Opel has dropped some new images and details on the new Astra OPC, that will make its public debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Based on the new Opel Astra GTC hatchback, the Astra OPC is powered by a 2.0 liter direct injection turbo gasoline engine making 276-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission that pushes power two the front wheels, top speed goes until 155 mph.

The Astra OPC is fitted with a sport-tuned suspension, including high-performance front struts. But the coolest thing provided to the fastest Astra ever are the high-performance bucket seat with state-of-the art technology.

“Opel is the world’s first auto manufacturer to use this material in the shell of a production car seat,” says Armin Rossmann, the leader of the OPC seat development team. “The most powerful Astra ever deserves the best technology in all areas, including seating.”

The seats in the Opel Astra OPC feature an organic injection molded sheet in the performance seat shell, resulting in a weight saving of 45 percent compared to a conventional shell. The sheet is then filled with a composite material of polyamide and fiber glass. The new material is both agile and strong and because of its strength.

Stay tuned for more details from Geneva.

- By: Omar Rana

“Elantra GT is a fun-to-drive, functional, five-door compact hatchback,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Elantra GT is the latest example of how Hyundai is redefining the compact car and setting new standards in automotive design, efficiency and functionality.”

Hyundai says that the new 2013 Elantra GT will compete with the Ford Focus, Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf and will offer more interior space and fuel-economy than its competitors. It also weighs the least out of the bunch at just 2,784 pounds (with an automatic) - 175 pounds lighter than Focus, 151 pounds lighter than Mazda3 and 222 pounds lighter than Golf.

Power for the Elantra GT comes from the same 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine as the Elantra sedan. The engine pumps out 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque. Mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT averages an estimated 28/39 mpg (city/highway).

Check out more news on the Hyundai Elantra.

Inside the Elantra GT, offers more interior volume than the Toyota Matrix, Mazda3, Ford Focus and VW Golf and even more cargo capacity than the Nissan Juke crossover. Technology wise, the 2013 Elantra GT comes standard with a 172-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod/USB/auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth and Hyundai’s new BlueLink infotainment system. Optionally, buyers can add SiriusXM Satellite Radio, real-time NavTraffic and Data services, leather trim, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT hits dealerships this summer. Price, as always, will be announced closer to launch date.

- By: Omar Rana

Called the Nissan Invitation, the concept hints at a new mainstream B-segment model that is due to be launched in the UK from 2013. The Invitation concept itself well debut next month at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

“Invitation is an energetic design, bringing fresh style, innovation and excitement to the mainstream market,” Nissan said in a statement. “The clean fluidity of the silhouette hints at its dynamic potential and showcases class-leading aerodynamics for enhanced efficiency.”

The Invitation Concept brings together advanced engine tech, a lightweight platform and an aerodynamic design create a fuel-sipping compact vehicle. Nissan said it also ensures strong driving dynamics with agile handling.

Well, we won’t know if all this is true until 2013. Stay tuned.

- By: Omar Rana

Mercedes’ upcoming A25 AMG model may still be in development, but we now have an idea of what direction Mercedes is headed in to power the model of the A-Class.

AMG has reached out to its High Performance Engine subdivision to aid in the development of a 2.-liter four cylinder for the A25. Starting with the M271/M274 petrol motor, HPE will be working to produce a heavily modified version. Ola Kallenius, former HPE head, has been brought on to the project, and has set some high goals for the engine.

Kalleniusis is aiming to produce over 335hp, which takes the Audi RS3 Sportback a 2.5-liter to produce and the BMW straight six makes even less in the upcoming M135i hatchback, with a 2.0liter engine.

Check out more news on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Swiss company Hyprex was originally Mercedes’ pick to provide a pressure-wave turbocharger, but the automaker chose to go a more conventional route instead with an exhaust-gas driven twin-scroll turbo, and direct injection.

The rest is left up to speculation, which could mean that the anticipated 2.0-liter is a strong possibility, as is a bore and stroke of roughly 83mm x 89mm.

Whatever may end up powering the A25 will also be shared with the CLC25AMG and CLC25 Shooting Brake AM. Both models are scheduled for launch next year, while the A25 is expected to be released at the Paris Motor Show in September.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoCar

Recent spy shots of the third-generation Mini Cooper suggest that the compact hatchback could get a Clubman-style third door when it hits streets next year.

The spy shots show a second shutline, covered by tape, behind the driver’s door.

