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Chevrolet’s small cars have a big presence at the 2011 SEMA Show, with tricked-out Sonics and Cruzes showing off the personalization possibilities for a new generation of performance enthusiasts. 2011 Chevrolet Sonic Z-Spec #1. Designers took a turbocharged Sonic five-door and added concept Z-Spec accessories including ground effects, spoiler, grille and graphics package. The Torch Red exterior is finished off with concept Z-Spec 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Cobalt Red cabin features custom trimming, including perforated black suede seat inserts, a concept Z-Spec sport pedal kit, sport shift knob and a racing-style flat-bottom steering wheel. Most of the show cars wear conceptual Z-Spec styling enhancements, which are being evaluated for production. Z-Spec is a line of performance, styling, and personalization accessories available at Chevy dealerships. The Sonic went on sale this fall and the Cruze, while being in the U.S. market for only about a year, has become Chevrolet’s b...

Mazda's next-generation midsize sedan concept to debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the global premiere of the Mazda Takeri next-generation midsize sedan concept car at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, which will run from December 3 through 11, 2011, at the Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center). 2011 Mazda Takeri. The Mazda Takeri exploits Mazda's new design language, "Kodo - Soul of Motion", to bring a new level of strength and allure to sedan styling. The Takeri features the full array of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, including the efficient and powerful new SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine, to deliver vigorous performance and a comfortable ride desired in a sedan. The combination of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and electric devices – such as Mazda's idling stop system, i-stop, and a new regenerative braking system – enable the Mazda Takeri to achieve excellent fuel economy. Takeri provides a supremely comfortable ride fe...

To showcase the performance capabilities and aftermarket potential of its innovative three-door coupe, Hyundai has teamed up with ARK Performance to transform Veloster into a sleek and sporty rally car. Hyundai Veloster by ARK Performance to Make its 2011 SEMA Show Debut. The ARK Performance Veloster will be unveiled at the 2011 SEMA Show with a custom twin-scroll turbocharger increasing its horsepower to 210HP and a bright green and flat gray paint scheme to give enthusiasts a glimpse at Veloster’s potential. ARK Performance’s Veloster will be shown in the Hyundai booth between November 1-4, 2011 among other modified Velosters and Genesis Coupes. “The Hyundai Veloster is an ideal car for enthusiasts with its distinctive design and dynamic architecture,” said Ted Lee, owner, ARK Performance Inc. “At SEMA, our ARK Performance Veloster will bridge the realm between an affordable sports car and an extreme motor sports vehicle. From the first Tiburon, to the Genesis Coupe...

The German automaker Volkswagen has just announced the price for its newest city car, the Up! model, which is actually the successor of the popular Lupo. Originally presented at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show as a concept, this edition of the German event was the host of the production car, with Volkswagen going a step further and also announcing its price. Being based on the MQB platform, a modular structure made to be used for future Polo, Golf or even Passat models, the Up! takes its power from the small 1.0 liter, three-cylinder engine, which is delivering 60 horsepower, but VW is also announcing a supercharged version which will have 75 HP, along with two new versions, an LPG and an electric vehicle. Coming with two options for the transmission which can be either manual or automatic, along with the stop / start system, the Up!’s estimated fuel consumption is 4.2 liters / 100 km which in US terms means 56 mpg. Volkswagen is offering its newest city car in three trim leve...

SEAT’s executive class Exeo saloon and ST estate range is getting a new look, and some important new engineering upgrades. 2012 SEAT Exeo photo - The revised Exeo ‘face’ with new bi-xenon headlights and stunning LED daytime running lights (standard on Sport, optional on SE), will make its public debut in the metal at the Frankfurt Motor Show. 2012 SEAT Exeo photo The styling enhancements, boosted by smart new alloy wheel designs, further underline the high value Exeo range’s premium look, while upgrades to interior materials – including upgraded leather on the steering wheel and revised upholstery – create a matching premium feel. 2012 SEAT Exeo photo Meanwhile, improvements to the high quality SEAT saloon and estate’s 2.0 TDI common rail powerplant now see emissions cut to as little as 129 g/km*. Economy is similarly improved, too, with the Exeo saloon now being capable of as much as 57.6 mpg* on the EU’s combined cycle. The latest upgrades to the Exeo come hard on th...

The Volvo Car Corporation now takes the next bold step in the evolution of the company's upcoming large luxury sedan. 2011 Volvo Concept You photo - The Concept You, revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, combines a sleek coupe-like exterior with a luxurious high-tech interior that keeps the driver in command via intuitive smart pad technology. 2011 Volvo Concept You photo The Concept You picks up where the Concept Universe, revealed at Auto Shanghai earlier this year, left off. It gives the global car buying public another exciting glimpse of the Volvo Car Corporation's future. 2011 Volvo Concept You photo With a full interior, Concept You allows luxury sedan customers to fully experience the craftsmanship and intuitive technology that will be the hallmark of future Volvos. "The new Concept You roofline stretches all the way back to the tail lamps - creating that dynamic fastback look that is very much in vogue among European car buyers at the moment,...

The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show sees SEAT continue the exciting development of its design DNA with the world debut of the new SEAT IBL concept car. 2011 SEAT IBL concept photo At Frankfurt the Spanish brand’s unique design language is extended to a sports saloon concept with a dynamic, confident look. The SEAT IBL combines a clean, minimalist exterior with an innovative, premium interior that clearly conveys its quality and precision. 2011 SEAT IBL concept photo James Muir, President of SEAT, S.A. said: ‘The IBL shows that sports saloons within the SEAT brand portfolio will play an important role in future. However, this concept car does not pre-empt a specific model, but rather shows the design philosophy we are applying to bring the unmistakable SEAT identity to a saloon car, too.’ 2011 SEAT IBL concept photo He added: ‘The IBL is the perfect representation of SEAT brand values – with its distinctive look, its precision and its premium feel. Over the next few ye...