97-01 Buick Park Avenue Chrome Hood Ornament Emblem Badge on 2040-parts.com

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.

Hyundai Unveils New i20 Ahead Of Paris Motor Show Debut

KOREAN car maker Hyundai has taken the wraps off the latest generation of its i20 compact hatchback. The car, which will receive its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, has been designed and developed in Europe. According to its maker, three key attributes underline how it meets the needs of European consumers: class-leading interior space, a host of high-technology and comfort-enhancing features, and distinctive, refined design.

Audi R18 E-tron Quattro (2012) first official pictures

If you don’t fancy the chances of the Toyota TS030 Hybrid winning at Le Mans on its first attempt, then you’re looking at the car that will probably be taking the chequered flag at La Sarthe on June 17 2012. It’s the Audi R18 E-tron Quattro, a hybrid version of the Audi R18 TDI that won the 2011 Le Mans 24hrs. Audi R18 E-tron Quattro?