Motor Mania Buzz

Spied: 2013 BMW CAT/Mini Cooper

2012-01-27T13:53:00.024Z

Spies have captured the upcoming BMW CAT (Compact Activity Tourer) and Mini Cooper undergoing cold-weather testing side by side in Northern Sweden.

The CAT will be longer than the current 1-Series hatchback and feature bespoke styling, something the thick disguise is hiding. The prototype also features a tall roofline, enhancing interior space.

The next-generation Cooper will be longer than the current model and on the inside, it will keep its centrally-mounted speedometer.

Under the hood, a variety of engines will be available. These include a new three-cylinder, 1.5 litre unit that produces 128bhp (130PS/96kW) and 148bhp (150PS/110kW) in diesel and petrol guise, a range of 2.0 litre four-cylinder units from the BMW 1-Series, and a new turbocharged 1.6 litre petrol that produces around 178bhp (180PS/132kW) in the Cooper S. A hybrid variant is also expected at a later date.

Both cars sit on a front-wheel-drive platform called UKL, which will be flexible enough to accommodate upto nine new models including the third-generation 1-Series.

The BMW CAT/1-Series GT and Mini Cooper will go on sale sometime in 2013.

Via WorldCarFans.com

Spied: 2013 Renault Zoe EV

2012-01-24T15:18:00.022Z

Back at the 2010 Paris motor show, Renault unveiled a thinly-disguised concept of the Zoe, called Zoe Preview. Said to be 90% production ready, the first prototypes of the Zoe Z.E (Zero Emissions) have begun testing on public roads in Northern Sweden.

Beneath the disguise, the huge Renault emblem in-between the headlights and emphasised character lines on the side lend a dynamic look. The rear lights are made up of LEDs, further echoing the 2010 Zoe Preview concept.

The 2013 Zoe Z.E will underpin the upcoming Clio supermini, with drivetrain expected derived from the Nissan Leaf EV. The finished article will be powered by a 79bhp (80PS/60kW) electric motor with 222Nm (164lb-ft) of torque, giving a range of 100 miles (160km). Furthermore, Renault has committed to offering a hotter derivative of the Zoe, producing around 134bhp (136PS/100kW) and 271Nm (200lb-ft) of torque

The Zoe Z.E will go on sale in Winter 2012, priced around €12,000.

Via AutoEvolution

2010 Renault Zoe Preview concept:

Spied: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7

2012-01-22T19:39:00.021Z

With the winter testing program in full-swing, photographers have snapped the very first pictures of the forthcoming Chevrolet Corvette C7 undergoing testing near the Arctic Circle.

Spies described the C7's overall shape as long, low, wedged. Design details are expected to be taken off the 2009 Corvette Stingray concept, giving the new C7 a more futuristic and sharper look over the C6. Two prototypes were spied near a secret engineering facility, sporting a quad-exhaust system and a longer wheelbase.

Power will come from a new 5.5 litre small-block V8 petrol engine that drives the rear-wheels. The new V8 is expected to develop around 440bhp (446PS/328kW), allowing for improved fuel economy and lower emissions.

The cabin will receive a much-needed makeover, with enhanced materials and improved design. Sales kick-off in late 2013, as a 2014 model.

Via LeftLaneNews.com

Spied: 2013 Vauxhall/Opel Allegra

2012-01-22T13:12:00.019Z

Spies have caught up with Vauxhall/Opel's premium city-car undergoing cold-weather testing in the Arctic Circle.

The yet-to-be-named model, Junior and Allegra – the latter more probable, will be marketed as a premium product, rivalling the Fiat 500. This means a high-quality interior, great driving dynamics, and endless customisation options.

The newcomer is still wearing thick camouflage with plastic body-panels dominating the fascias. We expect the Allegra/Junior to borrow designed cues off the recent Zafira Tourer, including the glossy black boomerang-shaped fascia inserts.

The Allegra/Junior will launch in Spring 2013, with production occurring in Eisenach, Germany. Prices are expected to kick off at €10,000.

Via WorldCarFans.com

Spied: 2014 BMW X5

2012-01-21T20:10:00.023Z

Spy photographers have snapped the first ever photos of the third-generation X5 large SUV that's currently undergoing testing in Germany and Sweden.

Codenamed F15, the newcomer looks more sporty, lower, and sleeker than its predecessor. Beneath the psychedelic disguise lies mature character lines and ever-so bulging wheelarches. To complement styling, the X5 will undergo a strict diet to make it lighter, leaner, and more fuel-efficient.

