The 2010 model year marks the last run of the 600-hp Dodge Viper. To keep performance high for the next 12 months, the automaker is adding new colors, enhancing performance and releasing several limited-edition models. Standard Viper SRT10 models receive two new exterior colors: Toxic Orange Pearl Coat and Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat. A new shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from .74 to .80) improves high speed acceleration (the 0-200 mph run drops by 14 seconds). The track-bred ACR models get a new short-throw shifter, and new aerodynamic tweaks to the rear wing lower drag while improving downforce (top speed bumps up to 184 mph on the ACR model).

The Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition, paying tribute to the record-setting run at Laguna Seca, is identified by its unique two-tone Black Clear Coat/Red Clear Coat exterior color (the opposite of the original Viper ACR color). Other cosmetic enhancements include piano black console bezels with red gauge highlights and red stitching on the seats. The Vooodoo-edition Viper ACR gets an all Black Clear Coat exterior with a Graphite stripe outlined in red. In the name of exclusivity – only 10 cars will be produced with the unique striping on both the exterior and steering wheel.

But General Motors is now recalling Vettes from the 2005 through 2007 model years because the roof panel might blow off. The recall covers Corvette coupes with the removable roof panel. There’s a problem with the adhesive that bonds the plastic roof panel to its frame. If the bond breaks, the roof panel could go flying off while driving. There are clues to the problem, such as a snapping noise from the roof when driving over bumps, water leaking from the headliner or the roof panel moving when the door is closed. Nearly 22,100 cars are involved in the recall. Those with a bad panel–GM has previously run a customer-satisfaction campaign for this problem–will get a new one. GM says it will start the recall in January.

Good news for the auto industry has finally come in the last month of 2009. December is the U.S.’s industry’s strongest year-over-year sales increase of what’s been a dismal 2009. A 15 percent spike in new vehicle sales has been predicted in December. December would be just the third month of 2009 with a sales increase. The others, in August and in November, had tiny gains. The August advance stemmed from the U.S. cash-for-clunkers incentive program. November and December benefited from comparisons to a market that collapsed at the end of 2008. Total December sales are projected at 1.03 million vehicles, up from 895,152 a year earlier. J.D. Power expects December retail sales to jump 20 percent to 839,600. Fleet sales should drop by 2.5 percent, or 5,000 vehicles. That is higher than November’s rate of 10.5 million and it would be third highest of the year, according to the Automotive News Data Center. Total light-vehicle sales in November were 747,086. J.D. Power based its forecast on sales activity during the first 17 days of the month. During the first 11 months of the year, U.S. light vehicle sales plunged 24 percent to 9.4 million. Subaru, Hyundai and Kia are the only brands to advance this year.

Chrysler Group LLC will debut Fiat’s 1.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder Fully Integrated Robitized Engine (FIRE) featuring Multiair in the Fiat 500 starting in 2010. The engine, well-suited for a small car application, delivers 100 horsepower (75 kW) at 6,750 rpm and 95 lb.-ft. (129 N•m) of torque at 4,250 rpm. The 1.4-liter FIRE features Fiat’s Multiair technology, which significantly reduces emissions while improving fuel economy and power delivery.

The 1.4-liter FIRE features four valves per cylinder and incorporates state-of-the-art technology for Fully Variable Valve Actuation (FVVA), also known as MultiAir. A turbo version of the engine is also planned and will produce a fuel economy improvement up to 25 percent when compared to a V-6 engine with equivalent power.

The MultiAir system consists of electro-hydraulic variable valve actuators filled with conventional oil, which is interposed between the camshaft and each valve. The lift of the valve is a function of the quantity of oil addressed to the actuator, ranging from full lift to complete valve closure. Each solenoid valve may also delay application of the actuator in advance, leading to late valve opening or early valve closing.

MultiAir is exclusive for Chrysler Group in North America and is based on a series of Fiat Powertrain patents related to hardware, combustion strategies and controls that allow for full control of the lift and timing of engine valves.

