BMW spends $900 million on South Carolina plant to build the X4 SUV

BMW is expanding its lineup with the X4 and growing its manufacturing base with a $900 million investment in its Spartanburg, S.C., assembly plant. "This is in response to rising global demand for the BMW X family to include the BMW X4," BMW board member Frank-Peter Arndt said. BMW says the investment will create 300 new jobs at the plant.

New Jaguar XJR UK debut next week

The New Jaguar XJR (pictured) gets its UK debut at Moto Expo 2013 Lovers of powerful XJs were delighted discover that a new Jaguar XJR, which debuted at the New York Auto Show in April, will finally give them a properly sporty XJ, rather than the somewhat compromised SuperSport version of the current XJ with the 5.0 litre Supercharged engine. Jaguar has kept faith with the history of the XJR by giving the new model a subtle ‘Sporty’ makeover with only gentle go-faster bits – like ‘R’ badges, new alloys, quad tailpipes, small boot spoiler, front splitter and a subtle body kit – so the new XJR looks purposeful, rather than looking like its been dipped in a Halfords bargain bucket. The real changes come under the skin, with the new XJR getting the 542bhp version of the 5.0 litre supercharged engine, tweaked dampers and spring rates, refined active diff and DSC and new shift patterns for the 8-speed auto box.

Peugeot and Philippe Starck design bicycle for Bordeaux scheme

Peugeot and accomplished designer Philippe Starck, have developed a unique bike for the city of Bordeaux as part of their continuous promotion of cycling in the city. The new concept of bike-scooter, proposed by Starck and adapted for production by Peugeot, will help in the city's ongoing efforts to improve mobility within Bordeaux. In 15 years the number of cyclists has tripled after a number of initiatives came into effect, two examples being limiting traffic and developing the tramway within the city.