In the company of an exclusive line-up of guests and a host of friends, MINI celebrated the global premiere of the new MINI Rocketman Concept against the backdrop of Milan Fashion Week. With more than 300 guests of honour from the international fashion and design world attending, MINI held its celebratory event at the Istituto Europeo di Design, one of Europe’s most prestigious design schools with a focus on automotive and product design. The debut of the MINI Rocketman Concept was stage-managed by London-based film artist, photographer and director Marcus Tomlinson. Model and actress Lily Cole was in Milan at the time and appeared in Tomlinson’s art film, which was shown at the event. The MINI Rocketman Concept was jointly presented by Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design, and the new Head of MINI Design, Anders Warming. Among the guests were fashion designers Massimo Piombo, Giorgiana Zappieri from the Normaluisa brand, gallerist Nicoló Cardi of Cardi Black Box, actor Beppe Fiorello, designer Barnaba Fornasetti, owner of historical design brand Fornasetti, along with other international celebrities including model and presenter Natalie Kriz. Marcus Tomlinson and Lily Cole: an avant-garde staging of the MINI Rocketman Concept. The art film produced by Marcus Tomlinson delighted the audience with its expressive imagery and the ethereal presence of Lily Cole. The focus of Tomlinson’s avant-garde production was the theme of light and motion, creating a stimulating interplay of feelings. About Marcus Tomlinson. Marcus Tomlinson is one of today’s most sought-after photographers and directors in the field of fashion and art. The London artist earned his photographic reputation through his work for the leading lifestyle and design magazines. He has also designed fashion and art worlds for brands such as Gareth Pugh, Hussein Chalayan, Issey Miyake and Hermès. In his films Tomlinson combines the themes of fashion, art and design to create visually powerful works. About Lily Cole. Lily Cole has been a fixture of the international fashion scene for years and is a familiar figure at fashion weeks in Milan, London and New York. She has carved out a solid niche on the catwalks of major, high-profile labels such as Chanel, Christian...

Volkswagen has taken the covers off the new Golf Cabriolet, ahead of its debut in Geneva. Using an electro-hydraulically folding fabric roof, it takes 10 seconds to either fold or drop the roof. Measuring 4,215 mm in length, 1,424 mm in height and 1,779 mm in width, the Golf Cabriolet is smaller than the Eos. Yet despite being 208mm shorter than the Eos, the cars share a 2,578 mm wheelbase, resulting in maximum interior space for all four passengers. Unlike the larger Eos, the Golf Cabrio uses less space when its roof is stowed, resulting in luggage capacity of 250 litres. Furthermore, the soft-top has the ability to be opened and retracted at speeds of 19mph (30km/h). In the event of a potential rollover, retractable hoops will spring into action, which are located behind the headrests, to prevent such an outcome. On the safety front, LED rear lights, x7 airbags (driver’s knee, twin front, side and curtain), and ESP fitted as standard, in addition to the rollover hoops. In the UK, three trim-levels will be offered; S, SE, and GT with 16” alloy wheels, Bluetooth, and DAB digital radio featuring as standard equipment. An array of engines will be on hand, giving output figures ranging from 105bhp (105PS/77kW) to 207bhp (210PS/155kW). The 1.6 TDI 105bhp BlueMotion will emit 117g/km of carbon dioxide, while returning 64mpg (4.4l/100km). A 6-speed manual will be standard with the DSG transmission available as an option. The Golf Cabrio is set to undercut its larger sibling when it goes on sale in Summer with German prices starting from €23,625. UK order books open in July with deliveries starting in September. Here is the original post: New Car: 2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet Read more:  New Car: 2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet

At the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show’s media day, Saab ‘s executive director of North American sales John Anderson spoke with great enthusiasm on the upcoming Saab 9-3. While not revealing any teaser images (jokingly saying he would likely be fired), Anderson did admit to seeing the 9-3 ahead of Geneva during the festivities at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. As the Saab executive director of North American sales describes the 2012 model year 9-3 as a strong representation for Saab’s identity, the 2011 Geneva Motor Show premieres this awaited motoring creation. Being made available as a sedan, SportCombi, Convertible and 9-3X model, he 2012 Saab 9-3 trim levels choices will include a top-end Aero. Showcasing a revised front end featuring the “ice block” headlight housing incorporating a blue-green hue first shown on the new 9-5, fog lights are standard on all models of the Saab 9-3. Along the new front end treatment, the new 9-3 receives a grander front grille. On Aero models of the Saab 9-3, distinguishing details such as a mesh grille insert and chrome fog lamp surroundings while riding on special 17-inch wheels. Providing an interesting addition, 2012 Saab 9-3 will be accompanied by ‘Griffin’ badging underneath the side turn signals. Using the mythical being within Saab’s corporate emblem for a long time, the use ‘Griffin’ name plates on the 9-3 comes as Saab appears to be deempathizing their crest for the simple ‘SAAB’ badge. Griffin also charges the new Saab 9-3 with the auto company’s aircraft origin. Given a styling refresh inside the 9-3 cabin, the new Saab interior continues to cater to aircraft cockpit-themed ergonomics and materials. A healthy dose of titanium metallic trim is tastefully applied on the dashboard panel, door panels and glove box. Leatherette upholstery is standard on base models while the Saab 9-3 Aero adds ribbed leather sports seats. Aero-trimmed models of the 2012 Saab 9-3 also features the use of graphite-fiber effects. As many premium brands stride to challenge the BMW 3-Series as the industry benchmark, the new Saab 9-3 will be given an unique advantage to compete with this Bavarian auto giant. Influenced by the notion “if you can’t beat them, join...

Next week at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, ALPINA will unveil to the world the 2011 B5 BiTurbo Touring. The B5 BiTurbo Touring is the wagon variant of the B5 BiTurbo sedan model based on the new BMW 5 Series. The B5 Biturbo Wagon will offer the same powertrain as the sedan, 507 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque from a twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 unit, mated to a SWITCH-TRONIC eight-speed sport automatic gearbox from ZF. Not yet confirmed, but the expectations are that the B5 Wagon will sprint to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 187 mph (301 km/h). In comparison, the sedan version needs 4.7 seconds to reach the same speed. ALPINA’s website says the B5 Touring is “the finely honed balance between athleticism, comfort and every-day luxury that has defined ALPINA automobiles for decades”. “Five different generations of 5 Series-based ALPINA automobiles have been developed in the last 35 years, revealing to those in the know a unique and exclusive driving experience. The sixth generation draws from the finest ingredients of past generations to offer a mouth-watering driving experience for the most demanding drivers of high performance luxury cars”, a similar statement said on the website. Fuel-economy will be 10.9 liters/100 km compared to 10.8 for the sedan. Full details and photos will be released prior to the Geneva Auto Show. See the original post here: 2011 ALPINA B5 BiTurbo Touring coming to Geneva

The New MINI was born in 2000 when BMW became the new owner of the UK-based brand. The first BMW-built MINI came to life in 2001 when the company introduced the reborn vehicle at the Frankfurt Auto Show. By 2007, MINI built 1 million units and became an important player in the compact premium segment. Without a doubt, MINI has been one of BMW’s most successful investments in the history of the company and the UK-brand is aiming even higher. In the past few years, the company expanded its line-up by launching new vehicles that have and will create new niche segments. Just recently, MINI stepped into the territory of crossover vehicles and the MINI Countryman aims to bring a new demographic to the brand. At the end of this year, MINI will expand its line-up once again. The MINI Coupe comes to market with a fresh, yet classic design. Six months later, MINI Roadster aims to offer an unique roadster experience driven by the front-wheels. Furthermore, building on the successful R60 Countryman platform, MINI Paceman coupe will launch in 2013, a sibling of the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe, but with MINI accents. The design and youthful nature of the brand is expected to play a substantial role in the upcoming growth of the company. In 2013, the third-generation MINI will also come to market and by sharing its front-wheel drive platform with BMW vehicles, the company is expected to maintain its fairly affordable price point while reducing costs and maximizing profits. The newly launched program MINI Yours underlines the premium character of the brand and it aims to satisfy the demand of its customers that are looking at more ways to differentiate their cars. The MINI E Scooter could also be a major step for the company as it will position itself as a premium two-wheeler automaker and bringing a whole new audience to the brand. Last but not least, MINI’s answer to urban mobility: MINI Rocketman . Unveiled yesterday, the MINI city-car brings back the classic MINI lines and positions itself as a solution to the increased traffic in urban areas. MINI CEO Wolfgang Ambrecht said in a recent interview for Handelsblatt that the Rocketman would well within the MINI brand and the study is looking to test the reactions from the audience. Medium term, new plans forecast...

