Wearing less camouflage than ever before, the prototype bares a strong resemble to the BlueZero concept which debuted at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. Notable features include a longer wheelbase, a GLK like grille, a panoramic glass sunroof, and a tailgate mounted spoiler.

When engineers decided to take a break from testing, they accidently forgot to close the doors. This enabled our spies to snap an interior picture, but unfortunately we only see the rear seatbacks and the front armrest. While the B Class won’t go on sale until 2011, a near production concept could be unveiled later this year.

By WCF

Spy photographers staking out a potential drop off point for the new VW Lupo / Up prototype got lucky and caught the vehicle being unloaded in Death Valley for hot weather testing. The Lupo / Up was previously spied in mule form wearing a shortened Polo body. These photos show VW’s newest city/minicar model as a full body prototype for the first time.

In addition to the 3 door hatchback seen here, the Lupo / Up will also be available as a longer wheelbase 5 door hatch as well as an all electric version. The electric variant previewed in concept form as the E Up! will come with a 60 kW electric motor producing 210 Nm of torque. Other variants will likely feature VW’s small diesel and petrol power plant lineup including a 1.0 liter, 3 cylinder petrol engine and 1.2 liter diesel both producing 75 PS (74 bhp / 55 kW) plus a 1.2 liter TSI with 86 PS (84 bhp / 63kW)

Production will commence in Slovakia with its market launch in summer 2011 as a 2012 model. The E Lupo is not expected to make it to market until 2013. Prices are expected to begin at around £8200 (€9,700) for the UK market.

By WCF

These are some of the best spy shots yet of the new BMW 6 Series. Our man with the long lens not only snagged a couple of convertible prototypes with different color tops and much less camouflage than before.

Being based on the latest generation of the 5 Series, it comes to no surprise that the styling of the instrument panel, center console and even the steering wheel on the 6 Series are shared with BMW’s premium sedan model. Elegant as it may be, we can’t say we agree with BMW’s one style fits all mentality, especially when it concerns a premium sports coupe/cabrio like the 6 Series.

On the outside, the Bavarian automaker’s designers continue to tone down the controversial flame surfaced styling of the Bangle era BMWs, with the new 6er sporting a sharper and less complicated look with styling cues lifted directly from the four door Concept Gran Coupe. The convertible model seen here will continue to use a traditional soft top.

Look under the body and you’ll find chassis componentry and an engine line up straight from the new 5 Series. Powertrain options for both the coupe and convertible models are likely to include a 3.0 liter turbocharged straight six petrol with 306HP for the 635i and a 407HP twin turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 petrol for the 650i. At least in Europe, buyers will also be able to opt for the company’s 3.0 liter twin turbocharged diesel. Depending on the engine, there will be a choice of a six speed manual gearbox or a 8 speed automatic transmission.

The 2+2 coupe and convertible versions of the new 6 Series will be launched onto the market in Spring of 2011. According to the grapevine, the production version of the four door Concept Gran Coupe, which is designed to rival the Mercedes Benz CLS and Audi A7 Sportback and is due in 2012, will also carry the 6 Series badge.

By CarScoop

The maxiest Mini is coming in the next few months in the form of the long anticipated Countryman crossover, and BMW has dropped a pile of fresh photos of largely de swirlied prototypes along with details on the powertrains and trim levels. In Europe, at least, the Countryman will be offered with five engine options, including two diesels.

The trim levels start off with the Mini One and One D, Cooper D and Cooper S. All of those get the latest updated MINI 1.6 liter four pots with all three gas engines now equipped with BMW’s Valvetronic full variable valve control. The top 181 horsepower Cooper S now has the same direct injection system previously used on the John Cooper Works models, but for now there is no full JCW Countryman being offered. American buyers will likely only have access to the gas powered Cooper and Cooper S

Every Countryman gets a six speed transmission in either manual or automatic form, and the Countryman is also the first Mini to be offered with all wheel drive. The system, dubbed ALL4, uses an electromagnetically controlled center differential to distribute up to 100 percent of the drive torque to whichever axle has more grip. The Countryman is also the first Mini to have true four passenger seating and even has an option for a three passenger rear bench seat.

By AutoBlog