As these spy shots seem to suggest, the right time for a new generation of the iconic Mini Cooper has finally come: currently known by the codename “F56,” these images show us a prototype of the 2014 Mini Cooper caught on camera while undergoing some tests on some European public road. Just a few details are known at the moment, but apparently this new Mini will share its chassis with the next-generation BMW 1-series. Moreover, BMW is considering adding a 3-cylinder option to its usual 4-cylinder line-up.

From our photos, it looks as if the next Mini will come bigger in size than the current generation, adding a bit of width and length. That paintjob surely doesn’t help, but the grille looks a little shorter, and possibly a little wider too, while hood and front overhang also appear to be longer than the current model. However, the possibility that Mini chalked that up in order to fool the onlookers cannot be ruled out. Besides, both front and rear windshields appear to be more raked than the current Mini. Production is expected to start in the first quarter of 2013, with the convertible variant following one year later.

View the2014 brand new Mini Cooper spy shots gallery

We talked about the upcoming Porsche 918 Spyder just a few posts back, and here is the first bunch of spy shots showing us a prototype caught on film while testing in Germany. The pictured model sports the new, almost-definitive livery of the 918 Spyder even though the model is not supposed to make its debut on the markets until the second half of the next year.

Some people consider this car as the spiriutal successor of the iconic Carrera GT (that was listed in Porsche’s line-up some ten years ago) and just like the Carrera GT, the 918 Spyder will have a removable top, that by chance is open in the pictures. As previously stressed out, the 918 Spyder will be a hybrid supercar powered by a 4.6-litre V8 credited with an output of 570 hp, a 109 hp electric motor at the front and a 120 hp electric motor at the rear: in other words, the 918 Spyder is expected to deliver close to or more than 800 hp.

With a price tag expected to be in the 660,000 € area (roughly 530,000 £ / 850,000 $) this will not be the sort of car that you will be able to see at every corner, but since it is believed that only 918 units will be produced, chances are that you will only get to see it live at some motor show next fall and that’s it.

View the full Porsche 918 Spyder spy shots photo gallery

The supercar Marussia B2 is sold-out: all 500 pre-orders have been filled already. The first production of the Russian-designed supercar will start from spring 2013. The B2 shares chassis and mechanics with the B1, but have very different aesthetics. The two supercars also share the same Cosworth-sourced 3.5-litre V6 engine, available with power outputs of 300, 360 and 420 hp. These impressive figures combined with a contained weight of just 1100 kg allow the coupe to burn the 0-100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds.

The following videos have been released by the U.S. division of Mercedes-Benz. There are four clips in which the carmaker of Stuttgart displays the Driving Assistance package present on the next-generation Mercedes ML SUVs. The package includes Active Lane Keeping Assist, the famous Attention Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Pre-Safe Brakes and Distronic Plus.

The first video introduces the Active Lane Keeping Assist a technology that monitors road markings and detect off-course drifting, alerting the driver by a vibration system of the steering wheel. It also helps to detect oncoming traffic from behind. If the driver ignores the warnings, the active technology is able to steer the car back into the right direction.

The second video is about the innovative Attention Assist, the best known and exclusive Mercedes-Benz system. Attention Assist monitors parameters of driving behaviour to establish a pattern, detecting signs of tiredness and drowsiness, which are major hazards for drivers. The system alert the driver with visual and audible warnings.

The Blind Spot Assist, as the name suggests, is a device that assists the driver to detect vehicles in the blind spot area, reducing the danger of collision when turning or changing lanes.

Last but not least are the Pre-Safe and Distronic Plus, systems designed to prevent the risk of impact with vehicles ahead. If the car ahead slows down or stops suddenly, the sensors alert the passengers and apply 40% of braking power to prevent collision. It also tightens the seat belts and automatically close the windows and sunroof to better prepare the occupants before a collision.

It reminds us of the Porsche 917 racer, and this is something that makes its birth even more exciting: the new Porsche 918 Spyder - which the German manufacturer describes as a “super sports car” - is still undergoing testing at the Nardò ring in Italy (as we reported in a previous post) but the news is that the model is finally sporting its real body work, which is thought to be pretty close to what will be the final design of the car.

The model is a sportscar pushed by a plug-in hybrid powertrain that includes a 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine delivering 578 hp and two electric motors: the first one produces 122 hp and is located within the 7-speed automatic gearbox, while the other one, producing 109 hp, is in charge of delivering extra traction to the rear axle. The combined power of these units should provide the model with a total output of about 780 hp, with a maximum torque of 769 Nm that can go up to 948 Nm when in overboost. Impressive numbers that should provide for impressive performance figures: 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of about 3 seconds, 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in about 9 secs and a top speed in the 325 km/h (202 mph). Almost needless to say, this car is bound to set new standards for the whole category.

Porsche claims that the model is currently being tested in order to find a right balance between its electric and mechanical power sources, a compromise solution that would provide the car with its own personality. Besides, the engineers and technicians working on the prototypes are also trying to keep consumption and emissions down to a minimum without affecting its performance, an aspect that they are definitely not overlooking. Other highlights of the model will include a CFRP safety frame, active aerodynamics and two flashy exhaust outlets placed right behind your head: check them out in our pics. The model is expected to debut in its final form in September 2013.

View the Porsche 918 Spyder gallery

A few days have passed since the departure of the legendary designer, racing driver and entrepreneur Carroll Shelby, and we thought it was a good to pay homage to the late genius with a photo gallery picturing some of his best-known models as well as some more obscure but equally impressive masterpiece. With a career spanning over 50 years during which Mark left his mark in motoracing (among other things, he also won the gruelling 24-hour Le Mans race) and in the automotive industry altogether with such cars as the Cobras, the Mustang-based Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT500, the excellent Dodges of the 80s, the Series 1 roadster etc. etc. He’ll be missed.

View the full Carroll Shelby - A tribute photo gallery

Opel/Vauxhall have announced technical details of the new 1.6-litre turbocharged SIDI ECOTEC, the first unit that will soon be replacing the current range of petrol and diesel engines. The 1.6-litre SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) ECOTEC will be manufactured at General Motors Szentgotthardt facility (Hungary) in late 2012. The most powerful version will be delivering 197 hp at 4,700 rpm and 300 Nm from 1,700 rpm. Opel/Vauxhall announces that the new 1.6-litre will have both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduced by 13% compared to the current engine, thanks to direct injection and Start/Stop system.

“In just twelve months we are launching three completely new engine generations. This shows how fast we are introducing new products,” said Karl-Friedrich Stracke, Opel CEO. The new 1.6-litre will be soon joined by other two units, petrol and diesel, although the German carmaker has not revealed any details, yet.

Chevrolet releases the first official image (above) and some basic info of its brand new Trax, a compact SUV that is bound to be unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show (September 29 - October 14) to then enter the European markets in the Spring of 2013. The model comes with a pretty muscular and compact design and will able to accommodate up to 5 people (driver included) with 533 litres of boot capacity (a feature that can go up to 1,372 litres with the rear bench folded).

Chevy doesn’t really like to go public about that, but the Trax descends from General Motor’s B-SUV range, which already enlists both Opel Mokka and Buick Encore in its ranks. The Trax is expected to come with the same engine range as the Mokka, which includes a 1.4-litre petrol engine delivering 138 hp as well as a 1.7-litre turbo-charged diesel unit producing 128 hp. Two and four-wheel drive versions will be offered.

“The Trax provides Chevrolet an entry into a growing small SUV segment and delivers the flexibility, great fuel economy and car-like handling that urban explorers around the world require - said Mary Barra, GM senior vice president of Product Development - After a record sales year in 2011 and a record first quarter, Chevrolet continues to meet customer needs by expanding its portfolio with strong new entries.”

New official videos dedicated to the Toyota GT 86, the latest Japanese sports car built in collaboration with Subaru (that owns a twin sister version of the model, called BRZ). The car boasts an extremely low weight and low center of gravity combined with a 4-cylinder boxer naturally aspirated engine with 200 hp: the perfect recipe to ensure the greatest driving pleasure!

