Report: Volkswagen Tiguan to be built in North America?

Volkswagen is reportedly seriously considering moving production of its compact Tiguan crossover to this side of the pond in an effort to cut costs. If the Tiguan moves to North America, it will likely be built alongside the Jetta and Passat. By moving production of the small CUV here, Volkswagen would cut down on shipping and labor costs, as well as put its plants closer to some parts suppliers.According to Automotive News, VW execs hope such a move would stop exchange rate fluctuations diminishing profits from the world's number two car market and allow it to better stay ahead of consumer trends. The proposed move of Tiguan production coincides with the opening of VW's new $1 billion plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. If everything goes according to plan, the new plant will crank out 150,000 vehicles a year starting in 2012.

Tiny Darth Vader brings The Force to VW's Chattanooga plant

On Tuesday, May 24, Volkswagen officially opened its plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee that is dedicated to building the Passat. There were all sorts of potentates gathered for the occasion, from Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to current and former mayors of the city. When it came time to press the big, red button to get the factory party started, though, six men gathered around the podium and they didn't make a move until a surprise guest waved his hands: little Darth Vader. Otherwise known as Max Page, he's the kid in costume who practically owned YouTube when he appeared in VW's 2012 Passat commercial during the Super Bowl. Arriving with an entourage of Stormtroopers and his theme music, he did a little of what he does, the red button was pushed, and it was only then that the Chattanooga facility officially opened.

Exclusive: BMW developing customizable LCD gauges for refreshed 5 and 7 Series models

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has had one for a few years, and Jaguar-Land Rover recently fitted units to its all-new XJ and updated Range Rover. Now BMW is getting ready to offer its own fully configurable LCD gauge cluster on the next-generation 5 Series and 7 Series models.Co-developed in Munich and BMW's Technology Office in Mountain View, CA, the new gauge cluster will display the standard dials for speed, revs, fuel and temp, but can be configured to show additional navigation, telematics and infotainment data depending on the driving mode. Comfort and Sport settings will tailor the display to suit conditions, possibly placing the tachometer front-and-center in Sport mode, along with providing shift lights and other more driver-centric information.A BMW engineer we spoke with made it clear that BMW doesn't want to rely on digital representations of analog gauges. Instead, the automaker is looking at the display as a blank canvas with which it can display a variety of information in an innovative way. However, while consumer customization will be available, BMW believes that keeping the user-tweakability to a minimum is key for ease-of-use and general readability.

Official: 2012 Volkswagen Passat priced from $19,995*

Volkswagen has officially announced pricing for the company's 2012 Passat. Buyers will be able to jump into the mid-size sedan for as little as $19,995 (*plus $770 in destination charges). At that price, you can expect to be met with a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission riding on 16-inch steelies. Dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and a host of other gadgets are standard equipment on the base model, though customers can step up to SE trim for $23,725 plus delivery. The extra coin will net buyers an eight-way power adjustable seat, flashy 17-inch alloys and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, among other kit.But here's the only number we want to know: VW will politely ask for $25,995 plus delivery for the Passat TDI, complete with its 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and up to 43 mpg highway. Finally, 3.6-liter V6-equipped vehicles will start at $28,995. There are just 16 buildable configurations for the Passat, and each engine choice is available in three trim levels: S, SE and SEL. - Autoblog

Official: Kia prices 2011 Soul Hamstar special edition at $20,295*

You can get with this... for $20,295. Kia has officially announced that you'll need that much dough (*plus $695 for delivery) if you want to purchase a 2011 Soul Hamstar special edition. An ode to the award-winning hip-hop hamsters seen in Kia commercials, the four-speed auto-equipped Hamstar becomes the sixth special edition Soul that Kia has offered up for sale.The limited-production box on wheels wears Molten Red pain, which is offset with a pair of black stripes across the front doors and black trim. Black is also the color of choice for the 18-inch wheels, fender vents and fuel-filler cap. A Hamstar logo sits on the hood, and can also be seen throughout the interior.That interior space can be filled with music thanks to the Audio Upgrade Package. A 315-watt amp pumps sound out through the speakers, but it's kicked up a notch thanks to the center speaker and subwoofer.

Report: Are you the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe?

BMW has previously confirmed that it plans to build a production version of the 6 Series Gran Coupe Concept that it unveiled at the 2010 Beijing Motor Show, and these plausible-looking patent filings appear to give a glimpse at the car's final design. Much like BMW's latest batch of concept cars – the M5 and 6 Series Coupe, notably – the "finished" product doesn't stray too much from the original concept car, save, of course, the traditional dumbing-down of air intakes and wheel sizes.The 6 Series Gran Coupe is expected to slot in between the BMW 5 Series and 7 Series in terms of both size and price, and will likely use the same range of turbocharged six- and eight-cylinder engines that we see in those models. While not as overly swoopy as its competitors, the 6 Series Gran Coupe will be poised to do battle with the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS for four-door coupe luxury supremacy. - Autoblog

