Volkswagen seems to be on a real tear these days with continuing rumors of them acquiring Porsche outright, and sales numbers indicating that they could displace GM and become the second largest automaker in the world. And now word comes out that VW will be partnering with the Chinese automaker BYD to make electric cars. A memorandum of understanding was signed last week between Volkswagen and Chinese automaker BYD to partner “in the area of electric mobility” and vehicles using lithium-ion batteries. “Hybrids and electric vehicles will play an increasingly important role [for VW], of course. Particularly for the Chinese market, potential partners such as BYD could support us in quickly expanding our activities,” said Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board for Technical Development at Volkswagen. A memorandum of understanding (or MOU as the MBA types like to say – essentially it’s the legal version of a promise ring) was signed by BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu and VW’s Martin Winterkorn in Wolfsburg, Germany last week. Chairman Wang Chuanfu seems to be quite the interesting guy in addition to working with VW. There are reports on the net that he drank (as in swallowed) battery fluid as a stunt recently. I don’t know any more than that, and I didn’t really want to know … the rumors are creepy enough. Anyway, this is very interesting news that seemed to pop up out of nowhere and caught everybody by surprise. Sure, VW, like very other carmaker on the planet, is interested in EVs and getting as much of a jump as possible. And partnering with a Chinese firm makes a lot of sense, especially if China decides to start taking care of the environment (no grantees there yet). And perhaps VW was spurred to action by another German automaker (cough-cough, Daimler) hooking up with another EV (cough-cough, Tesla) automaker, but who knows. What is known is that Volkswagen is one of the biggest selling brands in China, and that EVs are going to be pushed into the mainstream, kicking and screaming if necessary, by a combination of proactive government regs, carmakers’ desires to maintain profitability, and the environment letting us know that burning oil is a real killer. What will come of VW partnering with BYD?...

Or will they fall further behind? By 2015 it seems quite obvious that Toyota and Honda will be pumping out more than a million small hybrid cars per year. Will GM or Chrysler offer any small hybrids? Certainly, GM will offer the Chevy Volt , but it won’t be either price competitive with these small Japanese hybrids, nor will it be profitable. If efficiency is the driver of the future auto industry, how can GM and Chrysler compete in the new world order if they still cannot compete with the Toyota Prius or the Honda Fit hybrid either today, or in 2015? Certainly the administration’s efforts to protect the US auto industry, particularly to save as many auto industry jobs as possible, are noble in intent, but will they lead to profitable companies? Also, is it fair that the government will ultimately pump, minimally, $50 billion into GM for its failures while Ford gets nothing for its business intelligence? Are we rewarding failure rather than success? Is that really the path to a healthy, profitable US auto industry? Read the original: 2015: Can Chrysler and GM be profitable in the US?

I have no choice but to cut off all the extra spending, entertainment, showgirls, gadgets, you name it, so I can start saving money before the next generation BMW M5 will come out in 2012. No seriously, not even kidding this time……. I don’t often get super excited about new models, it usually takes a while for a new bimmer to sink in and be accepted by me, but the moment I saw this rendering of the F10 BMW M5, I just fell in love. The design lines are just rights, very masculine and muscular, a wide body, extremely aggressive but yet still appealing even to the most conservative BMW fans – yes, I’m one of them. But what I love the most about this new rendering is the fact that it does NOT resemble in any way the new 7 Series. I honestly got tired of seeing all those photoshops of the next 5er being based on the bodystyle of the 7 Series. As many people close to BMW have said, the cars are absolutely different and the only slightly similar design element are the headlights. The details on the next M5 are sketchy and the secret is well guarded behind metal doors in Munich, but what we can tell you at this time is that the BMW M5 will drop the famous naturally aspirated V10 engine in favor of a twin-turbo V8 similar to the one offered in the X5 M/X6 M . If that will be the case, the M5 will have a little bit over 550 horsepower under the hood and will be going after the Audi RS6 and its 572 horsepower. As far as the release date, historically the M model of the 5 Series, is expected a year later after the launch of the regular 5 Series sedan, so we should expect the new M5 in the first half of 2011. As usual, as soon as we hear more, you’ll be the first to know. Photo credit WildSpeed2009 See the rest here:  If the next generation 2012 BMW M5 looks like this….

