Mazda definitely sparked a lot of reactions when its head designer, Laurens van den Acker, revealed the Nagare design language, which, so far, manifested in the very ‘happy’ grilles of the Mazda3 or Mazda6, and on concepts like the Furai, the Kazamai or the Kiyora.

Now, seeing as how van den Acker is no more, being replaced with Ikuo Maeda, a new design language was needed as an evolution of the love it or hate it Nagare.

Enter the new Mazda Shinari concept, which presents the Kodo (soul of motion, in translation) language. The liens are more aggressive, while the metallic accents are a bit more overstated.

Expect to see cues from the Shinari in all of the future models coming from the Japanese company, including, possibly, the revived Mazda RX-7. The concept will be showcased at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.

What do you think about the Shinari and the Kodo language? Is Mazda on the right track? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.

Source: Mazda

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Mazda Shinari concept debuts the new Kodo design language

BMW is preparing a special edition of the M3 performance coupe dedicated to honoring the year of the Tiger in China.

The BMW M3 Tiger will be limited to 250 models, all coupes. They will boast Fire Orange Metallic paint jobs, with black 19-inch wheels. On the inside, black leather will be fitted, with orange tiger heads embroidered into the headrests of the sports seats.

In order to really promote this special BMW M3 Tiger edition, the German company released a batch of rather interesting promotional shots. Check them all out in the photo gallery below.

Photo Gallery: BMW M3 Tiger Edition

Source: Moko via Autoblog

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BMW M3 Tiger edition gets interesting promotional photos

The BMW X5 is definitely a pretty capable SUV, as highlighted when it mounted several cars while being driven by a woman from Canada.

Now, the X5 is put through its paces as a make-shift stunt car, with an owner trying to jump and/or flip it in mid-air. For our amusement, he decided to film the whole attempt, which, as you can imagine, didn’t exactly go so well.

Check out the failed stunt attempt in a video after the jump.

Source: Jalopnik

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Video: BMW X5 stunt goes awfully and hilariously wrong

Seeing as how the Ferrari 458 Italia is currently dominating headlines with its fire prone nature, a new incident seeks to keep the also flammable Audi R8 on top.

Manchester City football player Mario Balotelli has crashed his matte black Audi R8 on the streets of the British city, presumably in a collision with a BMW.

While the German supercar didn’t burst into flames, like in certain recent incidents, the front end is pretty damaged. Luckily, Balotellli sustained no injuries and is already training alongside his teammates. With his massive salary, courtesy of the sheiks that own the Manchester City club, he also won’t mind the repair bill for the R8.

Source: News of the World via ProSport

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Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli crashes his Audi R8

Electric and hybrid cars are becoming more and more frequent lately, so the US government wants to keep regular customers informed about the performance of such efficient models, and has tasked the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency with designing new fuel economy labels that will be present on new vehicles in dealerships.

The EPA and DOT have come forward with two designs, and ask the US public to decide which type of fuel economy label they want present on new models starting with 2012 model year vehicles.

Both have details like the fuel average of the vehicle in question, as well as CO2 emissions, the annual fuel cost or how it compares with the industry average for its specific segment. A QR bar code is also present, which can direct smartphones to a more detailed website.

The tall one also has a special rating, going from A+ to D, which easily portrays just how efficient the car actually is. Better yet, electric and plug-in hybrid models will also be getting a special MPGe rating, detailing just what average they would get in comparison to regular gasoline or diesel-powered models.

People can vote on the winning design and check out high res versions at the EPA website.

Source: EPA

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The EPA and DOT present new fuel economy labels, ask you to choose

New reports coming from Germany seem to indicate that General Motors might have some large expansion plans for its European brand Opel.

More specifically, it seems that the US corporation wants the Opel brand to be present in other markets except Europe, like the China, Australia or South America.

Traditionally, Opel models are usually rebadged before entering such markets, bearing Buick, Holden or even Chevrolet logos instead of the Opel one.

This will change, as Opel will most likely be marketed as a more premium brand, in order to capitalize on customers who want European cars and can afford them, not just the locally-badged Opel models.

No official word has been revealed, but GM might be on the right track if it will decide Opel’s expansion, given the popularity of new models like the Insignia or the new generation Astra.

