European Cars Archives

The all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG will arrive in the U.S. next month with a starting price at $95,865.

The 2012 ML63 AMG is powered by a 5.5L biturbo V8 engine with 518 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque, which is 15-hp and 44 lb-ft. over its predecessor. The V8 is mated to a 7-speed transmission and a permanent all-wheel-drive system. An estimated combined fuel economy rating of 16 mpg is also a 33 percent improvement over the last model. The ML63 AMG will reach 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. If you want even more power the available AMG Performance package boosts the V8 engine's power output to 550 hp and its maximum torque to 560 lb-ft.

The 2012 ML63 AMG comes standard with AMG stainless steel sports pedals, illuminated door sills, COMAND system with hard-drive navigation & Sirius real-time traffic & weather, a harman/kardon Logic 7 surround sound system, Bluetooth and Heated & active ventilated front seats.

Following the release of the 2012 Beetle 2.5L and Turbo models, VW has now taken the wraps off the 2013 Beetle TDI with its 2.0L diesel engine.

The 2013 Beetle TDI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection clean diesel engine that makes 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a dual-clutch DSG six-speed automatic. VW estimates that the Beetle TDI will get 39 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city.

The Beetle TDI will be offered in three trim lines when it goes on sale this summer: TDI; TDI with Sunroof; and TDI with Sunroof, Sound, and Navigation.

Fiat has decided to unveil the 2013 Fiat 500L ahead of its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The 500L is a larger version of the 500, with the L standing for "Large."

Although the 500L is being labeled as a larger version of the small 500, the 500L shares its platform with the Fiat Punto. The five-door model has room for up to 5 passengers and is 23-inches longer than the three-door 500.

The Fiat 500L will be produced at the Fiat's plant in Kragujevac, Serbia and will arrive in the U.S. in early 2013.

Audi has announced the pricing for the limited-production 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder, which starts at $210,000.

The Audi R8 GT Spyder is an open-top version of the R8 GT and is powered by a 560 horsepower 5.2L V10. It reaches 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 197 mph.

The final weight of the R8 GT Spyder has been reduced by 187 lbs thanks to its magnesium engine frame and carbon fiber side panels. It also gets a fixed rear spoiler thats made of carbon fiber. Compared to the R8 V10 Spyder, the R8 GT Spyder's suspension is stiffer and lowers the model by 10 millimeters.

The sad thing is that only 50 units are headed to the U.S.

Volkswagen has revealed the extended version of its new Super Bowl commerical. The extended 75-second spot "The Dog Strikes Back," features an overweight dog named Bolt who is inspired to whip himself into shape by the power and performance of the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. When Bolt is unable to fit through the doggie door to chase after the Beetle, he decides to get himself in shape by working out.

"We believe this spot underscores the Volkswagen brand's unmatched advertising legacy. It manages to highlight the redesign and performance of the Beetle with the lighthearted touches that viewers expect from the VW brand," said Mike Sheldon, CEO, Deutsch LA, Volkswagen's creative Agency of Record.

The end of the spot recalls VW's Star Wars commercial from last year's game, "The Force."

Chrysler is celebrating Mopar's 75th anniversary with four custom vehicles, the Mopar '12 300, 2013 Dodge Dart "GTS 210 Tribute", 2012 Fiat 500 "Stinger" and the 2012 Mopar Jeep Compass "True North."

"Customization is king," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "These head-turning 'Moparized' vehicles show how we can go to the next level of personalization. With our best-in-class offerings of parts and accessories, we give our customers every opportunity to further enhance the appearance and performance of their vehicles."

Fiat is going to release its fourth variant of the 500, the five-door 500L at the Geneva Motor Show in March. We're still about a month away until it's officially unveiled, but some of the early details have surfaced.

The 500L will be a larger version of the small 500 that will get a similar front end, but will be built on a widened version of Fiat's small vehicle architecture that is also the basis for the Fiat Punto. The 500L will be about 2 inches longer than the 500. Fiat is going to release two versions of the 500L, a five-seat version that will debut first, then a longer seven-seat version. The U.S. will only receive the five-seat version, which will arrive early next year.

