Volvo Officially Drops the Top on Facelifted C70 Convertible: High-Res Photo Album and Video

Following a barrage of spy shots and leaked photos, the redesigned Volvo C70 was officially released today. As previously reported, the Swedes gave the 2010 model year a new corporate nose with softer forms that takes inspiration from the 2009 Detroit Show S60 concept car. The stylistic refresh comprises of a new front bumper, swoopy headlights, a more pronounced grille and wider fenders, all of which help to give the C70 a more aggressive stance.

"We have carefully redesigned the front and rear of the car so they harmonise more with the larger Volvo models," said Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer of Volvo Cars. "We have also increased the exclusiveness of the interior materials and trim details to enhance the feeling of luxury."

At the rear end, changes are limited to the reworked tail lights with LED lamps, the larger "Volvo" lettering on the boot and the restyled bumper. In addition, a new Flamenco Red Pearl colour has been introduced to the 2010MY range.

According to Volvo, the four-seater convertible's interior has been upgraded with a redesigned instrument panel and better quality materials.

There are no changes under the hood as the C70 will continue to be offered with the same engine line-up. Depending on the market, buyers have a choice of three gasoline units, a 2.4 with 140HP, a 2.4i delivering 170HP and the T5 with 230HP, plus two diesel engines, the 2.0D with 136HP and the D5 that makes 180HP.

Volvo said that the first C70s are expected to be in showrooms and delivered to customers in early 2010.

Dodge Gives 2010 Caliber a New Interior and 2.2-Liter Diesel with 163HP, Debuts in Frankfurt

Evidently, someone inside the Chrysler Group finally agreed with the rest of the world that, like the Jeep Patriot and Compass, the Dodge Caliber's interior was, well, pathetic to say the least. The first photos show a similar approach to the two Jeep models as the Caliber gets an all-new interior with a redesigned dashboard that's highlighted by detailed chromed accents and according to the company, more premium, soft-touch materials.

Other detail changes include additional "cubby" space, center storage bin and larger climate controls while there's also new door-trim panels and a center console with armrest split-lid that's padded with soft-touch materials.

European buyers will be happy to know that the 2010MY Caliber gets a new 2.2-liter common-rail diesel engine that produces 163HP and 320Nm (236 lb.-ft.) of torque, delivering 16 percent more power, 3 percent more torque and 25 percent more towing capability (1500 kg) over the previous diesel engine.

What's more, the 2.2-liter CRD model benefits from a 5 percent improvement in fuel consumption at 5.8 lt/100 km (46.1 mpg US) compared to 6.1 lt/100 km.

In international markets, the Caliber's 1.8-liter gasoline engine will be replaced by the firm's 2.0-liter unit producing 4 percent more power at 156HP and 13 percent more torque at 190 Nm (140 lb.-ft.).

Alfa Mito Inspires Fashion Designers to Create a Line of Women's Jeans...

In an attempt to "Lancia-Ypsilon-ize" (...) the MiTo hatch and make it more desirable to female buyers, Alfa Romeo's UK arm joined forces with TV's fashion persona (or so the company claims) Louise Roe, to challenge two promising young fashion designers to create a line of women's jeans, and at the same time, raise money for charity. The result of the work of London-based designers Bjork and McElligott is a one-off series of limited edition skinny-fit jeans.

In the extremely rare case that some of you (hopefully, only female readers) are actually interested in the designer jeans that feature Alfa Romeo red stitching and badges embroidered on the rear pockets, you can order them through mitojeans.co.uk. Prices are set at £75 a pair.

If it makes you feel better, the proceeds are expected to raise funds for the girls in the pics Jeans for Genes, a charity that helps children and families affected by genetic disorders.

Lexus to Debut Facelifted 2010 LS460 and LS600h at Frankfurt Motor Show

The LF-Ch premium compact hatch concept will be joined on the Lexus Frankfurt motorshow stand by the world debut of the updated LS 460 and LS 600h models, both of which were prematurely revealed through a leaked JDM brochure a few days ago. On the outside, the LS range has been updated with restyled front and rear bumpers, reworked headlights and tail lamps, new front grille and mirror housings with integrated turning signals plus fresh alloy wheel designs.

Other changes for Lexus' flagship sedan include interior design revisions, updated standard equipment as well as suspension modifications.

Lexus has also further differentiated the LS600h hybrid from the gasoline-only LS460 models through bespoke exterior and interior styling cues that include a unique grille and bumper treatment. In addition, the Japanese automaker said that it has improved packaging, and numerous enhancements to the vehicle's Lexus Hybrid Drive system.

New Honda Accord Crosstour Unveiled, gets All-Wheel Drive System

The wait is finally over for the newest member of the Honda Accord family as the Japanese automaker today released an official set of photos of the Crosstour that will go on sale in the States as a 2010 model year sometime this fall. Honda skimped on the details but a close inspection of the photos reveals a "4WD" badge meaning that the Accord Crosstour will either be offered with all-wheel drive as standard or as an option.

The five-door Crosstour is based on the North American market Accord sedan with Honda claiming that it combines car-like ride and refinement with a Crossover Utility Vehicle's (CUV for short) increased ride height and all-weather potential.

"We know SUV buyers like the commanding view of the road that comes with a high eye-point and like the comforts of living with an SUV," said Erik Berkman, vice president of American Honda Motor Co. "This vehicle meets the needs of buyers looking for those attributes yet at the same time want an image that is different from a conventional SUV."

Maybe we're wrong, but we can't help thinking that the Crosstour looks like the weird offspring of an illicit three-way love affair between a BMW 5-Series GT, a X6, and a Honda Accord...

Thanks for the nod Mircea!

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept Heads to Frankfurt

Ahead of its world debut on September 15 at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Toyota today released the first official photograph of the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept. While Toyota did not disclose any specific information on the car, the Japanese automaker said that in early 2010, more than 150 units of the plug-in version of the Prius will be leased to selected fleet customers as part of an extensive field trial in Europe.

The automaker's main objective with the road-test project that will also be deployed in Japan as well as in the USA is to investigate and further evaluate the technology and performance of plug-in hybrids in real life conditions.

We'll have more details on the plug-in Prius concept car closer to the Frankfurt Show opening.

Lexus LF-Ch: Premium Hatchback Concept with Hybrid Drive Revealed

In the run up to the official debut of the LF-Ch concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show and only a couple of weeks after the release of a teaser drawing, Lexus issued a single photograph of the premium hatchback that is believed to spawn a production model as early as 2010. The five-door hatch targets the C-segment premium market with rivals such as the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series.

"The LF-Ch combines stylish design and full hybrid technology in a practical 5-door compact package to fulfill the needs of the most demanding premium compact segment customers," said Lexus in a statement.

The concept model uses the Japanese firm's Lexus Hybrid Drive and according to the automaker, it benefits from an electric-only driving capability. But that's about all that Lexus will reveal until for now. More detailed information and a full set of photos are expected to go online on September 10 2009.