Fresh unofficial details surrounding BMW’s next i-Series car have surfaced, corroborating rumors of a powerful hybrid system.
The car is expected to be called the i5 and built upon the modular HPLC architecture, which will eventually underpin the company’s full lineup of rear-wheel-drive models. It is said to be similar in size to the current 5-Series, potentially slightly longer but not as big as the 7-Series.

The i5 will integrate a gasoline engine and two electric motors, one for the front axles and another to drive the rear wheels, with a combined output of 640 horsepower, unnamed sources have told Autobild. All-electric range is said to reach up to 78 miles, but the internal-combustion engine will kick in at speeds above 37 mph during normal operation.

The latest information suggests BMW has already previewed the i5′s hybrid system in the Power eDrive prototype, which utilized a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a single electric motor and a smaller integrated battery. A similar configuration is already used for the i8, with a combined output of 362 ponies and 420 lb-ft of torque.

BMW has allegedly blended design elements from the 7-Series sedan with the proportions of the 6-Series Gran Coupe, with a sporty styling that will be aimed squarely at the Tesla Model S.

The new hybrid is expected to arrive as early as 2018, with a price tag around 100,000 euros (~$106,500 USD).

Ford is reportedly preparing to spend $2.5 billion to expand its manufacturing footprint in Mexico.
The investment is said to be nearly evenly split between a new engine plant in Chihuahua state and a new transmission factory in Guanajuato state, unnamed sources told Reuters.

The company has not yet announced the plan or confirmed any further details, but an unnamed Mexican official has reportedly claimed the engine plant will create approximately 4,000 jobs.

Several Ford plants already build engines and vehicles in Mexico, including the Fiesta, Fusion, F-Series pickups and the Lincoln MKZ, though production of medium-duty F-650 and F-750 trucks will be shifting back to the US.

Mexico automotive manufacturing continues to grow at a fast pace as automakers take advantage of the relatively cheap labor and proximity to the US market, with production and exports up by nearly 10 percent in 2014. Other recent expansion announcements have come from Toyota, General Motors and Volkswagen, among others.

Ford is expected to officially announce its Mexico expansion plans by the end of the week.

General Motors has slashed its entry price for the Chevrolet Spark EV.
The battery-powered Spark is now available for $25,995 (including freight), representing a $1,675 discount from the previous base price. The company notes that federal and state tax credits, combined with manufacturer incentives, can bring the cost down to just below $15,000.

An even bigger discount is available for lease customers, with a new $139/month option for 39 months. Importantly, the program requires no initial down payment aside from the usual tax, title, license and dealer fees.

“Spark EV owners recognize the car as an opportunity to drive an all-electric vehicle that fits their budget and lifestyle,” said Chevrolet car and crossover marketing director Steve Majoros.

Chevy Spark sales were down by 36 percent in March and nearly five percent for the first three months of the year. It is unclear if the electric variant is following the same trend, as GM does not break down sales of the EV and the standard gasoline-powered model.

The Spark EV provides an estimated 82 miles of electric range, with 130 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque on tap.

Fiat has introduced a drop-top version of its Vintage ’57 500, known as the 500c 1957 Edition, to further commemorate the nameplate’s birth nearly 60 years ago.
The new limited-edition model brings all of the same vintage-themed features, including 16-inch retro chrome wheels, ‘throwback’ Fiat badges, and an ivory interior with contrasting brown leather seats.

The convertible package adds a power-operated dual-layer cloth top, which can be stowed or deployed at the push of a button. Drivers can even retract the top up to the rear spoiler at speeds up to 60 mph, with full operation up to 50 mph.

The convertible is powered by a 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine, good for 101 horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque, with a choice between five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes. It delivers an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.

Other standard features include a 276-watt premium audio system, a leather-wrapped two-tone steering wheel and sport-tuned suspension. Pastel exterior colors also maintain the vintage theme, with options for light green or ‘celestial’ blue.

