Honda Civic Si gets a bigger engine for 2012

Honda is dropping a larger, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine into the Si versions of the redesigned Civic coupe and sedan, which go on sale this spring. The Civic Si powertrain also gets a new six-speed manual transmission. Honda on Thursday said it anticipates that the 2.4-liter engine will be rated at 200 hp.

Cadillac sets the base price for the 2011 CTS-V wagon at $62,990

Prices for the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V wagon will begin at $62,990, including destination charges. Available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, the CTS-V is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 delivering 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque. Options include Recaro heated and ventilated driver and front-passenger seats ($3,400); 19-inch aluminum wheels ($800); midnight Sapele wood-trim package ($600), and a suede steering wheel and shifter ($300).

Volvo will market entry-level car to rival VW Golf

Volvo plans to offer a Volkswagen Golf competitor as part of a plan to expand the automaker's product line. Speaking in London last week, new Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby said the next generation of the entry-level Volvo “will be a derivation of the C30, a Golf competitor,” according to the Web site www.autocar.co.uk. He also said Volvo's brand positioning would shift toward “functionality and Scandinavian elegance” and away from sportiness, according to the Web site.