2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan Win 2008 International Car of the Year (ICOTY) AwardsOnce again, Chrysler LLC’s “family rooms on

Once again, Chrysler LLC’s “family rooms on wheels” have been awarded highest honors. For the first time in the award’s history, the all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan captured all of the votes for best minivans as awarded by the 2008 International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY) jurors, leaving no room for third-place contenders.

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan

The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country earned first-place in two categories, International Truck of the Year and The Most Compatible Minivan of the Year. The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan earned second place in The Most Compatible Minivan of the Year category as well.

In addition, the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan "Rooms" television spot won The Heart String Award from the ICOTY jury for the most emotionally compelling car advertisement.

"We’re honored to have earned the accolades of jurors on the ICOTY panel for our all-new minivans,” said Deborah Meyer, Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer. “These awards serve as testimony to what customers have been telling us about the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, namely that they offer more innovation, functionality, value, safety and useful features than any other minivan in the market."

2008 Chrysler Town & Country Limited

As the fifth generation of industry leading minivans, the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan are designed to be “family rooms on wheels,” with each offering distinct advantages in the areas of safety, fuel economy, functionality and design.

Among the all-new minivans’ 35 new or improved features are:

* Three distinct seating systems that include the Swivel n’ Go™ seat system, the Stow n’ Go® seating system and a second- row bench seat with fold-in-the-floor third-row seat. Swivel n’ Go offers second-row seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row with a removable table that installs between the two rows, covered storage bins in the second-row floor, third-row uncovered storage and fold-in-the-floor third-row seating
* Standard safety equipment such as advanced multi-stage driver and low-risk deployment air bags, the all-row supplemental side-curtain air bags with added rollover protection and an electronic stability program with traction control and brake assist
* Entertainment features including SIRIUS Backseat TV featuring three family friendly channels (Disney Channel, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon Mobile) and a dual DVD entertainment system that allows for different media to be played at the same time
* Convenience features like the one-touch power third row folding seat and YES Essentials stain-resistant, odor-resistant and anti-static fabric seats, a premium front console that slides rearward 21 inches and 13 cup or bottle holders
* A minivan-first six-speed transaxle available with 3.3-liter, 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter V-6 engines for more spirited driving performance

Chrysler LLC invented the modern minivan segment in 1983 and has been the innovation and sales leader in the segment ever since, selling more than 12 million minivans worldwide to date and pioneering more than 60 minivan or industry-first features.

The ICOTY awards are voted on by a panel representing a variety of automotive media. The ICOTY awards honor vehicles made in all countries around the world that are sold in North America. The awards are a salute to automakers and their teams for their success in connecting with consumers. J.D. Power tabulated the jury votes.

BMW Announces Pricing for All-New BMW M3 Coupe and Sedan at 2008 NAIAS

During its press conference today at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, BMW announced the pricing for the highly anticipated 2008 BMW M3 Coupe and 2008 BMW M3 Sedan. When the vehicles go on sale in March, the Coupe will be priced at $57,275 and the Sedan at $54,575. Sharing the high-revving 414-horsepower V8 and balanced chassis designed to be "faster than its engine," this March, BMW M GmbH will offer the most powerful, best performing series production M3s to the North American market.

The all-new 2008 M3 Coupe and M3 Sedan-the fourth generation of compact sport vehicles which set the standard in minimizing any compromises between race-inspired performance and luxury and convenience-feature the first V8 in a series-production BMW M3. They also feature driver-adjustable settings for crucial dynamic controls encompassing engine response, steering, damping and stability (with an available steering-wheel-mounted "MDrive" button to store the preferences) and a sumptuous interior which can be optimized to the driver's desires including the comprehensive entertainment/navigation system operated through BMW's latest iDrive controller.

Additionally, the 2008 M3 Coupe is the first production vehicle in its segment with a carbon fiber reinforced roof. The material shares the same safety properties as steel, but is four times lighter. Weighing around 11 lbs. less than a standard steel roof and approximately 44 lbs. less than a steel roof incorporating a moonroof, the carbon fiber reinforced roof provides significant weight saving at the highest point of the car-lowering the car's center of gravity-to increase agility and responsiveness while limiting dive and roll in turns.

