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WRC Mini Concept (2010) first official pictures

While the Mini Countryman might be destined for suburban mumsville, BMW has confirmed the new model will also terrorise the countryside in the form of the WRC Mini from 2011, with IRC champ Kris Meeke at the wheel. Officially launched at the 2010 Paris motor show in concept guise, the WRC Mini will be engineered and run by motorsport doyen Dave Richards and his Prodrive outfit, although customer packages will be available too, allowing independents to compete in the car. Not so much – this is no time for misty-eyed Paddy Hopkirk odes.

BMW i8 fetching 50% premiums in UK market

The BMW i8 (pictured) is commanding a 50% premium The simple rules of a capitalist market is that supply and demand dictate price. Which is why BMW’s i8 hybrid supercar is fetching premiums of up to 50 per cent. With the entire i8 supply sold out for the next year, those with deep enough pockets – and a compelling desire for an i8 – are turning to i8 owners who have already taken delivery and making them offer they can’t refuse.

Geneva motor show: 2010 Saab 9-3x crossover debuts

At next month's Geneva motor show, Saab looks to provide a right-sized crossover with the introduction of the 2010 9-3X. Beginning with a 9-3 SportCombi wagon, Saab engineers raise ride height by 1.4 inches, add the XWD all-wheel-drive system that we first saw on the Turbo X and pump up the exterior styling. According to Saab, the 9-3X provides customers with the perfect alternative to large crossovers and SUVs, while offering respectable utility and off-road capabilities.