BMW is about to complete the testing of its new 3-Series Touring, which could be unveiled as soon as next March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Judging by these spy shots, the new estate model from the Bavarian manufacturer will be pretty similar to its predecessor, with a rear section (which is still mildly disguised in the pictured mule) that bears some resemblance with 5-series Touring, especially as far as hatch and C-pillar are concerned.

The new BMW 3-Series Touring will come with an engine range inclusive of a 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 184 hp (320i) and a 2.0-litre diesel engine delivering 116 hp (316d) and 143 hp (318d), which will become available in the second quarter of the current year. These units will join the current line-up made of petrol and diesel 4-cylinder engines available in power steps of 163, 184 and 245 hp and the turbocharged 6-cylinder gasoline unit delivering 306 hp.

View the full BMW 3 series Touring spy shots photo gallery

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Mercedes-Benz is in Barcelona to test the new W03 Formula One race car, but that is not the only vehicle that the 3-pointed star house is testing on the Spanish circuit. Here are the first pictures of the new SL 63 AMG, which is also undergoing its final testing stage in Barcelona in view of its official unveiling, which will take place at the next Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18).

The new sporty model from the German carmaker will be 125 kg lighter than the outgoing generation and will be powered by the same 5.5-litre twin turbo engine that is already equipping the E 63, the CLS 63, the S 63, the CL 63 and the ML 63. For the SL 63 AMG this unit will be set to deliver 536 hp. The new model will also be a good 30% less thirsty than the version it is about to replace.

The new Mercedes SL 63 AMG can be recognized by its aerodynamic kit, which includes new bumpers, bigger air-intakes, two pairs of mufflers, rear spoiler, diffuser and large 10-spoke alloys. Besides, the head lights get a new LED outline.

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Mini releases the first official images of its new Clubvan Concept, which will be unveiled in March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. This sort of station-wagon variant of the popular city car is based on the Clubman version and comes with a large, flat storage area in place of the rear bench, while rear side windows are now opaque. Apparently, the model is meant to combine Mini’s typical fun with an increased load capacity.

The cargo area features six load attachment points and 12v charging sockets all around, and is separated from the actual passenger compartment by a safety aluminum and steel grill. We have to say that - judging by the images - it seems to boast a very good capacity indeed.

Mini did not reveal anything in regard to what kind of engine powers this concept car, neither they said anything about the chances to see the Mini Clubvan Concept eventually hitting production. In case it will though, it will also become the first commercial vehicle from Mini since BMW’s take over, expanding the offer of the German carmaker in more uncharted territories. To find out more about this model, the official Press Release is right after the jump.

View the full Mini Clubvan Concept photo gallery

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Peugeot will show up at the next Geneva Motor Show with three important new models: the 4008, the 208 GTi Concept and this 208 XY Concept. The model comes with top notch materials and trims, and can be recognized by its purple leather finishing, crimson stitched leather on the dashboard, armrests and gear-lever, grey leather upholstery got the seats and also the exclusive leather steering wheel.

As for the exterior, the 208 XY comes with a special 16-layer crimson livery called “Pulsion” which, apparently, gives a different perception of the color depending on viewing distance and angle. Exclusive 2-tone 6-spoke alloys and the different grille (with 3 horizontal bars) also play their parts in making the XY looking quite different from the rest of the 208 line-up. The model is equipped with a 1.6-litre e-HDi diesel unit already featured in 208’s engine line-up, delivering 115 hp and mated with a 6-speed manual transmission. This unit is credited with only 99 g/km of CO2 emissions. Check out the official Press Release after the jump.

View the full Peugeot 208 XY Concept photo gallery

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Peugeot releases pictures and info of the 208 GTi Concept, which will be introduced to the world at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The car is based on the 3-door version of Peugeot’s new 208 hatchback and is powered by a supercharged 1.6-litre 4-cylinder THP unit delivering 200 hp and 275 Nm of peak torque, coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox that transfers the power to the front axle. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 7 seconds.

From an aesthetic point of view, the model uses a distinctive aerodynamic kit featuring side sills as well as a number of specific badges spread all across the car’s body. In the cabin we have a sporty steering wheel coated in perforated leather, sports seats trimmed with Nappa leather, capped alcantara dash with contrasting stitching, a roof lining that is entirely black, aluminum pedals, LED technology backlighting the surrounds of its high-tech instruments and the mandatory info-tainment system with internet connectivity.

At the moment Peugeot has not officially confirmed whether this car will eventually hit the market or not, but the fact they are about to introduce it in Geneva is a sign that they are at least thinking about it. In comparison to the standard model, the 208 GTi Concept boasts a 36 mm wider track, which will measure 1,506 mm at the front and 1,503 mm at the rear. It also comes with a set of 5-spoke 18″ alloys fitted with 302 mm discs at the front and 249 mm discs at the back, mated to red-painted calipers. Did you notice the lower bar on the front grill sporting the Union Jack? That can be changed into a French ‘Le Tricolour’ flag too, if you feel like. More info on the 208 GTi can be found on the Press Release right after the jump.

View the full Peugeot 208 Gti Concept photo gallery

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Ford releases a video showing how the innovative ‘Easy Door Access System’ of the upcoming B-Max, the new compact MPV from the Blue oval which will be unveiled at the next Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18). The final design of the model is very similar to the concept showcased last year at the same Geneva Motor Show, and this video gives us the opportunity to see how its brilliant 360-degrees Easy Door Access System works.

The Ford B-Max will be one of the first models to be equipped with the brand new 1.0-litre 3-cylinder EcoBoost unit, which will be available in power steps of 100 and 125 hp. The engine line-up of the model will also include a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder Duratorq TDCi unit producing 95 hp and capable of traveling for 25 km (15 miles) with just one litre of diesel, with 104 g/km of CO2 level. The model is expected to hit the market by the end of the year.

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Mazda introduces the MX-5 Special Edition Spring, a limited edition for the European markets that will be showcased at the next Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18). The model will come with either a soft top or a retractable hardtop, and can be distinguished from the other versions by the exclusive Radiant Ebony paint job, the thin chrome outline of the front grille, the Havana Brown leather upholstery and the sat-nav with multi-function screen. However, if the Radiant Ebony color isn’t quite your thing, the already known Crystal White Pearl, Metropolitan Grey and Brilliant Black options will also be available.

The Mazda MX-5 Special Edition Spring will have just one engine, a 1.8-litre delivering 126 hp, which is enough to push the model from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.9 seconds, with a claimed top speed of 198 km/h (123 mph).

View Mazda MX-5 Special Edition Spring photo gallery

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If the next Mazda-6 will be just slightly similar to the Takeri Concept, it is bound to be a success. The Japanese manufacturer releases a new set of official images of its gorgeous concept car, and we just like it more and more every day. The model will make its debut on European soil at the next Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18), introducing a number of interesting features that Mazda is keen to convey to the next generation of its aging flagship.

First off, the Takeri is the first Mazda car to use the new ‘Kodo’ design language, which will be adopted by all future models from the Japanese carmaker. Its powertrain include a brand new SkyActiv-D diesel engine, with start-stop technology and the innovative 6-speed SkyActive Drive automatic transmission. Another ‘first’ for the model is the new i-ELOOP system (Intelligent Energy Loop), which stores the kinetic energy developed while braking in a capacitor and uses it to feed the electronics of the car. If that doesn’t sound that interesting to you, let’s just say that Mazda claims that this system alone makes for a good 10% decrease in fuel consumption.

View the full Mazda Takeri Concept photo gallery

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This new set of spy shots show us what should be the final look of the Audi RS4 B8, which will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18) and then enter the market in the Summer. The pictured prototype - this time spotted in southern Europe - uses the typical, confusing paint job of most mules, but it allows us to appreciate the actual lines of its design, now sporting an aggressive front end and wider fenders.

This all-wheel drive car will be powered by the same 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 unit equipping the RS5, credited with an output of 450 hp and 430 Nm of peak torque. The 7-speed dual clutch transmission has also been lifted from the RS5.

From an aesthetic point of view, the RS4 Avant B8 will come with a distinctive aerodynamic package, a set of 19″ or 20″ alloys and a pair of mufflers, typical of all RS models.

View the Audi RS4 Avant spy photos gallery

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Citroën has released more pictures and info of the new C4 Aircross, which will be unveiled at the next Geneva Motor Show. In Europe the new crossover from the French carmaker will come with an engine line-up composed by two diesel and one petrol units: a 1.6-litre HDi engine delivering 115 hp and 270 Nm of peak torque, a 1.8-litre HDi delivering 150 hp and 300 Nm and a 1.6 petrol producing 115 hp and 152 Nm. Outside Europe, a 150 hp 2.0-litre petrol engine will also join the fold. The gasoline powertrains will make use of a 5-speed manual gearbox whereas the diesel ones will come with a standard 6-speed manual transmission.

An all-wheel drive option with three transmission modes will be made available for diesel models only: there is the 2WD mode for optimal fuel consumption, the 4WD mode which automatically distributes the torque between the front and rear axles, and the ‘lock mode’, which increases the torque transmitted to the rear wheels for more grip under severe conditions.

The Citroën C4 Aircross uses 18″ rims and a number of safety and aid systems such as hands-free access and starter, to the GPS navigation system with its touch-sensitive screen, rearview camera, transmission mode selector, USB port and Bluetooth connection for portable audio players, just to name a few. The model is expected to hit the market in the first half of the current year, but Citroen is yet to reveal its price.

View the full Citroën C4 Aircross photo gallery

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When we first saw the Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet Concept (pictured) at the Worthersee Tour last summer, we thought that - giant rims aside - the model had little or nothing to do with what a concept car is supposed to be. It was pretty clear that that car could have been turned into a production-ready model with just a handful of mild corrections and, according to Auto Express, this is exactly what is about to happen. Apparently, the definitive VW Golf GTI Cabriolet will be premiered at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18) and will be basically identical to the ‘regular’ model it is based upon, with the obvious exception of the chopped off roof. This means that the model will make use of the same 211 hp 2.0-litre TFSI engine 211 CV and DSG dual clutch transmission of the current VW Golf GTI.

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The next Geneva Motor Show will see the official unveiling of the new Morgan Aero Coupe, a new two-seater from the British carmaker entirely made of aluminum and hand built. According to Morgan, the new Aero Coupe is inspired by the famous GT3 Aero, a car that enjoyed a number of racing victories in its days.

The model is powered by a 4.8-litre V8 engine courtesy of BMW, which provides the Aero Coupe with 367 hp in its stock version and 390 hp with the package inclusive of sports mufflers. The car comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard equipment, but Morgan also offers an automatic transmission option (supplied once again by German specialist ZF) that will be able to operate in two modes, Auto and Sport, with the latter that switches gears past the 6,500 rpm, allowing for a full exploitation of the power coming from the German engine.

In terms of sheer performance, the Morgan Aero Coupe boasts some quite impressive figures: top speed is rated at 273 km/h (170 mph) while its 0-100 km/h 862 mph) sprint time is just 4.5 seconds. Outstanding performance aside, Morgan did not fail to provide the new model with the level of comfort and usability that one would expect in a gran turismo car of this leverage. Inside we found leather and suede with top notch finishing, while the ash hardwood that surrounds cockpit and doors can be hand polished in a colour chosen by the customer. Check out Morgan Aero Coupe’s specs right after the jump.

Continue reading: Morgan Aero Coupe to be unveiled in Geneva

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