BMW‘s lineup of X-badged crossovers and SUVs may soon include one more model, as company execs are reported to be considering building the X4. As AutoCar confirms, BMW won’t deny plans for an X4, which now seems all the more likely after seeing the more conservative direction BMW has taken with the second-generation X3.

The X4 isn’t as much of a long-shot as it once was either, due to the success of the X6. Initially BMW planned to sell just 20,000 X6 models globally, but since it’s launch in late 2008, a total of 80,000 units have been produced – and that number could rise to 100,000 by the end of the year.

As for the vehicle itself, it would likely be based on the X3 platform, making it less expensive to produce. And as for an engine, it could be offered with a high-performance 350-hp version of the company’s turbocharged inline-six – similar to what is expected in the BMW 1 Series M Coupe.

After discussions with BMW execs, the folks at AutoCar got the distinct impression that they were looking for feedback on the idea, from journalists and consumers. So share your opinion after the jump. Should BMW build the X4 and would you buy it?

[Source: AutoCar]

Along with building high revving engines, Honda is also well known for building cars that are fun to drive, which is part of the reason why journalists universally panned the Insight hybrid. The suspension on the Insight was more up to Toyota standards than Honda ones and so Honda has decided to rectify the situation – in the UK at least.

Recently announced updates for the 2011 Insight in England include changes to the recoil rate of the springs, new rear camber angles and modifications to the rear suspension brace. Honda claims the changes will, “deliver improved ride, handling and stability”.

Inside upgrades include higher quality trim and new chrome and silver surrounds.

It’s not yet clear if Honda plans to announce these same changes for 2011 Insights in the U.S.

Interestingly, no fuel economy improvements have been made to help the Insight edge closer to Toyota’s Prius.

[Source: AutoCar]

Volkswagen‘s plan to triple its U.S. sales by 2018 and return to profitability after 8 consecutive years of losses may need to be revised suggests a new report by Automotive News. VW’s already lofty goals may now have become further out of reach with the recent news that the head of U.S. operations, Stefan Jacoby, has left the automaker to take the helm of Volvo.

Today Volkswagen CEO Dr. Martin Wintercon will announce detailed plans on how he still intents to achieve his goals, although we’re not expected to learn much, if anything, new, as the German automaker’s plans are already in motion.

With the launch of the new 2011 Jetta, VW announced pricing that is more in line with competitors, ending its premium pricing in the U.S. According to VW’s interim chief, Mark Barnes, the automaker expects big results from the new Jetta. “The new Jetta will be a very nice volume product for us,” said Barnes. “The goal is to bring the masses to Volkswagen who currently believe they cannot afford a Volkswagen.”

To follow the Jetta will come an all-new mid-size sedan, replacing the current Passat and VW has high hopes for this car as well. Critics aren’t as optimistic. Anil Valsan, director of automotive research at Frost & Sullivan in London, commented to AutoNews that, “I doubt that the new sedan by itself will suffice to propel their U.S. business.”

Still, Barnes says the company is on target to reach its sales goals and return to profitability by 2012 or 2013. Helping to do this is the fact that the U.S.-spec Jetta is less sophisticated (and therefore less expensive to build) than the European model. As well, the upcoming Passat-replacement will be built in the U.S. in a bid to save on production costs.

It would seem that for VW to succeed it will need added products in the U.S. marketplace. However, it’s still not clear if VW’s U.S. plan will include a version of the new Polo in the growing sub-compact segment.

[Source: AutoNews]

When Mercedes introduced its 7-speed transmission, the German automaker launched a new era of multi-geared auto-boxes with all other luxury automakers taking part in a bid to offer increased performance and fuel economy. Lexus responded with an 8-speed automatic transmission, Infiniti developed a 7-speed box and both BMW and Audi now have 8-speed units as well. So what is Mercedes to do if it wants to stay at the top? Develop a 9-speed of course!

And that is just what engineers at the luxury automaker are doing, reports AutoCar. According to sources inside the company familiar with future engineering products, a new 9-speed automatic transmission is being developed that will drastically improve fuel economy.

According to those same sources, the new slushbox will be used on large displacement engines, meaning that it will most certainly come equipped on AMG models. Anything more than a 9-speed is unlikely though, as engineers believe that along with certain technical obstacles, consumers don’t want that much shifting.

The insider source gave no clues as to how far along in the development phase the new 9-speed unit is, or when we might first see it on a production model.

[Source: AutoCar]

Mercedes continues to roll out new safety features for its luxurious cars, the latest being for the updated 2011 CL-Class models. The latest innovations include Active Lane Keeping Assist (a similar system is found on the 2011 Infiniti M), as well as Active Blind Spot Assist.

The first, Active Lane Keeping Assist works much like Infiniti’s system, using the forward facing camera and radar to read the lines in the road. If the system detects the driver is veering off into another lane it will send vibrations through the steering wheel – simulating the feeling of hitting rumble strips on the side of the highway. If the driver does not correct the car’s steering, the system will intervene, adding brakes on the opposite side of the car to pull it back into the lane.

As for the Active Blind Spot Assist, it adds this technology to a conventional blind spot assist feature. First, the system will alert the driver with the same “rumble strip” feel through the steering wheel if it detects there is a car in the vehicle’s blind spot. Then, if the driver ignores this and attempts a lane change, the car will add brakes to pull it back into its lane.

These features will add to the long list of safety items that have appeared in Mercedes products since the launch of the new E-Class, including Attention Assists, Pre-Safe Brake with automatic emergency braking and Night View Assist with Pedestrian Detection.

