Spy Shots: 2010 BMW 5-series interior

We’ve seen plenty of spy shots for the new BMW 5-series, including a number of possible renderings for the final design, but this is the first time we get a good look at the new car’s interior. As the images reveal, the cabin of the 2010 5-series closely resembles the design of the current model although there are a few key differences.

BMW’s engineers managed to cover up most of the details but we can still pick up a few vital clues about the new 5-series cabin. Designers have moved the i-drive controller to the side of the gear selector, the same set-up as in the X5 SUV, and shots of the steering wheel show a lot more buttons than the current car. Engineers also seemed concerned about hiding the car’s command screen, leading to speculation that it could feature a new ‘Dual View’ display system.

The new 5-series is set to arrive in late 2009 for the 2010 model year and will have to compete with the next-gen E-Class from Mercedes-Benz, which is also tipped to arrive about the same time. In the meantime, check out our previous story for details about the engine lineup and to view several renderings of the new car.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/sedans/spy-shots-2010-bmw-5-series-interior/

Bentley Continental GTS Black Edition by Project Kahn

Late last year Project Kahn rolled out their take on Bentley’s ultra-luxury GTS coupe, and now they’ve one-upped themselves with a Black Edition. Building on the same basic appearance modifications, the dominant theme is the brooding color of the car.

The basic Project Kahn Continental GTS treatment consists of an eight-panel bodykit that treats the rear with a new three-piece diffuser and bumper, side skirts down each sill, a set of new front spoilers and a bootlid spoiler. Inside the car gets high-quality leather just about everywhere, with the choice of either leather of carbon fiber cladding for the steering wheel.

A performance exhaust enhances the twin-turbo W12’s already throaty sound, while a set of ‘Silver Mist’ 22in wheels add the most dramatic exterior feature to the Black Edition. Despite the giant wheels, the car also gets a 20mm drop to complete the transformation.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/coupes/bentley-continental-gts-black-edition-by-project-kahn/

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon

We recently saw spy images of the E63 AMG version of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class testing in Germany and now we have new video footage of the performance saloon’s more mundane sibling. This time the car has been spotted at the Nurburgring and once again the thick camo gear that usually plagues Mercedes-Benz prototypes has been eschewed in favour of a thinner and more revealing cover.

The new E-Class is expected to debut at next year’s Geneva Motor Show before going on sale later that same year as a 2010 model. A wagon variant will hit the market less than 12 months after the launch of the sedan and is expected to feature a widened C-pillar and a chrome strip across its rear.

Base models will be powered by a 184hp four-cylinder turbo engine, with the range topping out with the 550hp V8 E63 AMG. New to the lineup will be a direct injection petrol V6 model, a 354hp diesel V8 version and the all-new hybrid model that’s expected to arrive after 2010.

The interior will hopefully continue Mercedes’ recent return to form in the quality department, and is expected to feature a mix of elements from the S and C-class models including a centrally mounted color screen as well as an in-dash unit between the speedo and tachometer.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/sedans/spy-video-2010-mercedes-benz-e-class-saloon/

Seat reveals three-door Ibiza Sportcoupe

Seat has taken the wraps off its new three-door Ibiza and introduced two new diesel engines as well as an optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The new car, dubbed the Seat Sportcoupe, is set to go on sale in Europe in the second half of the year and is now available with either an 80hp 1.4L diesel or a 90hp 1.9L unit.

The petrol range mirrors the lineup in the five-door Ibiza and includes a compact 1.2L three-cylinder unit with 70hp, a 1.4L four-cylinder with 85hp or a 1.6L four-cylinder motor with 102hp. Although based on the five-door, the new Sportcoupe features lower positioned headlights and a slightly revised radiator grille for a sportier look.

The new three-door is equipped with VW Group’s seven-speed DSG gearbox on its 105hp 1.6L version, the first time the high-tech ‘box is available in this segment, and features shorter first and second gears and a smaller gear ratio to help aid acceleration.

