They may not be lighting up the sales charts yet, but cars you never thought would be sold in the United States have been brought over. Chevrolet Spark, Smart a few years back, the Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta – these are international vehicles that traditionally have had very little appeal here. There certainly has been a bigger focus than ever on B- and C- segment vehicles. As far as crossovers, we’re seeing this as well. Buick has taken a lead with the 2013 Encore. BMW is following up with the X1, and rumors are Audi could follow suit with the Q3. In Beijing, Ford is entering the segment with the EcoSport. And it is small – very small. Word has it the U.S won’t get it, for now. 100 other markets around the world will though. EcoSport was developed in Brazil by a global development team, and it will play a big part of Ford’s efforts in China. Production will take place in Chongqing China, Camacari, Brazil, Rayong, Thailand and Chennai, India. They aren’t messing around with this launch. It is designed to be a big seller in developing markets, with a capable nature evidenced by its high ride height and available features like Hill Descent Control. As its name indicates, the centerpiece of the EcoSport is an EcoBoost powerplant. But it isn’t an EcoBoost engine like any we’ve ever had. It is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder unit, making 118 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. We’d like a little more power please… The model Ford is showing off is the EcoSport Titanium. It includes 16-inch aluminum wheels, SYNC, Smart Keyless Entry, Ford Power Start (whatever that is), a cooled glove box, Hill Descent Control and rear parking sensors. No word on how much it will cost. With 100 markets getting it, is Ford wrong about bringing it here? Would there be a market? We have no idea. While cool, this isn’t one we’re pining for. Check out our gallery below and decide for yourself. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts View original here:  2013 Ford EcoSport SUV To Be Sold in 100 World Markets

Picking a car in the full-size luxury segment would be a hard choice. There are so many impressive vehicles: Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, to a name a few. We love each of the aforementioned cars. If it were our money though, we’d probably have to pick “none of the above” by opting for the Jaguar XJ. It oozes style and class, and is more exclusive than each of those cars. Particularly sumptuous and uniquely British interior has us won over. It is so luxurious. Now the XJ has just gotten even more so, thanks to the Ultimate Edition, which is being launched in Beijing. Ultimate Edition is one of the components of a push by Jaguar at the upper reaches of its model range. We’ve told you the Chinese are all about their chauffeur-driven luxury sedans, and as such, the XJ Ultimate Edition is all about the back seat. What an interior! The Ultimate Edition ditches the traditional rear seat bench for two “individually-tailored” rear seats covered in semi-aniline leather. They include all the control and comfort you could ask for, with power adjustment and recline, lumbar support, a massage function (!) and climate controls. In between the passengers is a prominent center console covered in leather and featuring phosphor blue LED accent lighting. The experience is tailored for the on-the-go business customer. There is a button-activated business table made from solid aluminum and piano black trim. In the seat backs for each passenger are iPads with keyboards and dedicated leather-trimmed charging docks. Of course, there is also rear seat screens and wireless headphones. Machined aluminum, Herringbone wood veneer and special blue LED lighting round out changes to the interior. On the outside, “discreet” badging and 20-inch “Maroa” wheels are the only differentiators. Under the skin, Jaguar has reconfigured the suspension to “optimize rear ride comfort.” The XJ Ultimate Edition is powered by the British brand’s 5.0-liter V-8 making 510 horsepower. 30 examples are destined for the U.S, all finished in Black Amethyst and priced from $155,000. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Original post: 2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate Edition Priced From $155,000

