Ford Shows the Merits of the B-MAX's Pillarless Design

Another day, another round of photos of the new Ford B-MAX. This time, the Blue Oval enlisted the help of one of its European designers, Erika Tsubaki, to demonstrate the advantages of the hidden pillars and sliding doors when it comes to accessing the small MPV's interior at its UK unveiling in London today. Ford managed to do away with the central pillars by reinforcing the rear-hinged doors, which are made of special ultra-high-strength steels providing up to five times the strength of conventional mild steel.
The company says that the design allows for 1.5-metre (close to 5 feet) wide unobstructed openings on either side of the vehicle.
Along with images of Tsubaki loading the car, we also have new pictures of the B-MAX from its brochure shoot out, all of which, you can check out after the jump.
Ford's entry into the small MPV segment will go on sale in Europe in September.

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Lumma Design Presents New BMW 6-Series CLR 600 GT Prior to its Geneva Motor Show Debut

For owners of the new generation of the BMW 6-Series Convertible codenamed F12 looking to improve the looks and the performance of their drop-top model, Lumma Design has released the first details on its CLR 600 GT package that will debut in a couple of weeks' time at the Geneva Auto Salon. The German tuning firm's offerings include a rather discreet exterior styling kit comprising a front apron with additional LED daytime running lights (wonder how long these will last…), rocker panels, blacked out kidney grilles, and a rear apron with a diffuser.
The cabriolet's stance is more aggressive thanks to the 20mm lowered sports suspension and the fitment of new 20-inch alloy wheels.
The interior receives more attention as among other upgrades, Lumma Design has dressed the cabin in leather and alcantara, while also adding alloy pedals and bespoke decorative trims.
On the performance front, Lumma-Design's engineers have re-tuned the 650i's 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 lifting output from 408-horses and 600Nm (442.6 lb-ft) to 490-ponnies and 720Nm (531 lb-ft) of peak torque.
More details on the tune are to be released during the CLR 600 GT's world premiere at next month's Geneva Motor Show.
Story References: Lumma-Design via Worldcarfans

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2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i with 2.0L Turbo Priced from $37,995

BMW's new 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger continues to trickle down the range. Following its introduction in the Z4 sDrive28i, 528i and the all-new 328i, the force-fed four-pot is now replacing the 240-horsepower 3.0-liter straight-six in the X3 xDrive28i.

The German automaker announced U.S. pricing today for the four-cylinder X3 xDrive28i, which arrives in showrooms this April as a 2013 model with the same MSRP of $37,995, including $895 destination and handling, as the outgoing six-cylinder 2012 xDrive28i.

The X3's new 2.0-liter turbocharged unit delivers 240-horses at 5,000 rpm and a peak torque of 260 lb-ft, and is linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The crossover model accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (96km/h) in 6.5 seconds and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 130 mph (209km/h).

BMW has not yet released EPA estimates for its fuel economy, however, in the EU test cycle, the X3 xDrive28i returns 7.5lt/100km (equal to 31.3mpg US or 37.8mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 175g/km, an improvement of around 17 percent over the six-cylinder model.

In addition to the new engine, BMW has added an Auto Start Stop system, Driving Dynamics Control with ECO PRO and a power tailgate to the standard equipment of both the 2013 X3 xDrive28i and xDrive35i (priced at $43,595 including destination and handling)

Furthermore, the 2013 X3 xDrive28i also receives 18-inch wheels, and chrome tailpipes tips previously standard only on the X3 xDrive35i.

[2012 BMW X3 with M Sport Package pictured above]

Kia Teases New "K9" Rear-Wheel Drive Flagship Sedan with Official Renderings

It's been known for a while now that Kia is planning to enhance its range with a flagship sedan model, which most refer to as the K9.

While the South Korean automaker has yet to confirm the name, what it did do is drop the first official sketches and details on its upcoming proposal in the in the large sedan segment.

For the time being, Kia tells us that the car known by its internal designation "KH" will be the company's first ever rear-wheel drive sedan and it will go on sale in Korea by June this year with launch timings for other markets including North America to be confirmed at a later date.

The "KH" will likely share its platform architecture with Hyundai's Genesis saloon, though Kia is keeping a lid on information regarding the possible engine options. Nevertheless, we'd say that the Genesis' 3.8-liter V6, and 4.6-liter and 5.0-liter V8 units are prime candidates.

The South Korean company says that the design concept behind KH is "distinctive, modern and classic". At least from these renderings, certain details like the headlamp "eyebrows" and the styling of the rear end remind us of BMW's latest creations.

Kia added that the KH will be equipped with the latest technological gizmos.

Soon-Nam Lee, Kia’s Director of the Overseas Marketing Group, commented, “Our all-new flagship sedan integrates all of our key capabilities such as design, performance, high-tech features and infotainment into one striking model.

