The commercial starring the Chevrolet Silverado that will be broadcasted tonight during the XLVI SuperBowl is set in sort of post-apocalyptic scenario, where the pick-up truck from Chevy emerges from a pile of rubble and begins traveling through the ruins of town with a pale gray sky and fuming volcanos in the background. The ad is obviously focusing on toughness and vigour of the model, and is scheduled to air during the first quarter of the game.

The Chevrolet Silverado is powered by a 6.6-litre V8 Duramax engine that develops 370 hp and allows this heavy beast to reach 100km/h (62 mph) from standstill in less than 9 seconds. The vehicle comes with a Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission, which is replaced by a Hydra Matic gearbox on the less powerful 6-litre V8. The Silverado has been designed to deliver in any situation and weather condition, to the point that it can be switched on even at -30 degrees.

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Fiat introduces the new ‘Strada‘, an upgrade of its little pickup truck assembled at their plant in Betim, Brazil. The model will become available in Europe in a matter of days and is meant to be first and foremost a commercial vehicle, but nonetheless it can be used outside work too. The Fiat Strada measures 4.41 meters in length (4.46 for the Adventureversion), 1.66 in width (1.74 m) and wheelbase of 2.72 meters, whereas its loading area is 1,685 mm long and 1,300 mm wide in its ’standard’ configuration. The variant with the long cabin instead will have a cargo area measuring 1,332 x 1,070 millimeters.

The Strada weighs 1,915 kg, can tow up to a ton and - driver included - can carry between 630 and 705 kg. The range includes three trim variants (Working, Trekking and Adventure) and three body-types (with short, long and double cabin), all of which will come with a 1.3-litre Multijet engine producing 95 hp and 200 Nm of torque from 1,500 rpm, with an average fuel consumption rated at about 5.3 l/100km. In its basic version, the Fiat Strada comes with a whole new instrumentation, ABS and (for Trekking and Adventure variants only) a steering wheel adjustable in height. The Adventure can be recognized by its black grille with chrome inserts and by its foglights integrated in the front fascia. Its standard features also include air conditioner, leather seats with special 205/65 R15 all-terrain tyres and E-Locker (Electronic Locking Differential), which improves the car’s performance on low-grip surfaces and includes compass and inclinometer.

All versions will also come with standard audio system and CD player, clima, sunroof, alloy wheels. Fiat has also released to official prices (before taxes) for the Italian market: the basic Fiat Strada with Working trim and single cabin will cost 12,900 €, while at the top of the range we have the Strada Advenure with double cabin, priced at 16,000 €.

View the full Fiat Strada photo gallery

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Jeep presents the Wrangler “Arctic”, a new special version of its popular offroader featuring a unique winter-themed exterior and interior design. The new ‘Arctic’ edition was firstly unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, last November, but Chrysler has recently and officially confirmed that the model will soon come to Europe too, also announcing a starting price of 36,850 €. This new version of the Wrangler will be available in three different exterior colors - Bright White, Bright Silver and Winter Chill - and comes with black 17″ wheels fitted with 32″ tyres, color matching hardtop and fender flares, dedicated “Arctic” badges and decals, air conditioner, sat-nav, multi-functional steering wheel, and a few bits coming from Mopar (the special parts and service arm of the Chrysler Group), such as fuel cap and tail lamp guards.

Inside, the seats use black Tectonic fabric with Polar White accents and orange stitching. Front seats are heated and feature ‘Arctic’ logos in the seat back. Accent stitching can also be found on steering wheel, arm rest and console lid. Door trim and nets are also accented in orange, while all handles and dashboard vent rings are finished in Polar White trim. Exclusive Mopar rubber carmats with ‘Jeep’ logos complete the interior of the model. The Jeep Wrangler Arctic also comes with an EVIC on-board computer, cruise control, the vocally controlled Bluetooth UConnect Phone system with UCI, UConnect GPS with radio/CD/DVD/MP3/WMA player, USB dock, a 30 GByte hard-disk and a 6,5” touch screen.

The ‘Arctic’ trim joins the other three well known ‘Sport’, ‘Sahara’ and ‘Rubicon’ versions, and will be available for both 2- (Jeep Wrangler), and 4-door configurations (Jeep Wrangler Unlimited), equipped with a supercharged 2.8-litre CRD diesel unit delivering 200hp at 3,600 rpm and a maximum torque of 460 Nm between 1,600 and 2,600 rpm. However, in 2012, a new engine options will be made available for the whole range in the form of a Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 petrol unit producing 285 hp and 353 Nm of peak torque. Moreover, for refined shifting and greater performance, the Jeep Wrangler migrates from a 4-speed to a new 5-speed automatic transmission, making it the first Jeep model to apply a manual gearbox to the Pentastar V6. Other remarkable features include the standard all-wheel drive part-time Command-Trac NV241, Dana 30 front axle and Dana 44 rear axle, that allows for maximum off-road performance. In spite of the name, the ‘Arctic’ has not been given any specialized equipment for sub-zero traveling.

View the full Jeep Wrangler Arctic photo gallery

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Nissan releases an official video and some images of its Pathfinder Concept, currently on display at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. The model represents a juicy anticipation of the next generation of the popular Japanese offroader, which is due to inter the market in its final form next Autumn.

In this two-minutes long video, Nissan’s vice President and General Manager, Mr. Al Castagnetti, introduces the main features of the vehicle, which seems to depart from the classic offroader concept in favour of a more SUV-oriented approach.

Under the bonnet, this Pathfinder Concept uses a V6 unit coupled with a CVT automatic transmission, a combination that should allow the car to decrease its fuel consumption (in comparison to the current model) by an impressive 25%. To find out more about the Nissan Pathfinder Concept, see the official Press Release after the jump.

