The redesigned 2011 Hyundai Sonata has finally had its first reveal outside Korea, at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. After years of producing boring clones of existing Japanese models, the new Sonata is so far “out there” that it makes even premium brands look cheap in comparison, even if it ultimately looks bulkier than its intended “four-door coupe” styling target.
The European-designed Ford Fiesta, available in the UAE for the past year, is the first Euro model to make it to U.S. shores in a long time, and was unveiled at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. Interestingly, the Americans will get a hatchback as well as a sedan version, both of which share only 60% of parts with the European version.
The 2010 Infiniti G37 sedan has received a moderate facelift, featuring reshaped headlights, grille, bumpers and wheels, while leaving the rest of the car unchanged. It was unveiled at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show this week.
The all-new 2011 Audi A8 has been officially unveiled in the United States. Looking exactly like a stretched version of the A4, the A8 does not hold any surprises.
The base Ford Mustang V6 has been the laughing stock of the sports car world since forever. It is so embarrassing that Ford doesn’t even bother offering it in the GCC. And yet, it is responsible for most Mustang sales in the United States, picked up by secretaries and hairdressers in droves. However, as long rumoured, Ford has finally injected the base car with respectable power, fitting it with a new 3.7-litre V6 engine that puts it in the thick of the competition.
The 2010 Chevrolet Cruze has been unveiled in the UAE, during some launch event at a Sharjah showroom. Incidentally, the Cruze has also been unveiled in the United States as a 2011 model in time for the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, and it looks like the U.S. version gets better features.
The Association of German Car Tuners, as illegal as it may sound, has unveiled their latest concept car creation for their “TUNE IT! SAFE!” initiative, designed by BMW tuners AC Schnitzer. The 1-Series diesel coupe police car is intended to promote safe tuning, as opposed to the outright banning of modified cars, like in some countries.
German tuners Brabus is now offering a tuning package for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG, complete with a pumped-up engine and a robotic body kit.
A niche manufacturer claims to have created the world’s fastest street bike. Calling it the “Asphaltfighters STORMBRINGER powered by WARM UP,” it will have its world debut at the 2009 Essen Motor Show.
Toyota has agreed to replace the accelerator pedal with a shorter one on 3.8 million cars sold in the United States as part of its biggest factory recall in history. Cars receiving the modification will include the Toyota Camry, the Toyota Avalon, the Lexus ES and the Lexus IS.