McLaren is definitely stepping up its game with the new MP4-12C, but that doesn’t mean the company isn’t planning other new models, in order to become a proper, large scale supercar company.

We’ve already heard the company is working on a successor to the iconic McLaren F1 hypercar, as well as on a smaller model, designed to compete against the Porsche 911.

Now, according to a brand new report, McLaren will launch five new models in the next five years. You can be sure that the aforementioned all-new cars will be a part of those five and, with a few logical deductions, the other two might be based on the MP4-12C.

A dedicated race car will no doubt appear, in order to please customers that are really into racing, while the other one might be the rumored 2+2 four-seat version of the new supercar.

Still, these are just speculations at the moment, but given McLaren’s new appetite for the sportscar market, you can be sure that the next few years are going to be very interesting.

Source: AutoGuide via Autoblog

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McLaren might launch five new models in five years

It’s been a long time coming, but Chrysler has officially revealed the company’s newest SUV, the 2011 Dodge Durango.

The Durango is among the new and improved Pentastar products, which include the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee or the refreshed 2011 Jeep Wrangler.

As you can see, the Durango looks thoroughly aggressive, and is certain to duke it out with the new mid-size SUVs like the 2011 Ford Explorer. The car also packs three rows of seats, meaning extra room for bigger families.

The interior looks thoroughly good, from the single shot that was released, and seeing as how it was created by the same team who did the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, future Durango owners will be in for some luxury. Also on the inside you will see the new Dodge emblem, as the old one is now exclusive to Chrysler’s Ram pickup brand.

Under the hood, customers will get either the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or the 5.7-liter HEMI V8. Both versions can be equipped with either front- or all-wheel drive.

Check out the new 2011 Dodge Durango in the high res photo gallery below.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Dodge Durango

Source: Chrysler

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2011 Dodge Durango officially revealed

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is one impressive beast, but that doesn’t mean the Blue Oval can’t further improve its off-road ready pickup with more options and interior space.

That’s what the 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is all about, as the new model even boasts a SuperCrew version, with two extra doors for when you want to take your family hooning across desert dunes or off road trails. The SuperCrew is 12 inches longer than the regular Raptor, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to enjoy throwing it around.

Customers will have just one engine option, the massive 411 HP 6.2-liter V8, as the older 5.4-liter V8 has been eliminated from the range. Still, we’re pretty sure nobody will complain having 434 lb-ft of torque available when you go off-roading.

A few extra improvements were made in terms of customization options. The new Ingot Silver Metallic paint job (pictured above) is now available, as are matte black decals for the hood. A 4.2-inch display is also available with the 2011 model year.

The 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor will be arriving in dealerships later this year, so you’d better get your orders in as soon as possible.

Source: Ford

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2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor gets SuperCrew and loses 5.4-liter V8

Insurance company Allstate has charted the safest driving cities in the USA by studying the number of insurance claims and recorded accidents from the last 12 months.

This data was compiled, and it resulted that Fort Collins, Colorado, is this year’s safest city to drive in. According to the data, drivers in that city will get into an accident every 14.5 years, which is 31.2 percent better than the national average.

The last spot is occupied by Washington D.C. Inhabitants of the country’s capital city are subject to an accident every 5.1 years. One spot above is Baltimore, Maryland, where inhabitants filed for insurance claims every 5.6 years.

Hit the jump to see a video from Allstate with the results and a few tips for safer driving. Check out the complete results at Allstate’s website

Source: Allstate via Autoblog

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Video: Allstate charts America’s safest driving cities

As the Paris Motor Show is fast approaching, Lotus‘ surprises are being rumored all around the web.

We already heard about the two new Evora models that will be presented, the Evora S and the Evora IPS. We’ve also heard some talk about a revived Esprit supercar, possibly with the V10 engine from the Lexus LFA.

Now, it seems that the British sportscar manufacturer is also preparing two hybrid models for a Paris debut.

Unlike the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid we saw in Geneva, these new hybrids will have a front-mounted engine. Don’t expect a V8 or something like that, as rumors say that power will come from a 47 HP 1.2-liter gasoline three-cylinder, specifically designed to charge up the batteries that will power the electric motor.

Nothing else is known at this moment, but at the end of the month, when the Paris convention opens its doors, all will be clear.

Source: Green Car Advisor via Autoblog

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Lotus might bring two front-engine hybrids to Paris

Hyundai is set to present a brand new model at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, a compact MPV, which will take the company’s new ‘fluidic’ design language one step further.

The Hyundai ix20 is set to attract those who want the practicality of an MPV but aren’t looking for a full-sized one. The model has only been pictured in the sketch above, and was designed at Hyundai’s Russelsheim research and development center in Germany.

Alongside the ix20, the South Korean carmaker will also launch a revised i10 city car, with a refreshed design as well as the new 1.0-liter gasoline engine, capable of just 99 g/km of CO2 emissions.

Expect more details about Hyundai’s European offers when the Paris Motor Show will start, at the end of the month.

Source: Hyundai

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Hyundai ix20 compact MPV teased by sketch before Paris debut

Tuning company Wraptivo wants to showcase its innovative vinyl wrap technology at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and as such, it has presented the first render of its showpiece, the Honda CR-Z Type-F.

As you can see, Honda’s sporty hybrid has received a matte black with carbon fiber accents wrap, as well as Volk TE37 wheels and other impressive exterior accessories.

The real surprise is on the inside, as the CR-Z wimpy 1.5-liter engine has received a new supercharger, as well as a custom exhaust and an optimized ECU. A Tein suspension, as well as new HKS components are also fitted to the Type-F.

In terms of interior, Wraptivo threw in a pair of Recaro bucket seats, new Alcantara trim and a sports shift knob.

Wraptivo’s Honda CR-Z Type-F will also be showcased on the track, not just on the SEMA Show floor. It will participate in the Source Interlink annual Super Lap Battle, which will take place after the show closes its doors.

Overall, it seems that Wraptivo may have a winner with this tuned Honda CR-Z. What do you think? Check out the render above and share your thoughts below.

Source: Wraptivo via Autoblog

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Wraptivo Honda CR-Z Type-F prepares for SEMA debut

Kia has just announced a brand new recall, affecting the 2010 Soul and 2011 Sorento models

It seems that the vehicles in question have a problem with the wiring of the interior lighting fixtures. In the Soul, the wires power the lights in the front speakers, while in the Sorento, they power the lighting in the front and rear doors.

In total, 35,185 vehicles will be called back to dealerships by Kia. If left unattended, these wires may wear out, eventually leading to a short circuit or even a fire. Owners will be notified in the following weeks about the problem. You can contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 for more details.

Source: NHTSA

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Kia recalls Soul and Sorento models over wiring problems