After detailing pricing for its regular 2015 Golf range, Volkswagen has announced pricing for its 2015 Golf GTI hot hatch.

Set to arrive on dealer lots within the next few weeks, the seventh-generation Golf GTI will carry a base price of $24,395, not including an $820 destination charge. On a content-adjusted basis, VW says that makes the 2015 GTI $700 cheaper than the outgoing model.

For that cost of entry, GTI buyers will get a two-door body style and a manual transmission. The GTI’s powerplant remains a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, but for 2015 VW has increased power to 210 horsepower (+10) and 258 lb-ft of torque (+51).

VW has also improved the GTI’s content list, with standard equipment now including a 5.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, leather-wrapped steering wheel, VW Car-Net connected services and a Driving Mode Selection feature.

For those interested in a bit more space, the entry-level Golf GTI S can also be ordered as a four-door for $24,995. The GTI comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, but a DSG automatic can be added to any GTI variant for $1,100.

A Performance Package is also available for the GTI S for $1,495. That package adds larger brakes, a limited-slip differential and a 10 horsepower boost.

Stepping up to the Golf GTI SE will require $27,395 for the two-door and $27,995 for the four-door. In addition to the GTI S’ standard equipment, the SE adds a power sunroof, push-button start, rear-view camera, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, leather seats and a Fender Premium Audio System.

Buyers can equip the GTI SE with the Performance Package, but they will also have the added option of VW’s DCC adaptive damping system for an additional $800.

The GTI Autobahn will top the GTI range and carry an MSRP of $29,595. The Autobahn will be offered exclusively as a four-door model.

Building on the GTI SE’s equipment, the Autobahn adds navigation, power driver’s seat and automatic climate control. The Performance Package can be specified with or without the DCC system.

The GTI will stand as the hottest Golf model until the R arrives early next year. Although VW has yet to announce pricing for the Golf R, the German automaker promises that the 290 horsepower hot hatch will be capable of accelerating from 0-60 in just 4.9 seconds.

BMW is reportedly crafting a new range-topping trim packages for its 7-Series sedan lineup.

Customers who aren’t satisfied with the current luxury appointments will be treated to “Exclusive Edition” variants, bringing a few slight aesthetic differentiations to the exterior and a focus on more plushness on the interior.

Exclusive models are expected to be outfitted with Napa leather seats, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, optional Merino all-leather trim and Alcantara roof lining, according to Autoweek.

The exterior is said to be left mostly unchanged from the existing 7-Series lineup, aside from metallic paint and unique V-spoke 19-inch wheels.

The German automaker has not yet fully detailed the Exclusive Edition offerings, though the trim level is expected to be available only for the range-topping 760Li and other high-end models.

General Motors has reportedly reassigned a top safety executive as part of a broader shakeup in the wake of the ignition-switch recall.

The executive, Carmen Benavides, had served as director of safety investigations and safety regulations, serving as the liaison between the company and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Benavides’ name appears in documents related to the ignition-switch recall, including a 2013 letter sent from NHTSA investigations director Frank Borris that accused the company of being “slow to communicate” and “slow to act” in contrast to other major automakers.

Despite the reassignment, the executive will remain among the top ranks at GM to serve as the director of safety improvement initiatives, according to The Detroit News.

The current director of field product investigations, Brian Latouf, will serve as Benavides’ replacement.

Under new leadership of CEO Mary Barra, the company appears to have ousted several executives and fired engineers that were involved in the switch redesign and early investigations. The engineering department has been split into two divisions, including a new “product integrity” unit.

Cadillac has announced a limited-edition 2015 CTS-V Coupe to celebrate the end of the current model ahead of the next-generation V-Series debut next year.

The production run will include only 500 units that will arrive on the market for the second half of 2014.

The 2015 special edition is distinguished by its ebony-black interior with red contrast stitching, Recaro sport seats, metal pedals, black sapele wood trim, microfiber suede-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, satin graphite wheels and red brake calipers.

Under the hood, the coupe is powered by the same supercharged V8 engine that has been the hallmark of the 2010 through 2014 models, providing 556 horsepower delivered via six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. It also benefits from existing performance features, including magnetic dampers and Brembo brakes.

“The special edition is a stepping stone to the next-generation V-Series, which will move to the next level with more dynamic design and technical sophistication,” said Cadillac global marketing chief Uwe Ellinghaus.

The 2015 CTS-V Coupe will carry a $72,195 price tag, including destination fees and gas-guzzler tax. Exterior color options include Crystal White, Black Diamond and Phantom Gray.

BMW has officially detailed the M235i xDrive, an al-wheel-drive variant of the sportier 2-Series model.

Extending power to the front wheels brings a weight sacrifice, adding 121 pounds to the real-wheel-drive M235i for a curb weight of approximately 3,527 pounds. Splitting the torque four ways helps improve sprint times despite the extra heft, however, shaving the zero-to-62 mph time to 4.6 seconds.

The xDrive edition is powered by the same 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine as the standard M235i, producing 322 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. A manual transmission is not offered, instead relying solely on an eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. As expected, fuel efficiency takes a hit with a 30.2 mpg combined rating in European cycles.

Separate reports suggest BMW is also developing an actual M2 coupe that may not arrive until 2015 or later. It is expected to deliver between 365 and 375 ponies, while taking advantage of lightweight carbon fiber and even sportier suspension tuning for improved handling.

In the meantime, the M235i xDrive will fill a different handling niche when it arrives this summer. The company has not yet revealed pricing details or regional availability.