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 ##

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General Motors has announced the 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid will have a starting base price of $22,695, including destination, which just makes it the lowest-priced hybrid on the market for 2007, undercutting the Toyota Prius by $100 and the Honda Civic Hybrid by $500. The IRS has certified that Aura Green Line buyers will qualify for a tax credit of $1,300, which makes the difference even larger as the tax credit for the Prius will drop to $787. While the Aura Green Line is less-expensive than the other hybrids, it is a “mild” hybrid and can not be driven on electric power alone.

“The Aura Green Line is a great value among the hybrids in the mid-size car segment,” said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak.

The Aura Green Line’s hybrid system in the Aura mates 2.4L four-cylinder to an electric motor/generator, which captures electrical energy during regenerative braking. The hybrid system in the Green Line improves fuel economy by providing electric assist during acceleration, by cutting fuel during deceleration, and by shutting the engine off at idle.

The Aura Green Line EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway represents up to a 30 percent improvement in EPA combined fuel economy compared to the non-hybrid Aura XE.

The 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line is arriving in dealerships now.

Full press release after the jump.

## Source: General Motors ##

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Hyundai Motor has announced pricing for its all-new Veracruz large crossover. The new Veracruz is Hyundai’s first entry in luxury crossover segment and is targeted at the Lexus RX 350 — all at a price starting $11,000 below the RX.

The front-wheel drive Veracruz GLS will have a starting base price of $26,995 when it goes on sale in spring. Adding all-wheel drive raises the price of the GLS to $28,695. The sportier, mid-level Veracruz SE starts at $28,695 for a front-wheel drive model and $30,395 with all-wheel drive. The top-of-the-line Veracruz Limited starts at $32,995 for the front-wheel drive and climbs to $34,695 for all-wheel drive. All prices include a $690 destination and handling charge.

Full press release after the jump.

## Source: Hyundai ##

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One of two remaining original Auto Union Type D race cars from did not sell during a closed-bid auction held by Christie’s Auction House. The ultra-rare 1939 German race car is expected to be the most valuable car in the world. The Auto Union Type D is expected to go for around $12 million U.S.

The sale of the car was postponed to research its background, which revealed its history was not what was originally believed. This Type D was originally thought to have won the French Grand Prix, but another car with a less illustrious racing history. Though Christie’s didn’t think the revelation would alter the value of the car considering its rarity, apparently bidders disagreed.

This Type D was originally thought to be the winner of a Grand Prix race in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, the last European race held in Europe until after World War II. The car however did race on the Nurburgring in 1939, recording a 5th place finish. It also finished 6th at the 1939 French Grand Prix, in which two other D-types finished 1st and 2nd.

Christie’s didn’t expect this car’s less successful racing history to substantially alter its value considering how rare the cars are. Christie’s plans to put the car up for auction at a later date.

## Source: CNN ##

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Just a few weeks ago Consumer Reports announced its Top Picks for 2007 list. For the second year in a row, all of Top Pick cars came from Japanese nameplates. While the Japanese cars excel in tests, there are good alternatives, and there are many people that will only “buy American.” For the second year, Consumer Reports has published its unofficial “Top Picks, American Style” list featuring only American-brand nameplates.

All Consumer Reports’ Top Picks must be recommended models, which means it must have average or better reliability, provide good overall crash protection (if tested), SUVs must not tip onto two wheels in rollover tests (if tested), or must be available with stability control (if not tested).

In summary, the “Top Picks, American Style” list features the highest-rated, Consumer Reports recommended American vehicles. Here’s the list:

Top Picks American Style

• Fun to drive: Cadillac CTS-V
• Small sedan: Ford Focus ZX4 SES
• Family sedan: Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan
• Upscale sedan: Lincoln MXZ
• Luxury sedan: Cadillac DTS
• Small SUV: Pontiac Torrent
• Midsized SUV: Ford Freestyle
• Minivan: (None named)
• Budget car: Ford Focus ZX3
• Green car: (None named)

Consumer Reports points out that Ford has been slow to implement electronic stability control, which kept the automaker from taking one of the spots. CR pointed out that the mid-pack Pontiac Torrent received the Top Pick over the superior Ford Escape because the 2007 Escape is not available with ESC. Most versions of the new 2008 Escape come with standard ESC.

## Source: Consumer Reports ##

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Volkswagen has announced that its limited edition Triple White New Beetle convertible is now available at dealers nationwide. VW will only build 3,000 units of the special edition New Beetle.