Hot off the press: if nothing unexpected will occur in the next few months, the next and second generation BMW X3 will launch at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2010. In a way, we expected the new X3 to launch first at U.S. auto show and Detroit is definitely the best choice.  The official press release and marketing materials will be unveiled to public sometimes in December of this year. The new X3 is already one of the most awaited new BMW models since many people believe a design refresh is absolutey needed, especially since the Audi Q5 is starting to look more and more appealing to all the consumers looking to purchase a smaller Sports Activity Vehicle. We’ve said it many times before, but we’ll continue to remind you: the upcoming BMW X1 will move into the X3’s market segment and implicitly the second generation X3 will increase its size. The rumor around this new model is that it will follow the X5’s design lines, more round corners and sportier look and it will have similar size as the first generation X5. The smaller SAV will measure 4.65 meters long, 1.85 meters wide and 1.68 meter tall, offering a more spacious cabin and cargo space. A refined and vastly improved interior design is also expected since many BMW owners saw the current interior design as a shortcoming. Two petrol engines will be offered, along with four diesel choices, but at this time, it is unknown which powerplants will be used. The “usual suspects” are considered, but BMW might have a few surprises for us as well. Update: Confirmed by a second source, Scott27 from Germancarzone.com Excerpt from: New BMW X3 to be unveiled at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

One of the new models promised by BMW this year , the 7 Series Hybrid, was spotted by one of the readers over at our  BimmerToday .de blog. Marketed under the 755ih name, the new 7er Hybrid production model will make its official debut at the IAA Auto Show in Frankfurt this fall. The ActiveHybrid Concept was unveiled back at the L.A Auto Show, where we had the opportunity to spend some time with the car.  We also learned there that the BMW 755ih uses a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 petrol engine that delivers 407 horsepower and 442lb ft, working in combination with an AC electric motor that can add another 20 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque.   Being developed under the BMW EfficientDynamics program, the 7er Hybrid uses new technologies to improve even more the fuel efficiency, starting with the the Start/Stop technology and the part-time alternator, and continuing with the “Brake Energy Regeneration” system which conserves and reuses the braking energy to power the Hybrid vehicle. Judging from these new photos, there seem to be no major difference between the Hybrid and the regular 7 Series models, of course, if we were to ignore the large Hybrid stickers found on the car. Inside, we can still see a laptop and cables used by the German engineers during the testing process. The BMW 755ih will be available in late fall and the pricing is expected to jump over the $100,000 mark. [Source: BimmerToday and Andreas ] More here: BMW 755ih Hybrid production model spotted

Once in awhile, a manufacturer will produce a new vehicle which attempts to create a new segment in the automotive market. However ambitious the company is, most do not seem to make it through their expected lifespan. Remember the Pontiac Aztec, or the Chevrolet SSR? What about the Subaru Baja? Not all of them are failures though. Take for instance the Volvo V70 XC, Volvo’s idea of taking their regular V70 wagon, mixing in a bit sport-utility DNA, and making a crossover-wagon “hybrid” for the mass market. The XC70, as it is called today, came with an increased ride height, all-wheel-drive, and two-tone plastic trim on the exterior. Since its inception in 1998, the XC70 has been a popular choice with the suburban crowd, with the rugged exterior of a sport-ute but without many of the penalties associated with owning one. However, I have never understood the appeal. I felt the added plastic bits ruined the clean look that is a Volvo trademark and the additional ride height decreased the handling while giving the car no real off-road benefits. Then there is the lack of overall space when going with a wagon over a comparable SUV, or to a greater extend, a minivan. Would a week with the third generation of Volvo’s subdivision wagon change my mind? Or would I think this vehicle should have gone the way of the other vehicles listed above? Let’s start with things that surprised me. With the added 2.1 inches to the suspension, I figured the XC would flop in the turns and wallow down the highway every chance it would get. However, it was perfectly tuned for both high-speed interstate travel, arterial roads or your favorite illegal racetrack. On any surface, the Volvo felt quiet, comfortable and composed. No bump big or small would make its way to any part of your body, nor will any crosswind have you fighting to keep the wagon straight. There is some float when the road dips, but it almost imperceptible to most people. On side streets and back roads, some smaller potholes can be felt through the seat at low speeds, but overall it is as smooth as you would want. Handling is typical Volvo, and that is a good thing. Steering is nicely weighted without being too heavy and turn-in is very acceptable. It is very easy to point the car where you want it, and in parking...

