2012 New MINI 'Mini'

It’s the car that fans of the original Mini have been waiting for – and it could be the biggest-selling new MINI yet. With stringent emissions regulations and spiralling petrol prices, the demand for compact cars is going through the roof.

And the new baby MINI is set to head a new breed of penny-pinching small cars that prove you don’t have to sacrifice style and driving fun for low running costs. Based on the Rocketman concept, the ‘mini’ MINI will expand the burgeoning brand even further.

It will create a new entry point and mark the beginning of a new era, too, with a range of three-cylinder engines on offer, lightweight materials throughout and an all-electric version in the pipeline.

The images show how the pint-sized production car is likely to look – and all those who have been waiting patiently for a true successor to the Sixties model will be pleased to see this car’s tiny footprint on the road. The ‘mini’ MINI is only 40cm longer and 50cm wider than the original, and engineers are intent on making the production car no bigger than the concept.

It will make the most of every inch available to it, though, with a space-saving 3+1 seating layout similar to the Toyota iQ’s. While there will be seats for four, the chair behind the driver will only be suitable for short trips. However, the instrument cluster moves backwards and forwards with the steering wheel to boost room when necessary.

Carried over from the concept will be the dual-function boot, which features a conventional compartment accessed via a hatch with a drawer-like storage area underneath. The centrally mounted ‘Coke can’ exhaust is also slated for production. Predictably, however, the concept’s Union Jack glass roof will make way for a more conventional metal top. Plus, the concept’s three-dimensional ‘handlebar’ rear lights will be replaced by simpler clusters fitted flush into the bodywork.

  

The next MINIs to go on sale will be the Coupé and Roadster in 2012. Expect the ‘mini’ MINI to arrive in 2014 – the same time that the next-generation hatch is due.

2011 BMW 6-Series Coupe

When the Coupe arrives, buyers will have the choice of two engines. The 640i is powered by a straight-six petrol engine that develops 316bhp, and sprints the car from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds.

The range-topping 650i gets a 401bhp 4.4-litre V8 which completes the benchmark sprint in 4.9 seconds. Both models have a limited top speed of 155mph and come with BMW’s slick eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

The smaller engine features stop-start to save fuel, allowing it to return 36.7mpg and 179g/km, while the larger car manages 27.2mpg and 243g/km.

Spec highlights include adaptive LED highlights, the latest generation of BMW’s head-up display, a rear-view camera and night vision. Options will include active seats, Nappa leather and a newly-developed Bang&Olufsen stereo.

The 6-Series Coupe is 75mm longer in the wheelbase than its predecessor, for extra cabin space, while the new car is now 39mm wider but five mm lower, to make it look sportier. 

The new Coupe will make its debut in April, and the 640i and 650i arrive in late summer. A higher performance model comes in 2012, powered by an uprated version of the 4.4-litre V8 that will also be used. 

Mercedes 2012 Four New Cars

Four new models touchdown for Mercedes! The German manufacturer debuted a slew of new models in a £62,000-a-second advert during the 2011 Superbowl.

Among the newcomers were two new cars not yet officially unveiled, including the SLS AMG Roadster and C-Class Coupé. Also shown was the CLS 63 AMG and new SLK.

Taking the gullwing SLS supercar as a base, the new SLS Roadster is fitted with a storming 6.2-litre V8 and twin-clutch gearbox but ditches the famous doors in favour of more traditional units.

Instead of using a heavy and complex folding metal arrangement for the roof, as seen on the SL, Mercedes has elected to fit a revised version of the canvas top which used on the previous SLR roadster.

The C-Class Coupé features the same front-end styling as the facelifted C-Class range, including LED daytime running lights and a curvier bumper. From the front wings back, it’s all new with the two-door layout, swooping roof and creased shoulderline all adding a little extra flair to the C-Class’s profile. A new bumper and LED taillights mark out the rear.

Peugeot New Pride 2012

Coupé

After the conventional

three-door and five-door 208 hatches are launched, the

firm will introduce a dramatic coupé that will slot into the range as a baby brother to

the Audi TT-rivalling RCZ.