Although mechanized assembly is commonplace today, the brand name FIRE has remained with Fiat’s powertrain lineup.

The 1.4-liter FIRE with Multiair is the world’s first mass production engine to incorporate such technology to control the intake valves. MultiAir technology can be adapted to different types of engines, including Diesels for enhanced NOx control, and is planned for Chrysler Powertrain’s four-cylinder World Gas Engine and all-new Pentastar V-6

The all new 2010 Ram HD has earned a great achievement by being name the Motor Trend Truck of the Year. Motor Trend Truck of the Year® contenders are evaluated using six criteria, which includes design advancement, engineering excellence, intended function, efficiency, safety and value. To be eligible, a vehicle must have been substantially changed from the previous model.

The 2010 Ram Heavy Duty brings increased capability and innovative new features to the heavy-duty segment with an uncompromising attitude that remains the standard for all full-size heavy-duty pickups.

For 2010, the all-new Ram Heavy Duty is available in five distinct trim models-ST, SLT, TRX, Power Wagon and Laramie. Each has a unique appearance and offers various equipment options. Ram Heavy Duty delivers the performance and amenities customers demand. The 2010 Ram Heavy Duty pickups feature a hydro-formed, fully boxed frame with advanced torsional rigidity and stiffness. A coil-spring suspension setup is used up front, while the multi-leaf spring design is maintained in the rear for heavy-duty capability. Front and rear shocks and springs are tuned for optimum ride quality and capability.

Improved suspension tuning and new C-pillar hydra mounts were added to the 2010 Ram Heavy Duty models to improve damping through the frame-bending mode frequency in order to better manage shake and after-shake response. The result is reduced shake, which means an improved ride for the customer.

The new 2010 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups offer the only standard exhaust brake in the segment (diesel-equipped models). This feature reduces brake fade, prolongs brake life and provides confidence and safety when hauling heavy loads on downhill grades. Large front (360 mm) and rear (358 mm) brakes with integrated Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) increase brake life and braking stability. The Dodge Columbia Ram provides the latest in safety technology for truck owners.

An available integrated trailer brake control provides better driver control in towing situations. Trailer brake control information is conveniently displayed in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), which is standard on all Ram heavy duty models equipped with a diesel engine and available on gas SLT, TRX and Laramie models.

As the new year is right around the corner, we will take one last chance to celebrate the Grand Caravan’s 25 years in production. For the 2009 model year Dodge came out with a Special Edition to celebrate the anniversary. This year, the Dodge Grand Caravan is celebrating an amazing 25 years in production, with, hopefully many more years to go. To celebrate 25 years as the consummate family vehicle, Dodge is unveiling the SXT 25th Anniversary Edition Dodge Grand Caravan. Enhanced with new 17-inch aluminum wheels with Mineral Gray painted pockets, standard perforated leather seating and exclusive black wood (Dark Olive Messe) on the instrument panel, glove box and doors, the SXT 25th Anniversary Edition is the culmination of 25 years of innovation.

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is finally coming Stateside and was introduced at the 2009 LA Auto Show. Sharing much of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt’s architecture, the Cruze has the potential to be a massive leap forward for Chevy in the mid-size/compact segment. Larger than the Cobalt in almost every dimension and packing a choice of either a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder putting out 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque or a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter four-pot, fuel economy and efficiency take center stage. Buyers will be able to choose between a manual or automatic six-speed gearbox.

Inside, the two-tone brown and black leather interior is a tremendous improvement over the model it replaces, with an artfully sculpted dash and center stack surrounded by soft touch materials, brushed fauxluminum and a smattering of chrome. Back seat passengers should be equally pleased with the appointments and a 60/40 split bench ups the ante for usability.

The Cruze’s arrival late next year couldn’t be better timed, as Ford is readying the next generation Focus and Honda is toiling away on a reworked Civic.