Report: BMW X3 M getting ready to rumble

According to the wizards at Europe's CAR magazine, sources within BMW have confirmed that the high-performance X3 M could launch as early as 2012. A stupid-fast X3 hardly seems necessary, but then again, that's what we said about the larger X5 M and X6 M before falling in love after our stints behind the wheel.CAR states that the X3 M will likely be powered by a tweaked version of the new six-cylinder engine bound for duty in the M3. In the X3, this engine will reportedly produce somewhere around 450 horsepower, and could use a brand new tri-turbo system – one electric turbocharger paired with two exhaust-gas-driven units.A 450-horsepower X3? With three turbochargers (one of which is electric)? Sounds absurd (and is to be taken with a grain of salt... for now), but based on our experiences with the rest of BMW's M range, consider us totally stoked. -AB

Spy Shots: 2012 BMW M5 inches closer to production in a stunning shade of brown

The BMW M5 that debuted at this year's Shanghai Motor Show may have technically been a concept car, but it comes as no surprise to see that the near-production models the German automaker is testing look exactly like the car we saw on stage. For what it's worth, we certainly hope the dark brown paint seen on this prototype will be offered when the M5 hits dealerships. Those blacked-out wheels can stay, too.As you've no doubt read countless times before, the M5 will be offered with BMW's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, packing somewhere north of 480 horsepower. In the United States, both a manual and dual-clutch transmission will be available, and all-wheel drive may be in the cards, as well.

Official: 2012 Kia Sorento gets 2.4L GDI engine, UVO infotainment

The 2012 Kia Sorento will be available with the company's hands-free UVO infotainment system, and its brand-spanking-new GDI direct-injection four-cylinder engine. With those new features, the big Kia crossover can really dance with the big guns from the likes of Ford.Other available options include Kia's YES Essential seat treatment, which makes the seats resistant to stains and static electricity and includes an anti-bacterial chemical. That, along with an entertainment system to be reckoned with, should keep the young family demographic very happy.The Sorento's new engine uses the same GDI setup as the upcoming 2012 Rio, but this time, it sees duty atop a 2.4-liter version of the brand's Theta II architecture. Thanks to GDI, the 2012 Sorento should close in on 200 ponies, as opposed to the old engine's 175.For those who aren't looking to upgrade to the Sorento just yet, the new options are also available on the 2012 Sportage. - Autoblog

Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series GT shakes its rump

Good as it may be to drive, and better as it may be to ride in, we still don't quite understand the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. It isn't as hunkered down and svelte as a Porsche Panamera or Audi A7 Sportback, and its big booty style isn't exactly the most attractive thing to come out of Munich.And now there's a smaller one to look forward to.In addition to a sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon, the next-generation BMW 3 Series will be offered in hunchbacked Gran Turismo form, seen here all covered up in swirly camouflage. Our sources indicate that the 3GT will have a different front fascia than the rest of the 3 Series lineup, as well as a unique roofline and a frameless window design.Expect engine choices to be the same as the rest of the 3 Series lineup, with turbocharged four- and six-cylinder powerplants across the range. No word on when the 3GT will bow (or if it's destined for consumption here in the States, where the 5GT hasn't exactly been lighting the sales charts afire), but our spies suggest that BMW's new genre-bender will launch one year after the 3 Series Touring, another bodystyle we're not sure is coming to North America. - Autoblog

Official: VW celebrates GTI anniversary with 232-hp Edition 35

The Volkswagen GTI is the king of the hot hatches. Sure, there are more powerful, better-driving cars in the segment, but Volkswagen's hot Golf kicked off this niche of flingable sport compacts back in the mid-1970s, and it's quickly grown to become one of our favorite vehicle classes. When it comes to fun per dollar, you just can't beat a hot hatch.To celebrate the 35th birthday of the Golf GTI, Volkswagen has created this, the 35 Edition, which goes on sale in Germany this week. Visually, the 35 Edition is set apart by a unique front bumper, special wheels, and '35' badging on the door sills and seats. The most important upgrade, however, is the substantial boost in power over the normal GTI – 25 horsepower – for a grand total of 235 hp.Volkswagen hasn't said a word about availability here in the United States just yet, but we're keeping our fingers crossed. The Golf GTI 35 Edition makes its official debut at the infamous GTI Meet in Wörthersee, Germany, on June 1st.

