2013 BMW i3 Spy Spotted

2013 BMW i3 Spy Spotted

The engineers at BMW seems like being busy to put their new line of i-branded models through the winter ringer. While previously testing their i8 hybrid halo, now their 2013 BMW i3 has been spied running in the snow.

If you see the shape of the car in the picture above, you will agree that this is not BMW’s style with the pedestrian friendly nose, its upright, slab sides, and the bulbous back end. The taillamps is also surely not the production spec, and that thin tire and wheels were for blending winter grip as well as low rolling resistance. That shape is pretty anonymous.

BMW was claiming that this new passenger car will be made from a carbon fiber. However, I think the rest of the chassis will use some amount of aluminum in order to keep down its weight. We still don’t know what will the car has in its hood, as well as which wheels will be driven. The sources from Autoblog said that it will be a rear wheel drive car, but there is still a question on whether it will be a hybrid or a total electric.

2013 BMW i3 Spy Spotted is a post from: Automotive News and Review

Mini Rocketman Entering Production Phase

The Geneva Motor Show event was already passed last week, with a lot of concept cars which were virtually said that the automakers were looking for the future of automobile. And after those unveiling campaign at the auto show, now is the time to reports on their prospect of production. The first news came from Alfa Romeo 4C Concept which is aiming for U.S. that we talked yesterday. After that, Jaguar Passing on Bertone’s design was followed.

Now, there is a report that Mini was planning to go one step further to start producing its Rocketman concept. This subcompact model show car was targeting to their customers which were asking about the enlargement of the modern range from mini. They also hope that the new model could close the gap between the real Mini with another iteration.

Autocar was reporting that Mini will produce this Rocketman based on the new front drive platform from BMW Group and the i-initiative technologies. This production of Rocketman will be placed below their existing three door hatchback instead of replace it in the middle of the rapidly expanding range of this firm.

Mini Rocketman Entering Production Phase is a post from: Automotive News and Review

Ford Announce Gas-Powered F-650

If you need a truck for medium duty, then this Ford F-650 might be just what you need to buy, with the price of around $ 57,000. Yes, the price is quite high, but it is because the effective but expensive 6.7 liter turbodiesel engine from Ford. PickupTrucks.com said that the new solution with a lower cost is currently on its way. It is said that Ford will bring 362 horsepower with 357 pound feet of torque in a 6.8 liter V10 engine.

The engine was originally used in the Super Duty truck, and the report said that the base price will drop by up to $ 8,000, as well as offering a fuel economy option which is said to be 10 percent of the diesel. Ford will do that with the help of their 6R140 six speed transmission which has change its gears to adapt the 6.7 liter diesel.

Price wise, that $ 8,000 price drop is actually significant. Ford said that the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is 30,000 pounds with the Max Gross Combined Rating of 33,000 pounds. The 6.8 liter V10 engine option for this truck will be available in early 2012.

Ford Announce Gas-Powered F-650 is a post from: Automotive News and Review

Combination of Ferrari and Lotus in Shayton Equilibrium

The first time I see the picture above, I am thinking about a supercar which is similar to what Ferrari and Lotus looks like. That is the picture of Shayton Equilibrium, and it seems like the car will bring a full amount of fun. Unfortunately until now, this car is still remains as only a digital rendering. But don’t worry as there is a report that the Slovenian firm seems to working to make the design to be a reality.

This Shayton’s vehicle will has a V12 engine under its hood which is capable to bring more than 1,000 horsepower. It is said that the car can reach from 0 to 62 mph in less than 3 seconds, with the top speed of 248 mph. Those high speed and power is combined with the bodywork from a carbon fiber which is only weighing 2,600 pounds. Truly a combination for a hypercar.

If you pay a close attention and you are remember, the car looks a bit like the Ferrari Enzo, some part of Lotus Esprit, and even some other parts from Marussia B2, with more power than those three models. The bad news is that there is still no report on when will the car exist in the real market from Shayton.

Combination of Ferrari and Lotus in Shayton Equilibrium is a post from: Automotive News and Review

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK and C-Class Has New Map Pilot

It seems like a built in navigation system is getting hot today. Unfortunately, the upgrades are PITA, while the software is sometimes one or two generation behind the current products from most portable and less expensive navigation unit. Thankfully, Harman and Mercedes-Benz has a solution in this case, and their solution will coming to the market later this year.

That solution is a Harman Map Pilot, which is a portable navigation unit which is stored in the glove compartment. This feature will connect with the stereo and display of the map, straight from your dashboard. The route guidance will work just like plenty other OEM system. The difference is when it is the time to update your maps database, or even upgrading the entire unit, you will only need to simply plug and play.

The standard features of this map are the voice guidance, POI search, and some more.  The buyers of 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK and the new C-Class will also bring this system as standard when the car is going on sale at later this year. I don’t think we need to doubt on this technology, as Harman is the leading global audio and infotainment group.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK and C-Class Has New Map Pilot is a post from: Automotive News and Review