The 2005 VW New Beetle was to femenine for the male species, the 2012 model will finally man up Those who are looking to purchase a VW Beetle will only be able to order from present stock, as no more factory-built orders are being taken. This is because Volkswagen is making way for its new Beetle. Volkswagen UK has said there are around 42 unsigned hatchbacks and 3 unsigned cabriolets. A further 222 hatchbacks and 87 cabriolets are sitting on dealer forecourts, unsold. Sales of the new Beetle will commence in Winter 2011. View original post here: Volkswagen stops taking orders on current Beetle (UK) View original post here: Volkswagen stops taking orders on current Beetle (UK)

Time will tell whether Mercedes buyers value various levels of mileage & whether hybrids prove more attractive than oil burners Read the original post: Protect Your Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid

American heart and Italian soul combine in an iconic race car for this—or any—decade. We recently attended an exclusive test session for the Ferrari 430 Scuderia–based P4/5 Competizione, a one-off race car built to compete in the brutal 24 Hours of the Nürburgring this June. We’ve compiled videos, a full photo gallery, and a history of the iconic ’60s Ferrari P cars that served as inspiration—and that’s on top of the in-depth look at this menacing car and its owner, Jim Glickenhaus. Forget the tidbits, all you need to know is right here. Keep Reading: The Un-Ferrari: Shaking Down the P4/5 Competizione – Feature Read more from the original source: The Un-Ferrari: Shaking Down the P4/5 Competizione – Feature Read the original post: The Un-Ferrari: Shaking Down the P4/5 Competizione – Feature

Shanghai will see the launch of the upcoming Chevrolet Malibu, however, the firm will also present the finished product on Facebook. The brand has released a teaser picture – showing the rear LED tail-lights – and video showing the exterior designer playing around with a hologram. The Malibu will replace the ill-fated Epica in the European and Australian market The 2012 Malibu will be a global car, going on sale in Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, and North America. Underpinning the Epsilon structure, U.S models will be powered by a 180bhp (178PS/134kW) 2.4 litre and a 3.0 litre V6, developing 260bhp (256PS/194kW). A mid-hybrid will also be offered. European models will be equipped with a range of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder petrol and diesel units, linked to manual and automatic transmissions. The interior will receive a major overhaul with more soft-touch materials being used. Malibu exterior designer, Dan Gifford Teaser video: Read the rest here: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu to be unveiled in Shanghai and on Facebook View original here:  2012 Chevrolet Malibu to be unveiled in Shanghai and on Facebook

At first look, the Volkswagen Polo may seem to be just an ordinary supermini hatchback. Save for the elegantly designed exterior, nothing seems to be out of the ordinary for this vehicle. However, upon closer inspection plus the fact that the car was manufactured by a leading German automobile company, you will soon realize that it is more than just a small good looking car. The car is a unique testament to German technology and engineering. The Polo is obviously constructed with quality and durability in mind. For a small car, the Polo is packed with a multitude of features but these features vary with the chosen Polo variant – either the Trendline, Comfortline, or Highline variant. The Trendline variants are equipped with external features such as bumpers that match the color of the body, front grill with chrome strips, 6 years of anti-corrosion warranty for the galvanized body, an absorbing glass that is tinted green, halogen headlights, as well as full wheel covers to complement the 14 inch steel wheels. Trendline comfort features are plentiful such as air conditioning; a digital clock, fuel meter, coolant temperature and oil pressure warning lights; centralized locking; front wipers; a detailed instrument cluster containing the speedometer, tachometer, trip odometer, and standard odometer; front controlled power windows; steering wheel tilt and telescopic adjustable; a push style fuel lid; a roof antenna with partial pre-wiring; as well as a 14 inch spare wheel. The Comfortline variants include the external and comfort features of the trendline variant including exterior mirrors and door handles that are the same color of the car body as well as a driver seat with adjustable height and a 60:40 split folding backrest for the rear seats. The Highline variants include the exterior and comfort features of the Comfortline variants including 15 inch alloy wheels, keyless entry with a remote control for the opening and closing of windows, multi-function displays including warning lights for open doors, and a radio with a CD/MP3 player installed with 4 speakers. The three variants have varied features with the trendline covering the most basic and the highline featuring all upgrades. Likewise, a price of a new VW Polo for sale will vary depending on the variant...

American car maker, Buick has slipped a teaser picture of the Envision concept, before its world premier at the upcoming Auto Shanghai 2011. The concept was developed in alliance with the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Centre. According to GM, the Envision is a crossover that features “an elegant and smooth exterior that emphasizes its modern styling and contemporary sportiness.” The showcar is likely to avoid Buick’s blimpish design language. Power is likely to be sourced from an innovative plug-in hybrid system. See the rest here: Teaser: 2011 Buick Envision concept Read the original:  Teaser: 2011 Buick Envision concept

