Ford to Unveil New Concept Model for Kuga and Escape Successors at the 2011 Detroit Motor Show

Ford is gearing up for next year’s Detroit Motor Show with an almost production-ready concept version previewing a common replacement for the European market Kuga crossover and the North American Escape SUV. According to an inside source talking to Automotive News Europe, the new compact-sized crossover model will go into production in the second half of 2012 as a 2013 model.

It seems that Blue Oval hasn’t decided yet if the current names will be dropped in favor of a single moniker, in order to create another global car in the likes of the new Fiesta and Focus models.

Moving production to the U.S. is another point on Ford’s agenda. It’s likely that the new car will be manufactured in Louisville, Kentucky, while the German factory in Saarlouis will keep the European production of the new Focus.

Bernhard Mattes, the man in charge of Ford’s German factories, told Bloomberg this week that the Kuga/Escape successor could hit Deutschland’s showrooms as early as March next year and reach other European markets by the second quarter.

Also in March, Ford will debut a Fiesta-based small minivan concept at the Geneva Auto Show, meant to replace the current European-market Fusion crossover.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Automotive News [sub. required]

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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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