New Spy Shots of 2012 BMW 1-Series Hatchback

Here are the latest spy shots of the forthcoming successor to the current 1-Series hatchback. Being that BMW has confirmed the launch of a smaller model with front-wheel drive, it remains to be seen if the Bavarian automaker will keep the 1-Series moniker or baptize its new C-segment hatch as the 2-Series.

Tipped for launch in late 2011, the next-generation 1-Series hatch, codenamed F20, will incorporate BMW's new and softer (as in more mainstream) design language with a more pronounced front grille. Our spy pictures also show the revamped interior with the center console slightly tilted towards the driver.

The big news, however, concerns the available powertrains. Just the other week, BMW revealed that the next 1-Series and 3-Series models as well as its upcoming FWD supermini, will all be offered with a hybrid engine.

In addition to the hybrid model(s), inside sources having been spreading the word that engine choices will include a new generation of four-cylinder and perhaps even three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline units. Chances are that the six-cylinder engines will be carried over more or less unchanged from the current model.

When it enters the market next year, the 1-Series' successor will be available in three-door (see the spy shots here) and five-door hatchback body-styles, with the Coupe and Convertible versions to follow later on.

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Are these Official Drawings of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Facelift?

Definitely take this with a grain of salt, but Autobild has published some allegedly official drawings of the facelifted 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon. There's a possibility they may be sourced from some kind of promotional material, but they could also be faked - we're, just not sure.

In any case, the sedan model pictured here appears to feature the same styling changes seen on recent prototype models (check out our scoop pictures here), most importantly the redesigned front end with the "L" shaped headlamps and re-sculptured bumper, as well as the revised dashboard that encompasses the upper part of the center console.

The revised 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class range, which will see the introduction of an all-new coupe model, will go on sale in spring 2011.

Source: Autobild

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BMW to Launch New 2012 6-Series Convertible on 26 March, 2011

While snooping around on BMW's UK website we discovered that one of the cars featured in the 'Quick model selector' was the new 6-Series Convertible. While there are no photos of the drop-top model, BMW offers select clients the opportunity to sign up for an exclusive BMW Dealer pre-launch preview event.

Here's what the invitation says:

"The new BMW 6 Series Convertible will be launched on 26 March 2011. So to make sure we keep you up to date with the latest news and send you an invitation to an exclusive BMW Dealer pre-launch preview, just register below."

The new 2012 6-Series Convertible will be based on the 6-Series Coupe Concept shown in Paris last month. As you can see in our spy shots, BMW's flagship convertible series will retain the outgoing model's soft-top roof arrangement. Under the skin, the new "6" will get rear-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and the option of six-cylinder petrol or diesel engines, and turbocharged V8 petrols topping out with the M6's twin-turbo V8 with close to 600 ponies.

Link: BMW UK

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2012 Audi A6 Sedan Teased in Group Picture, Production Begins this Year

A couple of days ago, while we were focusing on the SEMA Show tuning extravaganza, Audi released some new photos of its A7 Sportback. Among those pictures were two group shots showing a sedan model covered in a white blanket.

We didn't even need to search or speculate on the model as Audi provided the answer in the photos' description: it's the new 2012 A6 sedan, and according to the Ingolstad-based automaker, it will go into production this year at the Neckarsulm site.

Even though the white wrapping succeeds in hiding the A6's styling, our spy shots suggest that Audi's BMW 5-Series rival will more or less remind an A7 with a normal boot and a less swoopy roof line.

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2012 Chrysler 300 Scooped Undisguised During Video Shoot

Having the luck to be at the right place on the right time, KGP's spy photographers managed to capture the yet-be-revealed 2012 Chrysler 300 running around without a single trace of camouflage, during what appears to be a promotional video shoot.

The photos reveal a much softer and less muscular design with a 200C-inspired front end and tons of decorative chrome trim at the back.

There are no spy pics of the interior, but expect to see a major overhaul inside both in terms of styling and materials. Underneath the hood, the 2012 300 will benefit from the introduction of the Chrysler Group's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing somewhere in the range of 280-300HP, plus a 5.7-liter V8 Hemi. All-wheel drive will be offered on certain versions.

The redesigned 2012 Chrysler 300 will most likely have its world premiere either in LA in mid-November or at the Detroit Show in January, 2011. For the full image gallery, click the link below.

Via: Autoblog

Mercedes releases new photos of 2012 SLK Roadster, gets panoramic glass roof

Mercedes-Benz has published a bevy of pictures of its next-generation SLK hardtop roadster during endurance testing in the heat of Death Valley to show off the upcoming model's panoramic glass-roof with Magic Sky Control [MSC].

Driving with the top down is not always an option. There might be clear blue skies, but temperatures could be also very low. Other times the car's interior gets way too hot if it has a panoramic glass roof. Either way, your drive is ruined.

And this is where the Magic Sky Control system comes into the picture. A roughly 2,000 euro (US $2,772) option for the next generation SLK, the MSC is, in essence, a panoramic roof that can be made either transparent or darkened, just by pushing a button.

So, when it's too cold you make it transparent and still enjoy the nice visuals or, when you have to park in the sun, it darkens on engine-shut down and the interior remains much more cooler. No more burnt arms on an over-heated armrest…

Mercedes says that the system works on the principle of a plate condenser. The glass roof has some special particles in it, which react to electrical voltage. And when you push that button you're feeding it voltage or cutting the supply off, thus the glass becomes transparent or not.

The Germans have been testing the Magic Sky Control on prototype SLKs in Death Valley (check out the gallery below) and came to the conclusion that parts of the interior remain much cooler (up to 10 degrees Celsius) than in cars using traditional green glass.

The 2012 Mercedes SLK is expected to go on sale next summer and we'll probably see it for the first time either at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2011 or at the Geneva Salon in March of the same year.

If we're to believe the rumors going around, the new generation of the roadster model may be the first SLK to get a diesel engine. Other than that, it's business as as usual under the bonnet, with turbocharged four-pots and more noble V6s.

By Csaba Daradics

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