M3post member “63NP” creates the dream car for any BMW enthusiast out there: E91 M3 Wagon. The UK-based member used his 2007 BMW E91 318i with M-Sport Package as a basis for the M3 Wagon. According to the owner, some of the parts found on the car were imported from an E90 M3 sedan, fenders were custom made by combining the M3 sedan wheel arches with the E91 quarter panel, while the rear bumper is a combination between the one found on the M3 sedan with the E91 wagon. Other additions to the car include the M3 engine, front/rear running gear, front wing, bonnet and headlights. Total price has not been reported, but in our opinion, passion has no price and the conversion is quite remarkable. Now just change the steering wheel to the left side and bring it over across the ocean. This is not the first conversion of this kind. Back in 2009, Manhart Racing, a German tuner, unveiled their M3 Touring powered by a 5.0 liter V10 engine with 550 horsepower. The question remains: will BMW even consider an M3 Wagon? With the M3 Sedan being phased out in the next generation model, we believe the M3 Wagon/Touring has even lower chances to make it into production. The rest is here:  BMW owners creates the enthusiast’s dream car: BMW E91 M3 Wagon

Oxford-based MINI introduced another exciting concept this week, the MINI Rocketman , a return to the classic MINI dimensions and ideology. The urban-oriented vehicle will make its public debut next week at the Geneva Motor Show. The study car brings back the exterior dimensions of the classic MINI, but with an infusion of new ideas and design language. The unique 3+1 seater features three doors and has length just over 3 meters, cater to the urban lifestyle in big cities. MINI Rocketman makes use of lightweight design principles and an interior geared to maximum driving fun and unbeatable variability. A carbon spaceframe construction, whose striking surface structure is visible at the front end of the car, around its doors and in the interior, forms the basis for a weight-minimizing construction. Wide-opening doors with double-hinge joints and integrated sills facilitate entry into the MINI Rocketman Concept. While no mention was made about powertrain specifics, would we be far off if we expect a three (possibly two cylinder? -1,000 cc two) with a smart hybrid-nosed transmission and 10 kW or so of battery power on tap. They did mention a 3 liter per 100 kilometer fuel consumption figure (or right at 94 MPG – Imperial gallons that is, that would be about 78 MPG US). Read more from the original source: New Video: MINI Rocketman Concept

On Monday, BMW unveil the new “i” sub-brand and the first two plug-in hybrid vehicles that will launch in 2013: BMW i3 and i8. In the same press conference, BMW made another important announcement which created an extensive buzz in the Internet world. The Munich-based automaker is launching “BMW i Ventures” , a $100 million venture capital fund to develop a range of mobility-related services. The services are meant to reach even people that don’t own a car,  from parking space information, to ground transportation guidance or planing of a route using various forms of public transportation. The fund is meant for finding and helping the best and most innovative tech startups in the fields of mobility and travel. The fund’s first investment is MyCityWay, a company that develops location-aware apps for urban navigation. With BMW’s funding, MyCityWay will expand to another 40 cities worldwide, including BMW’s hometown Munich. In a short interview for Forbes, Tom Kowaleski, BMWNA vice president of Communications said “it isn’t all about putting people in a BMW or a Mini.” By offering mobility services, BMW sees a potential new source of long-term revenue. This is in its infancy. The vision behind this, as we go particularly into urban markets, is that mobility has means which have nothing to do with an automobile.” The company is currently accepting applications. The BMW i Ventures fund made the Forbes news as well and the US publication digs deeper into the subject. View original post here: Forbes: “BMW’s Newest Model Isn’t A Car”