Racing provided the reason for the original M3's 1986 creation as the company had to produce road-going homologation versions of its 3 Series Coupe to enter the motorsports version in the German Touring Car Championship. The original M3's popularity provided the impetus to continue developing the M3, making it both a better performer and more inviting road car. The M3 has continued to evolve along with the underlying 3 Series, the company's most popular, upon which it is based.

In 1987 North Americans received their first taste of the high-rpm, naturally aspirated 2.3-liter four-cylinder M3 Coupe's 192-hp and thus was born a legend on this side of the Atlantic. The next generation arrived in 1995 with a 3.0-liter (and later, 3.2-liter) 240-hp inline-six powerplant. In 1997 the first M3 Sedan joined the family and the first M3 Convertible followed shortly thereafter. The most-recent version, available from 2001-2006 as either a coupe or convertible, again was offered with six-cylinder power, this time providing 333 hp from its 3.2 liters. This vehicle was BMW's first use of SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) for the U.S. market.

Spice Up Your Volvo XC90 with R-Design

The choice for customers with a refined taste

Jan. 11, 2008 -- Volvo Cars' R-design programme - a sporty factory-fitted option package - is now also available for the Volvo XC90. R-design is tailor made for customers who want a car with refined attributes. The package is also available for the Volvo C30, Volvo S40 and Volvo V50.

2008 Volvo XC90 R-Design

"The possibility of tailoring one's car to suit personal tastes is becoming increasingly important to car buyers today. R-design has been developed for buyers who want a refined and sporty look for their cars," says Gerry Keaney, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Cars.

The R-design package for the Volvo XC90 is an extension of the XC90 Sport version that was introduced in the end of 2006. New R-design features are the optional 20-inch wheels, the dual exhaust pipes, a unique skid-plate and the R-design badges in the grille, on the steering wheel and on the seats as well as rear-view mirror caps in silk matt finish.

Features remaining from the XC90 Sport version are:

* Sport chassis
* Details and trim in a silk-matt finish rather than the standard chrome.
* Unique sill mouldings in brushed stainless steel.
* Sport steering wheel and gear selector of perforated leather and sports seats with additional lateral cushioning to support the driver, even in faster cornering.
* Seats with a combination of two different grades of leather, enhanced by décor piping in different colour shades.
* Instrument dials with metal chronograph watch-style faces and a shimmering blue lustre.
* Sport carpets with accent-coloured décor piping.

2008 Volvo C30 R Design

To accentuate the sporty nature and create a sleeker appearance, the vehicle is not fitted with roof rails - although they will be available as an option for customers who need them.

R-design for C30, S40 and V50
The R-design package for the Volvo C30, S40 and V50 includes a choice between 10 exterior colours and the R-design badge in the grille is accompanied by a range of specially designed exterior and interior details.

Exterior features include a silk matt-finish grille, colour co-ordinated bumpers and lower side mouldings, rear or roof spoiler, silk matt-finish door mirror caps and five-spoke aluminium wheels (17 inches, 18 inches available as option). There is also a deco trim on the trunk lid of the S40 and tailgate on the V50.

Contrasting seats
Inside the car there are seats in off-black Flex-Tec with the seat cushion and backrest in contrasting cream-coloured leather. The R-design logo embossed on the backrest and the contrasting stitching reinforce the seats' sporty appearance.

Other R-design interior details include the leather-trim steering wheel with its R-design logo, the unique combi instrument, aluminium pedals, specially designed aluminium centre stack and door inlays, gear selector with aluminium inlay and tufted dark sport floor mats with contrasting light leather piping.

A selection of R-design features will also be available as accessories.

Emotional and extrovert
"R-design is entirely in line with the accelerated focus on making our cars more extrovert and emotional. It gives the buyers the opportunity to spice up the already distinct personality of these car models," says Steve Mattin, Senior Vice President and Design Director at Volvo Cars.

Pricing Announced for All-New BMW 1 Series Convertible at Its World Debut During 2008 NAIAS

Those whose definition of pure driving pleasure includes wind in the face and sunshine above now have even more to smile about, as pricing was announced today for the new BMW 1 Series Convertible during its world debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The vehicle, which goes on sale in time for summer, will start at $33,875 for the 128i model and $39,875 for the 135i model. The BMW 1 Series Coupe arrives in dealerships in March.

