Depending on your opinion of the M3 V8, this may be upsetting. BMW may be considering a V6 engine for the next generation BMW M3. You read that correctly, V6 instead of their famous traditional inline 6.

According to M3post.com, BMW may decide on one of four different power-plants. The first option is to strap a pair of turbochargers on their current S65 V8. Another rumour is to modify the turbocharged  N54 inline-six or possibly a version of the F10 M5′s twin-turbo V8 S63 engine. The most interesting rumour, however is to turbo-charge a V6. This comes as a surprise because BMW has traditionally used an inline 6. However, Audi’s S4 has dropped the high output V8 for a turbocharged V6 and BMW is quite competitive with Audi. Of course, true BMW enthusiasts would like to see a rebirth of the inline 6.

[Source: Autoblog]

Aston Martin is preparing to launch ‘two or three’ new- generation Lagonda models, CEO Ulrich Bez confirmed. The new Lagondas will include a sporty crossover, an Audi Allroad-type crossover and a high-end luxury sedan resembling the boxy 1976 Aston Martin Lagonda.

The Lagonda crossover will have two different designs derived from the new Mercedes M-class out later in 2011. The concept was designed by AML design pencil-in chief Marek Reichman. One crossover will be sporty with 21 inch rims coupled with a low-riding chassis.

The other will be an Audi Allroad-type vehicle targeted at Range Rover customers. Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez explained ‘Lagonda cannot survive as a one-model brand’. ’That´s why we are looking at two, maybe three different offerings. The most logical follow-up to the crossover is a high-end, high-visibility luxury saloon not unlike the angular Lagonda designed by William Towns…”

The luxury sedan referred to as Project Swan will combine traditional luxury with advanced packaging and a sophisticated drivetrain.

[Source: Car]

Marking the 20th anniversary of Mazda‘s victory in the world’s most demanding endurace race, the 24 Hour of Le Mans, Mazda has brought the winning Mazda 787B back from the dead.

Since winning in 1991, the Mazda 787B has been on display at the Mazda Museum in Horishima, Japan. The car has been carefully restored since its last 1991 post race overhaul, to open for the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans. The 79th annual race begins Saturday June 11 at 3 p.m. Additionally, the 787B will also take part in the Driver’s Parade through the Le Mans City center on Friday 10.

The 787B was powered by a four-rotor rotary engine that produced 700-hp. The 787B was the first and only Japanese car to win the 24 Hour of Le Mans. After 1991, rotary engines could not participate in the 24 Hour of Le Mans.

As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, members of the 1991 Mazda team will also return to Le Mans. The winning driver Johnny Herbert (England) will be joined by 1991 Mazda drivers David Kennedy (Ireland), Pierre Dieudonné (Belgium) and other team members.

Gallery: Mazda 787B

Fab Design, that normally specializes in customizing various Mercedes-Benz models, was approached by one of their most dedicated customers to transform his Cadillac Escalade to a true one-of-a-kind American luxury SUV. Well, we’re not too sure of the results and quite frankly we believe Fab Design should just stick to Mercedes-Benz models.

The craftsmanship looks to be top notch, and there was some originality with the modifications, but we have some question marks on why certain things were done the way they were. From the headlight covers to the oversized grille to the obscured tailgate glass, we can’t help but think Fab Design just wanted to be as big and bold as possible with the build. Or perhaps they just wanted to scare away anyone else from ever asking them to do anything to a vehicle other than a Mercedes.

Worse off, the interior is so excessive that it caught the attention of Pro Wildlife, causing Roland Rysanek (owner of Fab Design) to have to defend the build. The owner wanted the interior to be completely decked out with snake leather and imitation crocodile leather. Rysanek of course obliged, and had to state that the snake skin used came from snakes that had been killed without causing them pain – as opposed to being skinned alive.

Unfortunately whatever way we look at it, this Escalade seems to be a bad idea from any angle.

GALLERY: Fab Design Cadillac Escalade

[Source: Carscoop]

Toyota has already racked up 25,000 pre-orders for its Prius V wagon, (sold as the Prius Alpha in Japan), a figure that works out to more than eight times its original sales target of 3,000 units per month.