A longer wheelbase allows for more interior room and a
longer rear overhang potenitally houses a 3rd row of seats

Riding on a modified platform of the 5-Series (F10), the F15 will utilise new lighter axles that are 150kg (330lbs) lighter than the current ones.

The current engine range will be carried over in addition to two new four-cylinder engines; one petrol and one diesel, the latter expected to offer great tax-benefits. A diesel-hybrid model is rumoured that will be mated to a 2.0 litre four-cylinder diesel engine and a 15kW electric motor, giving a combined power output of 221bhp (224PS/165kW). Minus the diesel-hybrid variant, we expect the cleanest model to emit under 160g/km of carbon emissions.

The current X5 M has sold in modest numbers but will continue for the next-generation, having proved rather popular in the U.S. Due in 2014 as a 2015 model year, the X5 may bow at the 2014 North American International Auto Show, followed by the next-generation X6 crossover six months later.

Via WorldCarFans.com

Video: Save of the day; Motorist avoids deadly situation

2012-01-18T19:10:00.011Z

Some car accidents are easily avoidable if the driver just remained calm, like this motorist who swerved out of the way of a truck that was turning onto an icy side road.

May be the driver could have avoided the whole incident if they learnt to drive more defensively, especially in snow.

Spied: 2013 BMW X6 facelift

2012-01-16T17:09:00.012Z

The 2013 BMW X6 facelift has been spied virtually undisguised undergoing final shakedown testing in Northern Sweden recently.

Revisions to the popular crossover will include reworked fascias – incorporating LED lights, an updated interior, and revised powertrains.

The petrol engines will be carried over, but rumours suggest a new tri-turbo 3.0 litre six-cylinder diesel in a potential X6 xDrive50d may be added to the lineup, producing between 345bhp (350PS/258kW) to 395bhp (400PS/294kW).

The X6 facelift is expected to be launched in Spring as a 2013 model.

Via WorldCarFans.com

Spied: 2014 Mercedes Viano

2012-01-16T13:57:00.011Z

Development of the next-generation Mercedes Viano has gotten underway as test mules have started popping up all over Europe, chiefly in Germany and Sweden.

The biggest give-away on the Viano mules is the bulging radiator grille, which is needed for test equipment. Spies say the wheelbase has been altered, possibly shortened.

The 2014 Viano will be packed full of amenities and will be powered by a range of four-cylinder engines with BlueEFFICIENCY. A possible plug-in hybrid and EV variants may go mainstream.

Via WorldCarFans.com

Leaked: 2013 Audi A3

2012-01-13T11:01:00.008Z

Audi has previewed the new A3 compact at the recent Consumers Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, California.

The upcoming A3 shows the ever-present Audi design language with assertive headlights and an aggressive lower bumper, flanked by large air intake surroundings. The side profile shows a more characterised look with crisp, noticeable character lines and a keen C-pillar crease.

The 2013 A3 is tipped to premiere at the 2012 Geneva motor Show in March, in both three-door hatchback and four-door sedan. The five-door Sportback will debut at a later date.

Via WorldCarFans.com

Video: Indian speed bumps vs. Bugatti Veyron

2012-01-12T13:47:00.013Z

Unsurprisingly, wherever the Bugatti Veyron goes, it attracts attention left, right, and centre, and India is no exception.

One of the 300 Bugatti Veyron coupés was spotted near the Shamshabad international airport in Hyderabad, India, and as you will see in the following videos that despite the Veyron has height adjustable suspension, riding over Shamshabad's large speed bumps is easier said than done.

Video: One step ahead; Door falls off Lada sedan in an accident

2012-01-11T15:03:00.008Z

In modern vehicles, in the event of an impact the door locks are programmed to unlocked automatically to allow the driver and passengers to exit the vehicle, but it seems that the Russians, more specifically, car manufacture Lada was one-step ahead at the time by devising drop-off doors that fall off during impact, allowing ample room for exit.

Brilliant!

Video: BMW gives factory tour of new 1-Series production

2012-01-04T10:55:00.015Z

Modern car plants are fascinating to watch, but only a select few get to see what goes on inside. Now BMW gives us a preview of what occurs in one of its main factories in Regensburg, Germany when producing the new 1-Series.

Our tour guides for today are brothers, Freddy and Adam, who have appeared in BMW's recent 1-Series 'One Origin' advert.

The Regensburg factory is roughly 1.4 million square metres (15.1 million square feet) and employs around 9,000 workers that produce 1,100 cars per day.