Fiat hasn't announced the official specs for the 500L, but it wil likely be powered by Fiat's 85-hp turbocharged two-cylinder, a 1.4L with either 77-hp or 105-hp and a 1.3L diesel with either 75-hp or 95-hp. The US-spec 500L will likely only be powered by the 1.4L.

Mini has announced the U.S. pricing for the 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster. The Cooper Roadster is available in three versions and starts at $24,350, $600 less than the four-seat Mini Convertible.

$24,350 gets you the base Cooper Roadster, which is powered by a 121-hp 1.6L. It will reach 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds and has a top speed of 124 mph. It also gets 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

The Cooper S Roadster starts at $27,350 and is powered by a 184-hp turbocharged 1.6L. It only takes 6.7 seconds to reach 0-60 mph and has a top speed of 141 mph. Even with the extra power, the Cooper S Roadster has the same exact fuel economy ratings as the base Roadster at 27/35 mpg.

The most powerful version of the Roadster is the John Cooper Works Roadster that starts at $34,500. It's powered by a 208-hp turbocharged 1.6L and reaches 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 147 mph. It's rated at 25 mpg city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Contrary to the recent accolades that the all-new Range Rover Evoque has received, Consumer Reports recently placed the compact SUV near the bottom of its class.

Consumer Reports recently brought the BMW X3 and Range Rover Evoque together for a head-to-head matchup. The BMW X3 came out on top with a score of 80, while the Evoque only received a score of 60. CR applauded the X3 for being sportier on the road than most SUVs and its 22 mpg overall rating that was made possible by its new eight-speed automatic. CR gave the Evoque negative marks for its cramped cabin, stiff ride and artificial-feeling steering.

CR tested the BMW X3 xDrive28i with its 240-hp 3.0L six-cylinder engine. CR stated that the X3 rides firmly and provides decent isolation from bumps and road imperfections. Noise levels in the cabin are hushed overall. With limited body lean and quick, responsive steering, the X3 is aggressive in the corners. The X3 beat out eight previously tested compact luxury SUVs with only the Audi Q5 3.2 beating it.

CR tested the Range Rover Evoque Pure with its 240-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and liked the styling, acceleration and braking of the Evoque. Unfortunately its ride was choppy and the cabin was too noisy and cramped. The Evoque tackles corners well but its steering feels artificially weighted, impairing feedback. When pushed to its handling limits on CR's track, the tail slid out and the vehicle repeatedly lifted a wheel during an avoidance maneuver.

BMW has announced the introduction of four new M Performance models, which are all powered by a diesel engine, the BMW M550d xDrive Sedan, BMW M550d xDrive Touring, BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d.

The new M Performance diesel models are powered by a new 3.0L six-cylinder in-line diesel engine. It feature three turbochargers and direct-injection for a total 381 horsepower and 546 lb-ft. The six-cylinder diesel is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The six-cylinder diesel also gets BMW's EfficientDynamics technology, including Auto Start-Stop function and ECO PRO mode.

The fastest of the M Performance diesel models, the M550d xDrive sedan reaches 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. According to BMW, the M550d XDrive will also only consume 6.3 litres/100 km (44.8 mpg) on the European cycle. The M550d xDrive Touring will reach 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds and consumes 6.4 litres/100 km (44.1 mpg); the X5 M50d reaches 0-62 mph in 5.4 seconds and consumes 7.5 litres/100 km (37.7 mpg); the X6 M50d will reach 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds and consume 7.7 liters/100 km (36.7 mpg).

All four models get M-specific tuning of suspension, bodyshell mounting, engine and transmission mounting, springs and dampers, all standard and optional chassis control systems, and the Servotronic mapping for the hydraulic steering. The M550d XDrive and M550d xDrive Touring ride on 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, while the X5 M50d and X6 M0d models ride on 20-inch M light-alloy wheels.

As exciting as these new models may seem, BMW unfortunately has no plans to offer them to buyers in the U.S.

Since the BMW X6 first debuted in 2008, BMW has sold more than 150,000 units worldwide and now its time to give the "Sports Activity Coupe" a refresh. Here's your first look at the revised 2013 BMW X6.

