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As if the spy video we featured previously wasn’t enough proof, today we’ve confirmed that the smallest BMW i family offering, the i3, will be coming to market in 2013 with a rear-wheel-drive powertrain, and the electric motor powering those wheels will be mounted amidships.

The platform, which is all-new and primarily comprised of carbon fiber, was developed to house the motor ahead of the rear wheels, with the battery pack mounted below the trunk. According to a BMW spokesperson, the drivetrain can be completely separated from the body, making service and replacement a cinch.

The first version of this all-electric drivetrain will be fitted to the ActiveE 1-Series, BMW’s second EV after the Mini E, which will make its North American debut at the New York Auto Show later this month. However, the primary difference between the i3’s system and the unit fitted to the ActiveE is the battery pack. On the i3, the cells will be grouped together, whereas the electrified 1 Series will have battery packs spanning the space between the passenger compartment and the trunk. Additionally, BMW will be using the NY show to announce the lease plan and pricing for the Active E, so for those looking to get in on the EV sports coupe action, start saving your pennies now.

[Images: CarPix]

Confirmed: BMW i3 to be RWD, mid-”engine”

Report: 2012 Audi A6 to be offered with 2.0T, RS4 not in the cards for U.S.

Much like its big brother – the Focus – Ford’s B-segment Fiesta will get a sportier ST version in the coming years. We’ve seen spy shots of what is clearly a tuned up Fiesta out testing, complete with a front-mount intercooler, larger wheels and a performance exhaust.

Autocar now reports that when the Fiesta ST launches near the end of 2012, it will be powered by Ford’s 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four, cranking out somewhere around 180 horsepower. The front-drive hatch will likely use a six-speed manual transmission to send its power to the wheels, and with revised suspension geometry, beefier brakes and a host of interior upgrades likely on tap, we expect the ST to be a worthy competitor for pint-sized hot hatches like the Mini Cooper S.

Ford has confirmed that the Focus ST will be sold here in the United States, but the fate of the Fiesta ST is still undecided. Naturally, consider our fingers crossed.

[Source: Autocar Images: KGP Photography]

Report: Ford Fiesta ST to get 180 horsepower

The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will officially be revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 19, and General Motors has released this official teaser shot of its new ‘Bu, showing off its new Camaro-inspired LED taillamps. GM will also be bringing the Malibu to the New York Auto Show, which officially starts on April 20, where we’ll get our first glimpse of the new Chevrolet family sedan in the flesh.

We’ve seen quite a few spy shots of the new Malibu, and we know that it will ride on GM’s smaller Epsilon II platform that currently underpins the Buick Regal. Still, GM tells us that the new Malibu will be wider than the model it replaces, and we can expect a more rakish exterior design. The Malibu will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six different continents, and thus, a global design that would appeal to all markets is necessary in order for it to be a success.

Expect the Malibu to only be available with four-cylinder engines, including GM’s naturally aspirated 2.4-liter Ecotec four and its turbocharged 2.0-liter powerplant. Rumor has it that a hybrid version is also in the works, as is an all-wheel-drive model.

You can watch the official Chevrolet Malibu reveal on the automaker’s Facebook page on Monday, April 18 at 8:30 PM EST – right when the sheets are pulled back in Shanghai. For the full details, hit the jump for GM’s official press release, as well as a short video detailing some of the Malibu’s overall design elements.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading 2012 Chevrolet Malibu teased ahead of Shanghai debut [w/video]

2012 Chevrolet Malibu teased ahead of Shanghai debut [w/video]

Review: 2012 Ford Focus Titanium

We’re happy to report that the 2012 Ford Focus is several orders of magnitude superior to the model it replaces. Read on to find out why.

Spy Shots: Audi RS4 Avant caught on the right track

Despite the rumors of its demise, the next-generation Audi RS4 appears to be on track (literally) based on this Avant mule that our spy shooters have just spied on Germany’s Nürburgring.

Ford’s second-gen SYNC system off to a buggy start

“SYNC generation 2″ has been plagued by more than a few bugs. And part of the problem is due to its design.

Also of interest:

• Video: Moab’s Hells Canyon conquered… in a Ford Crown Victoria?!
• Is Jeep planning a Hemi V8 Wrangler?
• Ford SVT Raptor RV created by Phoenix Campers
• Tesla sues BBC for libel over rigged Top Gear test
• Saab production temporarily halted by unpaid suppliers *UPDATE

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.30.11

Spy lenses have once again caught Porsche engineers out testing the next generation 911. Both cabriolet and coupe versions were seen out running on the Nürburgring. The 2012 Porsche 911 is expected to be slightly larger and boast a wider rear track. The boxer engine in the base model is rumored to produce 345 horsepower.

