counterpart. As Motor Trend feature writer Jonny Lieberman notes, it’s a good-looking sedan that comes with tons of power and plenty of amenities. Thing is, it’s being launched in China, a country where the rich prefer to be chauffeured around instead of being behind the wheel.

As such, Bentley focused a lot of attention into the layout and features of the rear passenger area and seats, such as a fridge that’s ideal for a bottle of champagne. Heck, even the upgraded audio system costs $7,500.

Bentley Flying Spur Heads to China

Lambo Murcielago 650-4 by Office-K

Limited edition Lamborghini receives modest styling upgrades by the Tokyo tuner.

Japanese tuner Office-K has revealed yet another rare supercar upgrade, with its latest project based on a limited-edition Murcielago 650-4 Roadster still sporting its original Grigio Telesto gray and Arancio orange body paint, with the two-tone coloration continuing inside. #7 of 50 made was treated to a new set of 20-inch SV29c Savini Wheels, a Powercraft exhaust system, and Xenon HID and LED lights. No mods were made to the roadster’s 6.5-liter V12, rated at 641 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque.

Lambo Murcielago 650-4 by Office-K