The Prius V is the first of many planned iterations of the Prius model range, with a smaller model planned next. Production of the Prius V was delayed due to the earthquake in Japan, which disrupted battery component production and other critical parts. In Japan and Europe, Toyota will sell both five and seven passenger variants, while North American models will only be available with five seats.

Tax credits for hybrid cars sold in Japan are set to expire in April 2012, and fears that vehicles may not be available on time are undoubtedly prompting some of the pre-order rush.

[Source: Reuters]

In this interesting new advertising campaign, Subaru’s American division targets the Chinese-American Market with the 2011 Legacy.

The ad called “Sweet Tomorrow” features a young Chinese-American couple, running errands and preparing for their home for the birth of their first child. It emphasizes safety and reliability of the Subaru brand preparing the couple for the next chapter of their lives.

“Making the right vehicle choice is a big decision for expanding families,” said Alan Bethke, director of marketing communication, Subaru of America, Inc.  ”In fact, other than the arrival of the child itself, a car purchase is one of the biggest costs involved for new parents.  It’s important that families choose a vehicle that provides safety and versatility and we wanted to show that in a unique and emotional way.”

Subaru seems to be on a roll lately, with this latest ad spot an emotional appeal, much like the teen driver’s “first time out” ad that first aired last August.

The “Sweet Tomorrow” ad is scheduled to run through October 2011.

Check out the video after the jump!

Continue Reading…

The Cadillac Escalade was ranked first among all models in the AutoPacific’s 2011 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards as well as topping the Luxury SUV segment for the fourth consecutive year. 68,000 owners of new cars and light trucks completed a survey in the U.S selecting the Escalade as the top choice.

“It’s especially gratifying to be honored by AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards because they’re chosen by owners,” said Don Butler, vice president for Cadillac marketing. “Escalade’s consistent strong showing in these awards is a testament to its ability to deliver what customers want in a luxury vehicle.”

The cars and trucks were tested in areas such as comfort, safety and overall purchase/lease experience. The market research and consulting firm AutoPacific publishes a variety of studies annually within the automotive industry.

The Cadillac Escalade features a 6.2-liter V8 producing 403-hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. Pricing for the Escalade ranges from $63,455 to $85, 175.

[Source: GM News]

Never one for subtlety, Kanye West was spotted in Cannes, France, driving the absolutely belligerent Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss edition.

With no windscreen or roof, the SLR Stirling Moss is definitely a sunny day kind of car, and luckily the weather held up for Yeezy, who is doubtlessly clad in couture that costs more than a Hyundai Accent.

Good thing he’s wearing sunglasses too, since the sub 3.5 second 0-60 time is sure to impair your vision. With a limited run of 75 cars and a price tag of $1.06 million, this car is strictly for people of Kanye’s means, and separates the true ballers from the S550 driving plebeian MCs.

[Source: Celebrity Cars Blog]

Could the motor city be turning into tech town usa? In a CNN Money special, Detroit’s automotive related technology boom is highlighted for its recent increase technology related jobs. Tech job openings rose 82% in Detroit, with companies like Google and Ford hiring engineers en masse.

According to the report, Google says this will be its biggest hiring year yet in Detroit. Furthermore, Doug Van Dagens, Director of Ford Conected Services Solutions, says there is a tech boom and his sector will be doubling in size over the next few years and tripling over a three year period.

Detroit tech workers make an average salary of $71,000 per year, less than Silicon Valley but above average for the auto industry. Several engineers are interviewed during the video, explaining how competitive the tech sector has become, how engineers are being enticed to stay and that a movement to rebuild Detroit is a driving force behind the recent hiring spike.

One engineer explains that there is significant potential within the city to flourish economically because the economy had crippled Detroit, however the city is developing significantly in the technology sector. Technology within the auto industry is becoming more efficient and competitive. Even though Detroit is not as big as traditional tech centers like Silicon Valley, this city is the central core in the Midwest for technology, growing financially and technologically at an astonishing rate.

[Source: CNN Money]