Caught Testing: 2013 Dodge Hornet hatchback - Spy Shots

Chrysler is in desperate need of some competitive small cars and Fiat looks ready to help the American automaker fill that gaping hole in its lineup. Based on Fiat’s new C-Evo chassis, this new Dodge midsize sedan/hatchback will be similar in size and shape to the current Alfa Romeo Giulietta—a 5-door hatch that competes with the VW Golf and Ford Focus.

Our spy photographers captured this test mule from nearly every angle. At the front is a pair of high-tech-looking headlamps, visible beneath the front mesh. This car also appears to have a chunkier grille opening than the Alfa—though Dodge officials have previously said the days of the brand’s crosshair grille are numbered. Cast your eyes back and you’ll notice some strange lines running along the center of the car, as well as the rear doors.

This extra sheet metal should make the Dodge noticeably wider and longer than the Giulietta. The rear of this prototype looks well proportioned, with the exception of those peashooter exhausts which look totally out of place in the rear bumper. Kudos for the cool “telephone dial” alloy wheels; long an Alfa trademark, could they add some Italian flair to the Dodge?
Dodge Hornet and Chrysler 100C
Expect Dodge to drop the Caliber name when this car arrives sometime in the middle of 2012. The awkward-looking economy-car/crossover never caught on, so it makes sense to make a fresh start with its replacement. Chrysler is also expected to receive a version of the Fiat/Dodge to slot beneath the 200 sedan. As for names, the Dodge Hornet (used on the brand’s funky little 2006 concept car) and Chrysler 100 seem pretty safe bets.

First Official Photos: 2012 Porsche 911 - First Look

Recent spy shots showed an all-new Porsche 911 in the snow, winter testing. Next came images of the car at the Nürburgring, circuit testing. And now, Porsche has released images of a slightly disguised 2012 Porsche 911 as it was testing in South Africa.
Porsche. Porsche. Porsche. The automotive world seems to be ablaze with all things 991, the internal designation for this new 911. But I guess that’s expected when news about something as iconic as the next-generation 911 breaks. So why would you, the dedicated Roadandtrack.com visitor, give two shakes about a South African appearance? Well, even though Porsche has not released any official details about the car, we have a good idea of what the next 911 will be when it makes its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show in September.

To recap what you may have missed, the 991 retains the strong design cues of the 911. For styling critics who scream “evolve,” here’s our counter: If ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it. The sideview mirrors have been relocated (moved from the corner of the windows to the doors)—a seemingly new Porsche trend also evident on Cayman and Boxster prototypes. As for the headlights and taillights, like those 3-year-old twins with a kicking problem sitting behind you on a domestic flight, try to ignore them—they are merely translucent stickers with printed designs furtively placed as a facade. So are the vents on the rear quarter panels.
Here is where things get a bit more prophetic. The new 911 has grown, definitively. From what we’ve heard, the 991 is 2.2 in. longer than the outgoing 997, but gains favorable dimensions by means of a longer wheelbase (4 in.), shorter overhangs (1.3 in. front, 0.5 in. rear) and a lower roofline (0.5 in.). The base of the A-pillars has moved forward by 1.4 in. for a sharper windshield rake, but the coefficient of drag remains the same, at 0.29. While bigger usually means heavier, the new 911, thanks to increased use of high-strength steel, is said to be lighter than the previous model. Early figures have the 991 weighing 55 lb less than the 997.

The base engine for the new 2012 Porsche 911 is purportedly a direct-injected 3.4-liter flat-6 with 350 bhp, similar to the one found in the Boxster S. A trim level up, the Carrera S is said to come equipped with a direct-injected 3.8-liter flat-6 pumping out 400 bhp. Improvements to fuel efficiency are certain for either engine. Juicier still are rumors about a new transmission for the 991: a 7-speed manual. That’s right, seven glorious gears to physically shift through. Bless Porsche and their clutch-loving hearts. Look for the 7-speed dual-clutch PDK to return.

If that isn’t brain-whetting enough, several sources have stated that the next-gen 911 will utilize the KERS hybrid system. Derived from Porsche’s 24-hour endurance race efforts, the Kinetic Energy Recover System stores energy from braking and converts it to additional on-demand power via a flywheel. Think of the efficiency gains found on a Prius, but used instead for fun (i.e. extra performance). If you’re concerned any additional horsepower gain will be washed away by the net increase in weight, don’t fret. With the use of aluminum and high-strength steel, the forthcoming hybrid model is reported to be lighter as well. If you’re planning to purchase the 911 hybrid, prepare to wait: a KERS-equipped 911 won’t make it to showrooms until perhaps 2015.