Posts Tagged ‘ford f100 pcm’

Auto Edition: Saab plans hybrid and electric models

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Saab is planning hybrid and fully electric version of its upcoming 9-2 and 9-3 models, which will be launched around 2016.

Victor Muller, Saab boss, revealed the plans about the Swedish carmaker’s upcoming product line, and also said that the 9-2, which is slated for a launch around 2013 or 2014, will be “stunning to look at, ingenious and an outstanding premium product.”

The 9-2 will use either a shortened version of the 9-3’s platform, or one that is borrowed from another carmaker. Saab expects to sell around 30,000 to 60,000 units of the 9-2 annually, and will compete against the likes of the Mini.

Other product plans revealed by Muller include a facelifted version of the 9-3 to be unveiled later this year, and a new 9-4X crossover in 2011, as well as the Sport Combi estate version of the 9-5 by the middle of next year. Saab will also introduce a new 1.6-litre turbocharged engine in 2011.

The new redesigned 9-3 will be launched in 2012 that will use a modified version of the current Episilon I platform. A hybrid version of the new 9-3 is expected, as is a fully-electric one which will be sold from 2016. Saab expects to go back to profit by 2012, by selling an estimated 120,000 to 125,000 a year.

Auto 2012: BMW Gran Coupe into production

Saturday, June 5th, 2010

At the Beijing Auto Show, BMW has unveiled the Gran Coupe Concept, the rumors about a production version immediately began.

BMW has made it confirmed that the BMW Gran Coupe Concept will go into production in the second quarter of 2012 as a 6-Series model. The production version will compete with models like the Maserati Quattroporte, the Audi A7 and the Porsche Panamera.

The Gran Coupe will be built on the same platform as the current 5-series, 7-series and 5 series GT, which should make for an easy production. The Gran Coupe will also be powered by the same six- and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel engines as those models.

The Concept Gran Coupe features a long wheelbase, a vaulted bonnet with forward-pointing lines, a set-back greenhouse, a flat silhouette and a coupe-style roof line. The front section is defined by the BMW kidney grille formally separated from other BMW icons such as the headlights and air inlets.

The BMW Gran Coupe should be a quick and easy production for BMW considering all of its borrowed parts from previous models.