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

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

According to rumours, Lexus will be launching a special super LFA Tokyo edition which will be revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. Toyota, who manufacture the vehicle are also expected to manufacture additional Lexus/Toyota performance cars in the next few years.

This Lexus LFA Tokyo edition, which follows the Nurburgring special, will bring an M3-esque exposed carbon roof and a hydraulically adjustable carbon rear spoiler.

The car is set to cost an additional $54,500 (about R418, 000) of the regular Lexus LFA.

While the Lexus LFA Tokyo edition is on its way, Toyota have decided to cancel the open-top version of the Lexus LFA due to the current uncertain economic climate. Instead, the Japanese auto manufacturer have been rumoured to be creating two additional vehicles: a successor to the Supra coupe as well as a front-wheel drive performance car.

The design suggests a possible new rival for the Nissan Qasqai and Subaru has assured motorists that the final product will be based on its concept model which was unveiled at Shanghai Auto Show earlier.

The XV concept is the creation of a more fashionable SUV form with the key design concept of ‘Protren’, the combination of ‘professional tool’ and ‘trendy design’. The concept featured elements of a hexagon grille, winged motif and sharp-solid designed hawk-eye headlights.

The interior features include a ‘Silvery White Leather’ which is used as a base material for seat coverings, a large multi-functioning touch panel with navigation, car audio and vehicle information displays. In addition, there is a driving assist ‘Eyesight’ system.

The vehicle is powered by a 2.0 litre four-cylinder horizontally-opposed DOHC engine with an output of 150 hp at 6000 rpm and 146 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm coupled with Lineartronic (CVT) transmission.

It is expected that the final production model will reflect the concept car features without many adjustments.

Although, no details regarding the specifics of the vehicles have been revealed, Ford has hinted that we can expect a “major new design concept” and “details of the next Focus performance car.”

This gives us some clues about the unveiling of the Focus ST, which is to come equipped with a 2.0-litre EcoBoost mill that would give 250 PS (184 kW / 247 hp) and 360 Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque.

Ford still has the mystery quotient intact regarding their other prospective releases but by the looks of the teaser (posted above) we can expect something racy from the car manufacturer.

If you observe the car’s exterior, you get to understand this edition of Porsche sports a front fascia that reminds you of the current model.

Besides, the car also has much number of new tweaks including new door mirrors, a smaller greenhouse, svelte tail-lights and a restyled posterior.

There are small differences incorporated into the vehicle’s built as well. The new edition is almost 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) wider than the existing model and drives on a wheelbase that has increased up to approximately 4 inches (10.2 cm).

Performance specifications remain same; the car will most likely sport a 3.4-liter flat-six engine with 350 PS (257 kW / 345 hp. There are also rumors that a Turbo version will deliver an output of around 550 PS (405 kW / 542 hp).

You can choose between a seven-speed manual or an optional seven-speed PDK to pair with the engine, irrespective of your choice of power trains. Tell us what you feel.

The limited version would equips 7-speed S-tronic transmission and also claims to have made many value additions  to the car.

The seven-speed dual clutch transmission will allow the Audi TT-RS to race to a speed from zero to 100 km/h in just about 4.3 seconds. If you didn’t know, this is 0.3 seconds faster than the 6-speed model. For the highway speeds, the TT-RS has seventh gear designed as a high-geared overdrive that cuts down on fuel consumption by just reducing engine speed.

The S-tronic transmission is integrated with a built-in launch control function. The company has limited the peak speed electronically to 250 km/h.

A look at the power department would bring to light that it has been left unaltered. The 2.5-litre five-cylinder TFSI engine returns 250 kW (340 PS / 335 bhp) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque.

The car looks like it is based on the ForTwo model, but we can’t confirm that as of now. The answers to many queries have its chances to be revealed by the end of September.

Brabus, along with the mystery model, will showcase  the 2003 Roadster V6 bi-turbo, which has 210 PS and a horse power of 207. The car can hit a top speed of approximately 240 km/h – thanks to the 300Nm of torque. We also got a peak at the 2006 ForFour race concept which car.

Hit play to watch the video.

The company is reported to have enlisted Blink-182 to create a customized Civic Si Coupe that features unique exterior graphics and black alloy wheels.

Though the ticket distribution will start only on June 10th, the fans will get access to pre-sale tickets from June 6th onwards.

Since 2001, the Honda Civic Tour has provided over two million fans with an exclusive, interactive concert experience featuring and personal access to their favorite bands. This summer’s tour is expected to play to around 500,000 fans in total.

Date Drive will get underway this month, and if you are one of those enthusiasts who would want to make the most of your date with a spin around town, you can sign up on the official Date Drive website. As per VW, you can remain anonymous, and collect the vehicle before picking up their prospective partners. By doing so, you will also be able to drive around in the super sexy car without your partner knowing that it is actually on loan.

Along with the car, you will be offered a dating kit that comprises cologne, mouth spray and other stuff that will help in making your Date Drive a success! While on the date, you will also get to tweet your experiences all through the day. The Date Drive can also be tracked online via the dedicated website and also Twitter.

So after a day of Date Drive, you can return the car and conduct an anonymous ‘dating post-mortem’, a voluntary video interview shared on Twitter, Facebook and the official site giving Volkswagen fans the opportunity to come together.

The Polo GTI is being offered by VW with a 132kW, 1.4-litre TSI engine and seven speed DSG gearbox. The vehicle brings in ultimate sportiness along with economic performance and has a TSI engine and DSG (Dual Shift Gearbox) that work together to cut down on fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

The Polo GTI boasts of a rear spoiler, red brake callipers, signature GTI bumpers and grille and twin chrome exhausts, and races from 0-100km/h speed in just 6.9 seconds.

VW is also lining up a select number of South African celebrities for all-paid date around Johannesburg and Cape Town.

So tell us if you are the prospective dater who wants to have a go at this opportunity. Being unveiled on May 30th, get set for the VW Polo GTI Date Drive by signing up here.