On the outside the X6 gets new fog lights, which are now set in matte finish surrounds. The grille on the X6 has also been tweaked. Buyers can now choose adaptive LED headlights as an alternative to the standard bi-xenon lights. The rear also gets revised LED taillights.

Under the hood X6 buyers can choose between the V8-powered 400-hp BMW X6 xDrive50i or the BMW X6 xDrive35 with its 300-hp inline-six cylinder. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

BMW has also announced the introduction of the M Performance Package, which includes an engine upgrade of 15-hp and 30 lb-ft. on the X6 xDrive35i, giving it a total output of 315-hp and 330 lb-ft. The X6 xDrive50i with the M Perfomance Package has a total output of 440-hp and 480 lb-ft., an improvement of 40-hp and 30 lb-ft. n addition, the M Performance Package includes 20-inch light alloy wheels, black chrome exhaust tips, stainless steel pedals, M foot rest and door sills, shadowline exterior trim, anthracite headliner, and optional Carbon Black metallic paint.

For buyers that want even more power, BMW will continue to offer the BMW X6M with its 555-hp V8 that is mated to a 6-speed M Sport automatic gearbox.

The first model from the Chrysler/ Fiat marriage, the 2013 Dodge Dart will be hitting showrooms soon, but that model is only the first of many. It's been previously reported that Chrysler is going to kill off the Dodge Avenger after its current run, so that the automaker can focus its efforts on the better selling Chrysler 200 sedan, but that may not be the case.

USA Today is reporting that Chrysler is working on all-new versions of the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger, which will be based on the same Alfa Romeo platform that is the basis for the Dart. They are also reporting that the next Jeep Liberty and Compass models will also be built off the same platform in 2013.

Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne recently stated about the new Jeeps, "It's gonna be a trail-rated, full-blooded Jeep that has its origins in the architecture of a sports car."

Marchionne also stated that Chrysler is thinking about a new small hatchback dubbed the "Chrysler 100." If it gets the green light, it will be sold in Europe under as a Lancia.

Lastly Marchionne claims that plans to bring Alfa Romeo back to the U.S. are still in the works. The models slated to come here will be lightweight and powered by a 1.8L engine with 300 horsepower.

Porsche has released a new video that explains how "Our identity is the 911."

Over the years the 911 has changed, but it has maintained its distinct shape. "Instantly recognizable and originally engineered for the racetrack, it continues to stir the emotions today, just as it did in 1963."

The 911 has been completely redone for 2012, but its changes continue to be more evolutionary, which is not a bad thing.

Check out the video after the jump.

Mercedes-Benz is going to unveil the all-new 2013 A-Class at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. To give us a preview of next A-Class Mercedes-Benz has released this quick teaser video.

The new A-Class was originally previewed in concept form at last year's New York and Shanghai auto shows. The 2013 A-Class will go on sale in Europe later this year. For the first time ever, the A-Class is expected to be sold in the U.S. as well.

The A-Class prototype in this video is covered in QR codes that allows fans the ability to learn more about Mercedes' new A-Class.

Late last year VW unveiled a hotter version of its new Up! city car, the Up GT concept, which is basically like a GTI version. Following yesterday's unveiling of the five-door Up!, it's now being reported that the Up! GT will be produced as well.

The guys over at PistonHeads are reporting that VW has confirmed a production version of the Up! GT concept. The Up! GT is expected to be powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder engine with around 110 horsepower. The small engine will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The concept also featured a more aggressive front fascia with larger ducts with LED daytime running lights and the rear employed a roof spoiler and black diffuser with dual tailpipes. The concept also rode on 17-inch alloy wheels and the interior had anthracite-colored seats offset by central panels with a blue checkered pattern.

Unfortunately just like the other Up! models, the U.S. will probably not be getting the Up! GT.

Last year Mini unveiled the Rocketman Concept at the Geneva Motor Show. Since then there have been lots of rumors that BMW was planning on adding the small concept to Mini's lineup, but now Car is reporting that BMW has changed its mind.

