BMW 6-SERIES COUPE TO DEBUT IN SHANGHAI

http://www.bmw.co.uk/images/bmwuk/mid_images/1_2008_09_10_15_12_10_6_coupe_1.jpg

By Drew Johnson

Most automakers tend to unveil hardtop models before their convertible counterparts, but BMW is shaking things up a bit with its new 6-Series. The German automaker pulled the sheet on its 6-Series convertible at January’s Detroit Auto Show, but the car’s hard-top variant won’t make its public debut until April’s Shanghai Auto Show.

Although we have yet to see any official photos of the new 6-Series coupe, it seems safe to assume it will closely follow the design of the recently unveiled convertible. The 6-Series’ coupe variant was also previewed by the Concept 6-Series Coupe.

The 6-Series coupe will likely arrive in base form as the 640i. Like the 640i convertible, the 640i coupe will be powered by a 320 horsepower version of BMW’s turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder. BMW’s 407 horsepower 4.4L V8 will also be available in the 650i coupe.

The 6-Series coupe and convertible should be on dealer lots by spring. Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect a slight premium over the current car.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/report-bmw-6-series-coupe-to-debut-in-shanghai.html

The Honda Fit EV Concept

Fit EV Concept
http://automobiles.honda.com/images/future-cars/fit-ev/fitconcept_02.jpg

Honda is proud to announce the world debut of the Fit EV Concept. This advanced electric vehicle is designed to meet the daily driving needs of an average commuter, utilizing the same 5-passenger layout found in the popular Fit hatchback. The Fit EV Concept is propelled by a high-density motor derived from the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle and features a 3-mode drive system adapted from the CR-Z sport hybrid. A pocket-friendly interactive remote can link to the vehicle without the need for an Internet connection or mobile phone signal. Through this remote, drivers will be able to remotely view the vehicle's state of charge, initiate charging and activate the air conditioning, even while connected to the grid, reducing the drain on battery at start-up. An application for smartphones and a website for personal computers offer the ability to set charging notifications and alerts to optimize utility rates and provide 24-hour roadside assistance along with a public charging locator. Battery recharging can be accomplished in less than 12 hours when using a conventional 120-volt outlet and less than six hours when employing a 240-volt outlet. The Fit EV will achieve an estimated 100 miles driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4 City cycle (70 miles when applying EPA's adjustment factor), well more than the average number of miles driven daily by most commuters. The Fit EV is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in 2012. Be sure to sign up for e-mail updates to receive all the latest news regarding this exciting vehicle. 

Ref. http://automobiles.honda.com/fit-ev/

The Honda Civic Si Concept

Civic Si Concept coupe

(http://automobiles.honda.com/images/future-cars/2012-civic/civic_01.jpg)

The Honda Civic Si Concept coupe and the Civic Concept sedan made their world debuts at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The Concept vehicles offered an intriguing preview of the styling direction of the new, ninth-generation Civic. 

Civic Concept sedan
(http://automobiles.honda.com/images/future-cars/2012-civic/civic_07.jpg)

This spring, the all-new Civic model range will arrive with unprecedented diversity, including conventional sedan and coupe models, sporty "Si" performance versions, as well as hybrid and natural-gas variants. The new Civic hybrid will feature a lithium ion battery cell, the first ever for a Honda hybrid. In another first for Honda, the Eco-Assist™[1] system will be available in most upcoming Civic models. Additionally, Honda is expanding retail sales of the natural gas-powered Civic GX model. 

Altogether, the new Civic promises to continue its tradition of user-friendliness, sporty performance and excellent fuel economy, offering an unprecedented level of variety with the widest array of powertrain choices in its class. 

[1] Eco Assist is a trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and may not be used or reproduced without prior written approval. 

Ref. http://automobiles.honda.com/2012-civic/

The First Generation to Present Mustang

• The first generation Mustang was introduced to the public in 1964 at the New York World Fair. The Mustang when introduced in 1964 shared a number of its characteristics with the Ford Falcon. The Mustang was launched as a coupe or as a convertible. It was 181.6 inches long. The Mustang derived its power from a wide choice of engines. The engines were a 2.8-liter OHV; a 3.3-liter OHV; a 4.3-liter OHV V8; a 4.7-liter V8; a four-barrel 289 engine and at the last a four-barrel 289. In 1999 the Eighth generation Mustang made its debut. Changes were made to the Mustangs 3.8-liter V6 engine and its 4.6-liter V8 engine.