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Chrysler has filed its annual financial report with the Security and Exchange Commission, and a few important tidbits have thus been revealed. For instance, company CEO Sergio Marchionne was paid exactly zero dollars last year in compensation for the role he played in rescuing Chrysler from the clutches of bankruptcy.

It’s important to note that Chrysler is no longer under restrictions from the U.S. government when it comes to executive pay since the Treasury has sold its entire stake in Chrysler. Still, Chrysler voluntarily decided to limit the compensation of some top executives. Marchionne did receive $4.5 million from Fiat, the Italian automaker he guided in its acquisition of Chrysler in 2009.

Up for an interesting exercise? Contrast Marchionne’s total compensation with that of rival CEO Alan Mulally from Ford. Mulally received $58.3 million in company stock in 2011, in addition to whatever he is paid in salary as CEO. Of course, Ford did not accept any bailout assistance from the government and was therefore never under any compensation restrictions, but that’s still a heck of a lot of money.

Chrysler paid Marchionne nothing in 2011

While we adore sexy three-door hatchbacks in the same way that our lungs crave oxygen, our fellow countrymen don’t quite seem to feel the same way. Three-doors simply don’t sell in America, and that’s exactly why the delicious 2013 Audi A3 Wagon isn’t headed to the states, according to The Detroit Bureau.

Instead, American buyers can look forward to a market-specific sedan version that Johan de Nysschen, CEO of Audi of America, says won’t share so much as a single body panel with the longroof you see above. While that’s a crying shame by our eyes, de Nysschen says the U.S.-spec 2013 Audi A3 will likely be successful enough to boost model sales to 30,000 per year.

The A3 Sedan is expected to bow with a more upscale, refined interior and more passenger volume as well. We wouldn’t be surprised to see an abundance of available technology options as well. The Detroit Bureau says the new model may even bow with the same touch pad control system found on the Audi A8 and a larger LCD screen mounted in the dash.

U.S. not getting new A3 Wagon, separate sedan being developed

Nine times out of ten, if the Autoblog crew isn’t talking cars, we’re discussing cameras. Or cat videos. But mostly cameras. We love shooting the world’s newest vehicles almost as much as we enjoy driving them, and odds are we aren’t alone.

If you’ve ever wondered how the real pros manage to get their best photos, wonder no more. The crew at FStoppers.com tagged along while Blair Bunting trained his lens on the Lamborghini Aventador. The shot you see above was crafted using around $60,000 in lighting equipment, a full staff of assistants and a professional retoucher.

Bunting says he actually uses Forza Motorsport 4 to plan his shots before the vehicle ever arrives. Using the game’s Free Look mode allows him to spot interesting aspects of the car that would otherwise be missed by viewing the stock photography.

But the pro lets us all in on another little secret toward the end of the video. Amateurs and enthusiast photographers like ourselves can get a very similar effect with a small light box and a lightbulb on a stick. Now we just need a car worth shooting in the middle of the night. Look below to watch the video yourself. It’s a long one, but completely worth it.

Continue reading How to photograph the Aventador like a pro using Forza 4, a lightbulb and a stick [w/video]

How to photograph the Aventador like a pro using Forza 4, a lightbulb and a stick [w/video]

There are a lot of ways to describe the Valmet Dawn you see pictured above, but our favorite could be mouthed by Keanu Reeves: Whoa. And then we would expand it to WTF? As in, “Whoa the F?”

That’s because Valmet Automotive – the makers of the Fisker Karma, among other vehicles – has wrapped its electric vehicle engineering chops in what is perhaps the most impractical and odd-looking concept vehicle we’ve ever seen. The Dawn concept is meant to show that Valmet can both research and develop EV components like drivetrains and batteries and put them together into a vehicle, a two-prong approach that Valmet says is a new strategic focus area for the company. With that in mind, perhaps it not a total surprise that Valmet hasn’t released any sort of information about the range, power or really any real-world details about the Dawn. Like, for example, what’s that blue disc in front? An inductive charger? A 21st Century cow catcher? An Identity Disc?

