VW May Build Two Vehicles at its New U.S. Plant

Volkswagen spokeswoman Jill Bratina revealed to The Associated Press on Wednesday (July 30, 2008) that the German carmaker is thinking about adding production of a second vehicle to its Chattanooga plant in addition to a new midsize sedan designed specifically for the North American market. "Our Chattanooga plant will give us flexible local production in the market," Bratina said. "In line with this flexibility, a second automobile in addition to a sedan specifically designed for the USA is conceivable in the foreseeable future." (Image: CarScoop)

Abarth Rumored to Develop Lotus Elise Based Sports Car

Ever since Fiat re-launched its Abarth brand, we’ve been hearing rumors about a stand-alone sports car that will act as a “halo” car for the Italian brand. Now, British magazine Autocar is reporting that it has learned from credible sources that Fiat has struck a deal with Lotus to use the next generation Elise that’s expected in 2010 as a base for a lightweight sports car with a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. -Continued

The two-seater that is slatted to enter production in 2011 will get its own unique styling along with a range of Fiat sourced engines that could include the 1.4-liter Turbo unit from the Grande Punto Abarth and the 1.8-liter direct-injection Turbo from the new Lancia Delta. (Picture: CarScoop)

Via: Autocar

Rendering Fantasies: BMW M1 Morphed into Dodge Challenger

The thing we love most about image/graphics editing programs is that they allow you to explore the boundaries of your imagination. Anything is possible, even a Dodge Challenger version of the BMW M1 Homage Concept (see photos here) that was created by a Russian artist that goes by the nickname Remio. As weird as it may sound, not only do we find the end result convincing but as a matter of fact, we actually like the Dodge M1 or if you prefer, BMW Challenger.

Via: Cardesign

Hyundai Preparing Souped Up Genesis Coupes for 2008 SEMA

It’s no secret that Hyundai’s SEMA booth in Las Vegas this November will host a variety of modified Genesis Coupes. One of the vehicles that will make its appearance at the show will be the “Art of Speed” Genesis Coupe. Co-developed with Rhys Millen Racing (RMR), the “Art of Speed” will be powered by a 2.0-liter engine with an RMR turbo kit. Other mechanical mods include a heavy-duty HKS sequential transmission and a K&W coil over suspension. Enkei racing alloy wheels in Bridgestone Protenza RE-01 tires surrounding Brembo brake calipers complete the package. -Continued

As you can see in the teaser picture released by Hyundai, the RMR Genesis Coupe will get a silver and black paint scheme along with a wide body kit that includes a functional hood scoop and a carbon fiber wing. Inside the Genesis Coupe will sport a racing cockpit with Sparco steering wheel and seats, eight-point roll cage and a RMR carbon fiber dash

Musketier Citroen C5: German boost for French Sedan

Even without any tuning mumbo-jumbo, we believe that the new Citroen C5 has more than enough flair to set it apart from most of its European and Japanese counterparts. However, Musketier’s subtle approach to the C5 is more than welcome. The German tuner wisely avoided the use of a full bodykit limiting changes to the 20-inch dark alloy wheels wrapped in 245 rubber along with a set of sporty chromed tailpipes. Buyers can opt for a subtle lip spoiler and side skirts as seen in the picture above. -Continued

Moreover, for those who opted for the base C5 equipped with a conventional suspension, Musketier offers a lowering kit that brings the luscious Gallic sedan 35mm closer to the ground.

If you’re looking for a bit more oomph, the German tuner also offers an upgrade kit for the 2.2 HDi and 2.7 V6 HDi diesel engines. In the case of the 2.2 HDi motor, power is raised from 173 to 201 HP while the more powerful V6 diesel engine gains an extra 22 HP raising total output to 240 HP.

Via: Le Blog Auto , Source: Musketier

Ford Tackles Catalytic Converter Theft with VIN

Believe it or not, thefts of catalytic convertors are on the rise in the UK and elsewhere. And if you’re wondering why the answer is hidden inside the catalyst as the precious metal content is usually platinum that can fetch around £100 or €130 / $200 for just a few minutes’ “work”. Until now, since there was no way of identifying one converter from another, thieves ran a very low risk of being charged, even if caught.

To deal with this problem Ford’s UK arm joined forces with Retainagroup, a car security marking and registration systems specialist. The catalyst converters are marked with a unique 7-digit code and a 24-hour telephone number. Marking and registration packs are offered at Ford dealerships either as individual customer kits priced at £11.87, or ‘fleet packs’ containing material for 30 vehicles, priced at £136.85.

2009 Hyundai i20: Getz Successor Spied

Our WFC buddies have managed to get their hands on a new set of spy photos of the all-new Hyundai i20 that will replace the Getz in the Korean automaker’s line-up. The i20 that follows Hyundai’s new nomenclature will make its first global appearance at the Paris Auto Show in the beginning of October with sales commencing in early 2009. Pictured here 3-door form, the i20 will also be sold as a five-door. Like the smaller i10, the i20 will be manufactured in Hyundai’s Indian plant.

Via: Worldcarfans