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At last! The first photos with the 2012 Bmw M5 emerged today on the internet and as expected, we remained speechless. The car showed up in what appears to be a Monte Carlo Blue color and looks just like the M5 Concept unveiled few months ago. Ok, the big surprise: under the hood we find the same twin-turbo V8 engine (found also on the Bmw X5 M and X6 M), delivering an impressive 560 hp and 680 Nm of torque.

With these numbers, the 2012 Bmw M5 can take you from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in jus 4.4 seconds, to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 13.0 seconds and to a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h or 155 mph. Still, if you want more, the top speed can be increased to 305 km/h or 189 mph.

What is more interesting is that the new M5 comes with a Start/Stop system and with an average fuel consumption of 9.9 liters/100 km. Still, don’t expect to see this fuel consumption if you will drive the car like Schumacher’s cousin… Regarding the official debut of the 2012 M5, expect it to see it early next week! [via - 4wheelsnews]

photos : 2012 Bmw M5

Mazda has recently released the updated version of the Demio -- known in Europe as the Mazda2 -- for the market in Japan. Mazda’s new 1.3-liter SKYACTIV-G direct-injection gasoline engine is featured in the 2012 model year. This unit, which was presented in May at the Pacifico Yokohama convention center near Tokyo, Japan, features dual sequential valve timing as well as an ultra high compression ratio. The SKYACTIV-G 1.3 and Mazda’s i-stop idling stop system results to a record high compression ratio of 4.0:1.

These are combined with avoiding technologies such as piston cavities that are meant to maintain ideal combustion and multi hole injectors to achieve precise fuel injection. Mazda filed 130 patents for the new 1.3-liter, which delivers 82 hp at 5,400 rpm (62 kW) and 112 Nm (83 LB-FT)of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Japanese test cycles show that the Demio offers 30km/l (for the combined cycle). This is equivalent to 3.33 l/100 km or 70.6 mpg US.

In addition, Mazda has developed a system named i-DM that tracks the movement of the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals. It also monitors the vehicle speed. The driver is made aware about his capabilities through a gauge and colored lights on the dashboard. Mazda said that the score from each trip is utilized to measure a driving skill level, ranging from Stage 1 to Stage 3. Mazda believes that when drivers go up the stages, they will know if there’s an improvement to their driving skills. The Demio is priced between JPY1,149,000 to JPY1,621,750 (US$14,000 to $20,000).  [via - 4wheelsnews]

photo : 2011 Mazda2 (Demio) Facelift

If you were in the market for a hybrid version of the Nissan Altima you’d better think again as the Japanese manufacturer will no longer build this model after the 2011 model year. Apparently, Nissan decided to focus its intelligence on the models which will remain in its lineup for the 2012 model year, according to Josh Clifton, a Nissan communications manager. For those who don’t know, the Nissan Altima Hybrid is the first gas-electric hybrid model from the Japanese firm and made its debut back in 2007.

The Nissan Altima Hybrid was designed with an eye at Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology and according to EPA it is capable to achieve 33 mpg in combined cycle, according to KickingTires. Still, the Nissan Altima Hybrid was not quite a bestseller as the manufacturer sold it only in a handful of states during its tenure, such as New York and Oregon.

These states adopted California’s stringent emission regulations. The good news is that if you want to buy an Altima Hybrid you will have to hurry up as Nissan will continue to sell its existing inventory. The 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid 2.5 eCVT is priced at $26,780 and comes with a QR25 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled CVT with an advanced electric drive motor/generator. [via - 4wheelsnews]

Volkswagen announced today the launch of the Vehicle Pre-Order (VPO) program, an online reservation process for consumers designed to allow us to be the first to reserve one of a limited quantity of certain Volkswagen cars. Using the 2012 Beetle VPO program customers can now pay a $495 reservation fee and be the first who purchase a limited edition of the all new Beetle: the 2012 Beetle Black Turbo.

