Volkswagen has revealed its updated Caravelle MPV, which has new engines and smarter looks. On the outside, the Caravelle now looks classier, thanks to a face-lift that incorporates the latest VW family look. The changes include: new rear light clusters, chrome side trims, reshaped door mirrors, restyled front end with new panels, headlights, front grille and bumper. Interior upgrades include a more high-quality interior, three-spoke steering wheel, redesigned instrument display, gear-shift indicator, optional USB connectivity and the latest VW stereos with touch-screen-based hard-drive navigation systems. The four new 2.0-litre common rail diesel (CRD) engines boost fuel economy, cut CO2 emissions by 10% – down to 190g/km and improve refinement. The engines have outputs of 83bhp, 102bhp, 140bhp and 178bhp, and some will be available with VW’s latest seven-speed DSG semi-automatic transmission. Safety equipment has also been upgraded in the Caravelle. An updated stability control system, hill-start assist and an emergency brake light function have been added, while VW’s Side Assist lane-change system, which warns drivers of hazards in the car’s blindspot, is now an option, along with a new tyre-pressure monitoring system. UK prices and specifications for the new Caravelle have yet to be confirmed, but will be released closer near to its launch in January 2010. Mainland European sales will start in October 2009. Press Release: New generation of the Transporter, Multivan, Caravelle and California: New versions of the best-selling series begin in Autumn 2009 New Common Rail TDI drops fuel consumption by up to 1.9 litres New front design in keeping with the stylistically refined Volkswagen Design DNA New infotainment and driver assist systems for optimum comfort and safety New generation of ESP including the hill-start assistant comes as standard in all vehicles. The Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan and California – these are the four basic versions of an internationally best-selling vehicle so popular that is has sold in the millions. For its huge fan base, people like service providers, trades people, families, business people and globe trotters, these multi-talented vehicles are an automotive way-of-life, a symbol for endless...

Just recently Porsche tuner Gemballa released first details about their version of the four door Porsche Panamera . This time another well known Porsche tuner 9ff has released details about their performance packages and body kit for the Panamera. 9ff offers three power levels for the Panamera Turbo. 500 horsepower stock engine can be upgraded to 550 hp, 600 hp and 650 hp. 9ff bodykit for the Panamera includes a new front bumper, a new front lip, a new rear bumper with bigger diffuser in combination with 4 rounded exhaust pipes and new side skirts. The 650 hp version also gets a new engine bonnet with air vents for reducing the heat in the engine compartment. Stock wheels are replaced with huge 22-inch 3-piece 9ff disc design wheels. 9ff can also modify the interior with new materials and colors. We expect 9ff to release more photos and of course details about performance numbers in the near future. Stay tuned for more! Press release: 9ff shows its first performance packages simultaneous with the launch of the Panamera. 9ff also offers a bodykit for the brand new sports limousine. 9ff, the specialist for turbo powered engines offers Turbo performance kits for the new Panamera which starts at 550 HP and actually reaches up to 650 HP. Moreover the company offers the first time a bodykit which reflects the additional power to the exterior. The bodykit contains a new front bumper in 9ff design with optimized airflow, a new front lip for better performance at top speed, a new rear bumper with bigger diffuser in combination with 4 rounded end pipes and new designed side skirts. The performance kits starts with the 9ff PT-55, which gets an ECU upgrade and 9ff Sport air filters and reaches 550 HP and a torque of 760Nm. The next level is the 9ff PT-60, which produces 600 HP and a torque of 800 Nm for the sporty 9ff Panamera customers. At his conversion the kit gets an additional 9ff sport exhaust system with sport catalytic converters which produces the typical 9ff turbo exhaust sound and is good for better performance. The recent peak of the 9ff Panamera conversion stages is the 9ff PT-65, 650 HP, 850 Nm of torque and a performance which is similar to supersportscars. The 9ff PT-65 gets a 9ff sport air filter, 9ff ECU, 9ff engine cover, 9ff illuminated door...

