As evidenced by its not-so-subtle appearances in this new promo video, Kia wants us to think of one word when talking about the new Sportage: ‘wow’

For the most part, it’s hard not to agree with that; releasing one of the most entertaining promo videos helps a lot too. Combining colorful graphics with some pretty slick shots of the Tucson’s exterior and interior – we love the orange stitching on those seats – this promo video hits the mark in, well, ‘promoting’ the Sportage. Not to the full extent of ‘wow’, but close enough.

The Sportage actually shares its platform with its local Hyundai counterpart, the Tucson, so if you can attest to the overall package of the Tucson, chances are you’re going to feel the same way for the Sportage.

As it stands, the Sportage is set for a fall arrival in the US and similar to the Tucson, will also come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a later option for a smaller 2.0-liter variant.

Kia releases promo video for new Sportage originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 10 March 2010 11:30 EST.

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FOR MORE CAR VIDEOS & REVIEWS CHECK OUT www.kbb.com Ford Concept Car. Ford Explorer. The Ford Explorer has crossed over. Not into the great unknown, but into the arena of car-based, unibody construction. The current Explorer’s truck-like, body-on-frame construction puts it at a disadvantage to crossover vehicles in the areas of ride, handling and fuel economy (unibody vehicles are generally lighter), and if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. The Explorer America concept also exhibits Ford’s forthcoming ecoboost turbocharging initiative, with a powertrain lineup that includes a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine good for 275 horsepower or a 3.5-liter V6 pumping out 340 horsepower. For more new car reviews, interviews and automotive news visit kbb.com today.

In Europe it is known as the Opel Insignia, but for the North American market General Motors decided to revive a name first used back in 1973: Regal. Sales of the new Buick Regal sport sedan will begin in the second quarter of 2010, and its main competitors will be the Japanese Acura TSX and Swedish Volvo S60.

The 2011 Regal will be offered only in the CXL trim (additional ones will be added for the 2012 model year). The Regal CXL will be offered standard with a 2.4 Liter Ecotec direct injected four cylinder engine that delivers a maximum output of 182 HP, however a 2.0 Liter direct gasoline injected turbocharged Ecotec cranking out 220 HP will be offered as an option. Both engines will come mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with driver-shift control.

There is nothing much to say about the new Regal’s design, anyone can recognize the Insignia underneath the Buick badge. With its aggressive styling and tailored applications of Buick’s signature design cues, such as the waterfall grill, select use of chrome trim and superior fit and finish of the exterior panels. While the interior consists of all the latest technologies to keep it up to date in the 21st century: navigation, Harmon Kardon sound system, internal flash drive (1GB), hard drive with 10GB for music and USB port.

Updated 01/21/10: Buick announced today prices for the 2010 Regal. Prices start at $26,995 for the premium CXL model and at $29,495 for the CXL turbo model (including a $750 destination charge). Regal production for sale in the U.S. and Canada begins late Q1 2010 in Russelsheim, Germany, with vehicles expected to start arriving at dealerships in Q2 2010.

Full details in the press release after the jump.

Buick Regal originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 21 January 2010 04:00 EST.

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If you believed you have seen all kind of strange looking car, think again! At the Geneva Motor Show, Sbarro unveiled the Autobau concept. And yes, it is one of a kind!

The Sbarro Autobau is powered by a 12-cylinder engine from Ferrari that deliver a total of 500 hp and weights 1500 kilos. The concept was designed in honor of Fredy Lienhard, the Swiss race car driver that won the 24 Hours of Zolder in 1997 and 24 Hours of Daytona in 2002.

So, what do you think? Would be nice to see it on the streets?

Sbarro Autobau – strange looking sports car originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 5 March 2010 15:00 EST.

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The Nissan Pathfinder won’t be the only one representing Nissan in the Geneva Motor Show.

Joining the Pathfinder as the second model to be revealed by Nissan at the Geneva Motor Show will be a facelift version for the Navara pick-up.

Similar to the Pathfinder, the Navara will receive exterior changes, improved engines and an enhanced interior quality. Sales will begin this April.

As with the SUV, the 2011 Navara will also come with at least two engine variants including a new 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine with an output of 230 hp and 550 NM of torque and a 2.5 dCi four cylinder engine with an amount of 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque.