GALLERY: Active Lane Keeping Assist & Active Blind Spot Assist

Official release after the jump:

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Mitsubishi has just released some exciting video of its new EVO X SE (Special Edition) model, that combines many of the great MR trim equipment with the more affordable price of the GSR model.

The SE model, like all EVOs, is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder and comes equipped with the MR’s advanced Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission. Also included are the MR’s two-piece Brembo brake rotors, Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs, not to mention a rear lip spoiler. Inside there are heated cloth Recaro seats.

Official pricing has yet to be released, but the EVO SE is tipped to start at just under $36,000, which is about $2,000 more than the five-speed manual GSR and about $3,000 less than the current MR model.

GALLERY: 2011 Mistubishi EVO X SE

Check out the video of the EVO X SE in action after the jump:

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Looking to own a true, one-of-a-kind Ford Mustang collectible? Well, this one is gonna cost ya. RM Auctions is offering the 2004 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept, originally introduced at the 2004 New York International Auto Show as a tribute to 40 years of Mustang performance. A custom built Mustang with performance and race-inspiration in mind, RM Auctions is estimating that the GT-R concept will sell for $250,000 to $350,000.

For a vehicle that’s neither DOT nor EPA certified, that’s a pretty penny to pay for a track-only car, or something to sit in your show garage. But what the lucky owner will get is a Valencia Orange painted 2004 Mustang sporting a high compression, fully built 440-hp powerplant. Mated to a TTC T-56 six-speed transmission.

Inside the entire chassis has been overhauled with a full roll cage, Sparco racing seats and stripped to its bare necessities. Suspension upgrades include coilovers with remote reservoirs, ready to hit the track. 20-inch wheels are found on each corner, wrapped with Pirelli slicks with Brembo brakes peeking behind the classic five-spoke design.

Lastly on the outside is an abundance of carbon fiber components giving the car a more aggressive look while improving aerodynamics.

So you have a hole burning in your pocket?

GALLERY: 2004 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept

[Source: MustangsDaily]

Has anyone ever told you that playing video games would get you nowhere? What do they known. Gran Turismo 5 is by far the most heavily anticipated driving simulator in the history of video games. So anticipated in fact that many passionate enthusiasts have lost interest with the constant changing of release dates. But nonetheless, the release is on the horizon and after $60 million or so dollars spent on R&D, we all hope it lives up to its expectations.

Mercedes-Benz UK clearly believes in Gran Turismo 5′s potential and are using it as part of their SLS AMG Rare Experiences campaign. They are setting up a Gran Turismo 5 Racing Experience at Mercedes-Benz World in the UK, where 100 lucky virtual racers will win their way into real life seat time in a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. How are those 100 lucky virtual racers chosen? By their skill in Gran Turismo 5. The top 100 fastest lap times will get a spot behind the real steering wheel to drive, drift and slide around the Mercedes-Benz World track in the SLS AMG. Professional training with a driver is included.

If only Mercedes would bring this contest to North America.

Make sure to check out the promo video after the break:

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With all the hype surrounding AMS’ 9-second GT-R and SP Engineering’s record-setting GT-R, we knew more Nissan GT-Rs would be coming out of the woodwork. And now there is GTC Titan’s entry all the way from the UK. Their GT-R has been modified with what they call a 750R Power Pack which netted 735-hp and 750 ft-lbs of torque on the dyno. They went off to the drag strip on Toyo Tires’ R888 and threw down multiple 10.3 passes.

While it may not be 9s, GTC’s 750R Power Pack still offers plenty of potent power and is a nice alternative for the Europeans that cannot easily get GReddy parts or a full build from AMS. At the heart of it all are GT30 ball bearing turbos with ported manifolds that lead out to GTC’s own 80mm cat-less downpipes, 90mm y-pipe and 90mm exhaust system. Other GTC proprietary parts include 80mm air MAF pipes, bar and plate intercooler, big capacity radiator and 14-plate clutch system with steel plates and shims.

They plan on returning to the track with some stickier tires to help combat wheel spin. We’d be more than willing to bet they could break the 9-second barrier with some more passes down the quarter mile.

Check out a video of the GT-R at the track after the break and hit the source for more information on GTC Titan’s parts.

GALLERY: GTC Titan Nissan Skyline GT-R

[Source: Nagtroc.org]

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If you’ve never heard of Zagato’s Perana Z-One (what a mouthful), it’s OK, we understand. The original intention of Zagato for the Perana Z-One was for it to be strictly sold in Europe and the United Arab Emirates. Based on a Chevrolet Corvette chassis, the Perana Z-One has garnered enough attention that Zagato has decided to import it to America.

Two successful showings by Zagato at the Geneva Auto Show and Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este in Italy was all the automaker needed to push forward on producing the car. But now a partnership has been struck with Superformance out of California to import the vehicle to the U.S.

Those interested in purchasing the Perana Z-One will have several options similar to what they could choose from a Corvette. Powerplants include the 6.2L V8 LS3 (436-hp), or the Z06′s popular 7.0L LS7 V8 (505-hp). Both of these options are mated to a six-speed ZF limited-slip differential equipped transmission.

Inside the car, the fortunate driver will be greeted with Recaro sport seats reupholstered in leather and Alcantara. Basic technology is standard with built-in navigation and power accessories.

The outside clearly has plenty of influences from American classics such as a Shelby Cobra and Daytona Coupe with a bit of Italian spices mixed in. Zagato says a limited production of 999 units will be made with a small number making it to America. So for those looking for something truly unique, get ready to shell out under $100,000 for it. Just how under, we’re not sure. But here’s to hoping it’s not $99,999.

AutoGuide will be sure to check one out in person at next month’s Concorso Italiano!

GALLERY: Zagato Perana Z-One

[Source: Motor Trend]