Current intelligence also has it that Porsche plans to unveil the car at the upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Until then, check out the spy photos in our galleries below.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Porsche 911 Cabriolet, Coupe spotted making the rounds

Jaguar has announced a new 2.2-liter diesel engine capable of 187 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque that can also travel 52.3 miles per gallon in the combined European cycle as fitted to a prototype of its 2012 XF sedan. The engine will also have little trouble meeting Europe’s stringent CO2 regulations, as The Leaping Cat claims the engine only emits 149 g/km of CO2.

On the technology front, this new 16 valve common-rail diesel features a water-cooled turbocharger, low friction pistons, a fresh crankshaft and new injectors. Jaguar engineers also fitted a new oil pan and new electronic systems to allow for an intelligent Stop-Start system that operates more efficiently. The efficient little motor will work in concert with an also new eight-speed ZF transmission. Jaguar claims the diminutive diesel will propel the XF to 60 miles per hour in 8.5, while promising a top speed of 140 miles per hour.

As an added bonus, the folks at Jaguar were kind enough to pass us high-resolution photos of the refreshed XF undergoing testing. The camo is quite good, though we can see some alterations to the lower air dams, and we’re guessing tail lamps, headlamps and the grille have also been given a once-over.

Jaguar says in the post-jump press release that the 2.2 diesel will make its way under the bonnet of a future XF production car, with “an estimated on-sale date being announced at the New York Auto Show.” Keep in mind that the Big Apple show is international in scope, so assuming that a U.S. announcement means it will be sold here probably isn’t a good idea. Hit the jump to read over the Jaguar press release.

[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading Jaguar debuts new 2.2-liter diesel engine under hood of 2012 XF prototype

Jaguar debuts new 2.2-liter diesel engine under hood of 2012 XF prototype

Despite the rumors of its demise, the next-generation Audi RS4 appears to be on track (literally) based on this mule that our spy shooters have just spied on Germany’s Nürburgring. Seen here testing in the all-too-desirable Avant body style, the next RS4’s final design will likely be a bit more aggressive, incorporating a much more pronounced front fascia complete with lower air intakes similar to those on the RS5 Coupe. On this mule, we can clearly see the larger wheels (straight from the RS5 – how ’bout that), bigger brakes and slightly wider track.

As for power, the safest bet is to expect that the RS5’s high-revving 4.2-liter V8 will carry over to the RS4, producing somewhere around 450 horsepower. Other rumors have suggested that an all-new 4.0-liter turbocharged V6 could be put to use here, but based on all of the scuttlebutt we’ve heard, the 4.2-liter V8 still looks to be the safest bet. Since the RS4’s key competitors will be the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Audi would probably be wise to use the 450-hp mill in an effort to keep things as competitive as possible. The RS4 will surely be no slouch, and we’re bursting with eagerness to see (and drive) the end result.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Audi RS4 Avant caught on the right track

As of now, we’ve seen plenty of photos and footage of the upcoming 2012 BMW M5, and now the grandaddy of videos has just been released. This time, BMW has leaked nearly 30 minutes of the M5 undergoing cold weather testing in the Alps. There’s plenty of everything here, from nice stills to rolling footage of the upcoming M car bounding through the snow.

The F10 M5 is rapidly approaching its debut, first at a private BMW press conference at the end of this week, then at the Shanghai Motor Show in mid-April. We already know that the car will have a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 replacing the outgoing car’s V10, and Americans will still be able to get a traditional stick shift. We’re ready, BMW. Hop the jump for the video.

[Source: YouTube via World Car Fans]

Continue reading Video: 30 minutes of raw 2012 BMW M5 footage

Video: 30 minutes of raw 2012 BMW M5 footage

We’re likely a year away from the reveal of the Cadillac ATS, as the rumormill states that the rear-drive Caddy will likely go on sale in fall of 2012. We’ve seen plenty of spy photos of the sub-CTS Cadillac, as well, and now we’ve got a video that shows the entry-level ATS in motion.

The post-jump video, which comes courtesy of the folks at ATS Forums, appears to have been shot from the branch of a tree outside of General Motors‘ proving grounds in Milford, Michigan. It’s difficult to see much in the video due to the heavy camo adorning the prototype, but we do see a more steeply raked windshield and a greenhouse that, compared to that of the CTS, appears to be a bit more rounded.

As an added bonus, the video shows a three second-long glimpse of the Buick Regal GS at the 1:34 mark. Hit the jump to take in the video for yourself. There may not be any audio, but there’s plenty to see.