The 1 Series Convertible and the 1 Series Coupe follow the tradition established by the iconic BMW 2002 sport sedan. The essence of such driving purity - a responsive six-cylinder engine positioned within a rear-drive chassis to provide balanced, sporty dynamics - is at the heart of this compact four-place coupe and convertible.

The 128i Convertible will be powered by BMW's 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline six-cylinder engine generating 200 lb-ft of torque. Like its fixed-roof stablemate, the 128i Convertible will feature Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium cylinder block construction-core elements of BMW's EfficientDynamics.

The 135i Convertible features BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooler, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response. For the 135i Convertible, acceleration from 0-62 mph is accomplished in 5.4 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Both engines feature on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy and reduce parasitic losses for increased efficiency.

Additionally, in a mere 22 seconds-even on the move at speeds up to 25 miles per hour-the occupants within the 1 Series Convertible can go from encapsulated comfort to top-down exhilaration. If conditions dictate, the electro-hydraulically-operated softtop can be raised within the same 22 seconds, producing a distinctive silhouette enhanced by long frameless doors. The characteristic features of the BMW kidney-shaped grill, front skirt, door sills and rear skirt are identical to those of the 1 Series Coupe.

Source: BMW

Kia Motors America Introduces 2007 Kia Borrego SUV at 2008 NAIAS

Newest Addition to Kia Line-up Makes its Debut at North American International Auto Show

DETROIT, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of record 2007 sales, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the world debut of the all-new 2009 Kia Borrego midsize SUV at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, further bolstering its product offerings in the United States.

2009 Kia Borrego

Inspired by Kia's "less is more" design philosophy, Borrego was intended to convey a pure and functional look. It joins Kia's versatile and stylish line of cars and SUVs for those who enjoy active and energetic lifestyles. Set to go on sale this summer as a 2009 model, Kia Borrego houses Kia's first-ever V8 engine, making it the most powerful vehicle to date.

"Kia is proud to deliver a stylish and amenity-filled SUV to consumers who are passionate about what they drive," said Len Hunt, president and CEO of KMA. "We strive to make quality vehicles at affordable prices and the Borrego offers distinctive styling, while meeting the needs of families and those who want to infuse life into their driving experience."

Aggressive Yet Attractive Packaging

Based on styling cues from the Mesa concept vehicle shown in Detroit in 2005, Borrego's body-on-frame construction and muscular exterior sit on a fully independent front and rear suspension matched with coil-over springs, which provide an optimal riding experience, on- or off-road. Flared back headlamps, an upright grille and chiseled hood project a strong presence, while optional 18-inch alloy wheels offer increased off-road capabilities.

Built on a platform with a wheelbase of 114.0 inches, an overall length of 192.1 inches and overall width of 75.4 inches, Borrego offers a roomy interior with standard three rows of seating for up to seven passengers.

Spacious, State-of-the-Art Interior

Inside, Borrego features an in-dash, six-disc CD changer powered by a 600- watt Infinity(R) audio system to entertain its seven passengers. Complementing the powerful audio system, Borrego comes standard with USB/iPod capabilities and is the first Kia vehicle to be SIRIUS Satellite Radio enabled with three months of complementary service. The new midsize SUV also offers power-adjustable pedals and Kia's first DVD navigation system as options, as well as a back-up warning system with a rear camera display.

Depending on passenger or driver needs, Borrego comes with a sliding second row for easy ingress and egress to the third row, as well as fold-flat second and third row seats to optimize cargo space.

Unparalleled Power

As Kia's most powerful vehicle, Borrego is offered with a 3.8-liter V6 as well as Kia's first 4.6-liter V8 DOHC engine, the latter producing more than 300-horsepower. Also unique to Borrego and new to Kia is the six-speed automatic transmission mated to the V8 engine. Offered in two- and four-wheel drive, with class-leading towing of 7,500 pounds when partnered to the V8, 5,000 pounds with the V6, the midsize SUV offers unmatched capabilities for a weekend of camping and off-roading, just as much as a sophisticated night on the town.

