First Drive: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6

Motor Authority - blog Category: Hatchback

  • Mitsubishi prices 2010 Lancer Sportback Ralliart from $27,590

    Mitsubishi prices 2010 Lancer Sportback Ralliart from $27,590 August 7th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, August 7th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 8 Comments

    Mitsubishi prices 2010 Lancer Sportback Ralliart from $27,590 With Subaru's defection from sedan to hatch-only status for the WRX STI, some fans lost their love for the rally-bred monster and started eying the heretic's choice: the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. But fans of the Lancer have so far been stuck with the opposite problem: no hatchback.

    That problem is solved, however - or at least nearly so. There won't be a hatchback version of the Evo X, but the previously announced Lancer Sportback GTS and Ralliart models have been priced for the U.S. today, and with starting prices of just $19,190 for the GTS with a five-speed manual and $27,590 for the 237-horsepower, twin-clutch Ralliart... With Subaru's defection from sedan to hatch-only status for the WRX STI, some fans lost their love for the rally-bred monster and started eying the heretic's choice: the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. But fans of the Lancer have so far been stuck with the opposite problem: no hatchback. That problem is solved, however - or at least nearly so. There won't be a hatchback version of the Evo X, but the previously announced Lancer Sportback GTS and Ralliart models have been priced for the U.S. today, and with starting prices of just $19,190 for the GTS with a five-speed manual and $27,590 for the 237-horsepower, twin-clutch Ralliart version, there's sure to be some serious cross-shopping going on for Subaru and Mitsubishi fans alike. Tuning potential for the Ralliart model is huge - it uses a detuned version of the same 4B11 engine found in the Evo X - and with its use of the TC-SST dual-clutch transmission and standard AWD with active center differential, the Sportback Ralliart is one of the best values on the market, priced almost dead even with Subaru's manual-shifted WRX Premium. For more on the Sportback, including details on the GTS and more on the Ralliart, check out our story on their confirmation for U.S. sale.Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart 2009 Read More

  • 2010 BMW 5-Series GT May Replace Wagon in U.S.

    2010 BMW 5-Series GT May Replace Wagon in U.S. July 8th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, July 8th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 8 Comments

    2010 BMW 5-Series GT May Replace Wagon in U.S. BMW's controversially styled new 5-Series GT will be heading to U.S. showrooms later this year. When it does, it could take the place of the current 5-Series Wagon altogether.

    According to BMW's Martin Birkmann, head of product planning, "it's possible" that the hatchback 5-Series could be the replacement for the more traditional wagon. The new body style hasn't won many fans online in BMW forums, but it does give BMW a more visually distinctive vehicle to sell against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon, which also arrives in the U.S. in the next nine months.

    BMW plans to launch the new 5-Series GT late this year. The first model... BMW's controversially styled new 5-Series GT will be heading to U.S. showrooms later this year. When it does, it could take the place of the current 5-Series Wagon altogether. According to BMW's Martin Birkmann, head of product planning, "it's possible" that the hatchback 5-Series could be the replacement for the more traditional wagon. The new body style hasn't won many fans online in BMW forums, but it does give BMW a more visually distinctive vehicle to sell against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon, which also arrives in the U.S. in the next nine months. BMW plans to launch the new 5-Series GT late this year. The first model to make its debut will be a 550i GT, outfitted with BMW's twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V-8 engine. Six-cylinder versions, and GTs with xDrive all-wheel drive, will follow in 2010. MotorAuthority will have more on the new 5-Series GT from the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in September.2010 BMW 5-series GT official images Read More

  • Mini sells 1.5 millionth new generation model

    Mini sells 1.5 millionth new generation model July 6th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, July 6th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    Mini sells 1.5 millionth new generation model Just weeks after celebrating Mini’s 50th birthday, another milestone was reached today as the 1.5 millionth car rolled off the Oxford production line, since the launch of the new generation Mini back in 2001. BMW CEO Ian Robertson as well as British politician Ian Lucas were on hand to see the 1.5th millionth model roll off the line, the particular car being a Chili Red Mini Clubman that’s destined to go to a customer in the UK.

