Just 333 will be produced; 50 are destined for the U.S.

Do you have $210,000 to spare? If so, then you may be in the running to buy Audi’s hand-built and very limited edition 2012 R8 GT Spyder. Audi announced pricing today as well as its production plans for its V-10 powered drop top beauty. Just 333 copies will be built and only 50 will be destined for the U.S. Audi says that each vehicle will come equipped with its own vehicle number displayed right on the gear shift.

Road Stomping Power

Its aluminum direct-injection V-10 engine will produce 560 horsepower and enable the R8 GT Spyder to travel from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and then reach a top speed of 197 mph. Nearly 188 pounds have been lopped off of its weight as Audi makes use of ultra-light magnesium in its engine frame and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer on rear side panels and in the soft-top compartment. Its fixed rear spoiler also is made from carbon fiber composite.

Standard features on this limited edition model include quattro all-wheel-drive; power adjusted heated side mirrors; driver and front passenger front, seat-mounted side, and knee airbags; front and rear disc brakes; LED headlamps and daytime running lights; 10-way power heated sport seats with 4-way power lumbar support; an Audi navigation system; a 6-disc CD changer with Sirius Satellite Radio, 7 speakers and a 5-channel amplifier with a total output of 140 watts.

R8 GT Spyder Specifics

Just so you know that you won’t be getting just any Spyder, Audi has equipped this edition with several specific standard features including 19-inch wheels that are set within summer tires; a 6-speed sequential gearbox with shift-by-wire technology and sports mode; and a windshield frame in Alcantara. Optionally you can substitute the Alcantara for fine nappa leather.

Other specifics to this model include a sport suspension system; carbon fibber matte exterior mirrors; LED tail lights; aluminum door sill inserts; Alcantara and leather sport seats; and more. Optional equipment includes titanium finish 19-inch 5-arm-double-spoke-design aluminum alloy wheels with summer performance tires; a Bang & Olufsen sound system outfitted with 12 speakers and producing 495-watt sound; and additional wheel, navigation and brake options.

Customer Delivery Set

Customers will begin to take delivery of their orders this month. There is no word yet on the “who’s who” list of 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder buyers who have already plunked down deposits to secure this limited-edition roadster.

Photos: Audi of America

The first tease of the 2013 SRT Viper hits Facebook

They’re at it again. Automotive marketers, that is.

Once again, we’re being teased with a shot of an upcoming new model, but in this case all that has been revealed to us is a vague outline of the next generation Dodge Viper. This supercar, last produced in 2010, is expected to return to the market later this year as a 2013 model.

Next Gen Viper

Facebook is once again the venue for the slow strip tease or in this case what likely will be the gradual illumination of the Viper. Just this past December, Dodge showed us bits and parts of the all-new Dart, giving us two showings of the car before its official reveal at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Not much is known about the next generation Viper. This is one upcoming model Chrysler has chosen to hold close to the vest although much speculation has been made about what we’re going to see. Motor Trend magazine notes that the snake will make its debut at the New York International Auto Show in April. Said Ben Gimmons, “…the new Viper will be powered by a 650-horsepower, 8.7-liter V-10 engine that sends its power through a manual transmission….” Gimmons went on to note that the new engine will reflect a 50 horsepower increase over the previous powerplant.

Viknesh Vijayenthiran, writing for Motor Authority, noted that the Viper will dispense with the Dodge name and simply be known as the SRT Viper. SRT stands for “street and racing technology” a term currently used on special Mopar-enhanced versions of the Dodge Charger, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Chrysler 300. Apparently, the Chrysler Group will elevate the SRT name much in the way that it did for Ram, separating Dodge trucks from Dodge cars.

Marketing Flexibility

No matter, the next generation Viper is all about giving Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat, et al, a halo product that can be sold in Dodge or other showrooms, or as a standalone product. The Dodge name isn’t well known beyond the U.S. and where it is known the car line does not represent road-hugging, raw power. By calling it the SRT Viper, the Chrysler Group gains some flexibility on how this car will be marketed. In Europe, for instance, it could be sold side by side with Ferrari or Maserati, two other Fiat S.p.A. brands.

You can find the Viper Facebook page by simply going to Facebook and plugging in “2013 SRT Viper Teaser” into your search bar. When you arrive on the site, you’ll find a video clip of a “small sneak teaser” of the Viper. Yes, the operative word here is “small” so don’t expect much. At least with its first reveal.

