2016 BMW i5 Plug-In Hybrid

As it stands, BMW produces the i3, a small electric city car, and the i8, a performance-oriented hybrid sports car. Logically, the third model could be a sedan and that's what most rumors are pointing towards.

No confirmation or denial has been given about this, but Autocar reports that the third BMW i model will either take the shape of a sedan or a stretched-i3 with more interior space and a larger footprint.

Next year, BMW will celebrate its 100th anniversary and could opt for launching the new car in 2016 to coincide. The company’s board member for sales and marketing, Ian Robertson, did say “You will see more i products and we are in the final stages of deciding what the next car will be and when you’ll see it.”

If the third model takes the form of a sedan, it would likely rival Tesla's upcoming Model 3 which will act as the Californian manufacturers entry-level car.

2016 Mercedes-AMG GT

According to a report published by MotorTrend, which quotes company sources, a hotter version of the Mercedes-AMG GT is currently in development - and get this, they say it will be named GT R.

Whether Nissan will throw a hissy fit over Merc's reported use of those three letters, remains unknown, but we should find out more next year, as the AMG GT R is believed to come out by the end of 2016.

The new version expected to be even more potent than the current range-topping model, the AMG GT S, as it will squeeze more power from the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. Exactly how much the powertrain will produce is not mentioned, but the "S" has 510 PS (503hp) and 650 Nm (479lb-ft) of torque, which allows a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint made in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 310 km/h (193 mph).

Besides the extra power under its long hoopd, the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT R is believed to get active aerodynamics, the four-wheel steering, larger rear tires and an industry first feature in the form of adjustable spool valve shocks.

PHOTO GALLERY

2016 Nissan NP300 Navara

The new Nissan NP300 Navara claims to offer crossover-like handling thanks to its 5-link rear suspension and comes fitted with safety features such as Forward Emergency Braking, seven airbags, electronic limited slip differential, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.

A new 2.3-litre dCi diesel engine produces 157hp with a single turbo and 187hp in twin-turbo guise, with customers able to choose between 2WD and 4WD. Nissan also offers the option of a six-speed manual gearbox and that of a seven-speed automatic one.

Offering five different trim grades -Visia, Acenta, Acenta+, N-Connecta and Techna- and two different body configurations -King Cab and Double Cab-, Nissan’s new pickup truck wants to close the gap between crossover vehicles and traditional workhorses without sacrificing the necessary ruggedness.

The new Nissan NP300 Navara aims for the likes of Toyota’s HiLux, VW’s Amarok and Mitsubishi’s L200 starting at £21,995 for the 2WD King Cab single turbo version.

PHOTO GALLERY

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder

If you're looking for reasons to justify buying a used Gallardo in 2015 (heck, make it 2016, we're almost there), look no further than special edition models such as the LP 570-4 Spyder Performante. This jaw-dropping convertible is so quick, it might even make you reconsider the new Huracan LP 610-4 Spyder.

So what makes this Gallardo such a steal, especially when compared to the technically superior Huracan? Let's start with its appearance. If you like your drop-top supercars looking as sharp as possible, then you'll probably love this white and black theme. The 20" lightweight SV5 gloss black alloys from Strasse Wheels also match up beautifully with the rest of the car, measuring 20x9 at the front and 20x11 at the rear. However, what really gets the blood pumping is the knowledge that this is basically a convertible version of the LP 570-4 Superleggera, one of the most hardcore Gallardos ever made.

Like the Superleggera, the Performante fires off 570 PS while weighing in at just 1,485 kg (3,274 lbs). It might be a bit heavier than the Coupe, but it will still hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds and max out at 324 km/h (201 mph), which also happens to be the top speed of the new Huracan Spyder.

The Spyder Performante's chassis is made out of an aluminum space frame, with the right amount of carbon fiber and thermoplastic parts, a fixed rear spoiler and a fully electrohydraulically-operated soft top.

