Car Moon

In an ominous sign for the rest of the Falcon range, Ford Australia announced that the Falcon Wagon will be axed in June. Ironically, the announcement comes a few months before the company celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Australian Falcon that was launched onto the market in June of 1960.

Subaru is closing the styling gap between the Impreza WRX and STI models with the release of the wide-body 2011 Impreza WRX sedan and hatchback that had their world premiere today at the New York auto show.

By adopting the styling lines of the high-performance STI with the wider body look, including a wide track front and rear as well as beefier 17-inch alloys and 235/45R17 tires, the 2011 Impreza WRX boasts a more aggressive road presence than its predecessor.

Making its world debut at the New York motor show alongside the N.A.-spec iQ mini, is the second-generation of Scion's tC compact coupe that is scheduled to arrive in U.S. dealerships later this fall. Highlights include a new chassis and a more powerful 2.5-liter engine with new transmisions.

Following a similar formula with the first-generation tC that was first launched onto the market in 2004, Scion's coupe model features a new exterior design with certain styling cues like the helmet-inspired cabin shape said to be adopted from the Calty-designed Scion FUSE concept shown at the 2006 edition of the NY Show.

The car also gets protruding fender flares that house larger 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in wider tires.

Toyota today unveiled the working class version of the Aston Martin Cygnet North American version of its iQ mini that will be marketed under the Scion brand in the United States at the New York Auto Show.

With the exception of the darkened headlamps and tail lamps, and the newly designed front bumper with modified upper and lower grilles, Scion's model is identical to the Toyota iQ sold in other regions of the world including Europe.

With an overall length of only 120.1-inches (more than 30-in. shorter than the Toyota Yaris), width of 66.1-inches and a 78.7-inch wheelbase, the iQ is the smallest model in the Toyota Group's North American lineup.

The recent Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HODSB) show saw General Motors' Vauxhall division displaying its new generation Astra police vehicle that is offered for UK and overseas law enforcement officials.

Our man Phil is making good use of his digital camera at the New York Auto Show sending us 'live' photos of all the new models being presented at the Jacobs Javits Center.

This here is the all-new and very promising 2011 Kia Optima sedan that will go on sale in the U.S. this fall and in Europe next spring. The South Korean automaker's press conference at the NY Show isn't until tomorrow, so we don't have all the details on the mid-size saloon yet.

What we do know is that the Optima is a sister model to the also new Hyundai Sonata so expect to see the range comprising the same four-cylinder gasoline and hybrid powertrains. More photos after the jump.

Following in the footsteps of its Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan siblings, the Lincoln MKZ will be offered with FoMoCo's new hybrid powertrain that comprises of a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that churn out a combined output of 191HP.

Lincoln's first-ever hybrid model is expected to deliver at least 41mpg (5.7 lt/100km) in the city and reach speeds of up to 47 mph (75 km/h) in pure electric mode.

Chinese consumers like their saloons with extra long wheelbases. Abiding by the logic that the client is always right, BMW placed the new 5-Series sedan on the procrustean bed and stretched its wheelbase up by 140mm or 5.5-inches. The car now measures 5,039mm or 198-in. in length with a wheelbase of 3,108mm or 122.4-in

Developed exclusively for the Chinese market, the 5-Series LWB model is built at BMW's plant in Shenyang in cooperation with a large number of regional partners.

Suzuki is adding a pinch of sportiness to its Kizashi mid-size sedan for the 2011 model year. If you're expecting a more powerful engine than the standard 178HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder that's offered across the range, then you'll be disappointed as the 'Sport' grade is mostly about looks.

Offered exclusively on the Kizashi GTS and SLS trim levels, Suzuki's definition of 'Sport' (talk about a word losing its meaning...) translates to custom light weight 18-inch alloy wheels and a 10mm lower ride plus a honeycomb lower grille, chrome accents on the front bumper and doors, discreet side skirts and a boot lid spoiler.

Subaru has finally released initial details as well as a set of teaser photos of its highly anticipated collaboration with famed engine-builder Cosworth. The special edition model is called the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 and it will go on sale in the UK (or Europe, Subaru didn't clarify) this June in a limited run of just 75 examples.

The Japanese automaker said that Cosworth has fine-tuned the standard Impreza WRX STI's 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, boosting output from 300HP at 6,000 rpm to 400HP at 5,750 rpm.

The result is a supercar-like 0 to 100km/h (62mp) sprint time of just 3.7 seconds. That's compared to the stock Impreza WRX STI's time of 5.2 seconds.

Here we go again: as was the case with the spy photos we showed you back in February, this single picture of a small Hyundai sedan snagged without any camouflage somewhere in South Korea has us wondering if it's the next generation Accent (marketed as the Verna in Korea) or the Elantra.

