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.

The 800sq m site of the pavilion will be situated above the Waterworks River, between the Olympic stadium and Aquatics Centre. As seen in the image above, river water will be used to cool the building before cascading down in a ‘water curtain’ back into the river. Unsurprisingly for a brand like BMW, sustainability is at the heart of this project.

BMW is providing 4000 vehicles throughout the event to transport athletes and Olympic officials to and from various locations. Although the exact makeup of the fleet, that includes Minis, BMWs and Rolls Royces, has not been officially announced, the use of electric, hybrid and clean diesel technology will ensure that it produces an average of less than 120g/km of CO2.

The image below shows the pavilion by night.

 Source: Car Magazine

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

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.

The performance package also offers some special extras that include an engine cover in genuine carbon, red-painted brake callipers and the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather.

According to Mercedes’s website “The ML 63 AMG thrills with unbridled power- felt and heard with every acceleration and visible in every detail of the powerful, distinctive AMG design.”

source: car magazine

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.”

Another interesting battery powered concept, that will be on display, is the super compact Micro Commuter that Honda says offers a new type of communication between people and mobility, offers an exterior that can be easily customized for each driver and if produced, would be accessible to the masses. At first glance, in terms of design, the Micro Commuter closely resembles that of Nissan’s new EV, the Pivo 3 also expected in Tokyo.

The Micro Commuter Concept

images: car magazine

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.

Through a series of advancements in powertrain, chassis and body technology, the Takeri utilises Mazda’s SkyActiv Technology, including its regenerative breaking system, that aims to reduce fuel consumption. The technology makes for an economic ride by converting kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration, storing it in capacitors and using it to power the vehicle electrically. The power of the Takeri’s SkyActiv-D engine provides a comfortable, lightweight and aerodynamic drive.

Image source: carmagazine

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).

Exciting technology can be found in the new Driving Experience Control system that allows the driver to customize the behaviour of the vehicle to suit certain driving conditions. In addition to the driver being able to switch between Comfort, Sport and Sport + settings that set engine, throttle and suspension maps accordingly, there is also an Eco Pro mode, which enables additional fuel savings of up to 20% an important aspect for BMW.

New to the 3 Series is the latest-generation full-colour Head-Up Display, which projects key information onto the car’s windscreen so the driver can look directly at it. Also available is Surround View with Side View and Top View that provides a bird’s eye view of the car. A parking assistance system also helps the driver to maneuver into basic and tricky spaces.

Pricing for the new 3 Series ranges between 35,350 euros (about R390, 000) for the 320d and 43,600 euros (about R480, 000) for the 335i.

Image source: carmagazine

The Seat Mii is Volkswagen’s third and final variant of the car manufacturer’s city car project with the Spanish Up. The new Mii will showcase the Spanish offering alongside the German and Czech versions of the Volkswagen Up. This particular city car is expected to launch Seat back into the small car segment since it abandoned the production of the Arosa back in 2005.

The Mii measures just 3550mm long with a boot volume of 251 litres and will be initially sold as a three door until the availability of a five door model later in 2012.

There is a choice of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine with either 59bhp or 74bhp. Weighing just 854kg, the addition of the Ecomotive pack, which includes stop-start and energy recuperation, brings the CO2 output down to 97g/km. In standard form however, the two motors are understood to produce 105 and 108g/km of CO2.

Additional features include a City Safety Assist system, which uses a laser to detect vehicles in front of the car and at speeds under 20mph will warn the driver of a possible collision and apply the brakes automatically.

The Seat Mii differentiates itself from the VW and Skoda with shallower glass, a conventional body-colour lower half and a new set of distinctive triangular rear lights.

The Mii is expected to cost just under £8000 in entry-level form.

Just after the announcement of the Volkswagen Nils concept car, comes the surprising revelation of Vauxhaull’s very own electric city concept car. The car which has yet to be named, will join the Nils on the stands at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.

This tiny two seater that weighs under 500kg has batteries that give a 95km range and can take the car to about 120km/h at top speed which makes it suitable for urban driving.

The dramatic exterior design appears to have drawn inspiration from the hybrid Ampera up front, with the rear resembling that of a motorbike. Elongated LED headlights, a prominent grille and a sweeping glass roof contribute to the sharp and striking styling.

Vauxhall claims that the new EV city car has both “production potential” and could “revolutionise urban transport, especially for younger drivers and those on a very tight budget”.