The guessing is over: Audi has decided on a location for a new production site in North America—and it will be in Mexico, not in the U.S. The premium carmaker today announced it would build an SUV model in Mexico from 2016 onwards. The decision comes as a disappointment to those Volkswagen managers who had hoped Audi would build its plant next to VW’s in Chattanooga, Tennessee . But the Volkswagen Group has a strong presence in Mexico as well: There is a production site in Puebla and an engine manufacturing plant in Silao. The location of Audi’s plant will be decided later this year. Audi itself has never operated a manufacturing site in North America. The premium brand is lagging behind Mercedes-Benz and BMW, both of which are producing SUV models in the U.S. for both the U.S. and global markets. Audi is aware of the fact that a Mexican-built vehicle won’t carry the “Made in the USA” moniker, nor will it be regarded as highly as its German-produced vehicles—and this may be a problem for some customers. The brand will say that an SUV will roll off the Mexican lines; so far, the brass at Inglostadt is yet to say which ones. Company sources hint at the next-generation Q5 , based on an evolution of the MLB platform. Audi could also make the Q7 , whose second generation will stand on a stretched MLB platform. Both vehicles will be based on what is essentially a front-wheel-drive platform and be powered by longitudinally mounted four- and six-cylinder engines; V-8 engines are possible for the Q7. The same platform will be used by a number of VW and Audi sedans, the next-gen VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, and the Q5′s sister model Porsche Macan. As Audi moves production to a North American plant, it must avoid some the quality problems that have plagued not only VW’s Golf and Jetta, but also the early examples of the Mercedes-Benz M-class. But the benefits outweigh the risks. With the new plant, Audi will able to hedge currency fluctuations, production will be cheaper than in Europe, and the NAFTA customs regulation will allow Audi to make cars at far lower cost. Don’t expect the cars to get cheaper, but consider buying shares. View post: Audi to Open Production Facility in Mexico Original...

Fiat Viaggio – Italian for Dodge Dart. Viaggio means journey Italian, fitting for a car making its passage from the United States to Europe. The consolidation of Fiat-Chrysler is resulting in some interesting product synergies. Originally Dodges were supposed to be rebadged Alfas (thankfully that didn’t happen) and now Chryslers are sold as Lancias. The 300 is sold in Europe as the new Lancia Thema. After the partnership began, the main thinking was that full-size cars would be developed here in America, and the small cars in Europe. That is an area of their expertise, after all. Instead, Dodge primarily took the developmental lead with the Dart. Of course, underneath the Dart is underpinned by a modified version of the Alfa Romeo Giuletta’s platform. This platform is set to provide the basis for a lot of future Fiat/Chrysler Group small cars. Tracing the lineage of different models can be quite difficult – it isn’t cut and dried. So now Fiat is taking the American Dart and lightly modifying it for Italian duty. For its international passage, the changes will mainly consist of redesigned headlights, front clip and rear taillights. No word on the interior, but if the Dart is any indication it should be very good. While the Dart is an impressive package to be sure, its styling has never really impressed us. Funnily enough, from what we see right now the Viaggio looks better. It wouldn’t have to happen that way huh? Liking what we can’t have. However though, it is just a few images – we’ve yet to see the whole thing. Fiat is teasing these few pictures ahead of the Viaggio’s debut at the Beijing auto show later in the month. We’ll have to see in more detail what changes Fiat has in store for its new small car. Its a strange new world isn’t it? Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Here is the original: Italian Dodge Dart: 2013 Fiat Viaggio Teased