As for exterior changes and modifications are concerned, the Navara will now come with a new bonnet, a revised grille and bumper assembly, a new headlamp design with distinctive projector styling and a new set of 16-inch (steel and alloy) and 17-inch (alloy) wheels. The interior modifications include revised door trims, new seat fabric, the addition of chrome highlights, revised dials and, depending on the model, the availability of Nissan Connect Premium with a new high resolution touch screen.

Press release after the jump.

Nissan Navara originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 24 February 2010 07:30 EST.

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After we have seen the Honda CR-Z at the 2010 Detroit auto show, we have another good new for you. The Japanese company is also preparing a Type-R version of the hybrid car and it will be launched in 2011.

The Type R version will be defined by daytime running lights in the front apron and a black rear diffuser with integrated exhaust pipes, black bonnet, wing mirrors and wheels and an alpine-white paint scheme on the rest of the car.

While the standard CR-Z develops a total of 122 hp, the Type-R version will go up to 200hp. This will be possible thanks to a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine that will develop a total of 150 hp and a larger 50bhp electric motor. The result will be a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds and a top speed of 140mph.

The Cr-Z Type-R will debut next year at the Tokyo Auto Show and will go on sale shortly after.

Honda CR-Z Type R coming in 2011 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 19 February 2010 16:07 EST.

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Honda revealed details on the 2010 CR-V SUV, a model that for 2010 adds refinements and upgrades to the exterior and interior, new features, better fuel economy, and more power. prices for the new model will range from $21,545 for the CR-V LX 2WD version and will go up to $29,745 for the CR-V EX-L 4WD with Navigation package.

For 2010 the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine improve power output to 180 hp, a 14 hp increase. City/highway EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings increase to 21/28 mpg on 2WD models and 21/27 mpg on models equipped with Real Time™ 4WD – an increase of 1 mpg in both city and highway driving on all models.

On the exterior Honda added a freshened front fascia with a new grille and bumper design, a re-sculpted hood, and a new rear bumper shape. A 10-spoke alloy wheel design, standard on CR-V EX and EX-L, replaces the previous 7-spoke alloy wheel design. Interior improvements focus on new features and functionality. Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® is now included on models equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™. Auto on/off headlights have been added to the CR-V EX-L and the front seats have wider center armrests on all models.

Press release after the jump.

Honda CR-V originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 15 September 2009 01:00 EST.

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FOR MORE CAR VIDEOS & REVIEWS VISIT: www.kbb.com 2010 Mazda MAZDA3. The big, smiley face grin on the all-new Mazda3 practically screams “I’m good and I know it.” Telegraphing dramatic design cues from the Nagara show car, the Mazda3 Sedan (don’t worry, hatchback fans, the five-door will follow) again sets new standards in the compact car arena. Like the original, the 2010 Mazda3 places an emphasis on style, features, affordability and, presumably, fun. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine remains unchanged on i models, but the s trims receive a new 2.5-liter engine churning out 167 horsepower channeled through a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. A completely redesigned interior features a more driver-oriented cockpit, improved front and rear seating and offers cool features like driver-side seat memory, remote-sensing entry and start and navigation. Other premium-like features include rain-sensing wipers, adaptive xenon headlamps and heated leather seats, three-position memory function for the driver’s seat and push-button start. For more new car reviews, interviews and automotive news visit www.kbb.com today.

The second model unveiled by the Korean automaker Hyundai at the Los Angeles Auto Show is the 2010 Tucson, a model that will compete with entry level SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4 and Subaru Forester with sales beginning this December. The 2010 Tucson will be powered by the same Theta II GDI 2.4 Liter DOHC inline four cylinder engine that will be found under the hood of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata delivering a maximum output of 176 HP, 26% more than its predecessor, and 168 lb-ft of torque. The engine will be mated to either a six speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC manual control or a standard six speed manual transmission.

Following in line with Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy, the new Tuscon demonstrates athleticism and sophistication through its flowing lines, full bodied surfaces and muscular profile. Along with the overall appearance, the new Tuscon features details like Hyundai’s new hexagonal front grill and swept back headlights complimented by a sleek greenhouse and wraparound taillights while chrome accents in the grill and door handles gives an added level of sophistication to the top of the line Tucson Limited. The Tuscon will range from $18,995 for a well equipped GLS six speed manually shifted model and go all the way up to $24,345 for a top of the line Limited model.

Press release after the jump.

Hyundai Tucson originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 3 December 2009 13:30 EST.

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