In an unexpected turn of events, Autocar reports that the upcoming 2014 BMW i8 will receive a gasoline engine instead of the 3-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine the current prototype is using. The UK magazine quotes R&D chief Dr. Klaus Draeger who said “as we want to sell it all over the world. Diesel is only really relevant to Europe”. The news come as a surprise to us since BMW has advertised quite a bit the three-cylinder diesel engine, and in a recent interview with BMWBLOG , Dr. Philip Koehn, BMW Vice President Total Vehicle Architecture and Vehicle Concepts, said BMW chose diesel engine since it is the smallest engine available for a BMW vehicle at the moment. “The car became very efficient, the power required to maintain 155 mph is only 120 kilowatts, and we chose the smallest engine we could find in the whole company which would precisely deliver 120 kilowatts. The engine is a prototype and has never been used in a car. I believe it’s called “Engine 1″. When it was first unveiled to the world at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW introduced the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept with a 3-cylinder turbodiesel engine rear/mid-mounted. The diesel engine was said to be aided by a second electric motor residing between the turbodiesel engine and the 6-Speed DCT gearbox. The 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbodiesel engine outputs 163 horsepower and 214 lb-ft. of torque. The rear-mounted electric motor produces 33 horsepower continuously(51 hp peak) and maximum torque of 214 lb-ft. The synchronous electric motor placed at the front axle constantly outputs 80 horsepower. Extra power of 112 hp is available for 30 seconds and for 10 seconds, 139 horsepower. Total torque: 162 lb-ft. Dr. Draeger did not indicate which gasoline engine will be used in conjunction with the electric motors, most likely one of the new four-cylinder turbo engines or a brand-new three-cylinder co-developed with BMW Motorrad. On the same topic, Ian Robertson, Sales and Marketing boss, said the i8 would become BMW’s “halo” car when it is launched in 2013. “i8 will be a pinnacle car for the BMW brand as a whole, not just the i brand,’” he said. “BMW is about being premium, leading-edge technology and sportiness and this is a real halo product for us.” BMW i8 will...

The new BMW 5 Series is shaping up to be one of BMW’s most successful automobiles on the decade. The new F10 5 Series Sedan came to market last year and according to our sources, it has exceeded the initial sales expectations. Its design has been praised by automotive journalists around the world and the new luxury sedan has been already nominated for several awards. The BMW 5 Series is “Germany’s Favorite Car”, has gained “Car of the Year” awards from the UK, Bulgaria, Mexico, Thailand and New Zealand, completed both the US NCAP and the Euro NCAP crash test as the safest vehicle in its class and received, among other awards, numerous prizes for design. In the US, the 5er was nominated for the “2010 GOOD DESIGN Award”. To showcase its success and accolades received, BMW releases a report that outlines some of these global awards. Press Release: At the proving ground it immediately left the competition standing and is also right up front when it comes to public popularity. During its first year, the new BMW 5 Seriesgot off to a perfect startand is continuing unabatedly with its success story in 2011. Commanding victories in comparison tests carried out by well-known specialised media, best marks in the analyses performed by independent experts with regard to design, safety and value stability as well as an unparalleled flood of accolades in the latest reader surveys at home and abroad characterise the impressive start-up phase, which began with the market launch of the BMW 5 Series Sedan in March 2010. The outstanding desirability and popularity of the BMW 5 Series is also reflected in the sales figures. Demand was additionally boosted with the launch of the new BMW 5 Series Touring. Since October 2010, the BMW 5 Series has been global market leader in the premium segment of the upper midrange class. During the course of 2010, a total of 211,968 vehicles of the BMW 5 Series were sold worldwide, this representing an increase of 22.6 percent over the previous year. In the spring of 2011, diversity of the BMW 5 Series model range will be extended yet again. Intelligent four-wheel drive technology BMW xDrive can now be combined with three engine variants featured in the BMW 5 Series Sedan and it will shortly be introduced in the BMW 5 Series Touring....

