• Competes with: No other hybrids, but gas-only models like the Volvo C30, Mini Cooper Clubman and the diesel Audi A3
• Looks like: Lexus is in a risk-taking mood — it's the only thing a luxury hatchback could signal
• Drivetrain: 1.8-liter gas engine and electric motor/generator producing 134 hp (total); front-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Early 2011

Lexus is readying its first hatchback for the U.S. market, and if that wasn't news enough, the model is also going to be Lexus' latest hybrid. The five-seat CT 200h is a four-door hatch with a gas/electric drivetrain that powers the front wheels. Pricing information and gas mileage figures haven't been released, but we'll get our first look at this hybrid when it lands in the U.S. at the New York auto show later this month. It hits dealerships in early 2011.

Lexus says the CT 200h grew out of a recent concept car, the LF-Ch, which was first seen just last fall at the Frankfurt auto show. The production version's resemblance is very close to the concept — and from some angles, the Mazda3 hatchback. The wheels measure 17 inches in diameter.

As for the drivetrain, Lexus has indicated that the CT 200h is powered by a 1.8-liter gas engine that teams with an electric motor/generator. Total system output is 134 hp. Drivers can switch among four different modes — Normal, Eco, EV (electric vehicle) and Sport — that are designed to alter the car's drivetrain performance. Eco mode also modifies the car's air conditioning for lower fuel use, while Sport quickens the car's steering. In a nod to the Sport mode’s performance intentions, one of the gauges in the instrument cluster changes from a charge/assist meter to a tachometer when it’s selected.

Even though hatchbacks — particularly luxury hatchbacks — haven't been embraced by most U.S. car buyers, they've fared better when the technology in them has been the main attraction. (Witness the Toyota Prius.) The CT 200h also packs hybrid technology, but the luxury market is fickle, so it will be interesting to see how buyers respond to the car. More photos below.

The engine is matted to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, similar to what we will see in future BMW models. The Ghost accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds and has a maximum electronically limited speed of 155 mph(250 km/h).

As we have previously mentioned, the new Rolls Royce Ghost was built on the long wheelbase platform from the new 7 Series and measures 5,399mm (212.6 inches) in length, 3,295mm (129.7 inches) in wheelbase, 1,948mm (76.7 inches) in width, and 1,550mm (61 inches) in height.

With this occasion, Rolls Royce also revealed the highly awaited pricing, which as you might have expected, it’s not on the low side. In the UK, the Baby Rolls will sell for £165,000, while in rest of Europe, the base price starts at €213,000.

Those of us that live in the U.S. and would like to purchase the Ghost, will have to shell out $245,000. Rest of the world? $250,000

Despite the high pricing tag, sources close to BMW AG stated that the first models have already been sold out and that the first  customer will be able to pick up his first Ghost in September.

Press Release

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS CONFIRMS GHOST FIGURES

• Engine power output of 563 bhp / 420 kW / 570 PS @ 5250 rpm
• 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds / 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds*
• Top speed of 155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically governed)
• Maximum torque 780 Nm / 575 lb ft @ 1500 rpm

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has confirmed headline performance figures for Ghost, their new model which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

The Ghost will be powered by a brand new 6.6 litre turbo charged V12 engine unique to Rolls-Royce. This engine will produce 563 bhp, delivering a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a governed top speed of 155 mph. The engine is combined with an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox.

Rolls-Royce Director of Engineering, Helmut Riedl said, “First and foremost Ghost is a Rolls-Royce. This means that despite its extraordinary performance figures it has been engineered for effortless composure and refined power delivery. This is illustrated by the significant levels of low down torque available which makes pulling away very smooth and for an exceptionally relaxed driving experience.”

Riedl continues, “Rolls-Royce power is entirely different to anything else in the automotive world. It is delivered free from stress and exertion but at the same time must engage the driver. Ghost is about fingertip control while still enjoying a dynamic connection with the road. Equally passengers need to be cosseted from the physical sensations of acceleration, braking and cornering. Our chassis set up keeps Ghost stable and flat, preventing it from wallowing or pitching in the corners or imposing undesirable forces on those inside.”

Rolls-Royce has already confirmed that the Ghost will ride on an intelligent four corner air suspension system using multi link aluminium front and rear axles. The fully integrated system allows each of the Ghost’s dynamic handling systems to work together in harmony, providing the optimum levels of refinement and comfort at all times.

The vehicle acoustics also play a vital role in creating the authentic Rolls-Royce environment. Naturally engine, exhaust and even tyre noise have been engineered to be inaudible as far as possible, both internally and externally.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Executive Officer, Tom Purves, said, “Ghost is not about a single superlative but rather a careful blend of attributes. A Rolls-Royce should carry its power with grace, agility and refinement and this is never achieved by a focus on outright performance. Mastery comes in creating a balance and having driven the Ghost again recently I can say confidently that our engineering team has achieved this in fine style”.

Customer deliveries of Ghost in the UK and Europe will begin late in 2009 with pricing from £165,000 excluding taxes and delivery charges. Customer deliveries in other markets including the USA and Asia Pacific region will begin from the second quarter 2010.

A full technical specification will be released later in the year.

