Volkswagen introduced its all-new Beetle design in New York today. It is only the third version of the car originally commissioned by Adolph Hitler almost 90 years ago to be Germany's answer to Ford's Model-T and a tool to cement allegiance from working class Germans

Despite its sinister beginnings, the Beetle became one of the most enduring automotive icons of the last century, as well as arguably the most "loved" car in America. Volkswagen is again looking to the Beetle to stir up emotions and sales, and lead Americans back into VW showrooms as the company pushes to be one of the most dominant import makes in the U.S. in the company of Honda, Toyota and Nissan

Cadillac will expand its model lineup in 2012 with a new entry in the compact luxury segment called the

 ATS. GM North America President Mark Reuss released first peek of the ATS today in at the Center for Automotive Research's Management Briefing Seminars. ATS will begin production next summer at Lansing Grand River, the same Michigan assembly plant that builds the award-winning midsize Cadillac CTS sedan, coupe and wagon. The ATS represents a $190 million investment and 600 jobs. "ATS is being developed to be a driver's car on an all-new Cadillac-specific RWD-AWD architecture," Reuss said. "We have extensively and exhaustively studied the competitive segment, and we have benchmarked the best. And when the ATS )comes out, that will be readily apparent." (08/04/2011

According to a recent report, Nissan has started development on a new sports car that will battle the Mazda MX-5.

Auto Express says the model will ride on a new platform - possibly sourced from Daimler - that will also be used on the next-generation 370Z. Furthermore, Nissan has reportedly tapped Lotus to fine tune the car's handling.

Engine options remain a mystery, but rumors suggest the company is considering both hybrid and pure-electric powertrains.

Regardless of the final details, the model is slated to be launched in 2013.