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has returned to Auto China in 2012 with a world debut. The new Phantom Extended Wheelbase takes centre stage in the company’s largest market, where the majority of Phantom buyers commission this ultimate expression of a Rolls-Royce. The launch in Beijing follows last year’s global debut for Ghost Extended Wheelbase in Shanghai. Phantom Extended Wheelbase completes the Phantom Series II family, following the debuts of Phantom Saloon, Phantom Coupé and Phantom Drophead Coupé at the Geneva motor show in March. The launch also comes as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars continues to grow in China, having opened three new showrooms this year, with five more to come in the near future. “I am proud to present our new benchmark of automotive luxury in China,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “No other luxury product comes close to Phantom Extended Wheelbase in staging an object of exquisite beauty, effortless opulence and grand theatre. I am delighted that our discerning Chinese clients continue to value Phantom Extended Wheelbase so highly. And with the changes for Series II I am confident that it will continue to retain its position at the very pinnacle of the ultra-luxury goods marketplace for many years to come.” Phantom Series II evolves the iconic Rolls-Royce Phantom which was launched on 1 January 2003 at the company’s new home and headquarters in Goodwood, England. And like other Phantom Series II models, Phantom Extended Wheelbase features significant improvements in design, drive-train and technology. Encapsulating the changes that lie beneath is a striking new front-end design, complete with re-styled bumpers and rectangular light apertures. Fully-LED headlamps as standard deliver a characteristic whiter light, and encompass technologies that automatically change the shape and direction of light beams according to road orientation and in response to different driving conditions. New driver assistance technologies ensure that Phantom Extended Wheelbase retains its reputation for effortlessness. A modern user interface with re-designed multi-media controller, for example, controls a new satellite navigation system with functions that include 3D maps with landscape topography, guided tours and composite route...

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has returned to Auto China in 2012 with a world debut. The new Phantom Extended Wheelbase takes centre stage in the company’s largest market, where the majority of Phantom buyers commission this ultimate expression of a Rolls-Royce. The launch in Beijing follows last year’s global debut for Ghost Extended Wheelbase in Shanghai. Phantom Extended Wheelbase completes the Phantom Series II family, following the debuts of Phantom Saloon, Phantom Coupé and Phantom Drophead Coupé at the Geneva motor show in March. The launch also comes as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars continues to grow in China, having opened three new showrooms this year, with five more to come in the near future. “I am proud to present our new benchmark of automotive luxury in China,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “No other luxury product comes close to Phantom Extended Wheelbase in staging an object of exquisite beauty, effortless opulence and grand theatre. I am delighted that our discerning Chinese clients continue to value Phantom Extended Wheelbase so highly. And with the changes for Series II I am confident that it will continue to retain its position at the very pinnacle of the ultra-luxury goods marketplace for many years to come.” Phantom Series II evolves the iconic Rolls-Royce Phantom which was launched on 1 January 2003 at the company’s new home and headquarters in Goodwood, England. And like other Phantom Series II models, Phantom Extended Wheelbase features significant improvements in design, drive-train and technology. Encapsulating the changes that lie beneath is a striking new front-end design, complete with re-styled bumpers and rectangular light apertures. Fully-LED headlamps as standard deliver a characteristic whiter light, and encompass technologies that automatically change the shape and direction of light beams according to road orientation and in response to different driving conditions. New driver assistance technologies ensure that Phantom Extended Wheelbase retains its reputation for effortlessness. A modern user interface with re-designed multi-media controller, for example, controls a new satellite navigation system with functions that include 3D maps with landscape topography, guided tours and composite route...