Video: Save me; Lexus GX rescued by RX

2012-01-03T16:53:00.013Z

While the Lexus RX is a great on-road off-road vehicle, it was never known for its off-road abilities. The larger GX on the other hand, is known for its off-road capabilities as it underpins the Toyota Land Cruiser and uses the same off-road hardware.

A group of men in Russia found that the hard way when the GX was stuck in the mud and an RX came in to help, itself getting wedged on a tiny groove.

Leaked: 2013 BMW 1-Series 3dr

2012-01-03T13:07:00.015Z

Leaked images of the three-door 1-Series variant have hit the web, thanks to Chinese portal site, sohu.com.

These patented images reveal an elongated silhouette with the B-pillar pulled back. A sloping roofline and arced rear window give a shooting brake look.

BMW will offer the 1-Series in six different variants, divided into two different product-lines. The 1-Series three-door will arrive this Summer, as a 2013 model.

Via WorldCarFans.com

Spied: 2013 Chevrolet Cruze facelift

2012-01-03T11:21:00.011Z

Even though it feels as if Chevrolet recently introduced the Cruze, a facelift model is already in the works, as this spy photo reveals. The Cruze debuted at the 2008 Paris motor show, launching in Summer 2009. Designed by Daewoo and engineered by Opel, a hatchback variant was recently introduced, with a station wagon due in 2013.

The new bumper mirrors design cues from the Spark city-car, with a redesigned lower air intake, fog lamp housings, and a multi-slat grille.

With the facelift, expect a revised interior and powertrains. The facelifted Cruze to debut later on this year, before going on sale in Summer 2013, alongside the Cruze station wagon. The pipeline houses a possible coupé and plug-in hybrid for the next-generation, due in 2015.

Via WorldCarFans.com

Video: The drifting fuel tanker

2012-01-01T16:42:00.011Z

You have probably seen various vehicles used in drifting videos, but can you honestly remember the last time you saw a tanker drifting on remote public roads in Brazil.

We assume the tanker is empty of its contents, otherwise we doubt the moronic driver would have pulled it off. To add insult to injury, the following vehicle is sitting very closely.

Spied: 2013 Fiat Panda 4x4

2011-12-31T19:12:00.000Z

Fiat has begun testing the third-generation Panda 4x4 in Italy, ahead of its launch in Summer 2012.

Although this early prototype features an increased ride-height over the regular Panda, the finished article will boast chunkier bumpers, side mouldings, tyres, and skid plates.

Power will come from a series of engines, including an 85bhp (86PS/63kW) TwinAir petrol and a 75bhp (76PS/56kW) 1.3 litre Multijet diesel. Two dual-fuel engines will be offered; an 80bhp (81PS/60kW) TwinAir natural gas and an LPG variant with a 69bhp (70PS/66kW) EasyPower 1.2 litre petrol. These will be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, with a short 1st gear to aid off-roading, although an optional 6-speed Dualogic robotised transmission is a distinct possibility.

With sales starting in Summer 2012, ready for the 2013MY, prices will start from around £11,500.

Via Alvolante.it

Spied: 2013 Fiat Ellezero

2011-12-31T17:37:00.049Z

Fiat is working on two new MPVs to indirectly replace the unloved Idea sub-compact MPV and directly replace the Multipla compact MPV. These pre-production prototypes, spied undergoing cold-weather testing in Serbia, appear to be longer than the Idea but still remain very compact.

The newcomer, codenamed 'L0', will underpin the new Panda III but will be sold as a derivative of the 500. Judging by the leaked photos, the car gets a 500-inspired nose, large headlights flanked by lower daytime running lights, and a simple, single-bar chrome upper grille. Chunky wheelarches, small overhangs, and a curvy rear adds style and substance that the Idea never quite had.

The interior will also be inspired by the new Panda and the 500, with square-shaped interior switches, retro instrument binnacle, and a chic dashboard with an integrated TomTom satellite navigation system. Customisation options will be truly extensive, from stickers to alloy wheels and everything in between.

Power will come from a variety of naturally-aspirated and turbocharged powerplants, mated to either a manual gearbox or a Dualogic robotised transmission.

The Ellezero ('L0'), will be manufactured in Serbia from 2012 and will likely to start from £13,000 when it launches in the third-quarter of 2012.

Meanwhile, the Multipla replacement, codenamed L1, will sport a wheelbase measuring in excess of 2.6 metres. With that in mind, it's been confirmed that new entrant will be sold in the U.S, with production commencing in Mexico sometime next year. The 'L1' will be offered in two wheelbases; short and long and two seating options; 5 seat and 7 seat.