2017 Mitsubishi Mirage

What you’ll notice about the 2017 Mirage is the new face with more upscale-looking trim and headlamps, which work together with a redesign hood and bumper. At the back, Mitsubishi gave the small hatch a new set of tail lamps and a re-profiled bumper. The profile remains unchanged with the exception of the new alloy wheel designs.

The mid-cycle facelift brought some updates to the interior as well, with new seat fabrics, gauge cluster, steering wheel and shift panel, while the 2017 Mirage is the first Mitsubishi to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through the available 300-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system with EcoPunch.

Power continues to come from a slightly improved 1.2-liter 3-cylinder DOHC engine featuring the latest version of “Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) and a new roller-type camshaft, to increases its output to 78hp and 74 lb-ft of torque.

The 2017 model also benefits from a re-tuned suspension and bugger diameter brakes all-around.

"Mirage owners are looking for a vehicle that does its job well and is reliable,” commented Mitsubishi North America boss, Don Swearingen. “The Mirage continues to deliver all of those attributes, and the improvements to the 2017 model year will expand the Mirage's appeal even more."

The updated Mirage will reach US showrooms in spring 2016, with pricing to be released.

Honda Civic

2016 Honda Civic Coupe

The announcement that the Civic Coupe would be revealed in LA was made no more than a week ago, which meant that it was only a matter of time before we got to see the production version of that surprisingly sporty Civic Coupe Concept shown in New York earlier this year.

Before we get into any specifics, let's talk about what we see and don't see. For starters, the car isn't as aggressive as the NY concept, that much is obvious. Gone are the tiny mirrors, the body kit, the blacked out grille (though there's still room for these things to make their way onto sportier versions), as is the massive rear wing and the central exhaust tip.

Now, what Honda does want us to know is that the 2016 Civic Coupe will be launched officially in March 2016, boasting a sporty new chassis, a more spacious and quieter cabin and according to the Japanese manufacturer, even class-leading crash safety ratings.

Just like its sedan sibling, the 2016 Civic Coupe will feature two engines, one of which is the first-ever turbocharged engine of the Coupe, with more power, better performance as well as fuel efficiency. Lower spec models will be powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine, good for 158 HP and 138 lb-ft (187 Nm) of torque with anticipated fuel-economy ratings of 31/41/35 mpg (city/highway/combined), or 7.5/5.7/6.7 liters/100 km.

2017 Buick LaCrosse

The pictures from China’s Ifeng and Gywb show the domestic market version, but from what we’ve seen so far in spy shots as well as Buick’s own teaser material, the North American model should only differ in minor details such as the body and interior trim – unless it also comes with a shorter wheelbase.

Judging by what we see here, the new LaCrosse has a sleeker and more sculpted appearance with a snout that you would normally associate with its sister brand in Germany, Opel, albeit with Buick’s new signature grille, and a heavily slanted rear that could pass as an Audi A7 Sportback-doppelganger if it weren’t for the inverted L-shaped lights.

Inside and based on this picture at least, the dashboard gives the sense of a more modern and premium interpretation of the one used on the latest Chevy Malibu, with which the 2017 LaCrosse shares its hardware.

2016 Infiniti QX30

The QX30 is to Infiniti’s also new Q30 five-door hatch that we saw at the Frankfurt auto show in September what Mercedes-Benz’s GLA is to the A-Class hatchback, and this is not by chance, as all four cars are related to each other.

To be more precise, the Japanese luxury brand’s Q30 and QX30 compacts are re-skinned versions of the two Mercedes models with which they share the same front-drive architecture (all wheel drive will be on offer), several engines including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot with 208hp (211PS) for North America, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

All this is part of a broader, ongoing partnership between Mercedes’ parent company Daimler and Infiniti’s parent company, the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

We’ll know more about the QX30, including when it will arrive in the US, tomorrow during its world premiere at the LA Auto Show.

2016 Pagani Zonda Revolucion

Year after year, the average lap time gets considerably lowered, as super-machines manage mind-boggling performances. Still, the road-legal Nürburgring lap record was held (for quite some time) by the Radical SR8LM, but not anymore (presumably).

In an image posted by user “lamborghiniks” – also known as Kris Singh, a.k.a. the guy who is believed to own two Venenos – on his Instagram profile, a Zonda Revolucion can be seen sporting a decal which depicts a 6:30 time on Nurburgring. The time has yet to be confirmed, but if it is, then the $2.3mil Zonda Revolucion (manufactured in only 5 units), can easily be crowned the fastest production car ever to lap the Green Hell.

The only problem is the vehicle isn’t quite road-legal everywhere, especially as it’s based on the Zonda R – a previous Nurbrgring gold performer. Chugging out around 800 hp from its 6.0-litre, AMG-enhanced V12, the carbon-fiber automobile managed to go 17 seconds faster around the track than the car it’s constructed on.

But the real question left to be answered is how did Pagani score such an incredible time with the Revolucion, since the German circuit is still governed by speed limits?

2016 BMW 3-Series Style Edge xDrive

What may initially seem as a regular “Black Sapphire” BMW 3-Series, is actually a “Black Sapphire” BMW 3-Series with all-wheel-drive and a dynamic visual package, limited to only 200 units. The vehicle follows the same recipe seen on the limited “40 Years Edition” model, dedicated exclusively to Italy, only in its own unique trim and philosophy.

Named the Style Edge xDrive, the automobile presents itself as a nimble, agile and dynamic offering for the sporty-oriented yet stylish customer. That’s why it has an M-Sport kit, 18-inch M alloys, blackened-out kidney grille and all-wheel drive. In the interior, the 3-Series Style Edge xDrive comes with black Sensatec leather upholstery, BMW M Performance stainless steel pedals and ash grain wood interior trim – which according to BMW, produces “a cool, sophisticated cabin space”.

It looks like a very tastefully configured variant, with metal-like materials and colors complementing very well the overall darkened wood trim and interior/exterior hue. This Japan-only special comes with a 2.0-litre, four-pot petrol engine, which produces 181 hp and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque and it costs ¥ 6,110,000 ($49,807).

2016 Nissan Versa Note

The Versa Note Color Studio comes with a selection of 13 different exterior and interior accent accessories, each available in one of six different vibrant colors. This black model for example was rocking orange-accented 15" alloys, an orange front lip finisher, orange mirror caps, door handles, rear hatch accent and rear roof spoiler.

There's plenty of orange inside as well with kick plates, speaker rings, air vent rings, and the rear-view mirror interior cover also painted vibrantly. Thankfully, Nissan didn't overdo it with the interior, where people generally tend to prefer less attention-grabbing surfaces.

Color Studio accessories are being offered for all 2016 Versa Note versions, including the sporty Versa Note SR, while also being available for retrofitting on 2014 and 2015 models.

According to Nissan North America's Pierre Loing, "The expansion of the Color Studio program to the active lifestyle Versa Note builds on the success of last year's JUKE Color Studio. As we found with JUKE, a little color – or a lot – dramatically changes the look of a vehicle and there's no easier way to make a ride stand out than the convenient, affordable Color Studio process. We believe Versa Note owners are going to embrace the concept just as much as JUKE owners do."

The full palette of available colors for the Versa Note Color Studio includes Black, White, Red, Black-Purple, Orange and Carbon Fiber Look.

Mercedes-Benz GLS 2016

The Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup was refreshed last week with the facelifted GLS, which is now available for order in Britain.

If you spend a bit more, at £78,095, you can jump into the GLS 350d Designo that gives the SUV a four-zone climate control for all three rows of seats, heated steering wheel, cooled front seats, temperature-controlled cup holders, a choice of two exclusive Nappa leather colors and the Active Curve System, which uses the active suspension stabilizers to reduce rolling motion in mid- and high-speed bends.

The Designo model also gets the center differential lock, low-range gearbox, three additional heights for the suspension, extra modes for the Dynamic Select, underbody protection panels and off-road function for the headlights.

Standard driver assistance systems include the Collision Prevention Assist, Crosswind Assist, Pre-Safe, Attention Assist, Brake Assist, ESP with Curve Dynamic Assist, electronic all-wheel drive traction system and Steer Control steering function assist. Mercedes also offers the optional Driving Assistance Package Plus, BAS Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping, Pre-Safe Plus, Active Blind Spot Assist and other “assists”. The two-stage front airbags, window airbags for all three rows of seats and the driver’s knee airbag are standard.

Both trims share a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, rated at 258 PS (254 HP) and 620 Nm (lb-ft) of torque, offered with a 9-speed 9G-TRONIC gearbox as standard. CO2 emissions are down from 209 g/km on the pre-facelift model to 199 g/km.

2016 Lotus Elise

The new Elise Sport that replaces the current 1.6 Elise lost 10kg (22lbs), bringing total weight down to 866kg (1,909lbs), while the new Elise Sport 220 that takes over from the Elise S, weighs 914kg (2,015lbs).

Engines remain the same as before, with the Sport getting a 1.6L engine producing 134hp and 159 Nm (118lb-ft), and the Sport 220 a 1.8-liter producing 217hp and 250Nm (184 lb-ft). The 0-62mph (100km/h) takes 6.5s in the Elise Sport and 4.6s in the Sport 220.

The two roadsters are offered in ten different exterior colors, including Signature Grey, Metallic Black, Metallic Orange, Metallic Grey, Metallic Silver, Metallic White, Metallic Blue, Metallic Green, Solid Yellow and Solid Red. Lightweight silver or black cast wheels, 16-inch front and 17-inch rear, wheels are offered as standard, along with a black rear diffuser.

Their cabins feature lightweight sports seats, available in Alcantara, leather or classic tartan (first introduced in 1976 on the Esprit S1). Prices for the Elise Sport, in the UK, start from £29,000 (equal to €39,900 /$42,786) and for the Elise Sport 220 at £36,500 (equal to €48,700/ $52,221). The two will go on sale in Europe in December and worldwide from January, 2016.

2018 Ford Bronco

Ford se ha comprometido a invertir US $ 9 mil millones en sus plantas en Estados Unidos, por lo que conserva o la creación de 8.500 puestos de trabajo en un acuerdo que, de acuerdo con The Detroit Free Press, ya ha sido aprobado por el consejo nacional de la UAW Ford y aún no se ha ratificado por los sindicatos locales .

Planificación para detener el enfoque y la producción de C-MAX en la planta de montaje de Michigan en 2018 había arrojado nubes oscuras sobre su futuro. Ahora, la fábrica tiene una nueva oportunidad de vida y dos placas de identificación están programados para hacer una reaparición.

El primero es el Bronco SUV que se interrumpió en 1996, después de tres décadas y cinco generaciones. El concepto cuadrado con el mismo nombre que se mostrará en el NAIAS 2004 (el coche en la foto) nunca llegó a la producción, pero el ascenso y aumento de las ventas de SUV han, muy probablemente, convencido de Ford que es el momento de traerlo de vuelta de entre los muertos .

McLaren 675LT 2016

Anthony Joseph, president of McLaren North America stated that "After several years of hard work establishing the McLaren brand in North America, we are thrilled to announce this expansion of our team. These new hires represent a measure of our success to date, and a bright outlook for the future as we prepare for the arrival of the 675LT and the introduction of Sport Series model range."

For McLaren this is only the beginning, as the British manufacturer will surely become even more massive on a global scale in the future.

Some of the most notable moves at McLaren North America are Bob Woerner being hired as VP of sales after many years in the industry working with Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz and most recently Aston Martin, and Andy Thomas (formerly of Ferrari, Rolls-Royce and BMW) who has been recruited as VP of Marketing and Communications.