The interwebs are on fire today over a photo of the new BMW 1 Series F20 apparently leaked by German magazine Autobild. The usual suspect aka BMW insider Scott27 launched this rumor in the BMW community and the photo is slowly starting to spread around. Unfortunately, while the photo is very close to the real deal, the supposedly leaked 1 Series is nothing more than a rendering. The details indeed reveal more how the final product will look like, but there are some subtle design cues missing from the image. We’re assuming that Autobild has somehow seen the new 1 Series already and used the visual details to draw the rendering. The new 2012 BMW 1 Series Hatchback will be revealed this summer and will make its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. At launch time we suspected the new 1er will be using a range of three and four-cylinder engines, but latest information reveal that the F20 1 Series will debut with four-cylinder bangers only. The 116i and 118i will be powered by a new four-cylinder turbocharger, while the 116d and 118d will make use of diesel powerplants. Our sources also indicate that the LED signals made their way onto the side mirrors, an interesting move by BMW and likely followed by future models. Stay tuned for more information from Autobild in the upcoming days! [Photo by Autobild | Info by BimmerToday ] Read the original:  Autobild leaked the new BMW 1 Series? No. Just a rendering

Kia has revealed the Naimo electric crossover at today’s Seoul motor show. Taking its name from the Korean word “Ne-mo”, (pronounced ‘Neh-mo’, meaning ‘square shape’), the Naimo was formed by Kia’s international design team in Seoul. The concept features a wrap-around windscreen and a asymmetric sunroof, to emphasise the vehicles simple yet modern design. The design team at Kia also used advanced technology to give the Naimo an upmarket feel. For instance, there are no front windscreen wipers because a high-intensity air jet at the base of the windscreen performs as an ‘air wiper’ function. The door mirrors are replaced by cameras integrated into the A-pillars. Inside, the interior was designed to with hand-crafted materials throughout, like Korean oak used to trim the interior door panels and the entire interior floor and Korean “Han-ji” paper is used for the head lining. Measuring at 3,890mm in length, the Naimo’s generous wheelbase, width and height (2,647, 1,844 and 1,589mm respectively) guarantee that the cabin provides exceptional head, leg and shoulder room for the occupants. The concept has no B-pillars and features rear-hinged rear doors to increase access to the cabin, and a three-way split opening bootlid allows versatile access to the load bay for varying luggage sizes. Power comes from a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with a maximum output of 108bhp (109PS/80kW) and maximum torque of 280Nm (206lb-ft), enables Naimo to reach a top speed of 93mph (150km/h). A twin-pack 27kWh battery is located under the boot floor and uses innovative Lithium Ion Polymer technology that offers numerous advantages over other battery types. Equipped with this battery, Naimo provides a driving range of 124 miles (200km) on a single charge. To enhance range, the showcar is fitted with special low-drag 20” alloy wheels. Under the quick recharging cycle (50kW) the Naimo’s battery can be recharged to 80% of its capacity within 25 minutes. Under the normal cycle (3.3 kW), 100% power is attained after five and a half hours. Read the original post: Concept car: Kia Naimo Read the original:  Concept car: Kia Naimo

Providing a brief teaser video in their Facebook page, Chevrolet readies the launch of their most important mid-sized sedan, the 2013 Malibu. Giving a momentary peek at the next generation family sedan, styling input was clearly garnered off the preciously regarded Chevrolet Camaro (inspiration that needs no apologies). Lead exterior designer of the upcoming Chevrolet Malibu Dan Gifford narrated the intent for the new car’s shape as being more “athletic” and “aggressive“. Focused on “strong wheel-oriented forms“, Gifford continued describing the benefits of the 2013 Malibu’s additional width. The hood and deck lid are also detailed by featuring “dynamic surfaces” which will manipulate light. Chevrolet has also detailed the powerplant expectations for the next Malibu as derived from a family of four-cylinder engines. To be built on the same Epsilon II platform as the Buick Regal, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is likely to feature a turbocharged and eAssist model. All engines will run through one of the 2013 Malibu’s 6-speed transmissions (assume both a manual and automatic option). As Chevrolet continues to assert itself as a global brand, the next generation Malibu is positioned for an important role as a world car. Forecasted for nearly 100 markets around the globe, the auto company took special considers for the official unveiling their sedan with equal regard across the planet. Using a location where much of the world shares easing access, the Internet will be the site where General Motors opts to introduce potential customers and automotive fans to the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu on April 18th. Most specifically occuring on April 18th at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time, Chevy’s social network page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/chevrolet) as well as Apple iPad and iPhone devices will offer live streaming of the 2013 Malibu’s grand exhibition. Born as a dressed-up version of the Chevrolet Chevelle, the Malibu name borrowed from a sunny locale within California. Outliving the Chevelle, the Chevrolet Malibu would endure from 1964 to 1983 as a hot-selling workhorse for the popular American auto brand. The Chevrolet Malibu was forced in 1984 to give way to the front-wheel drive Celebrity as marketing slowly began to retire the brand’s longer running...

