Nissan forced to slash sales target for Leaf (U.S)

Despite all the hype, American consumers aren't warming towards the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle. Because of this, Nissan has been forced to trim its initial sales projection of 20,000 units down to 10,000 – 12,000 units for 2011.

Nissan declined to comment on the lowered targets but we believe the 11th March earthquake and tsunami played its part, in addition to the unaccepted Leaf's driving range of 100 miles (161km) per charge.

Next-generation MINI spied in Germany

 

2013 Mini Cooper S

German-based spy photographers have snapped the first ever images of the upcoming Mini Cooper and an unnamed BMW compact, both undergoing chassis testing in Germany.

The 2013 Mk3 Mini appears to be longer and wider than the outgoing model, while retaining the same height. Additionally, the Mini prototype sports slender A-pillars, a longer bonnet, and smaller fascia grilles.

Porsche confirms 7 speed manual for forthcoming 911

American reports indicate that Porsche has developed a new 7 speed manual transmission for the upcoming 911 sports car.

The intention of the 7-speed manual is to cut-down engine noise and improve fuel economy by a longer seventh gear.

New Car: 2012 BMW 1 Series

BMW has revealed the redesigned 1-Series, ahead of its world debut at the upcoming Frankfurt motor show.

The newcomer has more presence than its predecessor, thanks to its substantially large headlamps that fade into the front wheelarches, a more prominent radiator grille, and compact lower air intakes. With an increased length and width of 4,320mm (+85mm) and 1,770mm (+17mm), a longer wheelbase of 2,690mm (+30mm over the outgoing model) means the cabin is more spacious and luggage capacity increases to 360 litres (+30 litres) behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded, you will have 1,200 litres at your disposal.

Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid faces another delay

Fisker has announced that the Karma plug-in hybrid will be delayed in the U.S. Despite the lack of explanation by Fisker, a spokesman said "the first dealer and customer cars will arrive on these [U.S] shores in July."

That would mean the marque has missed to previous launch dates of Winter 2009 and Spring 2011.

Škoda launches range-topping Superb Laurin & Klement

Škoda has announced a new trim-level called Laurin & Klement on the Superb station wagon. The top-of-the-line variant will be launched at Autosalon Brno 2011 and will go on sale soon.

Intended to be one of the marque's most luxurious models, the L&K grade is equipped with bespoke 18” alloy wheels, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, and external chrome accents. Inside, owners will be greeted with Magnetic Brown leather upholstery on the seats, doors, dashboard, handbrake, and gearbox, in addition to piano black highlights and stainless steel door sills.

Ford announces turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine

2011 Ford B-Max concept

Ford has recently announced production plans for a brand-new direct-injection, twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), turbocharged 1.0 litre EcoBoost 3-cylinder petrol engine that will first premier on the upcoming B-Max sub-compact MPV, due in mid-2012. Additionally, Ford has also announced a bespoke 8-speed hybrid transmission called 'e-CVT'.

The tiny engine will also power the forthcoming facelifted Fiesta supermini, with a distinct possibility of the engine finding its way under the larger Focus and C-Max models too.

One in 10 British drivers prepared to run the risk of being caught without insurance cover

Photo credit: Wongdood

Guest post by Moneysupermarket.com

In less than a month, Continuous Insurance Enforcement will be implemented, making it illegal to own a motor vehicle without valid insurance unless it has been declared ‘off the road’. Leading price comparison site moneysupermarket.com asked its visitors how the new law will affect the way they think about insurance and the outcome suggests the law will fail to have an impact on a worryingly large proportion of British drivers.

Moneysupermarket’s research shows that 56 per cent of motorists say they’ll be more prudent and will shop around for a better car insurance premium. Eight per cent of those who took part in the survey, however, said that they’d continue with their policy and renew it as normal.

Fiat set to expand product line-up (U.S)

According to Laura Soaves, Fiat CEO of North America, the brand will be expanding its product line-up with Bravo replacement. This comes as the 500’s early sales figures have surpassed expectations. With the cabriolet now hitting dealerships, Fiat will also launch the Abarth and EV variants later on.

Despite the addition of an extra model, Soaves stressed that Fiat won't infringe upon Chrysler’s traditional markets in the U.S.

Hyundai i40 Tourer pricing announced (UK)

Hyundai has announced prices on the i40 Tourer ahead of its launch date in September. The i40 Tourer will undercut most rivals like the Mondeo by £550 and the Insignia by around £1,000 when it goes on sale.

Three trim-levels will be available with prices starting from £18,395 for the base 1.6 GDi Blue Drive Active, before topping out at £25,895 for the range-topping Premium 1.7 CRDi automatic.