Goodwood Launch For Latest Alpina Performance Models

FANCY something different from the usual premium German offerings? If so, Alpina hopes its interpretation of BMW’s already popular 4 Series Coupe and Convertible models will have buyers opening their wallets. The firm has built up a considerable reputation for taking a slightly different and more refined approach, as it focuses on luxury and ensuring the generous levels of performance are more accessible in the real world and not just on the track.

Ford future products: New vehicles get lighter, faster and move upscale

Ford Motor Co.'s future-product focus is on improved fuel economy by making its vehicles smaller and engines lighter without sacrificing performance, safety or luxury. It also wants to push the Ford brand more upscale to capture customers orphaned by the shutdown of the Mercury brand, and to attract new buyers with more product offerings. Ford has said 90 percent of its North American nameplates will be available with direct-injection turbocharged EcoBoost engines as standard equipment or as an option by 2013.

Chrysler future products: 2 cars coming from Fiat, minivan's future considered

The Chrysler and Lancia brands will be joined at the hip in the coming years. The two brands will sell similar versions of large, mid-sized and compact sedans and possibly a minivan. Chrysler will be sold predominantly in North America, the United Kingdom and Ireland; Lancia will be sold in continental Europe.