Volkswagen developing seven-seat SUV - report

According to a recent report, Volkswagen is developing a seven-seat crossover for the United States.

Details are limited, but Auto Express is reporting the model will built alongside the US-spec Passat in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This will enable the crossover to be priced less than the $44,450 Touareg, which has suffered low sales due to its premium positioning.

As we have previously reported, Jonathan Browning - the CEO of Volkswagen America - is particularly bullish on SUVs. He sees them as vital to Volkswagen's effort to become competitive in the United States and meet their goal of selling 800,000 vehicles annually by 2018.



Source: Auto Express

Honda CR-Z Turbo gets fast tracked - report

According to a recent report, Honda has fast tracked production of the CR-Z Turbo.

Details are limited, but Autocar is citing unnamed sources who say the model is an urgent priority as CR-Z sales are declining as buyers are finding the car's sporty styling isn't backed up by meaningful performance.



While the CR-Z is currently offered with a hybridized 1.5-liter engine with 122 hp (91 kW / 124 PS), the turbocharged variant is expected to use a 1.6-liter that produces 160 hp (119 kW / 162 PS) and 200 hp (149 kW / 203 PS). This will certainly add some much needed pep, but it remains to be seen if consumers will give the car a second chance.

A debut could occur as soon as the Tokyo Motor Show, but nothing is official as of yet.
Source: AutoCar