    Since production of the new generation model started in 2001, Mini has become a global phenomenon, winning awards all over the world and is now sold in more than 80 countries, with its most recent... Just weeks after celebrating Mini’s 50th birthday, another milestone was reached today as the 1.5 millionth car rolled off the Oxford production line, since the launch of the new generation Mini back in 2001. BMW CEO Ian Robertson as well as British politician Ian Lucas were on hand to see the 1.5th millionth model roll off the line, the particular car being a Chili Red Mini Clubman that’s destined to go to a customer in the UK. Since production of the new generation model started in 2001, Mini has become a global phenomenon, winning awards all over the world and is now sold in more than 80 countries, with its most recent launch in Brazil. Furthermore, in the 41 years between 1959 and 2000 5.3 million classic Minis were built, so the total when combined with new generation Mini volume is 6.8 million cars. Mini’s parent company BMW has invested more than £380 million ($614 million) in its Oxford plant since 2001 and a further £100 million ($161 million) in the Hams Hall and Swindon plants, which make up the Mini production triangle in the UK. The operation employs more than 7,000 people and its activities account for an impressive 1% of the UK’s entire GDP. Read More

  • Report: Next-gen BMW 1-series to get four new variants

    Report: Next-gen BMW 1-series to get four new variants June 23rd, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, June 23rd, 2009 Nelson Ireson 11 Comments

    Report: Next-gen BMW 1-series to get four new variants While its Mini dealerships expand and BMW plans to double North American production, it's even busier behind the scenes working on the next generation of its most compact platform. Four new BMW 1-series variants are rumored to be in the works for the next-gen model, known internally as the F20, in addition to the traditional coupe and hatch already in production.

    The new variants include a new version of both the Coupe and Cabrio, a GT-style Estate, and a crossover-like vehicle possibly wearing a Y1 badge. A roadster version called the Z2 and potentially a small coupe version of that car are also up for production, reports Autocar. Bringing... While its Mini dealerships expand and BMW plans to double North American production, it's even busier behind the scenes working on the next generation of its most compact platform. Four new BMW 1-series variants are rumored to be in the works for the next-gen model, known internally as the F20, in addition to the traditional coupe and hatch already in production. The new variants include a new version of both the Coupe and Cabrio, a GT-style Estate, and a crossover-like vehicle possibly wearing a Y1 badge. A roadster version called the Z2 and potentially a small coupe version of that car are also up for production, reports Autocar. Bringing the car to market now is thought to make sense both from a consumer perspective and for competitive reasons - Volkswagen is also reported to be going forward with the Bluesport roadster, which may also share its underpinnings with entry-level Porsche and Audi roadsters. So far the GT-style Estate and the crossover-like variant are still only possibilities, without official approval. A four-door sedan-profile car on the 1-series platform is also among the talk. The next-generation 1-series is expected to include a range of powertrains. A 1.3L three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine could replace the current 1.6L four-cylinder. If so, in Europe at least, five petrol models should be available: the 116i with a 136hp (101kW) 1.3L turbo; the 118i with a 177hp (132kW) 1.3L turbo; the 120i with a 218hp (162kW) 2.0L turbo; the 130i with the 272hp (203kW) naturally-aspirated 3.0L inline six; and the 135i with a 326hp (243kW) turbo six-cylinder. The diesel range will be somewhat more compact with a 118d featuring a 150hp (112kW) 2.0L turbodiesel, a 120d with a 184hp (137kW) 2.0L turbodiesel and a 123d with a 211hp (157kW) 2.0L turbodiesel. A series of high-performance 'ti' models could also come with design assistance from the M Division, though exactly what shape those might take is still up in the air. BMW's Megacity urban vehicle project, which had previously been linked to the next-gen 1-series, will not play a role in the coming lineup. The Megacity project is independent of the 1-series because of the unique nature of its design goals. According to previous reports, the first model released - the five-door hatch - will hit the market around 2011, while the top-end model will wait until early 2012 to make its debut, while the standard coupe will come toward the end of 2012. A cabrio will come in early 2013 as the last of the certain-to-be-produced models.BMW 1-series mule2012 BMW 1-series spy shots2012 BMW Z2 Roadster preview Read More

  • Opel shows off interior for new Astra

    Opel shows off interior for new Astra June 18th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, June 18th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 4 Comments

    Opel shows off interior for new Astra After months of previews, teasers and small official photos, the 2010 Opel (Vauxhall) Astra has finally been let out of the bag. The hatch has been revealed in high-res photos and for the first time we get a look at the upcoming car’s stylish new interior.