Source: Deutsche Welle via Autoblog

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Opel might be launched in markets like China, Australia or South America

Quick, what do the Ferrari 458 Italia, the Audi R8 and the Tata Nano have in common? Both the supercars and the cheap compact are extremely fire-prone.

After hearing quite a few stories about burning Ferrari 458 Italia models, the Nano is back with a vengeance, as another model went up in flames on the streets of Delhi last week.

It seems that as soon as the owner attempted to turn on the car, sparks came out of the rear, where the engine was located, and a fire immediately started. Fire fighters were quick to intervened but the Nano already burned to a crisp.

A Tata spokesman revealed that the cause of the fire is still unknown, but that people shouldn’t panic, as there are still tens of thousands of Nanos on Indian roads that aren’t burning.

Check out the fire engulf the Tata Nano in the video after the jump.

Source: IndianAutosBlog via Automarket

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Video: Another Tata Nano catches fire and burns to a crisp

2011 Ford Mustang owners have definitely been on the receiving end of quite a lot of aftermarket tuning options, but most of them were targeted at the top V8 version.

Now, Ford dealerships will begin to offer the already announced DUB tuning package, for the Mustang V6.

For those who forgot, the DUB package includes a Roush Performance body kit, a Ford Racing hood, complete with dedicated scoop, lowered suspension, improved transmission, a new grille, special vinyls for the outside of the car and a set of 20-inch TIS wheels. On the inside, expect DUB badges to decorate the seats.

The DUB package for the 2011 Ford Mustang V6 will be available for $3,599, plus $100 shipping charges.

Source: Galpin Ford via Autoblog

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2011 Ford Mustang V6 gets DUB tuning package for $3,599

Even if it was leaked a few hours ago, the 2011 Citroen DS4 has now been officially revealed by the French company, ahead of its debut later this year at the Paris Motor Show.

As we revealed earlier today, the DS4 is a five-door crossover, but with a coupe design, as the rear door handles are hidden in the C pillar. It borrows styling cues from the new 2011 Citroen C4, but also the first iteration in the new DS line, the DS3 compact hatchback.

The exterior boasts the impressive design highlighted above, as well as new technologies like LED daytime running lights. Wheels of up to 19 inches in size can be fitted, while chrome touches are present on the outside of the car.

As you might have figured out by now, the DS4 will battle it out with other premium crossovers, and offer a variety of luxury options. These include various leather choices, a panoramic roof, as well as chrome inserts. The crossover is a 2+2, so just four people can sit inside.

Thee petrol and two diesel engines will be made available. The gasoline ones will consist of a 120 HP 1.6-liter VTi, a 155 HP 1.6 THP and a 200 HP 1.6 THP. Two diesels will also be available, with e-HDi technology, capable of 110 and 160 HP, respectively.

Check out the new Citroen DS4 in the photo gallery below.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Citroen DS4

Source: Citroen

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Citroen DS4 crossover officially revealed

As the Paris Motor Show is fast approaching, the large French carmakers are getting ready to showcase their new models.

Among them is the upcoming Citroen DS4 crossover, which will take the French brand further into the upmarket segment it entered with the DS3 compact hatchback.

We’ve already seen the DS High Rider crossover coupe concept, but now the first leaked shots of the production Citroen DS4 have made their way onto the web.

As you can see, the model isn’t actually a coupe crossover, like the recent Range Rover Evoque, instead having 5 doors, with the rear handles being hidden in the C pillar. The design is extremely aggressive, but still maintains the look of the refreshed 2011 C4, also set to be premiered in Paris.

No other details were revealed, except the possible engine lineup. There will most likely be three petrol units, a 120 HP 1.6-liter VTi, a 155 HP 1.6 THP and a 200 HP 1.6 THP. Two diesels will also be available, with e-HDi technology, capable of 110 and 160 HP, respectively.

Expect more details in the following weeks about the Citroen DS4 before its debut this October in Paris.

Source: La Revue Automobile via Automarket

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Citroen DS4 revealed in first leaked photos

Welcome to a new edition of Motorsport Weekend, our own feature where we talk about the most exciting motorsport events from the last three days.

This weekend was filled with all sorts of races. We had the Formula 1 Belgian GP at the lovely Spa Francorchamps circuit, the MotoGP Indianapolis GP, as well as the IRC Barum Czech Rally Zlin.

Curious to see how Lewis Hamilton, Dani Pedrosa or Freddy Loix faired in their own races? Then hit the jump and find out.

First off, we had the Formula 1 Belgian GP, which took place at the famous Spa Francorchamps circuit. We were treated with a lot of interesting events. Even though he was set to start in pole position, Red Bull’s Mark Webber disappointed, as he stalled on the start line and was overtaken by McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton, Renault’s Robert Kubica, Jenson Button, also from McLaren, and his own teammate, Sebastian Vettel.

Light rain in certain parts of the circuit meant an early crash for Rubens Barichello, who was celebrating his 300th Gran Prix. The race was pretty dull, but after Button and Vettel overtook Kubica, the battle for second place was on.

Sadly, that same wet part of the circuit spelled disaster for Vettel and Button. As the German tried to overtake Button, he lost control and crashed into the side of the McLaren driver. It was race over for Button while Vettel limped to the pits and changed his front wing.

He was penalized for causing the crash but the race was already pretty much finished. A late rain shower meant another crash and prompted the safety car to appear. The last few laps were just a ceremony, as Webber, now in second place, was unable to reach Hamilton. Kubica rounded off the podium.

Overall standings show Hamilton back in the lead, with 182 points. Webber is breathing down his neck with 179, while Vettel is in third, with 151. Team standings show Red Bull in the lead with 330 points and McLaren extremely close with 329.

Next up, we had the MotoGP Indianapolis GP taking place at the famous American circuit. Even though American Ben Spies started in pole position, this didn’t mean he withstood the attacks of Spaniard Dani Pedrosa, who took his Honda to the front of the pack on lap seven.

Afterwards it was smooth sailing for the rider, who was followed by Ben Spies and Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo.

Lorenzo still leads in the overall standings, with 251 points. Pedrosa follows with 183, while Italian Andrea Dovizioso rounds up the first three with 126.

Last but not least, the Intercontinental Rally Challenge held the Barum Czech Rally Zlin on the tough asphalt roads of the European country.

Running on home turf guaranteed the Skoda Fabia S2000 rally cars had the upper hand, and this manifested in a stunning one-two-three finish, and by winning the team’s championship with three more rallies to go.

Freddy Loix claimed first spot, after some intense last stages, where the leaders changed three times. Juho Hanninen ended up in second place, followed by local Czech Pavel Valousek.

Skoda’s Jan Kopecky was set to win the rally, but a crash with three stages to go meant he was forced to retire. For all his efforts though, he was awarded with the Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Trophy. He was declared the best embodiment of the late, great rally driver, approaching every stage head on and taking his car to extremes.

Hanninen still leads in the overall standings, with 62 points. Kopecky is second with 47, while Loix has 30 points.

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Motorsport Weekend: Formula 1 Belgian GP, MotoGP Indianapolis GP and IRC Czech Rally race results

BMW has started slowly hyping up the upcoming 1 Series M Coupe performance model.

This time though, we aren’t treated with camouflaged prototypes or other such things, but with a slow, striptease-like reveal, which will showcase different parts of the new BMW 1 Series M Coupe over a period of time.

The first parts of the powerful model have already seen the light of day. As you can see above, the impressive sports wheels and the revised fender do make an appearance. We’re also treated with the twin, dual-pipe exhaust system in the rear, as well as with a ducktail spoiler making its presence felt under the black wrap.

Hopefully the stripping of the 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe won’t be slower than a snail, and we’ll get to see the full car as soon as possible. Check out a video of the reveal after the jump.

Source: BMW

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Video: BMW 1 Series M Coupe starts stripping down

Up until now, rumors about the upcoming revival of the Lotus Esprit were pretty dry, limiting to saying that the new Esprit will be more upmarket, in order to rival models from Ferrari or Aston Martin.

Now, courtesy of InsideLine, things have gotten a lot more interesting. It seems that Lotus will be using two very special Lexus engines for the new Esprit. How special? Rumors say that the Lexus LFA‘s massive 552 HP V10 will be available for the top spec, while the Lexus IS-F’s 416 HP V8 will be powering a cheaper version of the new Elise.

Rumors about Lotus using these performance engines from Toyota have been floating around for some time, but it seems that this time it might just come true. Lotus is under a new leadership, set to take the sportscar company to profit, and in order to do so, more upmarket models are needed.

