BMW Mega City Vehicle at 2013

BMW has announce that it will have its much-talked-about Megacity electric car on the market by 2013. Previously, the German automaker had only hinted that it would produce the urban runabout in the first half of the decade. Also of note is that the Megacity EV will be launched under a new sub-brand, much in the same way that the automaker has used its Mini branch to enter into lower-market segments without taking the chance of tarnishing the well-earned reputation of its corporate roundel.

Autocar is reporting that the Megacity will have a range of roughly 160 miles per charge, and about 20 percent of that range will be due to an aggressive regenerative braking system (yet another similarity to the Mini E). Further, BMW does not plan to lease its battery packs separately, as some automakers have hinted is a possibility. Instead, BMW believes that its packs will still have 85 percent of their stated capacity after the car’s lifespan is complete, making the power sources valuable on the used market to power companies.

2010 Saab 9-5 Aero XWD

It's the first new 9-5 since 1997 and a key to Saab's planned resurgence as an independent automaker.

The next-generation Saab 9-5 will compete with a host of midsize luxury sedans, most prominently the Audi A6. Its 111.7-inch wheelbase is nearly identical to the A6's. With a length of 197.2 inches, the 9-5 is longer than just about all its potential competitors, including the A6, the BMW 5-series, the Mercedes-Benz E-class and the Lexus GS.

The 9-5 was ready for launch when a bankrupt General Motors began negotiations to cut loose the Saab brand. The car is based on GM's Epsilon platform, which also provides the foundation for sedans such as the Opel Insignia and the Buick Regal, and its engines and transmissions and are drawn from GM's inventory.

The 9-5 Aero XWD debuts in the United States as a 2010 model, powered by a 2.8-liter VVT V6 with a six-speed automatic and a new all-wheel-drive system developed with Swedish supplier Haldex. The V6 uses a single, dual-scroll turbocharger and generates 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

In the current fashion, the Aero also features a driver-adjustable electronics package called DriveSense. DriveSense alters steering weight, shock-absorber rates, shift points, throttle map and front-rear power distribution with a single three-option switch. The choices include comfort, sport and intelligent, which automatically adjusts electronic controls according to the driver's inputs.

When it reaches showrooms this July, the 9-5 Aero is expected to retail at a tick less than $50,000. The 2011 9-5 will follow by September, at which point Saab North America will add a four-cylinder, front-drive model starting at less than $40,000.

The base 9-5 gets a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo four delivering 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a standard six-speed manual. All-wheel drive will be optional with the four-cylinder.

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X

It's a turn-key race car straight from the factory which distills the Viper ACR down to the performance essentials, while adding in some of the features found on the tube chassis Viper Competition Coupe. Anything remotely close to being considered a luxury amenity is out, such as air conditioning, interior trim panels and a passenger seat. In place of those items are the race seat from the Competition Coupe, aero upgrades, a fire-suppression system, Michelin race slicks, a Momo steering wheel, a roll cage, a stiffer KW suspension, upgraded brakes, a transmission cooler and more power.

The heart remains the 8.4-liter V10, which gains forged pistons, a new PCV system, headers and freer flowing exhaust. It loses its catalytic converters to produce an additional 40 hp and 45 lb-ft of torque for a total of 640 hp and 605 lb-ft of torque. That, along with the 160 pounds of weight lost compared with standard production Vipers, aero improvements and tires, make for thoroughbred track beast.

With current-generation Viper production ending this summer, the ACR-X is the most hard-core limited-edition version that Viper Nation will be able to get their hands on. It's so hard-core that it's not street-legal. Twenty-five people have spoken for the first batch, with a second batch of 25 cars being considered for production if demand warrants.

The cars are eligible for the STO category in the SCCA with a restrictor and in a newly developed Dodge Viper Cup spec series that will be sanctioned by the Viper Racing League. The season kicks off the weekend of July 9 at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Va., and will be followed by four more events, each consisting of two races. Dodge Motorsports and Mopar plan to put up more than $200,000 in prize money and Mopar parts vouchers for the season.

BMW, Brilliance break ground on second plant

100,000 BMWs annually before ramping up to around 200,000 units by 2012. BMW says that the plant’s maximum capacity is around 300,000 new cars – a figure nearly seven times the automaker’s current Chinese production capacity.

BMW’s year-to-date sales are up nearly 77 percent in China to around 22,000 units; combined with its MINI division, sales have climbed more than 100 percent over last year’s numbers. The automaker says that the new plant will significantly increase its available inventory.

BMW has struggled in China against Volkswagen’s Audi luxury brand, which has had the capability to build more cars in China.