Optima beats Camry, Accord in CR test, Altima still favorite; Explorer lambasted

The mid-size sedan battle rages on year after year. Perennial kings are dethroned while new challengers emerge boasting fresh styling and a bountiful list of standard features. Consumer Reports launches its June issue today, and the institute's testers have put a host of family-minded four-doors powered by four-cylinder engines through a workout to determine which is the top dog. Ten vehicles were tested but, as Christopher Lambert will tell you, there can be only one.As it has here at Autoblog Towers, Kia's 2011 Optima draws big praise from the Consumer Reports crew. In fact, the Korean squeezes out a higher rating than the Honda Accord. It may have only beat the Honda by one point, but this represents a significant win for Kia. The opinions of Consumer Reports are highly valued by a large number of car shoppers, and this victory ought to push the Optima further onto radar of the American car buying public. Interestingly, while the Optima earned a "Very Good" rating, it wasn't the comparison's overall winner, however, as the Nissan Altima (a perennial CR favorite) claimed the test's top spot, neatly trumping the Honda and the best-selling Toyota Camry in the process.One vehicle not fairing so well in the June issue of Consumer Reports? The 2011 Ford Explorer. Nineteen mid-size sport utility vehicles were rounded up for testing, and the Explorer wound up in 17th place – well behind the Toyota Highlander Hybrid – a dismal showing for the Blue Oval brand. - Autoblog

Report: Kia Soul Hamstar edition rolling onto dealer lots this spring

The Kia Soul and special editions go together like hip-hop and hamsters. That is to say, some people love them and other folks might have heard enough of this, and heard enough of that. Regardless, the Soul is getting another special edition, and this time around it's the Hamstars that are getting the attention.We saw the concept version of the Kia Soul Hamstar Edition at the 2010 SEMA show. Now, we've received confirmation from Kia that this stars and stripes-wearing Soul is coming to dealer lots in time for the 2011 spring season. Stripes run up the doors and on to the fenders while a star Hamstar logo sits on the hood and rear hatch. The Soul Hamstar will get a unique wheel package, and the inside will feature more Hamstar logos throughout. No word yet on pricing... but it's safe to assume it will cost you a little bit of this, and a little bit of that. Sorry.

Microsoft and Volkswagen team up for in-car file storage

The House that Gates Built has teamed up with the Volkswagen Group to develop the next generation of automotive information and entertainment delivery strategies.A firm called e.solutions supplies Volkswagen with its infotainment software. Microsoft has signed an agreement to license its Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) technology to e.solutions, which allows the software developer to squeeze more information into smaller spaces. Also, the speed at which that data can be accessed will get a shot in the arm. - Autoblog

Blake Griffin to auction dunked-over Kia Optima on AutoTrader.com

Mixed opinions arise when discussing Blake Griffin's over-car dunk at the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Regardless, it got people talking and the 2011 Kia Optima played a major role in the jam. Kia turned Griffin's hop into a commercial, and now Griffin is again using that same Optima for another good move; one that will benefit cancer research organization Stand Up to Cancer.With the help of AutoTrader.com, Blake Griffin will auction off the car that helped him win the 2011 Dunk Contest title. Signed by the recently named Rookie of the Year, this Optima has been seen by millions of people courtesy of YouTube (and you can join that group by clicking past the jump and watching the dunk for yourself).All proceeds will go to Stand Up for Cancer, which is a charity close to Griffin's heart. His friend, and former high school basketball teammate, Wilson Holloway recently lost a three-year battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. AutoTrader.com, which typically does not auction vehicles, has stated that it's eager to help raise as much money as possible for such a worthy charity. The auction will run through May 15th, and can be viewed at a special Blake Griffin-specific page on AutoTrader.com.

All-wheel-drive BMW M5 in the cards

The times, they are a changin'... and so is the BMW M5. Since it hit the streets back in 1985, the M5 has always been a beastly Bavarian that sends power solely to the rear wheels, but now, new reports are stating that the all-new F10 M5 may be available with all-wheel drive.Exact details of this upcoming M5 have yet to be revealed, but BMW has reportedly confirmed that an AWD-version is in the cards. The production version of the 2012 BMW M5 is set to hit the Frankfurt Motor Show stage in September, and we expect to suss out a few more tidbits of information before that time arrives. Until then, we're content to fill our dreams with visions of snow-filled four-wheel drifts punctuated by the turbo-muffled growl of a force-fed V8 engine.

BMW 3 Series loses more of its camo

The next-generation BMW 3 Series has been out stretching its legs before its official debut, and our tactical team of spy photographers was quick to snap a few photos before the vehicle returned to the automaker's lair. These photos give us a more complete look at the new 3er for the first time as its shed more of the psychedelic-swirl camouflage than in any of its previous outings. We can clearly make out the rear fascia in its entirety and we've been given a good glimpse of the vehicle's LED tail lamps as well. Those rear lights look an awful lot like the hardware found on the newest BMW 5 Series to us.In addition, this particular mule shows off the vehicle's new headlights as well. Those rigs look to be rocking the same squared-off LED shape as the latest 6 Series, which means we may see the diodes spread to the rest of the German automaker's lineup.

Kia earnings up 91% to $890 million in Q1

Automaker earnings have been mostly impressive so far, and Kia is no different. Reuters reports that the Korean automaker has posted earnings of $890 million for the first quarter of 2011, up 91 percent compared to the $466 million profit from Q1 2010. Overall revenue for the quarter was $10 billion, up 37 percent year over year. Kia's healthy earnings come as sales rose 30 percent to 619,089 units. The automaker fared especially well in South Korea, China and the United States, where new models like the Optima and Sportage have really taken off.