Standard Kia Safety

Borrego continues to offer the same unprecedented level of standard safety equipment as all Kia vehicles, with features such as advanced two-stage airbags, full-length side curtain airbags for all three rows, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), brake assist system (BAS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Borrego also offers downhill assist control (DAC), which keeps the vehicle moving straight and steady down steep grades and helps to keep the wheels from locking, as well as hill assist control (HAC), which helps the driver move up steep inclines without fishtailing or allows the vehicle to stop uphill without sliding backward. Both functions are new to Kia.

Industry-Leading Warranty

Like all Kia models, Borrego is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti- perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

Kia Motors America - the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation in Seoul, South Korea - offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. In 2009, KMA's first U.S. plant in West Point, Ga. will begin production. For more information visit www.kia.com.

Subaru Debuts New-Generation 2009 Subaru Forester Crossover SUV at 2008 NAIAS

- All-New Design with Improved Comfort, Space and Utility
- All-New Platform With Sport-Sedan Dynamics
- Standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)

DETROIT, Jan. 13, 2008 -- Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced the all-new, third-generation 2009 Subaru Forester, a total re-design of the award-winning crossover utility vehicle (CUV) that has built a strong reputation as an icon of safety, dependability and versatility.

2009 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT

The 2009 Subaru Forester, which arrives in Subaru dealerships this spring, builds upon that reputation while projecting a bolder, more SUV-like design and making a major leap in safety technology, comfort, refinement and driving dynamics.

As with all Subaru models, the 2009 Subaru Forester comes equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. An all-new platform featuring a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase (now 103.0 inches) and double-wishbone rear suspension improves crash-worthiness and at the same time provides crisper handling, a quieter ride and increased interior space and cargo room. The 2009 Forester once again blends positive SUV attributes including a high seating point and interior versatility with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel efficiency.

All Forester models for 2009 feature standard side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard on all models for the first time. With the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3), Subaru optimized all elements of the Forester's chassis to deliver a better balance of ride, handling response, quietness and overall traction performance than offered by competitive vehicles. A comprehensive array of elements contributes to that goal, including the new, high-strength body structure, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, VDC and four-wheel disc ABS brakes with the Brake Assist safety system. Manual-transmission models also feature Incline Start Assist, which can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

Even with its bolder exterior and roomier interior, the new 2009 Forester is only about three inches longer than its predecessor, thus retaining the trim exterior packaging cited by Forester owners as one of this model's most essential features. A robust body structure, heavy-duty raised four-wheel independent suspension system and up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance help make Forester equally adept at negotiating twisty roads and absorbing ruts and bumps.

IMPROVED PERFORMANCE WITH GREATER COMFORT AND VERSATILITY

The 2009 Forester offers naturally aspirated and turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter Boxer engines, both revised to provide better low-end and mid-range torque for more responsive everyday performance. The 2.5-liter normally aspirated Boxer engine delivers 170 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft. of peak torque @ 4,400 rpm, still among the highest ratings for a standard engine in the segment. The revised 2.5-liter turbo Boxer engine produces 224 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm and 226 lb.-ft. of peak torque @ 2,800 rpm.

New interior materials, including double-stitched fabrics and high-grade plastics, impart a feeling of higher quality. As before, Forester is offered in a wide array of models. The 2009 Forester 2.5 X is one of the best values in the crossover SUV segment. The Forester L.L.Bean Edition model offers more luxury without compromising the vehicle's sporty nature. Traditional Subaru amenities, including heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer, are available as optional features.

The 2009 Forester offers more user technology then ever, including a navigation system for the first time as well as advanced audio system upgrade options. The 2009 Forester comes pre-wired for XM(R) or SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio. An auxiliary audio input jack enables connection of an iPod(R) or MP3 player.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes all-wheel drive Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru is the only car company that offers Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its model line.

Source: Subaru of America, Inc.

Mitsubishi Motors New 'Mitsubishi Concept-RA' and 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Debut at 2008 NAIAS

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. debut the MITSUBISHI Concept-RA and the Lancer Ralliart to the world at the 2008 edition of the North American International Auto Show. Building on Mitsubishi's global history of exciting two door sports coupes, the MITSUBISHI Concept-RA takes the sports coupe design theme in a new direction and brings the ROAD ALIVE.

