The U. S. Patent and Trademark Office this week approved a new winged logo for the Chrysler brand, according to the Detroit Free Press.

As reported last month by Allpar.com, Chrysler appears to be preparing to tweak the winged badge that has branded its cars since the mid 1990s. The new logo keeps the wings, albeit a streamlined version of them, and centers the word "Chrysler" between the spans, resting in a field of blue.

Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne will unveil his 5-year plan for Chrysler today during a day-long press event. It is unclear whether he will confirm Chrysler's new badge -- or whether there will be any changes to the corporate pentastar.

Source: Automotive News

Comprised of a carbon fiber architecture and body with an integrated (and supposedly soon-to-be) FIA-certified roll-cage, the Plethora could be the first production vehicle simultaneously approved for both the road and the track, and since high-level competition is close to Chartrand's heart, it's a necessity -- he wants to see the Plethore competing in the American LeMans series.

To hang with the big boys at the upper echelons of motorsport, the Plethore has to be more than a lightweight body (2,535 pounds) and a massive stance (89 inches in the rear). So Chartrand has mounted the Corvette ZR1's LS9 longitudinally amidships and tweaked output to 750 hp. As with all start-ups, HTT plans to offer an even hotter version to the public, putting out a claimed 1,300 hp with the help of a set of turbos. More in the jump!

When asked by AutoWeek about the game's budget, Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi dropped this price tag: $60 million.

"There are other games that cost more," Yamauchi added. "Considering the size and scale of the game, I think it's probably a fairly small amount."

Other games that cost more? Games like Shenmue or Grand Theft Auto IV?

With Polyphony Digital's know-how and expertise, the game probably cost less that it could have considering the lengthy development cycle. But then again, GT5 is apparently 50 times more than the first Gran Turismo. We're not sure if that amount includes marketing and what not.

If Yamauchi and his team curbed the dev cycle and turned around the game in a more timely fashion, they could has brought down the game's budget even more. Not our money, though! Perhaps the inevitable GT6 won't take as long — or cost as much.

Source: Kotaku

BMW has substantially cut the price of its Sirius Satellite Radio factory option from $595 to $350 on select 2010 vehicles (excludes 5 Series, 6 Series and X3) while also adding functionality. Customers who choose Sirius will continue to receive "The Sirius Everything" package for one year, along with some of the most popular XM channels available including Oprah Radio, XM Public Radio and several sports channels.

Beyond cheaper hardware and expanded channels, BMW and Sirius have also made the satellite radio more user friendly. Users can now view the channel list as a channel name, artist and a new "Instant Replay" function allows you to replay a favorite song or program. You can also choose favorite songs and receive an alert when one of your favorites is being played, which is one of those good ideas somebody should have thought of long ago.

Source: AutoBlog

It was reported last month that McLaren plans to launch the MP4-12C supercar in the United States have been delayed to mid-2010. Well, according to Tony Joseph, McLaren’s regional director for North America, McLaren never had plans to launch the new supercar in the stateside in 2010.

Joseph said that the MP4-12C will arrive in the United States and Canada in mid-2011, six months after the first units of the coupe roll out of McLaren’s UK factory. Look out for the first MP4-12C units sometime in May or June 2011.

As for the LA Auto Show launch in December, Joseph said that McLaren had discussed the possibility of displaying the MP4-12C in LA but decided that it “was too early for our launch plan.”

Source: eGMCarTech

This is it; the BMW M3 that we've all been waiting for after the demise of the previous, E90 M3 CSL. The hardest ever production M3 that gets the GTS moniker is a track-focused yet completely road-legal, limited edition model and it comes with many weight saving measures, more power from a larger capacity V8 engine and lots of juicy upgrades that you normally find on aftermarket tuned cars.

It doesn't take long to see that this isn't your 'every-day' M3. The car is distinguished by several unique features ranging from the Porsche 911 GT3-like orange finish and the numerous matte-black applications, to the adjustable front splitter and rear wing that can provide a higher level of downforce and the unique 19-inch wheels with ample 225/35 tires at the front and 285/30 at the rear.