According to Car, BMW has canned the Mini Rocketman due to the added cost of producing the tiny Mini. BMW would have to invest a considerable amount in order to make the Rocketman meet current regulations, like crash standards. The extra costs to needed produce the Rocketman, would not make it very profitable.

It was rumored that the Rocketman was going to enter production around 2016.

VW has unveiled the five-door version of its new Up! city car, which will go on sale in Europe this summer.

The five-door Up! has the same dimensions as the three-door and is powered by the same 1.0L 59 horsepower or 74 horsepower three-cylinder engines as well. VW expects that over half Up! buyers will choose the five-door version will cost around £400 more than three-door.

The London Olympics don't officially kick off until this summer, but Mini is celebrating the Olympics coming to the capital city of the brand's home county with two special-edition models to spread contemporary London style around the world. The Mini Baker Street and Mini Bayswater will be released in the spring. The Mini Baker Street embodies the youthful, fresh and innovative trend-setting style of the brand, while the Mini Bayswater focuses primarily on the sporting verve and agile handling for which Mini is renowned.

The Mini Baker Street edition features a Rooftop Grey metallic exterior paint with black bonnet stripes, 16-inch black alloy wheels with matching black exterior mirrors. The Mini Baker Street can also be ordered in Pepper White or Midnight Black. Inside it gets cloth and leather seats in Cross Check Rooftop Grey light with a diamond pattern. The Rooftop Grey light color is also applied to other interior surfaces and it the door sills get "Baker Street" lettering. The Mini Baker Street can be ordered in Mini One, Mini Cooper, Mini One D and Mini Cooper D.

The Mini Bayswater gets is painted in Kite Blue metallic with a black roof and rides on 17-inch Sandblast black wheels. Midnight Black metallic and Eclipse Grey metallic paint shades can be ordered. The interior gets "Bayswater" lettering on the door sills and seat tags in addition to the Rocklite Anthracite leather seats with blue and grey contrast stitching. The Mini Bayswater is available as a Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper S, Mini Cooper D and Mini Cooper SD.

Audi has released a special-edition of the 2012 Audi S5, which was unveiled on Facebook.

The special edition U.S. model doesn't look that much different than a regular S5, other than its unique Daytona Grey paint, 19-inch alloy wheels or two-tone interior. Oh and just in case you're wondering, this is S5 is still powered by the original 4.2L V8. The new S5 has ditched the V8 for a supercharged 3.0L V6.

Only 125 units of the special edition S5 are going to be produced and it's reportedly going to start at $68,700.

According to the guys over at Autoblog, VW is going to unveil the diesel-powered 2013 Beetle TDI at the Chicago Auto Show next month. VW hasn't released any official details about the diesel Beetle, but it's expected that it will be powered by the same 2.0L turbo-diesel that powers the diesel Golf, Jetta and Passat models.

In the Golf, the 2.0L diesel generates 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque and gets up to 42 mpg. The diesel will be also reportedly be offered in the upcoming Beetle convertible, which is going to arrive later this year.

VW had two big debuts at the this month's 2012 Detroit Auto Show, the 2013 Jetta Hybrid and the E-Bugster concept. While the Jetta Hybrid is already slated to be introduced this fall, there is a chance that the E-Bugster concept could also be produced as the third variant of the Beetle, after the upcoming Beetle convertible.

Autocar recently spoke to the E-Bugster's designer, Mark Lichter who stated "This is a serious proposal for a speedster Beetle and I am sure it will come for production. We just need to find the business case."

Lichter found inspiration for the concept from his own 964 Porsche 911 Speedster. He also stated, "A Beetle Speedster is the perfect car for the US."

The E-Bugster concept looks almost identical to the production Beetle, but with three inches chopped off the roof and slightly tweaked front and rear fascias. The concept was powered by a 114 horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.

This fall Mercedes-Benz is going to release a refreshed 2013 GLK that will be offered with a diesel engine in the U.S. The addition of the diesel-powered will mark the sixth diesel-powered model in the automaker's U.S. lineup.