NASCAR and electric cars? Those two seem like an oxymoron, with entirely different fan bases for each. A burbling V-8 that burns gas and rubber versus quiet and eco-friendly. We love both, but this is an interesting juxtaposition. The Focus Electric is launching this year with a price tag of $39,200 and a range of about 75 miles. As part of an advertising campaign to launch the car, Ford is going to use the Focus Electric as a pace car in the Sprint Cup Richmond 400 on April 28th. The Focus Electric will be the first electric vehicle to serve as a pace car. Ford set another first in this area when the first hybrid to start a NASCAR event was a Fusion Hybrid at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2008. Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas says: “Highlighting the Focus Electric as a pace car is a fun way to educate consumers about the kinds of benefits our electrified vehicles deliver and show people our commitment to provide Ford customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy in the vehicle that best meets their needs – from EcoBoost®-powered gasoline vehicles and hybrids to plug-in hybrids and full electrics.” Ford says about 35 percent of new car intenders are motorsports fans, and that 78 percent of them like NASCAR. Ford race fans are also 67 percent more likely to consider Ford products than the mainstream market is. Showing off the Focus Electric is a good way to demonstrate Ford’s diversity and technological prowess. It is more than a token now than anything though. Electric technology clearly has a way to go, as evidenced by the $39,200 price tag and 75-mile range. As this point, Focus Electric would only make for a second car – electric cars need at least a range of 150 or 200 miles to make real headway in the market. Extended range electric vehicles have a much more promising future right now. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts View original post here: Ford Focus Electric To Make History As First EV Pacecar

The Ford Mustang has always been a uniquely American product if there ever was one. The pony car craze started with the original 1964 Mustang and while it has waxed and waned, never left the American auto scene. When the competition saw the original Mustang, they didn’t think it would be a success. But a success it was, and one of the most enduring for Ford Motor Company. Chevrolet tried catching up with the original Camaro, and saw some success but never captured lighting in a bottle like the original Mustang. The current Camaro nearly repeated this; coming years after the Mustang. History began to change with the Camaro consistently outselling the Mustang in the sales race. Over the years the Mustang has consistently led. Now, a new report is out saying that Ford is looking to turn the Mustang into more of an international product. The current car, like all previous generations, has been designed specifically for the American market – in other words to fit our regulations and the like. Barb Samardzich, head of Ford Europe, says the next-generation Mustang will be designed to meet European Union pedestrian safety rules. Popular Hot Rodding has a big new feature article on the 2015 Mustang that is a must-read. A desire to move into the future and be sold in global markets like the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan is resulting in a big change in focus. The next-generation Mustang will be sleeker, and more modern – aiming to carry Mustang in to the future. It’s true, you can only look back for so long. We’re eager to see what Ford design comes up with to take the car into future. Also in the article is news that the next-gen Mustang will be dropping by about 300 pounds. Losing weight like this would mean a big boost in performance right off the bat, without having to crank up the power output. Under the skin, the car will also finally be getting the long-awaited independent rear suspension. The magazine reports that the next-generation car will debut at the 2014 New York International Auto Show, in time for the Mustang’s 50th birthday. 50 years is a long time, and it makes the 2015 car the most important Mustang yet. We can’t wait to see what they come up with. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts See...

Consider this: with 1.200 horsepower and over 1,100 pound-feet of torque, the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse may well be the world’s fastest hair dryer. It will sprint from 0-62 mph in just 2.6 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 255 miles per hour. If the weather’s good, the targa-style roof panel can be removed for open-air motoring, although there’s no place to carry it on board the car. If there’s a chance of rain, the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse works just fine as a coupe. While Bugatti hasn’t officially announced U.S. sales of the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, those with sufficient interest and sufficient funds will likely find a way to obtain one. In Europe, the asking price is around two million euros, which translates to $2.6 million. You won’t see very many of these on the road, so this Bugatti-produced video may be the best chance you’ll have to see the car up close and personal.   Go here to read the rest: Bugatti’s Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse Up Close And Personal: Video Go here to read the rest: Bugatti’s Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse Up Close And Personal: Video

A three-door BMW M135i test mule was spied at the Nurburgring race track during a testing session. Last month, BMW introduced the M135i Concept at the Geneva Motor Show, but most of the specs remain unknown until market launch later this year. In the typical BMW marketing lingo, the Munich-based automaker only revealed the engine size, 3.0 liter turbocharged, and power output above 300 horsepower. Also according to M, the M135i model includes an M sports braking system perfectly adapted to match the supreme road performance. 18-inch M light alloys with a double spoke design additionally complement the concept car’s sporting character. The M135i will debut in Europe this year and BMW has no plans to bring the M Performance hatchback to the U.S. Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with BMW M boss and more news on M Performance Automobiles. [Source: CAR via Autoblog ] See the original post:  Spy Video: BMW M135i at the Nurburgring

