BMW’s Vision? This is it!

The Mission? To get it to production!

2010 is almost half through but the automobile industry has so much in store for all of us. From world-class automakers like Mercedes Benz to custom fast cars manufacturers Bertone and Weismann, the year is still young. In fact, here are some of the best auto models yet to hit the display rooms:

Following Saab’s independence from General Motors, it is rumored to share parts with BMW. Although it is not yet confirmed, but two insiders have unveiled the idea that BMW is considering to provide engines, transmissions, and platforms to Saab. These parts will be used in the production of the tear drop shaped Saab 92 that went to production way back in 1949 and 1956. This is seen to be the response of the automaker to the growing small cars market around the world.

Victor Muller, Spyker CEO and new owner of the marquee, told Bloomberg that the concept of sharing technologies will lower their production costs. In fact, they are looking at alliance to various parties and did not single out BMW.

BMW spokesman, when asked, said that there is no standing contract at the moment with Saab.

More on the story at Auto News

Owning Mercedes Benz these days means you have the ‘bucks’ and the guts. Did you know that in the old days, they are not as ‘cool’ as they look today? These expensive, grand imported cars were once simple carriages with motors.

I’m meant to persuade you so I included the history of the automobile marquee. Here it is:

898 horsepower and 811 pound-feet at 5100 rpm, Koenigsegg Agera is definitely among the greatest cars ever heard. Those figures are expected to make a top speed of more than 390 kilometers per hour. This car is also tested to achieve its first 100 kilometers per hour speed in just 3.1 seconds and 200 kilometers per hour in 8.9 seconds. This sleek car sports a 4.7-liter V8.

The curvaceous Koenigsegg Agera will be the next collectors’ item in the industry with just 20 units to be built each year. Suggested retail and the prevailing prices are yet to be revealed.

Even the giants in the automotive industry are going gaga for the production of small cars. This time, it is the General Motors (GM) producing small cars to meet the growing demands of practical commuted. And they are expanding! From the United States, GM has expanded its territories. Recently, their small cars and even the newest Beat have already invaded the streets of India. This cute but able commute is available in 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol engines, generating 75 bhp; and 1-litre and 1.3-litre diesel engines. The Beat is priced at Rs 4 to 5 lakhs.

Coming in India as a fully built import is the Volkswagen Phaeton. It is one of the maker’s high-end luxury cars, featuring more improved engine and transmission units. Choices in V6, V10, or V12 engine configurations as well as 4.2-liter and 6.0-liter are expected. The unit is expected to boast of its luxurious interiors and was proven for the first time when it came out in the market last Mach 2010. The Phaeton is priced at Rs 58 lakh

A more modern and spacious Beetle, Up will surely be a success in the small car class. Like the Beetle, it will also feature a rear-engine configuration. That is where the better space will be drawn from and of course, the comfort that comes with better interior size. As of posting, Volkswagen Up is set to be launched in both two-cylinder petrol and three-cylinder diesel, mated with a rear-wheel drive transmission. In India, it will be available late this year and expected to be priced around Rs 3.4 Lakh.

India is going for a great ride with VW Scirocco. This two-door hatchback features a road-hugging presence with its huge 18-inch wheels, large air dam, and narrow grille. The broad and muscular look of Scirocco is complemented by its panoramic sunroof. This successful model of VW is rumored to sport a 140 bhp turbo-diesel engine for the Indian market. It can be out by February 2011.

At Rs 4.5 to 7 Lakh, the Volkswagen Polo is going to be one of the lowest priced small cars in India. Ironic to its meager price, the new addition to the class will have spacious interior and real nice design borrowed from the SUV Tiguan. Few distinctions are also traced back to a sibling, the Gulf.

By March 2010, there will be two variants available in the Indian market powered by 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder and 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder petrol engines. The former is noted to come up with 70 bhp power and the latter with 85 bhp.