1997 Mercury Cougar Predator Ss Xr-7 on 2040-parts.com

Chrysler races to upgrade its lineup

In a bid to improve its lineup before a fleet of new Fiat-based vehicles arrives in 2012, Chrysler Group is rushing new features and equipment into 15 reworked vehicles. The equipment, such as a Fiat dual-clutch, six-speed transmission and a new Chrysler V6, will boost fuel economy, improve driving dynamics and spiff up drab interiors, all areas in which Chrysler has fared poorly in consumer surveys. All the vehicles will be on sale by the first quarter of next year.

Hyundai releases second-generation Genesis renders

Hyundai's second-generation Genesis has been previewed in new renders ahead of its full reveal in Korea later this year. The Genesis, which will hit the carmaker's stand at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January, is the first model developed with Hyundai's new ‘Fluidic Sculpture 2.0' design language. It features several cues seen on the HCD-14 Genesis concept, unveiled at this year's NAIAS, such as the sharp shoulder line and the single-frame hexagonal grille design. In fact, it's nearly unchanged from the beltline up. At the rear, the sweeping roofline flows to a short trunk lid while the rear lamps wrap around from the tailgate into the rear-quarter panels.

General Motors Europe opens new Design Center

Being a car designer is often percieved as a glamourous occupation, but few people realise that this typically means working in some of the least inspiring places. Wolfsburg, Detroit and Birmingham are just a few of the locations that are home to some of the largest populations of car designers around the world. GM Europe's location in Russelsheim, Germany is also one of the less glamourous locations but the new design center building opened this week aims to redress the otherwise rather industrial feel of the place where tomorrow's Opels and Saabs are created.