What It Is: Essentially, a Mini John Cooper Works hardtop with more muscle and less flab. This won’t be the first time the Works has hit the gym—for 2006, a run of just 415 John Cooper Works with GP kits came to the U.S., bringing a slight boost in power, a sharply tuned suspension, big four-spoke wheels, a unique gray paint scheme with lipstick-red mirror caps, and a bracket-style rear spoiler. More significant, perhaps, is what it left behind: the back seat and A/C, resulting in a 62-pound weight loss. Watch for most, if not all, of said modifications to apply to the next limited-edition model along with one or two new features. Keep Reading: 2013 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works GP II Spy Photos – Car News Here is the original post: 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP II Spy Photos: More Power, Less Weight Go here to read the rest: 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP II Spy Photos: More Power, Less Weight

Taking on the competition While new to North America last year, the Mazda2 is in its second generation and has been an award winning car in both Europe and Asia. The front-wheel-drive subcompact was completely redesigned for the 2011 model year and was left untouched for 2012. The Mazda2 competes in the crowded subcompact segment and takes on the likes of Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic, Fiat 500, Hyundai Accent and Kia Soul. This week we’ll be test driving the Mazda2 Touring model ($15,855). Touring model gets extra upgrades Inside, Mazda2 Touring comes standard with reclining front bucket seats with six-way adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split folding rear seats, tilt steering column, remote keyless entry, and full power. It gets upgraded cloth upholstery with three-dimensional seat fabric with red piping, six-speaker sound system, and a multi-functional leather steering wheel. Outside it gets a rear roof spoiler, fog lamps, and 15-inch alloy wheels. The 2012 Mazda interior is about what you would expect from the segment. There‘s not a lot of flash, but it gets the job done. Hard plastics are used throughout the cabin which is typical for this class. There isn’t much legroom in the back, but the 60/40 split rear seats fold flat to allow for 27.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Small but potent The Mazda2 uses a proven 1.5-liter double-overhead-cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine that produces 100 horsepower and 98 pound-feet of torque. While it doesn’t sound like much, the variable valve timing gives it more low-rpm torque and higher-rpm horsepower. The Mazda2 will run 75 mph in the fast lane all day long and is fun to drive. We test drove the Mazda2 with the four-speed automatic and felt it was a bit slow to respond pulling hills. The five-speed manual would offer a sportier driving experience.The automatic and the manual are rated the same with an EPA estimated 29 City/35 Highway mpg. The suspension uses MacPherson struts in front and a trailing-arm torsion beam in back which kept the 2 flat in the corners with very little body lean. The Mazda2 delivers on its zoom zoom promise The Mazda 2 is very competitive in the subcompact segment that offers so many choices. Its exterior styling is eye-catching and sporty and...

BMW’s forward electric propulsion thinking is rooted in development vehicles such as the MINI E, and more recently, the Active E. The drivetrain found in the new i vehicles was developed using the 1 series platform, and the frankenstein electric 1 series was coined the Active E during its development and trial period. With the release of the i3 nigh, BMW will soon be retiring the Active E concept study, but it’s great to see it once again on the show floor in NYC. Enjoy the photo gallery of this significant car in BMW’s electric drive development. “The BMW ActiveE is the BMW Group’s next systematic step towards an emission-free, mass-produced electric vehicle. Within the framework of project i, the BMW Group is carrying out research and development work on the realisation of electrically powered vehicles. The main focus is on the concept of a Megacity Vehicle (MCV) that meets the demands of a sustainable mobility solution for congested urban areas. For this purpose, the BMW Group is conducting field tests on an internationally unparalleled scale for the use of purely electrically driven vehicles in everyday road traffic. Ongoing field tests in the USA and Europe involving more than 600 MINI E cars are already providing vital knowledge about the demands on future electrically powered production vehicles. Starting in 2011 in the USA, Europe and China, a test fleet of over 1000 BMW ActiveE vehicles, produced at the Leipzig plant, will provide further valuable insights into the everyday use of the vehicle. The findings will serve to deepen the knowledge already gained on the everyday use of electric vehicles and to learn more about customer requirements. The feedback from customers testing the MINI E and the BMW ActiveE will be fed directly into series production of the MCV, which the BMW Group will be launching under a new sub-brand in 2013. With the BMW ActiveE, the BMW Group is extending field tests on electric mobility with a clear perspective of series-production capability and is intensifying research into electric mobility in everyday road traffic. For this reason, the drive components and energy storage units that will be used in the MCV are being tested on the BMW ActiveE at a pre-production stage. The knowledge gained will be fed...

BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announce that they have signed an agreement on collaborative research in the field of next-generation lithium-ion battery cells and have begun said research. The agreement follows the memorandum of understanding concerning a mid-to-long-term collaboration on next-generation environment-friendly vehicles and technologies announced by the two companies on December 1, 2011. The research project being undertaken under the agreement is focusing on increasing the performance and capacity of lithium-ion battery cells through the use of new combinations of materials for cathodes, anodes and electrolytes. In addition to the collaborative research agreement between BMW Group and TMC, Toyota Motor Europe (TME), TMC’s European subsidiary, and BMW Group entered into a contract—also announced on December 1, 2011—under which BMW Group is to supply highly efficient 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter diesel engines to TME starting in 2014. [Source: BMW] Read the original post:  BMW and Toyota Sign Lithium-ion Battery Collaborative Research Agreement

Toyota and BMW today announced that they have begun developing next-generation lithium-ion batteries for use in hybrid-electric and full-electric vehicles. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding back in December —essentially an agreement that they’d work on a formal contract—and now have entered into that formal agreement. In addition to working together on battery development, BMW will supply Toyota with 1.6- and 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engines for use in Europe starting in 2014. It won’t be any earlier than that time before we see any fruit on the lithium-ion front, either. Toyota also has partnered with Tesla in building the RAV4 EV , and BMW began a joint venture last year with PSA Peugeot-Citroën to develop components for hybrid and electric vehicles. We don’t think either collaboration will be affected by today’s news. Original post: Toyota and BMW Move Forward Developing Lithium-Ion Batteries See the original post:  Toyota and BMW Move Forward Developing Lithium-Ion Batteries

Just in time for dinner in Boca Raton, Toyota has released a sketch of the next-gen Avalon. The cushy sedan will debut next week at the New York auto show . Just as we saw in recent  photos of a prototype 2013 Avalon undergoing testing , the Avalon in the sketch has a generously sloped rear roofline and a short rear deck. The Camry will once again supply the Avalon with a platform, just as Hyundai’s Sonata supports the Azera , the Avalon’s closest competitor. Despite the dowdy image of any mainstream, full-size sedan—Dodge Charger excluded—the segment still racks up considerable sales: The outgoing and crusty Avalon pushed an impressive 29,000 units through the door last year. Check back here for full coverage of the Avalon—and even some exciting cars—from New York. The rest is here: Toyota Sketches Out 2013 Avalon [New York Auto Show] Here is the original:  Toyota Sketches Out 2013 Avalon [New York Auto Show]

BMW has announced it will debut the 2012 M6 convertible and updated 2013 X1 crossover for the first time at the 2012 New York auto show . The company already released M6 convertible information and photos ahead of this year’s Geneva auto show ( our story on the car is here ), but it will make its first auto-show appearance in the Big Apple. BMW’s X1 compact crossover has been on sale in Europe (the pre-refresh model is pictured below) for a few years now, so it will get revised for 2013. We’re told the changes will be similar in scope to those made to the 2013 X6 . The tweaks come just in time for the X1’s delayed U.S. launch , which finally will happen this summer. When it finally arrives on dealer lots, the X1 will be powered by BMW’s turbocharged, 2.0-liter four. Expect more details to be made available closer to the X1′s premiere in New York. See the original post: BMW to Debut 2012 M6 Convertible and Refreshed, U.S.-Spec 2013 X1 Crossover [New York Auto Show] More here: BMW to Debut 2012 M6 Convertible and Refreshed, U.S.-Spec 2013 X1 Crossover [New York Auto Show]

