BMW Confirms 5-Series for China and 2012 1-Series

For the past few months, we�ve been hearing various rumors about BMW�s future plans, but today, the German automaker came out with official details at a press conference in Munich starting with the debut of a plug-in hybrid version of the China market 5-Series at next month�s Shanghai Auto Show. 
�A highlight at the Shanghai Motor Show in mid-April will be the presentation of our New Energy Vehicle, said BMW Chief Executive Dr. Norbert Reithofer. �This model will be our e-car from China for China � a long version of the BMW 5 Series as a plug-in hybrid. This car will benefit from the strength and the excellent reputation of the BMW brand.�
Reithofer confirmed the presentation of the production version of the MINI Coupe, first seen as a concept model at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and the second generation of the BMW 1 Series, both of which will be launched this year alongside the new M5 sports saloon and the 6-Series models. 

BMW also revealed plans to add a small displacement three-cylinder turbocharged engine to its range, though the Bavarian automaker did not get into any more details.
�We are gradually utilizing the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in all petrol and diesel engines within our new BMW EfficientDynamics motor range,� said Reithofer. �This innovative engine technology package is based on a modular strategy. This holds true for future 4- and 6-cylinder engines as well as for our anticipated 3-cylinder drive. This modular system will generate significant economies of scale. It will also facilitate the standardization of interfaces and processes.�
Finally, BMW said it will begin assembling the X3 in India alongside the 3-Series, 5-Series and X1 for the local market from the second quarter of the year, while the firm�s new Tiexi plant in China which is scheduled to start production in 2012 will produce among other models, the X1 crossover.

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GM Design of Holden Commodore Due in 2013

Good news for Commodore fans; General Motors design boss Ed Welburn was in Melbourne recently to sign off on the styling of the next Holden Commodore, due in Q3 2013. The as-of-yet-unrevealed VF Commodore will be an evolution of the current generation VE, sharing the same rear-wheel-drive platform and V6 engines. "It's the absolute right Commodore for that market,� Mr. Welburn was quoted as saying, �I feel very good about it.�
Holden is said to be looking into lightening the VF�s components to improve fuel economy with the new model, and is also putting a strong emphasis on improving drivetrain efficiency. Though Mr. Welburn refused to comment on whether the Commodore would come to the U.S. badged as a Chevy, he did say:
�They are doing work for Holden and for other projects around the world. They are a very talented team � very talented � and I want to take full advantage of that. So, they are responsible for the look and feel of all Holden products, but they are doing work on Chevrolets, they have done some wonderful Buick work, and I could not be more proud of the work that they do.�

Holden has substantial experience in vehicle design, and is currently working on one of three new Opels expected in 2013. It�s still unknown which of the three � which includes a four-seat convertible and an Opel Corsa-derived MPV � Holden is working on.
Holden�s managing director and chairman Mike Devereux hinted that the Commodore will continue to be rear-wheel-drive, unlike its main rival the Ford Falcon which is rumored to go front-wheel or all-wheel-drive for its next model cycle. Carscoop will remain abreast of this project and bring you all the details as they come in.

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Acura TL Sedan 2012 Prices and Wallpapers

With the 2012MY Acura TL�s market launch set for March 18, the Japanese automaker decided to drop pricing details along with a slew of new photos of its facelifted mid-size sedan. The most significant changes for the 2012 TL concern the new front and rear styling, while Acura also added a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission and made the cabin quieter.The base front-wheel drive 2012 TL, which comes with a 280HP V6 hooked up to a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic, starts at $35,605, while the available Technology Package that includes a navigation system and a 440-watt premium audio System, increases the price to $39,335. Opt for the Advance Package that incorporates ventilated front seats, larger wheels and a new blind spot information (BSI) system, and the price goes up to $41,535. 
 
The TL SH-AWD, which features a 305HP V6 linked to a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, has an MSRP of $39,155. The MSRP for models equipped with the Technology Package is $42,885, and with the Advance Package, it�s $45,085.
Finally, the TL SH-AWD with a six-speed manual gearbox and the Technology Package has an MSRP of $42,885.


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Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster 2012 - New Photos

After Monday�s release on the facelifted C-Class range, Mercedes-Benz today also published a slew of photos of its brand-new 2012 SLK hardtop roadster that goes on sale in Europe at the end of this month, with the U.S. launch to follow in June. 

The third-generation of the SLK keeps the two-piece folding hardtop of its predecessors but gets a fresh design with styling cues from both the SLS AMG and the new CLS. It also comes with as a new range of fuel-efficient engines, including a 1.8-liter force-fed four-cylinder with either 184HP or 204HP, and a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 306HP in Europe and 302HP in North America.
Other highlights include the addition of the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, which switches to light or dark at the touch of a button, and the new COMAND system with 7-inch color display and central controller. Hit the jump for the complete gallery that also includes sketches and photos of the development prototypes like the one pictured above.


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