By Justin Couture, MSN Autos

Over the past three months, Chrysler LLC and General Motors have been in talks over a potential merger, and as of late, it appeared increasingly likely to commence. However, after an announcement made by the Bush administration today, the takeover will be put on hold.

According to Automotive News, the much-needed $10 bn financial aid package that was requested specifically for the merger by the two automakers was turned down.

It is speculated that one of the primary reasons that the request was not honoured is due to the potential loss of jobs. In a report issued by consulting firm Grant Thorton LLP, the merger would result in nearly all Chrysler models being discontinued to streamline product offerings with GM. The report speculated the Chrysler minivans, the Dodge Ram pickup truck, the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Grand Cherokee would be the sole surviving Chrysler products.

By Justin Couture, MSN Autos

If you’re a James Bond fan, you’ve probably been counting the days down ‘till opening night of Quantum of Solace (there are fifteen days remaining, in case you haven’t).

It’ll be business as usual, without any doubt - 007 saving the world, a good car chase or two featuring an Aston Martin loaded to the brim with weapons, but what would a Bond movie be without a Bond Girl? Furthermore, what would a Bond Girl be without a new set of wheels?

In case you haven’t met her, this is Olga Kurylenko, who plays Camille in the movie. The car she’s leaning upon in the photo is her ride in Quantum of Solace. It might not be as flashy as an Aston, but the 28-year-old actress drives the brand new Ford Ka car in the movie, and apparently, she quite likes it.

By Justin Couture, MSN Autos

Yesterday, the Automobiles of London auction saw some pretty pricey metal go under the hammer. Despite the economic downturn over the past few months, serious enthusiasts and collectors gladly opened up their wallets to add a new vehicle or two to their collection.


Although many legendary automobiles and brands were represented at the auction, including Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, and others, one of the stars of the auction was a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder.

Driven in the movie Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle by Lucy Liu and Cameron Diaz, and featured on the action TV series Fast Lane, it was expected to sell for between £3.0 million and £3.5 million (equal to $5.9 m and $6.9 m). Although it received the highest bid of the day at £2,63 m ($5.17 m) it didn’t meet its reserve.

By Justin Couture, MSN Autos

What you’re looking at is the bold new face of Ford’s 2010 model year Fusion sedan. 

It’s just been give a new front end, which features a sleeker, larger version of the three-bar grille as well as new light clusters with projector beam lenses and plenty of intricate detail give the car a more sophisticated, upscale look.

In addition to the new sheetmetal, there are a number of mechanical changes; its entire powertrain lineup has been updated. The entry level engine is now larger, at 2.5 litres in displacement, up from the previous 2.3. Similar to the unit found in the 2009 Escape, it provides 175 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque, which is competitive within the midsize class.

By Justin Couture, MSN Autos

It's a well-established fact that the next generation Nissan Z is just around the corner, and with plenty of coverage from various magazines and blogs, the only piece of the puzzle yet to be solved is with regards to looks. Spy shots of camouflaged vehicles during testing revealed that its profile will be similar to the current car, not to mention that it will feature new headlamps, similar to those of the Maxima.

With the days counting down to its debut in LA next month, Nissan has shown the first official images of the 370Z.

If the new car looks smaller than the outgoing model, that's because it is. Nissan has shortened the overall length, and trimmed a few inches from its wheelbase to improve the car's agility. Wider flared fenders and shorter overhangs give it a more aggressive appearance, while the side quarter window features an upward kink similar to the GT-R's.

By Justin Couture, MSN Autos

There’s a pretty good chance you haven’t heard of Mitsuoka. Not to be confused with Mitsubishi, it’s a small Japanese company that specializes in taking new cars, and making them look old with old-fashioned style front and rear styling. On principle, the idea sounds pretty neat, as it combines the appearance with modern amenities, comfort and reliability. But of course, that all depends on the way the conversion has been executed.

This is the Mitsuoka’s latest car, the Galue S50 Limousine and it proves that not all ideas translate well into sheet metal. Behind the Rolls-Royce-style grille, and ‘40s chromed bumper is an Infiniti M35 Sedan. But it gets even weirder, considering Mitsuoka have fitted the backside of a mid-’90s era Cadillac, tall skinny tail lights included. Between the front and rear halves, the M35’s body has been stretched by 70 mm, and includes a miniature middle window. Hmmmm...

