Nissan Leaf nabs 2011 European Car of the Year award

At the start of November, the 41 contenders for the 2011 European Car of the Year award were trimmed down to seven finalists. Today, for the first time ever, Europe’s most coveted automotive award went to vehicle that that relies upon electrical juice flowing from its lithium-ion battery pack as its sole source of motivation. 

That battery-powered vehicle, the Nissan Leaf, marks the automaker’s first win since the Micra took home the award way back in 1993. Head juror Hakan Matson proclaims that the Leaf is “a breakthrough for electric cars” and that it “is the first electric vehicle that can match conventional cars in many respects.” Nissan chief executive officer Carlos Ghosn accepted the honor and responded with:

This award recognises the pioneering zero-emission Nissan Leaf as competitive to conventional cars in terms of safety, performance, spaciousness and handling. It also reflects Nissan’s standing as an innovative and exciting brand with a clear vision of the future of transportation, which we call sustainable mobility.

The Leaf faced strong competition from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Citroën C3/DS3, Dacia Duster, Ford C-Max,Opel/Vauxhall Meriva and Volvo S60/V60. Early predictions by some of the motoring press suggested that the pair of models from Citroën or perhaps even the lone Alfa Romeo vehicle would capture the award, but that’s not how the jury of 57 automotive journalists ended up seeing it, and the electric Nissan Leaf grabbed the top spot. Last year, the Volkswagen Polo snatched the Car of the Year title away from second-place finisher, the Toyota iQ. In 2009, the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia just beat out the Ford Fiesta for the honor.

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

There’s a well-worn automotive axiom that plays out many different ways: The amount of money you spend is proportional to how fast you go. You want more speed? You spend more money.

If you’ve priced a BMW M3 these days, you see the principle at work. Back in the old days (1987), a U.S.-spec M3 boasted a 195-horsepower four-cylinder engine and did 0-60 miles per hour in about 6.7 seconds on its leisurely way to a 143-mph top speed – all for just over $30,000. 

Today, the least expensive 414-horsepower V8 M3 will set you back $58,400. As it should, the new M3 trounces the old in every conceivable performance metric with its 4.6-second 0-60 mph run, supercar mid-range and electronically-limited 155-mph top end.

This reality left enthusiasts wishing BMW would offer something a little less speedy for a commensurate drop in MSRP. Seeing the opportunity with its 2012 1 Series Coupe, BMW will soon show us how much speed around $45,000 will buy at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. But to tide you over until then, come with us for a ride in a BMW 1 Series M Coupe prototype.

Buick GL8 is an executive express for China

Buick has released an all-new version of its popular GL8 in China. Developed by Shanghai GM, the executive people-mover wears a freshly redesigned exterior with sculpted body lines and a new front fascia. Inside, GM has thrown the luxury book at the van with tricks like blue ambient lighting, a 10-speaker sound system and two-tone leather seats. 

An attractive seven-inch touch dominates the dash, though it looks like Buick has managed to hold on to the excessive amount of buttons on the center stack that have become the brand’s trademark as of late. Rear passengers, meanwhile, get the benefit of a 10.2-inch HD display for movies and the like.

Under the hood, GM has fitted a 3.0-liter V6 as the GX8 flagship mill, though a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is also available for the fuel-conscious buyers of the People’s Republic. A six-speed automatic gearbox takes care of cog-swapping duties. Hit the jump for the full press release after checking out the gallery below.

Volvo recalls various 2011 models over fuel cutoff calibration fears

Volvo and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration have announced that the Swedish automaker will recall some 6,046 vehicles from the 2011 model year due to a possible flaw in the engine control module. According to NHTSA, a fuel shut-off parameter in the software is too sensitive, and under certain conditions, the engine may stall. Volvo is concerned that the problem may lead to an accident. A total of four models are covered in the recall, including the 2011 S60 and S80 sedans along with the XC60and XC70 softroaders.

Volvo is scheduled to begin the recall on or before December 10, and owners will have their vehicle’s software updated free of charge to fix the problem. Concerned drivers may contact Volvo directly at 1.800.458.1552 or at customercare@volvoforlife.com.

EVO drives the new Lancia Stratos

It’s a shame the Pininfarina Stratos probably won’t see widespread production. The car is hewn straight from the naughtiest of our automotive dreams, and with some of its aluminum bones borrowed from the Ferrari 430 Scuderia it promises to be as fun to fling as anything with four wheels. The crew at EVO was lucky enough to weasel their way behind the wheel of the lovely one-off, becoming the first journalists to do so in the process. That sound? It’s the noise our boundless jealousy makes when agitated.

