Smart FourJoy concept

The Smart FourJoy concept will preview next year's all-new four-seat model at the Frankfurt motor show. Unlike the ForFour (2004-06) that paid only lip service to the brand's iconic city car, this promises to be a true Smart, with the familiar Tridon safety shell, minimal overhangs and plastic panels. At 3,494mm long it's around a meter longer than the original two-seat version but still significantly shorter than a Mini.

2013 Dodge Viper to debut at 2012 New York Motor Show

2013 Dodge Viper to arrive at 2012 NY Auto Show The ultimate American Muscle car – the Dodge Viper – is to return to showrooms with an all new 2013 MY Viper launching at the 2012 New York Auto Show in April. There was a time – in the mire of Chrysler’s woes – when there was a chance the world would lose the mad muscle car that is the Dodge Viper. But Chrysler managed to rise Phoenix-like from the ashes of its financial turmoil, to be given a lifeline from Sergio Marchionne’s desire to rule the auto world with Fiat, and common sense returned.

Vauxhall & Opel – no plant closures before 2014

Will the new Mokka help GM in Europe Despite reports that GM Europe are planning closures at Vauxhall and Opel, GM boss says there will be no closures before 2014. GM in Europe are not having an easy time of things, with both Vauxhall and Opel struggling for sales as the car market in Europe polarises and the mainstream car makers struggle. GM have made some moves to consolidate their European operation with a co-operation agreement with Peugeot Citroen, but that deal has more of a sticking plaster feel to it than a real way to fix the issues of over-production in a difficult European market.