Photo: Chrysler Group, LLC

Teaser pictures of the small Buick Encore have given us a glimpse of the latest model coming forth from Buick, GM’s premium brand. Those earlier pictures were gradually teased to us in December via Facebook, with the full reveal offered on the second of the two press days at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Buick Design Language

With the unveiling now past, we’re left with assessing a vehicle that is still about one year away from being released. The 2013 Buick Encore remains true to its Buick look, advancing the brand’s design language on a small platform. Indeed, that platform also underpins the subcompact Chevrolet Sonic, with both vehicles conceived in South Korea. The Sonic is built in the United States, but the Buick Encore will be built at a factory on the Korean peninsula.

“Buick Encore is a great-looking, smart choice for those who want luxury crossover amenities in a more maneuverable and agile vehicle,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “It represents a luxury alternative for a new audience of Buick customers, and delivers features and flexibility not typically found in vehicles of its size today.”

Small Crossover Segment

GM is positioning the Buick Encore to compete against the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. This move is in keeping with GM’s approach to the luxury market, assigning Cadillac to do battle in the upper end of the market and positioning Buick to handle the lower end. The Encore follows the compact Verano sedan to the market, a vehicle that was introduced by Buick last fast.

Although the Buick Encore is still one year away from release, what GM has shown us about the vehicle will likely remain the same. The Encore gets the automaker’s 1.4-liter turbocharged four that is expected to make 140 horsepower in this model. It will be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and be sold in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Desired Amenities Offered

Numerous amenities will be standard for the Buick Encore including remote vehicle start; dual-zone automatic climate control; rainsense wipers; Bose premium sound system; a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; 6-way, power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar adjustment and driver memory. Its 18.8 cubic feet of standard storage space is slightly larger than what is offered in the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, and can be expanded to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

Like all Buick models, the Encore will receive the brand’s standard QuietTuning features that help reduce exterior noise from intruding into the cabin. These features include an acoustically treated headliner with a tuned gap between it and the high-strength-steel roof panel; sound-absorbing materials used in the cabin, under the hood and in the wheel house liners; an acoustic-laminated windshield and thicker 5 millimeter side window glass; foam baffle insulation at the opening of body structure cavities; and specially designed 18-inch Continental tires.

Emerging Crossover Segment

Pricing for the 2013 Buick Encore has not been announced. Those prices will likely be lower than its competitors with the BMW X1 hitting the market this winter and the Audi Q3 arriving later this year. Thus, GM has an entry ready in what is essentially an all-new segment of compact luxury crossover SUVs reports the Detroit Free Press.

Photos: General Motors Company

The accelerated pace of new car introductions mean that we’ve been talking about 2013 model plans for some time. Not far behind are what automakers have planned for the 2014 model year including GM and its full size Chevrolet Impala.

Dated Design

The current Impala, for lack of a better description is long in the tooth (pictured). It is old, a vehicle designed in and for another era and woefully uncompetitive in its segment except for one saving grace – the current Impala is a hit with fleet buyers and, thus, still sells quite well.

What the Impala doesn’t do is burnish Chevrolet’s image. When it comes to family cars, the midsize Malibu is the best representation of what the bow-tie brand can do, a car that was overhauled in 2008 and has been redesigned for 2013 ahead of the Impala.

Ford Influence

GM’s Impala neglect will end by early 2013 when the next generation model makes its debut. That vehicle will be larger and more luxurious than the current iteration which likely means one thing: Chevrolet will settle for fewer sales in exchange for better profits. Sound familiar? It should: that is the approach that Ford took when it updated and upgraded the Taurus, a move that provided us with a better looking and more expensive car. The current Taurus pales in sales comparison with earlier models, but this vehicle has proven profitable for Ford and has helped to elevate the Ford brand considerably.

Last week, Automotive News reported that the next generation Chevy Impala will be underpinned by the same platform driving the 2013 Cadillac XTS, an all-new model for GM’s luxury brand that is set to debut spring 2012. This is significant because the XTS is a large front-wheel-drive model with available all-wheel-drive. Both the Ford Taurus and the similar Lincoln MKS offer the same drivetrain options.

Standard Engine

What likely won’t change is the engine currently used: a 3.6-liter 24-valve V-6 of aluminum construction. This direct injection engine will be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It may instead get an 8-speed automatic as GM looks to keep pace with the newly emerging standard for full-size cars advanced German automakers, Lexus and Chrysler.

Beyond that, what the Impala will look like is speculative. What buyers can expect is a car that breaks from its dated past to give us the new face of Chevrolet’s flagship sedan. And that is a good thing, right?

GM has decided to give the Buick Enclave an encore. Literally. The automaker announced this week that the Buick Encore will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.