The 500c 1957 Edition will sell for $24,700 in the US, fetching a $1,900 premium over the base 500c Lounge package. The company is now taking orders, with delivery expected later this spring.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles chief executive Sergio Marchionne has reportedly become more aggressive in searching for a buyout or merger partner.
The outspoken executive last month appeared to flirt with rivals when he dropped a not-so-subtle hint that it would be “technically feasible” to join forces with either Ford or General Motors.

Marchionne and members of the Fiat-founding Agnelli family are now said to be actively pitching the idea to GM — the preferred suitor — unnamed sources have told Reuters.

Other sources suggest GM is simply not interested. The claim was echoed by a GM official who claimed the company is focused on its own strategy.

The latest report suggests FCA has an estimated operating margin of just 3.4 percent, well below most other major automakers. Poor sales outside North America and high debt are cited as other potential deal breakers.

After successfully managing the merger of Fiat and Chrysler, Marchionne is reportedly attempting to usher in a new era of further consolidations between major automakers. The executive is said to be adamant that such a transition is imminent, and FCA allegedly sees an opportunity to be merged into the new global leader.

Aside from GM, Ford and Volkswagen Group have also been named as potential buyers.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has initiated a recall campaign for the 2013-2014 Dodge Viper to fix a problem with the door latches.
The company received three warranty claims related to doors that failed to close or opened inadvertently while the cars were moving at low speeds, however no injuries or accidents have been blamed on the issue.

An investigation determined that a supplier had changed the sealant used to protect the electronic switches that control the door latches, allowing moisture to enter the assemblies. The water ingress consequently led to short circuit and switch failure.

The company will replace the entire door-handle assembly to resolve the defect, which affects more than 1,450 units sold in the US market and 160 vehicles in Canada.

Ford has highlighted a range of non-automotive objects created by its design team using the same philosophies that led to the company’s GT supercar.
Gathering work from several of the company’s global deign studios, the creations include a hydrofoil racing sailboat, guitar, foosball table, chaise lounge, speakers and a suspended light.

“Over the past few years, we have gained incredible momentum with our designs,” said Ford design VP Moray Callum. “Now, we need to evolve what we have achieved to continue to deliver exciting and fresh solutions.”

Designers involved in the new GT project were tasked with creating a unique, innovative new supercar that pays homage to the company’s iconic GT40 racers of the ’60s, while also serving as a showcase of Ford’s modern design and technical prowess. It takes advantage of lightweight carbon fiber for both its body and monocoque body, including dihedral doors.

The non-automotive items are currently on display at the Salone del Mobile (Milan Furniture Fair) in Italy.

“We have an incredible amount of talent in our global design studios,” Callum added. “Salone del Mobile is the perfect forum to share some of that creativity, while also offering our designers an opportunity to get exposure to new ideas that will inspire future Ford design.”

Valeo expects many automakers to embrace its electric forced-induction technology, which will likely make its debut in the Audi SQ7 TDI.
The system uses an electric motor to drive a compressor, providing immediate low-rpm boost without the inherent lag of traditional exhaust-driven turbochargers. Audi’s implementation is expected to place the electric compressor downstream from the traditional turbocharger, which takes over at higher rpm and provides even more boost.

Valeo claims its electric compressor can help slash fuel consumption by up to 20 percent, according to an Automotive News Europe report, though it is unclear if the company is comparing to a naturally-aspirated engine or traditional turbochargers.

Companies have yet to agree on a common name for the electric-compressor technology, which does not technically fit within the same category as either an exhaust-driven turbocharger or a mechanically-driven supercharger. Valeo prefers the latter, while Audi has used the former.

Volvo is also working on its own implementation with a slightly different approach, previewed in a 2.0-liter engine with more than 450 horsepower. The prototype powerplant utilizes two parallel turbos, both spooled up by a separate electric compressor.

Valeo has reportedly supplied its electric compressor prototypes to several automakers for testing, but Audi is currently the only customer to have publicly confirmed production intent so far. Companies appear to need a revamped electrical system to drive the compressor, and Audi plans to use 48-volt alternators in upcoming vehicles to support such technology.

Audi last year suggested the SQ7 TDI will arrive in 2016, but Valeo points to a more conservative time-frame of 2017-2019.