The new car continues

the trend set by the 508 and 208 in establishing Peugeot’s

latest design language. It’s the work of styling chief Gilles Vidal and PSA Peugeot-Citroen design boss Jean-Pierre Ploué, who have sought to bring back simple, elegant lines

to the brand’s cars.

The idea is to replace the swollen metalwork and gaping grilles of current Peugeots, and re-establish the firm as

a design leader. The Coupé will feature the rakish, feline design cues of the SR1

concept seen at last year’s Geneva Motor Show. Swept-back headlights, sculpted flanks and an elegant tail will be incorporated into the shape.

To match the striking looks, the car will be sharp to drive. The Coupé uses the 208’s front-wheel-drive platform, but gets bespoke settings for the steering and suspension. What’s more, as with the RCZ and 508, the top-spec model will feature a more advanced front suspension set-up that tames torque steer and gives greater steering sharpness.

Power will come from a

line-up of small turbocharged engines, including the 1.6-litre petrol unit found in the RCZ. The Coupé is currently slated to arrive in summer 2013.

Roadster

Following the Coupé, Peugeot is evaluating a 208 Roadster that would take the fight to MINI’s imminent two-seater cabrio. This fabric-roofed model wouldn’t replace the folding hard-top CC – that model has been part of Peugeot’s range since the 206, and will be offered in a 208.

Instead, the Roadster will be aimed at those wanting a mix of wind-in-the-hair thrills and a purer driving experience. That will allow the 208 CC to be sold as a luxurious junior tourer, with high-spec interior, sophisticated multimedia set-up and the option of a twin-clutch gearbox.

Powering the roadster will be the 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine, allowing Peugeot to market it as a spiritual successor to the legendary 205 GTi convertible. Low weight will be central to the car’s appeal: it will get a canvas top and a more spartan interior to shave kilos and help achieve a sparkling driving experience.

The Roadster is expected to match the MINI for pace – the two will share an engine, after all – but should undercut it on price when it arrives in 2014.

SUV

Also breaking new ground for Peugeot is a junior SUV that takes its inspiration from the HR1 unveiled at last year’s Paris Motor Show.

The newcomer is set to be a rival to Nissan’s Juke, and Peugeot may co-develop the car with Mitsubishi. The 4007 was spun from the Japanese firm’s Outlander, while a new, smaller Peugeot model is currently being developed from Mitsubishi’s ASX.

As with the HR1, a hybrid drivetrain is possible, as is a three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine.

BMW Gran Coupe

The wraps are off BMW’s sensational Gran Coupe. The stunning concept was unveiled at an exclusive Design Night event in Beijing, and is intended to show the future design direction of BMW’s styling boss Adrian Van Hooydonk.

And while previous design chief Chris Bangle shocked the BMW faithful with his controversial flame surfacing design language, the new man’s style is more restrained, using the firm’s trademark design cues for a more conservative elegant look.

At the front, the kidney grille features razor-like vertical strakes, and sits proud of the headlights, just like the new 5 Series. But unlike the exec saloon, the Gran Coupe’s full LED headlights are much more aggressively raked, while the bumper features gaping air intakes with integrated daytime running lights.

In profile, again all the BMW hallmarks are present and correct – there are short overhangs front and rear, a long wheelbase and a coupe-like roofline which is a full 10cm lower than a 7 Series. The C-pillar features a new interpretation of the Hofmeister kink, which is outlined in chrome.

At the rear, the L-shaped LED lights, angular tailpipes and concave bootlid add style, while the third brake light runs across the full length of the top of the rear windscreen just as on a Bentley Continental GT.

A spokesman for BMW confirmed that while the concept’s elaborately creased nose and tail may not make production, the four-door layout is production ready. This means that just as the 5 Series range has been swollen by the arrival of the 5 Gran Turismo, the 6 Series range will gain a Mercedes CLS-rivalling four-door, as well as new versions of the two-door coupe and convertible.

The 5- 6- and 7-Series share modified versions of the same underpinnings, so when the 6 Series Gran Coupe enters production, it will use BMW’s latest direct injection 3.0-litre turbo petrol and diesel engines, as well as a flagship V8 petrol. The hybrid system which debuted in the 5 Series hybrid concept at Geneva is also likely to be offered.

