Demand for an electric cargo van that can only travel up to 50 mph isn’t strong enough to justify full production.

That’s what Mercedes is admitting after releasing a limited number of Vito E-Cell electric commercial vans in Europe to test the market viability of such a vehicle. Mercedes van division head Volker Mornhinweg said the project is being killed.

The Vito E-Cell could carry up to 1,873 lbs and could drive up to 80 miles and Mercedes only managed to sell a few hundred units.

Not surprisingly, diesel engines are still a more attractive option for the brand’s next generation of commercial vans. They will also use engine start-stop technology and lightweight materials to improve efficiency and might be sold in North America.

[Source: Car and Driver]

It may be hard to believe, but BMWs can be cheaper in Korea than cars from Hyundai.

Lower tariffs are making German imports cheaper than local Korean-made vehicles.

A BMW 528i for example, is around $64,000 in South Korea while the flagship Kia K9 is around $76,400. Even consumers in South Korea are abandoning their dedication to their domestic brands realizing that German vehicles offer a better luxury bargain.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Hyundai Equus 82% a Lexus LS for 18% Less

BMW isn’t the only German automaker to be benefiting. Mercedes-Benz and Audi have also seen sales increase at the expense of Kia and Hyundai over recent years now that duties on European imports have fallen to 3.2 percent from eight percent since a trade pact was put into effect in 2011.

All of Germany’s big three automakers have seen sales in South Korea rise 25 percent in the first growth – that’s even faster growth than what they’re seeing in China. Hyundai on the other hand, saw its luxury high-end model sales drop 4.7 percent in the same period.

Overall, foreign luxury automakers in South Korea have seen sales grow to 41 percent from 28 percent in the past two years.

GALLERY: 2014 Hyundai Equus Live Shots

GALLERY: 2014 Hyundai Equus

[Source: Bloomberg]

Discuss this story at Hyundai-Forums.com

The new Porsche 911 GT3 isn’t just another generation in the German automaker’s GT3 lineup; it’s packed with next-generation technology that makes it a true track monster.

To show off some of the technical highlights on the new GT3, Porsche has released a video of the sports car where it belongs – on the track. For the first time in the automaker’s storied history, Porsche is using active rear-wheel steering to achieve even higher precision and lateral dynamics.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 Gets Rear-Wheel Steering, Automatic Only

Depending on the speed of the GT3, the vehicle will steer in the same or opposite direction of the front wheels to help improve stability and agility. Watch the video below to see some of the technical highlights of the new 911 GT3.

The 2014 Porsche GT3 is powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six with 475 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque mated to a PDK dual-clutch, seven-speed automatic transmission. It accelerates to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of 195 mph.

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The joint sports car project between Toyota and BMW is moving right along with a concept model expected to be shown at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

According to sources close to the project, GT86 (Scion FR-S) chief engineer Tetsuya Tada is also heading up the new jointly developed sports car between the two automakers. Tada has already visited BMW multiple times in the past year and even headed to Munich shortly after the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

SEE ALSO: BMW, Toyota Announce Plans for Co-Developed Sports Car

It appears that BMW will be tasked with modifying the GT86 platform to underpin the new sports car, stretching it so that it can enter the midsize sports car market segment. There is, of course, a small chance that a BMW platform will be used to underpin the project, but given the success of the GT86 and Tada’s involvement, that’s unlikely.

As for engines, all signs point to a BMW-sourced, four-cylinder – especially with the success of their recent turbocharged four cylinders. But it’s not entirely safe to assume that the powerplant will be turbocharged or even supercharged. The sports car could very well be a hybrid, the same way recent supercars such as the Ferrari LaFerrari and the McLaren P1 has opted to go.

The biggest news however is that this project won’t be going the same route as the GT86, where the FR-S and the BRZ share similar sheetmetal. Both sports cars will look significantly different, making Supra enthusiasts hope for a true successor to Toyota’s sports car.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Discuss this story at ToyotaNation.com

Pricing on the 2014 BMW 5 Series Sedan and Gran Turismo has been announced, with the 528i Sedan starting from $50,425 including a $925 destination and handling fee.

Moving up the lineup, the 535i Sedan will start from $56,025 while the new 535d is priced from $57,525. The top-of-the-line 550i starts at $64,825 while xDrive variants cost $2,300 extra.

SEE ALSO: 2014 BMW 5 Series Models Revealed

As for the Gran Turismo model, the 535i Gran Turismo has a starting MSRP of $60,925 while the 550i GT will be $68,825 while xDrive variants are also $2,300 extra over the conventional model.

As for the ActiveHybrid 5, starting price will be from $62,325. All prices listed include a $925 destination and handling fee.

The 535d is powered by an inline-six diesel with 255 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque while the 535i sports 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The 550i is powered by a V8 with 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. The entry-level 528i features a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder with 240 hp and carries over from the previous model year.