Woerner, Thomas and many others who have either been hired or promoted are joining a team ready to support the arrivals of the track-focused 675LT and the entire Sports Series range - of which the 570S Coupe is actually due to arrive this month.

Speaking of the 570S Coupe, the car has already been priced from $184,900 in the US, which means that it costs pretty much the same as a Porsche 911 Turbo S.

Foton Tunland 2015

The entire Foton Tunland high-end pick-up range, which has now been expanded to include both 4×4 and 4×2 double cab models, is powered by an advanced 2,8-litre Cummins Diesel engine built at a 50:50 joint venture factory with Foton Motor in China. The engine uses the latest technologies, including electronic control and high pressure direct injection.

The Cummins engine as fitted to the Tunland produces 120 kW of power and 360N.m of torque. This Cummins ISF series of engines can be adapted to suit emission standards from Euro III to Euro VI and are suitable for pick-ups, medium trucks, passenger cars and MPVs.

The Foton Cummins engine factory in China, which went into production in 2009 has very sophisticated equipment, including advanced test cells provided by the AVL powertrain specialists from Austria.

Most of the machining equipment is automated for consistent quality and there are very strict controls on outsourced components and the materials used for making these engines which have a claimed service life of more than 500 000km.

Production capacity at the modern factory is 400 000 units a year, split between 250 000 units of the 2,8-litre engines and 150 000 units of a larger 3,8-liter engine.

Foton Tunland 2015 

2016 Jeep Renegade

The smallest ever vehicle to wear Jeep's badge is the Renegade and it was introduced last year in Geneva.

The sub-compact crossover is also the first ever Jeep to be built exclusively outside the U.S., at  two facilities, in Melfi, Potenza, Italy and Goiana, Pernambuco, Brazil. The South American country is also where the Renegade was named 2016 Car of the Year, by Autoesporte Magazine.

The award was handed over in Sao Paulo, during a ceremony on Wednesday night, at Villa Verico, after the Renegade was voted by a group of 20 local journalists. The award has been hosted annually by the magazine since 1966. 

"We are honored to receive this important recognition," said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand - FCA Global. "The Jeep Renegade is made in Brazil for Brazil. This is the right vehicle, at the right time, to help drive the expansion of the Jeep brand in Brazil and across Latin America." 

According to FCA, the Jeep Renegade "is the leader in sales within the SUV segment in Brazil" while also becoming one of the top 10 best-selling vehicles in the market in the months of September and October. The crossover was also named the safest Brazilian-made vehicle when evaluated by Latin NCAP in its crash tests. 

2017 Mercedes-AMG GLS

The only new piece of information that we got our hands on since the online debut of the renamed and updated replacement to the outgoing Mercedes GL-Class on Tuesday, is the launch range for the European market together with pre-tax prices for Germany.

Across the pond, Benz’s extra-large seven-seater SUV will become available for order in November with first deliveries to commence in March of 2016, in a four model lineup.

The entry-level GLS 350d 4MATIC is the only diesel-powered offering in the range sporting a 255hp (258PS) and 620Nm 3.0-liter V6 oil burner, with pre-tax prices (applies for all prices mentioned in this article) in Germany starting from €62,850.

Next up is the GLS 400 4MATIC with a 329hp (333PS) and 480Nm 3.0-liter V6 turbo petrol priced from €64,425, followed by the GLS 500 4MATIC featuring a 449hp (455PS) and 700Nm 4.7L V8 turbo petrol that starts from €81,600. All regular GLS cars get a nine-speed automatic as standard.

2016 Nissan Leaf

Nissan has shared US pricing for the 2016 Leaf, which will soon reach dealers nationwide.

The compact car is available in three versions, the Leaf S, the Leaf SV and the Leaf SL, with the cheapest one starting from $29,010. The mid-range variant costs $34,200 and for the range-topping, customers will have to pay $36,790. After federal tax credit is applied ($7,500), the SV can be bought from $26,700.

The automaker is offering the Leaf in three new exterior colors, the Forged Bronze, Coulis Red and Deep Blue Pear, in addition to the already available five shades. Standard features found on the S include the 5.0-inch color display, working together with the NissanConnect with Mobile Apps.

For the Leaf SV and SL, Nissan adds a 7.0-inch color display with multi-touch control and Nissan Voice Recognition, plus the NissanConnect EV system, (no-charge subscription required), which according to the carmaker, " allows remote connection to the vehicle, providing monitoring of battery state-of-charge, start charging event control and turning on the heating and air conditioning system prior to entering the vehicle".

2016 Jaguar C-X75

We have to say, the car looks surreal on the move; too bad Jaguar canned the entire project a few years after unveiling it in 2010, at the Paris Motor Show. Still, there were a handful of stunt C-X75s built specifically for the movie, but without the revolutionary powertrain (obviously), which combined a pair of micro-turbines and four electric motors. 

The stunning Jaguar C-X75 supercar featured in the new Bond movie, Spectre, made its Americas debut in Mexico City with Felipe Massa behind the wheel.

Now, we know quite a lot about Daniel Craig’s latest Bond film, so we’ll talk about how Massa put the Jag through its paces instead. Mind you, the Williams Martini Racing driver didn’t push the big cat to its limits, but he did some old-school doughnuts in it. 

At least Jaguar’s plan to manufacture a full-on supercar eventually materialized, although not for series production, and apparently millionaires are missing out on quite a treat, at least according to Felipe Massa’s insights on the car:

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS

In the engine department, Mercedes just updated the GL’s powertrain lineup for 2015, meaning powertrains should carry over mostly unchanged with the arrival of the 2017 GLS. The GLS350 BlueTEC should stick with its turbocharged V-6 diesel good for 240 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. The GLS450 will have a turbo V-6 with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, and the GLS550 will have a turbo V-8 with 429 hp and 516 lb-ft. At the top of the range will be the GLS63 from Mercedes-AMG with a turbo V-8 good for about 550 hp and 560 lb-ft. 4Matic all-wheel drive will remain standard across the range.

Mercedes-Benz is working on some subtle updates for its GL-Class, updates the German automaker confirmed will be introduced for the 2017 model year. The current GL was all-new for 2013, so the 2017 model year roughly coincides with the full-size SUV’s mid-cycle. Prototypes for the updated version have just been spotted again.

The brochure-sourced shots of the GLS come courtesy of Worldscoop and provide us with our first uncluttered view of what is essentially, an application of what we saw being introduced on the ML-replacing GLE on the elongated, 7-seater GL.

On the outside, while the profile survives unchanged, there’s a tweaked face with a new front grille, headlamp clusters and bumper, with similar revisions at the rear that gains fresh tail lamp graphics and a re-trimmed bumper.

We don’t get any interior shots this time around, but we already know what to expect from the GLE, such as the new floating seven- or optional eight-inch display screen and revamped center console housing the COMAND controller and touchpad, plus fresh color offerings.

2016 Lamborghini Gallardo

Liberty Walk’s styling signature is oftentimes a bit OTT, and its new take on the Gallardo is a weird animal. Wearing the now-renowned Liberty Walk suit, the Gallardo looks more aggressive than ever. The JDM-inspired style isn't what the Lambo's creator, Luc Donckerwolke, had in mind, but some owners prefer to make some changes.

The wide fenders integrate well into the car’s overall design, emphasizing its side air vents. As if the wide-body kit wasn’t enough, LB Performance also offers an LP560-4 inspired front bumper, a rear diffuser and an oversized rear-wing. The finishing Liberty Walk touch is obviously the airrex air suspension that slams the car close to the ground. 

LB Works’ complete fiber-reinforced plastic body kit for the Gallardo costs up to $25,100. In this price you will get a front bumper, a front diffuser, a rear bumper, a rear diffuser, side skirts, the huge rear wing and, of course, overveders. If that's not enough, you can add for some CFRP bits and pieces at extra charge.