Mazda is considering another crossover that will slot in beneath the CX-7, according to U.K.’s Auto Express. The new compact crossover, likely to be called the CX-5, will be inspired by the Hakaze that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show.

Featuring a distinctive grille and sporty profile inspired by Hakaze, the CX-5 will include RX-8 like rear suicide doors to improve access to the back seats. The CX-5 could also feature the removable roof panels that were seen on the Hakaze concept.

The CX-5 has not yet been approved for production, but Mazda’s U.K. execs would like to see a compact crossover on the road by the end of the decade.

## Source: Auto Express ##

Canadian supplier Magna International and an unnamed private equity group have placed a bid for the Chrysler Group, according to KeyBanc Capital Markets analyst Brett Hoselton. The bid for Chrysler is worth approximately $4.7 billion. Given most analysts stating that Chrysler is worth anywhere from nothing to around $13 billion, the offer may not be as low as it sounds.

DaimlerChrysler could also consider offering Magna a minority stake in Chrysler, if other bidders “retreat.” DaimlerChrysler expects that Magna’s bid will not be the last before its annual shareholder meeting on April 4th.

## Source: Reuters ##

Following the unveiling of its M3 Concept at the Geneva Motor Show, BMW has revealed details of the M3’s new V8 powerplant. The first eight-cylinder for the BMW M3 will deliver 420-hp from just 4.0L.

Not only is the new V8 more powerful than the outgoing inline 6 cylinder, it is also lighter than the previous engine.

Full details after the jump.

## Source: BMW ##

Continue: BMW details new 420-hp V8 for next M3 »

Ford will unveil the production version of its Fairlane people mover concept (shown) at the New York Auto Show. The production model will be called the Flex, when it makes its debut on April 4th. The Flex is designed to help replace Ford’s minivans that were discontinued last year.

The Flex joins Ford’s other crossovers, which includes the seven seat Taurus X and five seat Edge. The Flex features three-row seating and conventional five-door layout. The Flex is expected to sport similarly boxy styling as the Fairlane and will likely feature a chrome three-bar grille and a prominent Blue Oval badge.

Ford is targeting to sell about 100,000 Flexes annually.

Ford will also build a Lincoln version of the Flex people mover, but the curvy styling of the Lincoln model will look little like the boxy Flex.

## Source: The Detroit News ##

Bob Lutz, General Motors product guru, has confirmed plans for a new Cadillac V12-powered flagship sedan. The new sedan is expected to be inspired by the popular Cadillac Sixteen coupe car, and will compete with the Mercedes S-Class and Lexus LS.

Lutz said in an interview that GM’s Holden division is working on the new V12 for the new flagship. The new V12 is built from two 3.6L V6 engines mated to a common crankshaft. The 7.2L V12 will feature direct-injection, and deliver around 600-hp.

Early test mules for the flagship Cadillac are reportedly riding on the new rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform. The Zeta platform may underpin more than the test mules, with the production model also derived from the Zeta.

## Source: Automotive News ##

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Honda has said that it will recall about 165,000 2005-06 model year vehicles in the United States to fix a potential engine problem. The vehicles being recalled include 2005 models of the Acura RL, TL and TSX sedans, 2005 Honda Accord coupes, sedans and hybrids, 2005 Odyssey minivans and 2006 Ridgeline trucks.

The U.S. receal is part of a global recall due to an defect thatcan cause sealer material to leak onto a coil wire inside the fuel pump relay. The wire can become brittle and snap, and could led to stalls or a failure to start.

Honda has received “multiple complaints,” but there have been no injuries or crashes linked to the defect.

## Source: Detroit News ##

BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has confirmed that the automaker is still considering a small crossover that would be positioned below the X3. Tentatively called the X1, the new crossover would ride on the 1-Series platform. According to an interview in German magazine AutoZeitung, Reithofer said the vehicle is expected by 2010, and it expects to sell about 100,000 units annually.

Reithofer also said that “the type of products we need in the future” are cars like successors to Z8 roadster and M1 supercar.

## Source: AutoZeitung ##

Volkswagen announced that its new special edition Wolfsburg Edition Passat is now available at dealers nationwide. Volkswagen will build approximately 6,000 of the special edition Passats.

The Wolfsburg Edition Passat is powered by a 2.0L 200-hp turbocharged engine mated a six-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission. Each special edition Passat sedan includes unique “Wolfsburg Edition” badging on the driver and passenger front quarter panels. The Wolfsburg Edition Passat features 17-inch alloy wheels, a four-spoke leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel, leather wrapped gearshift knob and boot, 12-way full power adjustable driver seat, six-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, heated front seats, power sunroof, fog lights, heated windshield washer nozzles, Sirius satellite radio and unique “Wolfsburg Edition” badging.

Following VW’s value pricing tradition on special edition vehicles, the Wolfsburg Edition Passat is a greater value at $26,990 than a similarly equipped non-Wolfsburg Edition Passat.

Full press release after the jump.

## Source: Volkswagen ##

Continue: Volkswagen announces Wolfsburg Edition Passat »

As we have previously reported, BMW will expand its 1-Series with coupe and convertible versions. Spy photographers have snapped the best shots yet of the coupe variant of the BMW 1-Series during testing in Munich.

There are rumors of a version powered by BMW’s new 3.0L twin-turbo, and possibly an M version as well.

The BMW 1-Series Coupe will join the 3- and 5-door hatch models and is scheduled to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall.

## Source: World Car Fans ##

Over the last month, Saab has taken prototypes of its facelifted 9-3 out for cold weather testing, and we’ve shown spy shots of both wagon and convertible models. Spy photographers have once again caught a prototype of the facelifted 9-3 Convertible during testing.

Featuring the same Aero X-inspired front end as the wagon, this 9-3 is wearing slightly less camouflage, giving us a better look at the restyled front end. Earlier prototypes did not have decor strips on the bodysides, which we expected meant that they were begin dropped for a cleaner look, however they have returned on this prototype.

The facelifted Saab 9-3 may debut as part of Saab’s 60th anniversary celebrations in June.

## Source: World Car Fans ##