Mini Coupé Roadster

2011 MINIs to go with show

Leaked patent office pictures show final cars will closely resemble Frankfurt stand stars, two-door could revive legendary Broadspeed name.

From concept to reality – it turns out the coupé and roadster versions of the MINI will look virtually the same as the cars revealed at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show!

Bosses have confirmed that unearthed patent drawings show the production cars – so the two-door retains the concept’s dramatic cutaway roof and Le Mans stripes.

But we has discovered that BMW is in secret negotiations with the owners of the Broadspeed trademark with a view to using the famous race team’s name – inextricably linked to Mini – on the 200bhp-plus coupé.

The patent drawings reveal subtle differences between the two concepts and production cars. Most noticeable is that the retro chrome petrol cap has been ditched in favour of a more conventional cap and flush-fit flap. And where the radiator grille was barred, it now uses the same honeycomb design as the Cooper S.

Also, differences between the coupé and roadster – which could be called the Speedster – show both will be offered in Cooper S and John Cooper Works specs. The two-door is pictured with the hot Works’ black foglight surrounds; the soft-top is dressed from the grille down in Cooper S spec.

Works cars will feature an uprated version of the hatch’s 211bhp 1.6-litre turbo, while the Cooper S won’t trail by much, with the three-door’s 175bhp unit being tweaked. Prices are likely to start from close to £20,000 at launch in the second half of 2011.

The Broadspeed name would link the coupé to a Mini fastback produced by Ralph Broad in 1965. The Birmingham-based touring car engineer raced Minis in the Sixties, regularly beating the works Cooper cars.

BMW 3 Series GT

It's a more practical hatchback version, in much the same mould as the 5-series Gran Turismo.

At 4,284mm long, the Gran Turismo is 200mm longer than a 3-series Touring. It's also 81mm taller, and has a 110mm longer wheelbase.

None of the Gran Turismo's exterior panels are shared with 3-series saloon or Touring models - it has similar headlights and front grille, but there's a sloping tailgate, frameless side doors and a different interpretation of BMW's "Hoffmeister kink". An active rear spoiler - the first of its type on a BMW - raises automatically at high speed.

The rear of the car looks similar to the 5-series Gran Turismo's, and there are L-shaped vents in the front wings reminiscent of those on the recently unveiled 4-series coupe concept car.

Much of the Gran Turismo's interior is familiar from the 3-series saloon and Touring, with the same switchgear and a very similar look. Practicality is boosted, BMW says, by a 59mm higher seating position and 70mm more rear legroom. A 40/20/40 split/folding rear seat comes as standard; with a 520-litre capacity, the Gran Turismo provides 25 litres more boot space than the 3-series saloon.

The Gran Turismo will initially be offered with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, with power outputs of between 141 and 302bhp. Rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox are standard; an eight-speed automatic gearbox is an option. In autumn 2013 a four-wheel drive 320i xDrive model and range-topping diesel version - the 325d - will join the range.

Hyundai Veloster

3 DOORS. 2 SPEEDS.1 UNIQUE LOOK.

Meet the Hyundai Veloster: twice the car you’re used to. The style of a coupé, the functionality of a hatchback: pleasure redefined.

1+2 DOOR CONCEPT

The perfect blend of individuality and practicality, the Veloster's stylish asymetrical design, with its 1+2 door concept makes a statement about you.

TWO INFLUENCES.

ONE CAR.

Combine the style of a coupé with the functionality of a hatchback and you have a new concept in vehicle design. The Veloster is that concept made real. A crossover utility vehicle with a unique, innovative form. It’s where dynamism meets practicality.

Front bumper with integrated fog lamps

Veloster's robust bumper sports low set fog lamps that flow with the lines of the vehicle and give you maximum vision, even in adverse conditions. (optional)

Hexagonal front grill

Bold and dynamic, the distinctive hexagonal-shaped radiator grille lets the world know that you've arrived!

