BMW to produce Mega City Vehicle (MCV) in China

BMW Mega City Vehicle to be produced
in China

BMW has confirmed plans to produce its upcoming Mega City Vehicle in China.

Speaking to the Beijing News, the boss of BMW China, Christopher Stark, revealed: "The Mega City Vehicle will be launched in 2013 and is to be locally produced thereafter".

No further details on the production site, proposed timetable or possible joint venture partner were disclosed.

BMW had already gone public on plans to produce the Mega City Vehicle at its existing plant in Leipzig, Germany, which is to receive a 400 million Euro investment to create a new production line. However, Stark's comments are the first to reveal the German car maker's plans for a second producton site for the new city car.

Update: MG3. Sporting version of new entry level MG set to star in Guangzhou



MG3 set for Guangzhou debut 

Images from the floor of the Guangzhou auto show, to get underway Monday, reveal a sporting version of the new MG3 that is set to underpin the MG stand. We're planning to provide further images and all the details on the new Chinese built supermini when they become available . .

This from an earlier post . . .

MG is gearing up to reveal the production version of the new MG3 at the Guangzhou auto show. With the first media day planned for Monday (20 December), the builders are already in the China Import and Export Fair complex madly erecting stands, including that of MG which is set to feature an array of MG3 hanging from the walls, as seen by this example flaunting a Mini-style Union Jack motive upon its roof. Planned to go on sale in China early next year, the 175.4 inch (3999mm) long MG3 will initially be offered with just one engine: a 1.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline unit developing 109bhp (80kW) and 99lb ft (135Nm) of torque.

Mini Paceman concept

Mini Paceman

Meet the Paceman, the latest in a long line of Mini concept cars to appear since the famed British car maker fell under the control of BMW back in 1994 – all of which have, in one form or another, eventually made it into production.


The compact two door SUV – or SAC (sport activity coupe) as Mini describes it, is planned to get its first public outing at the Detroit auto show in early January.

But you can forget the concept car tag, Mini officials already hint the Paceman previews a coupe version of the recently introduced Countryman that will go on sale in 2013.

Sharing its front-end look with the Countryman, the new Mini ditches the four-door body of its production sibling for a more overtly sporting two door layout, with the B-pillar shifted further back within the wheelbase and the front door extended in length by 14.6 inches (370mm).

Adding to the sporting flavor is a modified windscreen that has been shortened by 0.8 inches (20mm), a plunging roof similar to that on parent company BMW’s X6, shortened C-pillar and a more angled rear window.


In a move that suggests Mini is also planning to dispense with the traditional vertical stacked tail lamps that have been a signature design cue on each Mini model since its inception in 1959, the Paceman also receives horizontal tail lamps very similar in style to those seen on the Bentley Continental GT and wrapping around into the rear fender.


“In contrast to the more vertical design of the Mini Countryman, we’ve given the Paceman concept a horizontal emphasis and accentuated the width of the car rather more,” says Marcus Syring, head of exterior design at Mini’s Munich-based studio in Germany.


Size wise, the new car is close to the Countryman, measuring 161.8 inches (4110mm) in length, 70.4 inches (1789mm) in width and 60.7 inches (1541mm) in height. It also rides on the same 102.2 inch (2595mm) wheelbase as Mini’s compact SUV, whose unitary steel platform structure is set to provide the basis for a new front-wheel drive BMW model also due out in 2013.

 Powering Mini’s latest concept is the hottest of it turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder gasoline engines, as seen in the Cooper S Works. It kicks out 211bhp (155kW) and 192lb ft (260Nm) of torque – or 207lb ft (280Nm) in brief burst of overboost. It's all channeled through a six-speed manual gearbox and the same Haldex style multi-plate clutch four-wheel drive system offered in the Countryman ALL4.

Emphasizing its on-road biased nature, the new concept also receives the same sports suspension and lightly redesigned 19-inch wheels similar to those offered as optional equipment on the Countryman.

MG3 launch nears

MG is gearing up to reveal the production version of the new MG3 at the Guangzhou auto show. With the first media day planned for Monday (20 December), the builders are already in the China Import and Export Fair complex madly erecting stands, including that of MG which is set to feature an array of MG3 hanging from the walls, as seen by this example flaunting a Mini-style Union Jack motive upon its roof. Planned to go on sale in China early next year, the 175.4 inch (3999mm) long MG3 will initially be offered with just one engine: a 1.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline unit developing 109bhp (80kW) and 99lb ft (135Nm) of torque.   

 

Mercedes-Benz creates monster B-class

Most extreme Mercedes-Benz B-class
yet - the 388bhp B55

Up until now Mercedes-Benz has decided to keep the B-class from the North American market. But here’s an extreme V8-powered version of its compact MPV that’s certainly worthy of consideration for the good 'ol US of A – if only the German car maker would build it!

