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BMW builds its first MPV! Official pics of BMW Active Tourer leaked

These leaked pictures reveal the first of a new generation of front-wheel-drive BMWs – the production version of the firm’s 2012 Concept Active Tourer show car. Yes, it’s the first-ever BMW MPV. While instantly recognisable as a descendent of last year’s concept car, the production version of the people carrier seen here features a stubbier nose and reshaped bonnet, as well as losing the show car’s oversized wheels and complex wing mirrors.

Vision Gran Turismo: 18 exclusive concepts from the world's top design studios [w/Video]

After yesterday's news that Gran Turismo 6 will feature an exclusive car from BMW, it seems it's not alone, with 17 other brands creating bespoke designs for the Vision Gran Turismo project. Design teams from Alfa Romeo, Alpine, Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Bertone, GM Design, Honda, Infiniti, Italdesign Giugiaro, JORDAN Brand, Mercedes-Benz, Nike, Nissan, Peugeot, SRT, Volkswagen and Zagato are creating models for the latest edition in the series. The project comes as a result of a collaboration between the game's creators and its design partners to celebrate the franchise's 15-year anniversary.

Audi A8 & S8 get a facelift to stand up to the new Mercedes S Class

The Audi A8 (pictured) and S8 get a facelift for 2014 The Mercedes S Class has always been the benchmark against which all luxury saloons are measured, so with a new S-Class now heading for a Mercedes showroom near you, Audi are giving the A8 and S8 a facelift in the hope their sales will hold up. On the cosmetic front, the A8/S8 facelift is pretty much what you’d expect with a nip and tuck for the bumpers and grill, the odd new contour, bits of extra chrome and LED headlights. There’s also the option of Matrix LED headlights that light up to 25 individual LEDs to suit need.

2015 Audi A8, A8L and S8 unveiled ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show debut

At the upcoming Frankfurt motor show, Audi will announce a new A8 with more powerful engines, lighter-weight construction, new assistance systems and Matrix LED headlight technology. Audi says the new A8 will put the German automaker among the innovation leaders in the luxury class. It cites as an example the short-wheelbase A8 3.0-liter TFSI's 4,034-pound curb weight, best in class for all-wheel-drive models.

BMW Concept5 X5 eDrive revealed. It’s a plug-in Hybrid X5

The BMW Concept5 X5 eDrive (pictured) will debut at Frankfurt The arrival of the BMW Concept X5 eDrive ahead of its debut at Frankfurt next month doesn’t preview and immediate addition to the X5 range of a plug-in hybrid, but it does show what will be on offer in a year or two. Just like yesterday’s Mercedes S500 plug-in hybrid, the X5 eDrive is another example of how car makers have developed their way round CO2 taxation levels by throwing electric motors at ICE engines to create a car that offers impressive emissions and economy on official tests. In the case of the X5 eDrive that means a four-cylinder twin power ICE engine (BMW aren’t saying, but we’re assuming its a petrol engine), a 94bhp electric motor and a lithium-ion battery under the boot all working together to produce an X5 that is capable (at least in official tests, which is all that matters) of 74.3mpg and emissions under 90g/km.

2014 Jaguar XJ updates announced

The 2014 Jaguar XJ (pictured) gets a number of updates Updates come along every year for cars as manufacturers look to keep up with the competition. But the updates for the 2014 Jaguar XJ are perhaps more relevant this year with the arrival of the new Mercedes S-Class, as Jaguar try to keep the now ageing XJ an attractive offering. But Jaguar have concentrated more on the feel than the look of the XJ with its 2014 upgrades, so there are no real cosmetic differences.

Gordon Murray city car to be built

It seems the Gordon Murray Design T25 and T27 city cars are heading for production and could be on sale as early as 2016. According to Gordon Murray himself, writing on the company’s website, the concept for both the T25 and T27 has now been sold to a customer. The i-Stream manufacturing process is also being taken on by a selection of clients, it seems.

Skoda number one for customer service

There’s seemingly no end in sight for the rise and continued rise of the Skoda brand. Fresh from the Superb and Yeti being named as the UK’s top two most satisfying cars to own, Skoda has now been named the number one automotive brand for customer service. The company topped the automotive tables in July’s UK Customer Satisfaction Index Summary (UKCSI), produced by the Institute of Customer Service.

BMW Concept X5 eDrive (2013) plug-in hybrid at Frankfurt motor show

Sharing the stage with the BMW i3 at the Frankfurt motor show is the BMW Concept X5 eDrive. The plug-in hybrid X5 is set to re-write the SUV rulebook with its four-cylinder petrol-electric drivetrain producing claimed figures of less than 90g/km of CO2 and a tree-hugging 74.3mpg, smashing the Lexus RX450h which produces 145g/km and 44.8mpg. What’s more, it’s better than the most efficient 3-series currently on sale, and far more frugal than the V8-powered BMW X6 Active Hybrid that was axed in late 2011.

BMW concept X5 eDrive hybrid to debut at 2013 Frankfurt Show

BMW has released details of a new ultra-efficient prototype version of its X5 off-roader. Called the concept X5 eDrive, the plug-in hybrid SUV will make its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show next month. It seems as though Frankfurt 2013 is going to be a battle of the luxury hybrids, with the Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-in Hybrid and the Range Rover hybrid both making their first appearances in Germany, too.

One Lap of the Web: Cars of Concours d'Lemons, Rally New England and a Hudson Italia

- More than 80 unique cars are trucks have just finished Rally New England, traveling 1,300 miles through the northeast, all for a good cause. Hooniverse's Robby DeGraff took part in the rally as part of a film crew, and shares his journey with readers. The rally ran from Ithaca, N.Y., to Saint John, New Brunswick, and raised money for Camp Sunshine, an organization that invites children with life-threatening diseases and their families to have fun at camp for a week for free.

Nissan Titan to get Cummins turbodiesel V8 in 2015

Chrysler Group may have to share with Nissan Motor Co. the stylish chrome capital C and black block letter Turbo Diesel logo that has adorned Ram heavy-duty pickups for nearly a quarter century. It was unclear today if there will be marketing implications to Nissan using the Cummins name on a competitive truck.

Opel Monza concept

We brought you the first vague details of the Opel Monza concept last month, but now GM Europe has released more details and pictures of its Frankfurt motor show star. The 4,690mm long Monza crosses coupé with wagon to create a gull-winged shooting brake that's just 1,310mm high. Its layered, lightweight aesthetic is said to represent the brand's new language and also marks the return of Mark Adams to the European arm of GM.

Cross-country in a Corvette Stingray: Day Two

Day two of our cross-country Corvette run is in the books and the new Stingray continues to impress. We're still realizing solid fuel-economy -- mid-20s to low 30s -- and the car is among the most comfortable road-trippers we've spent serious seat time in. Rory Carroll for Autoweek Grandpa and grandson chillin' at the motel.

Audi A8 facelift revealed ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show 2013

Audi is pulling weight out of its A8 limousine and sticking in more power in an effort to stem the expected upsurge from Mercedes-Benz’s all-new S-Class, also being unveiled for the first time at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The all-wheel drive Audi, which is the top-of-the-range Audi limo, may only change a little visually but delivers big upgrades in its driver assistance systems, as well as tightening its fuel consumption by up to 10%. Please click the image above to read the rest of this story

Vauxhall Monza concept (2013) the new high-tech coupe revealed

Vauxhall will unveil its new Monza coupe concept at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2013, exactly 36 years after the original Monza was revealed at the very same event. This sleek new Vauxhall isn’t a retro throwback though – it sports a cutting-edge gas/electric powertrain that promises to be even more frugal than Vauxhall’s own 235mpg Ampera. So the new Monza shows the future of Vauxhall, does it?

007’s Lotus Esprit Submarine Car for sale at auction

As we reported last month, the Lotus Esprit Submarine Car from the James Bond 007 film The Spy Who Loved Me is coming up for auction for the first time in its history. Now, accompanied by some beautiful photography, lots more detail has emerged. Join us as we dive into the backstory of this amazing machine – one of the most famous movie cars to ever grace the silver screen.

BMW Vision Gran Turismo: Coming soon to a console near you

BMW's Vision Gran Turismo will be hitting TV screens across the world on 6 December as it joins the growing list of cars featured in the next Gran Turismo racing sim game for PlayStation. The sports coupé was created using cues from BMW's racing experience while the aerodynamic elements were developed using the carmaker's knowledge from the racetrack. It looks like the lovechild of a 6-Series and one of automotive futurist Daniel Simon's creations – in a good way.

CDN-GM Interactive Design Contest 2013 – Buick Brief [w/Video]

The launch of the third CDN-GM Interactive Design Competition is just days away, and as promised we're revealing more details about the Buick brief. In the CDN-GM Interactive Design Contest, you can display and update your proposals on the competition's website. Interactivity comes into play as your peers critique submissions while GM mentors guide and support you throughout.

New 2014 VW Golf R gets 296bhp – first photos

The 2014 Volkswagen Golf R (pictured) revealed ahead of its Frankfurt debut We had expected the new Volkswagen Golf R to debut at Geneva this year, but that debut turned out to be the rather disappointing Mk 6 VW Golf R Cabrio, that not only sacrificed 4WD but came at a silly price (which VW subsequently dropped by more than £5k). But this time there’s no mistake, and the 2014 version of the VW Golf R – complete with 4WD, we’re pleased to say -will arrive next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show before going on sale in early 2014. Under the bonnet the 2.0 litre petrol turbo delivers a healthy 296bhp (300PS) and 280lb/ft of torque which is sent to all four wheels through VW’s latest Haldex 4Motion 4WD, with the ability to decouple the back axle drive under low load conditions and send almost all the power to the back wheels too when demanded.