While the Mercedes C63 AMG Estate is by all accounts an impressive vehicle on its own merits, the fine gentlemen at Väth felt it was capable of more – and by more, I mean 585 horsepower and 690 Nm of torque. It’s these figures that help Väth’s tuned Mercedes C63 AMG Estate – a model they call the Väth V63RS Clubsport Wagon – achieve a top speed of 202 miles per hour. Excessive? Maybe. But the Väth V63RS Clubsport Wagon is sure to meet the demands of adrenaline loving soccer moms everywhere. Original post: Vath Tunes The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate: The Väth V63RS Clubsport Wagon

The 50th annual MINI United Festival took place last week at the famous Silverstone race track on England. Every year, a large crowd of MINI fans and not only, attend the event with many participants bringing their MINIs from as far afield as Russia, the USA and South Africa. This year, there were over 25,000 MINI loyal fans present at the festival who spent their time in racing activities, music festivals and lifestyle presentations. As we reported last week, with this occasion, MINI has created two special editions vehicles, Mayfair and Camden , two cars derived from the popular Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper D models. Overall, a great event for MINI and its fans and it can only get bigger next year. MINI United – a magnet for fans from around the globe. 25,000 enthusiasts from more than 40 countries converged on Silverstone to wish MINI a happy 50th birthday. Munich/Silverstone. The third edition of what has already become the legendary MINI United Festival was held this year from 22 – 24 May in glorious sunshine at the Formula One track in Silverstone, England. 25,000 fans from more than 40 countries made the pilgrimage to the world’s premier gathering of its kind. They arrived in over 10,000 MINI models, most of them lovingly individualised. Numerous German fan clubs made their way to the venue, mostly setting out by car on the long journey to the UK. Even for participants from as far afield as Russia, the USA and South Africa, no effort or cost was too great to ensure they could pay personal tribute to the British classic on its 50th birthday. Likewise determined not to miss out on this winning mix of racing action, music festival and lifestyle spectacular were a whole raft of celebrities. As part of the world premiere for the new Mayfair and Camden special models, the now 75-year-old Mary Quant – British style icon and inventor of the miniskirt – disclosed a long-guarded secret: the designation “mini-skirt” is not derived from the celebrated brevity of the garment; it was her much-loved car that inspired her to choose this name. To mark the 50th anniversary, MINI also took the wraps off a reinterpretation of George Harrison’s flamboyant model. This one-off, presented to Olivia Harrison on Saturday night, fully...

Over the last few years, we’ve heard numerous stories, spy shots, and illustrations of the upcoming B-Class. This of course is another one that fits into that category, InfoMotori.com and their team have created a computer illustration of what the next-gen B-Class could look like. According to the artists, the primary objective of the project was to make the new B-Class more dynamic, and showcase it as a serious contender to the A3 and BMW 1 Series in terms of styling. While we certainly dig the styling, but it for some odd reason the rear just doesn’t fit the currently MB design philosophy. The design itself reminds me too much of a Seat Leon or even Ibiza, which doesn’t mean it’s bad, but to me, it’s just not MB enough. Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it. Related Posts New computer illustration of the Mercedes-Benz SLA Roadster A few months back, we mentioned that Mercedes-Benz might be working on a new and smaller roadster … 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS computer illustration Just two weeks ago, we showed you spy shots of a CLS test mule with heavy camo. The test team did … Mercedes-Benz Cabrio gets spied with a soft top Last week, we got the opportunity to see a computer illustration on what the 2010 E-Class Cabrio m… Computer Illustration of upcoming E-Class Cabrio McLaren SLR Speedster Computer Illustration Read the original:  2010 Mercedes-Benz B-Class computer illustration

