Since RR Ghost shares the same rear-wheel drive platform as the F01 7 Series model, the implementation of BMW’s ActiveHybrid technology found in the 7 Series can simply the development process.

In the current configuration, Ghost is powered by a  6.2-liter V12 563 horsepower, 575 lb-ft gasoline engine. The hybrid system will add an electric motor in a mild hybrid application, with no electric only propulsion possible. The automatic start-stop system developed by BMW will also come into play to further reduce fuel consumption.

The electric motor, which will be rated at 27 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque, will be mated to the Ghost’s 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and run on a small 0.6kW/h lithium-ion battery pack mounted in the trunk. Kinetic energy created during overrun and braking will be collected and stored in the battery.

The Ghost hybrid will forget all about the traditional alternator and the engine will be started by the 20kW electric motor.

Same as the numbers announced for the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, the fuel consumption will be improved by around 15 percent.

No word on when the Rolls Royce Ghost hybrid will be available, but we expect the development and testing process to last a few more years.

[Source: Autocar ]

After a discussion with Albert Biermann, head of development at M Division, Autocar UK reports that the decision was influenced by BMW’s aggressive plans to cut fuel consumption as part of the EfficientDynamics programme.

“We’ve been forced to switch to an engine offering greater low-end torque than the naturally aspirated engine to ensure it can cope with the longer axle ratio,” Biermann said. “It’s the only real way we can balance achieving the environmental improvements we want while retaining similar levels of performance to today’s car.”

Could this be a concern? Sure, but if all the past rumors come true, BMW’s use of new technology and even a KERS system will put the new M5 ahead of the current model, both in performance and fuel efficiency. Biermann estimates a 20% cut in CO2 emissions.

Since not all the details can be revealed way ahead of its launch time, the mystery around the engine used remains large. Based on our sources’ reports and what other magazines reported, a V8 twin-turbo engine is the powerplant of choice in the new F10 M5. Output? Unknown, but we expect higher than the 555 ponies outputted by the X5 M and X6 M.

Biermann gets into more details regarding the turbocharged vs. naturally aspirated powerplant. While the 500 horsepower from the current V10 comes at 7,750 rpm, the V8’s highest output should come before 6,000 rpm. But then we have the impressive torque coming from a turbocharged engine. Biermann indicates a 30% increase in torque, so that gives the new M5 around 500 lb-ft of torque at very low rpm.

The added power and V8 turbocharged engine requires additional cooling capacity and current test mules, seen in previous spy photos, are focusing on cooling solutions. The process is still at an early stage.

In the past, we reported that two gearboxes were being considered, an updated 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DCT) or a more advanced 8-speed SMG. Although we cannot confirm this at the moment, Autocar reports that the M5 will also get a new gearbox, a beefed-up version of the current M3’s 7-speed DCT. The gearbox was featured last week on the M5 “CSL” at the 25th anniversary event at Nurburgring.

Even though a hybrid model is being considered in the 5 Series line-up, the M5 will not be featuring any sort of hybrid system due to the extra weight would add to the car. Another significant change in the next M5, is the control-arm front suspensions that will replace the MacPherson Struts and at the rear. This will be a multi-link layout.

With a car growing in size, a new large engine, M5’s weight concerns are being addressed by using plenty of carbon fiber design elements. The newly unveiled wind tunnel in Munich will play an important role in the aerodynamics of the new M5. Autocar states that the car will get Active Aerodynamics, which blanks off parts of the grille and cooling intakes during warm-up and under light throttle load.

The F10 M5 will continue to feature different levels of ride comfort, leaving the choice to the driver.

Once again confirming some our previous reports on the new technology available in the next BMW M5, Biermann mentions a new, fully electric power steering that offers similar levels of response and feedback to today’s hydraulic set-up.

The F10 BMW M5 will launch a year after the regular 5 Series models and the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show would be the perfect venue.

[Source: Autocar ]

As we reported several times in the past, the “Supersports” model is based on the next generation 1 Series, more exactly, on the 135i Coupe. The car would compete with the Audi S3 and the UK pricing is rumored to start around £32,000.

An M division source somewhat confirms our previous statements: BMW needs to offer a new car for its enthusiasts, something that will replace the so-missed M1. With them moving towards smaller, more efficient cars, it is only wise to develop a super sporty car based on a 1 Series platform.

“We’re conscious that our existing customers are gravitating towards larger and more expensive models such as the X5/X6 M,” said an M division source. “We’re looking at ways to attract new customers to the brand, and an entry-level model is part of those plans.”

The newly appointed M Division boss, Dr. Kay Segler is said to be the biggest admirer of this project. In his past at MINI, Dr. Segler oversaw the Coopers and Cooper S Works development.

The 1 Series SuperSport will differentiate from the regular BMW 135i with the Performance Package, by adding upgraded performance parts. The Supersport will be limited to the Coupe body style and it will use lightweight materials, such as Carbon Fiber Roof, hood or bootlid, lightweight glass.

BMW 135i SuperSports will be powered by a tuned up version of the many times award winning 6 cylinder twin-turbo engine. Autocar hints at around 330 horsepower, but we certainly know that the turbocharged 3.0 liter engine has even more potential.

Autocar’s source also touched on the “touchy” subject of a future BMW supercar, a debate that has been going on in the BMW community for quite some time now. “Such a project would fit nicely with our operations and would be greatly accepted by the engineers. But the priority right now is a more affordable model underneath the M3.”

Disappointing? Maybe, but we won’t read much into it. BMW’s latest Vision Concept showed us what the “future supercar” could look like.

[Source: Autocar ]

We’ve been sitting on some information for weeks now since we promised our sources that we won’t reveal anything until its official launch, but several online forums are reporting new information today. As we heard as well, the “CSL-like” M3 will NOT carry the CSL name, but rather use GT4 or simply GT naming convention. The car will be revealed sometimes this month.

In the mean time, here are some new information, courtesy of M3post:

Name

* It won’t be called M3 CSL.
* Instead, BMW will either call it “M3 GT4 Street” or “M3 GT”.

Engine | Drivetrain

* Naturally aspirated engine with an increased displacement of 4,400 cc (based on the S65).
* At least 450 hp, likely more. (445 HP)
* No information regarding KERS (KERS will likely debut in the F10 M5)
* 7 speed DCT only, no manual transmission.
* ‘State of the art’ exhaust system, but not Akrapovic.- (ARVIN MERITOR /w/200-cell race cats and 2 resonators)

Chassis | Brakes | Aerodynamics:

* Brembo brakes (6 pistons front – 4 pistons rear) with steel brake discs. (365mm front, 345mm rear SLOTTED DISCS) Ceramic composite brakes optionally available.
* Weight reduction of 100 kg (220 lbs) compared to E92 M3, maybe even more. (due to the removal of the rear seat and the switch to lighter RECARO front race seats)
* Available as a 2 seater. However, rear seats are optionally available.
* Rollbars standard (there’s a delete option).
* Adjustable front splitter. (made of ABS plastic)
* Adjustable mechanical suspension, no EDC. (SACHS)
* 25 mm lower compared to E92 M3
* Same width as the E92 M3.
* Fantastic new wheels. (BBS lightweight cast flow formed MESH)
* New ’state of the art’ seats. (RECARO)

General information

* Nurburgring laptime: 7:40 min
* Not available through BMW dealer network, but directly from BMW Motorsport.
* Street legal (of course).
* Exclusively painted in Inka Orange (a hommage to early BMW race and sports cars). Availability of other colors at a later date.
* The car was tested secretly in France and on a private race track (likely Miramas).
* It will compete with the 911 GT3.
* Limited Production (some report 25 units per year).
* Price: Unknown, but less than the price for an 911 GT3. ($110,000 EUROS)

(NOT AVAILABLE IN THE U.S.A.)

In Europe, the entry level model is the 530d GT that has the latest generation of 3.0-liter diesel. The engine outputs 241bhp of power at 4000rpm and 398lb ft of torque from 1750 to 3000rpm.

Today, Autocar UK reports that BMW is considering adding a 4-cylinder engine to the 5 Series GT fleet with the scope of offering a more affordable entry level luxurious model.

The engine would come from the 320d model which provides over 50 mpg on the combined cycle.

“We are looking at the twin-turbo diesel and are likely to see that soon,” said the car’s product manager, Michelle Roberts, “nothing is confirmed yet but a four-cylinder diesel is also being looked into.”

In the UK, the BMW 530d GT currently sells for around £40,000.

In the U.S., BMW will initially launch the 550i GT followed by the 535i GT model next year.

To substitute the lack of spy shots, several renderings artists have been putting their skills to use in creating some new renders of what they believe the next 6 Series would look like. While the previous computer generated images were all based on the CS Concept design language, this latest image takes an unique approach, despite some Z4 design influences.

But what do we really know about the next 6 Series?

Well, for starters, it will come in three flavors: Coupe, Convertible and the almighty M6. Also, the 2011 BMW 6 Series is slightly longer and wider than the current generation. The overall 6 Series appearance will carry over, BMW has mentioned that the new 6 will be evolutionary and keeping the premium sport car image from the current model. As signaled by BMW’s new CS concept, the automaker will be abandoning its awkward trunk design features in favor of a more streamlined design. It will have shorter overhangs and a lower roofline which implicitly gives the car a more muscular look.

The headlights will resemble in some ways the ones from the CS Concept, which is good news for the die hard CS fans. We also expect a larger than usual front-grille, a trend seen in the latest models.

The 2011 6-Series will offer more legroom for rear passengers. At the same time, it will get a sportier cockpit with a more driver oriented console layout, a trend seen in the most recent BMW models or concepts.

To give us even more hope, according to BMW North American CEO, Jim O’Donnell, the next next 6-series coupe and convertible will be radically different from the current cars’ styling. He agrees that the current 6-Series is very polarizing due to the “Bangle butt” it carries, but the redesigned 6er, will be a “super sleek” vehicle.

Best-looking BMW in years, says U.S. chief.

Before we dive into these news, keep in mind that these are just simply rumors and speculations at this point, and we have not heard anything else through different channels, but it is still our duty to report them.

A year ago, BMW announced the cancellation of the highly awaited BMW CS, the concept that made waves ever since its unveiling at the Shanghai Motor Show.

More recently, some sporadic rumors came afloat mentioning a possible revival of the CS Concept, but branded under a different name. One rumor refers to the CS as the 7 Series CS or even 8 Series, a vehicle built on the same platform as the F01 models.

To make things even more confusing, in 2008, the news of a BMW 8 Series GT kept the headlines of several auto publications, but BMW never confirmed or denied the news.

Huckfeldt has been known for years as someone close to BMW sources, but his design renderings have not always been spot on and looking at the image below, we believe it’s simply a design exercise rather than being based on actual facts.

It will be interesting to follow the news in the next days and see if anyone confirms or denies the article on Autobild.

[Source: Autobild ]

The folks over at MotorAuthority posted a few spy shots of a BMW M3 Coupe with race car elements. Back in July, the new head of M Division, Dr. Kay Segler, hinted on a street-version of the current M3 GT4 racecar. In May, the BMW M3 GT4 made its debut at the legendary Nurburging endurance race.

These latest spy photos reveal some racing elements: front bumper with larger air intakes and rear wing.

Now here is where it gets more interesting. Some websites are reporting that the car seen in these photos is also testing the KERS system that will be implemented in the new M5 as well. So, are we really looking at the GT4 or an upgrade to the M3 Coupe?

This is definitely a story to keep an eye on and we’re hoping to hear more soon.

[Photos: MotorAuthority ]

The so-called “BMW 0-Series”, a naming convention that we find hard to believe it will ever see the daylight, will be based on the third-generation MINI platform, therefore, it will be a front-wheel drive car. Internally the project is refered as UKL1, short for Untere Kompactklasse, and is scheduled for a market release in 2013.

0-Series will slot between the new 1 Series and MINI, and will directly competing with aforementioned Audi A1 and Mercedes A-Class.

The “0-Series” will supposedly come in three different body styles: a three-door hatch, five-door hatch and a two-seat roadster. Power would come from brand new 3 and 4 cylinder engines, a measure of compliance with the latest fuel efficiency requirements.

To speculate even further, the magazine mentions that the BMW 0-series will likely be built at the MINI plant in Oxford, U.K.

We’re classifying this as a rumor at this point, but there were plenty of reports in the past suggesting a similar vehicle. We also know that BMW’s plans tend to change quite often and also, the 0 Series naming convention does not make sense from a marketing perspective.

[Source: Jalopnik ]

The M1, if indeed will carry that badge, is rumored to be based on the recently unveiled Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. According to the UK fellas at AutoExpress, the M1 is rumored to have ultra-low ride height, active aerodynamics and an aggressive rear end, similar to the Vision Concept. Inside, the two-plus-two seating will remain intact, but latest gadgetry will be incorporated: digital dash, multimedia connectivity and an advanced version of the the iDrive.

The focus of the new BMW M1 will be on performance and efficiency, even if some comfort levels will need to be sacrificed. The already functional hybrid system found in the Vision Concept, the 3-cylinder 1.5-liter hybrid engine with electric motors and 356 horsepower/590 pound-feet of torque, is also rumored to power the BMW supercar.

With improved aerodynamics and light weight materials as seen on the Vision Concept, the future BWM supercar could achieve the 3.8-second 0-to-60-mph time advertised by BMW in the Vision Concept.

So far BMW has not officially acknowledged the the car, but more and more car magazines are starting to speculate.

Could a new BMW M1 be in works? We definitely hope so, but we’re afraid to invest any emotions in it at this point so we won’t get disappointed as we did with the beautiful CS Concept.

[Photo Source: Edmunds ]

Even though further details have been locked up in the BMW Motorsport vault, InsideLine mentions the use of the 4.4 liter engine which debuted in the BMW X5 M and X6 M earlier this year. The twin-scroll engine, with technology patented by BMW, develops 555 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. It is unclear though if BMW is looking to increase the power in the sport luxury sedan.

The current powerful 5.0 liter V10 engine is being phased out in favor of turbocharged powerplants available across most of the BMW  fleet. Since the news haven’t been yet confirmed by a second source, we advise you to take this with a grain of salt. We’ve also learned in the past few months that BMW was testing two engine options in the M5, the current 4.4 liter V8 and an experimental V10 turbo engine based on the V8 with two extra cylinders added.

Quoting the same source, InsideLine confirm our suspicions on a different model: a Gran Turismo version of the 3 Series will be available in 2011.

If the cat is really out of the bag, we would learn more in the upcoming weeks.

[Source: Edmunds ]

We’ve seen in the past some interesting renderings, some more successful than others and today, we’re returning with one more.

The german magazine Auto Motor und Sport takes another shot at this and publishes a rear-end rendering of the next 5er. From the beginning, we have to say that we disagree with the design lines illustrated by them and looking at the most recent spy photos, we can clearly see some differences between them.

This still doesn’t stop us from sharing the photos with you and allow you to comment on it.

We’ve already inquired about the rendering shown above and our suspicions have been confirmed: rear-end design lines…still OFF!

In the next couple of months, the test mules will start to lose more of their camouflage and we’re going to have a better idea of what to expect from the rear-end design. Could the taillights be an evolution of the current model? A combination of 3 Series with 5 GT taillights?

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport ]

The electric variant considered is based on the flagship model Phantom and the extra weight added by the lithium-ion battery pack is less of a concern for the automaker since the Phantom already weighs around 2,680 kg(5,800 lbs). The battery happens to be the same technology used in the electric Mini E.

While the idea of an electric Rolls Royce sounds intriguing, there are several shortcomings to this solution, the biggest one being the driving range between charges. As Auto Express points out as well, a hybrid version may be more suitable, similar to the technology found in the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept.

Rumors of a Rolls Royce electric vehicle go back as 2008, but despite the plausible news, we’re still not sold on the idea nor holding our breath. To top it off, the recharging infrastructure needed for electric powered vehicles is still in early development phases.

[Source: Auto Express ]

The M1 is rumored to have ultra-low ride height, active aerodynamics and an aggressive rear end, similar to the Vision Concept. Inside, the two-plus-two seating will remain intact, but latest gadgetry will be incorporated: digital dash, multimedia connectivity and an advanced version of the the iDrive.

The focus of the new BMW M1 will be on performance and efficiency, even if some comfort levels will need to be sacrificed.

As far as power, the engine seen in the Vision Concept will power the new M1: the 3-cylinder 1.5-litre hybrid engine with electric motors.

AutocarExpress says that “to make the most of this raw speed, the M1 will be equipped with BMW’s Air Curtain system. This arrangement channels airflow through the front bumper and out ahead of the front wheels. It reduces turbulence in the wheelarches and cuts the car’s drag coefficient to 0.22Cd – the lowest of any BMW. Subtle folds in the bodywork will also create downforce without the need to use large spoilers.”

One of their sources also confirmed our previous statements, the new hybrid engine is virtually production ready, along with the DCT gearbox already used in the M3. ““Our DCT gearbox – already available in the M3 – offers quick shifts, and the new car’s chassis is a piece of art. Crucially, it’s ready for the road.”

The source also suggested that this will an Audi R8 rival, so prices are expected to be in the same range.

Our take on this: for months now, BMW has denied the future plans of an M1 vehicle, sources close to the company said that a 135i Supersport version, with M1-like characteristics, will be available in the near future. Recently, there have been more news regarding a future Z model based on the Vision Concept, some mentioning a Z2, Z9 or even Z10 roadster. At this point, we can’t really speculate further, we’re trying to see if we can shed some light on this, so we will let you know as soon as we hear something.

It is also known that, in the past, BMW has drastically changed their future plans, so we wouldn’t be surprised if the widely positive press and reactions the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept received, might have influenced their decision to build an M1 supercar.

[Source: AutoExpress ]

Rumors go even further mentioning that the Alpina X1 should be powered by an inline six-cylinder Diesel engine, either turbocharged or twin-turbo.

Since these news rumors came from a single source, we won’t read much into them, but we would like to focus more on the question if an Alpina model based on the X1 would really make sense for them. Will an X Sports Activity Vehicle fit their brand?

There is no doubt that Alpina can build high-performance cars, we’ve seen this in their long history and more recently with the new  B7, B6, B3 or D3, but can the smaller and apparently, fun to drive, X1 be brought up to their performance standards?

Sporting more dynamics design lines, having smaller overall dimensions than any other X model and already showing great performance in test drives, in our opinion, the X1 can be a good candidate for an Alpina model.

Several months later and Automobile Magazine does a follow up story on the BMW Z10 and brings upfront more inside information from the Munich based automaker. The Z10 is being engineered as a coupe and a roadster and with a target weight of 3,300 lbs. While the original plans included the powerful twin-turbo V8, recent developments shifted the strategy towards efficiency and a smaller, but still powerful six cylinder 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine is in the game.

Outputting 450 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, the new engine will be matted to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Unfortunately we couldn’t confirm these allegations and we have to admit that we will be very impressed if BMW will manage to squeeze out that much power out of the 3.0 liter engine. The 450 horsepower could indeed be achieved with the use of a hybrid system that could have one or two electric motors.

Automobile Mag continues to speculate that a lighter and more compact twin-turbo V6 is being tested by BMW as well.

As seen in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept as well, the Z10 will feature cutting-edge elements, including carbon-fiber, magnesium chassis parts and lots of aluminum panels. To improve efficiency, a thermal-management system will preheat the lubricants with exhaust gas and it will restrict internal airflow.

Positioned above the M5, the Z10 would be priced in the $110,000 range, but we shouldn’t expect to see the first road model until 2014.

Our advice is to take these news with a grain of salt since we weren’t able to confirm the story ourselves.

[Source: Automobile Mag ]

The bi-directional collaboration mentions BMW’s plans to use the Toyota iQ platform for its upcoming  iSetta model, the micro electric car part of Project i.

At the same time, Toyota is looking at the MINI Coupe and Roadster platform for their future model variants.

For several reasons, we still believe these are simple rumors at this point. Toyota already has access to similar MINI platforms in their Subaru and Daihatsu brands. Naturally, the questions of cost savings comes in play and would it make sense for Toyota to use the MINI platform?

In the past few months, several other rumors surrounding BMW and its Project i have surfaced. There were several reports on BMW’s talks with Daimler, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Peugeout, but nothing has been confirmed to this date.

Aston Martin has already arranged a similar deal with Toyota to use the iQ as the basis for its Cygnet micro car.

[Source: Autocar | InsideLine | Autoblog ]

The current X3 sales have exceeded their expectations throughout the years, but there is still room for improvement. Moving up in size, will allow the X3 to be positioned at the level of the first X5 model, but at a lower price.

Several test mules have been already spotted in Europe and on U.S. soil, but as usual, the funky camouflage hides the fine details, opening  the door for more speculations and rumors. Sources close to BMW came to clear some of the mystery around the 2011 BMW X3 and also to provide new information: X3 Hybrid…anyone?? X3 M?

The “kicked-up” window line that first saw the light of day in the X3 will be evident as it is now an X3 characteristic and a design element that will be associated with the X3. Although the current car has earned a lot of bad response because of this feature . The new sloping roof on the X3 begins a better interpretation of this feature. As the roof slopes downwards the glasshouse rises to give a quarter light that is more like the kicked up shape as seen on the new X1.

The next X3 will be a very huge moment for BMW because it will be launched in the market aimed at customers who want a really dynamic SAV. The weekend car to the daily 3er and by that the customer should not miss out on an engaging drive.
As seen with the X1 we are not offering the latest Turbo charged Six Cylinder this will be featured in the X3 because of it’s more unique positioning.

Later after the launch BMW will introduce an Active Hybrid X3 which will use a mid-line diesel powerplant, but further down the line BMW will adapt in petrol or diesel , a six cylinder, four cylinder, and a three cylinder to a hybrid drivetrain for use in the 1er and 3er and their variants. By 2015 every core BMW model will have either a full or mild hybrid and that is across the core range.

The X3 will be eagerly awaited because of BMW’s decision to entirely base the new X3 on the next generation platform that will be found underneath the 3er. Will there be an X3 M? it all depends on market response but BMW are now cultivating “Sub Brands” such as seen on the 320d ED.

BMW will wait till the cars response which could see a portfolio of models strictly under “Efficient Dynamics” , The Tri-Turbo diesel which is on the radar could be sold under a sub brand similar to (but not under) BMW M to distinguish these performance diesels from their regular counterparts.

Just a few weeks ago, the internet “erupted” when so-called leaked photos of a slightly covered BMW Concept model were revealed. Speculations began, renderings started to flow, but BMW quickly shuttered everyone’s dreams: the spied car was simply a five-year old design study.

Well, to add some more fuel on the fire, quoting unnamed sources, Auto Express UK brings up a new story rumor: the four-dour coupe concept to launch at Frankfurt will be powered by a three-cylinder turbo engine and a hybrid drivetrain.

Auto Express refers to the design of this concept as being a mix of classic BMW design cues and a modern, aggressive coupe shape, and the future upturn front-grille that will debut in other models as well.

The name for this concept? Well, we heard Vision Z Concept….still….but AutoExpress refers to it as the EfficientDynamics Vision, a more pompous name. The concept will return to the “shark nose” approach and MIGHT give a first glimpse  of the new 2011 6 Series.

We weren’t unable to confirm the story ourselves and we’re still sticking by the Vision Z name, but what we do know for sure is that three-cylinder engines are currently in development, units inspired from the Motorrad engines. In the past we also learned that a future BMW concept will feature a new transmission that is developed based on the technology from BMW’s motorrad division.

In about three weeks, we will be able to FINALLY separate the rumors from the truth and it will be interesting to compare the notes from various sources and past stories. But as usual, we do expect some leaked information prior to the show, so stay tuned for your daily BMW pill.

[Rendering and news by Auto Express ]

Two independent sources have somewhat confirmed that next week, MINI will unveil their first crossover: Countryman. We’re keeping this article at at the “rumor level” since we weren’t able to get an exact release date nor if the official name will remain as Countryman rather than the Crossman which was mentioned many times in the past.

With an official launch scheduled for Frankfurt, MINI is looking to create some buzz before the large European motor show. The R60 Countryman will be offered standard with a four seater configuration, but some markets will get the five seat option.

The MINI Crossover, which is larger than the Clubman, will be first production MINI to measure more than 4 meters in length. Expect its exterior dimensions to be similar to the concept measuring around 4,050mm (159.5-in.) in length, 1,830mm (72.0-in.) in width and 1,598mm (62.9-in.) in height.

It is also expected to have a relatively low ride height and it will be available both with the regular front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive which is rumored to have been imported from BMW models.

The general misconception was that the MINI Countryman will share some of its engines with the X1, but instead the new MINI crossover will focus on improving their existing range of engines. There is still hope that the turbocharged 2.0 liter diesel might actually make its way into the line-up.

MINI Countryman will debut at Frankfurt Auto Show with sales commencing later in 2010 and there are no indications at this moment when North American sales will begin.

Stay tuned for upcoming information on the MINI crossover!

[Photo by Worldcarfans ]