The new Ibiza Sportcoupe will be manufactured at Seat’s Martorell factory near Barcelona and will be available in three trim levels – Reference, Stylance and Sport. In the near future, Seat will also release a fuel-efficient EcoMotive model as well as FR and Cupra performance variants.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/hatchbacks/seat-reveals-three-door-ibiza-sportcoupe/

Toyota Night View features pedestrian detection

The Japanese-market-only Toyota Crown Hybrid first debuted as a concept at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, and was revealed as a production model in April of this year. Now the luxury hybrid sedan is getting a cutting-edge pedestrian detection system for its Night View night vision computer.

The previous model displayed the night vision information in a heads-up display format directly on the windshield. The new Night View system employs an LCD screen instrument panel that can display gauges in both fuel-saving Eco mode and power-enhancing Sport mode and can also show the road ahead in infrared. The computer system searches the image for pedestrian shapes and then highlights them with yellow boxes, making it easier to be aware of and drive safely past the nocturnally ambulatory.

Vehicle speed and weather conditions affect the system’s ability due to the processing power required to recognize the pedestrians at the roadside. Driving in excess of 60km/h (37.2mph) makes it too difficult to process the image and suss out the pedestrian outlines in time, and the feature is deactivated. The same happens when it is raining and the operation of the windshield wipers interferes with the image processing system.

At present only pedestrians are included in the detection system, but Toyota hopes to include animals, cyclists and other mobile roadside hazards in future.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/safety/toyota-night-view-features-pedestrian-detection/

Spy shots: Lexus LF-A V10 engine bay

Photos of the engine of Lexus’ upcoming halo model, the LF-A, have been snapped by photographers as the car competed over the weekend at the Nurburgring 24 hour endurance challenge in Germany. During a pit stop engineers opened up the hood and also changed the tires, giving us full view of the engine bay and brake assembly.

Lexus is yet to reveal any specs for the car but most suggest it will be a high-rev 5.0L V10 with at least 500hp on tap. While these latest shots only reveal the petrol V10 version of the car, Lexus is also rumored to be working on a petrol-electric hybrid variant with an electric motor and a smaller V8. However, the release of this car will likely fall around 12 months after the debut of the V10 model next year.

The new Lexus supercar finished 134th at the 24hrs Nurburgring event, completing around 100 laps. Porsche dominated the top 10 rankings of the event, with the 911 GT3 Cup showing up rather frequently. While the LF-A’s results at the 24hrs Nurburgring event weren’t exactly mind blowing, the car is still being developed and there is room for improvement.

Expected to be priced around $225,000, the new Lexus supercar will go head to head against the likes of the Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo and Audi R8 in terms of both price and performance.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/supercars/spy-shots-lexus-lf-a-v10-engine-bay/

Spy Shots: BMW V3 3-series based crossover

BMW is currently developing two new models based on its 3 and 5-series that are designed to take the carmaker into the burgeoning crossover market. The new vehicles will be loosely based on the current Touring wagons but will adopt a taller ride-height and high roof design to maximize interior space.

The prototype seen here is still wearing an E91 3-series wagon body but with a new front-end attached. This is likely because engineers are conducting engine and air-flow tests. Mechanicals will be borrowed from the regular 3-series and X3 SUV, and both RWD and xDrive AWD configurations will be offered. Power will come from a range of four and six cylinder engines.

Though the car’s name is yet to be revealed, earlier reports suggested the new model will be called the V3 and will be the first addition of a new V-series of vehicles.

The idea for the new V-series first came under consideration back in 2004 but was put on hold due to a lack of resources and the ongoing development of several other key models. BMW’s new chairman, Norbert Reithofer, was reluctant to enter another segment but surging demand for crossovers both in Europe and the U.S. appears to have changed that. As these spy shots reveal BMW is still in the early stages of testing, which means the new model won’t arrive in showrooms for several years at least.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/crossovers/spy-shots-bmw-v3-3-series-based-crossover/

North American Ford Fiesta to cost less than $15K

North America has missed out on a host of exciting and award-winning Ford products sold in Europe for decades - vehicles like the S-Max, Mondeo and Fiesta compact - but that will soon change as the Blue Oval has introduced a new global strategy where only one model, albeit in slightly different variations, will be sold across all markets. The first of these new global models will be the Fiesta due in North America late next year or in early 2010.