The official specs of the diesel-powered GLK have not been released, but it's been reported that it will be a four-cylinder. Steve Cannon, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA stated that the addition of the diesel will likely push GLK sales into the "high 30's," up from the 24,310 units Mercedes-Benz sold last year.

To celebrate the arrival of the 2012 VW Golf R at U.S. dealerships VW has released the "Golf R Drivers Forever" iPad app. The app provides access to everything you would need to know about the Golf R.

Told through the perspective of VW enthusiasts and drivers who helped bring this car to the United States, the app provides an interactive narrative on the evolution of the Golf from its days as the Rabbit in the 1970's all the way to the present 2012 Golf R model.

"The Golf R app was created to celebrate and thank the Volkswagen brand's community of enthusiasts because they represent what makes the Golf R special," said Jon Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. "The app will help build awareness around the Volkswagen brand heritage and we are excited to offer this innovative approach that illustrates the performance of the Golf R."

The 2012 Golf R is powered by a 2.0L TSI engine with 256 horsepower and 243 lb-ft. of torque. The 2.0L is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission and VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. For the first time, the Golf R will be available in two-and four-door models starting at $33,990.

Here are two new videos that are our first look at the all-new 2013 Porsche Boxster in motion.

Last week Porsche officially unveiled the new 2013 Boxster that is now lighter and more powerful than the current generation. The Boxster is powered by a 265 horsepower 2.7L flat-six, while the Boxster S is powered by a 3.4L flat-six cylinder with 315 horsepower. The Boxster will reach 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds and the Boxster S will do it faster in only 4.7 seconds.

The 2013 Boxster arrives this summer starting at $49,500 for the Boxster and $60,900 for the Boxster S, plus the $950 destination fee.

Audi has released some of the details about its new 60 second spot that will air during the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012. The upcoming 60 second spot will focus on Audi's LED headlights and the 2013 Audi S7.

"With LED, there's no mistaking an Audi. Since pioneering the technology nearly ten years ago, LED lights have established the Audi persona have become one of the most recognizable features on the road," said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. "Like our LEDs, this year's Super Bowl spot will be unmistakably Audi."

The high-performance version of the A7 five-door coupe, the S7 is powered by a new 4.0L TFSI V8 that generates 420 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The S7 will reach 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.

This is the fifth consecutive time that Audi has created a spot for the Super Bowl.

Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller recently revealed that the automaker has put the plans for a new entry-level roadster on hold. Mueller told German magazine WirtschaftsWoche, "Possibly we need to wait until the next generation of customers before the idea of a small roadster will work for Porsche."

Last February Mueller told told Automotive News Europe that the automaker was mulling the idea of a small mid-engine sports car that would be a successor to the Porsche 550 from the 1950s. The model was expected to be released by 2014.

It's been reported that Porsche was working on a new roadster that would share its platform with the production version of the VW Bluesport concept, but VW may also be killing plans for the Bluesport.

At least there's an all-new 2013 Boxster coming this summer.

Fiat's return to the U.S. with the small Fiat 500 failed to meet the automaker's sales expectations, but a new 500 variant may help. Olivier Francois, head of the Fiat brand recently confirmed plans to unveil a new five-door wagon version of the 500 at the Geneva Motor Show in March, which will be sold in the U.S. starting next year.

A larger version of the 500 may be more appealing to buyers that like the styling of the 500, but need more space and utility. Fiat had hoped to sell 50,000 500 models in 2011, but only managed to move 26,000 units. The wagon version of the 500 has been developed specifically for the U.S. market, but no other details have been released.

The all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series is going to start arriving in showrooms next month. The all-new 3 Series marks the introduction of the sixth generation model, with the first 3 Series being released in July 1975.

To celebrate the release of the new 3 Series, BMW has gathered all six generations for a family photo.

BMW has announced the release of new Exclusive and Sport editions for the BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible.

The Edition Exclusive adds chrome trim on the window frames, exhaust and grille and new light alloy wheels available in 16, 17 or 18-inches. Buyers can opt for the exclusive body finish in Mineral Grey metallic or else one of five finishes drawn from the standard portfolio and the exterior mirrors are colored in an Oxide Silver matt finish. Inside the seats are wrapped in boston leather either in Pearl Grey with grey contrast stitching or in black with white contrast stitching. The interior also gets a new sports steering wheel trimmed in chrome and the 1 Series coupe gets an anthracite-colored BMW Individual roof liner.

