BMW reconfirms 3 Series Crossover

No breaking news here, but according to Autocar UK, BMW’s CEO Norbert Reithofer has confirmed the future launch of a smaller, more affordable luxury crossover, internally named V3.

The PAC, Progressive Activity Coupe or V3, as it is known internally, is expected to based on Long Wheel Base 3 Series. The Progressive Activity Coupe has a higher roof when compared to the existing 3 Series Wagon and of course, a longer wheelbase as well. According to Autocar, it will fill a slot between the 3 Series Touring and the BMW X3, a statement that might not be entirely true, since the next generation X3 will grow in size and the X1 will be taking its place.

The idea of a PAC vehicle is that the little less wealthy 3er customers might find 5 Series too expensive, X3 too big, so they might find the V3 PAC being the right choice.

As Autocar mentioned as well, we learned a while back that the 3-series crossover will come with rear-wheel drive as standard, but four-wheel drive will be offered as an option.

The engines are likely to be the ones from the BMW 3-series models, with a future line-up of turbocharged four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, basically expect all the “goodies” from the 3 Series to make it into the PAC as well.

Audi A8 : Next Generation

Under the new sheet metal will be an extended version of the modular platform used in the A4, but expect to see more exotic materials such as aluminum and magnesium employed to help save further weight and improve dynamics. The base model will remain FWD but AWD variants will feature the latest quattro torque vectoring SportDifferential, which distributes drive individually between each axle and between the rear wheels for improved traction and stability. There will also be electronic control for the air-suspension, steering, pedal response and transmission systems.



The new engine lineup will feature a 250hp (186kW) 3.0L V6 TDI, a 290hp (216kW) 3.0L V6 FSI, a 340hp (253kW) 4.2L V8 TDI, a 372hp (277kW) 4.2L V8 FSI and finally a 620hp (462kW) 5.0L V10 FSI reserved for the S8. Audi is yet to decide on whether it will launch a 12-cylinder model, however there are plans for a new mild-hybrid version. There will also be more supercharged units as well as increased application of Audi’s latest valve-lift system. The 6.0L W12 engine is reportedly being phased out due to its high costs and emissions.

First BMW M7 Spy Photos?

Though not officially so, BMW has on occasion admitted to cooking up a hotter version of the new 7 Series. Could these spy pictures be representing that top of the range BMW called the M7? The pictures landed on the laps of our friends at Motortips after being sent to them by a German reader named Francisco.

Francisco had been at his local supermarket about 100km west of Munich when he spotted a different-looking black BMW parked outside. Thinking it was a 2011 5 Series he went for a closer look. Upon realising the vehicle was a 7 Series he noticed other features that set it aside from normal 7ers. For instance, the carhad big black wheels with low profile tires and a dual exhaust system with trapezoidal tips, which is different from other models in the 7 Series lineup. Only M cars are fitted with double tailpipes at BMW.

Was it a special owner-tuned version perhaps? That would have made sense had the badges not been deliberately covered to protect the car's true identity. Apart from the badges there is no other disguise visible enough for the eye to see, pointing to an imminent public reveal.

It's the first time that BMW is producing an M-badged 7 Series after many years of speculation. The BMW M7 will go head to head with the Mercedes-Benz S63 / S65 AMG and the upcoming supercharged Jaguar XJR. It should produce in excess of 600hp (447kW).

Audi S1 - details emerge

Audi is launching a high-performance S1 variant of its A1 mini car around 2011. Based on the Metroproject concept of 2007, the A1 will compete with the MINI and Alfa Romeo MiTo at the bottom end of the luxury car market. For Audi, this pocket rocket S1 competes against the 211hp Cooper S JCW and Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA, powerful little cars with chassis built especially for handling.

Exterior kit is as important as engine performance in this segment and so Audi will spare very little cost with things like 19-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, deep air intakes, a roof-mounted spoiler and some chrome finishing.

To assist the quattro 4WD system in sticking those big tyres onto the ground, a 1.4-litre TSI engine should do the trick quite nicely. That's the same engine found in the SEAT Ibiza Cupra and upcoming VW POLO GTIas well. For those two it makes 178hp/ 133kW but the S1 will benefit from upgrades and an ECU tweak to give it over 200hp.