Pricing has for long been an issue for Ford when introducing European-spec models into North America. The cars in Europe are significantly more expensive than their equivalent counterparts North America and, with the U.S. dollar continuing to weaken, the problem has been compounded.

Despite the unfavorable condition, Edmunds reports that the new Fiesta will cost less than the current U.S. model Focus, which already sells for less than $15,000. To achieve the low price point, Ford’s U.S. design director for cars, Murray Callum, explains that engineers were able to keep costs low by working with suppliers on new technologies that produce premium-type interior materials for a lot less money.

Ford is also hoping that buyers downsizing from big SUVs packed with leather and luxury equipment will still find the car cheap and good value when compared with their current gas-guzzling trucks.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/hatchbacks/north-american-ford-fiesta-to-cost-less-than-15k/

Fisker responds to Tesla lawsuit

Fisker Automotive has responded to the lawsuit filed against it by Tesla by asking a California court to arbitrate over the matter. Tesla filed a lawsuit last month claiming design and trade secrets for a future electric sedan were stolen by Fisker when the coachbuilder was originally commissioned to complete the design. If the arbitration proves successful it will allow both companies to avoid going to court.

The original lawsuit contends Fisker founder Henrik Fisker and its chief operating officer Bernhard Koehler fraudulently agreed to take on a $875,000 design contract from Tesla to gain access to confidential design information and trade secrets, only to release a competing vehicle – the upcoming Karma sedan (pictured).

The new request was filed at the San Mateo Superior Court on Tuesday and the hearing is now scheduled for mid-June. Speaking with Automotive News, Henrik Fisker said the allegations against him are false and that he wants the case arbitrated in Orange County. “For us, it’s simply a ridiculous suit,” he said.

In another twist, auto parts giant Magna International is suing Tesla over an unpaid bill for design work of new transmission systems for the electric roadster.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/news/fisker-responds-to-tesla-lawsuit/

Ferrari Concept 2008 inspired by the F430

Ferrari appears to be a source of inspiration for a number of up-and-coming young designers with the likes of Idries Omar, Emre Husmen and now Luca Serafini all using the Italian exotics as inspiration for some of their best works. The latest design, dubbed the Ferrari Concept 2008, is based on the F430 supercar and shows a possible design direction for the next-gen model.

Drawing on inspiration from both past and present Ferrari models, Serafini wanted something that could stand on its own but would always be recognized as a Ferrari. Serafini next plan is to create a one-quarter scale model of the car and hopefully present it at design competitions in Italy’s automotive design hub, Turin.

One of Serafini’s most popular previous works includes the Lamborghini Embolado concept, a compact supercar loosely based on the Gallardo with a unique cab forward design and plenty of aggression.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/concept-cars/ferrari-concept-2008-inspired-by-the-f430/

Changan V802 Concept headed for Beijing Motor Show

Chinese car designers are rarely lauded for their efforts, mostly because of the country’s reputation for ‘borrowing’ designs from other brands, but a number of local carmakers are helping to turn around the bad rep with several interesting concepts planned for this month’s Beijing Motor Show. We’ve already seen Geely’s sporty GT concept, a new coupe with swooping lines and a very original front grille that looks both svelte and alluring.

Now we have a preview of Changan Auto’s V802 Concept, a compact hatch in a similar segment to the Honda Fit or Mazda2. Changan hasn’t confirmed any production plans, but when you consider how close to production this concept already seems we believe the green-light is a sure bet. Next month’s Beijing event should also provide us with more clues about the car’s future, including the new mechanical package residing underneath its sheet metal.

The sheer number of Chinese carmakers planning hatchback concepts for this year’s Beijing event shows the market is maturing and is now looking past the sedan.


Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/concept-cars/changan-v802-concept-headed-for-beijing-motor-show/

Toyota unveils Hi-Ct green-friendly mini-tank

Not to be outdone by the antics at the New York Auto Show, the Bangkok International Motor Show had a couple of surprises as well. The Toyota Hi-Ct concept car made its debut during the event with a decidedly tank-like profile. Despite the car's bulky looks, this is in fact a green hybrid vehicle that can charge from an external power source via an AC100V accessory socket.