The Triple White New Beetle convertible features a bright white exterior paint, a white interior, and white convertible boot. The special edition also includes 17-inch ‘Oktopus’ wheels, a three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel, white leatherette seats and center armrest, black carpeting, floor mats and door panels, and front seat headrests with the New Beetle convertible icon

The Triple White New Beetle convertible comes with a standard automatic transmission, and is priced at $25,990.

## Source: Volkswagen ##

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Nissan announced pricing on the all-new Sentra SE-R and Sentra SE-R Spec V last week. The Sentra SE-R, with its 177-hp 2.5L 4-cylinder engine mated to an Xtronic CVT with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, will have a starting base price of $19,400.

The Sentra SE-R Spec V, featuring a higher output 2.5L 4-cylinder delivering 200-hp and 180 lb-ft torque mated to a close-ratio 6-speed manual, starts at a bargin $19,900. The Sentra SE-R Spec V also features a unique suspension, brakes and tires.

## Source: Nissan ##

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Ford today announced prices for the new C-MAX at the Geneva Motor Show. The restyled C-MAX features a redesigned front end which includes Ford’s ‘kinetic design’ elements also seen on larger S-MAX. The C-MAX also features an available panorama roof, blue tinted glass, Bluetooth, Keyless entry and MP3 connectivity.

The new Ford C-MAX will start at £12,995 (on the road) for the C-MAX Studio with a 98-hp 1.6L engine, with prices climbing to £19,045 for the top-of-the-range Titanium with 132-hp 2.0TDCi diesel.

The C-MAX will be available in the U.K. beginning in April. Press release after the jump.

## Source: Ford ##

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Ford of Europe today announced at the Geneva Motor Show that it will add three new flex-fuel models to its line up to reduce CO2 emissions. Ford said that its all-new Mondeo, and Galaxy and S-MAX MPVs will be available with flex-fuel powertrains from early 2008.

“Flexifuel technology offers us a real opportunity to make personal mobility more sustainable right now,” said John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe. “This efficient, environmentally advanced technology is one easy way in which we all can do something positive to combat climate change without giving up basic needs such as personal car use.”

Ford currently offers its Focus and C-MAX with flex-fuel powertrains, and has sold more flex-fuel vehicles in Europe than any other automaker.

Press release after the jump.

## Source: Ford ##

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Lotus Sport, the racing and performance arm of Lotus Cars, will unveil the Lotus 2-Eleven at the Geneva Motor Show. The 2-Eleven is a 1,477 lb track special based on a modified version of the aluminum chassis from the Elise. With a 252-hp supercharged and intercooled 1.8L engine, the Lotus 2-Eleven boasts a power to weight ratio similar to that of a 1960’s Formula One car.

Production of the Lotus 2-Eleven is scheduled to begin in April 2007 and will have a starting price of £39,995. The Lotus 2-Eleven will be available in a Road Going Version with front and rear lights, exhaust catalyst, single plane rear wing and other items for compliance with UK road legal requirements, and Track Only Version with an enhanced aerodynamics package including high downforce single plane carbon fibre rear wing, high downforce front splitter, brake lights and rear indicators and FIA approved driver’s race seat.

The Lotus 2-Eleven is aimed at the true track day enthusiast, taking Colin Chapman’s philosophy of ‘Performance Through Lightweight’ to its most extreme level yet.

Press release and high resolution gallery after the jump.

## Source: Lotus Sport ##

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Ford Motor Company revealed to its employees that its long-awaited subcompact car for the U.S. and other markets will be based on the new Mazda2. Ford’s President of the Americas, Mark Fields, revealed the news during his weekly Webcast. Unlike its GM, Toyota and Honda (to a lessor extent Nissan), Ford does not offer a B-segment car in the U.S. market.

The new Ford B-car, based on the Mazda 2, is currently under development, with Ford of Europe taking the lead. While the new B-car will clearly be a global vehicle, Fields stressed that it is not a “world car,” but will be tailored to meet each market.

Ford gave no time frame for the new B-car but it is expected to be two years away. We can only hope that Mazda brings the 2 to the U.S. before then.

## Source: The Detroit News ##

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Mitsubishi has announced prices for its all-new 2008 Lancer sedan. Mitsubishi has had a strong start to the year, with sales up 23.7 percent for the year, and the aggressively styled Lancer will help keep the automaker’s rebound going. The 2008 Lancer will start at $13,990 for the base DE model, which includes a segment first driver’s knee air bag, and other standard features like engine immobilizer, auto-off headlamps, and an MP3 AM/FM/CD audio. The better equipped Lancer ES will start at $15,990 with the sporty GTS starts at $17,490. The prices do not include the $625 destination and handling charges.