According to the German manufacturer, the 2012 Vw Beetle Black Turbo will be available in a limited edition of just 600 units, each priced at $24,950. The car is powered by the 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine capable to deliver 200 hp and 207 lb-ft. of torque.

The engine is also mated to the DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and will offer an EPA-rated fuel economy of 30 mpg on the highway. Some of the standard features included by this limited edition include Bluetooth technology, iPod connectivity, an RCD 310 sound system with eight speakers, three-color ambient lighting, larger brakes with red calipers, a "kaeferfach" additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, sport cloth seating surfaces, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, and alloy pedals. P.S. Also check the 2012 Beetle RS project! [via - 4wheelsnews]

Mercedes-Benz has finally released the press kit for the new M-Class that contains full details of the SUV as well as an extended photo gallery. Fans were left wanting for more when earlier, the carmaker had to officially unveil its latest model but only a few details and images were shown. The new M-Klasse, which starts selling next spring, will be offered with three powertrains to choose from. These are the ML 250 CDI (2.1l, 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque), ML 350 CDI (3l, 258 hp and 620 Nm of torque) and the ML 350 BlueEfficiency (3.5l, 306 hp and 370 Nm of torque).

These are all mated to 7G-Tronic Plus transmissions. What Mercedes-Benz has revealed recently is that the ML 250 CDI has a fuel efficiency rating of 47.0 mpg, it has CO2 emissions of 158g/km, it can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 9.0 seconds, and it can reach a top speed of 130 mph. The ML 350 CDI offers 41.5 mpg, a sprint time of 7.4 seconds to reach 62 mph from a standstill, and has a top speed of 139 mph. The ML 350 BlueEfficiency returns 33.2 mpg and has a maximum speed of 146 mph. Mercedes-Benz boasts that the new M-

M-Class (with a drag coefficient of 0.32 in ML 250 BlueTEC form) is the most aerodynamically efficient SUV in its class. The M-Class is also expected to get the top rating from any car safety performance assessment program anywhere as it has a bunch of passive and active systems installed. Its ON&OFFROAD package features six transmission modes, which are controlled through a rotary actuator on the center console. These include one automatic mode, two specifically off-road modes and three on-road modes, namely: Winter, Sport and Trailer. The wheels range from 17-inch ones to 20-inch, but 21-inch AMG wheels are offered as an option too.

Four colors are available for its interior: black, almond beige, alpaca grey and tobacco brown/marron. Buyers have a wide array of materials to choose from: fabric/ARTICO man-made leather, ARTICO man-made leather and leather in six color combinations. The Interior Sports package offers a mixture of DINAMICA microfibre and black ARTICO man-made leather. Buyers may also opt for the Nappa leather and black leather. Of course, Mercedes has not neglected the entertainment and comfort aspects and asserts that consumers will not be left unsatisfied. [via - 4wheelsnews]

Photos : 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML

Fans were pleasantly surprised when Renault unveiled the limited edition Megane RS 265 Trophy – its fastest road-going car that ever made production – ahead of its scheduled debut next weekend at the Nurburgring circuit. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine was enhanced to deliver an extra 15hp and an added 20 Nm torque at 360Nm compared to the current Megane Renaultsport 250. This results to a power-to-weight ratio of 191 hp for each ton. This means that in terms of pure power, the hot Megane can rival the Golf and Scirocco R. From an acceleration time of 6.1 seconds to get from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h), this hot hatch can now do it in 6 seconds flat.

Its top speed is faster by 2 mph (3.2 km/h) to 158 mph (254 km/h), making it slightly faster than German performance saloons that are electronically limited when driven on a long stretch of road. Based on the Cup model, the 265 Trophy is fitted with a set of high-performance Formula 1-inspired Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires that provide greater traction whether the conditions are dry or wet.

