All-New Ford B-MAX: First Official Photo of Small MPV Released Ahead of Geneva

Less than one year after Ford showed the B-MAX study at the Geneva Salon, the Blue Oval unwrapped the final production model of its new entry in the European small MPV segment. The official presentation will once again take place at the Geneva Motor Show this March The transition from concept to production has not brought any significant changes to the design of the Fiesta-based model, but that was something we expected given that last year's model was more showcar than pure concept.
From the single picture released by Ford, we can see that the production B-MAX lost the chrome grille trim (though we wouldn't be surprised if we saw it on a higher grade model) and gained a set of visible door handles.
Like the original study, the B-MAX features sliding rear doors with the center pillars integrated into the doors themselves, offering a wide-open access for drivers, passengers and luggage.
The small MPV , which competes against the likes of the Opel Meriva, will be one of the first Ford models to be offered with the brand's new 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline engine that is available in two states of tune, with 99HP (100PS) and 123HP (125PS). The range will also include a selection of Duratorq TDCi diesels.
“The B-MAX combines an exciting, innovative design with features that only previously have been found in bigger cars,” said Stephen Odell, CEO of Ford Europe. “It’s a brand new car that responds to the needs of an increasing number of customers who want much more from their small cars.”
The new Ford B-MAX will go on sale across Europe later this year.

Acura to Debut Production Versions of New ILX Sedan and RDX at the Chicago Auto Show

Next week's 2012 Chicago Auto Show will play host to the world premiere of the final production versions of Acura's all-new ILX compact sedan and the redesigned RDX crossover, both of which we're displayed in showcar form in Detroit last month. The changes on the production models are expected to be limited to some subtle design details such as the bumpers and the alloy wheels.
The 2013 ILX is Acura's take on the premium compact sedan segment. It is based on the running gear of the latest Honda Civic but sports unique sheetmetal. The ILX launches this spring with an entry-level 2.0-liter inline-four, a higher-performance 2.4-liter 4-cylinder paired to a six-speed manual gearbox and a 1.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, which will be Acura's first-ever hybrid offering.
The redesigned 2013 RDX crossover will also go on sale in the States this spring bringing a more mature styling plus a 3.5-liter V6 that replaces the outgoing models turbocharged inline four.
For the time being, check out the pictures of the concept versions in our gallery below.

ACURA ILX STUDY

ACURA RDX STUDY

Smart Fortwo gets a Fresh Look for 2012, will Debut at the Geneva Motor Show

The Smart Fortwo city car is entering the 2012 model year with some subtle styling revisions, most of which were previewed on the third-generation ForTwo Electric displayed at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show. On the outside, the 2012 Fortwo gets a larger radiator grille with an integrated "Smart" logo along with a new bumper design, optionally available horizontally arranged LED daytime driving lights, and modified side skirts and rear aprons.
There is also a choice of three new alloy wheel designs and a matt anthracite exterior finish that was not available before.
The interior receives some subtle tweaks such as higher-quality materials in different colors and available faux leather trims for the doors and the instrument panel.
Smart has retained the five trim lines (Pure, Pulse, Passion, Brabus and Brabus Xclusive) as well as the engine range that includes a 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol with 61HP, 71HP, 84HP and 102HP, a 0.8-liter turbo diesel with 54HP and a pure electric model with a peak output of 55kW (74HP).
The revamped Smart Fortwo will make its motorshow debut in Geneva next month and reach dealers at the beginning of April.

PHOTO GALLERY

Citroën Puts a Price on the All-New DS5 in the UK

If you live in Britain and have been after the all-new Citroën DS5 since its introduction at the Shanghai Auto Show last April and then at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, you’re getting closer as the French brand has announced pricing and is accepting pre-orders, with first deliveries to take place on April 2. On the road prices start from £22,400 for the entry-level diesel model rising to to £32,200 for the range-topping Hybrid4 DSport.
One of the more innovative looking Citroën's since the 1970s, the DS5 is marketed as an alternative to the more conventional C5 with a higher ground clearance, more refined interior and a shape that blends elements from several categories.
The French firm says that the DS5 "sits in a unique market position between core ‘D’ segment models such as VW Passat and Vauxhall Insignia, and premium executive models including VW CC and Audi A4".
Right from launch, it will be available with four Euro V engines including a 200bhp 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol co-developed with BMW, a 160bhp HDi diesel, a 110bhp e-HDi diesel with Stop & Start micro-hybrid technology and the range topping 200bhp diesel electric Hybrid4 with all-wheel drive capability and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.
All powerplants are mated to either manual, automatic or EGS six-speed transmissions.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmRGYuh3_6g&feature=player_embedded

Mopar's 2013 Dodge Dart GTS 210 Tribute in the Flesh

On Tuesday, we brought the news on the 2013 Dodge Dart GTS 210 Tribute that was developed by Mopar both to celebrate its 75th birthday and to preview the performance and styling parts that will be available for customers in the fall as stage kits or á la carte from the brand's catalog. Today we have live photos of the Dodge Dart GTS 210 Tribute that offer us a better view of the car and the customizations made by Mopar.
These include the first stage appearance package with a matte black ground effects kit and a carbon-fiber hood with an air scoop, finished off by the bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels. The kit also decks out the interior with two-tone leather seats and trims and a sports steering wheel.
Stage two brings on some additional ponies to the 2.4-liter inline four through an ECU tune and an improved air-flow intake and low back-pressure exhaust, lifting output from 184HP to 210-horses.