Future products: Kia seeks lively, upscale look

Kia's redesigned Optima sedan and the Cadenza replacement for the Amanti, both due next year, reflect an emphasis on creating a livelier and more upscale look for the once-bland brand. Indeed, styling has been a crucial element of Kia's new-product push in the past 18 months. The team at Kia Design Center America near Los Angeles--part of the automaker's global design network led by onetime Audi design chief Peter Schreyer--has helped set the new styling direction.

Long-wheelbase stretch Jeep Wrangler spied

A Jeep Wrangler JK with a third row of seating was recently spied at a suburban Detroit gas station. Wearing manufacturer plates, at first glance it looked like a prototype being tested by the Auburn Hills manufacturer. Closer inspection of the photos showed pieces from Wixom, Mich.-based American Expedition Vehicles, including bumpers and wheels with the AEV logos covered by painter's tape.

Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet revealed with 197mph top speed

Porsche has revealed the new 911 991 Turbo Cabriolet and Turbo S Cabriolet range – a 197mph open-top Porsche 911. Boasting 520hp even in standard Turbo guise, and a huge 560hp in Turbo S form, the new 911 991 Turbo Cabriolet range follows hot on the heels of the new 911 991 Turbo coupe range, which MSN Cars drove back in August. Click on the image above to see how Porsche has turned a hard-top Turbo into an open-top barnstormer…