It also features additional standard equipment including Recaro seats that have yellow seatbelts and detailing, standard Liquid Yellow i.d. metallic paint, 19" Speedline alloys in gloss black with red rim, 'Trophy' red decals on F1-style front blade and doors, Renaultsport Monitor on-board performance tracking, and LED daytime running lights. There will be only 500 units that will be built. Of this number, 50 will be offered in the UK. Each vehicle has a price tag of £27,820 on-the-road. The company will begin to take orders for this vehicle on June 20. Deliveries will begin in late July. Prices in France will start from €35,500. [via - 4wheelsnews]

Photos : 2011 Renault Megane RS 265 Trophy

As U.S. consumers become more conscious about getting value for their money, the market for compact cars and family sedans seems to have shifted away from Honda and Toyota and now favors Hyundai. For a long time, the Corolla, Camry, Civic and Accord vehicles were the top-sellers in this segment. One example of such a defection is Stephen Ragsdale who went from being a loyal Honda car owner to being a pleased Kia aficionado.

He had bought a 2009 Accord but after seeing his mom’s Kia Optima, he wanted one just like it, according to BusinessWeek. It featured heated rear seats, cooled front seats and a larger video screen for his navigation system and he even got to save $40 a month. In addition, he traded in a 2003 Honda CR-V compact sport- utility vehicle for a Kia Soul wagon. He explained that Honda has “fallen behind when it comes to how the car works” and that Honda’s only advantage is its better resale value.

Eric Noble, the president of consulting firm, the CarLab, said that the shift had started before the earthquake-related production shortages had even taken place. Noble said that the two companies are “losing ground” since their products weren’t competitive in key segments for the past 5 years. He believes that the current inventory shortages will prompt a drastic change in shopping that would have occurred in another generation yet. Noble added that Toyota has yet to gain back the trust of consumers after its recall crisis. Meanwhile, he thinks that Honda fell behind in terms of styling, innovation, and luxury. [via - 4wheelsnews]

There’s a rumor that the Maserati Gran Turismo will use a twin-turbocharged version of the heavily awarded Pentastar V6. An Inside Line report states that the top executives at Fiat and Chrysler are considering this engine to replace the older Ferrari engines and platforms that have been used in Maserati’s cars for years. The old 4.7-liter V8 engine does have an all-Italian sound but it doesn’t have much torque at low revolution and it isn’t all that fuel-efficient either.

Many would say that a V6 is more appropriate for a Jeep Wrangler or a 300 sedan and that an Italian luxury brand like Maserati just doesn’t mix well with American engines. Making it worse are speculations that this V6 unit isn’t the 3.6-liter that we’ve grown accustomed.

Instead, it will be a smaller 3.0-liter which can hold two turbochargers. While Audi and Mercedes are known for succeeding with this configuration, it’s a tough call if Fiat Group can match their capabilities. Enthusiasts have been lamenting why Maserati would even want to shun Ferrari engines. It’s highly likely that the change will be bad for its reputation as well as on its resale values. [via - 4wheelsnews]

VW Vortex only had two and a half weeks to create a tuning package for the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle and it shows. With a name like the Beetle RS Project - Stage I, it may sound like a high-performance turbocharger kit but it’s really just the appearance that changed. Actually, it appears quite a lot like a Porsche GT3 RS. Aside from this model being recently launched a few months ago, the team was only able to obtain a preproduction autoshow car.

It can’t be driven and it didn’t have plates, registration, or airbags. There’s no sense then in boosting its top speed. The tuning team didn’t have a lot of time to accomplish much before the vehicle had to be presented to dealers this week so that they can get an idea of what can be done on the 2012 Beetle.