The rumors continue to swirl A while back Honda announced that it would convert its Fit into a hybrid version, but Honda has never been very clear about when exactly such a vehicle would be offered. Rumors have indicated it could go on sale as early as late 2009 or as late as 2015. The latest rumors , however, indicate that the Honda Fit hybrid will go on sale sometime in 2010 at a cost of just $15,800, and that the automaker hopes to sell 50,000 Fit hybrids per year. Not so many decades ago, most in America claimed small Honda and Toyota cars would never take off in America. And this American arrogance and ignorance helped pushed the US auto industry to the precipice of liquidity. Today, Honda and Toyota are preparing to roll out – combined – over half a million small hybrid cars per year, and yet Detroit has neither a product offering nor a plan to compete with such vehicles. In this repeat of history, however, the Big 3 aren’t sitting atop the automotive world. This time they are either in or near bankruptcy. Will America really be able to compete? Originally posted here: The $15,000 Honda Fit hybrid due next year?

It has been a while since we have posted some cool photos of the recently released BMW 7 Series. Since its unveiling at the L.A Auto Show , there have been numerous articles posted by us, including an extensive photo gallery . One of the most exciting photos of the new 7 that we have seen so far, are the ones showing the Individual options available for the flagship sedan. Without further ado, let me share with you some new great shots of the BMW 740i, the 3.0 liter six-cylinder twin-turbo engine which outputs 326 horsepower. Read the original post: Cool photos of the new BMW 7 Series

Caddy has decided to get more into the, er, crossover game by setting two new models loose on the roadways of America this summer. One is the all-new SRX Crossover and the other is a Sport Wagon variant of their CTS small sports sedan. Essentially, they’re both station wagons, no matter how the PR and marketing flacks try to get you to use the term “Crossover”. The all new 2010 SRX Crossover, scheduled to begin production this summer, will have a starting priced of $34,155, which ain’t all that bad for a Cadillac if you think about it. The SRX is a 5-door, 5-passenger front engine transaxle with front-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive and Caddy calls it a “midsize luxury crossover”. There are two engines available. Standard is the 3.0L DOHC V-6 direct injection, variable valve timing, four valves per cylinder, and there’s an optional 2.8L DOHC turbocharged V-6, four valves per cylinder mill to be had. The trannys hooked up to the two engines are, respectively, a 6T70 Hydra-Matic six-speed transverse, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transmission and a AF40 Aisin Warner six-speed transverse, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transmission. Which is about what you’d expect. Both engines come with traction control and the steering is via hydraulic-power-assisted rack-and-pinion for V-6 models. Brakes are discs on all four corners, and the curb weight comes in at 4224 pounds. The CTS Sport Wagon is a four-door wagon, that is available in either RWD or AWD. There are two engines available. A 3.0L DOHC V-6 direct injection, variable valve timing, four valves per cylinder power unit or a 3.6L V-6 VVT (variable valve timing) with spark-ignition, direct injection mill. The three liter cranks out 270 HP @ 7000 RPM and the 3.6 puts out 304 HP @ 6400 rpm. The torque figures are 223 pound feet @ 5700 and 273 pound feet @ 5200 rpm respectively. The transmission choices for the wagon are either an Aisin sourced AY6 fully synchronized 6-speed manual with single overdrive or a Hydra-Matic 6L50 6-speed, RWD/AWD, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive with torque converter clutch. The weight of the wagon is yet to be announced. Either way, these look like two fine vehicles that have the usability of an SUV,...

