Cadillac Drops New Press Shots and a Video of 2013 ATS Sedan

While we're still waiting for Cadillac to announce pricing for its new entry-level model that will arrive in U.S. showrooms this summer, Detroit's most premium brand released a dozen or so new photos of the ATS along with a video that highlights the sedan's "lightweight chassis". We also discovered a somewhat incomplete table on Cadillac's consumer website, which compares the ATS 2.0-liter Turbo to the new 2012 BMW 328i that's powered by a 2.0-liter force-fed four as well.

Aside from the turbocharged engine, the 2013 ATS will be offered with a base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four delivering 200HP and 255Nm (188 lb-ft), and a 3.6-liter V6 with an output of 318HP and 362Nm (267 lb-ft) of peak torque.
All three available engines can be combined with either a 6-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Cadillac Drops New Press Shots and a Video of 2013 ATS Sedan

2012 Dodge Charger

Before we delve into the details on the Chrysler Group's latest announcement, let us tell you that murdered out 2012 Charger you see in these pictures is an SXT model equipped with the available Blacktop Package. With that out of the way, let's see what the Auburn Hills-automaker plans to debut at the upcoming 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas as well as the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, both of which kick off next week.
For the first time, the 2012 Charger will be offered with a specially developed Beats-branded, 10-speaker audio system that was designed by Chrysler Group engineers in collaboration with Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine.
“Our goal in partnering with Beats by Dr. Dre is to integrate their recording-studio quality audio experience for our Charger enthusiasts to feel and hear their favorite music as it was intended – all while heightening the street performance and technology assets of the new 2012 Dodge Charger,” said Dodge boss Reid Bigland.
According to Dodge, the Beats Audio system will be standard equipment on the 2012 Charger R/T Max and included with the Blacktop Package and Rallye Appearance Group on the 2012 Charger SXT model.
Currently, the Chrysler Group offers the Beats Audio system as standard on the V8 Hemi-powered 300S and as an option on the V6 variants of the 300.
For more intel on the Beats system on the Charger, check out the press blurb after the break.

Press Release

High-performance of Beats by Dr. Dre audio system delivers the sound and feel

State-of-the-art Uconnect Touch 8.4 provides 2012 Dodge Charger passengers with the segment’s largest touchscreen display (8.4-inch) and next-generation mobile connectivity, convenience and multimedia features. In addition to a “Beats by Dr. Dre” start-up screen, the Uconnect Touch also controls the 12-channel amplifier that integrates the heart of the Beats proprietary equalizer algorithm, creating the high-definition sound Beats Audio founders Dr. Dre, and Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records, require in their professional recording studios.
The integration of Beats by Dr. Dre audio system delivers the mid- to high-range needed for studio-quality sound.
Included in the system are:

• Three 3.5-inch speakers located in the instrument panel
• Two 3.5-inch speakers located in the rear doors
• Two 6 x 9-inch front-door woofers provide bass
• Two 6 x 9-inch speakers and a center-mounted 8-inch speaker located in the rear-shelf area provide full-range audio
• Maximizing how music genres from hip hop to Motown should sound and feel, an 8-inch Beats Audio trunk-mounted dual-voice coil subwoofer with sealed enclosure delivers tight, powerful, punchy bass

Mazda Announces Numerous Customized Models for 2012 Tokyo Auto Show

Mazda will present a host of customized vehicles at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Show in January.Apart from the Mazda CX-5 SUV which will come with a lowered ride height and matte black wheels, the rest of the customized models will be based on special editions of the Mazda Demio (Mazda2), Mazda Axela (Mazda3), Mazda Premacy and Mazda Roadster.
A visually enhanced version of the Mazda Biante GRANZ will also be on display in Tokyo.
One of the Demio models will feature a lowered center of gravity and a custom body kit while the other will feature a chrome garnished exterior attached by an interior that has been enhanced with beige synthetic suede seat covers, door trims, A pillars, roof and steering wheel.
The Axela will have numerous aero parts and a black interior treated with leather and a piano black center panel, while the Premacy will showcase its exclusively designed front bumpers and headlights, its new signature wing and the chrome rear reflector garnish and muffler cutter.
As for the Roadster model, in this case we are talking about a series of black-based features applied inside and out, while Biante GRANZ will attract the visitor's attention due to its KENSTYLE aeroparts, 20 inch alloy wheels plus the new seat upholstery and the black wood interior panel.  

Honda Announces Pricing All-New 2012 CR-V

The all-new 2012 Honda CR-V, which was recently named a finalist for 2012 North American Truck of the Year, is set to debut at U.S. dealers nationwide today with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) ranging from $22,295 for the value-oriented CR-V LX 2WD to $28,295 for the luxurious CR-V EX-L AWD, plus a destination and handling charge1 of $810 per vehicle. The CR-V remains an excellent value, adding between $400 and $1000 worth of standard features and technologies to each trim compared to the outgoing model it replaces. Even loaded with feature content, the line saw only a modest average price increase of $181 and on models equipped with navigation, the price decreases by $300 compared to 2011.
"For 2012, we've made critical upgrades to virtually every aspect of CR-V's winning formula," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales, American Honda Motor Co. Inc., "The CR-V represents an excellent value for customers with pricing remaining relatively unchanged compared to the outgoing model despite the addition of numerous new features, improved fuel economy and enhanced utility."
The all-new CR-V features a more efficient engine design with improved horsepower and torque, along with an all-new Real Time All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System™. All CR-Vs are powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 163 lb-ft. of torque paired with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy2 is rated at 23/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined (2WD) (an increase of +2/+3/+2 mpg compared to the 2011 CR-V), and a compact SUV-class leading 22/30/25 mpg city/highway/combined (AWD) (an increase of +1/+3/+2 mpg compared to the 2011 CR-V).
New for 2012 features include an Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat, lower cargo floor and a range of standard technology features. New high-tech features standard on all models include a Bluetooth®3 HandsFreeLink® phone interface (previously an available feature) a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines. As a first for Honda, every 2012 CR-V includes an SMS text messaging function, which can read received texts from compatible cell phones aloud over the audio system. Another firsts are the introduction of standard Pandora® Internet Radio interface4, compatible with the Apple® iPhone®, which works with the vehicle's audio controls and intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and the availability of a Rear Entertainment System (RES).
The previous-generation CR-V was recognized as a "Top Recommended Vehicle" and received "Best Retained Value SUV under $25,000" by Edmunds.com, and named top compact crossover SUV in dependability by J.D. Power and Associates. The new CR-V continues this winning formula by already earning a Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value award for the 2012 model year.
The CR-V is sold globally in more than 160 countries throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. In the U.S., CR-Vs are manufactured at the Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio from domestic and globally sourced parts.
The 2012 Honda CR-V is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile Limited Vehicle Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile Corrosion Limited Warranty.