VWvortex thought to make it a GT3 RS Beetle. First thing the tuners did was to fit it with a set of huge Porsche VMR710 20" x 9" wheels with a 35 offset. This was then given in orange finish and covered in Continental ExtremeContact DW 245-35ZR20 tires. The team then fit a set of H&R standard Golf/GTI 6 suspension setup that was bolted straight into the 2012 Beetle. VWvortex unexpectedly found that most of the underbody appeared similar to the Golf. This is when the team decided to fit the Beetle with a Borla exhaust. It didn’t require any alterations except for a slight extension since the Beetle is a bit longer at the rear. [via - 4wheelsnews]

2012 Volkswagen Beetle RS

Fans can’t seem to stop lapping up any news about the baby-SLS from Mercedes-Benz. The latest rumors are from German car magazine Auto Bild, which states that this car (which was previously reported to be named the “SLC”) will be a sportscar that will compete against the Porsche 911. This two-seater won’t be powered by its usual V8 engine but rather by a six-cylinder twin-turbocharged unit, which could develop anything between 350 hp and 500 hp, depending on the model.

The 911 uses a rear-engined configuration but the Mercedes-Benz SLC will keep its front mid-mounted unit. Unfortunately, the baby-SLS won’t have the same gullwing doors as its bigger sibling. It’s likely that this is because Mercedes wants to sell its 350hp base model at a price lower than $140,000.

The automaker hasn’t confirmed when this sportscar is expected to arrive. According to Auto Bild, the arrival date would be in 2014 if the SLC is based on the current SLS. But if it’s built as a replacement, it will arrive in 2016. The two-door coupe is being jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz’s regular passenger car department and AMG, its performance car division. [via - 4wheelsnews]

A $8.75 million study has been started by federal safety regulators to determine if lithium ion batteries in electric cars could be a fire hazard, officials revealed Thursday. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's chief counsel, Kevin Vincent, said in a Washington conference co-sponsored by Volvo that researchers are studying whether these high-voltage batteries can cause fires when they are being charged and when the vehicles are in an accident.

Explaining the reasons for the study, Vincent noted the risk that the 400-volt lithium ion batteries posed compared with standard 12-volt lead-acid batteries that are used in gasoline-powered vehicles, according to AutoWeek. An incident that brought the attention of regulators to conduct the study was computer-maker Dell Inc.'s recall of 4.1 million lithium ion batteries in laptop computers in 2006.

According to Dell at that time, the Sony Corp.-made batteries posed a fire risk. A spokesperson for NHTSA disclosed that there were no electric-vehicle fires that triggered the research, which will continue through 2014. According to analysts, most of the gasoline-electric hybrids these days utilize nickel metal hydride batteries. However, within 10 years, 70 percent of hybrids, and all plug-in hybrid and EVs are expected to run on lithium ion batteries. [via - 4wheelsnews]

Toyota Boshoku Corp., a Japan-based supplier of interior systems, aims to acquire the automotive interior operations of Austrian plastic auto components manufacturer Polytec Holding AG, the company said in a statement. Polytec's interior business consists of eight manufacturing locations in South Africa, Germany and Poland, and one research and development site in Germany.

With the acquisition, the company can enhance its interior technologies expertise and obtain access to European automobile manufacturers, the company's president, Shuhei Toyoda, disclosed in a statement, according to Autonews. A company spokesman refused to disclose the size of the deal, which includes some of the Polytec units' debts.

The moment the deal is completed, the new business will operate as Boshoku Automotive Europe GmbH, based in Geretsried, Germany. Polytec's customers include vehicle manufacturers like BMW AG, Volkswagen AG, Opel AG and Daimler AG. For the financial year 2010, the company recorded revenues of 340 million euros. [via - 4wheelsnews]

Bmw of North America revealed the 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe, a special edition of its most popular sports car limited to just 20 units. As expected, the car features BMW Individual Frozen Black exterior paint, while the interior features extended Novillo Leather with unique red-contrast stitching. Moreover, the limited edition comes with Novillo Leather with M3 GTS black wheels, red brake calipers, and gloss black exterior trim elements.

Each 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe will carry a price or $79,650 and Bmw M M enthusiasts may call to reserve the first nineteen 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupes by dialing 1-800-245-4269 no earlier than 11:30AM Eastern Time (8:30AM Pacific) on Thursday, June 16, 2011.