The Edition Sport adds the M Sports chassis and the M aerodynamic package with the exclusive paint finish Carbon Black metallic. It rides on 17 or 18-inch M light alloy wheels. The interior gets sports seats, an M leather steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake.

Both editions will arrive in March.

We've been discussing the possible BMW X4 crossover for a while now, but BMW has officially confirmed the new mini-X6 crossover that will fit in between the X3 and X5 in the lineup.

The new X4 will use the same engines as the X3 and will have get the same coupe-like styling as the X6. BMW is going to invest $900 million in the Spartanburg facility over the next three years and 300 new jobs will be added in 2012. The investment will also allow the plant to produce up to 350,000 units annually.

Porsche has officially taken the wraps off the all-new 2013 Porsche Boxster that will go on sale this summer.

The 2013 Boxster gets an all-new body that doesn't steer too far from the current Boxster, which is not a bad thing. The new Boxster weighs less than the previous generation and rides on a longer wheelbase and a wider track.

The Boxster can be powered by the two flat-six engines with direct-injection, thermal management and start/stop function. The base Boxster is powered by a 2.7L flat-six that puts out 265 horsepower (10 more than the current model), while the Boxster S gets its motivation from a 3.4L flat-six that packs 315 horsepower (5 more than before). Both engines can be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK). The Boxster reaches 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, while the Boxster S only takes 4.7 seconds.

Porsche has announced that the base 2013 Boxster will start at $49,500 and the Boxster S will start at $60,900 (not including a $950 destination charge).

The model that Fiat 500 fans have been waiting for is finally here, the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth. Fiat has announced that the high-performance version of the 500 will start at $22,000 when it arrives in showrooms this spring.

The 500 Abarth is powered by an all-new 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged engine that pumps out 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft. of torque that is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It also gets an Abarth designed body kit, suspension and braking system and rides on 16-inch aluminum wheels. Inside the 500 Abarth gets Abarth performance seats and a turbo-boost gauge with an integrated LED shift light and a Bose premium audio system.

"The Fiat 500 Abarth feels like a double shot of espresso straight to your veins," said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Fiat Brand for North America, Chrysler Group LLC.

500 Abarth owners also get to attend a driving experience at no additional charge at the Abarth Driving Experience lead byinstructors from the Richard Petty Driving Experience

BMW has announced the pricing for the 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, which starts at $61,845.

The 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is powered by BMW's 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine, an electric drive system and an 8-speed automatic transmission for with a combined output of 335hp. It reaches 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

The ActiveHybrid 5 can operate in full-electric mode up to 37 mph and the lithium-ion battery has enough power to allow the hybrid to drive up to 2.5 miles on electricity alone. BMW has yet to release the official fuel economy stats.

The ActiveHybrid 5 will reach showrooms in late spring.

Audi has chosen to unveil the Q3 Vail concept in Detroit, which is a concept version of Audi's smallest crossover, the Q3 that is currently not sold in North America. With the unveiling of the Q3 Sail, Audi announced that it is bringing the Q3 to North America next year.

The Q3 Vail gets its name from Colorado ski resort and is powered by a 314 horsepower 2.5L turbocharged five-cylinder engine. The 2.5L five-cylinder is mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission and the quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system. According to Audi, the Q3 Vail reaches 0-62 mph in 5.5 seconds and has a top speed of 163 mph.

The Q3 Vail doesn't look that different from the production version of the Q3, but it's painted in Energy Red and gets flared wheel arches and running boards that are matte grey. The concept rides on 20-inch wheels and the interior continues the black, gray and red them of the exterior.

As expected, VW has unveiled the hybrid version of the Jetta sedan. The 2013 Jetta Hybrid is the second hybrid to carry a VW badge and will be the most fuel-efficient Jetta available.