Via Autoblog.rs and Alvolante.it

Spied: 2012 Peugeot 107 II facelift

2011-12-31T17:07:00.027Z

Updated:05/01/12 with official photos.

With Citroën developing a new C1 city-car for 2013, one would expect that Peugeot would also follow suit, alongside Toyota. But it seems that the French brand has other ideas as it plans to launch a second facelift for 107 in 2012.

Caught during a photoshoot in an undisclosed location, the 107 facelift will adopt Peugeot's new design direction, with restyled headlights, a taller, wider 'floating grille', and reshaped fog lamps.

We expect the interior to receive a modest update, alongside the rear fascia. New alloy wheels and hues will complete the facelift for the 107, which goes on sale in Summer 2012, after a world debut at a major motor show.

The Citroën C1, Peugeot 107, and Toyota Aygo were all launched in Summer 2005 and were facelifted back in 2010. The trio are all built in Toyota’s assembly plant in Kolin, Czech Republic.

Via Cochespias.net

Video: The banned Mercedes E-Class commercial

2011-12-31T15:18:00.013Z

We thought we would end the year on a high, with a banned Mercedes E-Class wagon commercial. The footage shows an attractive blonde woman walking into a library and asking for a burger, French fries, and milkshake.

Although the advertisement is old, it is still as funny as ever!

Honda Civic owners take Honda to small claims court (U.S)

2011-12-31T13:05:00.009Z

When new car shoppers find out that their cars are unable to achieve official fuel economy figures, motorists are often left frustrated, however, very few do anything about it.

Call in Californian resident Heather Peters, dissatisfied owner of a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid sedan, who says her car achieves around 20mpg U.S less than the official figure.

Annoyed that Honda isn't assisting with her predicament, Peters will take Honda Motors is a Small Claims Court, where she can avoid Honda’s army of lawyers, although if she won, compensation would be limited to $10,000. However, Peters is not stopping there. She is encouraging other Civic Hybrid owners to do the same, and even set-up a website that provides a unique guideline state-by-state to take Honda to a Small Claims Court.

Some say Peters' plan could cause issues in the automotive industry. “This could create a lot of problems in the industry,” said Aaron Jacoby, a defence lawyer in Los Angeles.

Available for rent: Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 for $5,500 a day!

2011-12-31T11:47:00.015Z

Although there is an 18-month waiting list for the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4, a Los Angeles-based car hire company can get you behind the wheel of the Aventador LP 700-4 by tomorrow, for a small price.

You see, Black & White Car Rental has taken delivery of a white Aventador with matte black alloy wheels and is offering the vehicle for public rental. Their rates are, to some, quite reasonable considering the cost of an Aventador, starting at $5,500 (£3,500/€4,250) a day.

While the figure may be out of some customer's price-range, the wealthy warm towards exotic car hire, as they can drive around in expensive cars without associated costs of ownership.

Scrappy: Honda scraps over 1,000 flood-damaged cars

2011-12-30T15:53:00.011Z

Like most people around the globe, Honda wants a fresh start to 2012, and will scrap over 1,000 Thai-built, flood-damaged cars, most of them being the new Brio city-car.

It is to ensure that no flood-damaged cars are sold to the public or refurbished, as later down the line, it may severely damage Honda's reputation.

“While we were able to relocate many new cars that were awaiting shipment to a safe area, 1,055 vehicles that remained in the plant were finally damaged by the flood,” said Pitak Pruittisarikorn, executive vice president of Honda Automobile Thailand. Pruittisarikorn added, “We will not sell any of the damaged cars to customers, or sell or reuse any of the parts.”

Furthermore, Honda reckons that it will lose six months’ worth of production due to the extensive damage caused to its factory, situated in Ayutthaya, Thailand.

Video: Woman tears off fuel pump

2011-12-30T14:21:00.011Z

Forgetfulness is a weakness that a human can easily overcome, like forgetting to check your mirrors when moving off, but leaving a fuel pump still attached to your car is something else, especially when the outcome could be deadly.

Although, one can't be sure if the female driver of the BMW 5-Series is to blame as a couple of fuel station employees are loitering around the car, perhaps to fill it up. Either way, she should count her blessings as damage was restricted to her car and the fuel pump.

Video: Development of the 2012 Porsche 911 (991)

2011-12-29T16:32:00.011Z

If you have ever wondered how car engineers conduct tests on prototypes, look no further.

German car marque, Porsche, has released this 10 minute long footage of the new 911 (codenamed 991) undergoing rigorous testing in South Africa and the Arctic Circle, to ensure every component is reliable and to avoid costly mistakes.