German tuner Wimmer continues to tinker with Mercedes’ C63 AMG with the introduction of new upgrades for the car. Although Wimmer had introduced tuning options for the C63 AMG previously, the recently-announced upgrades are a further refinement. Horsepower is now a shade over 600, with a corresponding increase in torque to 531 lb.ft. Compare this to the original 6.3 liter engine, which had an original output of 450 horsepower driving the 7G-Tronic SpeedShift gearbox. Even the limited-edition 2011 C-Class DR520 falls short of Wimmer’s mods, being rated at 520 hp and 480 ft.lb of torque. To get to this level, Wimmer reworked the cylinder heads, installed sport camshafts, optimized the air intake and replaced the exhaust system with a custom manifold, sport catalytic converters and stainless steel piping all the way to the mufflers. All these mods will set you back around $28,000, but 600 horsepower does not come easily, specially with an engine that already comes highly-tuned from the factory. For another $5,000, you can order a wheel and tire combo made up of 19-inch BBS CH-R alloy wheels and sticky Dunlop tires. See original here: Wimmer Upgrades Give C63 AMG 600 Horsepower

The key to future Big 3 profits? Fuel economy the key driver for US automaker profits? CAFE requirements haven’t been the best way to drive US fuel economy averages higher. Thus, while aggressive new CAFE requirements might not push US fuel economy to the highest levels possible, they could still drive increased profits. New research by Citi Investment Research, Ceres and a number of other researchers suggests that new CAFE standards, even 62 mpg by 2025, would actually be good and profitable for the US auto industry. “Our research indicates that increasing industry average fuel economy to 42 miles per gallon by 2020 could raise industry variable profit by $9.1 billion, or 8 percent. Most of the added profit, $5.1 billon, could go to the Detroit 3.” Specifically, in terms of US automakers and suppliers “narrowing the historical gap between Detroit 3 fuel economy and competitors”; especially in “light trucks and larger cars, in which the Detroit 3 sport a greater share, have greater potential to add consumer value through improved fuel economy than competitors’ smaller cars and trucks.” According to the research, technologies such as turbochargers, direct injection, and dual-clutch transmissions can  increase fuel economy and profits even if gas prices dropped down to $2.00 per gallon. Additionally, electrification technologies, led by hybrid cars , will continue to increase share, but improving the performance of conventional vehicles will be the key profit drivers according to the research. Obviously a very interesting study, although other studies have both supported and contradicted these findings. I’m sure more studies will follow. Minimally, however, there does seem to be at least some potential that higher fuel economy standards could be good for consumers, automakers, the environment, and US energy security. Go here to see the original: Study – Higher CAFE standards will drive bigger Big 3 profits

Is Mazda working on their own mini-MPV? A mysterious Mazda test mule has been spied by our boys outside a Jaguar compound in Germany. The cut-and-shut 2003 2 (Demio overseas) – using the current Mazda2 ’s fascia – could potentially conceal Mazda’s own mini-MPV or Ford’s forthcoming B-Max mini-MPV. The latter sounds more probable since the license plates are registered in Cologne and the mule sports the name ‘Chiara’ at the rear. The windscreen is more upright and placed further forward, the bonnet is sat high than usual B-Segment cars, and weights taped on the roof to simulate a high profile all hint at a mini-MPV, in addition to the repositioned fuel cap and wide wheelarches. While we can’t see much of the interior, the leather steering wheel boasts a dark blue Ford badge and the overall cabin looks hints at the recent Ford Focus , further suggesting this may be a Ford mule. At this time, we can only speculate until more information becomes available. 5×2-spoke alloy wheels look similar to the current Fiesta’s See original here: Mysterious Mazda mule spied in Germany Read the original:  Mysterious Mazda mule spied in Germany

After a 13-day journey across the south of Australia, the F-Cell World Tour of Australia will end in Perth on April 10 Read more here: Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Drive Begins Australian Tour

Compliance with the stringent safety standards of Mercedes-Benz was a central consideration for the SLS AMG GT3 Continued here:  Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 Meets Safety Standards for 2011 VLN Season

Alfa Romeo has launched the refreshed MiTo supermini in Europe. The brush up includes new exterior colours, wheel trims, interior fabrics, engines, and optional equipment. All engines are now Euro5 compliant and feature a stop/start system as standard. Four trim-levels will be available in Italy; Progression, Distinctive, “Super” and Quadrifoglio Verde. The base 1.4 litre 78bhp (77PS/58kW) petrol engine will cost from €15,500 (£13,625) and returns 50.4mpg (5.6l/100km). Mid-spec ‘Distinctive’ can be powered by the 1.6 JTD 120bhp (118PS/89kW) that starts from €22,550 (£19,820). The engine line-up is complete with a 1.4 MultiAir petrol unit that produces 105bhp (106PS/78kW), 135bhp (133PS/101kW), and 170bhp (168PS/127kW) - the latter two being turbocharged – and a 95bhp (94PS/71kW) 1.3JTDM-2. The former engine, in 135bhp (133PS/101kW) guise, is mated to the new double-clutch TCT transmission. Diesel engines have service intervals of 35,000km (21,750 miles). Lastly, the Blue&Me Tom-Tom multimedia system now features. And when fitted, an integrated 4.3” touchscreen lets the user control the display, phone, and media within the car. View original here: New Car: 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo More:  New Car: 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo