BMW set to go front-wheel drive

BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer has confirmed that the German carmaker will introduce a new front-wheel-drive entry-level model positioned and priced below the existing 1-series as part of plans to help increase part sharing and to bolster the potential for production savings between the BMW and Mini brands, thus bringing an end to the era of rear- and four-wheel-drive-only BMW models. Speaking to AutoWeek at the Geneva motor show, Reithofer said internal BMW studies revealed that despite the downturn in the world's economy, there was continued demand for what he described as "premium vehicles" in the small-car class, before officially acknowledging plans that will see BMW produce a rival to the recently unveiled Audi A1 and a new Smart Forfour presently under development at Mercedes-Benz. "We will be extending the BMW and Mini brands into the small-car segment with new models and variants," he said.

First Sight: Volvo Concept You

Volvo today revealed its Concept You at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show, as the company continues to evolve its luxury car range. The latest evolution of the Concept Universe, first unveiled at Shanghai earlier this year, showcases the technology and craftsmanship that Volvo will be using in its future line-up, including smart pad technology and a touch-control cockpit. The emphasis on technology reflects the importance of infotainment in current society and immerses the driver to give them complete control and mobile connectivity.

Toyota Aygo Crazy set for Goodwood debut

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 02 July 2008 10:41 Toyota will bring its 'shopping supercar' – the Aygo Crazy – to the 2008 Goodwood Festival of Speed, which kicks off next week. It's a one-off, attention-grabbing supermini with a mid-engined layout like the Renault Clio V6.  The racing Aygo uses a 200bhp turbocharged version of Toyota's 1.8 VVT-i engine from the Celica and MR2 – making it somewhat more powerful than the regular Aygo's 68bhp. A 200bhp Aygo?