The high-performance Fiat 500 Abarth will debut in the US for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Chrysler has confirmed.

The long-awaited model by Abarth, a high-performance subbrand of Chrysler-owner Fiat, will likely line up alongside its little brother at US dealers from next year.

The Fiat 500 Abarth will use a 1.4-liter Turbo Engine, along with specially-tuned suspension and brake systems and ‘race-inspired design and technology features.’

Ultra-luxury brand Rolls-Royce has announced that it is to enter South America for the first time in its history.

Its first dealerships were likely to open earlier next year, during a visit to the continent by Rolls-Royce boss Torsten Müller-Ötvös.

Rolls-Royce models will be sold by dealerships operated by the Via Italia group in Brazil and Williamson Balfour Motors in Chile.

Müller-Ötvös said “Brazil and Chile have seen impressive economic growth, with an increasing demand from discerning customers for pinnacle luxury products.”

Eco-friendly automaker Fisker has launched sales of its Karma sedan, after receiving certification from US authorities.

The Karma Sedan, a plug-in hybrid vehicle powered by both a battery and gasoline engine, is now on sale through its US dealer network.

The model was given a 32-mile (51km) all-electric range by the US Environmental Protection Agency, three miles (five kilometers) under that of the Chevrolet Volt, a similar range-extended vehicle which sells for $39,145.

Chevrolet has announced an update to its iconic Camaro pony car set to be unveiled next month.

The Camaro ZL will be the most powerful Chevrolet convertible ever, with a supercharged 6.2-liter engine rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW).

The output will outshine models including the Aston Martin DB9 Volante, the Mercedes SL63 AMG, the Porsche 911 Turbo S and the Ford Shelby GT500.

BMW will introduce the next generation of head lights – laser lighting on its BMW i8 – that could cut energy use in half compared to LED lights.

The laser beam headlights will be twice as efficient as LEDs, and can be up to 1,000 times stronger.

BMW will use miniscule 10-micron long laser diodes, which is 100 times smaller than LED units, in the vehicle.

Mini has unveiled its new London 2012 special limited edition models to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The cars are available only in colors matching the Union Jack flag: Chilli Red, White Silver, or Lightning Blue.

The mirror housings and roof are slathered with the logo for the 2012 Olympics, and a tiny Union Jack stripe runs the length of the car.