Called the B55, the rapid new MPV has been created by a group of trainees at Mercedes-Benz’s Rastatt factory in Germany as part of a long term in-house engineering program.

The new car, which began as an ordinary B200 CDI, has been thoroughly re-engineered, with Mercedes-Benz’s trainees replacing its original transversely-mounted 2.0-litre four-cylinder common rail diesel engine producing 140bhp (103kW) and 221lb ft of torque (300Nm) with a longitudinally sited 5.5-litre V8 kicking out a rather more expansive 388bhp (285kW) and 391lb ft (530Nm).

But that’s not all! The B55 also dispenses with the standard B-class’s front-wheel drive layout, receiving Mercedes-Benz’s seven speed 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox, specially modified propeller shaft and rear axle assembly from the decade old E430 to turn it into a bitumen shredding rear wheel drive excess.

The new driveline and associated changes, including the adoption of  brakes from the old C32 AMG, adds 573lb (260kg) to the B55’s weight, taking it up to 3571lb (1620kg). Mercedes-Benz isn’t quoting any performance numbers right now but Andreas Wurz, the man credited with the idea to squeeze the new engine into the compact confines of the B-class’s engine bay, says it’s good for 0-62mph (100km/h) “in around 5.0sec” or half of that quoted for the B200 CDI.

Remarkably, all of the B55’s various mechanical modifications have been achieved without any alterations to the standard B-class body, although accommodating the V8 up front has brought some changes to the steering, with the rack adopted from the first-generation A-class, and the new rear axle has forced a reduction in size of the fuel tank.

The B55 rides on a heavily reworked suspension; MacPherson struts are retained up front but the B-class’s torsion beam rear end has been replaced by a multi-link arrangement from the old E-class. It all sits much lower than the standard B-class, giving the B55 a sportying, hunkered down appearance that's further ascentuated by a set of 18-inch wheels wearing 235/40 (front) and 255/35 (rear) Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires and a pair of centrally mounted tail-pipes.

Sadly, Mercedes-Benz says there are no plans to place the B55 to production. “It’s just a bit of fun,” says Wurz.

Volkswagen and FAW to create new brand, reveal joint concept

Volkswagen and its Chinese joint venture partner FAW (First Automobile Works) are set to announce the creation of a new Chinese market only brand at the Guangzhou auto show later this month. The two companies aren't saying too much right now. However, a grainy image has appeared on the internet reporting to show a contemporary new four door sedan concept that Volkswagen and FAW plan to wheel out at Guangzhou to kick off their new brand.

Facelifted BMW 1-series coupe and convertible

BMW has revealed a subtly altered 1-series coupe and convertible carrying a similar set of styling changes to those seen on the 1-series M coupe revealed earlier this week. To be included among BMW’s spread at the upcoming Detroit auto show, the new models are planned to go on sale in March, just six months before the second-generation 1-series hatchback is due out.

Stylistically, there’s little to report. Included among the changes is a new front bumper with integrated fog lights and what BMW describes as air curtains – the name given to the German car maker’s new vertically stacked air ducts, which it says further enhances efficiency by improving front end air flow.

The head- and tail lights have also been subtly reworked with new graphics, giving the facelifted 1-series coupe and convertible a more distinctive night time appearance. Buyers will also be able to choose among a further range of colors, with Vermilion Red and Marrakesh Brown added to the existing pallet.

Mechanically, it’s the same as before. Europe gets two versions of BMW's 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine developing 141bhp (105kW) in the 118i coupe/convertible and 168bhp (125kW) in the 120i coupe/convertible together with a naturally aspirated version of BMW’s 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder with 215bhp (160kW) in the 125i.

Heading the line-up is a turbocharged version of the same engine with 302bhp (225kW) in the range topping 135i, which BMW claims can hit 62mph (100km/h) in just 5.2sec when running the optional seven-speed DCT (double clutch transmission).

There are also three versions of BMW’s excellent 2.0-litre four-cylinder common rail diesel. It packs 141bhp (105kW) in the 118d, 175bhp (130kW) in the 120d and 201bhp (150kW) in the 123d – the latter capable of running a 7.0sec 0-62mph (100km/h) while returning a combined 42.8mpg (5.5L/100km).

 North America will continue with just two models: the 128i running a specially tuned version of the naturally aspirated 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder rated slightly above the European version at 230bhp (172kW) and the twin scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder, the N55 as it is designated by BMW, with an official 300bhp (224kW) in the US-market 135i.

Lotus plans own engines



Lotus Esprit concept

Lotus has kicked off a feasibility study to determine whether to push ahead with its own uniquely designed V6 and V8 engines to power the new Elan, Elise, Esprit, Elite and Eterne – all previewed at the Paris auto show last September.
According to Lotus boss Danny Bahar, poor customer reaction to news it was planning to use Toyota sourced engines in its new models is behind the decision to determine the cost of developing, engineering and producing its own engines.
“We have done three engines for other manufacturers; why not do it ourselves?” Bahar revealed to Autocar magazine.