BMW Group received a lot of criticism for the use of a single rear-hinged club-door on the Mini Clubman in the UK, since it was on the wrong side for right-hand-drive cars. To rectify the situation, Mini will add a rear-hinged door on both the Countryman and the second-generation Clubman.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz will be unveiling the new 2013 A-Class hatchback. A video footage of the car was caught and uploaded on YouTube while it was undergoing a photo shoot in the Canary Islands.

Check out more news on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Mercedes-Benz has made no comment on the video but as you can see, the car seems pretty close the concept version that was shown at the 2011 New York Auto Show.

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class will go on sale later this year in Europe and will come to the stateside early next year.

Stay tuned for more info.

Hit the jump for the video.

- By: Omar Rana

Volkswagen has a well-overhauled seventh generation Golf GTI hitting the pavement sometime this year as a faster, lighter, more technologically advanced version of its former self.

A special welding process allows the automaker to build shells with aluminum roofs and bolt-ons, cutting weight by over 220 pounds from the current model. The lighter weight will also get better distribution with a 40mm upward shift of the front wheels, which will also improve handling. Suspension parts have also been upgraded along with a new steering rack. Traction has been improved by swapping out the current brake based traction control for an electronically controlled mechanical limited slip differential.

Power for the model is expected to come in just around 230hp, close to the Mk6, but the addition of the Audi’s Valvelift system gives torque a nice boost up to 260 lb-ft. A new GTD model is also in the works, packing 20 more horsepower over the current model’s 170hp, and 280 lb-ft made by an all new engine picked from Volkswagen’s new diesel line.

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen GTI.

The new GTI also borrows Audi’s technology for the entertainment system, which includes hi-fi, navigation and connectivity features presented on an 8 inch capacitive touchscreen. The system also features a proximity sensor, which brings options on the screen when your finger comes close to it. Forward cameras have also been added that help with maintaining lanes, auto-breaking, and radar cruise.

A new platform is being implemented by the VW Group called the MQB, which is what the Mk7 is based on. The MQB will be featured on all transverse-front-engined models in the lineup. Included are systems, design processes, components, and factories. The upgrade reduces development and tooling costs by 30 percent, parts costs by 20 percent, and manufacturing costs by 30 percent.

Overall, this sounds like a solid update for the GTI, and the GTD.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Top Gear

While the Big 3 have certainly made their mark building outstanding pickups and full-size SUV’s, when it comes to the subcompact segment, the Detroit automakers have fallen fairly short. The first of the three to offer an impressive contribution to the segment in recent years was FoMoCo, with the launch of the Ford Fiesta. Chevy is now stepping up to compete, bringing its new Aveo replacement to the market.

Known as the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, GM wants you to totally forget about the POS Aveo they used to sell before – a car that would get you extremely depressed if you received it from a rent-a-car. Now, bearing a badge with the hedgehog name like the Sonic, GM is offering something totally different and something completely better.

When you think of the subcompact segment, things like standard aluminum wheels, rear-seat roominess, and Corvette-engineer-tuned suspension are completely off the table. Guess what? The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic comes standard with all those features, plus some more surprising additions.

So is the Chevrolet Sonic better than its competitors? Let’s take a look – but we will tell you up front, it is light years ahead of the crap it replaces.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback Specifications:

• Style: Hatchback.
• Drive Type: Front-wheel-drive.
• Seating Capacity: 5 (4 comfortably).
• Base Price: $14,765 ($13,865 for the sedan).
• Price As Tested: $18,215.
• Engine: 1.8 liter 4-cylinder turbo Ecotec – 138-hp at 6,300 rpm / 125 lb-ft of torque at 3,800.
• Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic.
• 0 to 60 mph: 8.2 seconds.
• Curb Weight: 2,684 lbs.
• Fuel-economy (city/highway): 26/35 mpg.

Exterior:

Personally, I don’t think that the Chevrolet Sonic is bad looking car. Others on the egmCarTech staff had contrasting opinions, which leads me to believe that the Sonic has a ‘love it or hate it’ kind of design. I found the front end of the car particularly aggressive for a subcompact. At a closer look, you’ll see that it mirrors the dynamic appeal of the Mitsubishi Lancer.

On both the sedan and hatchback models of the Chevy Sonic, the front end is definitely more attractive than the rear. Both models come with chrome grille surrounds, a matte black honeycomb grille and a range of aluminum wheels sized from 15 to 17 inches.

