1987-1991 Toyota Camry Steel Wheel Chrome Center Caps on 2040-parts.com

Chrysler races to upgrade its lineup

In a bid to improve its lineup before a fleet of new Fiat-based vehicles arrives in 2012, Chrysler Group is rushing new features and equipment into 15 reworked vehicles. The equipment, such as a Fiat dual-clutch, six-speed transmission and a new Chrysler V6, will boost fuel economy, improve driving dynamics and spiff up drab interiors, all areas in which Chrysler has fared poorly in consumer surveys. All the vehicles will be on sale by the first quarter of next year.

2012 Nissan Versa has more features, larger sticker--$10,990

The redesigned Nissan Versa has more standard features and a higher starting price for the 2012 model year--$10,990 without destination costs. The sub-$10,000 Versa will no longer be sold in the United States. Destination costs for the 2012 model have not yet been released.

Barrett-Jackson's Las Vegas auction draws drivers

Though you'll see the usual assortment of restored muscle cars and one-of-a-kind automotive delights at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas auction, it's the buyers who make this event a little different, organizers say. "Most of the vehicles we sell in Vegas go to first-time buyers--and they want drivers," said Craig Jackson, CEO of the auction company. "They're end users and drivers, rather than speculators." Those buyers will have a wide variety to choose from at the fourth-annual Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas auction, which kicks off on Sept.