[Source: YouTube via ATS Forums]

Continue reading Spy Video: Cadillac ATS getting shaken down on the proving ground

Spy Video: Cadillac ATS getting shaken down on the proving ground

Review: 2011 Hyundai Genesis Sedan V6

How has the refreshed version of this first generation Genesis held up ahead of the second-gen’s arrival as a 2012 model?

‘Bye Dad: David Evan Davis, Jr., shuts his eyes one last time at 80 years, 140 days

Talking about my dad just after the day of his death, I’m sort of forced to quote him. Right up to the last, he was “one tough summbitch” as he would say in praising anyone worth their salt.

Spy Shots: All-wheel-drive Mini Cooper hybrid caught weathering the arctic

Sources say this is a through-the-road all-wheel-drive hybrid Mini Cooper.

Also of interest:

• Spoiler Alert: Global RallyCross Championship starts with a bang [w/video]
• Lewis Hamilton and David Hobbscap confirmed for CARS 2
• Report: Auto graveyard business sprouts from Japanese tsunami
• Ford to outsell GM in March?
• Report: Nissan of Canada takes a pass on Murano CrossCabriolet

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.28.11

Once you’ve put an all-electric drivetrain into a Mini Cooper, is it that hard to hybridize one? Well, yes, especially since BMW’s limited testing program was intended to give the company information about a plug-in architecture. But our spy photographers have discovered what’s believed to be the first Mini Cooper prototype fitted with a hybrid drivetrain.

The body certainly looks the same, but – as you can see in our high-resolution gallery – BMW has affixed a sticker in the window that clearly says “hybrid test vehicle.” We don’t know many details about the powertrain sitting under the bright red paint, but sources indicate that this is a through-the-road hybrid, with the front wheels powered by a normal engine and the rear wheels motivated by an electric motor. Things like displacement, total horsepower and battery size are all as mysterious as they ever were, but rumor has it – no, really this time – that a hybridized Mini will be available when the next-generation arrives in 2013.

[Source: Carpix]

Spy Shots: All-wheel-drive Mini Cooper hybrid caught weathering the arctic

Contradictory to earlier rumblings, the upcoming F10 BMW M5 will reportedly be available with the option of a traditional manual transmission here in the United States. As with the E60 M5, we’d expect the stick-shift-equipped F10 to be slower than its automated sister, but we doubt it will amount to anything noticeable. Buyers will still be able to opt for the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission here in the States, if they so desire.

There’s one option, however, that BMW won’t be offering in our market. In Germany, buyers can opt to have the car’s top speed raised to 189 miles per hour, provided they agree to enter an M5-specific driver training program. This will likely be a costly option – in addition to the price of the training program, buyers will have to shell out for upgraded engine management software, as well as a set of ZR-rated tires.

[Source: BMWBlog Images: CarPix]

Rumormill: 2012 BMW M5 to get manual tranny in U.S.

BMW hinted that a 3 Series GT was in the works. Like its larger BMW 5 Series GT sibling, the 3 Series GT would feature a two-tier rear hatch, raised seating position and a boosted ride height. And rumor has it that a non-swirly-camo version will be heading to the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The BMW 3 Series GT will slot in the lineup to combat Audi’s upcoming Q3 crossover. It’s also enough of segment jumper that the A4 Avant could wind up in its crosshairs. Take a gander at the gallery below, and try to look past the swirls to decipher the hunchback body hiding underneath.

[Source: Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series GT caught taking a break from bell-tower duty

The one-off BMW M3 pickup truck/ute has taken the automotive world by storm. Spy photos of the sporty pickup conversion hit the Internet last week, and comment sections and forums were maelstroms of speculation soon after. As Autoblog learned yesterday straight from the horse’s mouth, the M3 pickup is an April Fools joke by an automaker with enough money and free time to pull off such a prank.

Follow the jump to watch the first video we’ve seen of the M3 ute out running errands through dense fog around its only stomping grounds, the famed Nürburgring in Germany.

[Source: Youtube]

Continue reading Video: BMW M3 pickup truck goes out on a parts run

Video: BMW M3 pickup truck goes out on a parts run

Saab is finally starting to roll out its newest products, including the 9-5 sedan and the new-for-2011 9-4X crossover, but the Swedish automaker has yet to kick sales into high gear. That could change when next generation of the brand’s highest volume model, the 9-3, hits the market in the next few years. Saab’s entry-level sedan may have received a slight update for the 2012 model year, but much larger changes are in the works for the next-gen car.

In the past, the 9-3 has been available as a wagon, sedan and convertible, which no doubt broadens its appeal. These latest spy shots are of a current 9-3 Convertible, with some ill-fitting front fender cladding that doesn’t appear to be hiding anything in particular. Still, big changes are in the works, even if this early development mule doesn’t reveal too much. See what our intrepid photographers spied in the high-res image gallery below.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Saab 9-3 convertible mule spotted winter testing

We’ve gotten right to the core of the situation regarding the fly-in-the-ointment BMW M3 pickup spotted doing what M3s do around the Nürburgring last week.

