We knew that Nissan was working on an Infiniti compact, but we just didn’t know when it would reach production. It’s all cleared up today as the Japanese automaker has confirmed that its Infiniti Compact will enter production in 2014.

“This new vehicle represents a significant opportunity for the Infiniti brand to reach new consumers and grow in key markets such as Western Europe,” said Andy Palmer, Nissan executive vice president.

The news comes straight from the company today, as it inked a tentative deal with Magna Steyr, a division of Canadian automotive parts supplier Magna. This would be Magna Steyr’s first vehicle assembly agreement.

The new vehicle is slated to be based on the Infiniti Ethera Concept, and will be built in Austria by Magna Steyr. This new entry-level vehicle by Infiniti will be priced and sized under the current Infiniti G sports sedan.

This vehicle also represents another element of Nissans partnership with Mercedes, as this new compact will be based on the German automaker’s MFA platform, which is used in Mercedes-Benz’s A- and B-class vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz is going guerilla with its marketing tactics for the new A-Class by placing camouflaged cars around Germany stamped with QR (Quick Response) codes to give those lucky enough to scan them a chance at some prizes.

While that’s good news for a bunch of lucky Germans, the rest of us will have to settle for a new video showing the body shape, headlights and bits of bumper. The video is just a small teaser for the full reveal which will happen in Geneva this March.

If you’re in Germany and see one of the “specially marked” vehicles, whip out your smart phone and scan the code. It could lead to a visit to witness the A-Class debut in person.

Last month our spy photographers spotted a camo-wrapped A-Class being tested but we weren’t sure about the mechanical details. Since then we’ve learned that it will likely feature a 1.8-liter turbocharged four cylinder mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Most models will feature front-wheel drive, though the AMG variant will get 4Matic treatment.

Expect to hear about the A-Class hitting the road in Europe by the end of the year, but not in the U.S. until mid 2013. There will, however, be a four-door coupe hitting the American market based on the same drivetrain later this year.

We’ll be covering the A-Class reveal as well as other breaking news from Geneva starting on March 6.

Watch the promo video after the jump.

[Source: Motor Authority]

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The past 20 years were pretty stable in the automotive industry. Mostly predictable releases with a steady rate for manufacturers to introduce new models that seemed like a consistant recipe for success.

Then, suddenly with the start of the current model year, things changed. In fact, it looks like this is just the start of a serious upswing in new releases. According to a story published on CNN Money, the auto industry replaced 16 percent of its fleet annually between 1991 and 2011.

That figure jumped to 23 percent with the 2012 model year, which started in October. Apparently keeping this fresh is the snake oil for successful car companies, because next year that number will grow to 32 percent, effectively doubling the rate new models hit the market. Given this manufacturer mayhem, we decided to round up the new cars you should expect to see soon.

Honda is an interesting case as they’ve recognized that their luxury brand, Acura, is simply being outdone by the competition at every turn. They decided to completely redesign their line to quell complaints that their cars are little more than rebadged Hondas. The first to look for: their new ILX compact sedan. As for Honda, they are already planning to release a new generation Civic after the media chastised them for an uninspired release.

Next up, Nissan. While they don’t hold a big market share in the U.S., Carlos Ghosn, their CEO is making plans to expand the 8.2 percent they have now to ten by 2015. In order to do that, they are revamping half of their entire line. Nissan is targeting the burgeoning EV market with their Leaf, which first became available last year. Look for updated Altimas, Sentras and Pathfinders in the near future.

Toyota suffered after the tsunami, but is coming back with a fury. The automaker is releasing a brand-new sports car, the FR-S, developed in partnership with Subaru and set to sell with a Scion badge. The RAV-4 and Lexus ES sedan will also get updates.

Chrysler will move toward smaller cars, something the brand has historically struggled with. The shrinkage can be attributed to Fiat, their new owners, and how their new 40 mpg Dodge Dart borrows heavily from the Italian engineers.

Ford and GM are trying to hang on to their chunky market shares, 17 and 19.7 percent respectively. Both companies are following the industry strategy: refreshing their popular sellers and releasing redesigned cars in their luxury brands. Look for a re-engineered Lincoln MKZ from Ford and Cadillac‘s new compact ATS and larger XTS sedans from GM.

