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Autoblog Podcast #344

Doug DeMuro from Plays With Cars, Infiniti Q50, Subaru BRZ STI, Porsche Macan
Episode #344 of the Autoblog podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth and Executive Editor Chris Paukert are joined by Doug DeMuro, author of Plays With Cars and prolific internet autowriting presence. Topics include the latest spy shots of the Porsche Macan, the 2014 Infiniti Q50, and the teaser images we've recently seen of a Subaru BRZ wearing STI badges. As always, we start with what's in the garage and finish up with some of your questions. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. You can follow along after the jump with our Q&A. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #344:

Fiat and PSA predicted to be Europe's biggest losers in 2013

Industry observers are expecting Europe's new vehicle sales to fall to lows not seen in decades, with Fiat and PSA/Peugeot-Citroën sitting in the lead car of the plummeting coaster. Both of those automakers traditionally count on the southern part of the continent for sales, yet consumers in that region have slowed spending due to the financial crisis.
Compounding the problem for Fiat is a lack of new product, as CEO Sergio Marchionne has stalled development to conserve cash during the downturn. PSA has invested in new vehicles, but aggressive price wars have forced it to sell its product with steep discounts. Making matters even more difficult, both companies may have their credit ratings cut this year. That would raise borrowing costs and only deepen the wounds.
The news isn't just bad for Fiat and PSA. Analysts are predicting that volume automakers in Europe lost 8 billion euros (about $10.68 billion in today's rates) overall in 2012, and they won't break even until mid-decade.

Fiat announces special 500C GQ Edition [w/video]

The Fiat 500C may be a cool car, but it's never exactly exuded machismo - dare we say some may even consider it a "chick car?" Now, it looks like Fiat is trying to change this city car's image with the introduction of the 2014 Fiat 500C GQ Edition, a limited-production model geared toward male buyers.
Fiat has partnered with Condé Nast to develop this new cabrio version, which comes with "custom appointments that reflect an individual who always looks sharp, lives smart and finds freedom through the precision and turbocharged power of a driver's car." On the outside, these appointments include black 16-inch five-spoke wheels with red center caps, an athletic-looking front fascia with larger air intakes, and black headlamps. Inside, the GQ Edition includes GQ badging, specially designed sport seats, satin chrome accents, and Tungsten accent stitching. Underhood, the 500C GQ boasts a 1.4-liter, 160-horsepower MultiAir Turbo engine and five-speed manual transmission.