A senior BMW official has confirmed that the wild Vision EfficientDynamics turbo-diesel plug-in hybrid is headed for production. BMW showed the concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show last year where it received an overwhelmingly positive reaction.

As reported by InsideLine, BMW has not confirmed if in fact the hybrid sports car will retain its 3-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and electric motor with lithium-ion battery packs. In the show car, that setup made 356-hp and 590 ft-lbs of torque, delivering a 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds, thanks in part to its ultra-low curb weight.

When asked by InsideLine if the model might be a real supercar, their source commented, “quite probably.” For that to be true, it will likely need a bit more power,with some rumors suggesting the “next M1″ will be powered by a hybrid version of the company’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. And wile we do expect impressive fuel economy numbers, they aren’t likely to be quite so good as the concept car’s 63 mpg rating.

Expect a slightly more robust weight when it does hit production in 2013, however, it is expected to deliver an incredibly low drag coefficient.

GALLERY: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

[Source: InsideLine]

The Chicago Auto Show is often used by U.S. automakers to debut new trucks and this year is shaping up to be no different – except for the fact that most trucks are now becoming crossovers. Sure, GM is set to unveil the new Heavy Duty version of the Chevy Silverado, but with the launch of the all-new 2011 Explorer, Ford is expected to announce that the capable truck has moved from a full body-on-frame SUV, to a car based crossover.

The Explorer will share its chassis with the new Ford Taurus sedan and is expected to keep some of the far-out powertrain ideas previewed in the Explorer American Concept when it was first shown at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.

The biggest surprise is that Ford may debut its new 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine in the crossover, that can get over 30 mpg in front-drive form. Later on, the automaker will deliver more powerful motors, including the new 300-hp 3.7-liter V6 as found in the 2011 Mustang, as well as a version of Ford’s EcoBoost V6 with around 355-hp.

As a result of these changes, the Explorer will get vastly improved fuel economy across the range, however, expect tow ratings to drop.

AutoGuide will deliver live coverage from the Chicago Auto Show on February 10th.

GALLERY: Ford Explorer America Concept

[Source: Wheels.ca]

Mazda doesn’t appear to be keeping any secrets for the Geneva Auto Show in March. The Japanese automaker has already divulged photos and specs on the new Mazda5 and facelifted Mazda6, and now it has given us a first look at the MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition.

Celebrating the car’s 20 years of inexpensive fun, we expected a little more from this package. Then again, at least the 20th Anniversary Edition will be affordable. Just 2000 will be built for Europe (the model is not confirmed for North America), based on the less-powerful 1.8-liter engine with a 0-60 mph time of 9.9 seconds. Added goodies include a new brace for the front suspension, some badging and stainless steel kick-plates with the model’s production number. It will be offered in three colors, ‘True Red’, ‘Aurora Blue’ and ‘Crystal White Pearl’.

Click here for AutoGuide’s live 2010 Geneva Auto Show coverage starting Monday, March 1st.

In an effort to assure its customers (and its stockholders) Toyota has now officially announced details of its plan to fix potentially sticky accelerator pedals in 2.3 million recalled vehicles. Repairs to affected vehicles will begin this week.

A “fix” has been developed for the recalled vehicles that includes reinforcing the pedal mechanism to eliminate the friction that could have caused a sticking accelerator pedal. In addition, Toyota has worked with the pedal supplier to create a new pedal that will be used on newly-manufactured Toyota models.

Toyota will, however, continue as planned with the temporary closing of many of its North American plans for this week.

The accelerator pedal recall affects 2.3 million vehicles in North America, including eight models: 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra and 2008-2010 Sequoia.

No Camry, RAV4, Corolla or Highlander vehicles with VIN numbers that begin with J are affected, nor are any Lexus or Scion models.

In the event of a sticky gas pedal, Toyota advises to apply the brakes until the vehicle comes to a stop and to then turn the vehicle off. Experts also suggest that applying the brakes and then putting the vehicle into Neutral may help to slow the car.

Official release after the jump:

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