Finally, there are some changes in the pipeline for German luxury cars. Audi just confirmed that their compact Q3 SUV will be sold in the U.S., along with the re-release of the compact A2 sedan. Mercedes-Benz is opting to offer their smaller B-Series and A-Series cars to remain competitive in the Yankee market.

[Source: CNN Money]

Mercedes-Benz unveiled its second-generation B-Class at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show along with a concept for an E-Cell version of the front-wheel drive compact sport tourer.

The new B-Class is almost two inches shorter than the previous version yet has more leg room thanks to a lowered floor. The seats are also more upright but still offer a lot of head room.

European customers will have the choice of two new gasoline and two diesel options, all with ECO start/stop. The turbocharged 1.6 liter B 180 offers 122 hp while the B 200 version offers 156 hp. The 1.8 liter diesel options include the B 180 CDI with 109 hp and the B 200 CDI with 136 hp. B-class models will come with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a new 7-speed dual clutch transmission.

New safety features include a radar-based collision warning system with brake assist designed to reduce rear-end collisions. Other features include adaptive headlamp assist, blind spot and lane keeping assists, a reversing camera, active parking assist and the Pre-Safe preventive occupant protective system. First introduced in S-Class models in 2002, the Pre-Safe system automatically tightens seat belts and closes side windows and the sliding sun roof in emergency situations.

Mercedes-Benz also introduced an E-Cell Plus electric concept version of the B-class with a range extender. The B-Class E-Cell Plus’ lithium-ion battery provides a range of 100 km (62 miles) on electric power with the three-cylinder gasoline-powered engine extends the range to 600 km (372 miles).  Mercedes-Benz plans to produce the B-Class E-Cell Plus in 2014.

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz B-Class

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-Cell Concept

Mercedes-Benz has just released detailed photos of its new second-generation B-Class, which is set to debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. Last month we were teased as to what the new B-Class would look like, and now that we’ve got the full picture, well, it’s not so clear that it’s any less of a stain on Merc’s impressive design history as of late.

Several models of the B-Class will be available to European buyers, with the B180 sporting a 1.6L turbocharged engine with 120-hp and 147 lb-ft of torque, while the B200 will have 154-hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Europe will also receive a 1.8L diesel, delivering 107-hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in the B180 CDI, while the B200 CDI will feature 134-hp and 221 lb-ft of torque.

Mercedes has also announced that it is looking at producing a limited production F-Cell variant that will hopefully be released in 2015.

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz B-Class

The all-new Mercedes-Benz B-Class is to debut at the Frankfurt auto show this September, and the German automaker has just released interior photos of what the luxury hatchback will look like.

The interior appears to be very simple and well laid out. The B-Class interior can be outfitted with high end materials including the ARTICO man made leather featured on the dashboard. The all-new B-Class crossover will also use a front-wheel drive design and will remain a multi-purpose vehicle, meaning a higher roof and more cargo space.

A full range of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines will be available for the new model, including start-stop technology for improved fuel economy. Mercedes has also worked hard to preserve the interior space of the current car while retaining traditional characteristics of the German automaker. After its debut, the car will go on sale at the end of 2011, hitting European dealerships in November 2011. No official statements have been made regarding B-Class sales in North America.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Interior

Mercedes-Benz has officially released details regarding the new B-Class and the brands plans to release a dedicated ‘eco’ version as well as offer four-wheel drive and a range of alternatively powered models after the initial launch.

The vehicle has been lowered by 30mm to improve sportier handling and beneath the passenger cell, an ‘energy space’ has been engineered between the floor and the under-tray to store batteries, Compressed Natural Gas tanks and fuel cells in the planned electric, hydrogen and hybrid variants due out in 2013/13.

An entirely new gas and heavily revised diesel engine will be available as well. A gas powered direct injection 1.6-liter turbo engine will be available with either 123-hp or 154-hp with a larger turbo joining the range later next year.

The diesel engine will be a smaller lighter version of the 2.1-liter powerplant from the current C-Class range, displacing 1.8-liters and producing 108 or 134-hp.  A “Sport” package will also be available offering a quicker steering rack, 20mm lower suspension and passive adjustable dampers. The B-Class will be unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show with sales beginning in Europe this fall and the UK receiving the car in the spring of 2012.

