The World Car of the Year jury has announced the finalists. The winner will be announced at the New York Auto Show 2011, held on April 22.

The organizer of the “World Car of the Year” contest has announced the finalists of the 2011 edition. These are, in alphabetical order,  Audi A8, BMW 5 Series and Nissan Leaf. The three models are “fighting” to general, while the rest cars are “fighting” to categories like: ”World Green Car”, “World Performance Car” and “World Car Design of the Year”. At the “World Green Car” segment, Nissan Leaf will must to face for the first time, since its market debut, the Chevrolet Volt model. While the American model is not an electric car in the true sense of the word, the two models have a battle over a year.

World Car of the Year

The original list of models competing for this title was 39 nominees, chosen by 66 auto journalists from 24 countries. To be eligible for the 2011 “World Car of the Year” edition, a model must be available at least two continents and five countries from 2010 January 1 –  2011 May 30. For this reason, many popular models from America or Europe are not eligible for this award.

This is the list with the finalists from “World Car of the Year” arranged by categories and alphabetical order:

World Car of the Year

World Green Car

World Performance Car

World Car Design of the Year

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 Kia wants with the new Magentis to implement its motto and show that really has the power to surprise.

Kia Magentis, Optima or as known in America, and how was launched at the saloon  in New York,  leaves aside the past and try to fit on a new Kia direction, announcing a very interesting proposal for  affordable mid segment limousines. Peter Hand Schreyer is seen working at that project, the German implementing faithful, the wild cat image which become characteristic for the Korean brand.

On dimensions this model is 190 inch long, 72 inch wide and a wheelbase of 33.6 inch. This measurements  places Magentis in Opel Insignia category, model with will compete most likely, the four-door coupe figure is easy to see, , from images.

Although the aesthetic distinction is clear not from Sonata cousin, platforms are  common and engines announced in New York for Optima (U.S. version) are the same. Gasoline  2.4-liter GDI of 200 HP is the basic version, and the  2.0 turbo GDI 275 HP newly released on Sonata, is found on the Optima. Then will  appear also the first serial hybrid Kia, derivative from Kia Magentis and  related to the Sonata hybrid.  Available transmissions  with this model are in number of two, one automatic and one manual that can be chosen only for  LX equipment level. This will be observed only in America on Optima, Magentis European version will give more credit to manual gearbox and will certainly bring diesel engines.

New Optima / Magentis comes with a much improved safety level, including six standard airbags, active head restraints, tensionated belts and system  monitoring for tire pressure. The active part of safety is represented by the ABS, electronic stability control (ESC ), traction control (TCS) and hill-start assist.  We also wait details and prices for the European version of these sedan that promises to be very attractive.

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A nearly 300 HP Suzuki? A series model? And a sedan, too? It is really Suzuki? Many questions, one answer: Suzuki Kizashi Turbo.

Japanese sedan turbo with about 300 HP and 4×4 traction, I saw: Subaru Impreza STi or Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Those guys from Mazda tried to enter in this club with Mazda6 MPS, while Toyota don’t tried to explore this area.

About Suzuki not have imagined that we could get to flirt with this niche, even after launching the new Suzuki Kizashi sedan. However, at New York Auto Show was presented Kizashi Sport version, which involved only an aggressive aesthetic kit. But that was a sufficiently preview for what could become Kizashi.

And now, the Road Race Motorsports tuner give us this creative, deemed, so far, only a concept based on a Kizashi GTS model. The engine is the same 2.4-liter with four-cylinder, which develops 185 HP in series version, but in this case was equipped with a 16G turbo.

Besides which was adopted a large intercooler, the injectors were changed and also the pressure valve and the exhaust system. Final result: 290 HP, so close to the 300 HP of Subaru Impreza STi or the 295 HP of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

The 19″ wheels has a pretty good design, as shoes with Dunlop tires and Road Race tuner has also adapted racing springs, which down less the car ground clearance.

Other information about car changes were not given, but it seems that initially, the project involves adoption of a V6 3.5-liter engine, origin from GM  - but the new partnership Suzuki-Volkswagen has removed from discussion this solution.

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VW Polo is the first model in the world that managed to win both the World Car of the Year and the European Car of the Year awards.

Volkswagen Polo was awarded World Car of the Year 2010, being the first model that won both the European Car of the Year and World Car of the Year in the same year. The small model of the brand in Wolfsburg fought with rivals such as Toyota Prius, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the other finalists of this competition. This is the second time in succession when Volkswagen is awarded this prize, the sixth generation of Golf succeeded in the competition in 2009.

Other categories were won by the Audi R8 V10 (Performance Car category) and the BlueMotion models from Volkswagen - represented by Polo BlueMotion (Eco category), which beat the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. The model with the best design of 2010 is the Chevrolet Camaro.

Winner of the “World Car of the Year” competition was announced at the Motor Show in New York. This competition has a jury of 48 automotive journalists from 22 countries. To be considered, a model must be sold in at least five countries on at least two continents before January 1 of the year in which they compete. Unlike other competitions, the World Car of the Year contest is rather new in the global automotive landscape, debuting in 2005.

