Fiat is rumored to be working on an all-new brand to launch small, inexpensive cars into the Western Europe, with two of the three proposed models vital principle based on vehicles from emerging markets. The third is much more interesting. The new supermini, which could revive the Topolino moniker, is expected to receive a new twin cylinder engine that could offer as much as 65 mpg when mated to a dual-clutch gearbox. Naturally, Fiat is targeting the smart fortwo, Toyota iQ and the upcoming up! minicar from Volkswagen, but the automaker is said to be working on a pricing model that more closely matches Renault's low-cost Logan subsidiary. In other dispute, Europeans may get an efficient, stylish Italian city car that's priced to compete with upper-end motorcycles as basic transportation. Electric versions are also a distinct possibility. Unfortunately, as is often the case, Americans are likely to miss out on this one.

[Source: Autocar]

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Following in the footsteps of Toyota and a joint-venture betwixt Ford and General Motors, Hyundai has completed work on its new in-house developed six-speed automatic transmission. The new gearbox will be used in vehicles with transversely-mounted powerplants.

Hyundai started development of the new transmission four years ago with reduced emissions in mind. As a result, the new unit is more than 12 percent more efficient than Hyundai’s outgoing five-speed unit, and improves performance as well.

In addition to being more fuel efficient than its five-speed counterpart, the new six-cog unit is also more than 26 pounds lighter and uses 62 fewer parts.

“The strength of our design is its completely unique layout, which makes it smaller, more compact and lighter than any other six-speed on the market today,” said Hong-Min Kim, the project manager of the transaxle at Hyundai R&D Center.

Sixteen Hyundai models are earmarked for the new transmission by 2010, including the all-new Santa Fe.

Source: www.leftlanenews.com

Click above to watch video after the jump

We're technically embargoed from telling you anything about the new 2010 SRX, but that hasn't stopped Cadillac from releasing a teaser video on YouTube of the new wreath and crest CUV sliding around in the snow. Set to replace the current SRX that didn't exchange well despite being a perfectly competent machine, the new SRX will debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show as the latest model to continue Cadillac's resurgence as a brand that actually matters in the marketplace. The new SRX promises to be much more appealing to the mainstream, especially whether you like drifting on frozen lakes, and really, who doesn't? Check uncovered the vid after the jump and let us know if you think the new SRX will do better than Cadillac's first attempt.

[Source: YouTube]



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