A closer look at the car also reveals the beefy fixed caliper brake system with six pistons at the front and four at the back as well as the new yellow springs with a small M logo. BMW says that the M3 GTS features a special threaded suspension, adjustable in compression and rebound. More in the jump!

At the Chrysler business plan meeting this morning, Ralph Gilles, CEO of the Dodge car brand, dropped big news on the Viper. After going back and forth for the past 18 months on what to do with Viper, Chrysler has decided that production of the current Viper will end in July 2010. Before that happens, 500 final cars will be built that, according to Gilles, will be the most special Vipers ever. Gilles explained that the company wanted to preserve the value of existing Vipers by not continuing the current generation indefinitely. He didn't give any details on what would be special with the final 500 cars.

However, Viper fans need not mourn yet. Gilles revealed that an all new car is being developed with a launch targeted in 2012! Even better the Viper will be getting some help from Chrysler's new Italian colleagues... and lets not forget about a certain Fiat outpost that uses a yellow-and-black Prancing Horse for its logo that's based in Maranello.

Source: AutoBlog

To create a bit of a buzz around its new line of comparatively greener and more fuel efficient crate motors called 'E-Rod', General Motors prepared an eye-catching 1955 Chevrolet for the SEMA Show. The fully restored Chevy features a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 E-Rod engine that cranks out 424 lb.-ft. of torque. The list price for the E-Rod LS3 package, which does not include a transmission nor some other necessary components such as the exhaust system behind the catalytic converters, is $9,375.

"With the E-ROD system, you're getting 160 percent more horsepower than the original small-block V-8 offered in 1955, but with emissions performance and efficiency that wasn't even dreamt of half a century ago," said Jamie Meyer, product marketing manager for GM Performance Parts.

"This is how modern hot rods will be built. They'll have the efficiency of a modern GM high-performance vehicle, be environmentally conscious and emissions-compliant – all while providing the owner with a smaller carbon footprint," he added. Press release at the source!

Source: CarScoop

General Motors may have shed itself of much of its pre-bankruptcy problems, but the automaker still has to tend to its warranty and recall duties. As such, GM is recalling 53,000 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5 and Saturn Ion models for a potential fuel leak problem that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says could lead to a fire. The problem involves 2006 Cobalt and Ion model models sold or registered in Arizona and Nevada and 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion models sold or registered in Arizona, California, Texas, Florida and Nevada.

NHTSA says the plastic supply or return port on the cars' modular reservoir assembly may crack, potentially leading to a fuel leak that could cause cause decreased efficiency and performance. Worse, if that leaking gasoline comes into contact with an ignition source of any kind, you could be looking at a Delta platform car-b-que.

To fix the fuel leak problem, company dealers will replace the fuel pump module of affected vehicles free of charge. GM is also providing a special coverage for 2006 and 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion models in other warm weather states, and you can hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release to see if you live in a participating location. GM hasn't yet provided a time frame for owner notification, but if you have questions you can read the official press release after the jump or call 1-800-630-2438 (Cobalt), 1-800-972-8876 (Ion) or 1-800-620-7668 (G5).

Source: AutoBlog

Toyota has announced it is withdrawing from Formula 1 with immediate effect, becoming the third carmaker to quit the sport in less than 12 months.

Following months of rumours about the Japanese manufacturer’s future, the F1 team’s parent company the Toyota Motor Corporation revealed following a board meeting on Wednesday that it had taken the decision to pull out of the sport following eight seasons without a win.

In its statement announcing the move, Toyota said that while it had remained determined to compete in F1 in the face of the worldwide recession that started towards the end of last year, it had now revised its position with the F1 spend not fitting into its mid-term business plans.

“Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces it plans to withdraw from the FIA Formula One World Championship (F1) at the end of the 2009 season,” the Toyota statement said.

Source: ITV

Last year in Las Vegas, graphic designer Kevin Morgan showed off the first Trans Am rebody of the new Camaro at SEMA 2008. This year he is back with T/A version 2.0 for SEMA 2009. While the original "Phoenix" T/A 1.0 had the Bandit color combo we know and love, a few of the details were off in making it a true '77-'78 Trans Am redo.