“Although launch timings for overseas markets are yet to be confirmed, this all-new rear-wheel drive large sedan will definitely become the leading model of our line-up around the world, showcasing the best of the best of Kia," Lee added.

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New Mazda MX-5 Special Edition Spring with Integrated Sat-Nav to Debut in Geneva

There's unquestionably no shortage of special-edition MX-5s for those that want a more unique version of the world's best-selling roadster model. In fact, only just last week, Mazda displayed the black-top "Special Edition" for the U.S. market at the Chicago Auto Show.

However, in Mazda's books, there's always a niche to fill with the MX-5. Today, the Japanese automaker announced another special edition designed exclusively for the European market that will make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

Named the 'MX-5 Special Edition Spring 2012', it will be offered in Europe with either a soft top or retractable hardtop and a choice of four body colors including the Radiant Ebony (seen in these pictures) that is exclusive to this model, along with Crystal White Pearl, Metropolitan Grey and Brilliant Black.

Other features include chrome headlamp inserts, grille surrounds and fog lamp bezels on the outside, and a “Havana Brown” leather upholstery for the interior.

In addition, Mazda says that the Special Edition Spring 2012 will be the first MX-5 to come with an integrated navigation system. More details are to be released at the Geneva Salon.

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First Videos of New BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible on the Move

BMW officially revealed the new generation of its M6 range this past Saturday and now we have the first video footage of both the Coupe and Convertible variants, courtesy of the folks over at the m5board forums.

Before you make the jump to watch the two clips though, we should tell you that you won't have the chance to hear the sounds of the new M6's twin-turbocharged V8 engine just yet as both videos come with a background music.

The new M6 Convertible will be the first to arrive in the States in June followed by the Coupe before the end of summer with pricing to be announced closer to the on-sale date.

In the UK, the new M6 models go on sale on September 15, with the Coupé costing £93,795 and the Convertible £98,995.

In Germany, the M6 will be available for order in March with prices set at €123,600 for the Coupe and €131,000 for the Convertible. If you scroll further down, you can also find the official German brochure with local pricing for all the available options.

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

BMW Announces New X3 Drive28i with 2.0L Turbo, X5 M Sport Edition and More for 2012

It seems that BMW has entered a non-stop process either revealing completely new models or updating its existing portfolio. Just to get an idea of what we're talking about, in the last 30 days alone, BMW has introduced these new models: 320i Turbo plus the 316d and 318d; the 125i Turbo, 125d, 116d ED and 1-Series M Sport Packages; the M550d, X5 M50d and X6 M50d; the X6 and X6M Facelift, the market launch of the ActiveHybrid 5; and of course, the M6 Coupe and Convertible.
And today, the Bavarian automaker has more news in store for us starting with the presentation of the new X3 xDrive28i that's powered by the firm's new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with 245PS (180kW or 242HP) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of peak torque, matched to an 8sp automatic.
It replaces the current X3 xDrive28i's 3.0-liter naturally aspirated straight-six with 240-horsepower.
The new inline-four accelerates the X3 from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.7 seconds or 0.2 seconds faster than the outgoing model, while its average fuel consumption on the EU test cycle is 7.5lt/100km (equal to 31.3mpg US or 37.8mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 175g/km, an improvement of around 17 percent.
In addition, all 2013 model year X3s arriving this spring (sold as a 2012 model year in Europe) will be quipped as standard with BMW's Driving Experience Control feature that varies the vehicle settings and is controlled by a button located on the center console next to the gearshift lever.
The system offers drivers four choices including “COMFORT”, “SPORT” and “SPORT+” as well as the ECO PRO mode, which change the settings of the stability control function (DSC), the accelerator pedal and Servotronic power steering and, depending on the equipment, the automatic transmission and Dynamic Damper Control system.
BMW has also added the Speed Limit Info System with the No Overtaking Display as a new option on the ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems, plus an updated Lane Departure Warning function with rear collision warning for the X3.
Moving on to the X5, in the spring of 2012, BMW will complement the crossover model's range with a new M Sport Edition that will be offered on all regular variants (sans the X5 M50d and X5M).
We don't have the official photos in our hands yet, but BMW says the M Sport Edition models get a new aero kit with bespoke front and rear bumpers, 20-inch allos, Individual High Gloss Shadow Line, new tailpipes, a sports suspension for all models aside from the X5 xDrive50i that gets a pneumatic rear wheel suspension with an automatic leveling feature. Moreover, the X5 xDrive50i and X5 xDrive40d also receive Xenon lights.
Inside, the M Sport Edition package dresses up the X5's cabin with M leather-clad steering wheel with shift paddles, anthracite roof lining, black piano lacquer trim strips, M-badge doorsills, stainless steel pedals and an M footrest plus sports seats.

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