Lotus Elan concept

The driving force behind the Lotus plans for a unique range of engines is the company’s engineering boss, Wolf Zimmermann. The former engine boss at Mercedes-Benz AMG has extensive experience in high performance powerplants.
Zimmerman, who joined Lotus shortly after developing the plug-in electric Mercedes-Benz SLS E-cell through to road going maturity, is widely credited with the development of German car maker’s supercharged 5.4-litre V8 as used by th SLR-McLaren, the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 found in the SLS and the 7.3-litre V12 used by Pagani in the Zonda.

Mini boss: new "mini" Mini on the way

Mini Cooper hardtop not "mini" enough?
 New, smaller model on the way,
 according to company boss

Rumours of a new entry level Mini positioned and priced beneath the existing hardtop have been doing the rounds of the motoring media for some time.

Now officials from the British car maker have confirmed the existence of plans for a Smart Fortwo rivaling city car. “The idea of building a small car offering lots of space still interests us,” Mini boss, Wolfgang Armbrecht, told the German ediition of the Financial Times in response to questions on the rumoured new model, adding, “Mini hasn’t forgotten where it came from.”  

Hinting at a possible concept car previewing the new price leading Mini model, Armbrecht recommended to “follow Mini’s movements in the next few months”.

  

Volkswagen considering Passat CC wagon

 

Passat CC: sporting wagon variant on the way?


Volkswagen is poised to decide on a proposal to broaden the Passat CC line-up through the addition of a sporting wagon, according to sources close to the German car maker’s upper level management.
A series of styling proposals for the second generation CC were recently presented to Volkswagen board members. They are said to favour a repositioning of the car, taking it further up-market to compete with the likes of the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-class with both a sedan and wagon.
Among a series of designs for a replacement of today’s CC sedan, Volkswagen board members also saw proposals for a new wagon variant, which is described as being “very low and sleek”. With its upcoming NMS (New Mid-sized Sedan) not planned to be built in wagon form, Volkswagen may use a wagon variant of the CC to bolster its North American line-up following a decision not to import the new seventh-generation Passat which recently went on sale in Europe.
Also under discussion for the CC is a new name. “The CC has its own individual identity. There is no reason why it should share the Passat name. This is a mistake of past management,” an insider at the company’s Wolfsburg based headquarters in Germany, who asked not to be named, told TheAutoInsider.
The move by Volkswagen bosses to expand the CC line-up to include a wagon model would mirror the decision by Mercedes-Benz to provide the CLS range with a new wagon inspired by the Shooting Break concept wheeled out at this year’s Beijing auto show.

The Alfa Romeo 166 lives . . . as the GAC Trumpchi

GAC Trumpchi sits on 12-year-old
Alfa Romeo 166 underpinnings

Next week’s Guangzhou auto show will see the public unveiling of GAC’s (Guangzhou Automobile Corporation) new Trumpchi.
The contemporary styled mid-sized sedan, first previewed in concept car form at the 2009 Shanghai auto show, is GAC’s first independent entry into the Chinese car market, although with existing joint ventures with Toyota, Honda and Fiat, it is certainly no stranger to car manufacturing.
It is this latter joint venture that was pivotal to the development of the Trumpchi: back in 2009 GAC purchased the intellectual property rights to the Alfa Romeo 166’s platform and chassis from Fiat to provide a low cost base for its first ever model, which will sell for RMB140,000 ($20,600) in China.

Few details have been released prior to the Trumpchi's planned unveiling in Guangzhou, although GAC says it has modified the 166’s front-wheel drive platform to accommodate the new car's four door body, which measures 192.9 Inches (4900mm) in length, 71.7 inches (1820mm) in width and 58.3 inches (1480mm) in height – 7.1 inches (180mm) longer, 0.2 inches (5mm) wider and 2.7 inches (60mm) higher than the discontinued 166. The new GAC model also features a wheelbase that is 0.4 inches (10mm) longer than that of the Alfa Romeo at 110.2 inches (2800mm).
Among the engines GAC has readied for the Trumpchi is an initial 2.0-litre four cylinder direct injection gasoline unit with a 1.8-litre version of the same engine set to follow shortly after it hits Chinese showrooms following its Guangzhou unveiling. The only gearbox choice, according to our sources, is a five speed automatic.

Volkswagen London black cab concept . . . with its single, rear door on the wrong side!

Can someone please tell Volkswagen they drive on the left-hand side of the road in England - not the right, as they do in Germany!

