2012 Chrysler 300 Sedan Teaser Site Launched, First Pictures Released

Just like they did with the redesigned Sebring, which now carries the name 200, Chrysler's marketing team is preparing us for the launch of the 2012MY 300 with a special dedicated website that includes numerous cropped images of the firm's most important new model.

The pictures appear to confirm Chrysler's styling turn to softer and less muscular shapes and design elements on the outside combined with more elegant and upscale interiors, as first seen on the Sebring's replacement.

Along with the design makeover, the 300 will benefit from a reworked chassis and of course, the addition of the company's new Pentastar V6 with a displacement of 3.6-liters. A 5.7-liter V8 Hemi with rear- or optionally all-wheel drive will complete the initial offerings with a more potent SRT8 model expected to be introduced down the line.

From what we've heard, the new 300 will make its world premiere at the upcoming 2011 Detroit Show in mid January, though it is possible that Chrysler will release more information and pictures of the car before its first public outing in motor town.

Link: Chrysler

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Toyota Confirms New Prius Minivan Debut for 2011 Detroit Show in January, Releases New Teaser Video

With a simple tweet on its Twitter page that said "Next member of the #Prius family (to be revealed at Detroit Auto Show) will be all-new model w/ more comfort, style and versatility", Toyota announced that the world premier of its highly anticipated Prius Minivan will take place at the forthcoming Detroit motor show in the second week of January, 2011.

The as-of-yet unnamed minivan will be the second Prius-badged hybrid in Toyota's range, while the company has already revealed plans to extend the Prius family with a third model that will be smaller than the current five-door liftback. Both the smaller and larger Prius-branded hybrid-electric vehicles are scheduled to go on sale in the States by 2013.

The Japanese firm recently teased the Prius minivan with a billboard picture located in Malibu, California. Now, we also have a video from the making of the billboard that you can check out below.

According to a Carscoop eye-witness that snagged a camouflaged prototype of the car in California a couple of weeks ago, the forthcoming hybrid minivan is roughly the same size as the Mazda5 MPV.

We'll keep you updated on any new developments as and when they happen.

Link: Twitter

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VW Releases Fresh Drawings of New Midsize Sedan, will Replace the Passat in the USA

In an effort to stem the outpouring of criticism aimed directly at the recently-revealed B7 Passat, VW has released some more pics of the upcoming American NMS (New Midsize Sedan). Thankfully, we here in the States won't have to deal with the reskinned Passat and its - according to our readers - "boring" looks. Instead, we'll be getting a production version of the car seen here, Teutonic and built in Tennessee.

VW says the NMS will debut at the NAIAS in Detroit in January 2010, with sales beginning in the third quarter. Short of the pics they've released, there have yet to be any official details; however, it's safe to say this will essentially be a Passat with a more Ameri-centric look.

Other than that, one styling bonus over the B7 that's immediately noticeable is the C-pillar's BMW-derived Hofmeister kink. Other design elements that would be appreciated in a production model are the higher belt line, squat appearance, narrower daylight opening, and Audi-inspired tail lights. VW, get us some pics of this thing pronto.

By Phil Alex

Porsche Returning to Detroit Show for 2011 after a Three Year Hiatus

After a three year absence, Porsche will return to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next year. The show's organizers say they see this move as an indication that the auto industry is getting "stronger".

The show's co-chairman, Bill Perkins said, "We're very excited about it. The demand for space is very strong. People see the market coming back."

Porsche abandoned the Detroit Show in 2008, citing that it wanted to find more personal ways to reach out to potential customers. It must have worked with Porsche selling 15,719 vehicles in the U.S. between January and August 2010, up 23.5% from same time last year.

The upcoming 2012 Porsche 911 (see spy video here), which will feature a new engine and lighter chassis, could make its world debut at the 2011 NAIAS, though chances are the Stuttgart automaker will prefer to reveal the car at the Frankfurt show in September of the same year.

Nissan, Mitsubishi and Suzuki have also been absent the past two years the show was held, and are unconfirmed for the 2011 edition.

By Tristan Hankins