The car also features a removable trunk and bicycle/surfboard deck for those granola-chomping weekends us city dwellers are always hearing about. As going green becomes ever more stylish it seems like just a matter of time before we stop relying on prehistoric fossil fuel to power our horseless carriages.

Source: http://dvice.com/archives/2008/03/toyota_unveils.php

BMW’s ConnectedDrive in action

Chrysler may end up being the first to market with an in-car internet solution, but BMW’s ConnectedDrive, announced in advance of this year’s Geneva Motor Show, is the first to bring us video of the system in action.

An interesting point covered in the videos is that the internet service is routed through BMW proxies - meaning both that no anti-virus or other protective measures are needed, and that all traffic on your annual subscription will be going through a BMW computer before being relayed to your car. BMW insists that surfing is not limited nor restricted in any way, however. Unlike Chrysler’s system, BMW’s ConnectedDrive does not require a separate mobile phone subscription.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/videos/video-bmws-connecteddrive-in-action/

Next-gen Acura RL to get V8 power

Apart from Lexus, Japanese luxury brands still pale in comparison to their German rivals in terms of the number of models they produce and the prices they can command. Acura has made it clear it wants to be a top tier luxury brand but to do this it will need to change its lineup to suit the tastes of wealthy buyers, who more often than not demand RWD cars with powerful V8 engines.

That’s why for its next-generation RL sedan due in 2010 Acura will make the car RWD and add a new V8 option. The information comes from an inside source who told Edmunds the new engine will displace 4.8L and output close to 420hp. It will also benefit from cylinder deactivation technology to help improve fuel consumption.

The new RL was originally meant to be based on the Acura Advanced Sedan Concept (pictured) from the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, but it has since been completely restyled after scathing criticism of the original design. Expect to see more of an evolution of the design of the facelifted RL (pictured below), which was launched at last month’s Chicago Show.

With its new styling, powerful V8 and RWD platform, it looks as though Acura is finally capable of achieving the same success as Toyota’s Lexus - and it will likely get a price tag to match. Expect to pay over $70,000 for the new RL when it debuts in 2010.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/sedans/next-gen-acura-rl-to-get-v8-power/

Mercedes testing fuel-cell vehicles ahead of 2010 launch

Carmakers are faced with a number of options for alternative fuel motoring but at this stage it’s still anyone’s guess as to what will be the dominant fuel source of the future. That’s why most of the major carmakers are hedging their bets, developing a number of different technologies in the hope that one of them will be the right one.

The most popular alternatives to current fossil-based fuels include bioethanol, electricity and hydrogen. Mercedes-Benz is banking on both electric and hydrogen power as the most likely fuel sources of the future and is currently prepping a new fuel-cell model to be released in 2010. The new car, seen here undergoing cold weather testing, will be based on Mercedes’ next-generation fuel-cell technology, which is claimed to be 40% more compact than current designs while at the same time offering 30% greater performance.

The fuel-cell in this B-Class prototype develops around 136hp and 320Nm of torque. The fuel cell uses the equivalent of about 3L of fuel per 100km, all with zero emissions. Testing of the car found that it had no problems with cold starts. However roadholding tests revealed that current ESP systems need to be recalibrated for the fuel-cell vehicle, due to the different power delivery style of electric engines compared to traditional combustion engines.

Honda, meanwhile, has beaten its rivals in the fuel-cell race with the unveiling last year of the FCX Clarity, which officially goes on sale in the middle of the year.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/mercedes-benz/mercedes-testing-fuel-cell-vehicles-ahead-of-2010-launch/

Alfa Romeo Mi.To breaks cover

Last year Alfa Romeo burst onto the supercar scene with its deliciously daring 8C Competizione. Smooth, flowing original lines spoke of a redefinition of the company’s styling language, and as these leaked official images reveal the carmaker’s new entry-level hatch shares that same language. The car also continues Alfa’s new naming practice of using actual names instead of numbers and will sport the ‘Mi.To’ title when it arrives in June.

Under the pretty sheet metal is the same platform used by Fiat’s Punto but with enough modifications to give the Alfa its own handling and performance characteristics.