Keen to show off various styling elements of the upcoming Up once again prior to a planned unveiling in production form at next year's Frankfurt auto show, the German car maker has created an homage to the traditional London black cab with this new concept.

Style wise, it’s bang on the money. All dapper, with an authentic black paint scheme, silver Union Jack on the roof and the City of London’s coat of arms resplendent on either side of the vehicle as well as on the dashboard. Problem is the new three seater, like the Berlin, Milan and Shanghai taxi concepts it wheeled out earlier this year, has only one rear door – and it is on the right!

That’s all and good in countries where they drive on the right – as in Germany. But in England, it means the rear seat occupants would be forced the alight directly into the traffic rather than the pavement side. Not exactly a safe solution . . .

To make things even more complicated, Volkswagen sites the driver of its new London Taxi concept on the left in a country where the infrastructure is all set up for a driver on the right, which by way of experience makes it notoriously difficult at toll booths, in parking stations and during overtaking. 

Message to Volkswagen . . .

Ignoring the obvious downside of its left-hand drive conceived layout, the new London Taxi is highly compact – more compact, in fact, than Volkswagen current entry level Fox at 146.9 inches (3730mm) in length, 65.4 inches (1660mm) in width and 63.0 inches (1600mm) in height.

Inside, there is accommodation in the rear for two adults, with the space next to the driver liberated of the passenger seat to create added luggage and stowage space.

The new Volkswagen is propelled by a 112bhp electric motor fed energy by a 45kWh lithium ion battery.

Official claims put the top speed at 75mph (120km/h) and the range at 186 miles (300km). A compartment behind the Volkswagen badge at the front is used to stow a cable for plug in capability; an 80 per cent charge is said to be possible in little over an hour using a high voltage system.

Full gallery of images after the jump . . .

Volvo to get three - yes, three - Chinese production sites

Volvo’s board of management has agreed to terms proposed by parent company Geely for the establishment of three new production sites in China, according to a posting on the Geely’s official web site. In a move that looks set to make China, Volvo’s second largest market, the Swedish car maker says it has rubber stamped plans drawn up by Geely chairman, Lee Shufu, for plants in Chengdu, Shanghai and Daqing.

 Volvo had earlier indicated it was not prepared to make any firm decisions on future expansion plans until it had returned to profitability. However, the need to raise volumes and economies of scale across all model lines appears to have forced the decision to ramp up operations in China – now the world’s largest car market. As yet there is no indication what models Volvo plans to produce in China, although rumors are the S60 could be produced in a former Geely factory in Chengdu in the first stage of the plan. Does anyone know how to say Volvo in Chinese . . . ?

    

Taiwan's Luxgen enters into joint venture with China's Dongfeng Auto

Yulong Motors' Luxgen 7

Taiwan’s Yulong Motors, the company behind the Lexgen range of MPVs and SUVs, has entered into a joint venture with mainland China based Dongfeng Auto in a deal that calls for RMB3.4 billion in investment – a good part of which will be sunk into a new manufacturing facility to be created in Hangzhou, China. With an envisaged long term capacity of 240,000 cars and 200,000 engines per year, the new site will also support a new R&D centre.

The new company, Dongfeng-Luxgen, have already established a common supply chain in China and plan to source materials and components from both mainland China and Taiwan. Dongfeng Auto, one of China’s largest car makers, already operates joint ventures with Honda, Kia, Nissan and PSA (Peugeot-Citroen).  

Jeep Compass gets (much needed) styling makover and new Trail Rated off-road option



New Jeep Compass (click to enlarge)

Chrysler’s Jeep division has reworked its slow selling Compass, providing the compact SUV with a series of Grand Cherokee inspired exterior styling cues and a higher quality interior with added levels of standard equipment - all in the hope of reviving its showroom appeal in the face of stiff compact SUV competiton.
Available in either front- or four wheel drive, the Compass will be sold with the choice of two four-cylinder gasoline engines - the so-called World Engines, both hailing from Chrysler's Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance with Hyundai and Mitsubishi: a 2.0-litre unit with 158bhp (118kW) and 141lb (191Nm) of torque, and a 2.4-litre with 172bhp (128kW) and 165lb (224Nm).
The existing Volkswagen sourced 2.0-litre four-cylinder pump injection diesel also offered in Europe and other key markets is expected to be phased out in favour of a Fiat-engineered 1.9-litre four-cylinder common rail unit with 150bhp and 236lb (320Nm) of torque. Gearbox choices include a standard five-speed manual and optional CVT (continuously variable transmission).
Set to get an airing at the Detroit auto show, the Compass line-up has also been extended to include a four-wheel drive Trail Rated model complete with low range gearing, raised ride height, skid plates, tow hooks and 17-inch all terrain tires for the first time. No excuse for leaving the Compass behind next time you hit the Rubicon Trail, then . . .
Further images after the jump