Frankfurt Show Preview: Peugeot’s HX1 Hybrid4 MPV Concept for Six

With the Frankfurt Motor Show just around the corner, Peugeot decided to release the first official photos of the HX1, a six-seater MPV concept propelled by a diesel-electric powertrain.
On the outside, the aerodynamically optimized HX1 (Cd 0.28) adopts the company’s new “floating” front grille that we've already seen on the 508.
One of the concepts unique features are the seven-spoke alloy wheels that resemble turbine blades when stationary, while when on the move, they open up to form a flat surface for better aerodynamic performance. For the same purpose, a spoiler and two side skirts fitted at the top of the tailgate deploy above 100 km/h (62 mph).

Video: True...Ladies Men Smoke Slap Girls on the Road [NSFW]

Adding a new dimension to the 'savoir vivre' of people who really don't have anything better to do with their lives (besides trying to prove that they may be the missing link in evolution), the occupants of this diesel-powered truck demonstrate their humor by asking girls on the road if they smoke and then blast them with a black cloud of exhaust fumes.

Not surprisingly, Harry, Lloyd, Snooki's doppelganger and the rest of the gang have no problem smiling....for the camera. Watch the videos after the jump.

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2012 Seat Exeo Saloon and ST Refreshed Once Again

Starting from this fall, the Volkswagen Group's Spanish division Seat will offer a revamped version of its former Audi A4-based Exeo series that includes the sedan and estate (ST) models in Europe.

The subtle styling enhancements on the outside include a revised face with new bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights, a honeycomb style grille insert, plus new 17 and 18-inch alloy wheel designs.

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SPIED: New Diesel-Powered BMW X6 M Spotted on the 'Ring?

There has been a lot of talk lately about BMW's plans to introduce its first-ever diesel-powered 'M' model. Just last week, the Detroit-Bureau spoke to BMW M Manager Brian Watts who confirmed the German company's interest in an M-badged diesel model.

The news site also cited inside sources to say that the plans calls for the development of a highly modified version of BMW's 3.0-liter straight-six oil-burner fitted with three-turbochargers developing around 500-horsepower and well over 600 lb-ft of peak torque. This engine would be fitted on M-badged versions of the 5-Series and the X6 crossover.

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Chevy to Stage European Premiere of New Malibu at Frankfurt Auto Show, gets 2.4-Liter Diesel

[North American 2013 Chevrolet Malibu featured in the pictures]

The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will continue its world tour after its parallel premiere at shows in the U.S.A. and China earlier this year, at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

This will be the first time European buyers will get to see the new Malibu sedan in the flesh as the model series was not previously available for sale in the continent. In Europe, Chevrolet's newcomer will be the firm's flagship saloon model when sales start next year.

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SPIED: New, Evoque-Inspired 2013 Range Rover Hits the 'Ring

Only last week, we brought you spy pictures of the all-new 2012 Range Rover, but our man with the long lens has once again managed to capture the luxury 4x4, this time, in and out of the Nordschleife.

The company’s test drivers put the zebra-dressed Range Rover prototype through its paces to check out different suspension settings and evaluate its on-road high-speed behavior and agility.

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Louisiana Scientists Turn Alligator Fat Waste to Biodiesel

Scientists are constantly warning us that oil supplies are running out, therefore we should look for alternative sources of energy. Electric vehicles are all good and well, but they require a completely new infrastructure on a global basis, something that’s not likely to happen very soon. Moreover, they are expensive and have many limitations – but that is a different story.

So far, the prime replacement of fossil fuel is biodiesel oil, which is made of soybeans. The problem is soybeans are also used for human and animal consumption.

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New Diesel-Powered Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI

For the first time in the SLK's history, Mercedes-Benz is offering a diesel-powered version of its small hardtop roadster that will be available for order in Europe from September 13, 2011.

The new SLK 250 CDI makes use of the Stuttgart-based automaker's 2.1-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine delivering 204-horses (150kW) and a hefty 500Nm (368.8 lb-ft) of peak torque.

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BMW Spices up 2012MY X5 and X6 Crossovers with New Special Editions, Colors and Options

This autumn will see BMW launching the 2012 model year versions of its popular X5 and X6 crossovers.

Highlights include the introduction of new special edition models, additional equipment options, new exterior colors and an expanded choice of light alloy wheels. Furthermore, the 2012MY X5 xDrive30d will be available with BMW's BluePerformance technology helping it fully meet the requirements of Europe's even stricter EU6 exhaust emissions standards.

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Hyundai Introduces New 76.4mpg i20 Blue in Britain

After the launch of the i10 Blue at the beginning of the year, Hyundai is doubling its eco-friendly offerings in the UK's small car segment with the addition of the i20 Blue to its lineup.