For this year's show he's rectified that situation with a new quad-headlight front fascia and a few other changes that bring it more in line with the uber Firebirds we remember from our misspent youths. Slip into one of these black and gold Trans Ams and before you know it you'll be East Bound and Down, calling for the Snowman on your CB to help you stay one step ahead of Smokey. Built in conjunction with fabricator Todd Otto, one-off versions can be ordered to spec, and a kit version will also be made available through Trans Am Depot starting in early 2010.

Source: AutoBlog

Last year when Ford announced a 50-unit run of the 2008 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, the program became a huge success and the Dearborn automaker sold out of all the units before the vehicle even went into production. Well, Ford is back this year and is repeating that success with the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang at the 2009 SEMA show.

For its SEMA launch, Ford racing has unveiled a one-of-a-kind SEMA Special Silver Cobra Jet with charcoal Cobra Jet graphics. Like its predecessor, the 2010 Cobra Jet is intended for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing. The 2010 model comes with all the features of the 2008 model with some enhancements including a full race-prepared automatic or manual transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified rollcage, and an Aeromitive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell. Another new option is the launch control/rev limiter that lets drivers preset the rpm after they stage the car. When they are ready to go, all they have to do is put the pedal to the floor and enjoy the ride.

Production of the 2010 Cobra Jets will kick off in January at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. All 50 units of the car have already been spoken for and deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2010.

But worry not; since the Cobra Jet is based on the V6 Mustang, any consumer can turn his Mustang into a Cobra Jet by purchasing parts from the Ford Performance Parts catalog.

Source: eGMCarTech

This week at the 2009 SEMA Show, Chevrolet is showing off five new Camaro concepts, one which is a race-ready, twin-turbocharged V6 from Jay Leno and the one we’re interested in the most. As you can see from the pictures, the Jay Leno Camaro is one of the most radical looking Camaro concepts at SEMA this year – it almost makes us dream of a production Camaro Z28.

Power for Jay Leno’s Camaro comes from a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6L V6 found in the Camaro LS and LT models. The Turbonetics T-3 turbochargers take horsepower up to 425. When the turbochargers aren’t being used, there is virtually no loss in the fuel-economy of the base 3.6L V6 engine.

“Jay’s Camaro offers style, performance and efficiency in a big way,” said Dewar. “It delivers the power of a Camaro SS on demand, but with the fuel economy of a V-6.”

Additional touches to Jay Leno’s Camaro include Brembo six-piston brake package, pedders coil-over lowering kit, new front fascia with custom fog lamps and integral brake cooling vents and air extractor-style hood.

Source: eGMCarTech

Porsche, the once unassailable leader in the sports car segment, has proven that it's not completely immune from global economic conditions but the brand is at a crossroads and a raft of new models could see it rise to the top once again.

This turn around is being led by the new 2010 Porsche Panamera, which has already racked up 983 firm orders and will allow the automaker to record flat or slightly increased sales this year. This has got to be very good news for Porsche, which is coming off a year that saw sales in the U.S. drop 32% to 14,310 units through September after declining 25% in all of 2008 to 26,035 units.

The information comes from Michael Bartsch, COO of Porsche North America, who explained that the Panamera is bringing new customers to the brand and helping boost traffic numbers in showrooms.

Porsche expects to sell just 1,000 Panameras this year, with an additional 200 being kept as demonstrators. Next year, the automaker plans to sell between 4,000 and 6,000 Panameras in the U.S., accounting for roughly a quarter of all sales.

Source: Motor Authority

After all the waiting and development, Hennessey has finally unveiled the new 2010 HPE700 LS9 Chevrolet Camaro that will be introduced at the 2009 SEMA show next week. Hennessey will only make 24 units of the HPE700 and 10 of them have already been sold.

Based on the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS with a 6-speed manual transmission, the HPE700 features a LS9 6.2L Supercharged with intercooler allowing a total of 725-hp with a maximum torque of 741 lb-ft. 0-60 mph comes in just 3.5 seconds while the quarter mile run takes 11.3 seconds at 126 mph. Stopping power comes from Brembo brakes that bring the HPE700 from 60-0 mph in 104 ft.

Hennessey says that it is also offering a 850-hp twin-turbo upgrade and a 1,000-hp twin-turbo upgrade.

Source: eGMCarTech