McLaren Automotive have, since the legendary F1, gone largely dormant; their focus on Formula One racing has meant that their commercial division had fallen off almost entirely. The British supercar maker has returned to scene with the MP4-12C, and this time, they’re not going away anytime soon.

McLaren intends to sell about 1,000 MP4-12C units in the first year of sales, and then add models onto the line annually, hopefully generating 4,500 additional sales in the next half-decade.

McLaren North American director Tony Joseph outlined this vision at a Toronto, Canada unveiling of the MP4-12C, the first of 11 stops across the continent for the unveiling of the “substance over style” supercar. The MP4-12C already has 2,700 interested buyers, well over the 1,000 buyer mark, and McLaren is confident that their foray into the true road car business will prove profitable and that one of the world’s greatest racing car teams can transform itself into a truly great supercar maker as well.

Refresher: Power for the 2011 McLaren MP4-12C comes from a 3.8L V8 twin-turbo engine producing around 600-hp mated to a 7-speed Seamless Shift dual-clutch gearbox (SSG). 0 to 60 mph is expected to come in the low 3 second range with a top speed of more than 200 mph. Sales begin in early 2011.

Source: egmCarTech

The Chevrolet Cruze, which will go on sale in the United States later this month, is already a pretty huge success in other parts of the world. General Motors will now be expanding the Cruze lineup with a new 5-door hatchback variant that will go on sale across Europe in mid-2011, followed by other global markets.

“Hatchbacks play a critical role in many markets. For instance, the total compact segment in Europe represents around 4.8 million units which is over a quarter of the total market, with hatchbacks representing around 65% of that volume,” Brannon said. “We therefore expect to see increased business in a number of regions.”

GM says that the Cruze hatchback “will not be offered in the U.S. market.” We’re really hoping they change their minds and we encourage you to comment in the comments section after the jump if you want the Cruze hatchback to come to the United States.

Source: egmCarTech

It takes two to tango! And our spies have snapped VW and Skoda’s first versions of the New Small Family (NSF) cars hot weather testing together in Death Valley in the US.

Measuring 3.45-metres long, 1.63-metres wide and 1.5-metres high, the car is a little bigger than the current Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107 family. And while these mules are heavily disguised, the high-level brake lights, short bonnet and wheel-at-each-corner stance are all recognisable from the original VW Up! concept shown at Frankfurt in 2007.

Both VW and Skoda models feature the same design traits, indicating that styling tweaks to distinguish the cars between brands will be fairly minimal.

The three-door supermini will have space for four adults and feature a range of downsized petrol and diesel engines. The base model will start from around £8,500 and get a 65bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol, while a 75bhp four-cylinder 1.2-litre diesel will also be offered.

A range-topping 85bhp turbocharged 1.0-litre four-cylinder engine comes later in 2012, while a fully electric version is expected to arrive in 2013.

VW, Skoda and SEAT will each launch versions of the three-door car. The VW version is due first, in late 2011, with the other brands following in early 2012. A larger five-door model will be added in summer 2012. VW will take responsibility for building the car at its plant in Bratislava, Slovakia from next year.

VW has a history of giving its concept cars a name derived from an existing production model. For example, the Iroc concept became the current Scirocco, and the Up! concept is likely to follow suit by becoming the Lupo.

Skoda may choose to adopt the Joyster name, taken from its previous small-car concept, while SEAT may elect to resurrect the Arosa name of its previous small car which was based on the last generation Lupo.

About 2 months ago, Mazda confirmed that it will be dropping its Nagare design theme, which was created by former design chief Laurens van den Acker. While the theme was only applied in full to one production car, the Mazda5, you saw the big “smiley” face influence all over Mazda’s lineup. Mazda’s new design chief, Ikuo Maeda, previously said that he is aiming for a more “Japanese Alfa Romeo” look and that means no smiley faces.

The company today unveiled a new concept called Shinari, a four-door-coupe study that shows the future design direction for the Japanese brand. Mazda said that it will use the word ‘Kodo’ (Japanese for soul of motion) to describe the new design language, which was created through a collaboration between Mazda’s styling studios in Germany, the United States and Japan.

“We want to play in the same group as BMW and Audi,” said Derek Jenkins, director of design for Mazda North America. “On fit and finish we want the same level of quality.”

Source: egmCarTech

The redesigned 2011 Toyota Highlander has made its official world debut at the 2010 Moscow Motor Show and we have to say… Toyota is finally getting some emotion and aggressiveness back into its styling.

