Caught Testing: 2013 Chrysler 100

We finally have photographic evidence that Chrysler is officially working on a 5-door hatchback to compete with the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze. Look for this compact Chrysler hatchback to be called the 100 when it goes on sale, most likely in early- to mid-2013. Using the same Fiat-sourced platform found in the new Dodge Dart sedan, which debuted during the Detroit Auto Show, the black Chrysler prototype spotted by our spy photographers looks even more like the Alfa Romeo Giulietta upon which it’s based. This is a departure from Chrysler’s previous design study, a half-hearted concept based on the current Lancia Delta. Shown at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, the badge-engineered show car didn’t even have a name.

2013 Chrysler 100

Compact Luxury
The production model is showing a little more inspiration than the previous concept. Granted, the LED-equipped headlights, taillights, and hidden rear door handles are exactly the same as those found on the Alfa. Yet the design is fresh and modern, even if it’s borrowed. Only the front grille of this test car looks markedly different, a wide Chrysler grille replacing the Alfa’s smaller V-shaped one. This prototype sports body-colored side mirrors, while those on some trim levels of the Giulietta are chrome. The 17-inch “Eleganza” multi-spoke alloys also come from the Fiat parts bin. Based upon what’s available on the European-spec Giulietta, the 100’s wheel sizes should range from 16-18 inches in diameter.

2013 Chrysler 100

A luxurious cabin and loads of standard features are likely to feature prominently in the Chrysler 100. This should allow Dodge to position the Dart as a sportier model, whereas the 100 will put a premium on driving refinement and ride comfort. Extra sound deadening is likely, to keep engine noise to a minimum. Chrysler may opt to limit the engine range to the top offerings used in the Dart, specifically the 2.0 and 2.4-liter “Tigershark” 4-cylinders, whose power outputs range from 160 to 186 bhp. A 6-speed automatic is likely to be the sole transmission offered in the 100.

2013 Chrysler 100

Positioned beneath the existing Chrysler 200 sedan, but slightly above the Dodge Dart, the 100 hatchback is likely to carry a sticker price around $18,000.

2014 Aston Martin DBS

To the untrained eye, the spy shots of this latest Aston Martin mule have fueled speculation that the British automaker was busy at work on the next generation DB9, the oldest car in its lineup. But in truth, what’s beneath the tape is actually a revamp of the range-topping DBS coupe, which replaced the Vanquish back in 2007. Dealers have been informed that an all-new 2014 Aston Martin DBS will arrive early next year. In the interim, a limited run of 100 DBS Ultimate models will be built to end the current car’s production run. The Ultimate models will build on the exclusivity of the earlier released Carbon package, with bespoke interior accents and features.

2014 Aston Martin DBS

A DBS With One-77 Cues
Leaner and edgier, the 2014 DBS is clearly influenced by the One-77 supercar. The form features more sharply defined character lines, a hint of curves that wrap through the rear fenders, and a revised roofline. The taped front fascia also hides a larger grille opening and auxiliary inlets with mesh inserts that also recall the sold-out supercar of which only 77 examples were built. Aston has also repositioned the side mirrors, moving them from the side windows onto the doors with a mounting arm that mimics the one used on the One-77. Another feature derived from the supercar is the aerodynamically stepped side sills.

2014 Aston Martin DBS

Revamped Engine and Interior
In addition to the changes in visual cues, Aston is said to be giving the DBS a boost in power from its 5.9-liter V-12, which currently puts out 510 bhp—perhaps to something in the realm of 600 bhp. The DBS will most likely again offer a choice of a 6-speed manual and the automated single-clutch manual gearbox, as evidenced by the paddle shifters.
Sources say the interior has also been redesigned for improved ergonomics. Although the instrument cluster and center stack look similar to the current car’s, right down to the Emotional Control Unit—Aston’s trademark crystal key fob.
Official photos of the 2014 Aston Martin DBS may come as soon as June.

2014 Audi TT Coupe

The next Audi TT coupe is already pounding around the world famous Nürburgring racetrack, ahead of its arrival in 2014. This treacherous course, nicknamed “the Green Hell,” should give the TT a thorough workout as it transfers over to the VW Group’s MQB architecture. The new platform will underpin a vast array of models, including the next VW Golf and Audi A3. Engines will be transversely mounted and, depending on its spec (and market where it’s sold), the TT is certain to retain the choice of front or all-wheel drive.

2014 Audi TT Coupe

Evolutionary Changes
The TT coupe in these photos is wearing a clever disguise; the exterior looks nearly identical to the current model. Audi isn’t likely to radically alter the appearance of the car, though we expect the front and rear fasciae to have a more purposeful and performance-oriented design. Like the rest of the Audi lineup, the front will be fitted with narrower headlights and a re-profiled grille. LED lighting should feature heavily in both the headlights and taillights.

2014 Audi TT Coupe

A slightly longer wheelbase should provide extra legroom, though the rear in this 2+2 is probably best left to kids or cargo. In the U.S., the engine lineup will likely remain the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder or 2.5-liter inline-5 – an additional (smaller) gasoline and 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine will be available in Europe. Transmissions are likely to be mostly carry-over, though Audi could add an extra cog to the existing 6-speed automatic.

