BMW’s Group Design department has created a futuristic virtual concept car exclusively for the latest Gran Turismo game. The sports coupé, named BMW Vision Gran Turismo, offers “an impressively creative platform for the innovative presentation of the BMW design vision developed exclusively for the game,” said the company.
GM will offer wireless smartphone technology in its models from 2014. The manufacturer is working with Powermat Technologies – whose products can charge various devices without a plug - and has inked a deal to include the technology on some 2014 cars, starting with the Chevrolet Volt.
German car maker Wiesmann has reportedly filed for bankruptcy. The German district court in Munster did not indicate any of the financial details that led to this point. Wiesmann, famed for its retro-futuristic sports cars, has been in business since 1993.
Saab's Trollhättan plant has re-opened its doors. Reports say that the car manufacturer’s owner – National Electric Vehicle Sweden – has plans to resume production later this year with a fresh Saab 9-3 saloon. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine joined by an array of extensive visual modifications is expected.
Skoda's Rapid Spaceback has entered into production. The new car, which receives its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, will be available early next year. Skoda has expanded facilities at its Mlada Bolesav plant to accommodate the model, which will be produced alongside the current Skoda Fabia.
Ferrari is planning to produce further hybrid cars after the launch of LaFerrari. Speaking to Bloomberg news, Ferrari chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo said "I don't believe in the electric cars, but I strongly believe in hybrids." He says he wants to creat different Ferraris for different groups of customers.
Ford will bring over just 25 units of its new Focus Electric to the UK when it goes on sale at the end of the year. Public sales won't be top of the agenda, however, with Ford expecting to sell almost all of the cars to fleet customers. Full pricing information will be revealed at the beginning of next month.
Aaron Smith & Darren Moss