Just few days ago we reported that Gumpert apollo sport lapped the famous 13 mile Nürburgring in 7:11,57, which was the new lap record for road legal cars. Now there is a new KING of the RING with a new time of 6 minutes and 48 seconds. Even though Radical SR8LM does not look much of a street car it is street legal(in most countries), so its time of 6:48 makes it the fastest production car on the Nürburgring. Of course it is debatable how much of a production car it really is. 455 horsepower SR8LM was driven by Michael Vergers. “The car was great, I could push really hard and it felt clearly faster than the previous SR8 in 2005,” said Vergers. “It’s fantastic that we’ve beaten the record; hopefully I’ll get an opportunity to return with Radical in the future.” Radical co-founder Mick Hyde said: “I’m obviously delighted, the record has been a real team effort headed up by Phil Abbott and Rob Wheldon. Dunlop have supplied us with brilliant, hard-wearing trackday tires, indeed we’ve only used one set to both drive to the ‘Ring, and set the record. “We’ve proved that the SR8LM is not only the world’s best trackday car, but it’s also practical enough to drive to and from the circuit. It is a genuine production sportscar, with genuine performance credentials, as we’ve shown today.” The rest is here: Radical SR8LM smashes Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record See more here:  Radical SR8LM smashes Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record

General Motors today revealed the first image of the new 2010 Chevrolet Agile for the Brazilian market. Sales in Brazil will begin in October later this year with a 1.0L 4-cylinder engine under the hood. “The Agile goes beyond a traditional hatchback. Our task was to conduct a vehicle for a demanding client. Great design, interior space and a crossover , ie a car transpired versatility to attract customers from a different urban public or to a surfer who loves the countryside, “said Carlos Barba, General Director of GM Design Mercosur. Honestly, we’re a bit disappointed by the looks of the new 2010 Agile, especially when compared to the sketches revealed last month . No word on whether the Agile will provide the basis for the next-generation Aveo in the United States, but we sure hope not. Especially, if it’s looking to compete with the Ford Fiesta. 2010 Chevrolet Agile : – By: Omar Rana       The rest is here:  2010 Chevrolet Agile revealed, will it work as the Aveo replacement? The rest is here:  2010 Chevrolet Agile revealed, will it work as the Aveo replacement?

Vorsteiner unveils their new GTS3 styling package for the BMW E90/E92 M3 models. Featured exclusively on the E92 M3, the GTS hood has two air vents, revised central power dome and rolled composite carbon fiber edges. The BMW M3 aggressive look gets extended further by the GTS package with a new front bumper which includes redesigned side ducting eyebrows, revised center mouth opening and  lowered ground clearance. Front bumper options include among others a full visible carbon fiber construction w/ carbon fiber front spoiler attachment and Dry Vacuumed Woven Plastic construction w/ carbon fiber front spoiler attachment. No pricing was announced at this time. Press Release We are proud to release our all-new limited edition GTS3 line up for the BMW E92/90 M3 models consisting of a full front bumper & hood replacement unit. GTS3 Front Bumper features (Application: E90/E92 M3 Only): Vacuum Bagging Carbon Fiber Construction (Optional) Utilizes all factory mounting points, screws, grills & ducting Revised center mouth opening with 6.35mm extension Lowered ground clearance with downward extension of 25.4mm Redesigned side ducting eyebrows to enhance appearance Replaceable 1-Piece Design Carbon Fiber Front Splitter Improved overall aerodynamics & increased airflow to radiators & air box [Available Front Bumper Options:] Full visible carbon fiber construction w/ carbon fiber front spoiler attachment Dry Vacuumed Woven Plastic construction w/ carbon fiber front spoiler attachment 1-Piece carbon fiber front splitter attachment (Shown Above) 2-Piece carbon fiber splitters (Available in September 2009) As part of new the GTS3 front fascia we have also developed a new functional power dome vented carbon fiber hood to replace the factory aluminum unit. GTS3 Vented Power Dome Hood features (Application: E92 M3 Only): Vacuum Bagging Carbon Fiber Construction (Optional) Utilizes all factory mounting points, screws & shocks Revised central power dome with sharper tension edges Integrated dual ventilation openings for engine heat extraction Rolled composite carbon fiber edges [Available Vented Hood Options:] Double sided carbon fiber construction w/ carbon fiber underside paneling Single sided carbon fiber construction w/ black DVWP underside paneling [Source:...

