BMW confirms MINI coupe and another car headed for production in Oxford

BMW Chairman Norbert Riethofer paid a visit to the Mini factory in Oxford England this week to inform staff members that they will soon have two new cars to build. The first confirmed model for production is the Coupe concept that was previewed online last week ahead of its Frankfurt Motor Show rollout. The Coupe will be joined by a second concept at the show which in all likelihood will be the oft-rumored speedster version of the coupe.

Reithofer did not announce any timing for when production of the new models would start production. Also unknown at this time is whether the Coupe and Speedster will be available only in John Cooper Works form or in base Cooper and S flavors as well

[Source: Mini]

PRESS RELEASE:

MINI Frankfurt show stars confirmed for production at Plant Oxford

* 03.09.2009
* Press Release

Dr.Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG has announced that two new MINI models are to be built at MINI Plant Oxford.

Reithofer confirmed the production plan during his two-day visit to BMW Group UK operations earlier this week.

One of the models based on the MINI Coupé Concept and a concept of the second vehicle will be unveiled for the first time to global media at Frankfurt Motor Show on 15 September.

Images of the stunning MINI Coupé Concept were issued to press on 26 August 2009, exactly fifty years after the first classic Mini was presented to the public.

Likely to feature the impressive 1.6-litre turbocharged MINI John Cooper Works power train, the MINI Coupé Concept is designed to be the most dynamic and agile MINI ever built. Strictly a two-seater, the low roof line, compact dimensions, perfect axle load distribution and lightweight construction are all trademarks of a genuine sports car.

Details of the second model have not yet been announced.

The two new models will join the existing Hatch, Clubman and Convertibles on the production line at Plant Oxford, where all derivatives are produced seamlessly just-in-time and just-in-sequence.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: "The production of the two new MINI models is very good news for Oxford, and for the UK car industry. It is a demonstration of BMW's long term commitment to the UK as it celebrates its 50th birthday this year.

"British drivers have had a long love affair with the MINI and I'm sure that this will continue for many years to come."

Dr. Juergen Hedrich, Managing Director of MINI Plant Oxford, said: "The fact that Plant Oxford will be building these exciting new models shows the high level of flexibility of the plant and its associates. The MINI family has a bright future.

Start dates for these two new models to enter production will be confirmed in due course.

Nice yellow Peugeot 107

2010-Bentley Mulsanne Pictures

2010-The new Mulsanne high performance, represents the first Bentley designed, engineered and built from the ground up by Bentley engineers since W.O Bentley’s 8.0-liter from 1930. Using a new and sole platform that shares nothing with other Bentley or VW group models, production of the Arnage replacement begins next year at a new express-of-the-art manufacturing resource within the Crewe factory with sales opening mid 2010. Finallyy This car is very luxurious.

MINI Coupe Concept Revealed

Mini is 50 years old now. In order to celebrate this great event, Mini has introduced the Mini Coupe Concept which will also be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

According to the carmaker, the Mine Coupe Concept is the “expression of MINI design and the great ability of the brand’s designers to fill the elementary values of the brand with new life, using the options of modern drivetrain and suspension technology, and developing fascinating perspectives for the future of the brand on this basis”.

The model will carry the most powerful engine available at Mini, the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that produces 211 hp and 260Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque. Considering that the JCW Mini runs from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, the Coupe should be able to do the same task in less than 6 seconds. Like every current Mini, the Coupe Concept is front-wheel drive.

Strictly a two-seater, 3.7 metres long and 1.4 metres high, it's a little longer but lower than the regular Mini hatchback. However, the Coupe is claimed to be 'the most dynamic and agile Mini ever built'.

On the outside, the Coupe features typical Mini styling, such as the large round headlights and hexagonal grille, but unique to this model are its rear spoiler and bonnet stripes that run over the front grille. The angle of the windscreen and gentle slope of the roof to the rear of the car are designed to give it a distinctly wedge-like and sporty shape. Other exterior instruments include massive wheels, a sporty rear bumper, and dual center-mounted exhaust pipes.

Inside, the Coupe features two individual front seats and an open rear compartment which accommodates 250 liters (8.8 cu ft) of luggage. The cabin is outfitted with leather upholstery, carbon fiber trim, and two Chronoswiss clocks (one is a traditional clock, while the other is a dedicated lap timer). A three-spoke leather steering wheel is also included.

However, it’s still in the stage of Concept car, we expect it to be added in the Mini range in near future.

Three Audi models to debut at Frankfurt, including 2010 Audi S5 Sportback

Audi has confirmed that at least three models will be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show, including 2010 Audi S5 Sportback, A4 3.0TDI clean diesel quattro and the A3 1.2 TFSI.

As an A5 Sportback derivative, the 2010 Audi S5 Sportback is the pinnacle of the new Sportback model line. The vehicle gets the same supercharged 3.0 litre V6 powering the current Audi S4 sedan, and the engine is mated to a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive as standard. Then the output is rated at 250kW (333hp) and 440Nm of torque between 2900rpm and 5300rpm. The Audi S5 Sportback is able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and is limited to a top speed of 250 km/h. Average fuel consumption is a provisional 9.7 litres per 100km (24.25 mpg US).

Other accessories include 18-inch wheels, a quattro sports differential, and electrically adjustable S sports seats covered with Silk Nappa leather. On the styling side, a deep and aggressive frontal treatment and unpainted aluminium side mirrors set the S5 Sportback apart from its 2010 Audi A5 Sportback sibling.

The 2010 Audi S5 Sportback will go on sale in spring 2010 with prices starting at 57,900 euros ($82,761 USD). However, it won’t be offer in the United States.

As for the Audi A4 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro, it features a very fuel-efficient number that offer up to a 42.1mpg fuel economy. The most important is the super-clean emissions technology. Cutting NOx pollutants with a new DeNOX catalyst, the system also injects AdBlue additive to further reduce harmful nitrogen-based pollutants.

Lastly the A3 1.2 TFSI is powered by a 1.2 liter turbo engine that develops 105 PS and 175 Nm of torque between 1,500rpm and 3,500rpm. Obviously, it’s aimed at people looking for downsizing. The engine weighs 89.5kg (197.31 lbs). Average fuel consumption is 5.5 liters per 100km (42.77 mpg US) and C02 emissions are set at 127g/km.

2009 Porsche 911 Carrera

2009 Porsche 911 Carrera

2009 Porsche 911 Carrera

2009 Porsche 911 Carrera