BMW may produce 3 Series and 5 Series models in United States (U.S)

According to a German newspaper, BMW is thinking about assembling its 3 Series and 5 Series models in the U.S. A senior member of BMW, Ian Robertson said the plan was under very serious consideration, although no plans have been confirmed.

“I would not rule it out altogether,” Robertson said of the proposal. BMW builds the X3, X5, and X6 vehicles in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The United States is expected to be BMW’s largest market in 2011, overtaking Germany. In 2010, the brand sold 266,000 vehicles, declining just 252 units short of overtaking Germany.

Skoda launches Fabia Monte Carlo special edition

Skoda is releasing a special edition Fabia in Europe, called Monte Carlo. The Fabia is based upon the SE (Ambiente) trim-level and was produced to celebrate 100 years of the Monte Carlo Rally and 110 years of Skoda’s participation in motorsport.

Fabia Monte Carlo features tinted headlights, 17” alloy wheels (16” in Continental Europe), black door mirrors, roof, and radiator grille. Inside, red or black and black sports seats and red stitched leather steering wheel, handbrake and gearstick gaiter feature.

Five engine variants are available; three 1.2 and two 1.6 CR TDI. The engine range starts with the naturally-aspirated 1.2 68bhp which starts at £12,755. The most expensive variant is the 1.6 TDI 105PS at £15k. All engines are linked to a slick 5 speed manual transmission. Order books open 24th January.

New Car: 2012 Mercedes SLK

Mercedes has issued the first official images of the all-new SLK sports car. The SLK now carries a rear-wheel drive platform, more sporting chassis, and a new diesel engine. The new SLK also tones down its aggressive styling.

Three roof options are now available; aluminium, tined panoramic or electro-magnetic variable-tint glass panel.

Three petrol engines will be offered; two 1.8 litre turbocharged and a 3.5 litre V6. The former will be badged SLK200/250 and produce 184bhp/204bhp. The SLK200 is fitted with a 6 speed manual gearbox, while the SLK250 and SLK350 are linked to a 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission. The SLK350 kicks out 306bhp and has combined fuel economy of 39.8mpg (7.1l/100km) and emits 167g/km. This engine features stop/start to save fuel and lower CO2 emissions. The 6 speed manual returns 46.3mpg and the SLK250 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission combines 45.5mpg (6.1l/100km), and emits 142g/km.

The new Mercedes SLK can be ordered from 17th January in most European countries. German prices will start at €38,675 for the base SLK200, €44,256 for the mid-spec SLK250, and €52,300 for the current range-topping SLK350.

A twin-turbo, 204bhp 2.1 CDI will be offered at a later date. The new SLK will launch in the UK in June 2011. Pricing and UK specifications are still to be confirmed.

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Toyota Prius less polluting than a sheep

Toyota’s Israeli division recently launched a television advertisement involving a sheep and a Prius hatchback. The point of the ad was to answer a question that has baffled many car enthusiasts; What’s more polluting, a Toyota Prius hybrid or a sheep?

According to Toyota, the sheep is more harmful. The methane gas produced by farm animals is indeed worse for the planet, however, Toyota has failed to mention the greenhouse gasses caused by manufacturing the car, and all that energy required to create the batteries.

Fiat to drastically redesigned the next Bravo

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has confirmed that the next-generation Bravo will espouse a wild method and won’t be another “me too” product. Marchionne said at the NAIAS: “To replace the Bravo with another me too product would be completely inappropriate.”

The underwhelming Bravo has not been in a hit in one of Europe’s most competitive segments and Marchionne recognises the need for Fiat to adopt a radical approach. I have been looking at various versions in the future. We have no conclusions but what we launch will not be a traditional offering,” he said.

Fiat’s ideas will go further than Nissan’s Qashqai compact crossover. “At heart the Qashqai is still a pretty conventional vehicle,” he said.

Jeep looking to revive Wagoneer nameplate in 2012

Jeep is looking to restore the Wagoneer nameplate for 2012. Jeep introduced the original model way back in 1963, where it persistently sold in various shapes until 1991.

For those who fail to remember or know what the Wagoneer is, it was Jeep’s flagship SUV for the wealthy.

At Detroit, CEO Sergio Machionne said: “It’s time we gave the market an upper-scale Grand Wagoneer”

Sources suggest the Wagoneer will underpin the new Grand Cherokee/Dodge Durango platform, but will be substantially more expensive and is likely to reach production by 2012. It’ll also replace the ill-fated Commander.

GM to sell Opel Down Under in 2012 (AU)

From 2012, Opel will be selling its cars in Australia. This will be the brands next step in its export offensive.

While the full model line-up will be announced near to its production date, we expect the Corsa, Astra, and Insignia to be offered.

CEO, Nick Reilly said in Detroit: “This launch is an important part of our international expansion strategy. With its growing demand for German design and technology, the Australian car market is an excellent opportunity for Opel. Australian drivers have a strong affinity with Opel vehicles.”

Alongside Australia, Israel and Chile are on the official launch list too. The Middle East, Argentina and a growth in South Africa and China are on the cards.

2011 Ford F-150 3.5 V6 EcoBoost fuel economy figures released

Ford has released numbers on the all-new twin-turbo 3.5 litre EcoBoost V6 petrol engine, powering the F-150 pick-up. The engine now produces 365bhp and 568Nm (420lb-ft) of torque.

Ford was claiming best-in-class fuel economy and torque with this new engine. The F-150 gets 16mpg in the city and 22mpg on the highway. Compare that to Ford’s own 5.0 litre V8 engine that kicks out 360bhp and 514Nm (380lb-ft) of torque.

Rivals such as the Toyota Tundra with a 5.7 VVT-i V8 develop 381bhp and 543Nm (401lb-ft) of torque, Nissan Titan 5.6 litre V8 with 317bhp and 521Nm (385lb-ft) of torque are easily outclassed.