So far we have heard several reports of a new front-drive model from BMW, but now comes confirmation from BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer. “There will be front-wheel-drive BMWs in the smaller vehicle classes in the future,” said Reithofer during a press conference about the German automaker’s finances.

The architecture will actually be both front-drive and AWD capable and will be used for a new lineup of BMW and MINI cars – meaning MINIs are also set to get AWD. Currently all BMW models are rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

According to Automotive News, the new platform will arrive in 2013 with the third generation of the new MINI hatch. Up to 20 different BMW and MINI models are set to ride on this new architecture.

[Source: Automotive News]

The Aston Martin Rapide took a long time to finally come to market and it seems like it’s taken almost just as long to go on public display. First shown in concept form at the Detroit Auto Show way back in 2006, the Rapide had its world premiere at the Frankfurt Auto Show last Fall. Since then both the LA and Detroit shows have come and gone, with Aston a no-show. Finally, North Americans (or at least New Yorkers) will get their first look at the Rapide when it goes on public display at the NY Auto Show in April.

Powered by an incredible 5.9-liter V12 engine that makes 470-hp at 6000 rpm and 443 ft-lbs of torque at 5000 rpm, the four-door Rapide is offered exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission. It gets Aston’s typically long front-snout and an ultra luxurious interior. Pricing for the new model starts at $199,950 ($215,000 CAD), vastly higher than segment rivals the Maserati Quattroporte and Porsche Panamera, ensuring exclusivity.

AutoGuide will bring you more on the Rapide with live coverage of the New York Auto Show starting March 31st.

In the mean time, browse through the massive gallery of photos below.

GALLERY: Aston Martin Rapide

With the launch of the all-new MINI Countryman at the Geneva Auto Show last week we had an opportunity to sit down with the VP of MINI USA, Jim McDowell and find out more about the brand’s first crossover and what the future holds for the rest of the product range.

Starting with the Countryman, McDowell believes this is a vehicle that will help bring back brand rejecters – those who simply couldn’t justify owning a MINI for reasons ranging from size, to functionality. He even commented that in the past a father of two who bought a MINI would be seen as selfish, putting his wants ahead of his family’s needs. The Countryman lets those needs and wants come together while avoiding any social stigma.

Added usability will come in the form of fuel efficiency. While no official numbers are yet available (or any unofficial ones for that matter), McDowell says he wouldn’t be surprised if the Countryman became the most fuel efficient crossover offered in the U.S.

MINI also hopes to attract driving enthusiasts to the Countryman by offering it with a manual transmission here. In fact, when it goes on sale, it will be the only all-wheel drive crossover offered with a manual transmission. When asked if MINI’s All4 AWD setup is being planned for any other future MINI models, McDowell commented that while it was most likely possible, it’s not something they are looking at, favoring the two-wheel approach for the ideal sporty driving experience.

As for the future of the rest of the range, McDowell confirmed that the recent engine updates made on European models will arrive for the 2011 model year cars in North America. In Europe, the Cooper and Cooper S models get a slight boost in power and improved fuel economy thanks to direct-injection technology and variable valve control. The Cooper gets a 3-hp jump to 122-hp, while torque is rated at 118 ft-lbs, allowing a 0-62 mph sprint of 9.1 seconds. As for the Cooper S, it gets a new twin-scroll turbocharger that helps bring the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder to 184-hp (up 9-hp), while torque of 177 ft-lbs comes on from 1600 to 5000 rpm. The overboost function delivers 192 ft-lbs (260Nm). The Cooper S is rated at 7 seconds to 62 mph. (These numbers should change slightly for the North American market and we’ll have to wait for official EPA rated fuel economy numbers).

But beyond those updates, McDowell had more to say, specifically in regards to our questions about smaller engines and the use of dual-clutch transmissions – something particularly relevant with Volkswagen and Audi now delivering cars like the A1 and Polo GTI with 1.4-liter Twinchargers and dual-clutch transmissions. “We are continuing to add technology as quickly as it comes, while working to promote the MINI driving experience and be environmentally responsible,” he commented, following up by stating that MINI will “move forwards in minimalism,” with a future that is, “greener and more efficient.” From this it’s safe to surmise that future MINI engines will get smaller while new technology like dual-clutch transmissions (which improve both the driving experience and fuel economy) are pretty much a given.

As for the upcoming Coupe and Roadster models, we pressed McDowell on what exactly makes these cars so different. He spoke at first about the obvious lack of a hatch, more futuristic design and improved cargo room – all of which is rather obvious. When we expressed our feelings that these attributes (including the JCW engine) really didn’t set the two models apart, he admitted as much, commenting: “but you don’t know what else is coming. We have a few pleasant surprises.”

After our conversation took a bit of a detour about MINI buyers and the other sorts of vehicles they consider, McDowell brought it back on point stating that he wouldn’t be surprised if the MINI Roadster came to own the entry-level roadster segment that Mazda currently has locked-down with the Miata.

As a brand, MINI is expanding significantly with new dealerships poping up all over the U.S. Over the next two years the Countrman (and soon the Coupe and Roadster) will double MINI’s lineup of products aimed at delivering performance and fuel economy in packages with the sort of universal appeal that has always made MINI models “global cars,” long before such a concet became popular.

Aston Martin has just released a teaser video of its upcoming One-77 supercar track testing. It’s not overly exciting, but you do get to hear the big V12 roar quite a bit, which is worth a watch.