A hybrid pickup truck from GM Can plug-in technology turn trucks and SUVs into fuel saving monsters? I guess that depends on your definition of good fuel economy. Google’s REChargeIT program converted a number of Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrids into plug-in hybrids. The Prius averaged about 93 mpg, but on city trips it averaged as much as as 115 mpg. The Ford Escape hybrid , on the other hand, averaged about 50 mpg, and that’s a relatively small SUV. The fact is, is that the fuel economy of most American trucks and SUVs is insanely pathetic. Yet, trucks, for instance, are the top selling vehicles in America, and turning these vehicles into plug-in vehicles is far too cost-ineffective today. Nonetheless, something has to give. Either Americans have to give up these vehicles, or US automakers need to dramatically increase their fuel economy, and they need to start as soon as possible. So, why not some kind of government carrot and stick that forces US automakers to convert all trucks and SUVs into hybrid vehicles , while offsetting the price difference for the first few years? Also, as battery technology develops, many of these hybrid pickups could be converted into plug-in pickups. Ultimately, can we really expect the US auto industry to survive without forcing great change? Moreover, shouldn’t that change begin in the sector most important to US automakers? See the rest here:  Hybridize or kill trucks and SUVs

The German fellows at Auto-News.de had the opportunity to test drive the BMW X1 xDrive23d in Mallorca, Spain. As expected, plenty of photos were taken, but the most interesting one to us is the interior design shot. There were many speculations around the interior design of the X1, many believe that it will be a combination between the 1 Series design with the navigation part from the 3 Series. Well, judging from these photos, while it share some common elements with the other models, the interior of the X1 is unique in its own way. It features similar controls, but with the buttons arranged differently, also inside air vents have a more angular shape and the navigation screen is built into the dashboard. Overall, a simple, but stylish layout. In the same article, Auto-News confirmed our previous statements, there will be three different engines at the X1 launch, followed by other powerplants in the near future: BMW X1 xDrive20d – 177 horsepower – 8.4 seconds 0-60 mph – Max Speed 132 mph (213 km/h) – 40.5 mph (5.8 liters / 100 km) BMW X1 xDrive23d – 204 horsepower – 7,3 seconds 0-60 mph – Max Speed 138 mph (223 km/h) – 37 mpg (6,3 Liter / 100 km ) BMW X1 xDrive28i – 6.7 seconds 0-100 – Max Speed 142 mph(230 km/h) As part of the BMW EfficiencyDynamics program, next Spring, two new entry models are expected, BMW X1 xDrive18i and xDrive18d, which will offer improved fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions. The rumor mill says that a rear-wheel-drive model is expected in the future. BMW X1 will be available this Fall in Europe. [Source: Auto-News via BimmerToday ] Read the original post: BMW X1 Interior revealed for the first time

Note: This post was originally published on the Web site Gas2.0 – Will Stewart, blog editor By Frank Weber Global Electric Vehicle Development Executive A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to speak at EVS 24 in Norway about extended-range electric vehicles (E-REVs). Attendees and presenters were some of the brightest minds from around the world working to make electric vehicles an everyday reality, but frankly, I sensed many of those minds think electric vehicle development is better suited to small, entrepreneurial companies, some with little or no automotive experience. There seems to be in the minds of many some sort of inherent conflict between being a large, traditional automaker and the ability to develop cars of the future. I couldn’t disagree more with that sentiment, and GM is on a mission to prove it. Developing electric vehicles is no longer a nice little “green” story; it’s absolutely crucial if we are to alleviate our dependence on petroleum. Electric vehicles aren’t simply for niche markets; they are the future of a sustainable global automotive industry. There are nearly 1 billion vehicles using petroleum on the road today. If we are going to make a difference in reducing our dependence on petroleum, GM and other automakers must offer large volume production solutions. Hand-built vehicles may capture the imagination of some, but we need millions of cars to truly address this global issue. At GM, we have a level of product research, testing and development as well as a supplier network that is unmatched. When you consider the very real distribution, volume and quality issues some of the smaller start-ups have experienced, it’s hard for me to see how they are better equipped than us to deliver the volumes necessary for real change. But the real key to making electric vehicles a success is to make them relevant for consumers. Customers expect more out of their vehicles than ever before, so a relevant EV must be capable of being your primary vehicle. Although it would be nice to have a commuter car for the daily drive to work, a family hauler for recreational activities and a roadster to go cruising whenever the urge strikes, very few people have their own fleet of purpose-built vehicles – nor should...