The Jetta Hybrid is powered by a 1.4L turbocharged gasoline engine that develops 150 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. The 1.4L engine is mated to a 27 horsepower electric motor that gets its energy from a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery that sits behind the rear seat. The entire system sends its power to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

According to VW the Jetta Hybrid can reach 0-60 mph in less than nine seconds and will deliver a combined fuel economy rating of 45 mpg. The Jetta Hybrid can also be driven in pure electric mode at speeds of up to 44 mph and for up to 1.2 miles.

The Jetta Hybrid will be offered in three trims, but Bluetooth, LED taillights and 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are standard. Bi-xenon headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights, the RNS 315 navigation system, a rear-view camera and the Fender Premium Audio System are optional.

What we have here is an all-electric Beetle, dubbed the E-Bugster Concept that is debuting at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The VW E-Bugster Concept starts with the new "more masculine" Beetle but with three-inches chopped off the roof and slightly modified front and rear fascias. The concept also rides on large 20-inch wheels.

Under the hood the E-Bugster is powered by a 114 horsepower electric motor with 199 lb-ft. of torque that gets its power from a 695-pound lithium-ion battery. The concept has a range of 100 miles and can be quick charged up to 80 percent in 30 minutes.

We can expect to see this electric powertrain in the upcoming Golf blue-e-motion.

We're just a few days away from the start of the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. This year Volvo is bringing a new Plug-in Hybrid Concept version of its XC60 crossover to the show. According to Volvo, "The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is an electric car, a highly economical hybrid and a powerful high-performance car all rolled into one."

The XC60 Plug-in Hybrid concept is powered by a 280 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine that sends its power to the front wheels via an eight-speed transmission, while the rear wheels are powered by a 70 horsepower electric motor.

The XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept has three different driving modes that can be selected by the touch of a button (Pure, Hybrid or Power).

In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible for up to 35 miles. Hybrid mode is the standard setting, which uses a combination of the electric and gasoline powered motors for a combined fuel economy of 50 mpg. In Power mode, the technology is optimized to create maximum possible power. The 280 horsepower gasoline motor and 70 horsepower electric motor accelerate the concept from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

The battery pack can be recharged in 3.5 hours if a 220V outlet is available. With a 110V outlet a full charge takes 7.5 hours.

This past summer BMW took the wraps off the all-new 1 Series 5-Door hatchback, but now we have our first unofficial look at the 3-door version of the hatchback.

The first leaked images of the 1 Series 3-door have leaked thanks to sohu.com. The 3-door looks pretty much the same as the 5-door version and should also be powered by the same 1.6L and 2.0L engines.

The 1 Series 3-door is expected to be released next summer.

Audi has officially unveiled the most powerful A1 yet, the A1 Quattro.

The A1 Quattro is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder that packs 256 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed manual. According to Audi the A1 Quattro will reach 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 152 mph.

The A1 Quattro uses a McPherson strut suspension in the front and a four-link axle at the rear. The electrohydraulic power steering has a 14.8:1 steering ratio and the ESP system includes a sport mode and can be switched off entirely for a trip to the race track. It rides on Glacier White 18-inch alloy wheels that feature an exclusive turbine design.

The A1 Quattro is only available in Glacier White metallic with a painted high-gloss black roof. It also gets a new front bumper with larger air intakes and the rear bumper is unique with dual tailpipes.

Unfortunately only 333 units are going to be produced and none of them are headed to the U.S.

Yesterday Saab officially filed for bankruptcy, officially ending a two year struggle for the brand to stay alive after GM announced it was killing the brand. Now that Saab is officially being liquidated more details are coming out about what current Saab owners can expect for the future of their beloved Saabs.

According to Saab North America spokeswoman Michele Tinson, warranties have "been indefinitely suspended for new sales and claims stopped for current" warranties. This means that any Saabs still on dealer lots will be sold as-is and current owners will see their warranties voided.

Although Saab officially filed for bankruptcy yesterday, Saab CEO Victor Muller hasn't given up hope that a new buyer will be found. "Even if this may look like the end, it doesn't necessarily have to be. It could be a new beginning and Saab could rise from the ashes like a phoenix," he said.