Mitsubishi Concept-RA

The exciting MITSUBISHI Concept-RA is an athletic pure coupe concept that allows a passion for dynamic performance driving to coexist with a heightened sensitivity for the environment thanks to high output clean diesel power. Also making its global debut, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive compact sports sedan that will be in showrooms in the summer of 2008.

Concept-RA

The MITSUBISHI Concept-RA continues a long tradition of sporty coupe concepts dating back to the 1972 debut of the Galant GTO R73-X show car, which showcased high revving, high output (200 hp) DOHC engine technology. Combining cutting edge drivetrain technologies with the latest clean diesel engine design, MITSUBISHI Concept-RA demonstrates that a thrilling performance machine and a sense of environmental responsibility need not be mutually exclusive concepts. The Concept-RA features a "next generation" Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system that is comprised of Active Center Differential, Active Yaw Control, Sport ABS and Active Stability Control component systems, as equipped on the very capable Lancer Evolution. For Concept-RA, this vehicle-dynamics-enhancing, all-wheel-drive system is upgraded to include Active Steering and Active Damping Control elements to further improve driver control, as well as vehicle handling and stability. S-AWC integrally manages all of these systems to realize advanced levels of control over drive torque and braking, thereby improving traction, cornering and vehicle stability. This complex system of electronic traction and driveline control help create intuitive, on-demand vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver intent under all driving conditions, from everyday use to emergency avoidance situations.

MITSUBISHI Concept-RA is powered by a new high output, low-emissions 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel engine. This engine features a MIVEC(1) valvetrain that offers continuously variable valve timing control as well as low and high speed camshaft profiles. The new diesel is equipped with piezoelectric injector common-rail direct fuel injection that allows a lower compression ratio and a VD (Variable Diffuser)/VG (Variable Geometry) turbocharger. The 2.2 liter clean diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 201 hp (150 kW) and maximum torque of 310 ft. lbs (42.8 kg-m). In an effort to comply with U.S. emissions standards (Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations), the diesel relies on a new catalytic converter system that utilizes diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies. When mated to a Twin Clutch-SST gearbox, the torque-rich diesel engine will help deliver sporty driving manners with a high degree of fuel efficiency.

MITSUBISHI Concept-RA makes extensive use of lightweight materials in its construction to help reduce vehicle mass for improved performance, fuel economy and safety. The athletic coupe features a new body structure that utilizes an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum components, as well as the hood, fenders and other outer panels molded from impact-resistant and easily recyclable plastic resin.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart model is the latest addition to the sporty Lancer compact car family. This new model reinforces the sporty identity of the Lancer lineup (Lancer, Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution) with aggressive styling and driving performance to be well positioned between the Lancer and the Lancer Evolution models.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

Lancer Ralliart is powered by a new 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC intercooled and turbocharged engine that develops an estimated 235 horsepower. The engine is mated to Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch-SST gearbox that delivers highly-efficient power transmission while enhancing the sporty driving qualities of the vehicle with lightning-quick, silky-smooth, paddle-actuated shifts or programmed fully-auto modes. The Lancer Ralliart's full-time 4WD driveline features Mitsubishi's Active Center Differential (ACD). The ACD unit employs an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch center differential, vectoring drive torque to the front and rear according to different driving conditions to realize the best balance between steering response and traction characteristics on Tarmac, Gravel, or Snow surfaces. Lancer Ralliart is also equipped with a front helical and rear mechanical limited slip differentials.

The Lancer Ralliart exterior is distinguished by its more aggressively styled front bumper design, rear bumper cover, dual outlet muffler and a lightweight aluminum, ducted hood that delivers cooling air to the turbocharger. The interior design places greater emphasis on function and vehicle control. Lancer Ralliart is equipped with FAST key, hands free telephone interface, the same Twin Clutch-SST shifter used on Lancer Evolution, and easily accessible steering column mounted paddle shifters.

Available equipment and options to include: Recaro seats, HID headlights, 650 watt Rockford Fosgate 9-speaker audio system, Sirius satellite radio, power sunroof, and a 30 GB Hard Drive Navigation system

Also on display, the Galant GTO R73-X show car, the Lancer EX2000 Turbo and the all-new 2008 Lancer Evolution complement the full-line up of Mitsubishi vehicles for North America.

About Mitsubishi Motors North America

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 500 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit http://media.mitsubishicars.com/.

(1) Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system

Source: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.