The new 2011 Highlander receives a total new front end design with new headlamps, a new grille and a new front bumper. While it is a total redesign, the overall theme of the front still resembles the other Highlanders of the past. The back of the 2011 Highlander still remains very close to the current generation model but gets new tail-lights.

Those looking to purchase the 2011 Toyota Highlander in Russia and Ukraine will have the options of 3.5L gasoline V6 producing 273-hp mated to a five-speed automatic transmission . The United States should get the redesigned Highlander very soon but it may have some minor design changes. However, powertrain choices are expected to remain the same with the 187-hp 2.7 4-cylinder and the 270-hp 3.5L V6. The Hybrid Highlander will also continue on as is.

Source: egmCarTech

The new MINI-rivalling A1 hasn’t even hit UK roads yet, but Audi is already working on a barnstorming S1 to go head-to-head with the Cooper S.

These spy shots show an A1 test mule fitted with the S line bodykit which, with the exception of a few minor cosmetic tweaks, provides a good idea of how the hot hatch will shape up.

The test car’s wheels, with their extreme low-profile tyres, will make way for 18-inch twin five-spoke alloys unique to the S1. And to further mark out the newcomer from lesser models, it will get chrome door mirrors, a gloss black diffuser and S1 badges.

Inside, a racy makeover brings bolstered sports seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a mixture of leather and Alcantara trim as standard. Under the bonnet is a tuned version of the 1.4-litre supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine already available in the A1.

This is the same unit as used in the SEAT Ibiza Cupra, VW Polo GTI and Skoda Fabia vRS – but in the hot Audi, power is set to rise from 178bhp to nearer 200bhp. That will guarantee impressive straight-line performance, with 0-62mph completed in less than seven seconds and a top speed in excess of 140mph.

Only one gearbox option will be offered – a seven-speed DSG with steering wheel paddles as standard. In a first for Audi’s S range, the hatch will be available in front-wheel drive only.

Instead of fitting quattro 4WD, the company is relying on an electronic system to improve cornering and grip by braking an inside wheel when the car starts to veer off course. It will also ride 15mm lower to the ground than the standard 
A1, on sports suspension.

The S1 will debut at March’s Geneva Motor Show.

Ready to make its debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show

, Honda revealed the first two images and some details on the new Honda Jazz Hybrid. The model, which will be known as the Honda Fit Hybrid in Japan, marks the first time a parallel hybrid vehicle has been available to B-segment customers.

The Honda Jazz Hybrid gets its power from the same 1.3L i-VTEC gasoline engine mated to the company’s IMA system and a CVT gearbox that is found in the Insight and the CR-Z. Like the Insight and Civic Hybrid models, the Jazz Hybrid will be able of driving on the electric motor alone under some medium and low speed conditions. No word on official fuel-economy figure but it is expected to be close to that of the Honda CR-Z.

The Jazz hybrid will go on sale in some European markets in the early part of 2011. The new hybrid will also be available in a range of existing colors plus a new Lime Green metallic. No word on if the Honda Fit will make it to the United States.

Source: egmCarTech

At the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Morgan came to the exclusive gathering with a concept called EvaGT – a model that is known for its perfect blend between traditional and modern. Charles Morgan, managing director of Morgan Motor Company, said that the company is also working on two new carsthat it will put into production within the next three years.

He said that one of the two models will be called the LIFECar 2, while saying that the other will be a “fun weekend vehicle.”

Charles said that the LIFEcar 2 is an electric-diesel hybrid sports car that will have a range of more than 1,000 miles. About the second car, chief designer Matt Humphries said that the company is working on something that will be “more extreme, with real entertainment value.”

As for the EvaGT, Humphries said that the production car will look almost the same as the concept. “We’ve got a reputation for translating show cars into road cars almost unchanged,” said Humphries. “That’s our plan for the Eva GT. It needs a high-level brake light at the rear, but that’s about all.”

Source: egmCarTech

After all the wait, spy shots, leaked images and details, Mercedes-Benz has finally taken the covers off of the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS prior to its debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

“Customers all over the world benefited from our bold move to launch a completely new vehicle concept onto the market”, explains a delighted Dr. Joachim Schmidt, member of the board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales & Marketing. “And with its exciting de-sign, the new edition of the CLS also benefits from the fact that we are a whole generation ahead of the competition with our four-door Coupé.”

