2011 Volkswagen Eos Facelift Unveiled ahead of LA Show Debut

Four years after it hit the market, Volkswagen is giving the Eos coupe-cabriolet its first cosmetic makeover. The facelifted model, which will have its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late November before going on sale in January 2011, receives an updated design and a host of new features.

The exterior restyling brings the Eos in line with VW's latest models such as the new Touareg, Passat B7 and Jetta. At the front, there's a new, and less prominent, upper grille which is now completely separated from the lower. Also new are the headlamps that incorporate horse-shoe shaped LED running lights, the bumper design and the more chiseled side mirrors.

Out back, the changes include a revised bumper housing a diffuser and new, rectangular-shaped tail lamps with LED technology.

Inside the cabin, the changes are really rather difficult to spot, being limited to some fresh colors, new controls for the air conditioning system and additional features such as the keyless locking and starting system, a new multi-function color display and the remote control for the retractable hardtop.

Aside from the use of BlueMotion technology with a start-stop system and regenerative braking on the 140HP 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine that reduces fuel consumption by 0.7 lt/100 km, bringing it down to 4.8 lt/100 km [49 mpg US], there aren't any other changes under the hood.

More details on the 2011 VW Eos will be released at the car's LA Sow premiere in November.

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2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible gets Special Edition for Neiman Marcus' Christmas Book

After the auction of the first publicly available production model of the 2011 Camaro Convertible that sold for $205,000, and the release of a single official press image last week, Chevrolet continues to drum up interest for its new topless Camaro with the announcement of a new special edition version that will be showcased in the annual Neiman Marcus "Christmas Book".

The General plans to build only 100 examples of the Camaro Convertible Neiman Marcus Edition, each priced $75,000, with first deliveries set to take place in the spring of 2011.

All Neiman Marcus Editions are based on the Camaro Convertible SS model and come equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 426HP and 420 lb-ft of torque when paired to a six-speed manual gearbox, and 400HP and 410 lb-ft, when combined to a 6-speed automatic.

The cars are finished in an exclusive Deep Bordeaux exterior color, accented by subtle, "ghosted" rally stripes. The body paint is complimented by a color-matched fabric top, windshield frame finished in matte silver, and a set of 21-inch, polished aluminum wheels with red detailing, wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero tires both, all of which are exclusive to the Neiman Marcus edition.

The interior of the special edition model receives exclusive leather interior appointments, including amber-colored leather seating surfaces offset by black leather side panels and red stitching.

Red accents are also found on the center console, steering wheel and shift knob, while the Deep Bordeaux color from the exterior appears on the dash and door panels.

Other features worth mentioning including the standard Brembo disc brakes, LED halo-ring headlamps, Bluetooth connectivity, rear parking assist, and a 245-watt, Boston Acoustics sound system.

"Neiman Marcus provides a great platform to showcase the new Camaro Convertible," said Tom Peters, Chevrolet Design director. "And, it enabled us to create a special edition car that combines the powerful design and performance of the new Camaro with an element of exclusivity, craftsmanship and customized luxury."

For those of you interested in buying us a Christmas gift, reservations will be accepted from October 19, 2010. To place a reservation, all you have to do is call 1.877.662.6276.

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2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Unveiled: World Premiere in Los Angeles, on Sale in February from $30,000

Taking a short break from our Paris Motor Show coverage, General Motors surprised us this morning with the release of the first official picture of the production 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible.

The soft-top iteration of GM's muscle car will make its world debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on November 17, and arrive in Chevrolet showrooms in February 2011 with a starting price -yes, we have that too- of $30,000, including $850 destination, for the base V6 model. Full pricing details will be released later this year.

"The Convertible will make the all-new Camaro, already a smash-hit, even more desirable to a greater range of drivers," says Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing.

Not surprisingly, the Convertible model will be available in the same model and engine offerings as the Camaro Coupe. The base model will have a 3.6-liter V6 with direct-injection pumping out 312-ponies and returning 29 miles per gallon on the highway, while the SS model will feature the 6.2-liter V8 producing 426-horsepower. A six-speed manual gearbox will be standard, with an optional six-speed automatic.

Saab 9-4X Crossover Spied in Production Form Prior to Los Angeles debut

Here are some snapshots of the next Saab vehicle to help justify the brand's survival, the 9-4X crossover. Seen here in production guise before its LA Auto Show debut in November (unless Saab surprises us in Paris...), what we've got is a nice, safe, smart step in the right direction for the brand.

While nothing is official yet, the 9-4X engine lineup should include a ~180-hp 1.6-liter Turbo, a ~220-hp 2.0-liter Turbo, and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel. A 300-hp 2.8-liter V6 may also show up, and we can expect transmissions to be 6-speed manuals and automatics in a front- or all-wheel drive layout.

From the pics, the new Saab crossover looks to stay fairly true to the 9-4X BioPower concept by showing off Saab's new rear end styling; we can clearly see its full-width taillight setup and hockey stick C-pillar. Up front is more of the same, with the only concession appearing to be smaller front fog light openings.

Also, the propeller-inspired rims are a nice touch that symbolize both Saab's aviation heritage and its new ownership by Spyker. All in all, this appears to be a welcome addition to the new Saab product range.

With a Jason Castriota-penned 9-3 on its way and possible BMW power in the pipeline, Saab looks to be viciously clawing its way back up a slope that it was so carelessly pushed down by GM.

By Phil Alex

Source: Saabsunited [Photos: Djup Strupe]

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Gallery: 2008 Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept