BMW reportedly green-lights X7 again

BMW's largest on-off SUV has been at the centre of talk in both Munich, Germany and South Carolina, U.S as the luxury marque decides on whether it will be green-lighted for production.

A new report now suggests the large three-row SUV may make production. Codenamed F17, the project is under serious consideration as BMW assesses at how popular it would be in China, the firms most moneymaking long-term market. Additionally, BMW will keep an eye on Audi as it schedules an SUV larger than the current Q7, which will offer more interior space.

2012 Mercedes GL63 AMG spied ripping up the 'Ring

Mercedes is set to schedule a performance-orientated large SUV for 2013, to directly rival the BMW X5 M. Cue the GL63 AMG; the most noticeable features on this prototype are the 20” alloy wheels and huge front air-intakes, behind the extensive cladding.

While the overall shape of the upcoming GL remains similar to the outgoing model, despite the taped cardboard placed above the rear windscreen, the new model will steer towards the new design language of sharp, edgy lines.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Kia Picanto (UK)

Kia has revealed prices for its new Picanto city-car. The first bodystyle to arrive is the 5dr which starts at £7,995 for the base '1' trim-level, representing an 11% price hike on the outgoing model at £6,995. Mid-spec '2' – expected to be the best-seller – commands a £1,600 over the '1' grade at £9,595 while the range-topping '3' trim inflates the price to £11,195, plunging the Picanto straight into supermini territory.

Two new petrol units are available, both more powerful, flexible, and more economical over the outgoing units, with CO2 emissions starting from 99g/km. Features like x6 airbags, ESP, AUX input w/4 speakers, electric front windows, height adjustable driver's seat, tilting steering wheel, trip-computer, hill-start assist, internally adjustable door mirrors, remote central locking w/alarm, and 14” steel wheels will come as standard on the '1'.

Hyundai planning Prius rival for 2013

2009 Hyundai Blue-Will Concept sketch

Hyundai is hoping to launch a Prius rivalling plug-in hybrid by 2013. The vehicle will essentially be a production version of the 2009 Blue-Will concept, which is powered by a direct-injection 1.6 litre GDI petrol engine that is mated to a continuously variable transmission and a 100kW electric motor.

“We plan to launch a plug-in hybrid model which is in the same segment as the Prius in 2013,” said an unnamed source.

Lincoln planning two seat sports car

With tumbling sales, Ford's luxury brand, Lincoln needs to better distinguish itself from its lesser Ford-badged models. Hence why Ford is developing several new models for the marque within the next three years, including an unpredicted sports car.

According to insiders deep within Lincoln, the American car firm is apparently discussing the prospect of a two seat, mid-engined sports car which would become the firm's flagship vehicle. The unconfirmed sports car will also take lead as Ford uses new technology to inject life into the Lincoln brand.

Video: Couple survive deadly Joplin tornado inside a pick-up truck

With the deadly tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri, killing scores of people, the remaining survivors were left with nothing or very little.

According to Fox News, William Lynch and his partner were casually driving along in their large pick-up truck when they saw the tornado, forcing Lynch to pull up next to a nearby building to sit the storm out as it passed overhead.

Fiat expands 875cc TwinAir variant

While it comes as no surprise, Fiat has announced it is expanding its 875cc, turbocharged two-cylinder TwinAir petrol engine.

The turbocharged 0.9 litre TwinAir picked up the International Engine of the Year award last week and can already be found in the Fiat 500, Punto Evo, Alfa Romeo MiTo, and the all-new Lancia/Chrysler Ypsilon.

Video: Volkswagen salesman tests quality to the extreme

If you're a salesperson struggling to sell new Volkswagen's, watch this video very carefully. It shows a Chicago based Volkswagen retailer testing the quality of doors on a 5dr Golf GTI.

In short, the salesman is slamming and stomping on the Golf GTI doors to show how strong the hinges are. He even requests us to try the same on a Honda or Hyundai.

Upcoming Mini Roadster to feature manual roof

Mini is allegedly fitting its upcoming Roadster with a manual fabric roof. While many expected an electrical system, the soft-top would be easier to incorporate into the Roadster's bodyshell.

Additionally, the extra weight of an electrical hood would add complexity, hamper fuel economy, and increase the sticker price.

Next-generation BMW X5 and X6 to be lighter

The first details have appeared about the next-generation BMW X5 SUV and X6 SUV coupe. The new models will primarily focus on weight reduction and improving fuel economy.

Per se, the newcomers will feature new axles that are around 150kg (330lbs) lighter than the outgoing ones, and when combined with other weight-saving steps, the base X5 is looking to tip the scales at 1,814kg (4,000lbs).