EVO was able to take the car out for a couple of hot laps around Circuit Paul Ricard, and the verdict is that, as you might expect, the car is plenty nimble and just as quick. There is some indication that the vehicle’s short wheelbase would likely make for some hair-raising antics at higher speeds, though. EVO even goes so far as to say that the vehicle has a completely different personality compared to its Prancing Horse donor. Even better, there may be a very small production run in the vehicle’s future.

GM considering CVTs for small cars

General Motors is considering the introduction of continuously variable transmissions in its next round of small cars in an effort to improve fuel efficiency. According to a report from Automotive News, the Chevrolet Cruze is being considered for CVT application, as well as Bowtie’s smaller Aveo and Spark compacts.

In speaking with AN, Sohn Dongyoun, GM’s vice president of engineering at Daewoo, says that CVTs offer an easy, quick fix in order to help improve fuel mileage. Dongyoun says that GM will need to improve the fuel economy on its small cars by at least 10 percent in their respective next generations.

This will not be GM’s first application of CVTs. In the early 2000s, the automaker used CVTs in the Saturn Ioncoupe and Vue crossover, as well as the Opel Astra hatchback overseas. 

This CVT was not well received, however, and was discontinued at the end of the 2005 model year. Currently, no word has been given as to whether or this GM’s new CVT would be developed in-house, or when we might see the first applications being offered.

Audi TT GT4 Concept unwrapped in Shanghai

Heads up, weekend racers: Audi has officially pulled back the sheets on its TT GT4 Concept. Designed to be the next logical step in the company’s customer sports program, the racer will supposedly bring a relatively low price tag to the table when it arrives as a production model in 2012, but for the moment, it’s been confined to some demo laps at Shanghai’s DTM over the weekend with racer Frank Biela behind the wheel.

The racer comes complete with a 340-horsepower TFSI engine back by the company’s S-Tronic DSG gearbox and a limited-slip differential. Buyers will also find a set of adjustable dampers on hand for improved tuning, as well as carbon fiber reinforced plastic skins on the doors, hood and trunk lid.

How much will you be asked to pay for the privilege of owning such a piece of machinery? Chances of this vehicle making it to the States seem pretty slim, but Audi says that European buyers can look to fork over around €120,000 (around $157k USD). That’s probably a small bargain in the world of privateer ready-to-race cars, but it also goes some way toward reinforcing that people have a slightly different definitions of “affordable.” Check out the official press release after the jump and our high-res gallery below.

Motor Trend pits Ferrari 458 Italia against Ducati 1198S

Italy produces machines that look good rolling slow or screaming towards the ever evasive horizon, so it’s no surprise that Motor Trend decided to pit two of the boot country’s finest against each other: the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Ducati 1198S. Both are exotic machines with a laser-focus purpose crafted into each example built: Be. Fast.

The buff book boys were kind enough to have their cameras rolling as the 458 and 1198S faced off in two competitions. First up is a head-to-head race followed by a lap around the Streets of Willow. The result? While the Ferrari is an amazing machine, the Duc’s power-to-weight simply laughs in the face of the V8-powered Prancing Horse. See for yourself by watching the video after the jump, then check out the accompanying article in the link below.

2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible to bow at New York Auto Show

The Chrysler Sebring Convertible’s days may be numbered, but it won’t be long before we get a glimpse at its successor. According to Olivier Francois, president and chief executive officer of the Chrysler brand, the company will show off the droptop version of the 200 at the 2011 New York Auto Show. 

Details are minimal so far, but we fully expect to see the car boast either the 2.4-liter four-cylinder or an optional 3.6-liter V6 (or both). In its most powerful configuration, the 200 Convertible could boast as much as 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and given the timing, the car is likely to be a 2012 model.

Francois also revealed that Chrysler could begin implementing a new two-tone paint system for the 200 sometime soon. The trick would be similar to what is currently seen in the Lancia line, with the roof dipped in black paint and the lower realms slathered in white. The treatment certainly classes up vehicles like theLancia Delta, but it also adds about 6 additional hours to the paint process. Momma never said looking good was easy.

The 2011 New York Auto Show kicks off on April 22.

