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Thanks to Chinese portal site sohu.com, the images above and below of the new BMW 1-Series as a 3-door hatchback, has been exposed with patent/trademark designs. With the knowledge of a BMW 1-Series 5-door hatchback on the way, the images provide a good idea of what to expect next from BMW.
Looking elongated, the B-pillar is pulled back and angled towards the rear and the effect is enhanced even more by the arcing of the roof combined with arcing side glass.
BMW will be offering the 1-Series in a total of six different body variants divided into two different build architectures. The 1-Series 3-door hatchback is expected to arrive in the U.S. Summer time in 2012.
Source: World Car Fans
These shots reveal Land Rover testing their new Range Rover 2012, in full camouflage, in the deserts of Dubai that is being developed at Land Rover’s global headquarters in Warwickshire, UK. These photos will put any enthusiasts at ease who may be concerned that Land Rover could be loosing their off-road focus because if there is any place that tests the toughness and resilience of an out-door vehicle its the desert.
The new Range Rover is likely to showcase all the latest in engineering from the Tata owned 4X4 specialist. The new architecture will be aluminium intensive, increased interior space, a focus on upmarket cabin appointments and a suite of upgraded V6 and V8 engines that will provide the power, with a hybrid electrified powertrain to follow.
This new Range Rover is expected to be revealed in about six months time for the UK summer of 2012.
Source: Car Magazine
The image above, reveals the new Lexus LF LC concept car expected to be officially unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January. Top Gear have reported that all they know for certain about the new model is that it’s been created at the company’s California design studio, the same place where the original SC430 was drawn.
The new concept is about the same size as the SC and also has two doors but it differs in that there is a pair of seats in the back. The image also suggests that it has a targa top and while Lexus have yet to confirm, it is possible that the new concept is a rear wheel drive and the spacious body work could be wrapped around the Toyota GT 86 platform.
Toyota Motor Company has recently launched the Aqua hatchback, known as the Prius C in international markets, in Japan.
The entry level hybrid prides itself on a fuel efficiency of 35.4 km/L (83.3 mpg US; 2.8L/ 100km). Powered by a 1.5-litre Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II), the Aqua produces a combined motor and engine output of 100 PS (98 bhp / 73 kW). For improved engine efficieny, the vehicle features a cooled Exhaust-Gas Recirculation system and a battery powered water pump. The water pump, unlike other traditional designs, reduces friction on the engine and allows precise control of coolant flow.
The Aqua has a starting price of 1.69 million yen ($21,700) and Toyota Motor Company has plans to sell 12,000 units per month.
In addition, Toyota as also announced that it will be launching additional TRD and Modellista versions of the new hybrid. For the TRD there is a new front bumper lower apron with integrated LED lights and side skirts. Also available are a new set of wheels, firmer shock absorbers and springs plus a stainless cat-back exhaust system with dual tips. While the Modellista package offering is similar to that of the TRD, there are two versions available each offering a 5-piece body kits containing front and rear aprons, side skirts and roof spoiler.
Source: World Car Fans
A recent survey conducted in the UK by Warranty Direct, claims that Honda is responsible for making vehicles that are the most pothole proof and therefore less susceptible to any damage that may be caused by potholes on the roads.
According to the results of the survey, only 1.4 percent of Honda owners submit a warranty claim fore repairing damage caused by potholes. In comparison, 12.2 percent of Chrysler owners submit claims alongside luxury car makers Land Rover, BMW, Mercedes Benz and Jaguar who also find themselves the least pothole resilient. If you’re curious about which brand took second place in the most claims submitted, you may be surprised to know that it is Smart.
Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and Nissan, the more economical brands of car manufacturers, all fare well against rough surfaces on the roads. The reason for this may be due to the likelihood that most luxury vehicles are fitted with low-profile tyres but expensive wheels that can easily bend or break while the above vehicles mentioned have more substantial sidewalls and sturdy steel wheels.
View the Top 10 results in the lists below:
There have been rumours circulating that Kia was planning to build a production version of its GT concept but a new report but a new report has indicated that the new model could also be available in a wagon and coupe variant.
Citing anonymous sources, Inside Line reported that Kia is considering a series of GT-based vehicles rather than a single sedan or hatchback. The aim of this decision is likely to assist Kia in spreading out development costs while allowing the model to target a wider range of consumers.
While no date has been confirmed for the launch dates of the coupe and wagon, the standard model could be available in 2013.
Toyota has teamed up with Tesla to help develop the electric Rav4 that was first revealed as a concept car at the Los Angeles Motor Show back in 2010. Tesla, that is being paid $100 million dollars by the Japanese auto manufacturer is supplying the battery pack, e-motor and power electronics for the new Tesla/Toyota SUV.
These images of the new electric RAV4 suggest the production version will not deviate too much from the concept and is recognisably a RAV4 but sports more streamlined grille panels. The rear of the vehicle shows the grille, headlamps and LED day-running lights that are all virtually unchanged.
Ray Tanguay, Toyota chairman in the US said that “The Tesla-Toyota joint development team has agreed that building the vehicle at the Woodstock plant on the same line as the gasoline-powered RAV4, will streamline and simplify the production process and guarantee the highest level of quality control. This is a great example of Toyota’s determination to collaborate with companies with leading edge technology.”
The car will go on sale in the US in 2012, with no plans to be available in Europe.
source: Car Magazine
Audi has just announced the introduction of the Limited Edition 252-hp A1 Quattro, a high-performance version of the German Automaker’s subcompact hatch.
“the A1 Quattro comes equipped with the automaker’s legendary all-wheel-drive system, with power provided by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder used in the S3. The reworked mill puts out 252 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm – a boost of more than 70 hp and 74 lb-ft over the standard 1.4-liter A1.”
The wheel wells are filled with a modified MacPherson strut suspension in the front and at the rear, a multi-link setup. The braking system has been upgraded with larger discs at all four corners with black painted calipers. The electromechanical steering has also been adjusted to provide a 14.8:1 ratio and the ESP has been modified for high-performance duty.
The exterior is inspired by other past Audi concepts as well as the S and RS lines. The interior showcases a new instrument panel, aluminum pedals and black leather with red stitching.
The A1 is expected to go on sale next year with only 333 units available.
source: Autoblog