    The new Astra is crucial for Opel as it will need to recover market share lost by the current model to Ford’s strong-selling Focus hatch as well as fend off the Fiesta compact. It may or may not see U.S. sale as a Saturn given that brand's uncertain future, but with Europe's love for hatches and the increasingly tight fuel and emissions standards - not to mention the taxes... After months of previews, teasers and small official photos, the 2010 Opel (Vauxhall) Astra has finally been let out of the bag. The hatch has been revealed in high-res photos and for the first time we get a look at the upcoming car’s stylish new interior. The new Astra is crucial for Opel as it will need to recover market share lost by the current model to Ford’s strong-selling Focus hatch as well as fend off the Fiesta compact. It may or may not see U.S. sale as a Saturn given that brand's uncertain future, but with Europe's love for hatches and the increasingly tight fuel and emissions standards - not to mention the taxes that go with them - the hatch will be key for Opel's sales at home. The car will make its official world debut at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, before arriving in European showrooms by the end of the year. This is the sixth generation of the Astra, which comes almost 30 years after the launch of the original, and its styling was led by Mark Adams, the British designer responsible for Opel’s award-winning Insignia. Also like the Insignia, the new Astra has spent over 600 hours in the wind tunnel, benefiting performance, economy and overall refinement. Echoing the flowing forms of its bodywork, the new Astra’s interior marks a major shift towards premium design and quality in the compact sector. The Astra’s interior employs the recurring wing and blade motifs that were first introduced in the Insignia, and also includes a wraparound instrument panel, which embraces both front seat occupants. Ambient lighting enhances the quality feel of the cabin, with lighting points framing the gearbox surround, and providing illumination from above the center console and within the door handle recesses, depending on trim level. Beneath the car’s pretty sheet metal is a 4.4 metre-length body and an updated GM Delta platform with a 71 millimetre-longer wheelbase. Wider tracks front and rear feature, as does a new rear axle design, which not only improves stability and agility but improves ride and comfort as well. Enhancing ride quality further is the addition of Opel’s FlexRide adjustable damper settings, which allows drivers to select between standard, sport and tour suspension modes. Another special feature is adaptive bi-xenon headlights. The highlight of the new Astra’s powertrain line-up is the introduction of an all-new, 138hp (103kW) turbocharged 1.4L petrol unit, which builds on Opel’s commitment to engine downsizing and reduced emissions and fuel consumption. This engine joins three further petrol engines, which range from 98hp (74kW) to 178hp (132kW), and four diesel engines ranging from 94hp (70kW) to 158hp (118kW). All engines are Euro 5 compliant. For more details on the new 2010 Opel Astra, check out our previous story by clicking here.2010 Opel Astra2010 Opel Astra interior Read More

  • Preview: Opel’s sixth generation Astra wagon

    Preview: Opel’s sixth generation Astra wagon May 25th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, May 25th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    Preview: Opel’s sixth generation Astra wagon After months of previews, teasers and leaked official photos, the 2010 Opel (Vauxhall) Astra has finally been let out of the bag but so far only the regular five door hatch has been revealed. Still in the works are the sporty Coupe, stylish TwinTop convertible, performance OPC (VXR), and long wheelbase wagon, the latter of which has been previewed in this latest computer generated rendering.

    The new Astra is crucial for Opel as it will need to recover market share lost by the current model to Ford’s strong-selling Focus hatch as well as fend off the Fiesta compact. However, the hatch, as well as the upcoming wagon variant, is unlikely... After months of previews, teasers and leaked official photos, the 2010 Opel (Vauxhall) Astra has finally been let out of the bag but so far only the regular five door hatch has been revealed. Still in the works are the sporty Coupe, stylish TwinTop convertible, performance OPC (VXR), and long wheelbase wagon, the latter of which has been previewed in this latest computer generated rendering. The new Astra is crucial for Opel as it will need to recover market share lost by the current model to Ford’s strong-selling Focus hatch as well as fend off the Fiesta compact. However, the hatch, as well as the upcoming wagon variant, is unlikely to see a U.S. launch given Saturn’s eventual withdrawal from the GM portfolio. The wagon will essentially be a stretched version of the five-door hatch so expect to see a body stretching more than 4.4m. A longer wheelbase and a more upright rear door will also boost interior space. Enhancing ride quality will be the addition of Opel’s FlexRide adjustable damper settings, which allows drivers to select between standard, sport and tour suspension modes. Another special feature is adaptive bi-xenon headlights. The highlight of the new Astra lineup, however, is the introduction of a 138hp (103kW) turbocharged 1.4L petrol engine, which builds on Opel’s commitment to engine downsizing and reduced emissions and fuel consumption. This engine joins three further petrol engines, which range from 98hp (74kW) to 178hp (132kW) in output, and four diesel engines ranging from 94hp (70kW) to 158hp (118kW). While the new Astra hatchback is scheduled to make its world debut at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the wagon isn’t likely to bow in until early next year.2010 Opel Astra2010 Opel Astra wagon preview Read More

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