Mated to this powerplant is the new S Tronic twin-clutch gearbox which should push the car from 0 - 60 mph in about 6 seconds while returning a fuel economy index of 35 mpg.

The 2011 Audi S1 is expected to come in at £25,000 while the cheapest model in the A1 range may cost from around £13,000 when the base cars are launched in 2010.

Mercedes E-Class sedan brochure scans leaked

Early in December 2008 the very first official pictures of the new 2010 E-Class were leaked. And now less than a month later a scanned chunk of the marketing brochure with some detailed technical information and pictures has also been leaked.

Contained in the German-language brochure are very intimate details of the 2010 E-Class. The car is 4.868 metres long and has a wheelbase of 2.87 metres. It comes with a range of engines with 4 and 6 cylinder models in both petrol and turbo diesel form. With the exception of the E350 4Matic models and E350 BlueTEC, all other models are BlueEfficiency equipped. Powerplants include the E200 CGI with 135kW (184hp) and 270Nm, E250 CGI with 150kW (204hp)and 310Nm, E350 CGI making 215kW (292hp)and 365Nm, and the 285kW (388hp) E500 producing 530Nm.

Diesels are pretty strong too. The E200 CDI is good for 100kW (136hp) and 360Nm, from the same engine its E220 sibling does 125kW (170hp) and 400Nm. At the top end we find an E250 CDI with 150kW (204hp) and 500Nm plus a 3.0-litre E350 CDI with BlueEfficiency makes a heady 170kW (231hp) and 540Nm of torque.

Pretty much all the styling details of the E-Class can be seen; from front to the sides to the rear. The standard car is defined by its 9-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels and the chrome grille. Some styling packages like the ELEGANCE and AMG Sports Package are available to assist buyers when individualizing the look of their cars.

The ELEGANCE Package offers features like the liberal use of chrome for styling while AVANTGARDE models are sportier and more agile in their appearance. The differences up front are very clear when the two models stand side by side. ELEGANCE models feature double foglights on each side and more chrome on the grille while AVANTGARDE models have different shaped LED foglights below the bi-xenon lights and one less chrome rib on the grille. Wheels are 17-inch alloys.

Differences extend to the interior where high quality materials are evident for both packages but ELEGANCE uses more contrast of leather with wooden materials whereas AVANTGARDE cars are fitted with aluminium to emphasize their sportier feel. An EXCLUSIVE package is also available featuring luxury materials like Nappa leather upholstery and Alcantara. The AMG Sports package comes with sports seats, a contrasting interior colour scheme and an expression of dynamic power.

Although no details of the actual E-Class AMG are in these leaked brochure scans, this particular package gives a good idea of what it might look like.

2010 Mercedes E Class Coupe

New spy shots of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé have popped up. Photographed in Germany, anticipation is boiling over for Stuttgart's replacement line for the CLK.


Looking rather dynamic in the metallic dark grey paint with silver lined windows and five-point alloys, one can't help but wonder if this car was meant to be photographed before its debut. A very sleek, but slightly covered black beauty was seen as well. Clearly, the car has taken some inspiration from the FASCINATION concept shown at Paris in 2008. Engine options begin with the 1.8 liter turbocharged petrol, and stops with the mammoth AMG 500 horsepower machine.


On sale this year, the Mercedes E-Class Coupé will likely debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The E-Class four-door sedan is coming to the NAIAS in Detroit, and the convertible should see daylight later in the year.

2011 BMW 1-Series

Following a mid-cycle facelift performed in 2007, the next generation BMW 1-Series is due to arrive in 2011. Prototype mules using the current 1-Series body (E87) have already been spotted testing around Germany and as a result artist renderings are starting to fill the speculative void.

Despite the early stage of testing, some details have been revealed. According to AutoBild, who spoke to BMW's product development chief, Klaus Draeger, BMW is keeping to the recent philosophy of fast developing new segments. Although a decision has not been made yet, the new 1-Series lineup may feature a type of elongated shooting-brake two-door wagon/ hatch variant. Such a variant, which can accommodate adult size rear passengers unlike the current 1-Series, would allow BMW to offer it to the US market.

The existing BMW and PSA Group alliance which already produces engines for MINI would build engines ranging from 1.4 liters to 3.0 liters for the 1-Series. Turbos are most certainly on the list, but an M version of the 1-Series is out of the question again.