Valmet says this test bed vehicle “integrates both the component developer and integrator roles. Displaying the battery pack, drivetrain, control unit and charging options, it also shows what ultimately can be achieved in the world of electric mobility, by integrating solutions in an innovative fashion.” Innovative. Yeah, that’s the word.

Continue reading Valmet Dawn gets it Tron on in Geneva

Valmet Dawn gets it Tron on in Geneva

Among the numerous renditions of its DS line unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, Citroën went a step further with the introduction of the DS3 Racing S. Loeb. Taking advantage of the ridiculous success it has had with the DS4 WRC piloted by Sebastien Loeb, the DS3 Racing S. Loeb is for those who want a cuter brute than the DS4 Racing Concept.

Even better, you can actually buy this one: Citroën is making 200 examples, all of them numbered and signed. Citroën was mum on any power upgrade, but we do know the hatch comes “cloaked” in a textured matte black hue with red accents and will come standard with the company’s MyWay nav system.

Citroën was also mum on the price, but we’re sure there’ll be a premium. Look below for more info on the models it showed off at Geneva, and there’s a high-res gallery from the show floor plus a couple of stock images of the car with the man himself, and his DS3 WRC car.

Continue reading 2012 Citroën DS3 Racing Sebastien Loeb Edition is the darkest of horses

2012 Citroën DS3 Racing Sebastien Loeb Edition is the darkest of horses

Please excuse us while we banish thoughts of David Letterman’s hosting of Oscar night – Magna; MILA… Uma; Oprah – and instead focus on what this concept car brings to the table. This is the sixth MILA Concept from Magna-Steyr, the Austrian arm of Canadian auto parts giant Magna International, and it’s meant to showcase the capabilities of the supplier.

First and foremost, the MILA Coupic’s two-door crossover shape can convert into a convertible or a pickup truck, depending on the configuration of the rear seat. There’s seating for as many as five occupants in full CUV mode, and the two glass roof elements can be opened or closed independently.

The MILA Coupic is an impressive engineering exercise, and, since Magna builds such production machines as the Mecedes-Benz SLK, Fiat 500C and Opel Astra TwinTop, it’s one that could potentially see a roadway near you at some point in the not-too-distant future. See for yourself in our image gallery above, and read more in the official press release below.

Continue reading Magna MILA Coupic Concept is a shape-shifting convertible crossover pickup

Magna MILA Coupic Concept is a shape-shifting convertible crossover pickup

Hyundai has unveiled what it calls the most environmentally friendly, conventional-engined vehicle sold on the planet – the all-new i20.

We called the first i20 “one sharply dressed econo car,” and this new model gets a family-familiar hexagonal grille and swept-back, cat-eye headlights and fog lamps. Much of the car’s profile and rear are carried over from last year’s model with the exception of the tweaked taillights and some shiny new shoes.

The biggest news, however, is the fact that four engines will be on tap. On the greenest end of the scale is a 1.1-liter three-cylinder diesel. With about 74 hp, the little oil-burner generates only 84 g/km of CO2. That’s pretty impressive considering the crazy-efficient 2012 Toyota Prius C breathes out about 110 g/km.

The downside? The i20 isn’t available in the U.S. (Surprise, surprise.) Follow the jump for the full details in Hyundai’s press blast.

Continue reading 2012 Hyundai i20 boasts sleek style, top-notch efficiency

2012 Hyundai i20 boasts sleek style, top-notch efficiency

The good news for folks who both love and hate the FAB Design McLaren MP4-12C Terso is that there will only be five made. But to our eyes, the Swiss tuners known for some felonious assaults on innocent cars (the McLaren SLR Desire, anyone?) have been admirably restrained with this one, although we’ll admit that Mansory set the bar high.

New front and rear clips for the Mac seems to be the thing, and the Terso fulfills that brief with a polygonal theme for its widebody stance. The side skirts are also new, and they’re topped by a side intake with a new cutout to match the stance up front. The wheels haven’t grown in size but, are FAB’s traditionally deep 20-inchers.

The rear wing is a removable bolt-on, and if you look closely at the front of the car you’ll notice a wing just below the front windshield. We’re not sure if that one comes off as well, but remember, there will only be five of these. Check it out while you can in the gallery of high-res photos.