We’ll know more as the Paris Motor Show gets underway, so stay tuned for more Lotus details.

Source: InsideLine

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Revived Lotus Esprit to get Lexus LFA’s V10 and IS-F’s V8

Back when the new Audi A1 compact was first announced, officials revealed that it will be sold just in Europe, given the territory’s fondness of premium city cars.

Now, things have changed. According to Audi’s sales boss, Peter Schwarzenbauer, the global interest in the A1 has gone past all expectations, and as such, we will get to see the A1 reach other continents in the future.

Production is already being increased, given the already high popularity of the A1, and Audi is set to focus on the Asian markets in the next few years. China will be the main focus, but the German company wants to seriously ramp up production before it will launch the A1 there. This means that Chinese customers will be able to get their hands on the attractive compact around 2012.

The US market, on the other hand, will still be deprived of the A1, seeing as how customers are still reluctant to pay a premium for a city car. The model will eventually appear on North American shores, but probably with the second generation model.

Source: Bloomberg via WCF

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Audi A1 will be sold globally but the US needs to wait until the next generation

Get ready for more Top Gear goodness, as a new batch of rumors has been revealed about the upcoming Top Gear video game spinoff.

According to some voices, the title is set to be launched at the end of the year, right before the new series of Top Gear will start airing in the UK.

It is set to attack almost all platforms imaginable, including the PC, consoles like the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360, as well as mobile devices like the iPhone or the iPad.

As of yet though, details about the actual gameplay have yet to be revealed. Maybe we will get to do hot laps on the Top Gear circuit, maybe we will get to invent witty Stig anecdotes, maybe we will yell ‘POWERRRR’ into microphones, it’s still a mystery.

Source: Know Your Mobile via Autoblog

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Top Gear video game coming at the end of the year

The 2011 Volvo S60 has definitely made an impression on fans of the Swedish company, combining the already top notch safety of Volvo cars with a very attractive design and pretty potent engine options.

There’s always room for improvement though, and traditional Volvo tuner Heico Sportiv has just revealed its new accessories and upgrade package for the 2011 S60.

First off, you’ll be getting a revised front fascia, complete with Heico branding. A front lip is also present, as is a rear diffuser that incorporates two dual tailpipes. Special wheels are also available for an improved stance.

S60 owners should also be excited about the performance upgrades Heico Sportiv offers. The 2.0T version is now able to output 297 HP with 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 is able to achieve 330 HP and 339 lb-ft of torque.

Want to see just how many improvements Heico Sportiv did to the 2011 Volvo S60? Then hit the jump and watch a video of the tuned Swedish sedan in action.


Source: Heico Sportiv

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Video: Heico Sportiv tunes the 2011 Volvo S60

The new Renault Latitude was announced a few months ago by the French carmaker, but it has been formally unveiled last week at the Moscow Motor Show.

The new flagship sedan is set to lead the Renault range forward, and will use some of the best components the Renault Nissan group currently has available. Drivers will be able to get massage seats, three-zone climate control, premium audio systems from the likes of Bose or Arkamys, as well as a TomTom navigation system.

The new Latitude can be equipped with either a 139 HP 2.0-liter engine, mated to a CVT gearbox, or a 177 HP 2.5-liter V6, coupled with a six-speed automatic.

The launch schedule is a bit tangled up. The 2011 Renault Latitude will begin appearing in September, in Morocco and Algeria. Afterwards it will be launched in Russia, Ukraine and the rest of Africa. The formal European launch date will be announced at the Paris Motor Show.

Source: Renault

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2011 Renault Latitude revealed in Moscow

After a pretty long investigation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Ford have announced that a recall has been issued, affecting 1998-2003 Ford Windstar minivans.

Around 575,000 models are affected, predominantly those located in the US’ Salt Belt, meaning states where salt is used to melt snow during winter months. This can lead to extra corrosion on the rear axle beams, eventually resulting in the beams snapping under stress.

Ford will be notifying owners in September. The Windstar is still under investigation by the NHTSA over front subframe corrosion issues, also stemming from the use of road salt. The results of that investigation have yet to be revealed.

Source: Ford

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Ford Windstar officially recalled over rear axle corrosion problems