Either way, the compact-size four-door saloon looks like a mini-Sonata sharing the same "Fluidic Sculpture" design with its larger brethren. Apparently, Hyundai has learned its German lessons well - and by that we mean the "one design fits all size mantra".

As always, you can have your say in the comments section below.

Mercedes-Benz specialist Brabus didn't waste any time in releasing its tuning program for the all-new 2011 E-Class Convertible that was launched in Europe this week. As with all other Mercedes models, Brabus offers a variety of performance and styling kits for Stuttgart's four-seater soft-top.

Starting with the engine upgrades, the most powerful option is for the E500 (E550 in the U.S.A.) Convertible. The stock 388HP 5.5-liter V8 unit is bored out to 6.1-liters, while the conversion also includes new cylinder heads and camshafts, a custom exhaust system and catalyst as well as a recalibrated ECU.

The result is an overall output of 462HP and 615Nm (453-lb-ft) of peak torque, for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).

The countdown is on to the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV that will roll out of Stuttgart sometime in the second-half of 2011. Last time we brought you some early scoop photos of the new SUV on one of its first tests on road. Now, spies have video-snagged the next M-Class during winter testing.

Sharing a platform with the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and the upcoming 2012 Dodge Durango, the M-Class will get a revised engine lineup that will most likely include a next-generation hybrid powertrain with plug-in capability.

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Chairman Li Shufu recently had this to say about Volvo and its $1.8 billion purchase from Ford Motor Company: "A tiger belongs to the forest. It belongs to the wild world and not confined in a zoo. We need to liberate this tiger." Anyone else see the irony?

According to Autonews, Li was referring to Volvo's dependence on Europe for production and Europe and North America for the most part of its sales.

Geely's chairman believes that this issue will be solved by building a factory in Beijing, China, that will make 300,000 Volvo cars a year, or about the same amount the automaker currently produces at its plants in Sweden and Belgium

The all-electric Nissan Leaf will sell for $25,280 (about €18,800) including federal tax credits, the Japanese automaker announced on Tuesday, making it more expensive than conventional gasoline/diesel or hybrid cars.

The actual MSRP (not including applicable tax, title and license fees) for the Leaf is $32,780, but there's a $7,500 federal tax credit which brings the price down to $25,280 for the entry-level version. According to the automaker, the Leaf can leased for a monthly payment beginning at $349.

Nissan said that there is an array of state and local incentives that may further reduce the costs such as a $5,000 statewide tax rebate in California; a $5,000 tax credit in Georgia; a $1,500 tax credit in Oregon; and carpool-lane access in some states, including California.

If anything else, automakers are fully embracing Apple's i-do-nothing-well iPad tablet. Shortly after Infiniti told us about a special version of its 'Adeyaka' digital magazine designed exclusively for the iPad, Cadillac announced the sponsoring of Cool Hunting's application for the tablet computer with exclusive content inspired by the all-new 2011 CTS Coupe.

"The Cadillac CTS Coupe serves as muse for our design and technology stories." says Josh Rubin, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Cool Hunting.

As anticipated, Audi came out with an official press release on its AMI motor show offerings that include the world premiere of the redesigned 2011 TT Coupe and Roadster. The German automaker did not reveal any specific details about the facelift models.

Other highlights at the show, which runs from from April 9-18, include the German premieres of the new A1 premium supermini, the A8 limo and the RS5 Coupé, the e-tron concept and the car that won the 2009 DTM (German Touring Car Masters).

BMW Technik GmbH (currently BMW Forschung und Technik, or Research and Technology) is celebrating 25 years of concepts, innovation, design, and technology. The people employed in the division are responsible for some of the zaniest concepts to ever come from beneath the Roundel.

The subsidiary company was founded as BMW Technik GmbH in 1985. In the early years, the division's main focus of activities was defined as "the development and construction of concept vehicles".

These include the 1988 Z1 Coupe that was based on BMW Technik's very first project, the limited production Z1 roadster.

However, in 2003, the Bavarian automaker rebranded the division as "BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH", shifting focus to developing technology that encompassed all types of BMW vehicles.

Apparently, Subaru is in a teasing mode these days. Enjoy one of the shortest press releases ever: "The wing is back! Exclusive world debut at the New York International Auto Show." The Japanese automaker accompanied the statement with a single photo of a covered-up Impreza WRX STI with a jumbo-size rear wing.

The Detroit News reports that FoMoCo will be revealing the MKZ Hybrid in New York, the Blue Oval's "first luxury hybrid".What you can expect is a Ford Fusion (or Mercury Milan), but with whatever passes for upscale Lincoln trim.

