The BMW 1 Series M Coupe reveal really got people excited about the newest entry-level M car coming from the German automaker.

Now though, a new batch of rumors might upset quite a few people. According to an M3Post forum member who attended the Power of M European event, it seems that BMW will be limiting the production of the 1 Series M Coupe and will restrict the paint color options to just three choices.

According to him, BMW plans on releasing just 2,700 units of the 1 Series M Coupe, in order to keep it exclusive. These models can be had in either Alpine White, Jet Black or Valencia Orange Metallic. We’ve already seen the last two in spy shots and teaser campaigns, so there might be some validity to this.

BMW has yet to comment on these rumors, but more will be known perhaps at the upcoming Paris Motor Show or later this year when the company promised to properly reveal the BMW 1 Series M Coupe.

Source: M3Post via Autoblog

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BMW 1 Series M Coupe limited to 2,700 units and only three paint jobs?

Yesterday we revealed that Audi might be bringing a special performance version of the new A7 Sportback, the S7, to the Paris Motor Show, in order to please fans.

Now, the company has confirmed that it will be bringing one S model, but not the S7. Instead, the German carmaker will be presenting the Audi S1 hot hatch model.

Based on the already available A1, the S1 will feature a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, capable of outputting around 180 HP. This, together with the front-wheel drive and special handling upgrades, will enable a 0 to 62 mph time of under 7 seconds and a top speed of over 140 mph. A seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, with paddles behind the steering wheel is standard.

The S1′s styling will be influenced by the already revealed S Line accessories package for the A1. This includes a more aggressive body kit, lowered suspension and bigger wheels.

Official details will be unveiled in Paris later this month.

Source: Autocar

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Audi S1 confirmed for Paris debut

Toyota’s upmarket Lexus brand is aiming for the compact segment with the recently revealed CT 200h hatchback.

Built on top of the Prius platform and its hybrid synergy drive technology, the Lexus CT 200h promises to deliver a more premium experience for those that still want to save the planet by driving a hybrid.

Now, after seeing it at the Geneva Motor Show at the beginning of the year, the CT 200h has been further detailed ahead of its debut at the Paris Motor Show.

The final output is rated at 134 HP, but the 1.8-liter gasoline engine is capable of 98 HP while the electric motor can output as much as 80 HP. Even with this pretty potent power rating, 0 to 62 is achieved in 9.8 seconds.

The car has been specifically tuned for improved efficiency, meaning low rolling resistance tires, a special suspension and a hood and tailgate made from aluminum to keep weight down were fitted. All of these things enable an EPA-rated fuel estimate of 42 mpg.

You will be able to enjoy a custom interior, and the car will let you choose two driving ‘moods’ Dynamic or Relaxing, and four modes: EV, ECO, Normal and Sport.

More details are set to be unveiled in Paris. The Lexus CT 200h hybrid hatchback will be launched around the world in the following months.

Source: Lexus

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Lexus CT 200h gets detailed before its worldwide launch

The Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle will use a motor to power itself, and a 1.4-liter range extending internal combustion engine if the batteries run out of juice after 40 miles.

But what happens when you average drive takes less than that and you end up not using the IC engine or the gas from the tank? Chevrolet engineers thought of this situation, and have installed a few systems to alert the driver to take the car past its electric only range, so that the gasoline and the engine will be used in order to prevent aging or deterioration.

If the driver doesn’t do that, the Volt will enter a special maintenance mode, where the IC engine will be used. This will consume some of the gasoline in the tank and keep the fluids going in the engine bay.

It’s also worth pointing out that the Volt has a special pressurized gas tank, which keep the fuel from evaporating as fast as a regular one. This means that the gas will last longer and won’t age that fast.

The Chevrolet Volt is scheduled to appear in certain territories in November, and will be rolled out across the USA next year.

Source: Plug-in Cars via Autoblog

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Chevrolet Volt will use maintenance mode to keep gas and engine from deteriorating

We’re always ready to promote any stunts or tricks performed by man and machine, and after seeing riders like Ken Block or Travis Pastrana, we thought that it didn’t get any better than that.

