World Auto News & Reviews

Hyundai has officially announced the release of its 2.4 liter Theta II GDI engine. The power plant will be making its debut early next year in the 2011 Hyundai Sonata model.

The 2.4 liter Theta II GDI is a direct-injection engine which will produce 201 hp at 6300 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm in its South Korean domestic market configuration. Hyundai evidently hinting there may be slightly different power specs for the engine featured in models elsewhere.

The engine features dual continuously variable valve timing and variable induction system technology that helps the motor “breathe better”, as they say, and improve power and fuel economy figures.

It took 170 billion Korean won to develop (100 million euros) the engine over a period of 46 months.
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The ML 63 AMG by VÄTH Automobiltechnik is certainly one of the most powerful SUVs ever to be put on the road - with the VÄTH 6.3 liter engine doling out 585 hp and 690 Nm of torque.

But how does VÄTH dare to label this AMG engine its own? Well, the German tuner has substituted its own specially forged pistons, enlarged the counter-sunk channels on the cylinder heads, and added its own large intake and exhaust valves, sports camshaft and valve springs. After all that, the ECU tuning they do seems the least of it.
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The AIADA newsletter reported that according to CNN, carmaker MINI is preparing to launch a new special edition of the subcompact icon outfitted by its ultra-luxury cousin Rolls-Royce.

Both British automakers are owned by Germany’s BMW. The special edition cars will go into production in 2010 as 2011 model year cars.

It has not been decided yet whether the cars will be available in the United States. If they are made available to U.S. customers, they’ll be in extremely limited numbers, said a company spokesperson.
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Attempting to follow in the success of other retro hatchbacks – such as the Fiat 500 – Citroen will produce a new-age version of its iconic 2CV, a new report finds. The new model will be largely based on the Revolte concept that made its world debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
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Chrysler Group LLC today announced new incentives that offer consumers the choice of a gift for themselves or some extra cash in their pocket as the holiday season approaches.”Chrysler Group is happy to kick-off our ‘Year-end Wrap-up’ just in time for the holiday season,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer-Ram Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. “We want consumers to come into our showrooms and see what the new Chrysler Group has to offer. With great vehicles like the award-winning Dodge Ram truck, four vehicles that earned the top-safety pick from IIHS, competitive prices and a variety of incentives, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram offer customers vehicles that are fun to drive, and get the job done.”
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