Chris Lemley, owner of dealerships in the Boston metro area, says, "I thought they should have done it before." Obviously, but as for getting people out of Lexus dealerships and onto Lincoln lots, "It depends on how fast they can get it to us...I'm also hoping that it will be priced competitively."

Following its debut at last year's SEMA motor show in Las Vegas, the Kia Soul Safety Car has made its track debut at the U.S. Touring Car Championship (USTCC) that is sanctioned by the National Auto Sport Association (NASA).

Kia's funk-o-wagon was modified by "GOGOGEAR" and it features upgraded suspension and tires, plus special strobe lights inside the headlamps, taillights and the light bar.

With the 2011 Cruze set to enter Chevrolet's American lineup and replace the quirky Cobalt, GM has gotten itself two big steps away from the bland-as-a-box Cavalier.

Now, they plan on taking things one step further by offering unique packages that will hopefully allow it to compete with segment top dogs like the Civic and Focus.

First comes the Cruze RS, which boils down to an appearance package (and a pretty snazzy one at that) available on LT and LTZ models. According to the PR people, said package "bolsters the car's styling with unique fascias, rocker moldings, rear spoiler and fog lamps."

With the new Nissan Patrol-based Infiniti QX56, Nissan hopes to release a better competitor in the full-size luxury SUV segment than its lumpy, tumorous predecessor. From the pics, it's already way ahead of the game (barring the absurd, swoopy vents and lesion-like tail lamps).

Wearing the manliest face Infiniti has ever put on an SUV while retaining the brand's design language, the new-for 2011 QX56 is visually much more blunt and regal, if that's possible.

While most people will be concentrating on the roided-out wagons and Euro-fighting econoboxes showing up in New York, outdoors-y types are probably more concerned with the recent British Leisure Show at Royal Windsor Racecourse.

That's where Airstream - the people who make those retro Coors Light trailers - showed its redesigned Bambi 422 (again; its debut was at Birmingham's National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show), which is "the most nimble and lightweight" Airstream around. Sounds sexy.

It's no secret that the segment-confused R-Class is one of the ugliest and less successful vehicle's in the history of Mercedes-Benz. Having already admitted this, the German automaker is now trying to give the R-Class a new lease in life by updating the crossover model where it hurts the most: the styling department.

The 2011 R-Class' front end has been completely redesigned taking its inspiration from Mercedes-Benz's latest sedan and SUV models. Gone are the goggle-style lights that have been replaced with newly-shaped headlamps.

The more chiseled bonnet design and bumper along with the new daytime running lights complete the stylistic updates up front.

Cadillac has officially cranked its CTS Sport Wagon to 11, and it'll be on-hand at the upcoming New York International Auto Show.

Powered by the CTS-V's 556-horsepower 6.2 liter LSA and billed as a pre-production show car (kind of like Buick's Regal GS), the CTS-V Sport Wagon will be previewing what Cadillac expects to have in dealerships before the end of the year.

Painted in Midnight Silver paint cribbed from the Sixteen concept, the show car's interior will leather/Alcantara-trimmed seats, a leather-trimmed upper dashboard, and Sapele wood trim (from the Sapele tree, which is indigenous to tropical Africa).

In an important milestone for the new Fiat 500's history, the 500,000th example of the Italian automaker's retro-styled mini rolled off the production line this week at the Fiat Auto plant in Tychy, Poland, 21 months after its market launch. The commemorative model was finished in a so-called "Funk White" color and powered by a 69HP 1.2 engine with Start&Stop.

The new Fiat 500 is sold in 83 different countries around the world, from Italy to Brazil, and South Africa to Japan.

As the saying goes, if you can't beat them, join them... Not wanting to be left out of the modern craze for all things hybrid, Mazda reached an agreement with Toyota to license the (hybrid) technology used in the Toyota Prius.

The deal, announced on Monday, will allow Mazda to use the key components of the hybrid system found in the top-selling Prius on its own series of models.

We were supposed to get our first official look of the new, limited run Ford Focus RS500 on Wednesday, but Ford decided to release information and photos today "due to the overwhelming interest shown", as the company states on its dedicated website.

So what's the Focus RS500 all about? If you're the kind of type that likes getting to the point, all you need to know is that the RS500 is a limited edition of the Focus RS with a beefed up 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five churning out 350HP, a matte black 'foil' wrap and special interior trim that will be produced in a strictly-limited production run of 500 individually-numbered vehicles.

For more detailed information and a comprehensive, high-resolution photo gallery of Ford's Focus RS500, follow the jump.