Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept: Videos and Live Shots from Detroit Show

Making its world premiere at the Detroit motor show alongside the 556HP Cadillac CST-V Coupe, is the XTS Platinum Concept. GM calls it a concept model, but the 203.5 inches (5,170mm) long XTS is expected to heavily influence Cadillac's upcoming flagship sedan that will replace the DTS, and quite possibly, the STS also.

The full-size sedan, which most likely shares the vehicle platform with the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, keeps all the usual styling cues of modern Cadillacs such as the sharp creases and vertical lights.

The concept's interior blends leather, wood and other high quality materials with modern technology like the Organic Light-Emitting Diode (O-LED) displays that replace the traditional gauges and screens.

Under the Caddy's bonnet is GM's 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct-injection plus a plug-in hybrid system that deliver a combined output of 350HP and 295 lb-ft of torque.

2011 Ford Mustang GT: More Info Leaks on 412HP 5.0L V8, Returns 25mpg

Journalists that attended a pre-Detroit show event on the new 2011 Ford Mustang GT have spilled more beans on the new 5.0-liter V8 engine that uses an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder sleeves. We already knew that the eight-cylinder powerplant churns out 412 horsepower, but now, we've also learned that those ponies will be delivered at 6,500 rpm and that the new engine produces 390 lb-ft of torque, up from the current 4.6-liter V8's 315HP and 325 lb-ft.

In addition, it was also confirmed that the brand-new V8, which features four valves per cylinder and twin independent variable valve timing, will be linked to six-speed transmissions in both automatic and manual forms.

Last but not least, the bean spillers said that the new 2011 Mustang GT will return a fuel economy of 25mpg (9.4lt/100km), most probably on the highway.

In comparison, the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS' 6.2-liter V8 produces 426HP at 5,900rpm and 420 lb-ft at 4,600 rpm, returning 24mpg on the highway, while the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8's 6.1-liter Hemi V8 is rated at 42H5HP at 6,000 rpm and 420 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm, returning 22mpg on the highway.

Via: Autoweek and Edmunds
*Photos: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

MINI Beachcomber 4x4 Concept Heads to Detroit Auto Show [New Photos Added]

Less than a year before the launch of MINI's new five-door crossover model in autumn 2010, the BMW Group-owned brand will display another take on the SUV theme with the Beachcomber Concept at the Detroit motor show in January 2010.

The door-less concept study is based on the firm's crossover model and according to MINI, "it projects the principle of the 1960's Mini Moke into the 21st century." While the Beachcomber Concept has very few -if any- chances to enter production, it's styling is supposed to hint at what MINI's crossover model will look like.

Measuring approximately four meters or about 157-inches in length, the Beachcomber Concept gets an open roof that can be covered with either a hardtop or a soft top that fold up into a compact unit.

As a further option for protection in bad weather, MINI says that there are fully functional doors made out of extra-light plastic material that connect to the A- and C-pillars.

Inside, the concept model's four independent seats are divided by a "multifunction fastening rail" borrowed from the MINI Crossover Concept.

Extending from the instrument panel all the way to the luggage compartment, the rail allows the driver and passengers to place / fasten individual elements and components such as external music players, armrests for the front and rear seats, storage boxes, shelves and holders of all sorts.

The British firm did not disclose any technical details about the concept other than the fact that it is equipped with the company's so-called "ALL4" all-wheel drive system.