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New Mini mite could debut at ‘11 Geneva show

Mini is hard at work on a new entry-level model–dubbed the Mini Minor or “Mini Mini”–and it could be revealed in concept form at the 2011 Geneva motor show.

The first phase of building the prototype is under way at a BMW site in Munich, Germany. AutoWeek first reported plans for this small car last month (“Mini Minor?”

AW June 7, 2010). It would be based on a modified version of an existing front-engine/front-wheel-drive platform boasting a shorter wheelbase.

The BMW M3 celebrates 25 years

It’s birthday time and the BMW M3 is blowing out a hefty 25 candles. To celebrate BMW released a special edition 2011 M3 Coupe which sold out in just 12 minutes, so demand remains strong for the iconic model. In the last 25 years the M3 has evolved from a lightweight scrapper capable of taking on heavy hitters of the sports car world to the quintessential sports sedan that the rest of the segment is measured against.

In the process, it has dropped its bulging, swollen fenders for much smoother sheetmetal and lost its four-cylinder engine for a fully aluminum eight-cylinder that brings serious heat, but it remains a well-balanced sports coupe. This transformation wasn’t always an easy one. BMW sent its various M3s through many trials on the tracks of the motorsports world, and the 3 Series quickly built a reputation as a dynamic machine not to be messed with.

Renault’s DeZir concept previews the company’s new styling strategy

Renault is breaking away from the angular styling favored by its former design chief, Patrick Le Quement.

The French company will show a concept car that highlight's the brand's more emotional design at the Paris auto show in October.

Called DeZir [pronounced Desire], the two-seat concept, which is powered by an electric motor, is the first project led by Laurens van den Acker, who succeeded Le Quement last October.

“DeZir stands out as an illustration of the brand's commitment to more emotional styling,” Renault said in a statement, adding that the concept marks the start of a sequence of cars that will provide an insight into the company's new design direction.

World Set To Follow New Zealand’s Audi Success

Audi No. 1 in luxury market in New Zealand for the last 3 years New Zealand's GM says Audi "definitely" will soon be global leader Growth strategy based on product innovation and ranging.

Audi has its sights firmly set on becoming the number one premium brand in the world, just like it is here, revealed Dane Fisher, Audi of New Zealand's General Manager.

New Zealand is ahead of the curve in terms of its preference for luxury European motor vehicles, having chosen Audi as their number one premium brand for the past three years.

Volvo V60 revealed

Meet Volvo’s entry to the space race. This is the new V60, the estate version of the new S60, which Volvo proudly states is its most dynamic model ever.

Volvo argues that the larger V70 is the true load lugger in its range. So, at 430-litres, the V60’s boot is smaller than the 460.

And 490-litre load spaces offered by the rival BMW 3 Series Touring and Audi A4 Avant. Instead, the V60 has been designed with style in mind.

China has top sales team for GM cars

China is at the top of the sales market for General Motors cars. The iconic American automaker, which is owned by US taxpayers, is now more popular in its newly-announced top sales market.

GM and its Chinese joint venture partners have sold 1.21 million vehicles in China in the first six months of 2010. Its US sales have come in at 1.08 million. GM's Chinese auto sales are now up 48.5% over the first half of the year with sales in the US also showing improvement, at a far more modest 15%. Last year was the first year that overall auto sales in China surpassed those in the United States.

Tesla Roadster 2.5 breaks cover

Perhaps feeling a bit of chutzpah after a wildly successful stock offering this week, Tesla is demonstrating on Thursday that it still has an eye toward product, revealing the updated Tesla Roadster. And it's available for order now.

Called the Roadster 2.5, the car features minor enhancements, including a new front fascia with different diffuser vents (the change is actually apparent) and new rear diffuser. There also are silver or black forged wheels, new seats said to be more comfortable with better bolsters and more lumbar support, plus a power-control software to manage output in hot weather.

Saab 9-4X crossover to enter production later this year

At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, when Saab used to be a part of General Motors, the Swedish brand unveiled something called the 9-4X BioPower Concept. Besides showing a 2.0L BioPower 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that made 300-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, the concept hinted at a future crossover for Saab. Known as the Saab 9-4, the crossover was expected to enter production in 2009, but was delayed and then GM eventually sold Saab to Spyker. Ever since, plans for a production Saab crossover were left up in the air.

Apparently, it is now reported the Saab 9-4X crossover will definitely enter production and could show up as early as this year. The news was found in a press release that shows off the company’s newest ad campaign “Move Your Mind.”