With a launch date set for Detroit Auto Show in January 2010, BMW continues the testing of its second generation X3. This latest test mule was spotted at the famous Nurburgring track in Germany and continues to feature the now famous BMW psychedelic camouflage. The 2011 X3 test mule is still in the pre Final Evaluation Phase, but as we enter the Fall season, we expect it to drop some of the camo tape. Not many new details are revealed in these new shots, but we will recap what we know so far. The new 2011 BMW X3 platform is largely derived from the next generation 3 Series. The X3 will be the first model the preview this platform and it will showcase some design elements that will be shared across the BMW family. The overall design of the new X3 is sleeker and more dynamic than the first generation mid-size SAV and it will be marketed as a performance oriented Sports Activity Vehicle. The roof line is slightly lower than the current X3 and the corners are more refined and rounded. Since it will grow size, the 2011 X3 will make room for the recently unveiled BMW X1 as an entry level in the BMW X-family. The new X3 will have similar dimensions as the first generation X5, implicitly offering more cabin and cargo space. The interior design will evolve as well and it is expected to share some design cues from the X1 as well. The 2011 BMW X3 will be offered with a wide range of powerplants. So far we confirmed that two petrol and four diesel engines will be offered, but we do expect to see more powerplants in Europe. The new, redesigned X3 will be built at the Spartanburg Plant in South Carolina, along with the BMW X5 and X6. [Source: Worldcarfans ] Read the rest here: 2011 BMW X3 shows up at Nurburgring

You all know that we love renderings, especially the ones of BMW models, but sometimes you come across an artist that goes too far. Back in May, the Iranian artist Emil Baddal came up with an interesting BMW Superport concept , a rendering fairly appreciated by the community, but today, he returns with a new concept study designed under the name BMW 250tti Supersport. While the name sounds exciting, the design is totally “overdone”. The rendering shows a “Batmanish” type of vehicle that has absolutely nothing in common with the BMW spirit…okay, I’ll give him this, the 3 Series Sedan front grille is kinda visible. We do support from time to time these independent artists and we like to give them props for their work, but this time, we’ll go with thumbs down. Yes, we know, he got the exposure he probably wanted to, but that doesn’t make us fans of this work….. Next please! [Source: Designerspace via Carscoop ] Read more here: BMW 250tti Supercar Concept – When renderings go too far

BMW car conversions are becoming more popular and extremely spectacular every single team. Just last week, we spoke about the BMW E30 M3 V10 project completed by PiperMotorSport in Virginia. And today, we have something new, as much as spectacular as the previous one and maybe even more. On the German website mobile.de , an online vehicle marketplace, there is a listing of an E91 BMW 3 Series turned into an M3 version with ……are you ready for this? a 5.0 liter V10 engine from the M5 which produces 550 horsepower. The engine is matted to the M5 E60 7-Speed SMG transmission. Some of you might recall that back in May, another German based company, Manhart-Racing, managed to squeeze into the M3 Touring a V10 engine from the E60 M5. The listing price of this M3 Touring with the V10 engine is set by the owner at 117,810 euros. Not the most affordable M3 you can buy, but the car comes with many other mods as well. Inside, the regular seats have been replaced by the Alcantara bucket seats from the BMW Performance Catalog. The steering with LED style shift indicators built into it, shorter gear stick, carbon fiber trim and Performance brakes, are just some of the other BMW Performance perks that come with the car. As any respectable sports car, the M3 Touring V10 comes with upgraded suspensions, 20 inch wheels and new exhaust system. At this price, it will be interesting to see how fast and if they will find a buyer, but as we have always said: there is always a buyer for a car, especially when money is no issue and you can have the honor to own one of the few M3 Tourings…of course, unofficial ones. See the original post: BMW M3 Touring 5.0 liter V10 engine with 550 horsepower

We have just learned that BMW issued a recall of some 2009 BMW Z4 models, both variants: sDrive35i and sDrive30i. The recall notice doesn’t specify how many vehicles have been recalled, but it mentions the reason: a defective crimp connected in a belt tensioner wiring plug. The defective connector may lead to increased electrical resistance of that connection which could cause the seat belt tensioner to fail deploying in a crash. A similar recall was issued last month for some 2008 1 Series and 3 Series models. For more information on the recall and contact phone numbers, please see the text below: Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): BMW / Z4 2009 Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC Mfr’s Report Date: AUG 11, 2009 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V327000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING Potential Number of Units Affected: Summary: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 Z4 30I AND 35I VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 10 AND MARCH 19, 2009. A DEFECTIVE CRIMP CONNECTOR IN A BELT TENSIONER WIRING PLUG MAY LEAD TO INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THAT CONNECTION. Consequence: INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE IN THAT CIRCUIT COULD CAUSE THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER TO FAIL TO DEPLOY IN A CRASH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INCREASED INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT. Remedy: THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED THE AGENCY WITH A REMEDY OR NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117. Notes: OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV More: BMW is recalling certain Model Year 2009 Z4 30i and 35i

