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Just months before the 2012 Olympic Games kicks off in London, BMW has unveiled its new pavilion that will be constructed in the host city.
The winning design came from the British architectural firm Serie after bids from six different companies. As the sole automotive sponsor of the international event, BMW has been given permission to build its pavilion at the Olympic Park where it will remain for the duration of the Paralympic Games as well. It is expected to attract about 8000 visitors per day.
Built for the purposes of entertaining VIPs, the pavilion is also available for anyone who enters into the Olympic Park. The top floor of the double-story constructions will showcase the latest models and the lower floor will have future mobility exhibitions and events with BMW-sponsored athletes.
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
Mitsubishi has showcased its PX-MiEV II concept for 2013 at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The vehicle is a plug-in hybrid version of the Mitsubishi Outlander and will be available to own sometime in 2012.
Power comes from an internal combustion engine and two electric motors. Using two 60kW electric motors individually powering the front and rear wheels, the hybrid can drive exclusively in electric mode for up to 50km and a further 800km when combined with its petrol engine.
The vehicles also offers three driving modes that combines electric and pedal power. In the case of an emergency the PX-MiEV can act as an outdoor power supply through a socket that supplies the stored power in the battery.
source: Car Advice
Volvo has revealed the first sketches of the new Volvo XC90 that have been etched out by the designers. Showcased in California at Volvo’s forward-thinking Concept Centre, the sketches provide a rough idea of what the all new model will look like.
The all-new model could be launched in 2014 and will feature an ultra-low CO2 diesel-electric hybrid version as part of its line-up. Volvo has confirmed that the new Volvo XC90 will be the first production car to be built on the firm’s upcoming scalable platform architecture with a new four-cylinder-only engine range as part of the plan as well as the use of hybrid and electric powertrains.
source: Autocar
Mercedes has revealed its new 2012 ML 63 AMG in order to compete effectively with BMW’s M division SUVs and Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo.
The new 4X4 is installed with AMG’s new 5.5-litre V8 Biturbo engine that cranks out 518bhp and 516lb ft. Although limited to 155mph, the ML63 will surpass 62mph in just 4.8 seconds. It is also offered with a performance package and if selected, turbo pressure is increased from 1.0 to 1.3 bar to unleash 415kW and 760Nm, making it possibly the most powerful production SUV in the world.
With speed also comes conscientious driving as Mercedes has fitted the vehicle with a number of fuel saving technologies. There’s stop-start, the latest piezo-managed direct injection and a seven-speed auto transmission for a CO2 rating that decreases fuel consumption by 27% from its predecessor. Average economy is also trimmed with a decrease in weight of 40kg. Four-wheel drive, Airmatic air suspension with three selectable modes, adaptive dampers and a choice of 20 inch or 21 inch alloys comes standard.
Among the seven concept cars that will be unveiled at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, Honda is including the new Small Sports EV Concept. As with many of its competitiors the Japanese automaker has decided to go with an electric theme for this year’s show displaying concept vehicles designed for easy and fun mobility in future cities.
While very little information has been revealed about the new full EV, one can see from the sketches the car’s targa top, heavily scalloped sides and bold graphic running around the front of the car following the shape of the grille.
The Small Sports EV Concept
According to Honda the Small Sports EV “maximizes the fun of driving while achieving excellent environmental performance.”
Ahead of its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in November, Mazda has released the first images of its Takeri concept car 2011.
The swooping mid-sized saloon is the latest recipient of the Japanese marque’s Kodo design language, that made its debut in production form on the all-new CX-5 compact crossover. Translated as “soul of motion” the Takeri reveals some details about the possible styling of the upcoming Mazda 6 range, expected in 2012.
Images show a three box saloon with voluptuous curves augmenting its bodywork and while the nose resembles that of a recent Mercedes concept, the design presented is distinctive.
BMW has just launched the brand new 3 Series sedan that is expected to reach worldwide markets in February 2012. Although the sixth generation 3 series F30 has grown in size offering a slightly longer wheelbase, a wider track and some extra rear legroom, BMW are adamant that the new model is up to 45kg lighter than its predecessor, depending on the engine of course.
At the launch, BWM will be offering two diesel (120kW 320d EfficientDynamics and 135kW 320d) as well as two petrol (180kW 328i and 225kW 335i) variants. All of these variants will benefit from BMW TwinPower technology, which combines power with reduced overall fuel consumption.
The new sixth generation family will be available in a saloon (F30) first, a 3-series Touring estate (F31), a 3-series Coupe (F32) and then later a Convertible (F33).
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