A lone, low-resolution leaked image might have prematurely revealed the modestly updated 2015 Chrysler 300 ahead of its scheduled debut.

Published by enthusiast website AllPar, the picture reveals the 2015 300 gets a cleaner-looking front end thanks to revised headlights and a new bumper that does without the current model’s chrome trim. Chrysler’s trademarked winged emblem moves down into the radiator grille, giving the 300 a more premium look.

Although interior pictures were not leaked, sources close to Chrysler have previously hinted the 300 will be fitted with a new three-spoke multi-function steering wheel as well as an updated instrument cluster. Additionally, the sedan will be available with the latest generation of Chrysler’s touch screen-based Uconnect Access infotainment system.

Mechanically, the 300′s 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engines will carry over essentially unchanged, but the eight-cylinder is rumored to get a new eight-speed automatic transmission that will help it return better fuel economy. The eight is currently linked to an outdated five-speed automatic, a unit that limits gas mileage to 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

The updated 2015 Chrysler 300 will be introduced next November at the Los Angeles Motor Show and it will go on sale across the nation shortly after. Full details about the updated version of Chrysler’s biggest sedan will be published in the coming weeks.

BMW has detailed the M Sport appearance package that will be available on the recently-introduced 2-Series Convertible.

The M Sport package includes a host of aerodynamic add-ons like a deep front bumper with large air dams, M-specific side skirts and a more sculpted rear bumper. M Sport-equipped cars also boast chromed tail pipes as well as gloss black accents on the grille, the window frames and the door mirrors.

17-inch alloy wheels and discreet M emblems on both fenders wrap up the look, but buyers looking to further stand out can select a M-specific shade called Estoril Blue (pictured).

The interior upgrades include M door sills and front sport seats upholstered in a combination of cloth and Alcantara. The package also adds a M-designed multi-function steering wheel, a model-specific instrument cluster and a short-throw shifter.

The M Sport package doesn’t include any mechanical modifications. It is available on both the 240-horsepower 228i and the 320-horsepower M235i.

In Germany, the M Sport package will carry a premium of approximately €4,000, a sum that converts to roughly $5,200. Pricing information for the United States will published closer to the 2 ragtop’s on-sale date.

What’s Next?
BMW is busily developing a range-topping variant of the 2-Series tentatively called M2. In addition to aggressive, track-inspired appearance, the M2 is expected to pack a twin-turbocharged variant of the 3.0-liter straight-six found under the hood of the M235i. The turbo-six will reportedly send about 370 horsepower to the rear wheels, enough to send the M2 from zero to 62 mph in a little over four seconds.

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Following its debut earlier this year at the New York auto show, Kia has announced pricing for its 2015 Sedona MPV.

Although officially labeled as an MPV, don’t let that designation fool you — the 2015 Sedona, will compete against the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Town & Country in the minivan segment.

Kia’s characteristic front grille has been significantly enlarged, while the headlights have been swept back with a more modern design. The 2015 Sedona features a rising beltline reminiscent of the “thunderbolt” design seen on the Odyssey.

The redesigned model retains virtually the same width and height on the outside, however the interior benefits from more front shoulder room and greater leg room in the front, second and third rows. The modular seating system can be configured for seven or eight passengers, with optional “First Class” lounge seats — with retractable leg rests — available for the second row.

The company has revamped its next-generation UVO infotainment system with four new features: geo-fencing, speed alert, curfew alert and driving score. Technology upgrades extend to the Surround View Mirror, providing real-time images from cameras placed around the vehicle, and a variety of optional driver-assistance features.

Power will be supplied by a 3.3L direct-injection V6 borrowed from the Sorento and Cadenza, providing 276 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels via six-speed automatic transmission. The Sedona L, LX and EX models are rated at 18mpg in the city and 24mpg on the highway. The SX model, which uses electric powering steering instead of hydraulic, sees a highway bump to 25mpg. The SX Limited, weighed down by extra luxury features, only musters 17/22mpg city/highway/

Sedona buyers will be able to choose from five different trim levels — L ($25,900), LX ($28,100), EX ($32,100), SX ($36,100) and SX Limited ($39,700). Price exclude a mandatory $895 destination fee.

The 2015 Kia Sedona will arrive in dealer showrooms later this month.

Live photos by Mark Elias.

Honda, supplier Takata and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration have all come under fire for their handling of the exploding-airbag recall.

A New York Times investigation places most of the blame on Honda and Takata, accusing both companies of being aware of the apparent problems for years without taking action or properly notifying the NHTSA of the true scope of the defect.

The recall tally now includes more than 14 million vehicles from most major automakers. Several deaths and dozens of injuries have been associated with the defect in Honda vehicles alone, suggesting the death toll could continue to climb.

Most of the injuries and deaths have been blamed on metal shrapnel launched into the cabin after defective airbag inflators exploded. The problem is said to have been first reported a decade ago, but Honda quietly reached confidential settlements with several victims in the following years.

The Japanese automaker eventually issued a recall in 2008, however it was limited to a small batch of a few thousand vehicles. Takata has been accused of minimizing the reported extent of the problem until the recent wave of recalls, leading to even more injuries and several deaths over the next six years.

The NHTSA is tasked with monitoring data to spot such defects, even if the automakers are either oblivious to the issue or willfully maintaining a coverup. The Times investigation found that Honda did issue a notification to the NHTSA in 2004, but the required filing merely mentioned that an “unusual” deployment had caused an injury.

The force of a properly-functioning airbag can be quite significant, causing bruises or other mild injuries as the bag inflates. Without including any additional information, such as noting the exploding inflator and shrapnel, Honda’s reports were written in a way that avoided drawing attention to the real issue.

Despite receiving arguably misleading information, regulators did appear to take notice in 2009. The agency quickly dropped its inquiry due to a lack of information, then declined to review additional records offered by Takata.

GM has received the most negative attention this year for mishandling the ignition-switch recall. The NHTSA is now coming under increasing scrutiny for alleged complacency, as critics call for even more reporting requirements and additional resources for the agency to spend investigating potential defects.

Despite claims to the contrary, Aston Martin’s proposed SUV model might not be completely off the table.

Just a few months ago Aston Martin design head Marek Reichman stated that an SUV was out of the question for the sports car brand, but a new report indicates that the program is still alive within the walls of the British automaker. According to Automotive News, Aston Martin could launch its first SUV as early as 2021.

Details are still few and far between, but Aston Martin’s utility vehicle would give well-heeled buyers an alternative to Bentley’s upcoming SUV model. The Aston SUV would also square off against Lamborghini’s SUV, should that vehicle ever be given the green light.

Leaning on new corporate partner Daimler, the Aston Martin SUV could use either the Mercedes-Benz GL or S-Class as its base. Given Aston Martin’s sports car DNA, it’s possible that the SUV could be offered exclusively with rear-wheel drive.

Powertrains would almost certainly be sourced from Mercedes’ AMG division, although an in-house V12 isn’t totally out of the question. An optional alternative drivetrain, like a plug-in hybrid, might be required to meet 2021 economy regulations.

The SUV project is still very much in limbo, but Aston Martin will likely make a decision on the fate of the utility vehicle by 2017. Aston’s 2009 Lagonda SUV concept was a total flop, but the automaker could tests the waters again with a new concept vehicle within the new few years.