Volvo Unveils the 2011 S60 Ahead of Geneva

Volvo has released the first official photos of the 2011 S60 that is set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The all-new S60 draws many styling cues from the S60 concept and features many of the same design elements as the rest of the Volvo models. Unfortunately the suicide doors from the concept didn't make it to production, but the coupe-like roofline remains.

Volvo claims that the new S60 will drive like no other Volvo and will be safer thanks to the Pedestrian Detection system.

The 2011 Volvo S60 will enter production in early summer 2010.

More Photos of the Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept Released

Bugatti unveiled the 16C Galibier Concept back in September and now the automaker has showed the car off at a special event in Los Angeles.

The concept is powered by a 8.0L W16 engine with twin-turbochargers that is expected to be mated to an eight-speed transmission. Bugatti hasn't released official specs for the all-wheel-drive Galibier, but it's been rumored that the W16 engine will put out around 800 horsepower and the car will have a top speed around 220 mph.

Bugatti claims that when it is officially released the Galibier will be the fastest and most powerful four-passenger sedan available.

GM to Build Cadillac Converj...Well According to One Source

The Detroit News is reporting that GM has finally decided to build the Cadillac Converj, which shares the same extended-range technology as the Chevy Volt.

GM originally unveiled the Cadillac Converj concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. A production date has not been set, but it will likely be a few years before it hits the showroom. When it was unveiled Bob Lutz claimed that a production version would remain very close to the concept, just how GM did with the Camaro.

The Converj seems to make sense, since it would increase the number of electric vehicles offered by GM and it would help spread the cost of the technology that is shared with the Volt. GM would also be able to apply a higher sticker price to the Cadillac version, which would also help with costs.

The Volt is still on target for production at the end of 2010, we'll have to keep our fingers crossed that the Converj is going to actually be produced.

Full Story: The Detroit News

2011 Toyota Sienna to Debut in LA

Toyota has announced that the 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan will debut at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Toyota didn't release any official details about the third generation Sienna...stay tuned.

PRESS RELEASE:

All-New Third-Generation Toyota Sienna to Make World Debut at 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show

TORRANCE, Calif., November 9, 2009 - - Toyota will stage the world premiere of the all-new 2011 Sienna minivan at a press conference at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The press conference will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 10:35 a.m. at the Toyota exhibit space in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center. A video clip of the press conference will be available for viewing following the event on the Toyota.com website.

2010 Suzuki Kizashi to Start Under $19K

Suzuki's much talked about new midsize sedan, the 2010 Kizashi is going to start at $18,999.

Even though the Kizashi S starts just under $19k, it still comes standard with power windows and locks, push-button start, dual-zone climate control and a nine speaker audio system. For $2,500 more buyers can get the Kizashi SE with a CVT, 17-inch alloy wheels and power driver's seat. The GTS model is available with either the CVT or a six-speed manual transmission. It also includes a 425- watt audio system, 18-inch wheels, Bluetooth and a moonroof. The top GTS model goes for $24,849. The top of the line SLS starts at $24,399 and includes leather seats, heated front seats, automatic headlights and wipers and rear parking sensors. The SLS tops out at $26,749. And of course all the prices are subject to a $735 destination and handling fee.

Ford Unveils Industry's First Inflatable Seat Belt

Ford has unveiled the auto industry's first ever inflatable seat belt, which is designed to add more protection for rear seat passengers.

The new inflatable seat belt is designed to inflate in a mere 40 milliseconds and when expanded the belts spread crash forces over five times more area of the body than conventional seat belts. The new seat belt inflates slower than a conventional air bag and uses cold compressed gas instead of a heat-generating chemical reaction.

"It's a very simple and logical system, but it required extensive trial and error and testing over several years to prove out the technology and ensure precise reliable performance in a crash situation," said Srini Sundararajan, safety technical leader for Ford research and advance engineering.

The new inflatable seat belt will debut first on the next-generation Ford Explorer in 2010 and then it will eventually be offered in vehicles globally.

2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder Becomes the Lightest Porsche

Porsche has unveiled the 2011 Boxster Spyder, which will become the lightest Porsche available.

The third Boxster model will join the Boxster and Boxster S and debut at the 2009 LA Auto Show.

The Boxster Spyder features a low slung soft-top, extra low side windows and two bulges on the rear lid that make the Spyder reminiscent of the Carrera GT. The Spyder is powered by a 3.4-liter six-cylinder that puts out 320 horsepower, which is 10 more than the Boxster S. It also features an all-new sport suspension that lowers the Boxster Spyder 20 mm. The Boxster Spyder only weighs 2,811 pounds, which is 176 pounds lighter than the Boxster S.

When equipped with Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission the Boxster Spyder reaches 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of 166 mph with the roof open.

The 2011 Boxster Spyder goes on sale February 2010. U.S. pricing is $61,200.