McLaren MP4-12C Terso shows FAB Design’s good side

This handsome little crossover is the 2012 Citroën C4 Aircross, and it’s ready to boldly go where every other CUV has gone before. Like the vast majority of C-segment-based, high-riding crossovers, the C4 Aircross is, to quote associate editor Zach Bowman, more “mall-terrain” than all-terrain.

There’s nothing wrong with that, though, especially for European buyers who need to tackle the occasional dirt road or snow-covered street. Based on the plucky C4 hatchback, the Aircross is available in either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations, powered by a variety of gasoline and diesel engines ranging from 110 to 150 horsepower. It’s sort of like a Ford Escape Kuga but with a funky French face.

See the C4 Aircross for yourself in our attached high-res image galleries, and if you’re keen to read the full specs, see below for Citroën’s press blast.

Continue reading 2012 Citroën C4 Aircross is ready for soft-roading action

2012 Citroën C4 Aircross is ready for soft-roading action

The new 2012 BMW M5 produces an impressive 560 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, but for companies like AC Schnitzer, the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 presents only a starting point. The German tuning company unveiled the new ACS5 Sport here at the Geneva Motor Show this week, managing to squeeze and additional 60 hp and 81 lb-ft from the forced-induction motor.

The ASC5 Sport isn’t all about horsepower, though. AC Schnitzer has also fitted the Bimmer with a new sport suspension system, 21-inch Type IV forged wheels and a slick aerodynamic kit including a carbon fiber front spoiler, chrome front grille, rear spoiler and a carbon fiber diffuser. The exterior is finished off with an attractive matte blue paint. Inside, the car features trim and stitching to match the exterior. You can see the AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport in detail in the high-res gallery above.

AC Schnitzer rocks a matte blue hue with the ACS5 Sport

We’re pretty fond of the Ram Tradesman. The truck offers impressive power and capability per dollar spent, and now it looks as if Chrysler aims to give buyers a little extra functionality, as well. For 2012, the Tradesman can be had in either Crew Cab or Quad Cab configurations to provide comfortable-enough transportation for six adults.

Long live the bench seat.

The vehicles will come boasting the same 4.7-liter V8 found in the standard-cab Tradesman, complete with 310 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. With an EPA rating of 20 mpg highway and a standard tow package that allows the truck to pull up to 7,700 pounds, the pickup is still a smart combination of economy and power. That is, at least by full-size truck standards. A six-speed automatic transmission, spray in bed liner and a no-cost Ram Box storage system are all part of the mix, as well.

Ram also announced that it intends to offer a compressed natural gas version of the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty. Powered by a 5.7-liter V8, the truck is technically a bi-fuel offering. While there are CNG tanks on board, Chrysler also threw in an eight-gallon gasoline tank in the event buyers can’t make it between CNG fueling stations. Canadian customers can opt for a 35-gallon gasoline tank, as well. In order for the truck to be able to swill down both fuels, new cylinder heads had to be designed with reworked valves and valve seats. The V8 also wears two sets of fuel rails and injectors: one for gasoline and the other for CNG.

The system is fully automatic, and will switch between the two fuels without any user input. Very cool. No prices have been announced for the 2500 CNG, though we do know the truck can haul up to 1,580 pounds and tow 7,650 pounds. Hit the jump for the full press releases.

Continue reading Ram adds extra doors to Tradesman, announces CNG-powered pickup

Ram adds extra doors to Tradesman, announces CNG-powered pickup

While Toyota recalls are no longer the earth-shattering news they were back in 2009, they’re still news. And today’s announcement certainly qualifies for the modifier “big,” with nearly half a million Tacoma pickups being recalled under one campaign, and 116,000 Venza crossovers and 70,500 Camrys under another.

The 2009 Camry is the only model year covered by the recall, while 2009-2011 Venzas are affected. These vehicles may need a replacement stop lamp switch, which may have been installed incorrectly. Symptoms include warning lamps illuminating, a non-starting condition, and the inability to shift out of Park.

The Tacoma recall covers some 2005-2009 models that may need their steering wheel spiral cable assembly replaced. Symptoms include an air bag warning lamp that does not go off after the vehicle is started, which could result in the driver’s air bag being deactivated.