The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS carries a very striking appearance right at the front with a style that reminds us of the Mercedes-Benz SLS and the F800 Style Concept. Standing right out at your face is a grille that is dominated by the large central star. You’ll also notice full LED headlamps that are made up of 71 LEDs with the upper later containing an LED indicator. Moving onto the side, the 2012 CLS-Class features a slopping roofline towards the rear with sporty tail lights that also feature LED technology. The shape is emphasized by an aggressive shoulder line, which is clearly apparent from behind and supports the flat roof.

The interior has also been completely redesigned. No powertrain details are available right now but you can expect the 2012 CL350 to be powered by a 3.5L V6 while the 2012 CL550 will most likely get a 430-hp 4.6L V8. We’ll have more details as the Paris Motor Show gets closer.

Source: egmCarTech

Meet the tiny MINI that packs a mighty punch! Following our scoop in Issue 1,126 that revealed a new smaller MINI is in the pipeline, insiders have hinted that a hot John Cooper Works model will also make production.

The design is familiar to fans of the MINI range, but there’s a few crucial changes. The as yet unnamed car has shrunk to just over three metres long, although there should still be space for four inside, along with a decent boot.

Efficiency is key, even for this sporty version, and the newcomer will make use of a new 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder engine turbocharged engine currently being developed by BMW.

Despite boasting close to 150bhp, the new engine should be capable of achieving 50mpg and CO2 emissions of just under 110g/km thanks to BMW’s EfficientDynamics tweaks. Expect to see stop/start, brake energy regeneration and an aerodynamic design among the changes.

With dimensions only slightly larger than the original Issigonis designed Mini, the tiny JCW is bound to inherit some of the traits which made the original such fun to drive.

A low kerbweight means straight line-acceleration should be impressive, with the sprint from 0-62mph taking just over 7 seconds. Meanwhile, the short wheel-base and a set of stiffer springs for this hardcore version will help ensure the newest MINI will also be the most agile yet.

With One, Cooper and Cooper S versions coming in 2012, the JCW branded model is expected to follow in 2013 and should cost around £16,000.

MEET the most desirable Mondeo ever! Ford’s next-generation family favourite will bring new levels of style, luxury and efficiency to the market – and our exclusive images give a good idea of how it will look.

Following the latest Fiesta and imminent new Focus, the Mondeo will be a global car, with minor changes being made to suit individual markets around the world. It will also be built in a number of different countries, although design and engineering is taking place at Ford’s HQ in the US for the first time.

As our pictures show, the family resemblance to the new Focus is instantly apparent in the bold front, which features a much larger lower grille, swept-back headlights and pronounced ridges in the bonnet. At the rear, large chrome exhausts integrated into the bumper and a subtle bootlid spoiler hint at the Mondeo’s sporting potential. A chunky shoulder line with muscular wheelarches completes the purposeful appearance.

Inside will be Ford’s most luxurious interior ever, as the car attempts to move closer to upmarket rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes. The firm’s SYNC system allows drivers to control virtually any portable media device through steering wheel buttons or voice recognition technology.

In addition, the Mondeo will offer lane departure and blind spot warning systems, as well as a rear view camera. A clever Driver Alert set-up uses cameras to recognise when the owner is falling asleep at the wheel, and sounds a warning. Under the skin will be a modified version of the existing model’s front-wheel-drive platform. For the first time, the Mondeo will use a torque vectoring system, from the Focus. It will also get a new electric power-steering set-up and dynamic cornering control – all of which should boost driver involvement and improve refinement.

Power will come from Ford’s 1.6 and 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol turbo engines. In the current car, the latter produces 200bhp and returns 36mpg combined, while the 1.6 – found in the new C-MAX – will offer 150bhp and 180bhp outputs. Also available will be a range of 2.0 TDCi diesel models, with 112bhp, 137bhp or 163bhp.

A raft of eco tweaks on all models will improve economy and cut emissions. This includes regenerative braking, stop/start and an active grille system, which regulates air flow through the radiator and engine compartment to reduce drag. A concept version of the Mondeo will debut next year, after the Focus launches in January. But the bigger car is still three years away from dealers.

The Alfa Romeo MiTo will make it to the stateside in 2013 and we’re pretty excited about that. To keep us on our feet and excited for Alfa’s return to the U.S., the company is teasing us with another special-edition model for the UK.

Known as the Alfa Romeo MiTo Turismo Sport, the special-edition model adds some more design, upgraded performance and engineering technology. The MiTo Turismo Sport will be available in a choice of three colors including Solid Black, Biancospino White or the new Alfa Metallic Red. The model also features AC, special-edition 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, cruise control, Blue&Me connect technology, fog lamps and a leather steering wheel.