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents the Ghost Six Senses concept, a highly-bespoke luxury model that encapsulates the richness of experience that comes as standard with any Rolls-Royce and takes it to a new level of sensory indulgence. Approaching this luxurious Rolls-Royce and opening its coach doors immediately ignites the senses for sight, taste, touch, sound and aroma. And the sense of surprise and delight continues as guests encounter the lavish use of soft, sumptuous leathers, finest veneer detailing and special bespoke enhancements. “The Ghost Six Senses concept is a luxurious environment designed for the most discerning of individuals,” commented Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce CEO. “It delights the senses and draws you into somewhere that transcends the interior of a car. Relax for a few moments and you will experience something that is hard to define, but which our customers understand so well. “It can be likened to an aura, a sense that the stunning hand-made interior embodies something of the heart and soul of each proud craftsperson involved in its creation. That’s a uniquely Rolls-Royce sixth sense that this car presents so elegantly.” Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is the world’s leading luxury goods manufacturer.  And while the world of luxury presents many objects of desire that captivate one or more senses, it takes one of these hand-built cars to awaken all five. Sight Beautiful and elegant, a Rolls-Royce Ghost is a sign of impeccable taste, a luxury car that is instantly pleasing to the eye. Ghost Six Senses’ pearlescent Carrara White finish complements new forged alloy wheels while eyes are immediately drawn to rich interior detailing upon entry through its coach doors. The deep lustre of the Walnut Burr veneer complete with diagonally-oriented, brown oak cross-banding, are designed to hint at the extraordinary power at the driver’s disposal. Sound For more than 100 years the sound of silence has driven the Rolls-Royce brand. But 21st century Ghost and Phantom models also present an auditorium in which the most advanced systems can deliver music in the most impressive fashion. The concept audio system in Ghost Six Senses richly fills the spacious rear cabin thanks to its upgraded amplifier and the inclusion of ‘exciter’...

At the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, BMW introduced the all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase. Geared towards the fast-growing Chinese market, the 3 Series Li will be available by the end of this year and will compete with similar offerings from the Audi. The F30 3er Li will be manufactured in China and the extended platform will be the same one used for the upcoming BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. Chinese customers can choose from the BMW 335Li, the BMW 328Li, or the BMW 320Li, each fitted with a powerful and efficient engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology. Here is the official introduction by BMW Board member, Ian Robertson: Dr. Ian Robertson Ni men hao ladies and gentlemen! I’m so happy to be back in Beijing. And I’m thrilled to present to you, for its world premiere, the new BMW 3 Series Sedan in the long wheelbase version! At the BMW Group, we are driven to delight all of our customers. And, of course, we do this by understanding their needs and desires in every market we serve. The BMW 3 Series long wheelbase is a perfect example. It shows our focus on the Chinese customer, as well as our commitment to the Chinese market. The 3 Series Li offers the perfect marriage of: sporty performance, elegant design, and cutting-edge technology. Customers here in China can choose from one of three available models, the: BMW 320Li, BMW 328Li, and the BMW 335Li. All three of these cars come with our latest TwinPower Turbo Technology, ensuring maximum power. And when it comes to sporty performance, the six-cylinder 335Li is ready to run with over 300 horsepower. Tailored to the wishes of our customers, this car’s performance has been expertly balanced with its elegant design. The luxurious interior makes use of high quality materials put together with precision craftsmanship. And with an extra 11 centimetres added to its wheelbase, the BMW 3 Series Li offers the most comfortable rear seats in its segment. Its focus on aesthetics continues beyond the interior. The exterior design language is striking: sporty and self-confident with a real presence. For those customers who desire an extra touch of individualization, this car will also be offered in the Sport, Luxury, and Modern Lines. Both the BMW 3 Series Sedan in the long wheelbase version and the new...

Mainstream electrification could accelerate thanks to the EN-V. Chinese electrification is a whole different monster In the next 30 years, the world population is going to increase rather significantly and 80 percent of that growth is going to occur in the 25 largest cities in the world according to recent analysis by BMW . Personal transportation as we know it, simply won’t function in these megacites, and in many major Chinese cities, this urban mobility shift is already underway. While electrification will undoubtedly be part of this future, just electrification won’t be enough. That’s why in China electric bikes and 3-wheelers are becoming extremely popular, far more popular than conventional electric cars. Consequently, GM’s EN-V could be more necessary and revolutionary than the Chevy Volt. In the last 10 years e-bike sales have exploded in China, and the latest craze is 3-wheeled electric vehicles according to NTDTV . To drive such vehicles owners don’t need a license and they can utilize bike lanes, which helps these drivers bypass traffic. Yes, top speed is just 20 mph, but at a cost of just $600 – $1,500, this transportation option is cheaper and often more efficient than a conventional car. And upgraded versions of this idea, such as GM’s EN-V could take this trend to the next level. The latest EN-V can be driven in all weather conditions, adds climate control, and new personal storage options. Plus, it could be fully-autonomous, which means that personal ownership might not even be required. Instead, consumers could lease time, or buy rides from an automated taxi. Or, just have access to cheaper parking solutions. Plus, thanks to the latest sensor and safety software capabilities, such a vehicle could still be extremely safe. In my opinion, the only mistake GM is making with the EN-V right now is branding it a Chevy in China, where GM’s Buick brand resonates. But seriously, while concepts like the EN-V might seem far-fetched in the US today, the market is absolutely ready for them in China if priced right. In fact, mainstream automotive electrification might accelerate much faster than anticipated, but thanks to EVs like the EN-V rather than the Chevy Volt. And since China is supposed to be the key EV...