We had a taste of it a week ago and we can tell you it is a product that “works”: soon we will reveal our driving impressions in detail. Meanwhile, if you have any questions about Toyota GT 86, do not hesitate to ask, we are more than happy to answer them.

Mercedes-Benz is currently working on a facelifted version of its own E-Class that is supposed to enter the market next year, and here are a few sneaky pics of its estate variant that our photographers managed to take a few days ago. We can see that the split headlights will actually turn into a single sleeker unit, implying that Mercedes is going to move away from the four-eyes look that was started on the W210 E-Class back in 1995. The LED Day driving lights will be integrated in the headlight unit while both front and rear bumpers will obviously get a restyling too. The rear lights will get new graphics but will still remain in the same shape.

View the Mercedes E-Class facelift spy shots gallery

Aston Martin has released a new video showing the highlights of the history of V12 Zagato. Starting from the DB4GT Zagato, the first vehicle produced by Aston Martin in partnership with Italian carmaker Zagato, the video chronicles the stages of production of the car, including tests carried out by two prototypes competing at the Nurburgring 24 Hours race.

To mark the 50th anniversary of this successful collaboration and to pay tribute to the iconic DB4 GT Zagato, Aston Martin has created the V12 Zagato, a true supercar with a 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine with output rated at 517 hp and 570 Nm of torque.

Performance figures for this car are impressive: acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h is covered in just 4.2 seconds and top speed is 305 km/h. These are the result of excellent balanced suspensions and a specially designed chassis, which allows the car to perform well both on the road and on the track. Production is limited to 150 units only.

Volkswagen will soon put on the market the CrossPolo Urban White, special version of the German compact, featuring a white pearlescent paint, gloss black mirror shells and 17-inch alloy wheels. The interior includes many details in “Silver One” paint on the dashboard and chrome trim on the steering wheel; the sports seats are dressed in cloth and Alcantara, with silver contrast stitching. The car offers a range of four petrol and three diesel engines, mated to a five or six-speed manual transmission or a dual-clutch seven-speed DSG. The model will go on sale in Germany later this year, with a price starting from Euro 18,975.

The good people from German tuner Senner Tuning are mostly known for their work on cars coming from their own homeland, but this time they turned their attention to a jap, the Nissan Juke crossover, and the result is this cool rendition dubbed ‘Candy-Red Tzunamee’. As the name suggests, the model comes with a flashy red paint scheme completed by a bright set of color matching 20″ alloys as well as a pair of wing mirrors made of carbon fibre.

The bright red theme continues in the passenger compartment, where the logo of the tuner can be spotted here and there. Captivating look aside, the most relevant changes are those who affected the mechanical part: the standard 1.6-litre unit of the Juke is credited with an output of about 190 hp with 240 Nm of peak torque, but the modifications performed by Senner Tuner boosted that up to 225 hp with 275 Nm of maximum torque. At the moment, the price-tag for this model is still undisclosed.

Of all the ads or marketing campaigns, this is without doubt one of the most bizarre. Hyundai promotes the i30 as a “family car”, a car that should handle well even the cheekiest mistreatment. So what better way than leaving one car, with the doors open, for 10 hours at the mercy of 40 playful baboons? All this happened at the Knowsley Safari Park near Liverpool. The test proved to be very successful: “For a baboon, to have a car to play with for a whole day is manna from heaven!” said David Ross, Park Manager. “I’ve seen thousands of cars pass through this enclosure, get mobbed by monkeys, and none have lasted the distance as well as this Hyundai.”

Video dedicated to the BMW i8 Spyder Concept, presented for the first time to the public during the last Beijing Motor Show. Here is just a reminder of the main features of the innovative German prototype: it measures 4.48 m in length and 1.92 m in width, in comparison to the four-seat coupe version has a shorter wheel-base and has a folding roof in two sections.

The combined output of its supercharged engine and electric motor is rated at 354 hp. The i8 Spyder Concept accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h and has an average fuel consumption of 3.0 l/100 km, while its range on electric energy alone is 30 km.

The car handles with precision the traction between the front or rear axle, prioritising performance or autonomy according to the driver’s cruising mode selection. There are three different driving modes to choose from: Eco, Pro and Sport. The modular LifeDrive architecture, with CFRP body, integrates the battery inside the central energy tunnel.

The new BMW 4-Series Convertible (or 3-Series convertible, depending on which source you give more credit to) has been caught again by our photographers, and this time we spotted it with its foldable top down. Apparently, the spring has arrived in Germany too as these two guys from BMW thought it was a good idea to go out for a spin with the latest, hottest convertible prototype from the Bavarian manufacturer. Well, we surely agree and appreciated that.

The new BMW 4-Series is being developed on the same platform the latest 3-Series, with the ranges sharing the same engine line-up as well. However, rumor has it that a Coupe and a Convertible version of the 4-Series will come with the engine of the next M3, that is a 3.3-litre 6-cylinder unit credited with an output in the 450 hp region.

Toyota has released a video on the new Venza, displayed at the last New York Auto Show, which shows the main features of the car. The engines range is the same as the previous version: a 2.7-litre four-cylinder unit delivering 181 hp and 246 Nm of torque and the sportier 3.5-litre V6 with an output of 268 hp and 333 Nm. Both versions come with either front or all-wheel drive, coupled to an automatic sequential six-speed transmission.

The updated exterior design boasts a new upper and front grille, new headlights and mirrors, slightly modified bumpers and some chrome accents. The restyled inside features, among other technological solutions, Toyota’s Entune package that integrates your smartphone with the dashboard display.

According to egmcartech site Shelby Performance Parts has announced the production of a new kit for the 2007-2012 GT500, to further increase its already considerable power. The American sports car mounts the all-aluminum 5.4-litre Triton Modular supercharged V8 engine, capable of delivering 558 hp and 693Nm of torque.

The kit includes Shelby- Whipple 3.4L Black Supercharger, a new Competition Heat Exchanger and Competition Intercooler Tank to reduce intake temperature and considerably boost power. The Tuner Kit should give the sports car an extra 300 hp to play with. To remember the Shelby GT500 ModelYear 2013 is pushed by a 5.8-litre V8 engine with output of 650 hp and 813 Nm of torque.

View the full Ford Shelby GT500 photo gallery

Starting from July Pioneer will be introducing two models of car navigation system, AVIC-VH99HUD and AVIC-ZH99HUD, the first technology system that combines augmented-reality (AR) to a head-up display (HUD). A display placed near the sun visor sends a 90 × 30cm image with resolution of 720 × 260 pixels, to the windshield, which is about 3m ahead of the driver. The navigator will display itinerary, road signs, speed limits, points of interest and information related to traffic. Pioneer ensures that the navigation system won’t be displaying any minor information that could compromise the driver’s attention.

Both models are compatible with 70% of existing vehicles and also feature traditional functions, such as DVD player, digital TV tuner and Apple device connectivity. The “Cyber Navi” Navigation System will be on sale in Japan at an expected price of approx £2,500.

The new generation of the Ford Mustang is expected to surface in 2015, and here is a new rendering which has recently surfaced on the internet that some ‘insider’ from the US claims to be pretty close to what the final design of the model will be. The new Mustang is likely to become a global model, meaning it is being designed to meet the tastes of both American and European customers, but it will also retain several elements recalling the previous generations of this popular muscle car. However, according to website Inside Line, at the moment the Blue Oval isn’t really considering the idea of exporting it abroad.

The style of the new model will probably be more aggressive too, with a sleeker and lighter body that should draw some inspiration from what we have seen with the Evos concept. The Detroit-based manufacturer has already confirmed that the overall design and proportions of the model will remain the same (hence the long boot and short tail) whereas the technical contents will be enhanced with the adoption of a lighter frame as well as a fully independent suspension systems, both of which will improve its driving accuracy.

As for the engine range, rumor has it that a brand new supercharged 4-cylinder engine will replace the current V6, ensuring the same kind of performance with much better fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures. Almost needless to say, a classic and powerful V8 will also be part of the game. The definitive version of the next Mustang is likely to make its debut at the 2014 New York Auto Show.

Cadillac had started the development of a new modular platform, with rear-wheel drive, that will be used for the production of large vehicles ranging from E to F-segments. According to Car and Driver, General Motors would like to introduce a new Cadillac flagship with an exclusive dedicated architecture: the Omega platform. The saloon is scheduled for 2015 and will be offered in standard and long wheelbase versions.

The standard engine will be a 3.5-litre V6 with output of 310 hp, also available in supercharged variant along with a V8 engine and a hybrid solution. The current four-speed automatic transmission will be replaced by an all-new and most efficient eight-speed gearbox. The Omega structure could also serve as the basis to build a spectacular four-door convertible anticipated by the Cadillac Ciel.

Toyota is expected to launch a convertible version of the GT 86 between late 2013 and early 2014. To further support the news, Car and Driver has published an article where an official source has finally confirmed recent rumours about Toyota GT 86 Convertible.

The Cabrio version of the GT 86 will probably mount the same 2.0-litre boxer naturally aspirated D4-S developed with Subaru. The power output of 200 hp and 205 Nm is transmitted to the rear wheels via a manual or automatic transmission, both with 6-speed. The power delivered is not of the highest, but the lightness of the car makes it exciting to drive and responsive in every situation, both on the track and on the road.

The GT 86 coupe with manual transmission, sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds achieving a top speed of 226 km/h, while the six-speed automatic model covers the 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, with a maximum speed of 210 km/h.

The worldwide popularity of Chevrolet Camaro’s latest generation surely got some extra boost from having gome a regular feature in the Transformers movies, mainly because the main character got himself one and it can turn into the “Bumblebee” Autobot. In the wake of this successful sci-fi film, Switzerland’s O.CT-Tuning has created a special package for the model specifically dedicated to the “Transformer Edition” Camaro, which was released by the American carmaker to celebrate the success of the saga on the silver screen.

The aesthetics of the car are absolutely loyal to the model starring in the movie directed by Michael Bay, but under its bonnet there’s a spiced-up version of the already frighteneing standard 6.2-litre V8 unit: with the addition of a add a supercharger and a new stainless steel exhaust system, the good guys from O.CT managed to boost its output of 602 hp and 681 Nm (503 lb/ft) of torque up to 630 hp with 730 Nm (538 lb/ft) of peak torque.

However, if you don’t own a Camaro Transfromer Edition, you don’t need to worry as OC.T-Tuning can take care of that too, providing a movie-based paint-job inclusive of Autobot logos on center caps and front quarter panels. Add a set of 20″ black-painted alloys, some black stripes and a flashy high-wing spoiler and there you have it. Flying robot conversion not included.

View the full Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Edition by O.CT-Tuning photo gallery

Remember the Nissan Juke-R, the experiment of automotive engineering that has transformed the tame Juke into a monster with 545 hp capable of reaching a speed of 257 km/h? After presenting it in Dubai, the Japanese carmaker decided to produce the super crossover in very limited edition at a price of around £365,000.

The website Inside Line has quoted David Reuter, vice president of Nissan Americas, who explained how the model will be produced on a build-to-order basis at a cost of $ 590,000. “It is intended for serious collectors and investors who want to own a true original, an innovative project that will only be created in extremely small numbers.”

The Juke’s body was heavily modified to accommodate the engine and chassis of the supercar Nissan GT-R my2012. The first models will be delivered late this summer.

The production of the Dodge Dart, American saloon based on the same platform of Alfa Romeo Giulietta, has started. The video released by Chrysler shows the first model out of the assembly line at its Belvidere’s plant in Illinois. The population of this area is particularly grateful to Fiat, because without Dart the factory would have risked closure.

In the States there are great expectations for this promising car, which is already seen as a commercial success, thanks to its 1.4-litre turbo engine of Italian origins, although many would like to see a sportier version, maybe with larger wheels, side skirts and a 2.4-litre engine. The price of the base model is $ 15,995 and it will be launched in five trim levels. The car will be available in showrooms from next month.