Alfa Romeo has been looking to offer rear-wheel-drive in its lineup for some times now and latest reports say that the Italian company is now in talks with Tata’s Jaguar to borrow its platforms. Alfa is looking to strengthen its image amongst premium German brands such as BMW but still uses front-wheel-drive. However developing a new rear-wheel-drive platform would be too costly for Alfa.

Owner Ratan Tata already has close ties with the Fiat group. The two have deals for engine supplies and Tata also sits on the Fiat board. Sources say that the two are in talks now to share Jaguar’s rear-wheel-drive platforms.

Executive sources are saying that the platform could also be used in Lancias and Maseratis as well.

Source: PistonHeads

Tags: News,  Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar OEM Parts

Audi will offer the redesigned five-door 2009 A3 in the U.S. market with two different engine variants including a 2.0 TFSI 200-hp and a 3.2 quattro with 6-cylinders producing 250-hp. Unlike the Audi Q5, the 2009 Audi A3 will get the S tronic dual-clutch transmission with Audi magnetic ride. Also new for this year, Audi will offer quattro on the 2.0 TFSI variant which will be available exclusively with S tronic transmission.

Tags: News, Automotive, Audi, Audi Tail Lights

Here is some more Toyota hybrid news if you aren’t already sick of it yet from last week. In an interview with Automotive News, Toyota’s executive vice president for r&d, Kazuo Okamoto, said that the Prius could become a brand of its own with a range of models. That means we’ll have more than just one wedge shaped five-door hatchback.

“We are studying that, but I can’t say what stage of the study we are in,” Okamoto said in an interview. “I do think it is a reasonable direction.”

Asked whether Toyota will offer coupes, sedans and more wagons, Okamoto said, “Using the Prius platform for various variations is possible.”

While Okamoto didn’t offer any timeline for the brand or what models will be considered, we don’t expect the move to happen until after the next-generation Prius arrives later next year.

Prius recognition level is increasing worldwide, which could result in a wider model line said Okamoto.

Source: Automotive News

Tags: News, Automotive, Toyota, Toyota Radiators

Volkswagen has completed its production version of the BlueTDI, a next-generation turbo diesel developed especially for us on the stateside. First introduced in the Tiguan in Europe in 2007, Volkswagen will unveil a Jetta BlueTDI at the International Vienna Motor Symposium for the U.S.

The Volkswagen Jetta BlueTDI will debut as one of the cleanest and most economic cars of its class in the world. Power comes from 2.0L engine that produces 140-hp and returns a fuel-economy of up to 60mpg.

Tags: News, Automotive, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Radiators

The GM engineers are finally done messing around and the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will officially produce 638-hp (an increase of 18 over the original target) and 604 lb-ft of torque (an increase of 9 over the original). That means the LS9 puts out nearly 103 horses per liter. We still don’t have any official 0-60 figures however top speed will be just over 200mph.

The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will hit markets this summer with the MSRP to be right under $100,000.

Tags: News, Automotive, Chevrolet Spoilers

Last we heard Acura designers still couldn’t decide on the look for the next-generation Acura NSX supercar. According to AutoCar, Honda has finished worked on the new NSX and sources say that the front-engined V10 supercar will be unveiled at next year’s Tokyo Auto Show.

Sources have told AutoCar that the fugly looks of the NSX concept have been completely redesigned since it’s debut at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show.

Source: AutoCar

Tags: News, Automotive, Acura, Acura Tail Light

Suzuki showed off their new Kizashi concept at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. The Kizashi concept shows the direction Suzuki will be taking in its third phase of their world strategy as they expand into mid-size and full-size cars.

Although Suzuki is known for their compact cars and four-wheel-drive SUVs, they are now getting ready to introduce more models into their lineups.

It was previously said that the Kizashi concept hints at a production model that will debut in 2010.

Tags: News, Automotive, Suzuki, Suzuki Wheels

Mazda Australia revealed the new Mazda3 MPS rally car ahead of its debut at Targa Tasmania. Professional rally car drivers Rick Bates and Alister McRae will participate in Mazda’s eighth appearance at the Targa campaign held from April 15-20.

The front-wheel-drive Mazda3 MPS rally car will be powered by a 2.3 liter direct injection turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 255-hp.

The two drivers will compete in the 2WD Showroom competition for which rules say that the rally cars must be mostly standard, meaning that drivers will compete in cars featuring audio systems, electric windows and carpets and upholstery intact.

Source: WorldCarFans

Tags: Tags: News, Automotive, Mazda Window Regulator

Mitsubishi has fitted the new Outlander with the option of its high-speed semi-automatic gearshift system found in the Lancer Evo X. Early next year, the Twin Clutch SST will find its way into the Mitsubishi Outlander with steering wheel-mounted paddleshifts.

Mitsubishi will expand the use of the system offering it in a 2.2 liter diesel powered Outlander. Benefits of the Twin Clutch SST include almost no power loss during shifting, better fuel consumption and lower emissions than your traditional automatic transmission.

Source: WhatCar

Tags: News, Automotive, Mitsubishi, Mitsubishi Window Regulator

The first time Suzuki ever topped the 100k mark in the U.S. was in 2006 with 100,990 automobiles. Last year, the automaker sold 101,884 units. Sales in the first two months of 2008 were down 5 percent to 15,920.

Tags: News, Automotive, Suzuki, Suzuki Window Regulator