The BMW i8 Concept Spyder is celebrating its world premiere at the Auto China 2012 in Beijing (23 April – 2 May 2012) and the rear-end of the car clearly bears the eDrive emblem for the new technology. In future, the designation eDrive will identify the drive technology for all electric and plug-in hybrid cars from BMW i. BMW eDrive comprises the components of the electric drivetrain: the electric motor developed in-house by BMW, the lithium-ion battery, and finally the intelligent motor management system. This technology ensures that electromobility with BMW eDrive offers a unique experience. This is because the full torque of the electric motor is available from a standing start and the acceleration unfolds continuously in thoroughbred electric vehicles until the top speed is attained. Vehicles with BMW eDrive technology are therefore extremely agile and offer enormous driving pleasure. The lithium-ion battery cells and the intelligent motor management system also offer a substantial increase in range and power for the vehicle. The future will see BMW eDrive technology empowering all electric drives – electric and plug-in vehicles from BMW i – giving them the capability for being particularly dynamic and smart. [Source: Autohome.com.cn ] Continued here:  2012 Beijing Auto Show: BMW i8 Spyder

The BMW Z4 GT3 will be representing the BMW Motorsport colors at this year’s 24 Hours Nurburgring. Expectations will, of course, be very high for the fortieth anniversary of BMW Motorsport. This year too, the Schubert BMW team will be taking their places on the Nürburgring with the BMW Z4 GT3. Owing to their DTM commitment, the Schnitzer BMW team will be unable to pilot the BMW M3 GT at this year’s 24 Hours. The Schubert team have therefore set themselves the target of overall victory with the BMW Z4 GT3. And BMW Motorsport will be giving them all the support they need for this target. All of them experienced BMW Plant racers, BMW Driving Experience Chief Instructor Claudia Hürtgen, Dirk Adorf, Uwe Alzen, Dirk Müller, Jörg Müller, Nico Bastian, and Dominik Schwager will be piloting the two BMW Z4 GT3 models in the BMW Motorsport colours. The Schubert BMW team already won its first victory in 2012 at the last VLN race on the Nürburgring – so the high expectations seem to be justified. For the 2012 season, also the Vita4One team headed by Michael Bartels have decided to pilot the BMW Z4 GT3 at both the FIA GT1 World Championship and the 24 Hours Nürburgring. Here some key figures on the BMW Z4 GT3 (Source: BMW Motorsport): Having passed its initial test drives after its official presentation in early March 2010, the BMW Z4 GT3 is now enjoying great popularity among BMW Motorsport customers. The BMW Z4 GT3 will be used in championship races according to GT3 rules (e.g. the FIA GT3/GT1 European Championship, the International GT Open, and the ADAC GT Masters) and in 24 hour races. Also the series BMW Z4 model knows how to impress: With its elongated bonnet, large wheel cutouts, long wheelbase, and short overhangs, this sports car presents an unmistakable look. The two seater provided a good basis for the BMW Motorsport engineers to derive a GT3 racing car close to series production. The greatest difference between the series and racing vehicle can be found inside: Whereas the series BMW Z4 vehicle is powered by an inline six cylinder engine, the drive behind the racing version is now provided by eight cylinders with a total displacement of 4.4 litres. This power core delivers over 500 hp. Owing to its excellent performance characteristics and good torque...