The 20th vehicle will be held by BMW of North America and may be sold at a later date. Under the hood, we find the same 4.0-liter, 414-horsepower M V8 engine mated to firm’s M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT). The car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. [via - 4wheelsnews]

2011 BMW Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen SA denies press reports that the factory in Aulnay, near Paris, will be shut down in order to boost its competitiveness. The company released a statement to reassure workers that they can still look forward to a future with the company. An internal document was cited by these press reports indicating that production of the C3 subcompact will be shifted from Aulnay to a different plant near Paris.

The company released a statement last Thursday that closing the Aulnay site is not on the Group's agenda, according to Autonews. This document is said to be a preliminary working document drafted almost a year ago that discussed some of its options to be more competitive in Europe. The company said further that this document doesn’t mean that the management board has made a decision. The managing board considers it a responsibility to analyze the issues relating to the economic crisis. [via - 4wheelsnews]

An internal document was earlier released by French labor union CGT that cites a plan by the company to close this plant. At a news conference last Thursday, PSA industrial operations head Denis Martin said that the company never decided to close the plant. He declined to comment on what’s in store for the Aulnay site over the longer term. Le Monde previously reported that the factory has about 3,600 employees. Martin said that he isn’t a “soothsayer” and so he won’t be able to say what the status of the plant would be in the “medium- to long-term.”

Lotus will end the production of the North American-spec versions of the Elise and Exige this August. US consumers will no longer be able to get these rear-wheel drive vehicles, several company officials told Autoblog. This is because of federal regulations that require "smart" airbags on the sportscars. Another factor is the fact that Toyota’s production of the 2ZZ four-cylinder engine will also end.

It’s likely that Lotus will create a limited run of Final Editions for these models. Lotus executives revealed that production of the new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine version will continue in the UK and other parts of Europe. This will persist until 2015, which is when the next Elise is slated to arrive.

Selling very light sportscars in the U.S. will soon be very difficult to accomplish due to its new regulations. In 2010, Lotus introduced the next generation Elise in concept form at the Paris Motor Show. The new Elise is offered as a coupe and roadster. It features floating taillights and an array of carbon fiber components. [via - 4wheelsnews]

In May 2011, BMW brand sold 121,168 cars worldwide, 19% more units than in May 2010. It topped Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Last month, Audi had sales of 113,400 cars -- 19.5% higher than the previous year. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz sales increased by 7.3% to 108,766 units. Buoyed up by sales of the new 5-series sedan and X3 SUV, the global deliveries of BMW brand increased by 19.2% to 555,429 units from January to May 2011.

This is higher than Audi's 17.5% surge to 535,400 cars. In the first five months of 2011, Mercedes' sales climbed by 10.5% to 490,021 units. In a statement, Ian Robertson, BMW board member for sales and marketing, said that May 2011 is the “most successful May” that the company has ever posted in sales. He cited the strong performance of its young vehicle lineup and its “healthy balanced growth worldwide.”

The sales of the BMW Group, which includes the BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce brands, increased by 21.1% to 147,563 units in May. From January to May, sales of the brands rose 20.7% to 667,511 units. The wealthy population in China has been growing. This is the reason why luxury carmakers are getting such huge sales gains in the country. However, the auto market in China is predicted to cool this year after rising by a third to its highest ever level in 2010. BMW Group sales in China rose 51.1% to 21,150 vehicles last May. [via - 4wheelsnews]

2012 Bmw 1-Series

Honestly to tell you, we are not huge fans of the car ads but the latest from Bmw for the impressive 2012 1-Series M left us speechless. Now, we don’t know what percent of this ad is real and what it is not, but we have to admit is a little piece of art. A driver makes some drifts and manages to get the car through some walls featuring the car’s silhouette. Real or not, we love it!

