BMW is reportedly aiming to introduce its next-generation Z4 by the end of the decade.
The current E89 generation has been around since 2009, potentially giving it a decade-long run before its successor arrives on the market.

The delay is said to be related to the collaborative effort between BMW and Toyota, as the sports-car platform is being co-developed to share costs between both companies. The German automaker is not under much pressure to update the Z4, as the roadster segment continues to decline in popularity.

“We have to realize that these segments are shrinking,” BMW engineering chief Klaus Froehlich told Automotive News in a recent interview, adding that buyers in emerging markets, notably China, are also reluctant to buy roadsters.

Previous reports have disagreed over Toyota’s plan for the platform, with some sources claiming it will underpin a Supra revival. Others suggest a new entry-level model will slot below the Toyota 86/ Scion FR-S.

Froehlich’s comments appear to douse cold water on hopes that a new Z4 and Toyota’s new sports car would bow in 2017, though they could appear in concept form well ahead of market arrival.

Google has launched an web-based tool that allows drivers to compare auto insurance from more than a dozen companies.
The search giant is working with the separate insurance providers to aggregate their questions into a single form, allowing drivers to enter their information once and then view up to 14 prices.

The pilot program will initially be limited to California residents, however Google aims to gradually expand into other markets, according to a TechCrunch report.

Google’s pitch to insurance providers notes that companies can highlight things that make their business unique, such as discount for safe drivers, and users will be presented with options to finalize the purchase online or over the phone directly with an agent.

“As Google Compare for car insurance rolls out to more states, we’ll also be introducing ratings and reviews, as well as local agent support for providers with agent networks,” Google wrote in a blog post announcing the service.

The search giant previously made an attempt to aggregate dealership listings, however the pilot program was terminated after just 18 months. The service lacked side-by-side comparisons and vehicle reviews, while dealers bemoaned limited options for displaying prices and presenting inventory.

The General Motors ignition-switch victim fund has approved 64 death claims, adding nine in the past two weeks.
The program has approved deemed 172 total claims to be eligible for compensation, including 11 related to significant injuries and another 97 related to lesser injuries that required hospitalization or outpatient treatment.

The submission window has closed, but the numbers are expected to rise as fund administrator Kenneth Feinberg’s team continues to review applications and receive follow-up documentation for prior claims.

The fund received more than 4,300 applications before the deadline, with 1,077 claims deemed deficient. Another 1,571 are under review, with 156 related to fatal accidents.

The program is expected to cost GM approximately $400 million to $600 million, though final figures will not be confirmed until the administrators have reviewed all filings.

Porsche hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a hard-core RS version of its latest Cayman GT4, the company’s Motorsport boss has revealed.
Speaking on the sidelines of the recent Geneva Motor Show, where Porsche introduced the Cayman GT4, Porsche Motorsport head Andreas Preuninger revealed that an RS version of the mid-engined coupe could be in the cards if demand proves sufficient.

“This is just the beginning of the era,” Preuninger told Evo. “I would be interested in doing a Cayman GT4 RS version, but at the moment we didn’t even talk about such a thing. If the customers call for something like this we could think about it.”

If demand for the Cayman GT4 is any indication, an RS version could be coming sooner rather than later. In just three days, Porsche sold two-years worth of Cayman GT4 production in the UK and Germany.

However, it remains to be seen if Porsche execs will actually green light a version of the Cayman that could potentially wipe the floor with the company’s iconic 911.

Photos by Ronan Glon.

[Updated to clarify Q6, Q8 details] Audi appears to have provided a sneak peek at its upcoming all-electric Q6 SUV, while reaffirming a launch window for the flagship Q8.
A rendering sketch of the concept was presented at the company’s annual press conference and captured by Autocar, confirming a much more sleek and sporty form than the current production Q7.

The battery-powered Q6 will be built upon the second generation of the company’s MLB platform, which will be flexible enough to underpin a wide range of gasoline/diesel, hybrid or pure electric vehicles. It is expected to integrate a 100kWh battery, larger than the R8′s power pack but unlikely to reach the same 280-mile range as the sports coupe.

The flagship Q8 model will follow the same design language, diverging from the existing Q-series with a streamlined profile.

“It will be something new, following designs established on the Prologue concept,” said Audi R&D chief Ulrich Hackenberg. “It will be positioned as something more emotional and more sporty than the Q7. The Q7 will be a car for seven people; the Q8 will be more coupe-like.”

Hackenberg confirmed that Audi will launch a new battery-powered SUV in early 2018, with a range of at least 500 km (311 miles) and a unique design specifically for the e-tron range. The comments, quoted by Auto Express, are interpreted as references to the Q8.

“it will be a car which can be used by families that have some money,” Hackenbeg added. “it is premium.”

The executive promises to reveal more details in the near future.