Continue reading: Nissan Pathfinder Concept at the 2012 NAIAS in Detroit (video)

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Both versions of Land Rover Defender Concept 100 - the already known DC100 and DC100 Sport - are currently on display at the New Delhi Auto Expo sporting with a new paintjob, consisting of Firenze Red paint for the body and a white roof.

The models were premiered at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and are expected to hit the market in their final form in 2015, probably with 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines with hybrid and plug-in capabilities, start-stop technology, and mated to an 8-speed transmission. The current version of the Defender - as previously reported - should be able to extend its life until 2017.

View Land Rover DC100 and DC100 in Red pictures

via | CarBuzz

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Just a few days ahead of its official unveiling at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, a short video teaser of the new Nissan Pathfinder Concept has been unleashed on the web by the Japanese manufacturer. The model is a juicy anticipation of the next generation of the popular offroader, and this shady footage provide us with quick glimpses of both front and rear ends - which we have isolated in a couple of images - and shows an overall more rounded but still imposing design. The production car is expected to hit the worldwide market in the fall of 2012.

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We have just received a set of spy shots picturing the mules of the new Mercedes G55 AMG and what should turn out to be the G65 AMG. These images were taken in Sweden, where both model are presumably undergoing winter testing. We already know quite well the G55, and the new version should turn out to be just be a restyled version of the current model, whereas the G65 will be an exclusive limited version of the G-Class, also known as G-Wagen (Geländewagen, meaning cross-country vehicle in German). Rumor has it that the latter will come with a V12 engine delivering 612 hp with 1,000 Nm of torque, and will be produced in 200 units only, with a price tag in the 250,000 € area (approximately 325,000 $ / 208,000 £). The new G55 AMG instead should make use of a 5.4-litre twin turbo V8 delivering 525 hp and 700 Nm of maximum torque. As for the fuel consumption (the main issue with this type of vehicle), it will be lower than the previous generation, but still it will remain considerably high.

Looking at these spy shots, the models seem to have a revised front grille, re-designed front bumpers with larger air inlets and new wing mirrors. Although there is no sign of it on these prototypes, we would expect them to have LED technology for running day lights as well, plus some more modifications of the exterior design in order to refresh the look of these iconic but a little outdated models. Let’s not forget that the G-Wagon debuted on the market in 1979 and, since then, the only proper re-styling of the series was performed in 1990. We just think that it is time for a proper makeover: nothing radical perhaps, as we would like it to retain its unmistakable line, but surely something that will make it look more modern and up-to-date.

The braking systems of these mules seem to suit the impressive power that both models are expected to handle as the close-ups on the wheels show pretty reassuring AMG discs and calipers. Interior and instrumentation should be upgraded as well, with the inclusion of a top-notch navigation system. At the moment there are no official confirmations about the unveiling of the pair: some say that it might happen in just a few days at the imminent North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but we think that the Geneva Motor Show taking place in March is probably the event that Mercedes-Benz will choose to reveal these two very important models to the world.

View the full Mercedes G55 AMG and G65 AMG spy shots photo gallery

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Nissan will be at the forthcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit with a concept car version of the future Pathfinder, a.k.a. Terrano in some countries. The new offroader from the Japanese manufacturer is probably being developed on the same platform of the Infiniti JX, and is likely to enter the market toward the end of 2012.

It is fair to assume then that the new Nissan Pathfinder will make use of three rows of seats just like the recently unveiled luxury crossover/SUV from Infiniti. Chances are that the two models will also share the same engine, that is a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 unit delivering 265 hp at 6,400 rpm and 336 Nm (248 lb-ft) of torque at 4,400 rpm. No information is currently available about the actual design of the new model, but surely the Pathfinder concept will shed some light on the matter in Detroit.

via | Worldcarfans

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During the recent Paris Boat Show, Jeep introduced its Wrangler Unlimited Nautic Concept. This exclusive edition of the iconic American off-road model was presented in two versions: Nautic White and Nautic Black. The former is characterized by - you guessed it - a white livery, with chrome elements such as front grille, door handles, trunk hinges and 20″ wheels. Plus, there are wooden deck-style coverings for the floors, dash, console, doors and gear-lever as well as white upholstery.

The Nautic Black version instead is all black, both inside and outside, with chrome and wooden deck embellishments similar to its white sister. Both models are equipped with a 2.8-litres CRD engine delivering 200 hp mated to a manual gearbox.

View the full Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Nautic Concept photo gallery

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Suzuki Grand Vitara’s range is about to welcome a new version in its ranks, the “Executive+”, which will be positioned at the top of the line. This new version of the large off-road vehicle from the Japanese manufacturer will count on an engine range made of a turbocharged 1.9-litre DDiS diesel unit (producing 129 hp at 4,000 rpm and 300 Nm of torque between 21,750 and 2,500 rpm) as well as a 1.6 and a 2.0 VVT petrol engine. All version are obviously four wheel drive.

A special command inserted in the center console allows you to quickly and easily switch from normal 4H mode to the 4H-Lock (which locks the center differential and allows it to tackle even the most demanding off road path) and to ther 4L Lock, which engages the gear unit. In comparison to the current Grand Vitara models, the Executive+ uses a slightly different front-end, roof rails and silver-colored side grills, while other exterior highlights include 18” alloys and electric sliding roof. Inside, the car uses new fine materials and heated seats, now in soft-grain leather, which are customizable in 3 colors: black, burgundy and beige.

Standard equipment also includes hi-fi with CD-MP3 player and steering wheel controls, sat-nav with 7″ touch screen, cruise control with steering wheel controls, automatic air conditioning, keyless start system, fog lamps and xenon headlights.

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