The i20 Blue combines the standard model's 1.4-liter CRDi turbo diesel engine delivering 90-horsepower with Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG), low rolling resistance tires, rear suspension under cover and rear wheel deflectors.

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2013 Range Rover Spied Out in the Open wearing New Body

An all-new model will soon replace one of the oldest but undeniably, still one of the best-looking and most capable vehicles in the premium SUV segment, the Range Rover.

The upcoming Range Rover will be the fourth generation model following the original that was produced from 1970 to 1996, the second iteration that lasted from 1994 to 2001, and the current version that has been in production since 2002.

While the current model has the unique distinction of being developed by three different companies as it was planned and designed under the leadership of the BMW Group, updated by Ford when the latter bought Land Rover, and revised when the British company landed in the hands of India's Tata Motors, the fourth-gen Range Rover will be the work of Tata.

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Senner Tuning Lays its Hands on the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI

Continuing its assault on Audi's portfolio, German aftermarket specialist has introduced a new package for the Q5 SUV fitted with the 2.0-lited TDI turbo diesel engine.

Thanks to a new performance kit that includes an ECU upgrade, sport filters and a custom exhaust system, the four-cylinder diesel engine's output is lifted from 170-horses and 350Nm to 213HP and 445Nm (328.2 lb-ft).

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2012 Land Rover Defender Updated with New 2.2L Turbo Diesel and Additional Option Packages

There may be talk of a new Defender on its way with rumors of a concept model making its appearance as early as next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but for now, Land Rover is updating the current version with a new turbo diesel engine and the introduction of two new option packages for the 2012 model year.

The most important change of course is the new, EU5 compliant, 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine that replaces the EU4 2.4-litre oil-burner found in the 2011MY Defender.

Despite the smaller capacity, the new four-cylinder diesel delivers the same power and torque as the outgoing unit with 122PS at 3,500rpm and torque, 360Nm (265.5 lb-ft) at 2,000rpm.

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2012 Honda Civic Hatch to Feature Cleaner and More Powerful 2.2-liter Diesel in Europe

As we draw nearer and nearer to the Frankfurt Motor Show, which will open its gates to the public in about a month's time, carmakers are starting to reveal more details about the models they will unveil at the IAA.

Honda, which has already shown us photos and a video of a heavily camouflaged version of the all-new European market Civic hatchback that will be built exclusively at its Swindon UK factory, today revealed that one of the available engines in its lineup will be an ultra-frugal and clean 2.2-liter turbodiesel.

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2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Under Investigation Over Fuel Leak Complaints

Federal safety officials are looking into allegations for possible fuel leaks on the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine (TDI).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] said that so far, it has received seven complaints alleging leakage from the fuel line to the No2 fuel injector, all from vehicles with low mileages ranging from 2,470 to 7,764 miles.

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Seat UK Expands Availability of FR Trim, Introduces New FR+ and Upgrades Cupra R in the Leon's Range

Banking on the success of the Leon FR that, last year, was responsible for one in four Leon sales in Britain, Seat introduced a new FR+ derivative, while also extending the FR badge to a broader engine range.

The Leon FR hatch is now available with a 1.4-liter TSI petrol developing 125-horses and linked to a manual transmission only, or a 2.0-liter TDI diesel with 140-horsepower and the choice of either a manual gearbox or a DSG dual clutch automatic transmission.

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BMW Turbocharges X3 with Two New Engines

A pair of new turbocharged engines will soon be added to the range of the recently-launched BMW X3. These include a base four-cylinder gasoline unit and a flagship straight-six diesel.

The new entry level version of the X3, the xDrive20i, is powered by a 2.0-liter aluminum four cylinder gasoline engine featuring a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection, Double Vanos variable camshaft control and Valvetronic variable valve control system. It delivers 184HP at 4,800 rpm and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque from just 1,250 rpm.

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MTM Drops Some Power Upgrades to Audi A7 Sportback TDI

After Senner Tuning's recent take on the Audi A7 Sportback TDI, MTM is next in line to offer its services to the diesel-powered model.

In regular factory trim, the A7's 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel engine churns out 245-horses and 500Nm (369 lb-ft) of peak torque. The German tuning firm offers buyers two different options, the first pushing output to 285HP and peak torque to 580Nm (427.8 lb-ft), and the second to 300-horsepower and 600Nm (442.5 lb-ft) respectively.

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New Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback Launched in the UK

Chevrolet found the perfect opportunity at the Donington race of the WTCC (World Touring Car Championship) to launch the hatchback version of the Cruze in Britain. While Yvan Muller was winning both rounds of the race in the Cruze WTCC, further advancing his lead on the championship, journalists were able to use the country roads around Donington to get their first taste of Chevy’s new hatchback. Read more »