Yesterday we started our second phase of the “Be A  Designer” project with the new BMW 7 Series being in the center of attention. To stat on the same subject, the new 7, we are going to show you a new review of the car, this time published by Motor Trend. Overall the new BMW 7 Series F01/F02 has been well received by the BMW community and most of the reviews we have seen were quite positive, including ours. Does Motor Trend share the same feelings? But let’s take a look at this new review: Okay I’ll come right out and admit I’m one of the haters. The iDrive era 7s and I have never gotten along. I’ll be the first to grant that this iDrive is WAY better than the old ones. In fact, there’s quite a lot to like here. The new styling is pleasing from most angles (the nose is maybe a bit blunt from pure profile). The displays are superb. I’m not sure I’ve ever used a better head-up display (it disappears when you wear polarized glasses, but I think there’s no avoiding that). The reverse camera image is higher definition than I can recall seeing in any other recent lux machine. You can read the full article here, but let’s focus for a moment on their last paragraph: I suppose the 7 Series may be the best handling of the leviathan luxobarges, but who cares? How much time will owners spend at the limits of adhesion in such a large car? I spent my week trying to shuttle three passengers around in comfort, which I think is more the idea of these whoppers. And the 7 just isn’t great at this task. Between a heavier-than-necessary throttle and possible turbo lag or jerky transmission response, it’s trickier than it should be to waft smoothly and swiftly away from a stop. No, I’d take an S-class today or maybe wait to sample the new Jag XJ. I remain uninterested in the 7. We’ve come to realize that each car has different “owners”, to some the new 7 was still too soft, even in Comfort, while to others is simply to harsh. Same car, different perception, but it is somewhat expected. As far as the turbo lag….sure, there is tiny lag in there, but it is far from being noticeable by many people and truth is that these turbocharged engines have come a long way. It’s the...

This past weekend closes another chapter in the history of the Monterey car weekend. Events such as Concorso Italiano and the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance draw huge crowds and some of the most exclusive cars from around the globe. Celebrities such as Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld attend and display cars in the events. Also, former BMW design head Chris Bangle serves as an honorary judge the Pebble Beach show. Though the weekend is more focused on exotic cars, BMW always has a strong showing across the various shows and auctions. The variety of bimmers is impressive, from old school classic BMWs to the latest models. More photos and stories to follow. Thanks for the photos John! See original here: Photos: BMWs at Concorso Italiano

The Honda Insight has been criticized for having very close similarities to its Toyota Prius rival; however, Honda is rejecting those claims and says that it did not try to mimic the design of Toyota’s popular hybrid. “We don’t think it looks like the Prius at all,” said Nobuki Ebisawa, managing director at Honda R&D. “There may be some similarities in the roof line, but it is clearly different.” Ebisawa says that the Insight shares most of its design cues with Honda’s FCX Clarity and the CR-Z concept. He said similarities between the Prius and the Insight only exist in the roof-line, which maximizes aerodynamics and makes room for a hybrid system. 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid : 2010 Toyota Prius : – By: Omar Rana Source: AutoCar             Read the rest here: Honda: The Insight does not look like the Toyota Prius View post: Honda: The Insight does not look like the Toyota Prius

General Motors Company confirmed today that it will invest $43 million in Brownstown Township, Mich. to manufacture lithium-ion battery packs for the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid. The location will be the first lithium-ion battery plant in the U.S. operated by a major automaker. The plant, which will be called GM Subsystem Manufacturing LLC, will provide more than 100 jobs. GM said that its $43 million investment includes “renovation and lease costs for the 160,000-square-foot landfill-free facility, new machinery and equipment, and special tooling. Installation of the equipment is under way and production will start in the fourth-quarter of 2010. Follow the jump to read the press release . 2011 Chevrolet Volt : Press Release : GM Begins Work at Michigan Facility Where Batteries for the Chevrolet Volt Will Be Manufactured – Brownstown Township to be first high-volume U.S. automotive lithium-ion battery manufacturing site – Facility will create more than 100 new, advanced technology jobs BROWNSTOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – General Motors Company will invest $43 million in Brownstown Township, Mich. to manufacture lithium-ion battery packs for the Chevrolet Volt and other extended-range electric vehicles. It is the first lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant in the U.S. operated by a major automaker, and demonstrates GM’s commitment to deliver more fuel-efficient vehicles to consumers. The plant will provide more than 100 advanced technology jobs and will be part of a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors called GM Subsystem Manufacturing LLC. Local and state incentives, along with Recovery Act funding announced last week by the U.S. Department of Energy, are helping to make the facility possible. The investment includes renovation and lease costs for the 160,000-square-foot landfill-free facility, new machinery and equipment, and special tooling. With the exception of specialized battery machinery and equipment, GM is reusing equipment from other GM facilities. Equipment installation at the Brownstown site is under way and production will start in the fourth quarter of 2010 to support the launch of the Chevrolet Volt. “Developing and producing advanced batteries is a key step in GM’s journey to become the...