In a chat with BMW’s Munich head of product communications, Dirk Arnold, he offered up this quote: “Ah, yes, everyone’s been talking about that pickup. But, no, this is… how you call it, an April Fool’s Joke” [in German "Aprilscherz" - ed.]. There will be no M3 pickup in our futures, kids. But then Arnold sort of overcommunicated to us by dangling one of those “…in this generation” qualifiers. He then also managed to immediately clarify, “It is hugely doubtful that BMW will ever during our lives produce such a vehicle, in any segment.” Oh, pooh.

What about a publicity stunt entering the one-off in the Australian V8 Ute racing series? (Honestly one of the most entertaining racing series on the planet based on our one trip to witness it.) “Well,” chortled Arnold, “we have the one unit available if they’d be interested, don’t we?”

On April 1, a press function has been organized near Munich to show off the future M5 “concept,” plus the current M3 and a whole series of unproduced M3-based prototypes, including, says Arnold, one folding hardtop variant that is not the one we all think it is. There will also be the mischievous pickup in attendance.

We then asked for a drive exclusive in Munich on April 1 with the pickup and Arnold returned our serve with “If I did that, then I’d have every journalist in the world calling me to do the same.”

Must be nice to have the largesse to build and race one-off 414-horsepower M3 variants (444-hp with the 4.4-liter V8 used in the GTS version) that will never see public roads.

[Images: KGP Photography]

Confirmed: BMW M3 pickup on Nürburgring is an April Fool’s gift

A couple weeks back, we told you that Toyota had big plans for the New York Auto Show. We heard that one of the vehicles scheduled to make an appearance was the totally redesigned Lexus GS, but what we’re going to get instead is the LF-Gh hybrid concept. Lexus tells us that the concept “will present a glimpse into the future of Lexus design.”

We’re all for a concept car that reveals future styling direction, but we were really hoping to see a production a replacement for the aging sport sedan. Thankfully, our sources tell us that the LF-Gh and the next-generation GS should be one and the same, though we’re certain the concept car will feature styling cues (read: massive wheels, ridiculous interior, etc.) that won’t make it anywhere near production.

Lexus will officially unveil the LF-Gh on the evening of April 19, and you can expect a full report right here on Autoblog within minutes of the unveiling.

[Source: Lexus]

Lexus confirms LF-Gh concept for New York Auto Show

The latest from the Volkswagen bunker in Wolfsburg is that the second-generation New Beetle (henceforth to be known mercifully as ‘Beetle’) is officially dropping its towel to the floor at the Shanghai Motor Show in April. Whooda thunk it just five years ago? The Beetle is an American pop phenomenon, and it smarts a bit to have lost even that cachet to the all-powerful Chinese venue.

Early word on the Beetle is that it is dynamically far sportier than the outgoing matzoh-ball built exclusively for people desperate for cutesy-ness and absolute symmetry. Oh, yes, and rear passengers without heads.

While Europe is not intended to get the sensational 335-horsepower “W28″ in-line five-cylinder turbo seen so far in both the Audi TT RS and RS3, it would seem there is a plot afoot to bring such a Beetle to North America. “The Beetle,” a source in Wolfsburg tells Autoblog, “is so much sportier now. It’s much more appealing to male buyers as well.” Some off-the-record remarks tell of a Beetle thus equipped that is better on the track than another VW R coupe that North America sadly still doesn’t get.

The message? No more dung beetles.

[Images: KGP Photography]

VW Beetle to debut in China; powerful Audi-engined model in the cards?

Second Spin: 2014 Volkswagen Golf Blue-e-motion

Volkswagen may not be the first into the game, but they want to arrive ready to play hardball. The future awaits.

Officially Official: Porsche releases 918 hybrid details, priced from $845,000

One 500-horsepower, 4.0-liter V8 engine and two electric motors capable of a combined 218 horsepower. 0 to 60 in 3.1 seconds. A top speed of 199. Cost? $845,000 plus destination and handling.

NASCAR star Jeff Gorvette will compete in CARS 2

Exclusive: NASCAR racer Jeff Gordon will make an appearance in CARS 2 as Jeff Gorvette.

Also of interest:

• Would you wait to buy a Japanese car? [w/poll]
• Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series caught working out in the cold
• Tesla lets us peek in on Model S development
• GM unveils next-gen Chevrolet Colorado ahead of Bangkok debut
• NHTSA issues new child seat guidelines

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.21.11