Back in June 2011, I took delivery of one of the most sought BMWs in the past 10 years: the 1M. After a one in a lifetime experience in Europe, the 1M crossed the pound to once again connect with its enthusiastic owner and our life together began with a trip from New Jersey to Chicago, IL . If you live in the Midwest or own a TV, you probably know how dragging the Chicago winters can be, but luckily this year, we were fortunate to have some mild weather with barely any snow. So while the 1M didn’t get its daily walk , I still managed to squeeze in a ride or two during the week. Fast forward a few months later and now in March we’re getting to enjoy some summer-like weather with temperatures in the low 80s. First item on the agenda: a good car wash to take out the “evil salt” and give the 1M a nice shine that will enhance the beautiful Valencia Orange paint job. Armed with a DSLR and some GoPros video cameras I headed into the beautiful Downtown Chicago which was heavily celebrating the St. Patty’s Day. With the M button activated and a shinny orange armor, while wearing my M hat and aviator shades (not in a douchey way), I ventured onto the crowded streets of Chicago to see how the 1M behaves when curvy roads and open tracks are a long-time memory. The 1M with its high-rev 3.0 liter turbo clearly loves the race track more than the bumper-to-bumper traffic, but in a weird way, it doesn’t shy away from the attention is getting. Sprints are still fun, even though they last from one stop light to the next one, and the engine’s growling sound turns many heads. Or could it be the attention-seeking Valencia Orange? The sportiness and driving dynamics of the 1M come in handy when having to avoid the popular Chicago potholes, and the steering wheel designed by the M engineers make me wish that my other favorite bimmer, the 5 Series, would have received the same treatment. The short shifter continues to amaze me and the M3-imported brakes gives me the confidence to stop just in time before hitting one of the thousands of green travelers that came to celebrate St Patrick’s day. In a city where BMWs are almost as common as Yellow Cabs, the “baby-M” is one bimmer that gets the most thumbs up. In a weekend of driving...

If you thought Audi’s victory at the 60th anniversary running of the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring was akin to “clubbing baby seals,” as one friend suggested, it may make you even sadder to learn that, after taking a day off to stretch—and polish the trophies—Audi was back at Sebring and hard at it Monday. The company was testing not one but two new prototype race cars that will debut soon in Europe, then race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The three cars that ran at Sebring? Antiques. More than a year old. Time to send them out to pasture. The good news for the American Le Mans Series is that this is the last time we’ll see these all-dominating Audis this year, as they move offshore to contend for the new World Endurance Championship, of which Sebring is the only U.S. event. The bad news: The Audis are pretty damn compelling to watch, and being in the presence of the absolute best, most sophisticated sports cars ever built is sobering. They will be missed. But at least the other ALMS-only LMP1 entries can fight for victories among themselves from here on out and not against mere leftovers from Audi or Peugeot. And Peugeot, coincidentally, was the only true competition for Audi until its abrupt and unexpected withdrawal from sports-car racing . (How abrupt and unexpected? The 2012 Peugeots were already on the ground at Sebring for preseason testing and the drivers were on airplanes en route, when everyone got a phone call that essentially said, “Thanks for your hard work: You’re fired.”) Audi came to Sebring primarily to test for Le Mans, and secondarily to win the race. It took the win as well as second place, while its third car finished 16th after encountering problems. So, as often happens in such cases, the eyes of the crowd turned to what car was running best in its class. There were a lot of classes. The ALMS itself has five classes: LMP1 (the fastest cars); LMP2 (they look like LMP1 cars, but are not quite as fast); LMPC (a spec class with only Oreca Cars); GT (Chevrolet Corvettes, Ferraris, Porsche 911s), and GTC (nothing but Porsche 911s, running against each other). Complicating matters was that the WEC, using Sebring as the season-opener for its global challenge, brought roughly 30 entrants (out of 63) that would only run Sebring,...