All Lancers are front-wheel drive and powered by a 152-hp 4-cylinder engine nad five-speed manual transmission. All three models are available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which costs $900 on the DE and ES, but $1,000 extra on the GTS. The CVT on the GTS features a 6-step Sportronic mode with steering wheel paddle shifters.

An A/C and Power Package ($1,100) is offered on the Lancer DE. The Sun & Sound Package ($1,500), which features a sun roof and a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate(R) Premium Audio, is available on the ES and GTS models. A Navigation & Technology Package ($2,000), which includes a hard disc digital music server and nav system with a seven-inch screen, is only available on the GTS model.

Price list and full press release after the jump.

## Source: Mitsubishi ##

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The 2008 Porsche Cayenne will go on sale in North American dealerships starting this Saturday, March 3rd. The restyled and reengineered Porsche Cayenne models receive new direct injected engines, which deliver the holy grail of engines: more power, better fuel economy and lower emissions. The Cayenne features a 3.6L V6 with 290-hp (up 40-hp), the Cayenne S is powered by a 4.5L V8 with 385-hp (45-hp) and the Turbo S with its twin-turbo V8 is up 50-hp to 500-hp.

When Porsche announced its February sales, the automaker said a large part its 26 percent sales drop was due to the Cayenne changeover. Cayenne sales were off 60 percent in February because of low supply of 2006 models (there was no 2007 Cayenne).

The 2008 Cayenne starts at $43,400, with the Cayenne S starting at $57,900 and the line-topping 500-hp Cayenne Turbo having a starting price of $93,700.

High resolution 2008 Porsche Cayenne photo gallery.

## Source: Porsche ##

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Sales numbers are in for February 2007. As expected Ford Motor and Chrysler Group had bad months, with sales off 13.5% and 8%, respectively. Part of Ford’s drop was a 30% cut in fleet sales, but Ford retail was still down 8% and that’s not good news. In a shocker, General Motors sales were up 3.4% despite an 18% reduction in fleet sales. The best news for GM was retail sales climbed by 11.0%. As as been the case for a while, Toyota was up once again with sales climbing 12.2%.

For the automakers, General Motors lead the pack (311,763), with Ford (211,150), Toyota (187,330) and Chrysler Group (174,506) following behind.

BY AUTOMAKER
BMW Group: 11.9%
Chrysler Group: -8.0%
Ford Motor: -13.5% (Retail down 8.0%, Fleet off 30.0%)
General Motors: 3.4% (Retail up 11.0%, Fleet off 18.0%)
Honda America: 3.2%
Nissan North America: 1.2%
Toyota Motor: 12.2%

BY BRAND
Acura -3.4%
Audi 37.5%
BMW 15.2%
Buick -29.5%
Cadillac -13.0%
Chevrolet 5.3%
Chrysler -16%
Dodge -5.0%
Ford -15.2% (Cars down 25.7%, Trucks off 10.0%)
GMC 22.3%
Honda 4.2%
HUMMER -26.0%
Hyundai 1.4%
Infiniti 5.0% (G35 Sedan up 50.3%)
Isuzu 15.4%
Jaguar -28.3% (XK up 128.8%)
Jeep -5.0%
Kia 13.5%
Land Rover -10.0%
Lexus 6.6% (Cars up 27.0%)
Lincoln 10.8% (Trucks up 38.0%)
Mazda -6.4% (Tribute off 87.1%)
Mercedes -0.3%
Mercury -13.2%
MINI -12%
Mitsubishi 22.0%
Nissan 0.7%
Pontiac -15.6%
Porsche -27.1% (Cayenne down 61%)
Saab -20.3%
Saturn 59.4% (Cars up 60.1%, Trucks up 58.8%)
Subaru -5.6%
Suzuki 1.0%
Toyota 13.0% (Cars up 21.1%, Prius up 87.0%)
Volkswagen 0.2%
Volvo 0.7%

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With February sales of its Ram pickup down 4 percent and the Durango SUV off by 43 percent, Dodge has announced that March will be “National Truck Month.”

As part of the “National Truck Month” marketing campaign, Dodge will give buyers the option to get the Ram 1500 or Dodge Durango with the 5.7L HEMI V8 at no-extra-charge. The HEMI engine is normally a $1,930 option on the Dodge Ram 1500.

Back in January, we reported that Chrysler would would offer Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep trucks equipped with the HEMI for no additional charge. It appears Chrysler has decided to start with its Dodge products.

## Source: Dodge ##

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