Yesterday, the Bucksnort Racing BMW 325 kept turning fast laps and avoiding black-flag-triggering screwups while most of the competition broke their cars . While the Bucksnorts had a big lead starting Sunday’s race session, we’ve learned from experience that a last-hour thrown rod or rash of on-track misbehavior can— and often does — derail what looks like a sure chug to victory. This time, though, the storybook ending actually happened; after nine races of struggling and gradual improvement, Bucksnort Racing took the checkered flag with a huge 15-lap margin of victory. If any team ever earned a LeMons overall win the hard way, this is it. Congratulations, Bucksnort Racing! Now you can go ahead and ditch the E30, because it’s time you started your quest for the Index of Effluency. We suggest a Renault Fuego Turbo for your next car. The Index of Effluency is, of course, the top prize of LeMons racing. Much as Bucksnort Racing struggled for years to take a win on laps, the LemonAid Racing Geo Metro team has been campaigning their three-cylinder Suzuki in pursuit of the IOE… and their 15th-out-of-62-entries finish left no doubt that they’d earned the big one this time. Yes, the most wretched commuter appliance this side of the Subaru Justy managed to crush three-fourths of its rivals, including numerous Integras, 944s, E30s, SE-Rs and various muscled-up Detroit bombs. Well done, LemonAid Racing! The Organizer’s Choice trophy was taken home by a team called “You came in that thing? You’re braver than I thought!” This aptly-named team races a fire-spitting Porsche 944 with several hundred pounds of backyard body modifications, the engine out of a Thunderbird Turbo Coupe under the hood, and a life-size Darth Vader on the roof. We had no choice but to give the Most Heroic Fix trophy to the New Zealanders of Apocalyptic Racing and their 1978 Toyota Celica. We’ll be telling their story in more detail in the near future, so we’ll do just a summary for now: The car shot a connecting rod through the side of the block several minutes into the race. Apocalyptic Racing removed the offending piston and patched the shattered engine block with license-plate aluminum and JB Weld. The result didn’t run so...

Two new engines with forced induction will join Jaguar’s roster in the company’s push to grow sales in the U.S., Europe, and China. A supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 has been derived from Jaguar’s outstanding 5.0-liter V-8, and will make 340 hp in most applications. The upcoming F-type sports car will debut the engine, and will exclusively offer a special 380-hp version. We’re guessing the high-po V-6 is being kept out of the sedans for now because it would overlap with the naturally aspirated V-8, which is rated at 385 hp. Since the F-type is probably not being engineered to take a larger eight-cylinder engine, there’s no risk of duplication. Jaguar isn’t talking about torque for either version of the supercharged six yet, but a variant of this engine previewed in the C-X16 concept car —the forbearer of the production F-type—delivered 332 lb-ft. Comparison Test: 2011 Audi A8L vs. 2011 BMW 750Li, 2011 Jaguar XJL Supercharged Instrumented Test: 2012 Jaguar XJL Supersport First Drive: 2012 Jaguar XKR-S On the smaller side, Jaguar is introducing a 240-hp turbocharged four. In all likelihood, this is the same 2.0-liter engine used in the Range Rover Evoque —itself borrowed from Ford—although the Jaguar version is rotated for longitudinal installation. Jaguar’s turbo four has the same displacement down to the cubic centimeter, bore, and stroke as the Evoque’s four, as well as Ford’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine in the Escape , Explorer, Edge, and more. Based on that, we’re pegging the still-not-announced torque rating for Jaguar’s version of this engine at a healthy 250 lb-ft. Both engines will use an eight-speed transmission, sourced from ZF and also used by BMW, Audi, Chrysler, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley. It’s likely that the F-type will also offer a manual gearbox with its V-6, but it hasn’t been confirmed yet. You’ll probably be forced to choose the automatic if you want the optional engine stop-start system, though. How Do They Stack Up? Jaguar is joining a growing list of premium automakers offering force-fed V-6s. BMW’s newest turbocharged inline-six makes 300 hp and 300 lb-ft in smaller cars like the 335i , and as much as 315 hp and 330 lb-ft in the big 740i . The supercharged...

