Mini Rolls Out Hot Concept Ahead Of Detroit Motor Show

AHEAD of the influential Detroit Motor Show next month, Mini is stepping up its new product offensive with the unveiling of a new concept. The John Cooper Works Concept is, in reality, closer to production-ready status than you think. Aimed at showcasing the hot version of the firm’s latest generation three-door hatch, itself treated to a global reveal in November, at this stage the focus is on cosmetic changes.

Car Design News Awards: Nissan IDx and BMW i3 named best Concept and Production cars

The Nissan IDx and BMW i3 were the recipients of Car Design News' Car Designs of the Year Awards in Geneva last night. This year, for the first time, our Car Design of the Year Awards were voted for by a jury of 12 professional car designers, adding an extra layer of gravitas. Nissan's VP and chief creative officer Shiro Nakamura was at the Car Design Night event at Bypass in Geneva to accept the award.

Audi announces 2015 A3 pricing

The last A3 we drove, an Irish-spec model with cloth seats and a 1.4 TSI engine paired with Audi's S-tronic twin-clutch gearbox, retailed for $54,495. Thankfully, American buyers won't face that sort of out-the-wazoo payment when the new sedan arrives early next year. Audi's announced a price that takes a direct shot across the bow of rival Mercedes-Benz' CLA: $29,900.