Spied Up Date: 2011 BMW 6-Series Convertible

The next generation BMW 6-series convertible, which retains the folding soft-top, has been spied testing.

The new BMW 6-series coupe and its convertible variant will be based on the new 5-series platform and are expected to first appear at next year’s Geneva show.

Don’t be fooled by the similar appearance, all the panels on the next 6-series will be new. BMW has chosen to stick with a fabric roof because it improves the centre of gravity and keeps weight to a minimum.

The new BMW 6-series’ engines will be drawn from the 5-series; they will be mildly revised versions of today’s six-cylinder petrols and diesels, and V8 petrols. The big-selling powerplants will be the 3.0-litre petrol (630i) and twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel (635d).

The next 6-series will be the introduction of ZF’s new eight-speed automatic transmission. It will be capable of running with stop-start systems, the first time the car has had this ability. Coupled with BMW’s Efficient Dynamics, this should boost economy and cut emissions.

BMW is shortening the launch gaps for M models, and the new M6 will be no exception. M6 sales are tipped to start by early 2011.

Expect a major change under the M6’s bonnet, where a new twin turbocharged V8 engine will replace today’s V10.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: Hyundai Plans New Models

Hyundai is planning to launch several new models in the UK over the next 18 months as its aims to consolidate the stronger position it established during the country's scrappage scheme.

The firm has enjoyed recorded sales under the government-backed scheme and the firm’s UK managing director Tony Whitehorn told Autocar that Hyundai would be looking to maintain these sales going in 2010.

“Scrappage has been a massive help in helping people recognise the Hyundai brand,” said Whitehorn. “But, quite rightly, it does have to end at some point and we’re focused on maintaining our sales going into 2010 and beyond.”

First up in 2010 will be the launch of the Tucson replacement, the ix35. Ahead of that, the facelifted Santa Fe is due on sale within the next few weeks.

In the second half of 2010, the firm will launch two new MPVs in an attempt to broaden its range and compete in market sectors where it has previously struggled.

The first MPV will be a five-seater, based on the Kia Venga unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show, while a larger seven-seater will arrive at the same time.

The five-seater will be based on the firm’s i20 supermini platform and will share its engine with that model. Whitehorn says the car’s main competitor will be the Nissan Note; that means the car will, in effect, be the replacement for the unloved Matrix. It will share its engines with the i20 and will adopt the firm’s ‘i’ badge.

The seven-seater is likely to be based on the i-mode concept car, displayed at the Geneva motor show in 2008. This model will be a rival to the Vauxhall Zafira, sharing its platform and engines with the i30 hatchback.

Although no launch dates have been confirmed, both cars expected to appear at the Paris motor show in the autumn before going on sale in early 2011.

The Hyundai i40, the Sonata’s replacement, is also set to go on sale in 2011. Again, no launch date has been decided, but it could make its debut at the Bologna motor show later in 2010. Saloon, hatchback and estate versions will all be offered.

In late 2010, Hyundai will launch a facelifted version of the popular i10 city car. The styling and trim levels will both be refreshed, while new engines may also make their way into the line-up. The firm has already confirmed that a new 800cc, three-cylinder turbocharged engine will be available some time in 2010.

No facelift of the i30 hatchback will be launched; instead Hyundai is planning to replace the model earlier than originally envisaged, possibly in 2011.

Following in 2011 will be the firm’s new flagship model, the Veloster. This will be a replacement for the Coupe and Whitehorn described it as a “halo” model rather than a volume seller.

Finally, a production version of the ix-metro concept from Frankfurt should arrive in 2012. The source said it would “look much the same as the concept” and will be pitched as a rival to the Nissan Qazana.

Thanks to: Autocar

Spied Up Date: 2012 Opel/Vauxhall Corsa SUV

The Corsa is going off-road! These are the latest shots of Vauxhall's new supermini SUV, slated for release in 2011.

Hiding under this Meriva body is a widened Corsa chassis that will be the basis for the upcoming off-roader. A slightly higher ride and widened track are all dead give-aways as to the car's true identity.

Beefed-up looks and rugged off-road capability will introduce the new model into a small SUV market that already includes the Skoda Yeti and looks set to receive many more, including the upcoming MINI Crossman.

Among the new styling changes will be new muscular wheel arches, to accommodate the wider track, a set of roof rails and plastic protective bumpers.

Bosses are keen that the Corsa SUV lose the 'gas-guzzler' image normally associated with 4x4s, so expect to see power coming from a range of low-capacity turbo-charged petrol engines. Additionally, the firm's efficient 1.3 and 1.7-litre diesels will be tuned to give more low-down torque to the baby off-roader.