Interior:

Like the exterior of the Chevrolet Sonic, the interior also draws some inspiration from motorcycle design. It can be found starting from the detailed instrument cluster, which features a large, round analog tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout, and an ample digital speedometer display.

The Sonic also delivers class-leading rear-seat roominess, connectivity features and a nice smooth ride. It is typical of the segment for there to be a lot of road-noise that leaks into the cabin – however, that is not the case with the Sonic. Driving on the highway with 3 passengers, we were able to have a full conversation about the Sonic’s design and driving dynamics.

Quality wise, the interior of the Sonic is quite well built. There isn’t any soft touch materials like you would find in a Volkswagen, but the materials used are so well put together that you end up with a very solid feel.

Performance:

This is where the Chevrolet Sonic really stands out from the crowd. Besides being able to bungee jump, skydive and being used to perform kick-flip stunts by Rob Dyrdek, the Chevrolet Sonic’s ride and handling were tuned by Corvette engineers, giving it a more direct feel, while balancing the vehicle to handle the broad range of driving terrains across the United States.

The Sonic’s tight, refined chassis help it soak up road imperfections on the worst of pot-hole filled roads, while tight steering also provides some impressive control on sharp turns. All Sonics feature a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar and a rear suspension with a semi-independent, torsion beam axle-mount compound link-type design – featuring a tubular V-shape beam – with gas-charged shocks. In everyday normal English, that means that the Sonic packs in a smooth ride, tight handling, and an overall solid driving experience into its small frame.

Our tester model was equipped with an optional ($700 extra option) 1.4 liter turbo Ecotec 4-cylinder making 138-hp at 4,900 rpm and a peak torque of 148 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm. The 1.4 liter turbo comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual so if you’re not familiar going through the cogs, then obviously go for the 1.8 liter. However, you will be missing out on the added fun of the turbo zip (0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds) and better fuel-economy figures.

EPA rated fuel-economy for our 1.4 liter turbo tester model comes in at 29/40 mpg (city/highway). Also according to the EPA, the turbo model will allow for a driving range of 317/427 (city/highway) on a full 12.2 gallon tank. Annual fuel-costs will come in at $1,532, meaning you’ll be saving a nice chunk at the pump.

The 1.8 liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder unit averages 26/35 mpg for the manual and 25/35 mpg for the automatic.

Overall:

Nonetheless, the Sonic definitely outperforms its competitors when it comes to driving dynamics, interior room, and comfort. In my opinion, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is a better bang-for-your buck than the Fiesta, Fit and Yaris – however, before you take my word for it, go test drive all the models in the segment and see which fits your lifestyle best.

All Photos Copyright egmCarTech © Omar Rana.

- By: Omar Rana

“Adding even more style to the new 2012 Fiat 500 Sport, the Fiat 500 Stinger features Giallo (yellow) exterior paint combined with unique blackened exterior and interior appointments – all designed to amplify the hatchback’s athletic Italian styling,” Chrysler said in a statement.

Check out more news on the Fiat 500.

Stage 1 upgrades include the Fiat 500 Stinger’s signature ‘whiskers and logo’ face with circular projector headlamps that are finished in Black Chrome. It also gets the Giallo bodyside exterior door handles, mirror caps finished in Black Chrome, while larger 17-inch by 7-inch Abarth Hyper Black aluminum wheels with wider 205/40 R 17 performance tires, tinted head and taillamps and license-plate brow, and Mopar’s vinyl bodyside and roof graphics in black checker. The inside gets the dual Giallo and black feel with Mopar’s Katzkin leather seats, Alcantara trim carbon fiber panels and all that good stuff.

Stage 2 includes performance modifications that ensure the Fiat 500 Stinger delivers improved power and braking capability. That’s a nicer way of saying no crazy changes are made to the 1.4 liter 16-valve MultiAir, but it just handles and drives a little tighter.

- By: Omar Rana

Hyundai is now in its fifth consecutive year as a Super Bowl advertiser and will have a total of 5 commercials during the big game on February 5 including two pre-game spots with one during the highly-rated pre-kick time slot and two ads during the game.

“The general theme of the day focuses on elements that drive the Hyundai brand and culture, with the two in-game ads highlighting performance characteristics – bolstering a brand attribute that Hyundai doesn’t often emphasize,” the company said in a statement. “The campaign features interactive and digital content throughout, including outtakes, online extensions and social media engagement to extend the reach of the program. Creative was developed by Hyundai’s agency of record, Innocean Worldwide Americas.”