[Source: Auto Express]

The next generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class will make its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show in September, however photos have been leaked, and we have them.

The all-new B-Class crossover will use a front-wheel drive design and will remain a multi-purpose vehicle, meaning a higher roof and more cargo space.

A full range of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines will be available for the new model, including start-stop technology for improved fuel economy. Mercedes has also worked hard to preserve the interior space of the current car while retaining traditional characteristics of the German automaker. After its debut, the car will go on sale at the end of 2011, however no official statements have been made regarding B-Class sales in North America.

[Source: Car and Driver]

The Mercedes-Benz B-class is easily one of the most boring cars in the current MB line-up, but that can all change very quickly if the German luxury automaker decides to put its latest concept version on sale.

It’s called the B55 and it comes packed with the firms old 5.5-liter V8 motor, which produces 383-hp and 391 ft-lbs of torque. That is considerably more power than what the normal B-class has to offer.

To deal with the extra grunt, out goes the CVT automatic and in comes the new seven-speed automatic. Oh, and they also converted it from a front-wheel drive vehicle to a rear-wheel drive vehicle, using the axle from an old E430 wagon.

The performance numbers reflect the new grunt. 0-62 mph takes just 5.2 seconds and its top speed is limited to 155 mph. To bring this lunacy to a halt, you get brakes taken from the old C32 AMG.

Looking at the specs, you could be forgiven for thinking that this mad creation must be an AMG job, but it’s not. This is the work of some very passionate people within Mercedes-Benz who wanted to give the B-class a proper send off before an all new model arrives.

If you want one, you are out of luck, because sadly this is just a concept, but it’s great to see such enthusiasm exists in what is normally a very serious automaker.

Hit the link below for pics of this wild machine:

[Source: Autocar]

In the past, if you wanted a high-performance Mercedes B-Class, you’d have to look to the aftermarket and even then, the best tuners like Brabus could offer was a 190-hp diesel version that hit 62-mph in 8.4 seconds. Not exactly high-performance.

With the next-generation B-Class, however, AMG is going to get involved. Set to launch in the U.S. in 2012, the next B-Class is being created to take on cars like the Audi S3 and Golf R in Europe. Yet while those models aren’t offered in North America, the B-Class AMG likely will – in a bid to attract younger buyers to the Mercedes brand.

Power will likely come from a turbocharged 4-cylinder and like all AMG models, expect a sporty suspension, larger brakes, new bodywork and an upgraded interior.

[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog]

Mercedes-Benz will introduce a new B-Class platform in Europe in 2011, with many different variants – several of which are destined for the U.S. According to a recent report by Automotive News, Mercedes will bring up to three B-Class models to the U.S., including a hatchback, sedan and a small crossover. The move comes as little surprise if Mercedes it to compete with premium level hatchbacks like the Audi A3 and Lexus CT200h, as well as crossovers like the upcoming BMW X1. (Mercedes BLK anyone?)

There’s no word on engines yet, but the report suggests an alternative energy (electric, hybrid or fuel cell) model is in the plans. In addition, AMG is reportedly planning to deliver a rear-drive high-performance model based on the new B-Class.

As excited as we are about these new Benzes, don’t expect to see any of them in the U.S. until at least 2012 – although we’ll be sure to keep a close eye on the European models coming next year.

[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog]

AMG has made its mark in the auto industry by building immensely powerful engines to propel large and luxurious Mercedes-Benz models to unimaginable speeds. But with Merc now looking at the lower end of the market, AMG is being forced to do so as well. AMG, however, has its own plans.

A report by Motor Trend suggests that AMG will completely re-engineer the new Mercedes small car platform, transforming it into a rear-drive platform in order to build a proper performance machine. That sounds expensive to us, but with the premium those AMG folks are likely to ask and the huge increase in sales this is likely to bring, it may just be a viable business plan.

Mercedes is currently working on its new front-drive small car platform that will underpin a total of five new vehicles. The first models we are expected to see are all-new versions of the A-Class and B-Class. It is expected that the new B-Class will be sold in the U.S. and according to MT’s inside source, the AMG version is likely to be powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder.

[Source: MotorTrend via Autoblog]