Pricing announced for 2011 Chrysler 200, Town & Country

Not long after Chrysler announced pricing for the full host of updated 2011 Dodge products, the automaker has priced its own reworked Pentastar-badged products – the Sebring 200 sedan and Town & Countryminivan. Both vehicles feature vastly better interiors than the models they replace, as well as the automaker’s smooth new 3.6-liter V6 under the hood.

The 200 indeed has its work cut out for it, since the Sebring it replaces was one of the most poorly received vehicles in Chrysler’s lineup. Four trim levels are available – LX, Touring, Limited and S – with pricing starting at $19,995 for the base model, $21,995 for the Touring and $24,495 for the Limited. Chrysler tells us that the S trim will arrive shortly after the rest of the 200 lineup, and official pricing for that top-rung trim has not been released at this time.

Chrysler’s bread-and-butter Town & Country now enters its 21st year of production, preparing to do battle with the newly reworked Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. Pricing starts at $30,995 for the base Touring model, and rises to $33,995 for the Touring L and $39,495 for the decked-out Limited. We’re eager to get some seat time in the refreshed minivan to see if it can once again regain its place as the family-hauler sales leader.

2011 Chrysler 200

Chrysler isn’t into mincing words about the company’s recent past. After years of corporate and product neglect, those at the helm of the smallest of the Big Three know that the company has a long way to go to regain buyer confidence. 

While a rash of new and revised models are hitting Jeep and Dodge show rooms over the next few months, it’s clear that the company is beginning to gain momentum under the guidance ofFiat. But the models under the Silver Wing seem to be staring down the barrel of a more uncertain future. 

With plenty of product overlap with Dodge and a lack of any real brand cohesiveness, Chrysler has yet to yield any clear indication of progress away from the dark days of the company’s past. As a result, buyers are having a hard time knowing what to make of the company or where it’s headed.

Still, after Chrysler emerged from Chapter 11, it was clear that wherever the carmaker was going, the Sebringwasn’t coming along for the ride. After a long, degrading life of rental car service and all out neglect from designers and engineers alike, the Sebring had mutated into a car that was a few leagues behind the competition, even when the third-generation bowed in 2007. To that end, Chrysler sent the Sebring name to the burn pile by revealing the 200 – a small sedan that rides on the same bones as its ill-fated predecessor but wears new sheet metal and a revised interior along with a slew of significantly reworked mechanical components. 

The result is the vehicle that Chrysler should have built in the first place – a competent economy cruiser with plenty of content even at lower trim levels. Is it enough to banish thoughts of the Sebring from our minds? We hopped behind the wheel to find out.

Report: Chrysler considering new name for Ram trucks

Chrysler is apparently still trying to iron out some of the kinks in its new pickup naming structure. The company recently decided to separate its popular line of pickups from the rest of the Dodge fleet by putting them under the Ram banner. The only problem is not every vehicle in the Pentastar pickup family has a history of boasting a billy goat on the hood. Example? Look no further than the successor to the Dakotathrone. According to PickupTrucks.com, Chrysler is currently struggling to find a suitable nomenclature for the mid-size pickup.

So far, an early front runner is the Ram 100, though going with that system may mean that the Ram trucks will undergo yet another name change. Chrysler may shift its pickups from the 1500, 2500 and 3500 system it now uses to a 100, 150, 250 and 350 structure. There is some precedent for this tack, as Dodge employed the triple-digit badges for its 1981-1993 trucks.

Name-calling aside, we do know a little about the Dakota successor. Pickuptrucks.com says that the vehicle may be a unibody creation based on the bones of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. With the death of the Ford Ranger on our shores, Chrysler may be hoping to position itself as the sole company with a genuinely new small-truck offering. Sounds good to us no matter what you call it.

Report: Chrysler seriously considering new Barracuda

Might a fishy new muscle car be bound for U.S. market consumption? According to USA Today, Ralph Gilles, the man who ably heads Chrysler’s Dodge brand, indicated to a crowd of Mopar-obsessed fans at the2010 SEMA Show that a resurrection of the classic Barracuda is indeed a possibility.

Keep in mind that Dodge has already re-released the Challenger, which was the Barracuda’s fellow pony car sibling from 1970 through 1974, so the car’s platform is seemingly already there. That raises an interesting conundrum, though: how would The Pentastar differentiate the two models if they shared a platform and featured similar styling?

Another question that would need answering is where the model would fall into the current Chrysler portfolio. Remember, the Barracuda wore a Plymouth badge way back when, and that brand got sent to the great scrapheap in the sky several years ago. As such, if it were ever to happen – which is a very, very big ‘if’ – we may be in store for a Chrysler Barracuda.