Gradual Unveiling

Buick gets an Encore crossover.

A covered photo of the Encore will be shown with sections of the crossover gradually uncovered leading up to its official reveal on January 10, 2012. What we do know is that the Encore is a five passenger crossover; whether it is underpinned by the same platform powering models from Chevrolet and GMC hasn’t been made known.

Expanding Line

The Buick Encore is the latest in a line of vehicles this brand has introduced in recent years in a bid to remake its image and attract buyers who aren’t at least 70-years-old. Gone is the Buick Lucerne, its dated old-styled full-size sedan. Its leading models are now the seven-passenger Enclave and its large five-passenger LaCrosse sedan.

Buick also has the Regal, a midsize sedan designed by Opel and built in Canada. More recently it added the compact Verano sedan to its line up. In addition, Buick is benefiting from eAssist technology which delivers partial hybrid capabilities to the LaCrosse and Regal. Both models are EPA-rated at 25 mpg city, 36 mpg highway when so equipped.

Buick Enhancements

GM has positioned Buick to take on the lower tier of Lexus’ product line, leaving the high lux models for Cadillac to battle. Buick’s U.S. sales fell by 7.2 percent in November as the Lucerne exited its line up and as the Verano made its debut. For the year, Buick sales are up 17.6 percent and the brand has since passed Cadillac to become GM’s third highest volume maker behind Chevrolet and GMC.

Chevrolet continues to dominate GM’s U.S. sales, accounting for approximately 7 out of every 10 models sold. Buick has had far greater success in China, its best-selling market. GMC continues to account for non-Chevy truck and SUV sales through its Buick-GMC dealer network, selling more than twice the number of vehicles sold by Buick, but only one-quarter of Chevrolet’s sales.

Show Times

Press days for the NAIAS will be held on January 9 and 10 followed by an industry preview on Jan. 11 and 12. On Jan. 13, a charity preview is held with the show opening to the general public on Jan. 14 and running through Jan. 22.

Photo: General Motors

A brightly lit instrument panel highlights the Dart's interior.

Last week, the automaker showed the world a pair of photographs of its upcoming compact car, smartly named the Dodge Dart after one of its most popular small cars of yore.

Interior Shots

Today, Dodge has released two more photos, this time focusing on the interior. All four shots now shown are the last we’ll see of the Dodge Dart until its official January 9, 2012, reveal at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

With its latest photo release, Dodge has given us more information about its upcoming compact that will replace the Dodge Caliber next year. Dodge promises that there will be “thousands of ways to personalize the Dart” and will offer a class exclusive 7-inch gauge cluster, an 8.4-inch UConnect touch screen, a heated steering wheel and a floating island bezel. Dodge is using the word “available” not “standard” so don’t look for such features on its base model. Still, the amenities are unusual for this class.

Safety Features

It is also customary for small cars to offer plenty of safety features as standard equipment. We’ve grown accustomed to 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control, but automakers are now maxing out the number of airbags available. Like the Chevrolet Cruze and Sonic, the Dodge Dart will match these cars by offering 10 airbags standard. It will also be the only car in its class to offer blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection.

The largest touchscreen display is available with the Dodge Dart.

Back to the interior: Dodge describes the Dart’s “driver-centric” layout as a design that puts all controls within easy reach of the driver. Included are customizable displays and comfort enhanced seats that are part of what it calls “an exceptionally spacious, pleasing interior.” Dodge claims that the compact Dart will offer the “interior spaciousness of a mid-sized sedan, and it boasts best-in-class hip and shoulder room.”

Interior Display

The focal point of the interior could very well be the class-exclusive floating island bezel, which features an available 7-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) customizable gauge cluster display with light pipe surround that also houses the available UConnect Touch multimedia center. The Dodge will also feature racetrack lighting with ambient lighting for foot wells, the glove box, map pockets, storage bin and the door handles. Illuminated cup holders are included.

Most certainly, we’ll have more details when the 2013 Dodge Dart is unveiled in Detroit next month. In the meantime, much speculation will likely dominate the market for weeks to come.

Source: Chrysler Group, LLC

Hawaiian customers are first to take delivery of a Mitsubishi EV.

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is now on sale in the United States, but the very first retail sale was not to a mainland customer. Yesterday, Bryson and Bridget Nishimura of Waipahu, Hawaii, took delivery of their new i-MiEV as representatives of Mitisubishi Motors North America, Cutter Mitsubishi and the governor of the Aloha State, Neil Abercrombie, looked on.

