Aston Martin has pulled back the sheets on the first images of its production V12 Zagato. The road car is headed for an official debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in March. Funk Flex Find Flex On Google+
Auto Talk: Tesla Model X revealed
Here it is, the Tesla Model X, the CUV prototype version of the Model S. We’ll have more details live from California soon, but here’s what we know at the moment. The Model X can hit 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, will cost around the same as the Model S, and it has those cool “falcon” gullwing-like doors. Funk Flex Find Flex On Google+
Auto Talk: Three-cylinder BMW 3 Series on its way?
Peter Nefischer, head of engine development for BMW, has said the automaker is currently working on developing three-cylinder engines to be used across the company’s vehicle line. The powerplants would likely be different than the one found in the BMW i8 and wouldn’t be partnered with an electric motor. Instead, engineers would turn to forced induction to maintain acceptable power levels. Nefischer said engineers have gone as far as possible with current engine technology, and the next step is smaller, more powerful variants. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: New vehicles 14% more fuel efficient than four years ago
It’s amazing what a little regulation can do for an industry. In the past four years, the fuel economy of new vehicles has improved by an average of 14 percent, according to a new study by the University of Michigan. This increase comes on the heels of big hikes in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy, which Congress raised in 2007 for the first time in decades. Since then, CAFE has been set at 34.1 miles per gallon by 2016, and a new proposal that’s pending would raise the fuel economy standard to 54.5 mpg by 2025. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: 2012 Mopar Jeep Compass True North points… north?
Mopar didn’t leave Jeep out of the customized fun here at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. Based on the Compass, the 2012 Mopar True North boasts a two-inch suspension lift from Rocky Road Suspensions and 16-inch matte black wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich All Terrain tires. Other exterior tidbits include a matte black grille surround and lower body cladding. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: 2012 Ram Laramie Limited is one fancy truck
The Chicago Auto Show was commonly known for years as a truck show, with automakers using the McCormick Place to show off their sport-utility vehicles and pickups. And while trends have indeed shifted in the automotive world (SUV is a dirty word these days), some companies still take time to debut a special truck or two here in the Windy City. Ram, Chrysler’s pickup truck arm, has brought its new 2012 Laramie Limited to Chicago, offering full-size truck buyers a host of upscale standard amenities in a decidedly classy package. Funk Flex