Source: egmCarTech

The boss is back – and it’s back with a vengeance. Meet the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 – said to be the quickest, best-handling straight-production Mustang ever offered by Ford, based on the strong foundation provided by the 2011 Mustang GT. The model has been upgraded in nearly every aspect including engine output, brakes, suspension, interior and exterior all examined to optimize weight, aerodynamics and track performance.

“The decision to build a modern Boss was not entered into lightly,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “The entire team at Ford felt the time was right and with the right ingredients, the world-class 2011 Mustang could support a successful, race-bred, worthy successor to the original Boss 302. For us that meant a production Mustang that could top one of the world’s best – the 2010 BMW M3 – in lap times at Laguna Seca. We met our expectations.”

To celebrate the victory and the racing heritage, Ford will offer a limited number of Boss 302 Laguna Seca models for those interested in more on-track driving. The 302 Laguna Seca has increased body stiffness, a firmer chassis set-up and an aerodynamics package carried over almost in its entirety from the Ford Racing Boss 302R.

Source: egmCarTech

Hunters, fishermen, campers and boaters can now rejoice because there is a new pickup model designed just for them. Meet the new Ram Outdoorsman –  available as a package, the model that features standard trailer-towing upgrades, interior and exterior lighting enhancements, all-terrain tires, and rugged exterior appearance.

“We asked Ram truck customers — boaters, campers, fishing enthusiasts and hunters — what features would they like to see in a truck,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “They answered ‘more capability, more room for my gear and ready to hit the trail. And make it affordable.”

Ram said that Ram Heavy Duty owner demographics show a passion for the outdoors, 47 percent hunt, 57 percent fresh water fish, 33 percent salt water fish, 37 percent own power boats and 37 percent tow camping trailers. Overall 62 percent of full-size pickups truck owners hunt, fish or camp, Chrysler said in a statement.

Ram Outdoorsman is available in 1500, 2500 HD and 3500 HD single rear wheel, Regular Cab; Quad Cab, Crew Cab and Mega Cab; four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive; and short- and long-wheelbase models. The package will replace the TRX4 trim level in the 2011 Ram Truck lineup. Prices for the Ram Outdoorsman model start at $28,350 with sales to begin in the third quarter of 2010.

Source: egmCarTech

Ford isn’t afraid of looking forwards! The Paris Motor Show is on the horizon, but reports have emerged that the Blue Oval is readying two new models which will debut at next year’s Swiss expo.

While this year’s Paris event will see the debut of the European-spec new Focus in full production trim, including a hot ST model, next year’s Geneva event will see for pull the wraps off its tweaked Fiesta.

Styling changes are set to be minimal, with the car gaining revised bumpers and striking LED daytime running lights which follow the design of the revised S-MAX and Mondeo which have also been unveiled this year.

Under the bonnet, the car will debut the latest of Ford’s impressive direct injection, turbocharged EcoBoost engine range. The Fiesta will get the 90bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre unit that debuted in the Start concept car which was shown in China earlier this year. Ford is still considering a performance version, powered by the 1.6-litre EcoBoost unit too.

But the most striking model to bow next March will be the replacement for the Fusion. Set to be called B-MAX, the Fiesta-based small MPV will be shown in concept form, and is set to take on the Honda Jazz and the car we voted our supermini MPV of the year, the Kia Venga.

The design will be more conservative than the Fiesta, featuring a toned-down five-door body and interior that will appeal to buyers who like the current Fusion’s simple, functional aesthetic. However, the newcomer will major on practicality, getting a Jazz-rivalling seating layout.

Earlier this year, Karl Stracke, GM’s vice president of global engineering, said that a Lambda-based Cadillac crossover was in the works but he did not confirm when the model will show up. According to latest details on Cadillac’s future lineup, it is reported that the Lambda-based crossover is scheduled to show up as a 2013 model year vehicle.

The model is expected to be a mix of the XTS Concept-like front face with SUV/crossover-like design cues from the SRX. Power is expected to come from Cadillac’s 3.6L direct-injected V6. Of course you can look for a Platinum version to come in at a higher price tag for those looking for extra chrome and plush leather seats.

The Lambda platform currently underpins the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and the Buick Enclave.

As for the Cadillac Escalade, the model is currently undergoing a redesign and is expected to hit the markets in late 2013 as a 2014 model year.

Source: egmCarTech

Toyota Europe has confirmed that the automaker’s popular Highlander crossover will go on sale in Russia and the Ukraine for the first time ever. Why should Statesiders care? Because the new-look model above will be unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show on August 25, and it’s almost certain to be the refreshed CUV that we will receive in North America.

