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BMW's new 5-series next for hybrid power

The new BMW 5-series being launched this winter is likely to be the next BMW to receive the ActiveHybrid system pioneered on the petrol-electric 7-series and X6 models. BMW engineers admit they can't rely on sales of the pricey hybrid 7-series and X6 to justify the development costs, even though these range-topping halo hybrids were jointly developed with Daimler and GM. Senior sources have indicated that the new 2010 5-series will be the next BMW to get an ActiveHybrid model.

Bentley planning big model expansion

It looks like the last Bentley Brooklands (pictured) will not be the last after all We already know that the Bentley SUV is on the way shortly to take on the might of the new Range Rover, and it seems certain there’s about to be Bentley Mulsanne Speed as Bentley rolls out its ‘Speed’ moniker to its most prestigious car. But there’s more to come. When we reported the Mulsanne Speed was on its way last week, we noted that if Bentley were adding a Speed version of the Mulsanne to their range to expand it then it surely made sense to launch a Mulsanne Coupe and Convertible too.

Winners and Losers: Porsche sales pop in April

Porsche sales spiked 82 percent in April and are up 46 percent for the year, parking the luxury automaker among the top five winners so far for 2011. The redesigned Cayenne made the biggest contribution, with sales up an eye-popping 384 percent from last April and 141 percent for this year. Porsche counted 1,578 copies of the Cayenne sold in April, versus 326 the year before.