Two out of the five spots are called Cheetah and Think Fast. The Cheetah commercial features the 201-hp Hyundai Veloster Turbo and the Think Fast commercial shows the Genesis Coupe R-Spec.

Check out the ads after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

Fiat SpA. has clearly recognized their expectations with sales figures for the 500 were not met. As a result, CEO Sergio Marchionne has been hard at work to rectify the situation. Part of his efforts includes expanding the 500’s lineup, which has resulted in a clear aim at the popular selling Mini brand—at least here in America—and other compact car manufacturers as well.

And supposedly, as part of these plans, word in the rumor mill is that Fiat is planning an MPV version of the 500 that is apparently to be dubbed the 500L. Over in Europe, the “500L” would directly compete against the Citroen C3 Picasso and the new Nissan Note.

Other details in this rumor include the possibility of either five- or seven-seat layouts for Europe with an extended wheelbase of 10mm.

Should this new 500 take form, we could expect it to debut in this year’s upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Fiat reportedly declined any confirmation, but it wouldn’t be illogical to think that America could see this potential new 500 variant as well to compete against the Mini Countryman.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: WhatCar?

Mini’s success is something that goes beyond questioning and because BMW has been at the helm of the British manufacturer ever since their reintroduction in 2002, in addition to the fact that Mini’s are very sporty oriented hatchbacks, reports are saying that Mini now wants to adopt the brand’s familiar tuning firm, John Cooper Works, as the brand’s own in-house performance sub-brand. In other words, in similar moves to BMW adopting the M-Performance Division and Mercedes-Benz the AMG Performance Division back in the 1980s and 1990s, Mini wants to do the same with JCW.

These reports come after an interview with Mini’s head, Kay Segler, who was formerly in charge of BMW’s M-Division at one point. Along with these details, Segler also said that upon the arrival of the John Cooper Works Mini Countryman, he wants to have the brand offer John Cooper Works packages for the entire lineup.

Segler also apparently hinted at harder performance oriented versions of their lineup, which could be slated as limited edition models. An example of this would be the up and coming Mini GP.

Because Minis are performance oriented, they come with plenty of power to boot. But being lightweight and front-wheel drive, there’s only so much power the front wheels can take before becoming dynamically incompetent. And Segler said the Mini brand recognizes this and “engineers and execs are aware there’s a limit to how much power the front wheels of a car can handle, and that the current JCW cars are up to the edge.”

As of now, the Countryman is the only model that will feature all-wheel drive in the brand’s lineup. Mini has considered all-wheel drive in its other models, such as the regular Cooper. Parts supplier Getrag unveiled a special all-wheel drive design concept that was capable of being fitted to a base Cooper not too long ago. And this is because of the Mini’s size limitations. But due to its high commanding price, Segler said that the system is still too expensive to adopt.

However, some may worry that if Mini were to adopt JCW as their own performance subdivision, prices could skyrocket through the roof. And this comes after the fact that Minis, despite their relatively cheap initial purchase price, can become really expensive when you start adding things. Segler also commented on this saying that they’re ready to plan to make some pricing adjustments and that their inspiration for doing some comes from “performance bargain” examples like the BMW 1-Series M and the M3 GTS.

On another note, despite America’s overall known hatred for diesels, Segler also shared that North American customers are more demanding of diesel engines, rather than JCW models.

“We’re delighted to hear it,” Segler said. “We are looking into this not for the short term, but for the medium term.”

Currently, Mini produces only a few diesel models as a Cooper, called the Mini Cooper SD in Europe, which produces 143hp and 225 lb-ft of torque and has been well-received. If Mini chooses to introduce diesel models for the US, Segler concluded that it would be seen in the third-generation models within the next few years.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

Last year, in light of the influx of plug-in hybrids and electric cars, the Environmental Protection Agency revised their mileage window stickers. Now, Chevrolet upped the ante by introducing a new set of window stickers called “Ecologic environmental labels,” which go into further detail outlining a specific car’s impact to our earthly environment.

“Customers want companies to be honest and transparent about their environmental efforts and sustainability goals, and rightly so,” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. “Putting an Ecologic label on each Chevrolet is just one more way for us to share our environmental progress.”

