2010 Lancia Ypsilon: Artist's Impression of Next Generation Premium Supermini

2010 Lancia Ypsilon: Artist's Impression of Next Generation Premium Supermini

According to the Fiat Group's product plan, we're supposed to see the new Lancia Ypsilon making its world debut sometime this year but we wouldn't be at all surprised if the Italians have pushed the launch date of the premium supermini back to 2010. But just to get an idea of what the Ypsilon's replacement may look like when it hits European showrooms in 2010, here's a speculative artist's impression of the supermini that was published on Motorionline.

There's no way of being sure about the accuracy of the CGI that blends styling elements from the current Ypsilon and the new Delta hatchback, but we do know that the luxury supermini will share its underpinnings with the Fiat Grande Punto and the Alfa Romeo MiTo hatchbacks.

The engine range will also be common with other models of the Italian group, so buyers can expect to see the 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol as well as new Multijet diesel powerplants.

As with the previous Ypsilon models, the Lancia will feature higher-quality cabin trim and materials with customers being offered a variety of options to personalize their car.

Photos & Link: Motorionline

BMW 5-Series GT: What Should the 'GT' Stand For?

BMW 5-Series GT: What Should the 'GT' Stand For?

You've got to love those marketing folks. I mean, '5-Series GT' sounds pretty cool and certainly much better than the initial 'PAS' moniker that stands for "Progressive Activity Sedan." To be totally honest, the newest 5er justifies the 'Gran Turismo' badge in the sense that it has the core qualities of a GT: it promises to cover large distances super fast and in absolute comfort for its passengers.

But somehow a vehicle that looks like it tries to merge a station-wagon with an MPV and an SUV with a sedan and a coupe, all at the same time, doesn't quite sit well with us a GT, at least not in the classic way we interpret it. So, as our friend 'Sergejs' humorously proposed, enlighten or amuse us with what you think the acronym "GT" should stand for in the new bimmer by leaving us a comment below.

Stud or Schlub? MonoCraft's Retro Styled Mazda MX-5 Miata

Stud or Schlub? MonoCraft's Retro Styled Mazda MX-5 Miata

Even in its latest form, the Mazda MX-5 / Miata roadster has more retro-style charm than a pair of classic Rayban sunglasses, but if you're still not satisfied, you could always opt for an outfit in the likes of MonoCraft's MH1. The Japanese company offers a full makeover for the roadster with a new front fascia complete with uniquely styled hood, bumper and fenders. The result brings to mind several cars including the previous Lotus Elise and the Toyota MR-2. MonoCraft also overhauls the rear end that gains a new bumper, an integrated boot spoiler and a specific fascia with Lotus Elise-like tail lamps.

Customers can choose from a variety of alloy wheel designs while the company also offers numerous interior upgrades including a full leather treatment. Now, whether or not MonoCraft's proposal is worth the fuss (and the money), is something we'll leave for you to decide.

2010 Kia Forte Koup makes Global Debut in NY: 60-High Res Photos

2010 Kia Forte Koup makes Global Debut in NY: 60-High Res Photos

Continuing its long-term assault on the market, Kia blew the covers off the production version of the Koup concept that was unveiled during last year's New York Auto Show. The Korean automaker's first-ever two door coupe model is based on the new Forte Sedan with which it shares the mechanical hardware as well as the interior design. On the outside, it's another story as Kia has come up with a sharp looking design featuring a lower stance and a series of unique styling cues that differentiate the Koup from the sedan.

And while it's evident that the Kia's small coupe bears a few design similarities with Honda's European Civic hatchback (front) as well as from the Acura RSX (rear), overall, the 2010 Forte Koup looks pretty neat.

"On the heel of the introductions of the Soul and Forte sedan, Forte Koup represents the next exciting step in the transformation of Kia design and offers a blend of sporty and emotional appeal," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA. "We believe our new design evolution coupled with standard Kia value and safety features will continue to attract customers to the Kia brand."

Built on the Forte sedan's front-wheel drive platform, the Koup comes with a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall length of 176.4 inches, an overall width of 69.5 inches and overall height of 55.1 inches, meaning that it's slightly shorter in length and height than its four-door counterpart.

Like the Forte sedan, the Koup will be offered with two four-cylinder gasoline engines, a 2.4-liter unit for the EX model producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque and a 2.4-liter unit for the SX that delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque.

Both models are available with two transmission options, a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission for the 2.0L EX, and a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic for the 2.4L SX.

Kia said that the 2.0-liter engine offers 25mpg city and 34 mpg highway with either tranmssion while the more powerful 2.4-liter engine is rated at 22mpg city and 32 mpg highway with the six-speed manual and 23/31 mpg when paired with the five-speed automatic transmission.

Sales in the U.S. are expected to start later in the year.