The German auto maker BMW has officially confirmed the production 7-Series and X6 ActiveHybrids will be unveiled at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

BMW 7-Series Hybrid Prototype

Image courtesy : worldcarfans

Details are limited about the hybrid cars. Both hybrids are expected to be powered by a small electric motor that develops 15 kW (20 hp) and 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) of torque. The motor will be coupled to the transmission housing, which will effectively replace drag inducing auxiliary components such as the alternator and starter.

Power is expected to come from a small lithium-ion battery. The battery will be recharged via a Brake Energy Regeneration system. This system will provide more than enough energy to run the various electrical systems when the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine is deactivated.

The company claims the 7-Series hybrid will achieve a 15% improvement in fuel economy, while the X6 hybrid will offer up to a 20% improvement.

Suzuki has officially pulled the wraps of their mid-size sedan, Kizashi. The Kizashi was designed with a combination of European styling and Japanese quality.

The bold grille, stylish headlights, and a dynamic rear end give the Kizashi an attractive appearance.. The highlights of the car include 18-inch alloy wheels, an attractive dual exhaust system, and a short front overhang. The interiors of the car is not that attractive as the exterior. Leather upholstery, heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 425 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system can be added optionally.

The car is powered by a 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine, mated to a standard six-speed manual or an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) that will deliver outstanding fuel efficiency. The Kizashi has a 107-inch wheelbase. The suspension system consists of a reinforced front suspension and multi-link rear suspension that uses several aluminum components.

Safety features include eight airbags, electronic stability control, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution, projector beam headlights, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The car can be equipped with an all-wheel-drive system as an option.

General Motors has announced that it will launch a new hatch, the all-new Chevrolet Agile for the South American market. The company claims that the Chevrolet Agile is a “compact, versatile car with great design”.

The Agile was developed entirely in Brazil, and production will be at GM’s manufacturing center in Rosary, Argentina. A few sketches of the new compact five-door car was released.

The Agile has been designed with practicality and comfort with a fun-to-drive character. The Agile will have a wheelbase just over 98 inches and will be powered by a 105-hp 1.4-liter engine or a 129-hp 1.8-liter engine as choices.

The Chevrolet Agile is the first vehicle of the Live platform, developed fully in the GM Design Center Mercosur. The Agile will compete with the 2010 Ford Fiesta.

 

Ferrari has officially revealed details of the 458 Italia which is a F430 replacement. The car will be unveiled ay the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The 458 Italia is a massive leap forward and a genuine departure from the current range with a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology.

The car has a compact aerodynamic shape that reduces drag and improve downforce. The bold grille at the front with small aero-elastic winglets generate downforce. There are small openings between the hood and headlights to cool the engine. The rear end has a massive diffuser, California-style taillights, and three center-mounted exhaust tips.

The car is powered by a new direct injected 4499 cc V8 engine that produces a maximum power of 570 CV (at 9000 rpm) and a maximum torque of 540 Nm. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The car will reach 0-100 km/h in under 3.4 seconds. The top speed is of 325 km/h (202 mph).

Built with a lightweight aluminum chassis promises to deliver outstanding driving dynamics. The suspension system consists of a twin wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear set-up. The braking system is advanced which cuts the car’s 100-0 km/h braking distance to a short 32.5 meters.

The engine has been designed in such a way that there is a reduction of internal engine friction to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Fuel consumption rating of the 458 Italia is 13.7L/100 km while CO2 emissions are 320 g/km.

Regardless of the BMW’s trademark hypnotic paint job, the shape of the novel model BMW 1-series has got unveiled lucidly.

The front end has a more standing appearance and the kidney grilles and headlights from the 5-series GT are apt to produce good look even though the basic outline of the 1-series seems to remain relatively unaffected.

Moreover the novel 1-series model range may come with a shooting-brake-style two-door estate/hatchback crossover akin to the MINI Clubman. These realistic but sporty looking models are getting famous among purchasers for those expect space for two adults in the back without giving up the chic.

The engines that are available would be from the range of 1.4-litres to 3.0-litres. Adding, BMW will focus on green models such as low-emissions diesels and hybrids.