The 2014 BMW 5 Series lineup will be on sale at dealerships in the U.S. starting in August, 2013.

GALLERY: 2014 BMW 5 Series Sedan

GALLERY: 2014 BMW 5 Series Touring

GALLERY: 2014 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

GALLERY: 2014 BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid

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After a gruelling 24 hours of racing at the Green Hell, the number-9 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 from German team Black Falcon took the overall victory at the Nurburgring endurance classic.

It’s the first time the German automaker has claimed an overall victory at the event and it’s all thanks to drivers Bernd Schneider, Jeroen Bleekemolen, Sean Edwards and Nicki Thiim. Finishing second at this year’s Nurburgring 24 Hours race was the number-25 BMW Z4 M GT3 while the number-22 Rowe Racing SLS AMG GT3 came in third. Noticeably missing from this year’s overall podium were Audi and Porsche, who have typically fared well at the event.

Seventh overall was the number-18 Porsche GT3 from Manthey Racing, which won the SP7 class. Topping the near-production SP8 class was the number-81 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 which also finished 21st overall.

Poor weather caused the red flag to drop five and a half hours into the race, causing a delay of more than nine hours. The tough weather conditions also caused some teams to rethink their strategies, with some of them content with just finishing the race. Aston Martin was one of those teams, leading early with its number-7 V12 Vantage GT3 but opted to take it safe and took 10th place overall.

The Gazoo Racing Lexus LFA finished 37th overall.

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Formally unveiled last week with a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8, the 2014 Mercedes S-Class will gain a new entry-level engine in later this year and it won’t be the brand’s 3.5-liter V6.

In other markets where the 2014 S-Class is sold, different powerplants will be offered including a hybrid 3.5-liter V6, a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel, and a hybrid 2.1-liter, four-cylinder turbo diesel. After that, the German automaker will release the high-performance S63 AMG with the S600 and S65 AMG models following next year.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Mercedes S-Class Officially Revealed

In addition to all of those engine options, word is that the S-Class will also make use of the 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 that’s found in the E400. It could end up in America down the road, but it’s a vital engine variant for the Chinese market. It is more likely that the V6 turbo will make its way to the E-Class coupe and convertible first in 2015, replacing the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6. As for specs on the 3.0-liter V6, in the E400 is makes an estimated 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.

GALLERY: 2014 Mercedes S-Class

[Source: Car and Driver]

Discuss this story at BenzWorld.org

BMW has revealed its Competition Packages for the 2014 M5 and M6 models designed to enhance handling and improve performance, shaving 0.1 seconds off its 0-62 mph sprint time.

Power output is upped from 560 hp to 575 hp with the Competition Package and is available for the M5, M6 Coupe, M6 Convertible, and M6 Gran Coupe models. Vehicles equipped with the Competition Package are lowered about 0.4 inches with more aggressively tuned damping and sway bars. Improved traction comes from a modified control unit for the Active M Differential.

SEE ALSO: 2014 BMW M5 Officially Revealed with Minor Updates

20-inch M alloy wheels are outfitted onto each corner of the Competition Package-equipped vehicles along with a sport exhaust system featuring M twin tailpipes in black chrome. Those looking for even more performance from their M models can opt for the M carbon ceramic brakes.

No pricing was announced by the German automaker on the Competition Package.

GALLERY: BMW M5 Competition Package

GALLERY: BMW M6 Competition Package

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BMW has formally announced its 5 Series lineup for the 2014 model year, revealing the updated Sedan, Touring, Gran Turismo, and ActiveHybrid models.

Since the launch of the current-generation 5 Series, BMW has sold over one million units worldwide, and for the 2014 model year, the German automaker has tweaked its design, added new engine variants, and expanded the range of available equipment to build on the lineup’s success. The changes to the exterior are subtle, but include additional contour lines on the surround of the kidney grilles and newly structured lower air intakes. An extra crease was added to the rear apron and the taillights get a slight change to give it an even more striking appearance.

SEE ALSO: 2014 BMW M5 Officially Revealed with Minor Updates

Xenon headlights are standard on all models with Adaptive LED headlights available as an option. The side indicator lights are now integrated into the mirrors while the automaker has added its Luxury Line and Modern Line packages to the 5 Series lineup.

Minor interior changes include chrome trim on the Control Display while storage compartments and cup holders in the center console have been increased in capacity. The 5 Series Gran Turismo gets additional trunk space.

Added to the lineup is the BMW 518d, a four-cylinder diesel engine with 143 hp on the sedan and touring models. The top-of-the-line engine now offered on the 5 Series lineup is a new V8 unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology pushing out 450 hp. In total for the sedan and touring models, there are four gasoline engines and six diesel engines, including what’s offered on the M550d xDrive. The Gran Turismo has two gasoline engines and three diesel powerplants to choose from.

