Mercedes-Benz has announced a number of improvements for its popular Sprinter commercial van. In an effort to improve the Sprinter’s fuel efficiency without compromising its rugged dependability, Mercedes-Benz has introduced an optional seven-speed automatic transmission, capable of delivering “silky smooth gear changes” at temperatures as low as -30ºC or -22ºF. Additional fuel saving updates that help…
At Geneva, the focus (pun intended) was on its new B-MAX. Replacing the European Fusion (which like the B-MAX, was also Fiesta based and not to be confused with our mid-size sedan), this new MPV, which will go on sale in Europe late this year, reminds us very much of a downsized Mazda5.
If there’s an age old adage in motorsports, then it has got to be “racing improves the breed.” This idea is particularly close to Audi‘s heart, as the German automaker has participated in decades of racing and development for its Quattro all-wheel-drive technology. This year, Audi will field a pair of R18 e-tron Quattro cars which…
Audi unveiled the 2013 A3 hatchback at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show today, showcasing a lighter and more efficient version of the company’s small three-door car, despite remaining almost exactly the same size. The car will be available with two TFSI engines or a turbo diesel. All three engines were newly developed for the car…
While the smallest Mercedes-Benz badged vehicle on sale in America might be the C-class, elsewhere in the world, you can buy even smaller models. Our Canadian friends get to buy the B-class, while in Europe and Asia, you can buy an A-class. The A-class has been on sale for over a decade now, and at…
Volkswagen will be releasing a new generation of diesel engines for their upcoming MLB- and MQB-platform vehicles. The new turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine range will be called “EA288″ and will have a displacement range of 1.6L to 2.0L. America however will only get the 2.0L TDI that will have around 190-hp and 280 lb-ft of…
German automaker Volkswagen looks to put an end of the debate of hybrid vs. diesel, by combining both technologies into one Cross Coupe Concept. First unveiled in gasoline-electric form at the Tokyo Motor Show, this new version is set to debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The TDI powerplant from VW is setup to…
Americans will finally get a look at the U.S.-spec Porsche Cayenne diesel when it debuts at this year’s New York International Auto Show. The Cayenne Diesel will sport a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine, also featured in the Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7. The oil-burner is expected to make either 240-hp like the European Cayenne Diesel,…
When Toyota revealed its TS030 LMP hybrid, the Japanese automaker had its targets sighted onto the reigning diesel Audi R18. However, the R18 is proving to be a fast moving target. Earlier this month, Audi announced that it will field two innovative diesel-hybrid LMP1 cars for the first time in its team of four at…
BMW may have already revealed their new M Performance Diesel vehicles but they won’t be making their first public appearance until the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. At the center of attention on all the M Performance Diesel vehicles (M550d, X5 M50d, and X6 M50d) is the fact that they’re equipped with a high-performance engine featuring…
If a special vehicles automaker wanted to build a bespoke automobile specifically for China’s wealthiest, it would adorn the automobile with every imaginable luxury appointment and would dedicate its masterpiece after the Year of the Dragon. In Chinese culture, the dragon represents power, prosperity, and good fortune. Earlier this year, Rolls Royce took this opportunity…
The Chevrolet Cruze Diesel made a nice dent in the European, Asian, African, and South American markets last year selling 33,000 units. Now, the popular diesel option will make its way into the U.S., trying to ride on the success wave it is already experiencing worldwide. The diesel engine that will power the Cruze is…
Two weeks ago, we saw that China’s Jianghuai Automobile Co. (JAC) recreated its own version of Ford’s F-150 pickup truck to an amusing level of detail. According to The Detroit News, JAC now plans to unveil its 4R3 pickup at the upcoming Beijing Auto Show. Copying Ford design cues to even sport the F-150 grill…
Later this year, Volkswagen will reveal its all-new Mk7 Golf (Spy photo shown above). A pivotal new car for Volkswagen, the Golf will be improved in almost all aspects, including a swath of more luxurious features. The staple hatchback will receive a wider range of powertrains including a natural gas variant, an electric variant, and…
The numbers are always changing and a new list of the Top 10 best-selling vehicles in history, compiled by 24/7 Wall St. has a new model on top. There are some surprises on the list, but for the most part it all makes sense. Whether they’ve been in production for a long time or…
With the newest version of VW’s iconic Beetle already on sale, Volkswagen is expanding the car’s product range and appeal with a diesel powered model. Unveiled today at the Chicago Auto Show, the Beetle TDI makes use of a familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged engine to make 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Along with that…
Recently BMW revealed its new M Performance Diesel models, the M550d, X5 M50d, and X6 M50d, all of which are powered by the German automaker’s new 3.0L six-cylinder, tri-turbo diesel engine with 381-hp and 546 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately none of America will get to experience the new powerplant since BMW doesn’t find them fitting…
Maseratis exude power, style and sex appeal. They do not, on the other hand, evoke anything close to the unrefined image of a diesel engine. Or at least they haven’t in the past. According to a report by AutoBild, Maserati is making a smaller version of its yet-to-be-release Quattroporte luxury sedan and it seems the…
The star of the Honda booth at this year’s Geneva Motor Show will undoubtedly be the new NSX Concept. Unveiled as the Acura NSX Concept at the Detroit Auto Show, it will be rebranded for display in other markets, like Europe. But the mid-engine V6 hybrid drive Japanese exotic won’t be the only new product,…
Volkswagen first showed off its XL1 Concept at the 2011 Qatar Motor Show, and the futuristic-looking coupe will be making its way to production, albeit in a limited run. The XL1 will be will be built on Volkswagen’s new modular MQB platform and even though no official photos of what the production model will look…
BMW will be ridding its lineup of the 335d, a decision that is rational from a business point of view, but upsetting to anyone who has driven BMW’s diesel offerings. According to reports, BMW will retire the diesel engine 3 Series in favor of its new fuel efficient line-up of gasoline engines as well as…
The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI will be going on sale this summer and will make its official debut at the upcoming 2012 Chicago Auto Show. VW has fed us some information ahead of its debut, however, revealing that it’ll be available in three trim levels and is expected to get 29-mpg city and 39-mpg highway….
Unveiled before its 2012 Geneva Auto Show debut in March, the brand new Ford B-MAX mini-minivan (the term in Europe is mini MPV) showcases a couple new innovations from the American automaker. Based on a tidy Ford Fiesta platform, the heart of the B-MAX is Ford’s clever 1.0-liter Ecoboost engine producing 123-hp while reaching an…
Audi is introducing their new line of bi-turbo diesel engines that will make their way into several A6 cars and the A7 Sportback. Those included in the list are the A6 sedan, A6 Avant, Allroad Quattro and A7 Sportbacks. Next spring U.K. customers can look forward to those cars sporting the option of Audi’s most…