Projection headlamps

Bright, accurately focussed headlamps, with optional Auto Light Control, which automatically turn on the headlamps when the outside light level is low, for example at night or in tunnels. (optional)

Daytime running lights (LED)

A cluster of 8 LEDs in each headlamp ensure you are clearly visible come rain or shine, during the day as well as night!

Conventional headlamps

Futuristically styled and perfectly integrated into the Veloster's bodywork, the headlamp clusters combine raw energy with high-tech illumination for maximum safety as well as great looks.

Panoramic Sunroof

Let the sunshine in and feel your spirits rise! Veloster's 2-piece electric panorama sunroof opens up your world so you can be at one with nature. (optional)

Side design

Impressive wheel arches. The forceful, muscular lines of the flared wheel arches extend the Veloster's sporting appearance around the wheel area and enhance the overall style.

Hidden rear door handle

Cleverly integrated into the bodywork, the flush rear door handle simply blends in to the Veloster's smooth lines to maintain the sleek design.

Tinted glass with shade band & tinted rear glass

Keep cool when the going gets hot. Tinted glass doesn't just look cool, it helps keep the interior cool in sunny conditions, too.

Power window controls

Power windows feature a single touch auto-up function for convenient closing together with a lock-out switch for added safety.

Safety power window

For complete safety and to protect foreign objects or tiny fingers from getting trapped, the safety power window automatically senses obstructions when closing the window, automatically moving it down again to prevent damage. (optional)

Outside mirror with LED side repeater

See, be seen, be safe! Veloster's stylish exterior mirrors don't just help you see what's going on around you, the LED repeaters ensure other drivers know where you are going, too. Plus, they're electrically heated for rapid de-mistin so you can be sure of optimum visibility in all conditions.

Exterior mirror folding function

Exterior mirrors fold in at the press of a button for added convenicence in confined parking spaces, giving you the extra room you need. Optional feature.

Rear combination lamps

Rounding off the Veloster's curvaceous styling, the rear lamp cluster integrates design flair combined with LED technology perfectly into the bodywork.

Rear bumper with reflectors

Sculpted to enhance the Veloster's aesthetic lines, the rear bumper is a smooth continuation of the body shell, and features rear reflectors to help make sure you're seen.

Rear spoiler and wiper blade

Completing its refined aerodynamic profile, the rear spoiler improves fuel efficiency and driving stability at high speed while below it, the wiper ensures clear rear vision at all times.

Dashboard design

Leather steering wheel & leather gear shift knob. Finished in leather to give you maximum grip and comfort, the sports steering wheel puts the essential controls conveniently at your fingertips. Plus, the leather finish is carried through to the gear shift knob. (optional)

Supervision & conventional instrument cluster

Like the twin tailpipes of a motorbike, the instrument cluster's dual-cylinder layout brings the sporting theme to the interior, putting the information you need just where you need it.

Centre fascia

Continuing the dynamic design, the centre fascia perfectly combines functionality with the streamlined aesthetics of a motorbike fuel tank.

Seat design

Seat warmers. Drive in warmth from the off, even in wintry conditions, with driver and passenger side seat warmers for complete comfort. (optional)

4-way power seat

Find the perfect seating position with the power seat function. Adjust the cushion height as well backward and forward motion at the touch of a button. (optional)

Electric lumbar support

Say goodbye to backache on long journeys. The power lumbar support in the front seats ensures fit and comfort for your lower back. (optional)

STAY IN TOUCH, AT A TOUCH.

Finally, an in-car entertainment system worthy of the name. Whether its listening to your music or playing multimedia files, it's all there at your fingertips, controlled from the steering wheel. Plus, the Veloster's 7 inch LCD TFT display features intuitive drag and drop functionality with touch screen. Just plug in via USB, iPOD and AUX input and play.

THE SATISFACTION OF DRIVING PLEASURE.

Take the wheel of the Veloster and the sensations that reach you from under the bonnet tell you this is a car with outstanding performance. The handling is responsive and controlled, the drive is reassuringly quiet, while the suspension delivers a comfortable, smooth ride.

The expected price for Hyundai Veloster 2013

1.6L Std (Manual) RM119k

1.6L Std (Auto) RM123k

1.6L Premium (Auto) RM133k