FOR MORE AUTO SHOW VIDEOS & NEWS VISIT: www.kbb.com Latest entry to the ever-expanding premium mid-size hybrid market, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid made its initial appearance in New York prior to arriving at dealers this fall. The 2011 Lincoln MKZ uses Ford Gen II hybrid technology that matches a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor that collectively turn out 191 horsepower. More important, Lincoln expects the 2011 MXZ Hybrid to deliver at least 41 mpg on the EPA city cycle, a stat that would give it a 6-mpg edge on the Lexus HS 250h, the vehicle viewed as its primary rival. Lincoln also pointed out that the front-drive MXZ Hybrid can travel at speeds up to 47 mph on pure electric power, nearly double the pace the Lexus can manage.
High-res photos: www.worldcarfans.com BMW has introduced the next-generation 2012 3-Series. The next 3-Series is bigger than its predecessor. The new 3er is 93 mm (3.66 inches) longer than the previous model, offering up 15 mm (0.59 inches) more legroom and 8 mm (.0315 inches) more headroom for the passengers at the back. BMW will initially offer the 3-Series in four variants - the 328i and 335i on the petrol side, and the 320d and 320d EfficienctDynamics on the diesel end. The range-topping 335i comes with a twin-turbo 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder unit producing 306 PS (225 kW / 302 hp). The new 3er still offers the 320d EfficientDynamics with 163 PS (120 kW / 161 hp) with a fuel-economy rating of just 4.1 liters/100 km and a CO2 quotient of 109 g/km. As for pricing in Europe, the 320d will sell for €35350 and the 335i will start at €43600. The new BMW 3-Series will go on sale February 11, 2012 in markets around the world. Other variants will be added in the spring of 2012 while a full-hybrid variant of the 3-Series will be launched next autumn.
The Nissan Leaf is trending after it won 2011 World Car of the Year. The all-electric car won top honors at the New York Auto Show, beating out competitors like the BMW 5-Series and Audi A8. The world’s first mass-marketed fully electric vehicle, the Leaf is Nissan’s answer to Chevy’s Volt, which still relies on a gas engine in addition to battery power. Other awards from the show went to the Ferrari 458 Italia for World Performance Car of the Year and the Aston Martin Rapide for World Design Car of the Year.
Suzuki Automotive unveiled two new concept cars last night at the 2011 New York International Auto Show during the official Suzuki Auto Press Conference. Watch as Steve Younan, Director of Marketing at American Suzuki Motor Corporation provides an overview of the Suzuki EcoCharge and Suzuki Apex concept cars. For more information on Suzuki’s full vehicle line, visit www.suzukiauto.com and www.kizashikicks.com.
The BMW 6 Series Coupé is now available in M Sport specification. The M Sport package adds the M aerodynamic body-styling package, 19inch M light alloy wheels, dark chrome exhaust tailpipes, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and black brake 8 callipers. Inside Anthracite headlining, Aluminium Hexagon trim, Sport seats and M Sport multifunction leather rimmed steering wheel are fitted. At the same time as M Sport and the 640d derivative come to the UK for the Coupé, the 6 Series Convertible can now also be specified with M Sport.
The new BMW Vision EfficientDynamics combines superb driving performance with extremely low consumption. A hybrid drive system and a revolutionary design are among the highlights. The film reveals how a sustainable, but enjoyable future BMW will look like.
