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New V12 engine set to power baby Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce said Monday that the upcoming production version of the 200EX concept car revealed at the Geneva motor show earlier this month will be powered by turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 engine. Part of a new family of gasoline engines developed by parent company BMW--among which is the turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 used in the 7-series--the new four-valve-per-cylinder engine receives the latest in direct-injection technology and is claimed to produce in excess of 500 hp. With the smaller V8 developing 442 lb-ft of torque in the range-topping BMW, the new V12 destined for the price-leading Rolls-Royce is expected to be in the vicinity of 553 lb-ft--something that should ensure what the British carmaker likes to refer to as traditional waftability--in other words, relaxed cruising.

Mercedes-Benz Launches 'Style' Division

Mercedes-Benz has launched Style, the Stuttgart-based automaker's answer to BMW's DesignworksUSA design consultancy. Mercedes-Benz's Style sub-brand will be charged with designing bespoke luxury goods from aircrafts, to yachts, furniture and more. Its aim is to place the company in the avant-garde of the luxury market.

Kia, Chrysler, VW set pace as December sales advance 9 percent

Kia, Chrysler and Volkswagen posted some of the strongest sales gains for December as the industry closed out 2011 on a high note. Automotive News estimates December volume was up 9 percent to 1.24 million from a year earlier--in line with analysts' forecasts. Total industry sales were projected at 12.78 million for the year, up from 2010's total of 11.6 million and the 27-year low of 10.4 million in 2009.