Ford Shows the Merits of the B-MAX's Pillarless Design

Another day, another round of photos of the new Ford B-MAX. This time, the Blue Oval enlisted the help of one of its European designers, Erika Tsubaki, to demonstrate the advantages of the hidden pillars and sliding doors when it comes to accessing the small MPV's interior at its UK unveiling in London today.

Ford managed to do away with the central pillars by reinforcing the rear-hinged doors, which are made of special ultra-high-strength steels providing up to five times the strength of conventional mild steel.

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Poll: What do You Think about the Euro 2012 Camaro's Redesigned LED Taillights?

If you hop over the break and take a close look at the 90 pictures of the European-specification 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe and Convertible, you'll probably notice a few things that are different from the North American models - and no, we're not talking about the welcome presence of attractive women in some shots.

First and foremost, the Euro Camaro gets a redesigned pair of LED tail lamps. It's not only the addition of LED units that make them look different but also their shape, which kind of reminds us of sunglasses.

Those of you with flawless memory will remember seeing the revised tail lamps in our Nürburgring spy shots of the Camaro back in 2010.

Other differences include the diffuser-mounted reflectors at the back; the noticeably larger mirrors that look like someone pasted Dumbo's ears on the Camaro's doors (apparently, so you can detect those miniature ForTwos creeping up on you on the highway) and the more modern fonts on the instrument panel gauges that are placed outwards.

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Mazda Takeri Concept to Make European Debut in Geneva – New Mega Gallery with 82 Photos

We saw the new Mazda Takeri concept for the first time at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon last December and now the mid-size sedan will be making its European debut at at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show.

What's special about the Takeri is that it isn't one of those fantasy concept models that will go away after hitting the motor show scene as it previews the styling of the next Mazda6 range, expected in 2013.

The Takeri is the latest Mazda concept to adopt the Japanese firm's "KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme after the production CX-5 SUV and the Shinari sports sedan study showcased at Geneva last year.

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BMW Reveals 2013 M6 Coupe and Convertible with 560HP Bi-Turbo V8 [30 Photos]

The famous M badge returns to BMW's 6-Series range with the official unveiling of the new M6 Coupe and Convertible models ahead of their world premieres at the Geneva Salon in March and the New York Auto Show in April respectively.

Not surprisingly, at the heart of the M6 lies the same 4.4-liter V8 engine with two twin-scroll turbochargers found in the latest M5 sedan with the internal designation S63Tü.

Just as it does in the M5 saloon, the eight-cylinder unit produces an output of 560-horses (412kW) between 5,750 and 7,000 rpm, and a peak torque of 680Nm (502lb-ft) between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. BMW also tells us that the rev limiter intervenes at 7,200 rpm.

All that power is transferred to the road through a standard 7-speed M-Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT) and BMW's Active M Differential which optimizes power transfer between the rear wheels. Down the line, the Bavarian automaker may also offers a 6-speed manual gearbox in the United States like it did with the new M5.

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Powerplay: Audi Unleashes New TT RS Plus Coupe and Roadster with 360-Horses

Evidently, every little bit of power matters for Audi, which has just lifted the covers off a new version of the TT RS featuring some subtle mechanical and styling upgrades. The new model is called the TT RS Plus and will be available in both Coupe and Roadster formats.

At the heart of the new flagship TT lies a modestly beefed up version of the regular RS' 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that gains 20PS (20bhp) more power and 15Nm (11.06 lb-ft) more torque lifting output to 360PS (355bhp) and 465Nm (342.97 lb-ft). A new sound flap promises to improve the five-pot's aural beat.

Like the model it is based upon, customers can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission that comes with a launch control function to optimize acceleration from a standing start. Power is channeled to all four wheels through Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

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New Vauxhall Combo Goes on Sale in the UK, will Come to North America as a Ram

The latest generation of the Fiat Doblo van has the fairly unique (but not sole) distinction of being offered more or less unchanged by several different auto brands. These include Opel and its sister company in the UK, Vauxhall, and starting from early 2013, the Chrysler Group's Ram Truck division will also offer the van in North America.

For the time being though, Vauxhall has launched sales of the New Combo in Britain. The light commercial vehicle is available with a choice of four diesel units ranging from a 1.3-liter CDTi with 89bhp (90PS) to a 2.0-liter CDTi delivering 133bhp (135PS).

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First Official Photos of 2013 Acura ILX Sedan and RDX Crossover

We don't have to wait until Wednesday for the 2012 Chicago Auto Show to open its doors to the press to see what the production versions of Acura's 2013 ILX compact sedan and RDX crossover look like as the Japanese carmaker has just released the first official photos.

As we expected, the transition from concept to production didn't bring many changes on either model, just some minor tweaks to the bumper trims and the placing of smaller and less extravagant alloy wheels.

Starting with the ILX, while based on the current Civic, Acura has made considerable efforts to differentiate the compact model from its Honda sibling, both inside and out. Acura says that the primary target customers for the ILX are "Generation Y- successful 20 and 30-somethings moving into the luxury car ranks but looking for high-value propositions in their purchases."

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Nissan Unveils Subtly Facelifted 370Z Ahead of the Chicago Auto Show [27 Photos + Video]

Less than 24 hours before the grand opening of the 2012 edition of the Chicago Auto Show and Nissan has lifted the covers off its mildly updated 370Z sports car that goes on sale in the U.S. next June as a 2013 model.

The changes on all configurations of the 370Z including the Coupe, Roadster and the NISMO edition are extremely subtle.

Starting with the Coupe and Roadster, on the outside, you'll probably notice the revised front bumper that gains vertical LED daytime running lights in a similar position that the older 350Z featured reflectors.

Nissan's designers also added a red reflector to the rear fascia that replaces the previous black center cover. The regular coupe now rides on newly designed 18-inch wheels while the Sport Package equipped models gain revised 19-inch alloys, red-finish brake calipers, and what Nissan describes as "Euro-tuned" shock absorbers.

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New 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG with up to 550HP Priced from $95,865

The all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG will arrive in U.S. showrooms this March with a starting price of $95,865, which includes an $875 destination charge.

The base model features a 5.5-liter bi-turbocharged V8 engine rated at 518HP and 516 lb-ft. Even though these numbers represent an increase of 15HP and 44 lb-ft over its predecessor, the new ML63 AMG's combined fuel economy of 16 mpg is 33 percent lower.

If you need more power, Mercedes offers an optional AMG Performance Package that boosts output to 550HP and maximum torque to 560 lb-ft.

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Limited Run Audi R8 GT Spyder Priced at $210,000*, Only 50 Coming to the States

The most exclusive and powerful version of the Audi R8 Spyder has arrived in the States. All in all, the Ingolstadt-based automaker will hand-build 333 examples of the R8 GT Spyder, 50 of which are destined for the U.S., each carrying an MSRP of $210,000 (€163,300), not including a $1,200 destination and delivery fee or local taxes.

What you get for the price of a family house in some states such as Ohio, is a lighter and more powerful version of the R8 V10 Spyder.

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New BMW ActiveHybrid 5 Priced from $61,845, Nearly $10k more than the 535i [130 Photos]

If you want a little more power (but slightly worse performance) and a little better fuel economy and don't mind paying US$9,345 over the price of a regular 535i, then you may want to take a look at BMW's new ActiveHybrid 5 sedan.

If you live in Europe or in any other region where BMW offers diesel variants of the 5-Series, then you're probably better off with one of those models – we'll explain why later on.

BMW today announced that the ActiveHybrid 5 will go on sale in the States in March with a base MSRP of $61,845 (€47,800), which includes an $895 destination and handling fee.

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Meet the Booth Models of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show

While there's nothing new to report from the automotive front at the 2012 edition of the ongoing Qatar Motor Show, which ends on January 28, we do have a fresh assortment of photos of the other kind of models we usually find at all auto shows.

If the opening photo piqued your interest, head on past the break for our high-res gallery and hope you enjoy our selection.

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Chevy Drops New Photo Gallery of Camaro ZL1 Coupe and Convertible Models

General Motors has decided to share with us a fresh batch of photos of the next chapter in the Chevrolet Camaro's ongoing 21st century rebirth, the ZL1 series, which will soon launch in both Coupe and Convertible flavors.

The Camaro ZL1 Coupe was first introduced to the public nearly a year ago at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, and it will arrive in U.S. dealerships this spring as a 2012 model with a starting price of $54,995 (€43,000).

It’s Convertible brethren will join in later in the summer as a 2013 model with pricing to be announced closer to the launch date, though if Chevrolet keeps the same pricing policy as the regular open-top versions, buyers should expect a $5,000 to $6,000 premium over the coupe model.

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Renault Launches Refreshed 2012 Scenic and Grand Scenic MPVs in Europe [47 Photos]

Renault has dropped a slew of photos of its updated five-seater Scenic and 7-seater Grand Scenic minivans as the company prepares to launch the range across Europe.

Named the Scenic and Grand Scenic Collection 2012, the regular and long-wheelbase versions of Europe's best-selling compact MPV enter the new model year with revised front-end looks and upgraded cabin trim and upholstery finishes while the French carmaker also added two new engines to the range.

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Volkswagen Drops New Photos and Videos of its Facelifted CC

On the occasion of the European press launch of the facelifted CC in Southern France this week, Volkswagen released a fresh batch of pictures and videos of its mid-size model.

The CC, which made its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November, will first go on sale in Germany and Luxembourg in the beginning of February, followed by the rest of Europe at the end of the same month, and then globally, including America, Russia and Asia in spring 2012.

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Ssangyong Introduces New Korando Sports in South Korea

The South Korean maker known for building some of the ugliest production cars in recent times, Ssangyong, has launched the production version of the SUT 1 Concept model that premiered in Geneva last year in its home market.

The new Korando Sports, which replaces the Actyon Sports – one of Ssangyong's "lookers" we told you about, is a four-door SUV with a pickup truck bed described by the Korean company as a leisure utility vehicle (LUV).

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New 2013 Porsche Boxster: 80 Photos, Videos and Online Configurator

Last night, Porsche lifted the covers off its all-new Boxster that will make its official world premiere at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.

The two-seater roadster model will arrive in European dealerships in early April with a starting price of €48,291 (US$61,500) in Germany, followed by the U.S. later this summer with prices beginning from US$49,500 (€38,900).

The skinny on the third generation of the Boxster is that it's longer and wider, but at the same time lighter than the outgoing model, thanks to the new aluminum body and revised chassis, while it launches with a new 265HP 2.7-liter flat-six for the base model and a tweaked 3.4-liter unit with 315HP for the Boxster S.

A cleaner look with styling cues borrowed from the 918 Spyder Concept and an upgraded interior with more space and a more mature design, along with a fully automatic cloth top complete the highlights.

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The Most Beautiful Models of the Detroit Motor Show

The 2012 North American International Auto Show's press days are done and gone which only means one thing: it's time to show you some of the beautiful ladies that gave a sassier tone to the vehicle presentations at the Cobo Center in Detroit.

So, if you feel the need for some eye-candy, hop over the jump to check out our high-resolution gallery.

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New Mercedes-Benz SL and E-Class Hybrids Make their World Debut at the 2012 NAIAS

Launching the world’s most fuel-efficient full-size car and a brand-new groundbreaking roadster is not a bad way to draw people to your stand and that’s exactly what Mercedes-Benz did at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show with the two hybrid versions of the E-Class and the sixth generation of the SL roadster.

The diesel-powered E300 BlueTEC Hybrid returns a fuel economy of 4.2 lt/100 km on the European combined cycle (54.6mpg US). Its powertrain combines a four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with an output of 204HP and 500 Nm (368.7 lb-ft) of torque with a 20 kW (27HP) and 184.3 lb-ft (250 Nm) electric motor, and features an auto stop/start system, regenerative braking, a pure electric mode and a “sailing” function.

Since diesel models are not yet popular in the North American market, Mercedes also launched the E 400 Hybrid as well. The internal combustion unit is a 306HP and 272.9 lb-ft (370 Nm) V6 that runs on gasoline fuel, while the electric motor is the same as the E 300 BlueTec’s. The E400 Hybrid’s average fuel economy in accordance with American CAFE standards is 27 mpg (8.7 lt/100 km).

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New Toyota Prius C Hybrid Hatch Debuts in Detroit, Promises up to 53 mpg for Less than $19,000

About a month after Toyota revealed the Aqua at the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan, the North American version of the model named the Prius C made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show today.

The Prius C is the most compact member of the Prius Family, which also includes the third generation Prius Liftback, the new Prius V minivan and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid that will arrive in early 2012.

About the same size as the latest Yaris, Toyota's new dedicated hybrid model is a sub-compact five door hatchback that measures 157.3 in. long, 56.9 in. tall, 66.7 in. wide and tips the scales at 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) or 542 lbs. less than the regular Prius.

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