TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013 |

If anything else, the Chrysler Group sure knows how to create some buzz around its cars without really spending much time or effort. Yes, we're talking about the group's limited edition models like the new Dodge Charger SRT8 392, of which 392 units will be built during the 2013 and 2014 model years.Available as a $2,495 option on the Charger SRT8 with the 470hp 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that remains unchanged, the 392 Appearance Package will be available for order in April.
As the name implies, the 392 is a cosmetics-only package that adorns the Dodge sports saloon with an assortment of black exterior accents. These include the “392 HEMI” fender badges, the satin black stripes, the 'Pitch Black' roof, side mirrors and rear spoiler, the 20-inch Black Vapor Chrome wheels, and the engine beauty covers, while there's also a serialized dash plaque showing the production build number.
The 392 will be available in a choice of five exterior colors named, Bright White Clear Coat, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Plum Crazy Pearl Coat, HEMI Orange Pearl Coat and TorRed Clear Coat.
"With its numerous new exterior appointments beyond our exclusive Black Vapor Chrome wheels, not only will this new 392 Appearance Package set the Charger SRT8 apart even further, it also brings another level of exclusivity to our lineup as only 392 cars will receive this special treatment during the 2013 and 2014 model years," said SRT CEO, Ralph Gilles.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013 |

Renault Samsung Motors, the French carmaker’s Korean subsidiary, unveiled the QM3 urban crossover at the Seoul Motor Show. Essentially a rebadged Renault Captur, the QM3 will slot inRenault Samsung’s range below the QM5, known as the Renault Koleos in Europe and other markets.

The launch of the QM3 shows that rebadging between Renault and its Korean affiliate works both ways, as so far only Renault Samsung vehicles were rebadged as Renaults and not the other way round - the Renault Samsung SM3, SM5 and QM5 are sold in Europe as Renault Fluence, Latitude and Koleos respectively.

As expected, the QM3 is identical with the Captur, with badges being the only difference. Like in Europe, the QM3 targets young Korean consumers looking for alternatives to traditional B-segment vehicles.

“Renault Samsung QM3 combines in a single compact vehicle the best of three worlds: the sportiness of an SUV, the convenient comfort of an MPV and the driving pleasure of a hatchback,” said Laurens van den Acker, Senior Vice President, Design, Renault Group.

Renault Samsung didn’t offer technical details, but it’s safe to say the QM3 will carry over the same engines from the Captur. The car will be launched in Korea in the second half of this year, with pricing to be announced at a later date.

By Dan Mihalascu

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