A leak might have prematurely revealed the list of engines that the all-new 2016 BMW 7-Series will be offered with.
The entry-level 730i will pack a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at approximately 260 horsepower. The turbo four will likely be available only in Europe and it will understandably not be an option on long-wheelbase models.

Badged 740i, the next model up will feature a new 330-horsepower straight-six mill that will also be found under the hood of the long-awaited M2. Moving up, the 750i will utilize a 460-horsepower V8, while the range-topping 760i will boast a Rolls-Royce sourced 6.6-liter V12 engine that will develop up to 600 horsepower.

The lineup will include at least three diesel-burning models but whether or not they will be sold in the United States is not known.

Finally, two gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrains rated at 275 and 400 horsepower, respectively, will round out the lineup. The plug-ins will be equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission while every other model will feature an eight-speed unit. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system will be available on select models at an extra cost.

In a separate report, BMW has confirmed once again that it will not build a sport-focused M7.

“We feel really good with what we’ve got with Alpina. The ‘M’ adds sort of a track-element to that, and I don’t know if there’s a lot of demand for the 7 Series on the track,” explained Paul Ferraiolo, BMW’s director of product planning, in an interview with Motor Trend.

What we know so far
Although still covered in heavy camouflage, we have learned that the next-generation 7-Series will take advantage of the manufacturing techniques learned through BMW’s i3 and i8 programs. That means the 2016 7 will be the first regular-production BMW to use carbon fiber in its construction.

It’s too early to tell just how much weight the 7-Series’ carbon fiber construction will save, but it should be enough to put the car on equal ground with the aluminum-bodied Jaguar XJ and Audi A8.

Additional details about the 2016 BMW 7-Series will gradually emerge over the coming months. BMW’s next flagship will likely be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show that will open its doors next September.

Mitsubishi is preparing to send off the Lancer Evolution with a limited-edition model, and a new report gives us a better idea of what to expect when it arrives.
Tentatively called Lancer Special Action Model, the limited-edition sedan will feature a significant power boost over the standard Evolution’s 291 horsepower. Mitsubishi is keeping full details under wraps but it has hinted the Special Action Model could pack up to 440 horsepower and 412 lb-ft. of torque.

The Special Action Model will be based on the GSR trim level, meaning its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine will likely be linked to a five-speed manual transmission. Comprehensive brake and suspension modifications will keep the extra power in check.

Visually, the Special Action Model will stand out from a stock Lancer Evolution (pictured) thanks to a more aggressive body kit and alloy wheels wrapped by low-profile tires. The cockpit will be spruced up with features such as a premium audio system and a sport steering wheel.

About 2,000 examples of the Lancer Evolution Special Action Model will be built. Mitsubishi has not disclosed when the sedan will be introduced, but sources close to the automaker believe that sales will take place during the Evo’s final six months of production in 2015.

What’s Next?
Rumors circulating around the auto industry indicate that the Lancer Evolution will be replaced in spirit by a high-performance SUV, a decision that would fall in line with the company’s shift towards a SUV-centric lineup. Don Swearingen, the vice president of Mitsubishi Motors North America, has previously confirmed that a true successor is not in the works because the Lancer Evolution’s time “has come and gone.”

Honda has released a new model in its best-selling N-Series lineup. The N/ (or N-Box Slash) is yet another take on its supercompact platform, intended for fashion conscious buyers.

The N-Box Slash is built atop the same kei car platform that underpins the N-Box, N-Box+, N-One and N-WGN. Though specs were kept mum, the fifth car in the reborn N-Series (the original N360 was released in 1967) is likely to be powered by the same 63-horsepower, 660cc turbocharged 3-cylinder as its stablemates.

Like all kei cars, its measurements are limited to 133.8 inches long, 58.2 inches wide and 78.7 inches tall. These numbers are capped by the Japanese government’s kei car specifications, which allow these cars tax breaks and expanded parking options in crowded cities.

Where the N-Box Slash differs is in its styling, which has a decidedly retro feel. Perhaps most glaringly, the massive C-pillar seems to be inspired by Honda’s 1970 Z Coupe. Other touches include stylized wheels that look like black steelies with beauty rings and dog dish hubcaps with a knockoff spinner graphic, a chrome fuel filler cap and brightwork along the windows and C-pillar.

Cabin-wise, upholstery options include 50s diner red with a checkerboard motif, 70s boardroom wood paneling and stitched leather, or a 60s surf-inspired light seafoam green and cream combo. The center console is dominated by a multifunction screen and large speaker that’s part of what Honda calls its 8-speaker Sound Mapping System.

The N-Box Slash goes on sale in Japan on December 22.