Chevrolet is the first to adopt these new kind of “Ecologic” labels beginning with the new 2012 Sonic and will be appearing in dealerships across the country beginning in March of this year.

“Chevrolet’s goal to invest millions in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other lower-carbon projects to reduce U.S. emissions by up to 8 million metric tons demonstrates innovative corporate leadership,” said Eileen Claussen, president of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. “With this new labeling program, Chevrolet not only gives easy access to information customers want, it again shows its commitment to the environment.”

By breaking down the label into several parts, Chevrolet found a way to really pitch their efforts for achieving better fuel economy. The label is split up into multiple parts, outlining car’s specific impacts to the environment from the manufacturing and assembly process, to ownership and more.

For more information, check out their Chevrolet’s website at www.chevrolet.com/ecologic.

- By: Chris Chin

The Chevrolet Cruze, sold only as a sedan, brought in some successful sales numbers for 2011, with 231,732 units sold. For this year, Chevy has decided to add a wagon variant for the Cruze that expected to boost sales even higher.

Although GM is still finishing up with the wagon, it is rumored that the model will be several inches longer, with the addition of a sloping rear window and a tailgate.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Cruze.

This isn’t the first variant that GM has made for the Cruze, however. A five-door hatchback is only available in markets outside the U.S., and while GM hasn’t said if they will be doing the same with the wagon, it may be a profitable move for the automaker to add it in the states. The Jetta Sport Wagon and Hyundai Elantra Touring are the only competitors the Cruze wagon would have in the states.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoNews

Volvo has been playing a big game of catch-up in order to compete with the big name brands—such as BMW and Lexus—currently leading the market sales. As part of their tactic, Volvo is hard at work trying to find ways to expand their lineups and increase sales.

That said, the Swedish make is apparently seeking a partner to help them make small cars. This news comes in a timely manner after reports that Volvo will be axing their smallest car, the C30 within the next couple years.

“We are open for partners,” said Volvo’s chief executive Stefan Jacoby. “We are open for collaboration in a win-win situation for sharing platforms, for sharing engines and for a general higher scale of economics.”

Volvo currently faces a tough situation after Jacoby said that the brand currently does not have the support for “marketing, sales, and service for a broad range of products.” Hence, why they’re seeking for a partner.

Jacoby added that Volvo is expressing interest in some potential partners, but specifics were not disclosed.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoCar

Fans of the new and well-received Ford Focus will be pleased to hear that the Dearborn-make will be apparently offering a real-man’s cog swapper for the top spec Focus Titanium. Yes, that means the Focus Titanium will be receiving three pedals and a manual shifter. WOO!

It may not seem like outstanding news to the driving enthusiast, but the new Ford Focus isn’t terrible to drive and those looking forward to rowing their own gears can expand their options when considering the American brands. Not to mention, enthusiasts who want the Focus don’t have to opt for the base Focus S and midrange SE sedan and hatch to get a manual. As a caveat, the only Titanium-spec Focus that still retains the auto-only option is the SEL model.

Apparently, Ford made the decision after there was some uproar by customers expressing interest in a top-of-the-line Focus with a manual, especially when the Titanium is equipped with Ford’s optional sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch alloys.

Either way, enthusiasts also still have the opportunity to get a hot Focus with a manual when the sport turbocharged Focus ST hits our shores later this year.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

The Mini Baker Street can be ordered in a Mini One, Mini Cooper, Mini One and Mini Cooper D while the Mini Bayswater is available as a Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper S, Mini Cooper D and Mini Cooper SD.

Want to learn more? Hit the jump for the press release after the jump.

MINI Baker Street: an individualist with a taste for extravagance.
New exterior and interior design details developed exclusively for the MINI Baker Street mark out this special-edition model. The Rooftop Grey metallic exterior paint shade combines with special bonnet stripes whose basic colour black is given extra character by a subtle V-shape design. 16-inch 6-Star twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black along with matching black exterior mirror caps present an attractive contrast to the bold, contemporary appearance of the new exterior paintwork. The MINI Baker Street can also be ordered as an option in the body shades Pepper White and Midnight Black. In MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper D trim the roof is painted black, while “Baker Street” lettering on the side scuttles framing the side indicators points to the exclusive character of this special-edition model.