2014 Audi TT Coupe

To save fuel, Audi might equip the TT with a stop-start system. And while nothing is confirmed, a hybrid or electric-powered model seems very feasible, given the car is based on the highly flexible MQB platform.

2014 Volkswagen XL1 - Spy Shots

There could be a new fuel mileage champion cruising into town. Captured while undergoing a round of winter testing, the Volkswagen XL1 is a streamlined coupe that is, supposedly, capable of averaging 235-mpg in a mix of city and highway driving. That kind of economy is enough to make even a green-themed hybrid, such as the Toyota Prius, look like a veritable fuel hog in comparison. Set to arrive next year, most likely as a 2014 model, the XL1 is delivering on VW’s decade-old promise to bring ultra fuel-efficient motoring to the masses.

2014 Volkswagen XL1

10 Years in The Making
It was back in 2002 when Volkswagen first revealed the 1-Litre concept vehicle. The car was extremely narrow, and featured a side-hinged bubble canopy that opened to reveal a tandem seat layout. The name referred to the concept’s powerful boast, that it could travel 100 kilometers on just one liter of fuel – or the equivalent of 235-mpg. Basically, it was everything a show car should be: outrageous in terms of its design and layout, and totally impractical for everyday use. VW refined the concept in 2009, though the end result (called the L1) retained the tandem seats and impractical canopy.
Judging from this grey prototype, it appears VW has taken a new approach. Expected to wear the XL1 name when it goes on sale, the car now features a side-by-side seating arrangement for two onboard, along with a pair of gullwing doors. The redesign was probably necessary to get this car green-lighted for production.

2014 Volkswagen XL1

Major MPGs
As we’ve already pointed out – and VW will happily remind you – the XL1 has been engineered to return 235-mpg. A low curb weight and slippery aerodynamics are going to be hugely important, though we have no reason to doubt the teardrop shape of this prototype can deliver on VW’s promise of an outstanding drag coefficient of only 0.186. For comparison, the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, one of the most aerodynamic cars presently on sale, has a 0.28 Cd.
Look closely and you’ll notice the XL1’s narrow rear track, especially how the wheels sit inward of the body. Expect the production model to feature full wheel covers, to help clean up the aerodynamics. A curb weight of 1,749 lbs. has been made possible by the use of lightweight materials, most likely copious amounts aluminum and carbon fiber. Only 23.2-percent of the XL1 will be made out of steel or iron.

2014 Volkswagen XL1

Like the previous L1 concept, the XL1 will be powered by a 2-cylinder turbo-diesel. This 800 cc engine delivers 47-bhp and 89 lb.-ft. of torque. The XL1 will be rear-wheel-drive, and come equipped with VW’s 7-speed DSG transmission. Adding the extra kick to the diesel engine is a 27-bhp electric motor, which can operate with the diesel or drive the car independently for short distances. There is no official word on the XL1’s electric-only driving range, or if electric mode will be limited to low speeds.
Speaking of speed, the XL1 might be efficient, but it definitely won’t be fast. Top speed will apparently be limited to 74.6 mph. However, it’s the reported 0 to 50 mph time of 32 seconds that could pose the biggest challenge – most economy cars are roughly three times quicker under acceleration.

2014 Volkswagen XL1

2014 Aston Martin DBS - Spy Shots

To the untrained eye, the spy shots of this latest Aston Martin mule have fueled speculation that the British automaker was busy at work on the next generation DB9, the oldest car in its lineup. But in truth, what’s beneath the tape is actually a revamp of the range-topping DBS coupe, which replaced the Vanquish back in 2007. Dealers have been informed that an all-new 2014 Aston Martin DBS will arrive early next year. In the interim, a limited run of 100 DBS Ultimate models will be built to end the current car’s production run. The Ultimate models will build on the exclusivity of the earlier released Carbon package, with bespoke interior accents and features.

2014 Aston Martin DBS

A DBS With One-77 Cues
Leaner and edgier, the 2014 DBS is clearly influenced by the One-77 supercar. The form features more sharply defined character lines, a hint of curves that wrap through the rear fenders, and a revised roofline. The taped front fascia also hides a larger grille opening and auxiliary inlets with mesh inserts that also recall the sold-out supercar of which only 77 examples were built. Aston has also repositioned the side mirrors, moving them from the side windows onto the doors with a mounting arm that mimics the one used on the One-77. Another feature derived from the supercar is the aerodynamically stepped side sills.

2014 Aston Martin DBS

Revamped Engine and Interior
In addition to the changes in visual cues, Aston is said to be giving the DBS a boost in power from its 5.9-liter V-12, which currently puts out 510 bhp—perhaps to something in the realm of 600 bhp. The DBS will most likely again offer a choice of a 6-speed manual and the automated single-clutch manual gearbox, as evidenced by the paddle shifters.
Sources say the interior has also been redesigned for improved ergonomics. Although the instrument cluster and center stack look similar to the current car’s, right down to the Emotional Control Unit—Aston’s trademark crystal key fob.
Official photos of the 2014 Aston Martin DBS may come as soon as June.

2014 Aston Martin DBS