New Opel Meriva MPV Spotted Out in the Open

True, GM's European arm has officially revealed the new Opel Meriva but we couldn't pass the opportunity to share with you these 'real-life' photographs of the small MPV that was bagged by our man with the long lens in Germany. You can read the full story on the 2010 Meriva here, but as a reminder, Opel's Citroen C3 Picasso rival that features rear-hinged back doors will make its first public outing at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

At launch, it will be marketed with six engines offering a power bandwidth from 75 HP to 140 HP and a choice of 5 and 6-speed manual transmissions (depending on the engine) as well as a 6-speed automatic gearbox

According to Opel, fuel consumption has been reduced by an average of 15 percent compared with the current generation Meriva.

Designed and developed at Opel's engineering center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new Meriva will be built at GM's plant in Zaragoza, Spain and is scheduled to go on sale across Europe this summer.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line Type S: More Stylish Version of Automatic Model

Together with the top-spec Impreza WRX STI R205 325HP, Subaru also released another special edition version of its sport hatchback for Japan, the WRX STI A-Line Type S. But unlike the R205, the Type S isn't about performance or handling improvements, it's about cosmetic upgrades.

Based on the Impreza WRX STI A-Line which was launched in early 2009 and combines Subaru's 300-horsepower 2.5-litre turbocharged Boxer engine with a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts, the Type S adds Recaro seats treated in Alcantara and leather.

In addition, the seats, the leather steering wheel and the door panels are accented by contrasting red stitching while the package is rounded off with new lightweight alloy wheels in a gunmetal gray finish and gold-colored brake calipers.

Available for order now in Japan, the Type S is priced from 3,255,000 YEN which comes to around US$34,800 or €24,400 at today's exchange rates.

Vorsteiner Launches M-Tech Aero Package for BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible

In case the M-Sport kit for the BMW 3-Series E92 Coupe and E93 Convertible leave you wanting more, Vorsteiner has released a new aero package designed to enhance (not replace) the existing factory package.

Dubbed V-MS for Vorsteiner M-Tech Series, the package includes two carbon-fiber splitters for the front bumper, a carbon fiber rear diffuser that attaches to the factory mounting points and a carbon fiber boot lid spoiler. The kit can be complemented with a set of 19- or 20-inch BBS alloy wheels.

The company said that the V-MS aero package will be available worldwide starting in January 10th, 2010 through select authorized Vorsteiner dealers.