In the interior a fresh interpretation of the cloth/leather seats available for the standard MINI teams up with exclusive interior surfaces to create an unmistakable ambience. In traditional British style, the surfaces of the new seat variant in Cross Check Rooftop Grey light feature a diamond pattern. Cross Check Rooftop Grey light is also used for the surfaces of the cockpit and door trim and is combined with a Rooftop Grey light Colour Line. Light grey contrast stitching for the floor mats, gearshift/selector lever as well as the handbrake gaiters and seat tags which, like the door sills, bear “Baker Street” lettering, round off the array of bespoke interior features. The Chrome Line Interior package adds further lustre.

The equipment list for the MINI Baker Street also includes the Pepper Pack, which brings with it air conditioning, an on-board computer, a leather steering wheel, the Chrome Line Exterior package, front foglamps, a lighting package and height adjustment for the front passenger seat. The range of optional equipment, meanwhile, offers a host of other items with which customers can tailor their car to their personal requirements. The range of available engine variants for the MINI Baker Street spans the MINI One (72 kW/98 hp), MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI One D (66 kW/90 hp) and MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp). All the engines channel their power through a six-speed manual gearbox as standard or an optional six-speed automatic.

For visitors to London and locals alike, the MINI Baker Street’s name will be synonymous with the address of a certain fictional hero. It is 125 years since Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan Doyle released his first story with the master detective in the title role. Today, the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Madame Tussauds waxworks museum can both be found just a stone’s throw from Baker Street underground station.

MINI Bayswater: the extrovert sportsman.
The MINI Bayswater wears its inherent sporting élan and extrovert style very much on its sleeve. The Kite Blue metallic exterior paintwork was created exclusively for the special-edition model, as was the interior design and 17-inch light-alloy Sandblast wheels with high-gloss black surfaces and bright machined rim and spoke edges. Midnight Black metallic and Eclipse Grey metallic paint shades can be ordered for the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper SD as an alternative to the new, radiant Blue finish. The sporty appearance of the MINI Bayswater is emphasised by the black contrasting roof and the likewise newly created Sport Stripes for the bonnet, which streak dynamically towards the windscreen. The exterior mirror caps carry an identical stripe design – blue on the right-hand side of the car, grey on the left.

“Bayswater” lettering adorns the side indicator surrounds, door sills and seat tags. The Punch Leather seats come in the exclusive colour variant Rocklite Anthracite and include side bolsters sporting a metallic sheen and blue and grey contrast stitching. Two-tone contrast stitching also adorns the gearshift/selector lever and handbrake gaiters.

Other innovative design features in the interior include Piano Black cockpit trim strips, which continue the path set by the Sport Stripes over the bonnet, and the leather Colour Line elements in Rocklite Anthracite, whose classy character is emphasised by black stitching. The same leather variant is also used for the armrests, while the model-specific floor mats have anthracite-coloured edging and blue contrast stitching.

The MINI Bayswater also comes with stainless steel pedals and the Chrome Line Interior package, and includes the Pepper Pack in its range of equipment. Plus, the new special edition can likewise be specified with a wide variety of items from the optional equipment list if further individual touches are desired.

In keeping with its sporting charisma, the MINI Bayswater lines up for action with powerful engines at its fingertips. Customers can order their MINI Bayswater in MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI Cooper S (135 kW/184 hp), MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp) or MINI Cooper SD (105 kW/143 hp) trim. The special-edition model is also delivered with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while a six-speed automatic features in the options range.

The MINI Bayswater takes its name from an extremely vibrant area of London. Located to the west of the city centre – halfway between the shopping hot spots of Knightsbridge and Notting Hill – Bayswater is best known for its unusually high density of bars and restaurants, not to mention the adjacent and no less famous Hyde Park. MINI is therefore returning to the London theme to further accentuate the link with both its home country and the fascination surrounding the London lifestyle. Indeed, both the MINI Bayswater and MINI Baker Street are following in the tyre tracks of a naming tradition begun by the classic Mini and reprised more recently with the MINI Camden, MINI Mayfair and MINI Clubman Hampton special editions.

- By: Omar Rana

Once again today, we are being told that the production version of the Mini Rocketman will not be happening. We learned the same thing back in June and it seems like that nothing has changed.

The news comes from CAR Magazine, who reports that BMW Group recently signed off on a new range of Mini but the Rocketman subcompact was not one of them.

The Mini Rocketman Concept made its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show as a study to show what a shrunken Mini would look like.

Either way, it’s not happening and we’re not to depressed about it. Moving on.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CAR