Volkswagen Polo is at the second major prize after the market launch of the new generation, first as European Car of the Year 2010, awarded in late November 2009.

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Next Wednesday at the New York Auto Show, Hyundai will unveil its first U.S. market hybrid model based on the just released Sonata sedan. Until then, a teaser is available and we made sure you see it first.

The new look features a massive lower grille inspired by the Blue-Will Concept that shown at the Detroit Auto Show in January, and there’s also a big reason to consider that this Sonata will work on the Atkinson cycle: the fact that it must be optimized for the U.S. market / laws.

Much different from competition from makers like Ford and Toyota, Hyundai’s system is expected to use a conventional six-speed automatic gearbox in conjunction with a 30 kilowatt electric motor.

2011 Hyundai Sonata hybrid teaser photos with partial frontal view

Want to catch the release video live, from the comfort of your home? We have a tip for you: log on to HyundaiMediaLive.com at 1:35pm on Wednesday, March 31. Moreover, Following the presentation, CEO John Krafcik and sales VP Dave Zuchowski will be on-line to answer topics ! You can submit your questions starting now on the website and tune in Wednesday for answers, direct or not.

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Subaru is again focusing at improving the race-oriented WRX, process which can be divided into two major steps. The first was the big output for the 2009 MY and now the adoption of the STI’s widebody design for the 2011 model of the WRX.

With a 1.5 inch-wider track front and rear, the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX’s stance is indeed more aggressive, and with firmer rear subframe bushings pulled from the STI and wider 17×8-inch wheels wrapped in 235/45R17 rubber, the 2011 model should benefit from better handling as wheel as a more masculine general allure. Also, he front fascia receives a re-stylized front lip spoiler, partnered with a larger, blacked-out grille and intakes.

Sure, all this took it’s tone on the WRX’s weight, but not with much. Only some 34 pounds “fatter”, nothing at all that the 265-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four can’t handle.

Some details for the curios fellows out there and, most delightful of all, a few pictures until the real treat coming up at the New York Auto Show.

[ PHOTO GALLERY: 2011 Subaru WRX widebody ]:

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The new generation Kia Optima will make its debut at the New York Auto Show, and the sedan will hit the US showrooms this autumn.

New generation of Kia Optima ( or Magentis, for the Europeans) will make its debut on the automotive market at the New York Auto Show, an event which opens its gates on April 2. The new generation of the medium size sedan model is defined as “bold, athletic and with a sporty and energetic look”, designers taking over some of the aesthetic lines of his Hyundai Sonata. Koreans have tried to adapt to current trends and to print the figure of coupe sedan, which is like a rival to granzii segment.

The 2011 Kia Optimaa will also change sizes, and will be longer, wider and with lower ground clearance. All these changes will mean extra space for passengers but also for their luggage. Kia officials have not given details about Optima’s engines, but it is possible to see the same engines ones on the Sonata.

On the US market it will be sold starting this autumn, while the European fans of the South-Korean automaker will have to wait until the spring of 2011 to get their Magentis.

The new 2011 Kia Optima will have, according to the Kia officials, a global model, capable of reuniting the whole design philosophy of the Korean brand. Its objective is, no doubt, the affiliation to an elite group of cars.

Via | autoblog

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Kia is all set to debut the latest version of its Magentis midsize sedan at the New York Auto Show in April. Also known as the Optima in the United States, this next-generation sedan is set to kill with looks and pack some fine specs too.

Parent company Hyundai must have lent them some sketches, because from where we’re standing this car looks a lot like the the new Sonata. Still, the Magentis / Optima is bound to get it’s own feel thanks to Optima thanks to the brainwork of designer Peter Schreyer.

Kia also tells us that its next midsize machine will be longer, lower and wider than the current car with a significantly longer wheelbase. All this for the result, which is not unpopular in consumer queries: more space for us more space for our luggage! The 2011 Kia Optima will go on sale here in the U.S. this autumn while the European Magentis will hit the market in the spring of 2011.

More details and hopefully a high-res actual photos gallery will be posted as the New  York auto event comes closer. But take a look at the teaser photos till then. We also included a short press release that announces the upcoming debut.

[ PHOTO GALLERY: KIA MAGENTIS / OPTIMA TEASERS ]:

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USA Today as well as Nissan themselves confirm the rumour: The new Nissan crossover Juke. The four-dour interesting concept will actually be unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, even if we did get a glimpse of it at the Geneva Motor Show in March too. Well, ahead of this awaited car event Nissan felt the time is right to stop teasing and confirmed that the Juke will hit North Ametica in Autumn. The small crossover is somewhat rooted in the  the Qazana concept, and the production version promises to share a number of that vehicle’s unique styling features combined with trims to meet consumer’s expectations.

Nissaj Juke coming to the U.S.

The introduction of the Nissaj Juke will happen at the New York Auto Show, and as Nissan officials stated Americans can view the Juke as  “a sporty crossover alternative to traditional small hatchback vehicles”, surely a worthy competitor for the Kia Soul and Scion xB.

More in the press release, click the button. Just a teaser photo for now, you’ll have to wait until March for the Geneva Motor Show.

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