The ActiveHybrid 5 has also been slightly tweaked with its Proactive Driving Assistant to improve its intelligent energy management.

No pricing was announced for the 2014 BMW 5 Series lineup.

GALLERY: 2014 BMW 5 Series Sedan

GALLERY: 2014 BMW 5 Series Touring

GALLERY: 2014 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

GALLERY: 2014 BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid

Discuss this story at BimmerWerkz.com

As expected, BMW has unveiled its 2014 M5 sports sedan, giving it a rather quick update to the new body style that debuted just a year ago.

The changes are rather subtle for the 4.4-liter V8 powered sedan with 560 hp. Mated to a seven-speed M dual-clutch transmission, the new M5 can also be had with a Competition Package that cranks power output to 575 hp.

SEE ALSO: 2014 BMW M5 Facelift Leaked

As for changes, the front kidney grilles now feature the double-spoke slat design found on the M6 while there is now an added option for Adaptive LED Headlights. Standard on the 2014 M5 are redesigned taillights with strikingly thin LED strips.

Inside, the M leather steering wheel gets a redesign while storage has grown in volume under the armrest in the center console area. Chrome trim is now seen on the Control Display and for the first time, the German automaker is offering an optional Touch Controller for the infotainment system.

BMW Individual will offer new exterior color shades for the 2014 M5 including Pure Metal Silver, Pyrite Brown metallic, Frozen Blue metallic, and other matte finishes. Exclusive leather shades include Cashmere Beige and Nutmeg.

Pricing for the 2014 BMW M5 was not announced.

GALLERY: 2014 BMW M5

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We are back with this week’s instalment of AutoGuide’s newest, interactive weekly feature ‘Commute, Toy or Destroy’.

Once again, we present to you, our faithful readers, a choice of three vehicles. We are asking you to decide which one you would make your daily driver, which one would become a weekend Autocross machine and which one should be blown up by a 500 shot of nitrous.

Remember, the commuter car you must live with every day. The toy would be only available to you for occasional use on weekends or car meets and the final car would be the one you’d leave the keys in the ignition in a shady neighborhood.

This week we select icons of affordable performance from the late 1980s that represent three different continents. First, from North America is the Ford Mustang 5.0. Yeah, the storied Foxbody ‘Stang. Next, from Asia is an incredibly fun-to-drive light weight hatchback, the Honda CRX. Finally, representing Europe is the highly engaging Volkswagen Corrado. So what are your choices going to be?

1987-1993 Ford Mustang

The ‘foxbody’ Mustang (which refers to its ‘fox’ platform) was in production for a long time. In 1987 it was refreshed and modernized, but that didn’t matter too much. The 5.0 L V8 (4.9 L to be technical) was all the Mustang faithful cared about as it made this budget sports car not only a good performer, but also a great vehicle to modify into an absolute terror.

1988-1991 Honda CR-X

In 1987, the CRX received modern sheet metal, a better suspension and a significant bump in power; especially in Si models. Although power still barely exceeded the 100 hp mark, the fact the CRX weighed in at only 2,000 lbs. meant it was still fairly quick. This light weight also meant the CRX was incredibly nimble in the corners and fuel efficient. Later in life, this car became the darling of the import tuner community.

1988-1995 Volkswagen Corrado

When the Corrado first came out, many claimed it to be one of the best handling front-wheel drive cars ever made. Twenty-five years later and many are still in love with this three-door veedub. If handling prowess wasn’t enough, two letter and number combinations still set Corrado fans hearts a flutter; G60, which refers to the 158 hp 1.8 L supercharged four-cylinder and VR6, which was the name of the 178-192 hp narrow angle V6 engine.

Yesterday, Porsche unveiled the 918 Spyder in production form and now we’ve gotten our hands on even more photos of the hybrid supercar.

Powered by a mid-mounted, 4.6-liter V8 mated to a pair of electric motors, the 918 Spyder makes 887 hp and accelerates to 62 mph in just 2.8 seconds. To bring it up to supercar status is a monocoque carbon fiber shell helping bring the vehicle to a respectable 3,615 pounds.

SEE GALLERY: Porsche 918 Spyder Detailed in Production Form

For a true driving experience, the 918 Spyder offers five different drive modes: E-Power, Hybrid, Sport Hybrid, Race Hybrid, and Hot Lap. As you can tell, the German automaker is not shying away from the fact that its latest supercar is a hybrid.

Best of all, nothing about the 918 Spyder’s styling shows that it’s supposed to be a hybrid. But in reality, the term hybrid isn’t exactly pairing up with being eco-friendly anymore; automakers are turning to the alternative powertrain to enhance performance of their vehicles without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

GALLERY: Porsche 918 Spyder

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