Mercedes S500 Plug-in Hybrid revealed – gets official 94.2mpg

The Mercedes S500 Plug-in Hybrid (pictured) has been revealed There will come a point when legislators wake up and realise that car makers are getting too clever at gaming their CO2 based taxation and change the goal posts. But until then, cars like the new Mercedes S500 Plug in Hybrid – revealed today – are the perfect company buy. That’s because the clever use of a plug-in electric motor coupled with a relatively frugal ICE engine – in the case of the S500 Plug-in a 329bhp 3.0 litre V6 and 80kW electric motor – produce official economy and emissions figures that are really only valid under test conditions but save a big chunk of tax for buyers.

Range Rover Hybrid and Range Rover Sport Hybrid (2013) at Frankfurt motor show

Land Rover is entering a new hybrid era with two new part-electric models: the Range Rover Hybrid and Range Rover Sport Hybrid. Both cars use an identical diesel-electric drivetrain, post identical economy and CO2 claims, and should offer comparable performance to their V8 sisters. Too good to be true?

Callaway to give 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra a boost

Callaway has just announced the debut of supercharged versions of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks. This news comes only weeks after Callaway made known their intentions to fit market a version of the Silverado with an Eaton TVS supercharger. The Connecticut-based tuner has developed a new supercharger manifold and some other hardware for the new Chevrolet L83 Ecotec engine, which is expected to produce around 455 hp (though these are preliminary figures).

New Range Rover Hybrid - the world's first premium diesel hybrid SUV

Land Rover has a history of boldly going where many cars dare not tread, but it's now venturing into virgin territory of its own, with the launch of the first hybrid Range Rover models. Order books for the Range Rover Hybrid and Range Rover Sport Hybrid will open when the new cars make their world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show on September 10th, with the first deliveries taking place in early 2014. both cars emit just 169g/km CO2 and offer 44.1mpg

Third of motorists admit to driving with no MOT

A third of motorists have driven a car knowing the MOT had expired, risking fines of up to £1,000 and invalidating their insurance in the process. That’s according to a survey conducted by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which found that of 1,000 UK motorists, 67% had driven without an MOT for up to a week, 24% for a month, 7% for six months and – shockingly – 2% for more than six months. Now we’d give the 67% who admitted driving without an MOT for a week the benefit of the doubt – it’s easy to forget the test is due.

Cars of the future at the Royal College Art Vehicle Design Show 2013

If you believe everything you read in the media, 'the yoof of today' are falling out of love with the car. Today it's more about the latest smartphone than getting behind the wheel of your first car. But then with social media replacing proper conversation, perhaps a car is no longer needed?

Vauxhall Monza Concept revealed ahead of Frankfurt 2013

Go on, admit it. You didn't expect to be getting excited about a Vauxhall concept car at next month's 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, did you? But when you chuck in the names 'Opel' and 'Monza', just about every petrolhead in the land should start to get a little excited.

Ford reveals ultra-eco Focus EcoBoost

Ford has revealed Europe’s first petrol-powered five-door family car to dip beneath the 100g/km CO2 mark with the launch of a 99g/km CO2 Focus EcoBoost. The new 100hp 1.0-litre variant will launch next year and, at 67.5mpg, become its most fuel-efficient petrol-engined family car ever. Ford Focus EcoBoost Superchips review (2012 onwards) Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost review (2012 onwards) It means Ford will be able to offer both diesel and petrol versions of road tax exempt Focus – something no other brand is currently able to do.

Mercedes S-Class Plug-in Hybrid revealed for Frankfurt 2013

We’ve driven the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class already this year (and loved it), but now the ‘best car in the world’ has added another feather to its cap. The German firm has released details of a super-high efficiency version of its S-Class saloon called the S500 Plug-in Hybrid, ahead of the car’s debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show next month. It goes on sale in the UK in 2014, and its vital statistics are absolutely astonishing.

The UK's most vandalised car is BMW's X5

BMW X5 buyers beware: you own the UK's most vandalised car. The big BMW has long been a fixture in the top 10 – 7th in 2011, 4th in 2012 – but now it has risen to the top of the table that summarises a nastier side of our society. The data is collected from swiftcover.com's annual Vehicle Vandalism Index, and this year's results highlight a dramatic shift in the type of vehicles listed in the top 10.