From the looks of things, the 2011 Highlander will retain its strong body lines, but ditch the conservative front fascia of the 2010 model in favor of a leaner, more aggressive nose with angry looking headlamps. With appropriate helpings of chrome in all the right places, the new Highlander is downright handsome. As this is the only shot that we have, we don’t know what’s going on at the rear, but we would expect redesigned taillamps and perhaps some revamped trim. From what we can see, the Highlander’s profile appears unchanged, save perhaps for a new wheel pattern and a very discreet set of turn signal repeaters in the mirrors.

While there is  no confirmation that the States will receive this same model, European officials believe that it will make it to North America with “more or less the same look.” The Highlander is only built in three places at the moment – China, Japan and in Indiana, so it doesn’t seem likely that Toyota would bother to develop new sheetmetal for select European markets without disbursing it elsewhere.

Unfortunately, there isn’t too much knowledge about what’s going on under that hood or in the cabin. So far, the only thing that Toyota Europe has confirmed is that the hybrid version of the Highlander won’t be available in those markets.

Source: AutoBlog

After unveiling their first Veyron-based model in March 2009, Mansory are back with another limited edition take on the Bugatti Veyron 16.4. The first car was transformed into the Linea Vincero, the second one gets a rather ’special’ gold-coloured treatment. It is named Linea Vincero d’Oro.

Compared with the standard Veyron, the Linea Vincero received a facelift. Up front, Mansory added new fenders, a shortened bonnet and a new front apron as well as LED daytime running lights and a stylised letter “V” built into the car’s bonnet. Side skirts and a new diffuser are also part of the new design. Larger air outlets at the rear and at the sides of the car improve the engine cooling. All body components are made from a carbon fabric with inbuilt copper thread.

Other gold-coloured features complete the Linea Vincero d’Oro, such as the turbine design alloy wheels, the curved grill featuring the stylised “Vincero-V”, the door handles, the rear view mirror caps and the fuel tank cap. The headlight washer nozzle covers, the borders around the daytime running LEDs and the decorative features on the roof are all gold too.

The car’s interior has an exclusive look and feel with the LEDs of the car’s mood lighting system placed in the car’s seats, the door trims and the dashboard. The entire passenger cabin is a combination of a golden glow of the lighting and carbon appliqués as well as specially embossed leather. The airbag steering wheel has inbuilt shift paddles and gilded elements. Gold alloys can also be found on the decorative strips of the door trims and on the centre console.

Source: GTSpirit

Abarth’s sports car line-up is growing! On top of the planned speedster and roadster version of the 500 exclusively revealed by Auto Express back in June (Issue 1,120), the Fiat-owned tuner has now confirmed it will build a Lotus Exige rival based on the radical KTM X-Bow.

In a move that will delight fans of fast and focused Italian cars everywhere, senior sources within the company told us that the resulting model would be a
limited-edition, mid-engined two-seater due in 2013.

They’ve revealed that Abarth is buying a rolling chassis from the renowned Austrian motorbike maker, which ventured into the four-wheeler market for the first time two years ago. However, where the X-Bow had an Audi-sourced TFSI powerplant fitted behind the driver, Abarth will install a new 1.8-litre version of Fiat’s award-winning MultiAir turbocharged petrol engine, which will produce more than 200bhp.

A unique bodyshell and interior will then be constructed around the X-Bow’s carbon fibre monocoque platform, swapping KTM’s chopped-up track car exterior for a more stylish appearance that references Abarth’s links with Fiat.

As our illustration shows, the front end is likely to feature a bold grille and prominent badge in between oval lamps, similar to those on the 500. And even though the reskin will probably add more kilos to the X-Bow’s 790kg weight, it will make the car a much more practical proposition for owners.

The likelihood is either a one-off production run of up to 2,000, or a limited-edition model with sales spread over two or three years. Prices are expected to range from around £42,000 to £50,000, giving the manufacturer a top-of-the-range model to sit above the more affordable hot hatches.

Our insiders also confirmed Abarth had been in discussion with UK firm Lotus about using the Elise chassis and running gear for the car. But because it was relatively old technology – it dates back to the mid-Nineties – and comparatively expensive, bosses looked elsewhere. In addition, Abarth is planning to offer tuning services to other Fiat Group brands, although our source told us that this division could be under a new name.

“Having Abarth and Cloverleaf makes no sense, but Alfa could resurrect the Autodelta badge,” he explained, referring to Alfa’s competition arm from 1961.