Fuel Savings

“We purchased the 2012 Mitsubishi i primarily to save on gas – we currently spend about $70.00 a week on fuel. But it should cost us only around $3.00 for a full charge of electricity – that’s going to be a great savings for us! Long-term, the Mitsubishi i should save us at least $3,000 a year,” said Mr. Nishimura, retired from a career with Hawaiian Telephone.

The Nishimuras are the first retail customers and are being joined by Hawaiian fleet customers including the city and county of Honolulu and the local Hawaii Electric utility company. Mitsubishi has been touting the “i’s” reduced operating costs, high efficiency and environmental benefits to Hawaiians, the first U.S. market to see these cars. Hawaiian fleet customers will begin to take deliver of their cars before the year comes to a close.

National Roll Out

The i-MiEV, known simply as the “i” to its customers, is also being rolled out on the west coast. Customers in Washington, Oregon and California can test drive these vehicles at select Mitsubishi dealerships that have been certified to sell this electric vehicle. Most of the rest of the country will see the “i” by summer 2012.

In additional to its efficiency, Mitsubishi has been touting the i’s lower starting price which is $29,125 or about $7,000 less than the Nissan Leaf, the very first mass produced electric vehicle sold in the United States. With a $7,500 federal tax credit, the Mitsubishi EV costs $21,625. Both amounts are before destination charges, dealer prep, taxes, tags and licensing are added in. The final price is set by the Mitsubishi retailer. Still, this EV is now sports the lowest price of any electric-only model in the United States.

Customer Enthusiasm

Will this Mitsubishi EV sell? If Mrs. Nishimura’s enthusiasm can be tapped, the i will be a hit, “I think the car is so cute. Plus, I like that it’s roomy and it’s a hatchback.”

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

See Also — News & Notes From Plug-In 2011

Design themes from the Challenger are evident on the Dart.

The all-new Dodge compact that will hit the market in 2012 will sport the Dart name. That news was released by the Chrysler Group today which also announced that the 2013 Dodge Dart will be formally introduced at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month. The Dart will replace the Dodge Caliber and be underpinned by a specially modified Alfa Romeo platform.

Teaser Photos

Dodge has also released a pair of teaser photographs, both of which we’ve included herein. The headlamps and deck areas suggest a continuation of the Dodge sporting theme we’ve grown accustomed to in recent years including grille treatments and rear deck embellishments found on the Avenger, Charger and Challenger lines.

Newest Dodge holds true to the brand's design theme.

Three engine choices are slated for the all new Dodge Dart. A new Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter engine is standard. Optionally, a 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine based on the engine found in the Fiat 500 will be available. In addition, a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir four cylinder engine can be had. All three engines will be combined with three transmission choices, for what the automaker says will be “the most diverse powertrain lineup in its class.”

Design Features

Dodge says that the 2013 Dart will offer “…dynamic lines and curves, along with advanced technology, to deliver class-leading aerodynamic performance.” A customized version of the brand’s split-crosshair grille, projector headlamps and fog lamps and accentuated fenders will define this model’s fascia. From the rear, its Dodge Challenger-inspired signature Dodge full-width LED ‘racetrack’ tail lamps and class-exclusive integrated dual exhaust are meant to underscore the robust, muscular design of this model.

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be built in America at the automaker’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill. The automaker is putting the finishing touches on an overhaul of the plant that includes the construction of a 638,000-square-foot body shop, as well as the installation of new machinery, tooling and material handling equipment. The company’s $600 million investment, begun last year, is expected to be finished before 2011 comes to an end.

Full Reveal

Dodge has set up a Dart web page that shows a timeline with various steps leading up to its January 9 reveal. Teaser shots of the interior will be posted on December 13 with the full reveal added on January 9. We’ll follow up with more information as it is provided.

Premium model is Buick’ smallest sedan.

Buick, like every other classic American brand, used to pride itself on the luxury of hugeness. Times have changed and Buick sees the need to offer more small options to consumers. The Verano is the smallest car in the Buick lineup and shares its platform with the compact Chevy Cruze. GM is hoping that consumers will appreciate the premium interior and high end styling as replacements for sheer size in the entry level luxury department.

Verano Performance

The 5-passenger Verano features a 2.4-liter Ecotec 16-valve four cylinder engine making 180 hosepower and 171 foot pounds of torque. All Veranos get a 6-speed automatic transmission; this combination gives the Verano an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Every model rolls on large, 18-inch wheels, with premium wheels also available. A 2.0-liter turbocharged model will come later this year, promising to enhance the driving experience.