The One-77 is still undergoing final development before it goes on sale later this year, with just 77 units to be made at a cost of roughly $2 million. Along with all that exclusivity, buyers are also paying the big bucks to get a full carbon fiber monocoque chassis (like a full race car, or the McLaren MP4-12C and Lexus LFA), as well as a 7.3-liter v12 that makes an incredible 750-hp. In recent testing, Aston Martin was able to achieve a to speed of 220 mph.

See the video after the jump:

The future for Lotus continues to look bright, very bright. The British sports car maker is looking to grow significantly over the next few years and along with new models, plenty of new talent and a multi-leveled return to motorsports, it has now announced a partnership with Cosworth to help in producing high performance engines.

Currently, Lotus gets its engines for the Elise, Exige and Evora from Toyota – hardly a company known for building exciting automobiles. And yet, Lotus has done amazing things with the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder and the new V6. Still, we’ve always thought the engine (and gearboxes) were the weakest parts of a Lotus.

For now, Cosworth, which has teamed up with Lotus to win 10 Formula 1 constructors titles over the years, will help turn those Toyota engines into track performers – starting with a 400-hp 4.0-liter V6 in the Evora Cup Car. Cosworth has also been tasked with building versions of the current engines found in Lotus street cars, for street use. We can’t wait to see what the engine experts have in store for the tiny Elise and Exige and perhaps a 400-hp version of the Evora will also be offered for the street.

Official release after the jump:

Aston Martin introduced a new limited edition run of 40 cars celebrating Chief Executive Ulrich Bez’s tenth anniversary heading the luxury car manufacturer.

The DBS UB-2010 edition includes a run of 20 Coupes and 20 Volantes, each personally specified by Bez with a new Azurite Black paint finish with metallic bronze leather with woven seat inserts and Cryptic Titan facia finish. Each limited edition model features a UB-2010 sill plaque signed by Bez.

Gallery: Aston Martin DBS UB-2010 edition Volante

Normally one of the quietest automakers when it comes to announcements and new products, Lotus has plenty to say these days and of the four vehicles on display at the Geneva Auto Show, all of them are new. Along with the restyled 2011 Elise, the Evora 414E Hybrid and Evora Cup Car, Lotus is also displaying the Evora Carbon Concept.

Taking the light-weight Lotus philosophy to new heights, the Evora Carbon Concept has a reduced overall weight (although we don’t know by how much) thanks to a structural carbon fiber roof as well as a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser. A set of forged 19-inch wheels also help to keep weight to a minimum, while the interior is a carbon fiber and Alcantara oasis, with carbon door trim and even a carbon fiber steering wheel.

If we’re lucky, perhaps this concept car is a look ahead at a higher-performance Evora, or a new line of light-weight options for the Lotus flagship sports car.

GALLERY: Lotus Evora Carbon Concept

Official release after the jump:

With the launch of the all-new Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible, we’re not sure if we should talk about how unexcited we are about another special edition Bentley that looks like all the rest, or if we should just slam the snooty British automaker’s color choice. With the debut of this new model, Bentley has introduced six new colors to choose from: Magenta, White Satin, Kingfisher, Orange Flame, St James Red Pearl and the color above, Citric. Yuck!

Instead we’ll do neither (or is it too late), and just tell you that like the coupe version this drop top is powered by Bentley’s twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12, which makes 621-hp and 590 ft-lbs of torque, allowing for a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph. It will also run on E85, which is a lame attempt on Bentley’s part to feign interest in even remotely caring about the environment.

Unlike its coupe counterpart, the soft-top convertible retains the rear seats, meaning it’s not quite as light-weight. The decision does make sense, however, as the rear has to look luxurious and polished because it will be seen out in the open. And despite the fact that Bentley managed to cut out 198-lbs as compared to the GTC Speed, the Supersports should still weigh in at around 5,300 lbs.

Pricing hasn’t been released yet, but with the coupe priced around the $270,000 mark, expect something close to $300,000.

Gallery: Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible

Complete details of the Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible after the jump:

As strange as it sounds, Aston Martin is moving ahead with the Cygnet minicar project. It’s technically still a concept, but appears to be headed for production in the near future. Unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show, it keeps much of its Toyota-based components. The main chassis and structure is based on the Toyota iQ and it even retains the Toyota’s engine.

Powering the car is a 1.33-liter 4-cylinder with 97-hp and 90 ft-lbs of torque. What makes this Aston an Aston, however, is what the company has done on the inside. While the exterior of the car most certainly get’s Aston Martin design cues, like LED lights, a massive front grille and hood vents (not to mention some seriously high-quality paint), the interior is an ultra-luxurious oasis (although it’s still rather ugly) with plenty of black and red leather.

CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez says that with the Cygnet, Aston is looking to change people’s perceptions about small city cars, and have small equal value and prestige. He also said that the Cygnet is the type of car that is not only fun to drive, but to sit in and be seen it.

There’s still no word on the exact on-sale date or what this tiny commuter car will cost.

GALLERY: Aston Martin Cygnet

It’s been a good few weeks since Lotus announced the Evora Cup Car, but the Geneva Auto Show is the first time we’ve been able to view the car in person. Launched with the Evora Cup racing series, this stripped-down and powered-up race car weighs just 2,645 lbs and features a larger 4.0-liter V6 engine that makes an impressive 395-hp.

The race car is built to FIA GT4 specs and will be eligible to run in many international racing series, as well as in the Lotus Evora Cup, which will take place at several racetracks throughout Europe in 2010, with plans to expand the series for 2011 already in place.

Lotus is supporting the series with €100,000 ($160,000) in prizes. As for the car itself, it will cost £120,000 ($175,000).

GALLERY: Lotus Evora Cup Car

Official release after the jump: