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BMW to show production hybrid X6, 7-series at Frankfurt motor show

A pair of fire-breathing hybrids from BMW based on the X6 and the 7-series will be revealed in production guise at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The ActiveHybrid X6 arrives in the United States late this year, followed by the ActiveHybrid 7 in the spring of 2010. Both hybrids combine electric motors with powerful twin-turbo V8 engines to boost output, performance and fuel economy, while retaining the looks of the popular conventional versions.

Bentley Continental Estate – Carrazzeria to make a Bentley Shooting Brake

The Bentley Continental Shooting Brake by Carrozzeria A week or two back we got the sniff that Italian Coachbuilders Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera where planning on building a limited run car based on the Bentley Continental. The rumours were vague – even from Carrozzeria who simply stated “Inspired by the success and the extraordinary characteristics of Bentley automobiles, Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera of Milan, with the support of Bentley Motors Limited, developed and built a fascinating new coach built Bentley, faithful to its long tradition of Italian coach building.” Which told us not a whole lot. But we now know that what Carrazzeria are planning is a Bentley Continental Shooting Brake – effectively a Bentley Continental GT Estate.

Fiat Panda 4x4

Fiat has unveiled a new 4x4 version of the third-generation Panda, which is set to make its world debut at the 2012 Paris motor next month. The 4x4 line of the Panda has a long history and in its previous itterations became known as one of the most versatile, robust but also likeable cars on the road. The default mode of transport for Southern European hill farmers, the Panda 4x4 has also developed something of a cult following in trendier Alpine resorts thanks to its functional-tough body clad aesthetic and handy small size.