Chrysler announces pricing for refreshed 2011 Dodge vehicles

Chrysler has bombarded us recently with a huge onslaught of changes for the 2011 model year. In addition to the updated Sebring 200 and Town & Country that wear the Pentastar badge, nearly the entire Dodge model line has been reworked for 2011. To recap, the Avenger, Challenger, Charger, Durango, Grand Caravan andJourney are either all-new or refreshed for the new model year, and the automaker has just announced pricing for the full grip of improved vehicles.

Starting with the all-new products, the 2011 Charger will be priced from $25,170 for the base SE model, which features the automaker’s new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and rear-wheel drive. If a fully loaded, Hemi-powered Charger R/T AWD is more your thing, expect to pay $37,320. In addition to the Charger, Dodge debuted the wholly revamped 2011 Durango, which shares its platform with the much-improved Jeep Grand Cherokee. A base, rear-wheel drive Durango Express will set you back $29,195, and pricing goes all the way up to $43,795 for the top-end Citadel AWD.

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan reports for family duty

Chrysler has just dropped details on the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. Along with packing the company’s newPentastar V6 under the hood, Dodge says that the minivan also sports a significantly revised suspension designed to make the vehicle a little more engaging to drive. So far we haven’t been told exactly what’s been changed underneath, but the press release says that “virtually every system” has received some sort of tweaking.

Behind the new 3.6-liter V6 sits a six-speed automatic transmission, and that duo effectively replaces all three of the previously offered drivetrains. Look for 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque when the van hits the road later this year.

But the biggest change looks to come from the styling department. Chrysler has heaped all of the company’s new found enthusiasm for excellent interiors onto the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan, swaddling surfaces in top-notch materials, better seats and throwing in redesigned gauges, to boot. The Grand Caravan even wears a massaged front fascia to go along with all of the changes inside as well as a set of LED taillamps out back.Hit the jump to take a look at the full press release.

Supplier strike may lead to shutdown of Chrysler’s minivan line

Integram Seating is a parts supplier for Chrysler. The factory workers there produce seats, which are then sent to the Pentastar’s Windsor Assembly plant to be installed in the brand’s Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan people movers. 

The popular family vehicles are set to get an update for 2011, but according to CBS News, their assembly may be put on hold because 700 workers at Ingram Seating have overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike. If Integram’s employees walk and Chrysler doesn’t have seats to put into its vehicles, production will almost certainly be halted. the supplier’s union, Canadian Auto Workers Local 4-44, says the majority vote is intended to send a message to the company.

Workers at Integram Seating have not had a pay raise in four years and the average wage there is about $24.32 per hour. The strike will occur if no labor contract has been worked out by November 7, the expiration date for the current agreement.

An Opel Calibra this way comes, inspired by the GTC Concept

Grumblings about a new Opel Calibra have been around for years, and now there’s some substance behind the rumors. In 2007 Opel spoke of developing a Calibra based on the Opel GTC Concept shown at the 2007Geneva Auto Show. Now GM Europe chief Nick Reilly has waved his wand and said, “I believe we should have one, so we will have one.”

Although Reilly has said, “Make it so,” issue remain. When the matter was brought up earlier this year, the question was whether to think of this as a Calibra or an Insignia Coupe, since the GTC Concept was quite a bit longer than the two-door Opel of yore. And if the 30,000-units-per-year is still the number to justify a Calibra, would it make sense for the brand to make a much smaller coupe that compromises the Insignia’s roominess?

Engines are already being mentioned as Vauxhall’s smaller displacement, turbo powerplants. The top trim could get some variant of the 320-horsepower motor in the Insignia GXR, and have all-wheel drive.

Honda CR-Z Convertible available… as a diecast model

Are you clamoring for a droptop version of the Honda CR-Z hybrid? We didn’t think so. But even so, just because Honda won’t build you one (though that hasn’t been ruled out completely) doesn’t mean you can’t get your kicks elsewhere.

The gang at CarScoop has stumbled upon this diecast model of a CR-Z convertible, giving us a glimpse at what an open-top version of Honda’s two-seat hybrid could look like. It certainly isn’t the prettiest of scale models, and we dread to think about what the cabrio’s rear end looks like with the roof (and hatch) lopped off, but it might be enough to stave off your hybrid/coupe/convertible pangs.