Maserati puts its most powerful V-8 into its heaviest car. When an open-topped version of a car comes along, it’s invariably accompanied by a weight increase over its coupe analogue. Such was the case with the GranTurismo Convertible , but now Maserati has a solution to that problem: give it more power. And so the GranTurismo Convertible Sport is born. Keep Reading: 2012 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows Related posts: 2012 Jaguar XKR-S Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows 2009 Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic – Auto Shows 2011 Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale – Auto Shows Excerpt from: 2012 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows Continued here: 2012 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows

Volkswagen’s newest convertible is not for us. The first Volkswagen Cabriolet—based on the first-generation Rabbit—was a huge success, but the company’s last economy convertible was the Golf III, face lifted in 1999 to resemble the Golf IV. After that, the Golf Cabrio’s place in the lineup was filled by the Beetle convertible and, to a lesser degree, the Eos. But VW has reconsidered and is re-launching the softtop Golf Cabriolet at the 2011 Geneva auto show . It is based on the current Golf MkVI and arrives curiously late, considering that the entirely new Golf MkVII is just around the corner. Perhaps another cross-generational freshening is in the plans. Keep Reading: 2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet – Auto Shows Related posts: 2010 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion Diesel – Auto Shows 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows The Continental: PSA and BMW Do Hybrids, Golf Cabriolet Coming to Geneva, VW Up for Frankfurt, and Audi A2 to Return Read the original post: 2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet – Auto Shows Read the original post:  2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet – Auto Shows

Ford’s new Focus feels fine, and it’s fairly swift, too. Suavely shaped, swift on the run, and sophisticated in handling, technology, and amenities, the 2012 Ford Focus has a tough road ahead trying to turn a profit for its maker. Why? Keep Reading: 2012 Ford Focus SEL – Short Take Road Test Related posts: 2010 Ford Fusion SEL V6 – Short Take Road Test 2011 Ford Fiesta SEL – Short Take Road Test 2009 Ford Focus SES Sedan – Short Take Road Test Continued here: 2012 Ford Focus SEL – Short Take Road Test Read the original: 2012 Ford Focus SEL – Short Take Road Test

Thought the Murano CrossCabriolet was weird? Get a load of this. If you thought the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet was weird, well, you were right. Still are, actually. But look at what Carlos Ghosn has unveiled for the other half of his Nissan-Renault empire. The Captur concept is a crossover with a removable roof, a diesel engine, butterfly doors, and a bungee-cord interior. Renault says it’s an example of the brand’s future styling direction and also that the concept portends a production model. Keep Reading: Renault Captur Concept – Auto Shows Related posts: Renault DeZir Concept – Auto Shows Renault Ondelios Concept – Auto Shows Renault Twizy, Zoe, Fluence, and Kangoo Electric Vehicles – Auto Shows Read more here: Renault Captur Concept – Auto Shows Read more: Renault Captur Concept – Auto Shows

Looking for a friskier Fiesta? Americans will have to wait until the arrival of the turbocharged  Fiesta ST , but in the meantime Europeans can check out the Ford Fiesta S1600, a warmer version of the hatch, limited to just 500 copies. The three-door Fiesta’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder has been gently tuned, upping the output to 132 hp and 118 lb-ft, from the standard 118-hp, 112-lb-ft rating. Paired exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission, Ford says this is enough to propel the little car to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. For reference, we found that a stick-shifted American-spec Fiesta SEL with 120 hp needed 9.3 seconds for the same task. To enhance its street cred, the S1600 is equipped with a new front fascia and side skirts, a rear diffuser and spoiler, chrome exhaust tips, and rally-cool 17-inch white wheels. The sporty runabout is available only in blue and white, with body-length stripes in the contrasting color. Driver and passenger are ensconced in heated leather sports seats, and are treated to standard automatic climate control and Bluetooth connectivity. Black leather with blue stitching wraps the steering wheel, shifter, and parking-brake handle. At £15,895, the S1600 is about 10 percent more expensive than the 118-hp trim level below it. That seems like a reasonable asking price, but with the turbocharged Fiesta ST just around the corner—and probably packing a 180-hp punch—we’re more than content to let the Brits hang on to this one. Related posts: Ford Racing Launches Fiesta Rally Experience Ford Launches PowerShift Dual-Clutch Transmission in Europe 2011 Ford Fiesta – Video Read more: Ford Launches Limited-Edition Fiesta S1600 in Europe View original post here:  Ford Launches Limited-Edition Fiesta S1600 in Europe