An entry level two-wheel drive version, as well as a flagship hybrid model are also thought to be in the offing for this latest supermini SUV. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2010 Arash AF-10

It’s been a long time in the making, but finally Arash’s AF-10 has arrived. First unveiled at the British Motor Show back in 2006, the original prototype has had to overcome its share of problems as well as numerous revisions to get where it is today but that is all in the past now.

This is the production version of the new British supercar revealed for the first time to the public. And it has issued some bold statements to its rivals. Expected to be priced around £325,000, Arash is hoping to take the fight straight to rivals such as Koenigsegg, Pagani, Lamborghini and Ferrari.

Powered by Corvette’s 7.0-litre V8 engine, the same one used in the Z06, the rear-wheel driven Arash will deliver around 550bhp and 630Nm of torque. And the AF-10 is light too, built mainly from carbon fibre, it weighs in at around 1200kg, some 160kg lighter than Ferrari’s Enzo.

Don’t expect to see many AF-10’s on the road though, Arash is only planning on building 70 cars over the next five years, currently no on sale date has been confirmed.

A supercharged ‘AF-10S’ version has also been rumoured to be on the way and this version would have almost 800bhp and around 750Nm. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car; 2010 Zenvo ST1

It’s got more power than a Bugatti Veyron and even more exclusivity. This is the Zenvo ST1, Denmark’s first ever home-built supercar, and these are the best pictures yet of how the newcomer will look.

The Zenvo’s 7.0-litre V8 is both supercharged and turbocharged, a first for a supercar, and the result is a power output of 1,104bhp compared to the Bugatti’s 1001bhp. The amount of torque is equally impressive peaking at 1430Nm, 180Nm more than the Veyron.

The ST1 also uses a Bio Flex engine, which means it can run on both unleaded or Bio fuel or even both combined. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, specially designed to handle the extreme levels of power, the Danish supercar also gets hydraulic limited-slip differential to maximise power delivery.

Although official figures are yet to be confirmed, the Zenvo’s 0-62mph time will be well under three seconds and expect a top speed in excess of 200mph.

Prices are still to be announced but the Danish company has confirmed only 15 units are currently scheduled to be produced and this means it certainly won’t be cheap. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Hot News: Geely Plans New Volvo Models

Geely plans to launch up to three new luxury Volvo models within four years of taking over the firm from Ford, according to company sources.

Sources close to the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, which is Ford’s preferred bidder for Volvo, told the Wall Street Journal that the firm would sell two or three bigger, more luxurious cars within the next four years to try and boost global sales.

As part of Geely’s restructuring plan for Volvo, it plans to boost global sales to more than one million units per year. Volvo’s current sales are around 400,000 units per year, but Geely plans to more than double this number within five years.

To achieve this, it plans to build a new plant in China with the capability of producing 300,000 units per year. The firm predicts that Volvo could sell up to 200,000 units per year in China a year. Last year, it sold 12,600 units.

Geely’s offer for Volvo is believed to be around two billion euro (£1.2bn), but the sources claim the sale will be long and drawn out due to issues over intellectual property rights.

The issues are what Ford intellectual would transfer to Volvo and how Ford would continue to use Volvo intellectual property, including its pioneering safety technology. The two will also decide how to sort out any future intellectual property issues, which may occur later.

Thanks to: Autocar

Hot News: 2012 Alfa Romeo 169

Alfa is back to what it does best! These are the most accurate renderings yet of Alfa's all-new flagship saloon, the 169. And the long-awaited replacement for the unsuccessful 166 is taking on the Germans the the only way Alfa knows how, with stunning design.

The 169 heralds a new styling direction for the firm. While the grill is still very much part of the Alfa family, the rear end is all-new while the overall exterior will take inspiration from the new crop of four-door coupes such as the Mercedes CLS and Audi A5 Sportback.There's even a hint of the elegant Maserati Quattroporte in its flowing profile.

Pitched as a direct 5-series rival, top-end models could even take on the likes of the larger Jaguar XJ. But in order to compete with the established players, Alfa has taken the decision to make the 169 rear wheel drive - ensuring a more dynamic driving expereince. To achieve this Alfa could borrow the next Chrysler 300C platform - which in itself is a slightly shortened version of the Quattroporte's underpinnings - a perfect example of how the Chrysler-Fiat tie-up will save both companies piles of cash, by stretching their resources across a number of brands.

Engine choices are still unconfirmed, but likely to include all-new petrol and diesel V6's. There are even rumours that the 450bhp 4.7-litre V8 from the 8C Competizione supercar could find its way into a range-topping GTA variant, designed to give the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG something to think about.

Originally previewed by the Visconti concept at the Geneva motor show way back in 2004, the 169 was earmarked for a 2009 debut. But due to the economic crisis it's been repeatedly delayed, and now an on-sale date sometime in late 2011 seems feasible - although we can look forward to another gorgeous concept previeweing the 169 breaking cover at a major motor show next year. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express