The 2012 BMW MFest wraps up today and once again, the M special event has proven to be successful and entertaining. Hundreds of M cars from around the country, and even Canada, joined the MFest in the Sin City to showcase some of the latest mods and tuning skills. Same tuning shops took the event to a new level by offering the participants hot laps around the track with professional drivers. Yours truly had the unique opportunity to ride the 700hp M3 built by EuropeanAutoSource. We captured the event essence through hundreds of photos and we invite you to click through them and admire some of the most innovative M cars out there. Read the rest here: Photo Gallery: 2012 BMW MFest

Acura’s relaunch is kicking off. Over the past year we’ve seen the small ILX sedan, redesigned RDX crossover, upcoming RLX and the NSX Concept debut. The only thing left untouched so far is the best-selling MDX. With Acura’s quick pace at getting a thoroughly redesigned lineup launched, it can’t be too far behind. This latest generation of Acuras has toned down styling (and pricing), and we think it hits just about the right note for Acura. Competing against Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz proved to be a fruitless pursuit, especially without an appealing design language or a willingness from Honda to put in the required investment. When ILX was first heard about, we didn’t have high hopes given its Honda Civic underpinnings. After seeing it though, it largely exceeded our expectations, at least as far as styling is concerned. Entry-level small luxury is burgeoning segment and the Acura ILX goes right against the Buick Verano. Out of the two, the ILX definitely looks more youthful on the exterior while Verano has the clear edge on the interior. It’ll be interesting to see who wins in the sales race. Somehow we’d have to probably bet on the ILX, but we’ll see. Acura has announced pricing for the new small sedan. It starts at $25,900 and includes a good amount of standard kit. Under the hood, a 2.0-liter 150 horsepower 4-cylinder is standard, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Adding options and upgrading the engine will tick the price up significantly. A fully-loaded hybrid ILX with a navigation system will ding the cash register at $34,400. Too much money in our book, and the hybrid is utterly pointless. Honda has never gotten them figured out. But, we digress. The standard 2.0-liter car loaded costs $31,400, giving Acura a nice margin on the Civic-based sedan. If you’re getting the ILX, the engine and tranny combo to go for is the 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 201 horsepower, mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual. That will set you back $29,200 with the Premium package. At these prices, we’d rather try to save longer and get into a 3-Series, IS or A4. That’s just us though – what do you guys think? Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts See the original post: 2013...

It may not be the first, and probably wont be the last, but a reader sent in this YouTube video of a 1M crashing in China. The errant driver made a few textbook mistakes while spinning his (or her) 1M into a few other cars. The car looks salvageable, so the good news is: the world is not short a 1M. Check out the video link below. http://youtu.be/4iHqzufd_ZE [Source found here ) Original post:  First 1M crash captured in China

To find out which German turbocharged 4-cylinder sports sedan sits at the top in their segment, U.S. magazine Road and Track tests the BMW 328i against the Mercedes-Benz C250 Sport. With the new generation F30 328i, BMW moved away from the six-cylinder engine and into the era of four-cylinder turbocharged units. Initially the move was received with skepticism by consumers and BMW fans, but recent tests have proven that the four-banger is a phenomenal unit. The 2.0 liter inline-4 makes 240 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, compared with 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque found in the previous E90 328i. Mercedes-Benz C250 Sport comes fitted with a 1.8-liter powerplant rated at 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. As for transmissions, the 7-speed 7G-tronic Plus automatic is the only one offered for the C250 Sport, while BMW offers the 328i with either a ZF 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual as standard option. As tested, the 2012 BMW 328i costs $50,870 and the C250 Sport comes in at $41,880. A full review and verdict, can be found in the video below and at Road & Track . The rest is here: Video: Road & Track – BMW 328i Sedan vs. Mercedes-Benz C250 Sport