By Justin Couture, MSN Autos

These are the first full images of Aston Martin’s forthcoming ultra-exclusive supercar, the “One-77”. Leaked by Dutch luxury lifestyle website 925.nl, they reveal the stunning bodywork of the $2,000,000+ car.

While details about the powertrain and chassis still remain scarce, the One-77 will feature a lightweight carbon fibre monocoque chassis, hand-beaten aluminum body panels, and a 7.3-litre V12 engine derived from the one found in the new DBS. With a projected horsepower rating of 700 hp, it is shaping up to be the fastest street-legal Aston Martin to date with a top speed of over 350 km/h.

Besides its wallet-wilting price tag, one of the most unique features about the One-77 is the fact that potential customers will be able to be involved in the development of the vehicle. Owners are encouraged to work with Aston’s design and vehicle engineering team to create truly custom cars, tweaking key aspects of the car’s styling and ride and handling to ensuring that each vehicle that is built is unique.

By Justin Couture, MSN Autos

When thinking about the auto show circuit, there are certain cities that are synonymous with international debuts and jaw-dropping concepts: Geneva, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Detroit, Los Angeles all ring a bell. But, with growth in sales in eastern Europe and Asia, the focus is shifting. Automakers now view China and Russia as emerging markets that have giant potential for growth. And while South America hasn’t exhibited as great of a boom, sales are on the rise.

As you’re reading this, the 25th São Paulo International Auto Show is just getting under way, and this year, there are a couple of nifty debuts that cater to the whim of the South American marketplace.

Fiat FCC II Concept
Designed in-house by Fiat’s Brazilian division, the FCC II is an eco-friendly take on the classic Baja Bug. It certainly looks the part, with open wheels and a completely open cabin that’s reinforced by a backbone-style roll bar that visually divides the car - windshield included - in two.

The FCC II is powered by an 80-hp electric motor that’s fed by a lithium ion battery so it doesn’t consume fossil fuel or produce tailpipe emissions. (For those of you who’ve commented on the Electric Rolls-Royce blog entry and Mini-E news story, we’re aware that that not all electricity is generated in a “green” manner).

Furthermore, the funky, lightweight bodywork is made from a renewable plant fibre, while nanotechnology has been used in other areas of construction to reduce weight without compromising strength. All in all, the FCC II has a top speed of 100 km/h, and weighs 980 kg.

By Justin Couture, MSN Autos

If you’re a Volvo fan, you might be wondering what on earth is going on with the S60. At nine years old, it isn’t just one of the oldest cars in the Volvo lineup, it’s one of the oldest designs currently on sale today. And while 2009 won’t be bringing any major changes for consumers aside from the discontinuation of the T5 model, prospective buyers should take note of what the Swedish brand will be unveiling in Detroit this January.

What’s pictured here is an official 3D rendering of the console that will be featured in a concept version of the next-generation S60, crafted from crystal. The trademark thin-form, “floating” console is a trademark of the brand’s unique cabins, and has been featured on all new Volvos since the S40.

Designed by Swedish glass manufacturer Orrefors, it features backlighting, and integrated knobs for controlling heating and ventilation, as well as the stereo.

By Justin Couture, MSN Autos

Well, that was short. It’s only been two months since the Dodge Durango Hybrid and the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid entered into full-scale production, and less than a year since they made their official debut at last year’s LA Auto Show, but Chrysler LLC has confirmed that it’s lights out for the full-size hybrid SUVs.

It’s a particular shame that these vehicles have been shelved so early into their lives. Chrysler reports that it is pleased with the sales figures of the vehicles thus far (3,000 units), and the 2 Mode hybrid drivetrain it features is capable of making good on claims of drastically improved fuel economy.

Recently, the EPA rated the Durango and Aspen Hybrids at 11.7 l/100 km city, and 10.7 l/100 km highway, which is about on par with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrids which share the same hybrid drivetrain and a 40-percent improvement over the standard non-hybrid version.