After seeing Team Icon stunt rider Shin Kinoshita on his custom bike, we realized that we were extremely wrong.

The guy, while not doing quite a lot of tricks, manages to maintain absolute balance in even the trickiest of positions. Check out what he can do in a video after the jump.

Source: Icon via Autoblog

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Video: Stunt rider Shin Kinoshita proves his skills on a bike

Toyota and Tesla announced a few months ago that they are planning to launch an all-electric vehicle, based on the popular RAV4 crossover.

The Toyota RAV4 EV has now been detailed by the Japanese company, which revealed that it will have a working prototype present at this year’s LA Auto Show. According to Toyota, this means that the electric crossover is still on track for a 2012 launch on the US market.

The company also decided to detail another one of its electric efforts, the Prius plug-in hybrid. According to Toyota, the car may also arrive on US shores in 2012. More specifically, people will get to see it in the second quarter, meaning late spring.

Toyota wants to sell over 20,000 Prius PHEVs in North America when it will launch the model, and will rival other cars like the Nissan Leaf EV or the Chevrolet Volt.

Source: Toyota via Autoblog

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Toyota RAV4 EV to debut in LA this year, Prius PHEV arrives in 2012

At the beginning of the year, Fiat’s performance division, Abarth, revealed tuned versions of the Fiat 500C semi-convertible and of the Fiat Punto Evo hatchback.

Now, right before the Paris Motor Show, the tuning company is at it again, and has revealed even more powerful versions, the Abarth 500C EsseEsse and the Abarth Punto Evo EsseEsse.

The 500C has been upgraded once more, with power now rated at 160 HP, from the 138 HP of the ‘regular’ Abarth 500C. The compact model is now capable of sprinting from 0 to 62 in 7.6 seconds.

The Punto Evo has also been overhauled, with power now at 180 HP, as opposed to the previous 161 HP. 0 to 62 can be achieved in an even quicker 7.5 seconds.

Both of these new versions have received extra options, including Fiat’s Blue&Me Bluetooth connectivity pack, but also upgraded suspension, brakes and chassis stiffeners. The 500C has a special Record Monza exhaust, while the Punto Evo has received new Sabelt racing bucket seats.

Expect both of these hardcore models to be revealed to the public in Paris.

Source: Abarth

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Abarth presents EsseEsse versions of Fiat 500C and Punto Evo ahead of Paris debut

Hyundai peaked our interest a few weeks ago when it revealed a groovy sketch with an all-new model, the ix20 compact MPV.

Now, before its scheduled debut at the Paris Motor Show near the end of the month, the blokes at Autocar have revealed the first official photos of the new lightweight people carrier.

As you can see, while it doesn’t look like the sketch in some areas, the ix20 is still quite a looker, sporting the fluidic sculpture design previously seen on other new models like the Sonata or the Tucson (ix35).

Hyundai wants the ix20 to be the reasonable choice in its market segment, and adds a lot of standard options including A/C, Bluetooth connectivity, a stop/start system and more safety features than you can shake a crash test dummy at.

Expect the Hyundai ix20 compact MPV to make its debut in Paris and appear in dealerships across Europe in November. So far, the South Korean automaker has declined to talk about a possible US release.

Source: Autocar

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Hyundai ix20 compact MPV revealed before its Paris debut

It seems that the recent problems GPS navigation manufacturer Garmin had with its Nuvi line has also affected quite a lot of Nissan models.

For those who don’t remember, the electronics company was forced to issue a recall several weeks ago on many of its Nuvi devices, as the battery was prone to overheat, which might lead to a fire in extreme cases. This prompted Suzuki to issue a recall for the Grand Vitara, SX4 and Equator, as the models were equipped with these devices.

Now, Nissan has also announced that it will recall Altima, Frontier, Pathfinder, Rogue, Sentra, Versa and Xterra models, due to the faulty GPS devices.

We don’t have the official numbers, but it’s safe to say that a lot of cars are affected. Owners will be notified through mail in the following weeks, and advised to head over to their nearest dealership where a new battery will be installed for the GPS device.

Source: NHTSA

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Nissan also recalls several models over faulty Garmin GPS systems