The major selling point for the Buick Verano is its premium interior. While not particularly roomy in the rear seats, the front seats provide ample head, shoulder, waist and leg room.

The interior features high end materials including standard premium cloth seats with leatherette inserts. A leather group package adds leather seats throughout and also offers heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. A standard 6-speaker audio system can be upgraded to a 9-speaker Bose sound system and includes navigation. The dashboard features aluminum accents and blue hues on the gauge cluster. Technology includes Bluetooth or USB connections to smart phones allowing for digital media streams.

Package Options

The Verano has no trim lines, only option packages. For instance, the convenience package adds a few driver amenities such as a 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated side mirrors and park assist. Push button start is included with the previously mentioned leather package.

Safety features include traction control and stability control. Ten airbags blanket the cabin including a driver’s knee airbag and side curtain airbags. OnStar with crash response is also included for free for six months. Parking assist is included with either convenience group.

Price Point

The Buick Verano is fairly unique and doesn’t have much competition in its segment. The base price of $22,585 places it in family sedan territory, so buyers who are able to do without a large rear seat may like the up market aspirations of the Verano. However, the option packages quickly add thousands to the base price. Even so, the Verano offers comparable dimensions and interior space to the Lexus IS, but at a much lower price point. The Audi A3 is also marketed as a small, up market car, but starts at over $27,000 or well above the Verano’s base price. Therefore, the Buick seems to have carved out its own niche in the market.

General Motors will be flipping conventional wisdom on its head when it introduces its all-new and next generation 2013 Chevrolet Malibu in early 2012. Instead of offering its standard gasoline engine first, the automaker will introduce the Malibu with its 182-horsepower 2.4-liter four cylinder engine that is paired with its eAssist hybrid technology. This “partial” hybrid system is expected to help the Malibu deliver 28 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, offering a 20 percent increase in fuel economy. GM says that the Malibu with eAssist will retail for $25,995, lower than the price for competing hybrids while delivering equivalent highway fuel economy numbers.

Partial Hybrid System

Much is riding on the new Malibu’s hybrid system which is different from full hybrids found in the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid models. Malibu’s eAssist is not designed to propel the wheels, rather it supplies electric-generated energy as needed to help the sedan achieve higher per miles fuel economy.

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco accomplishes three things to deliver optimum fuel economy. First, it utilizes automatic start/stop technology that shifts back and forth from gas to electric power to save fuel. The moment you release your foot from the brake, the engine restarts without lagging. Second, this Malibu employs regenerative braking, which taps the sedan’s forward momentum, creating energy when you slow down or come to a full stop. Third, an innovative lithium-ion battery pack is stored in the Malibu’s trunk, drawing on the energy created by way of regenerative braking to bring power to the radio, climate control, and other accessories whenever the engine operates in auto stop mode.

Hybrid Pricing Differences

Although GM is making a big deal about the Malibu Eco’s price, the most notable difference between its partial hybrid sedan and full hybrid models are how these cars perform around town. And it is in local driving where the Malibu with eAssist trails significantly from the pack.

Locally, the Camry Hybrid gets 43 mpg, which is more than 50 percent higher the Malibu model. Moreover, the Toyota is priced just $700 more than the Malibu. For $600 more the Sonata Hybrid achieves 35 mpg around town. The biggest difference in hybrid prices is with the Fusion Hybrid which retails for $3,000 above the Malibu’s base price. The Fusion Hybrid gets 41 mpg around town; moreover its equipment level appears to be higher than the base Chevrolet. Where the Malibu hybrid is most competitive is on the road where its 36 mpg is within range of full hybrids.

New Gas Engine

Initially, GM had planned to bring the new Malibu to the market much later in 2012, but moved up its schedule to beat updated versions of the Honda Accord and Ford Fusion to the market. Delaying the release of gas-only models may affect Malibu sales as customers might find the price premium something that they’re not willing to shoulder.

GM hasn’t stated why the gas model won’t be ready until next summer, but given that it will be powered by an all-new 2.5-liter four cylinder engine, that reason may have everything to do with the new motor not being ready quite yet. In any case, Chevrolet dealers may want to stock up on 2012 models and have plenty on hand in case customers resist the 2013 Malibu Eco.

Malibu Eco Performance

For the record, this writer hasn’t driven the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu with eAssist yet, but he has driven Malibus equipped with the current 2.4-liter engine, finding it to be responsive. How that engine with eAssist technology performs is another matter. We’ll our review once we get our hands on the next generation model.

Source: General Motors Company