In both cases, Toyota says it is “obtaining the necessary replacement parts” and owners will be notified by mail. Owners may also visit www.toyota.com/recall or call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

See below for the full release.

Continue reading Toyota recalling Camry, Venza and Tacoma

Toyota recalling Camry, Venza and Tacoma

The successor to the Peugeot 207 line, the 208, made an appearance under the lights of the Geneva Motor Show this week. Buyers in the EU may choose from either the three-door body style you see above or a more functional five-door configuration. Both vehicles feature smaller exterior dimensions than the old 207 but with greater interior volume than their predecessors. Peugeot also shrank the available gasoline engine options in the 208. A 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine serves up a heady 75 horsepower, though consumers looking for a little more grunt may step up to a 1.2-liter three pot good for 100 hp.

All told, the 208 is available in five different configurations, including a range of diesel-powered options that include Peugeot’s next-generation stop/start system, which helps return nearly 83.1 mpg on the EU scale. Not too shabby.

Want something a little hotter? How about the Peugeot 208 GTi Concept (above left)? In addition to more aggressive body work, larger brakes and flashier 18-inch alloy wheels, the vehicle packs the same 1.6-liter engine as found in the company’s RCZ. That means buyers can expect to find somewhere between 156 and 200 turbocharged horsepower kicking through a six-speed manual transmission. How’s that for a win?

Meanwhile, the 208 XY Concept (above right)wears more flash than actual go. With a color-shifting purple paint, unique interior treatments and a 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine, this hatch is meant more for prowling city centers than corner carving.

Continue reading Peugeot brings the 208 party to Geneva

Peugeot brings the 208 party to Geneva

General Motors wants to become the second-largest shareholder in PSA Peugeot Citroen, and the gears of a deal for seven percent of the French automaker are beginning to mesh. It cost General Motors $423 million to buy into PSA, and the companies will remain competitors despite lashing their rafts together.

Both automakers would like to net cost savings over the course of the initial 10-year term of the partnership by leveraging their collective purchasing power for better prices from suppliers and also sharing economies of scale. GM and PSA are also looking to create vehicles, powertrains and/or components together within the next four years. The two companies have already started work on developing a low-cost small car to sell in emerging markets, and GM is looking to hook up with Peugeot’s Gefco logistics arm, as well.

Peugeot stock has been forced down in value by the company issuing new shares for General Motors to buy, facilitating the deal. Peugeot has also suspended paying a dividend this year to keep cash on hand, further upsetting shareholders and the market in general. Market watchers suspect that any cost savings may be slow in coming, and there’s little detail of how GM and PSA intend to address both companies’ overcapacity problem in Europe or how they intend to find compromises with the typically strong labor unions there, as well.

Still, the hopeful need only look to Renault-Nissan for an example of the potential upside. Of course, GM’s deal with Fiat, which started in 2000 and ended with a $2 Billion payment in 2005, is a reminder of just one of the ways the bloom could fall off this rose.

GM stake in Peugeot will cost $423 million

Volkswagen already offers quite a bit of fun in the small hatchback segment with the 177-horsepower, 40-mpg Polo GTI, but for those wanting even better fuel economy without sacrificing any fun, VW has announced the Polo Blue GT.

Fitted with the new 1.4-liter TSI inline-four, the Blue GT is capable of achieving up to 50 mpg thanks to direct injection, cylinder deactivation and stop/start technology. With 138 horsepower, the hatchback is capable of reaching 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 130 mph.

Distinguishing itself from the rest of the Polo lineup, the Blue GT features a mix of components from the VW parts bin including front and rear bumpers and a rear spoiler from the Polo GTI, as well as side sills from the BlueMotion model. The car also features unique 17-inch wheels, special badging and a lowered ride height of 15mm. Inside the Blue GT gets redesigned sports seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and instrumentation from the GTI model.

Read up on the Volkswagen Polo Blue GT in VW’s official press release below or browse through our live photos of the car in the gallery above.