The now famous BMW/MINI rumormill is buzzing with word that a  MINI Performance Crossover for the enthusiasts crowd is being considered for development. While we’re still waiting for the official launch of the “regular” Crossover, MINI continues to plan an extension of their current line-up by introducing vehicles that would target a new demographic. We’ve already learned that a MINI Speedster and a Progressive Activity MINI – Spacebox – are being developed with a delivery date set in the next two years. With so many new models launching in the near future, one cannot stop to wonder if MINI is overreaching and expanding into new areas that could diminish the brand and upset the crowds. Let’s take a look at the short blurb released on Germancarzone by one of the BMW/MINI insiders: The photo showcases the MINI Crossover Concept revealed at the Paris Motor Show last year “After the initial probation period of the upcoming MINI Crossover , BMW will expand the Crossover’s portfolio to introduce a MINI Crossover for enthusiasts. Known internally as the “Porsche Cayenne Turbo” of MINI it will be separated from the initial versions including the JCW. Distinctive features that will separate this model from the core MINI SAV’s , will be a uniquely designed areodynamic kit utilizing chunkier broadened wheelarches , with specially designed 18 inch “X” spoked-wheels that will fill the arches and a blacked out unique grille with a larger pronounced airscoop will signify that the changes will not be restricted to just the design. Although bench prototypes are utilizing BMW and MINI engines , a breakthrough model could include a unique to MINI version of an award winning BMW diesel powerplant for an additional model and for more appeal and efficiency. The interior will receive four individual sporting bucket seats and extra grab handles at the center console. Signature interior colors as well as exterior colors and graphics will make this special MINI SAV stand out from it’s other family members. The Special Performance MINI SAV is aimed at more enthusiasts that might not be convinced of the original car. And customers who might want something small fast and premium without the huge premium...

The Nissan Murano crossover, first released in 2003, was a big hit for Nissan. Practical looks, a great powertrain, and a high level of utility made it a winner that competes with the Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Chevy Traverse. In 2007 as sales started to decline, Nissan pulled the Murano off the lots for 2008 and began working on an updated model for 2009 without straying too far from the winning Murano formula. Much of the design was kept the same, but they modernized it up a bit. More curves for a muscular appearance, bigger wheels, taillights flipped on their side, and the front grille and fascia have been redesigned. As long as you’re looking at it from the rear, it’s still attractive, but turn it around and the weird grill-over-headlight awkward design makes me gag. If you like that design, great, but it’s a deal-breaker for me. Despite the strange appearance in the front, the 2009 Murano is greatly improved over the last generation. The most significant difference in the new Murano is the interior. Instead of taking the “shove a third row in there” approach like most manufacturers, Nissan decided to make the existing seating more comfortable. Both front and rear passengers have plenty of room to stretch out, and you can still store enough in the back to go on a family vacation. Our cloth seats were comfortable, and the interior is well designed, save for a few details. The LCD display that would otherwise house the navigation system looks awful. The big, ugly, bright orange screen displaying only audio info, time, and climate control information has a thick black stripe across the middle that doesn’t display anything. I first thought the screen was broken until I realized it’s just poor design. The instrument panel is attractive. Nissan strayed from their normal “just make everything ugly orange” philosophy and threw in some attractive white numbers against a silver background with only the lighted ring around the gauges and needles lit orange, if you’re not counting the driver info display. The dash is otherwise user-friendly; nothing too fancy, a nice symmetrical design, and easy to learn. For me, the 2009 Nissan Murano’s drivability is its greatest asset. Steering...