Alfa Romeo is yet to reveal official details but expect to see a similar engine lineup as Punto, which means a range of petrol and diesel engines starting with a base 95hp 1.4L unit and possibly topping out with a 230hp turbo petrol engine in a performance GTA model.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/hatchbacks/alfa-romeo-mito-breaks-cover/

UK looking to triple taxes on high-polluting cars

It’s bad enough London’s congestion charge is set to rise later this year for high CO2-emitting vehicles, but now the country’s annual road tax on these vehicles is likely to be increased as well. The country’s finance minister Alistair Darling has promised that “higher polluting” cars will be taxed more than regular cars as part of widespread reforms to the vehicle taxation system. Darling’s plan would see taxes increase on the heavy-polluters next year and then again in 2010.

If approved, the scheme would see owners of cars emitting more than 255g of CO2/km pay £425 ($865) per year to register their vehicle in 2009 and up to £950 ($1,934) per year in 2010 onwards. Currently, vehicles that emit more than 225g/km pay the maximum tax of £300 ($610) a year, reports Automotive News.

At the other end of the scale, cars that emit less than 130g of CO2/km would be exempt from the annual road tax. As harsh as the new taxes seem, the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders is in favor of the scheme.

Other European countries taxation systems for heavy polluters are no better. In France, the maximum tax on cars that emit more than 250g of CO2/km is €2,600 ($4,052) and in the Netherlands the biggest polluters are charged up to €1,600 ($2,494).

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/news/uk-looking-to-triple-taxes-on-high-polluting-cars/

2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class variants

Yesterday we brought you a rendering of the next-generation A-Class hatch but the new entry-level Mercedes is just the first of a handful of new models to be based on the carmaker’s upcoming MFA (Mercedes Frontwheel Architecture) FWD platform. MFA will also be used for the next B-Class hatch and to ensure the project remains profitable Mercedes plans to launch several new variants to help boost sales.

In addition to the regular four-door hatch, Mercedes will also launch a compact SUV to compete with Audi’s upcoming Q3, a sporty two-door coupe to rival the BMW 1-series coupe, and a four-door sedan with a coupe-styling to form an entirely new niche.

The affordable sports car market can be very lucrative and it’s a segment Mercedes can no longer afford to ignore. With MFA, developers have dropped the expensive sandwich structure of the current A and B-Class in favor of a new car-like design. This means the cars will sit much lower than current models, possibly even lower than the BMW 1-series and Audi A3.

The extra variants will also help the B-Class’ success in the U.S. where it will be sold for the first time in late 2012. Another added benefit is helping to lower Mercedes’ fleet-average carbon emissions in line with stricter emissions regulations planned for both Europe and the U.S. Expect to see the new range make their worldwide debut in late 2011.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/hatchbacks/preview-2012-mercedes-benz-b-class-variants/

Lumeneo Smera Car Concept : Combination of Car and Motorcycle

Still in a form of concept, Lumeneo Smera is all electric city car with scooter sized and one seat only, well not actually one seat, but you have to choose to carry a passanger or luggage, you can’t have both. The ability to go 93 miles on a single charge and hit a top-speed of 80 miles per hour is really impressive. Acceleration is quite acceptable as well, with the 0-60 sprint taking only 8 seconds or so. A 144 volt lithium ion battery pack provides the juice. Lumeneo is planning to start selling Smera next year, but no one mentions anything about the price yet.




Source: http://www.tuvie.com/lumeneo-smera-car-concept-combination-of-car-and-motorcycle

Dodge builds 25,000th Viper

Today Chrysler announced that its iconic Dodge Viper muscle car hit a production milestone of 25,000 cars, and to celebrate the achievement officials have planned a number of events including the presentation of a brand new 2008 Viper SRT-10 to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kurt Busch.

The Viper, which is produced at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, has been one of Chrysler’s most iconic sports cars since its launch in 1991 when the car was first produced by Chrysler as a modern take on the classic American muscle car. Over the years a number of variants have been spawned including the most recent Viper SRT-10 ACR track special.

The ultimate Viper churns out 600hp from its 8.4L engine and is capable of completing the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 200mph.

While 25,000 is an impressive figure for Chrysler, officials should be feeling a little worried at the moment because the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is likely to topple the Viper as America’s muscle car king thanks to its more powerful 620hp supercharged V8.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/supercars/dodge-builds-25000th-viper/