Continue reading 2012 Volkswagen Polo Blue GT mixes fun and frugality

2012 Volkswagen Polo Blue GT mixes fun and frugality

Ford is making it easier to access tablet devices in its cars, enabling users of iPad, Kindle, Nook and other tablets to control their devices with their voices instead of their hands.

The move is bound to set safety advocates atwitter, who argue there are already too many distractions behind the wheel. Just last month the issue again took front stage after the death of 18-year-old Taylor Sauer, who crashed her car into a tanker truck while texting. Ford, however, said the upgrade of its MyFord Touch system is out of concern for driver safety.

“Drivers are bringing these devices into the car already,” said Alan Hall, a spokesman for Ford. “We’re allowing them to access the content in a safer way.”

Ford began shipping upgrades to its voice-activated MyFord Touch entertainment system on Monday, with the tablet compatibility built in. The automaker has taken a big hit to its quality reputation because of MyFord Touch, which consumers have complained is slow, unreliable and hard to use.

The upgrade to MyFord Touch and its underlying SYNC technology allows more devices to work with voice activation or through controls on the steering wheel, although most still won’t charge. Devices including the iPad, Kindle Fire, HP Touchpad, Nook Color and Sony Tablet S need more electricity than Ford’s outlets provide.

Ford hopes the iPad 3, set to be revealed today, will be compatible with the upgrade, Ostrowski said. He also said that Ford engineers will have to order iPad 3s like everyone else to find out.

Ford makes voice control easier for iPad and other devices

If you live in a warm weather state and haven’t experienced icy roads before, we’ve got some video that will show you what your northern friends have been talking about. Actually, if you’re a veteran of snow and ice, own a four-wheel-drive vehicle and don’t slow down when it’s slippery because you think your 4-high is infallible, we really have a video for you.

We’re thinking the good people of Columbus, Ohio know a thing or three about driving on snow and ice, but even the Buckeyes have trouble with black ice. Look below to watch several trucks and SUVs slip, slide and wreck themselves when encountering a patch of the invisible slick. It’s too bad whoever was holding the camera didn’t have the sense to put it down and go warn oncoming motorists to slow down.

Continue reading Patch of black ice terrorizes Ohio motorists

Patch of black ice terrorizes Ohio motorists

How many times have you said to yourself, “Self, I’ve modded every single part of my car, but those tires, they’re just so… black. And boring.” Bridgestone has the answer in the form of its Tire Printing Technology.

Comprised of two layers of ink – one below and one above a protective coating – you can fully customize the design of your sidewalls using any kind of vector-based graphics. Bridgestone claims the outer most layer won’t succumb to scrapes and scratches, and neither the durability or the weight of the tires are compromised by the technology.

Bridgestone hasn’t set a date for production, but the tires could be available as early as this summer. And if it hits in time, there’s little doubt we’ll be seeing plenty of horrid designs lining the halls of SEMA.

The Next Big Thing: Bridgestone prints patterns on tires

In the fine tradition of the Celebrity Wagon, the Bow Tie brand brings you this: The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Wagon.

We kid, but in all honesty, the Cruze Wagon isn’t just a more utilitarian take on one of our favorite C-segmenters – it’s an attractive one to boot.

And speaking of boots, the Cruze wagon uses its extra inches to good effect, expanding the cargo capacity of the standard sedan and hatchback models to 17.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and blowing out to 52.9 inches with the rear thrones folded flat.

Chevrolet MyLink comes along for the ride, and in Europe, buyers get a choice of three gasoline engines and two diesels. But here in the U.S. we get nothing. Chevy has no plans to bring the Cruze Wagon to the States.

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Wagon blends style with utility

The relentless expansion of M-engineered and branded wares doesn’t just stop at the M diesel quadruplets and the M135i. Here in Geneva, BMW announced the latest line of M performance parts that spans the spectrum from appearance bits to powertrain upgrades.

M Performance exhausts will be available for the new 1 Series (in Europe), along with the 3 Series and 5 Series. Carbon fiber front splitters join black kidney grilles in the catalog, as does a new version of the M Performance steering wheel. BMW also claims to have some suspension components are in the works, and all this kit will be on sale and ready for installation at BMW dealers in the United States this summer.

BMW M Performance Parts continue to expand the brand