Regarding the 2012 Bmw 1-Series, for those who don’t know, this car is powered by a 3.0-liter in-line 6-cylinder engine delivering an impressive 250 kW/340 bhp and a maximum torque of 450 Nm at as little as 1500 rpm. The torque can be increased by 50 Nm in full throttle by means of an overboost function.

With these numbers, the car is capable to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.9 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) in 17.3 and has a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Moreover, the engine has a fuel consumption of 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions to 224 grams per kilometer. In the United States, the 2012 Bmw 1-Series has a starting price of $46,135![via - 4wheelsnews]


2012 Bmw 1-Series M Coupe

Using an online configurator for the new SLS AMG Roadster is one of the most enjoyable activities that a Mercedes-Benz fan could have. The carmaker has recently launched the new drop-top version of its front mid-mounted supercar to the internet. You can have limitless hours of fun in checking out the features and switching its look. One of the most exciting items on the configurator is the AMG Le Mans Red dress, the largest AMG chrome jewelry with regards to the wheels.

In addition, its soft-top fabric is offered in a black color. There are actually nine exterior colors to choose from, a few of which are different shades of silver. There are also seven options for interior leather, three colors for the convertible top, and four sets of wheels. The Roadster won’t have the gullwing doors that had attracted so much attention on the coupe.

What the Roadster does get are a bigger headroom and a fine soundtrack too. There’s a pedal featured on the online configurator that when pressed, gives off the sound of the AMG V8 engine rev to the red line. One of the most interesting features is the convertible roof but there’s plenty more. Mercedes included a new electronically-controlled Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension as well as the AMG Performance Media system to monitor and show the telemetrics. Controlling this all is an AMG Drive Unit. [via - 4wheelsnews]

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Being Roger Federer right now can’t be all that bad (even if he lost the Roland Garros championship against Rafael Nadal). Federer is featured in a video for the commercial of the new 2012 SLS AMG Roadster from Mercedes-Benz that takes place in Dubai’s deserts. The video was shot in March but it was only released after the SLS AMG Roadster’s official unveiling about a week ago.

In this video, Federer describes the car as being “wonderful” and giving him “absolute pleasure” and an “exhilarated feeling.” He says at the end of the video: “This is one of the cars of all time favorites. I love it.” It’s likely to be true since this is one awesome vehicle.

Powering the SLS AMG Roadster is a 6.3 liter V8 engine that delivers 563bhp and with 650 Nm (480 lb.ft) of torque. It is coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, enabling the car to sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in only 3.7 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 317 km/h (197 mph). [via - 4wheelsnews]

With a satisfaction rating of 82.4%, the Mazda MX-5 is the highest-ranked sports car in the 2011 J.D. Power vehicle ownership satisfaction survey that was recently published. The MX-5 outperformed the Volkswagen Scirocco, Audi TT, and Mercedes-Benz CLK and SLK. This actually isn’t the first win of the MX-5 in this survey but it scored higher than last year and it also now leads by a wider gap.

According to the official press release, the MX-5 is proof “that sports cars don’t need to be sophisticated, luxurious or expensive to be fun-to-drive.” Peter Allibon, the sales director of Mazda Motors UK, stated that the MX-5 continues to be matchless as a sportscar that may be used for daily motoring throughout the year. He described the MX-5 soft-top to offer the “purest, fun-to-drive thrills,” while the Roadster Coupe’s folding hard top offers a “more refined experience, with that same exhilarating drive.”

He said that the MX-5 is very competitive in its class because of its reliability and low running costs. Allibon said that buyers of the regular MX-5 models or the latest ‘Kendo’ special editions will surely join the list of “owners who simply love their cars.” In early 2011, the Mazda MX-5 lineup was boosted by the arrival of two special editions of the roadster named the MX-5 Kendo. The special edition model is intended to mark the 900,000th unit sold of the MX-5 throughout the world. This figure includes the over 100,000 units sold in the UK. [via - 4wheelsnews]