Note:

* 0-60 mph 4.7 seconds (4.8 seconds North America)
* 0-100 km/h 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds North America)

1. Ghost technical specification:

No. of doors/seats: 4/5
Vehicle length: 5399 mm / 212.6 inches
Vehicle width 1948 mm / 76.7 inches
Vehicle height: 1550 mm / 61 inches
Wheelbase: 3295 mm / 129.7 inches
Engine: new 6.6 litre turbocharged V12
Gearbox: 8-speed ZF
Power output: 563 bhp / 420 kW / 570 PS @ 5250 rpm
Max torque @ engine speed: 780 Nm / 575 lb ft @ 1500 rpm
Top speed: 155 mph / 250 km/h (electronically governed)
0-60 mph 4.7 seconds (4.8 seconds North America)*
0-100 km/h 4.9 seconds (5.0 seconds North America)*

2. Ghost pricing (excluding taxes and delivery charges):

UK £165,000
Europe €213,000
North America US$245,000
Rest of World US$250,000

3. From quarter four 2009, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will offer five models: Ghost, Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Drophead Coupé and Phantom Coupé. The Rolls-Royce Phantom range of cars is powered by a naturally aspirated direct injection 6.75 litre V12 engine that produces 453 bhp at 5350 rpm (338 kW/460 PS) and 720 Nm of torque at 3500 rpm.

4. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars retailed 1212 cars around the world in 2008, a 20 per cent increase over the previous year and marking five years of continued growth since the Phantom was first launched in 2003.

But here is what we know so far: the PAC, short for Progressive Activity Coupe, is built on a long-wheel base 3 Series. The Progressive Activity Coupe has a higher roof when compared to the existing 3 Series Wagon and of course, a longer wheelbase as well. Following the steps of its “bigger brother”, 5 Series Gran Turismo, the 3 GT will be available in a smaller segment and will share some personalization features such as optional bench or individual seating . It will bring a personal approach to luxury and will differentiate itself from the Wagon model.

Since it’s based on a 3 Series platform, BMW’s plans are to maintain the performance and dynamics seen on the other 3er models. The engine range will include the latest six cylinder turbo(N55) found in the GT and the latest six cylinder diesel , additional petrol and diesels will include BMW’s upcoming four cylinder Turbocharged petrol engine and the four cylinder diesel.

Some of you might ask why the “Progressive Activity Coupe” branding name? According to sources close to BMW, the name comes from the way the roof slopes down at the rear, but instead of a larger glass area as in a Wagon model, the BMW 3 Series GT will have an additional quarter light and a wrap around tailgate. The rear end could be defined as a combination of a Wagon and a Shooting Brake design .

The 3 GT will not feature the flexible trunk arrangement, but instead it settles for a traditional trunk which gives the option to lift the glass area for easy storage and then have full use of a tailgate as you would have in an SAV or Wagon.

Even though it has not been confirmed by multiples sources, the rumor is that the BMW 3 Series will be introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in a concept format.

Below you can see a rendering of the 3 Series GT

[Source: Car-vs-Car ]

The MINI crossover concept from last year’s Paris Motor Show may have a new name.

Speculators have called the new cute-ute everything from Crossman to Traveller. Now, MotoringFile says the name for the new vehicle will be Countryman.

The Countryman, you might recall, was applied to the long-wheelbase versions of the MINI Cooper, along with Traveller. Today’s extended Cooper uses the Clubman tag. The new version’s been shopped around as a concept car in tandem with the 2011 BMW X1, the new compact ute from MINI’s parent company.

If it’s correct, the report would also have the official 2011 MINI Countryman photos making the rounds in a few weeks, in advance of a world debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.

U.S.

2010 Mini Crossover spy shots

Read more

We typically don’t run spy photos, as they’re usually far from what a finished product will look like. (Of course, in Mini’s case, they kind of all look the same regardless.) But then, we don’t want to turn down anyone who sends us something as crystal-clear as this shot — especially intrepid family members of Cars.com staffers.

It’s also one of the few times the prototype has been seen testing in the U.S. Here it was seen in Camarillo, Calif., heading down the 101 toward Los Angeles.

To offer our consumer bent, the official version will be shown at the Frankfurt auto show this fall and will go on sale sometime in 2010.

Internally dubbed as V3 or Progressive Activity Coupe, the 335i GT is based on the new, slightly longer and cost efficient modular platform that will be used in the new  3 Series models, a platform that can be stretched or shrunk based on the vehicle.  335i GT sports a rear-end combination between a touring and a shooting brake model. The 3 Series GT will not feature the flexible trunk arrangement, but instead settling for a traditional trunk which provides increased  flexibility. The customer will be able to lift the glass area for easy storage and then have full use of a tailgate, as you would have in an SAV or Touring.

The BMW 335i GT will provide increase personal luxury, something we’re currently seeing in the 5 Series GT. It will also offer back seat personalization, an optional bench or individual seating. 3 Series GT will receive the full Panoramic roof stretch from the front windscreen to the rear screen increasing the space.

Sources talk about the 335i GT as being a very dynamic car that could be considered an alternative to the Touring model, but with a more personal feeling attach to it.

The 3 Series GT vehicles will be powered by the award winning 3.0 liter six cylinder turbo gasoline and diesel engines, but additional powerplants will be offered in different markets. BMW’s upcoming four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine is expected to be offered as an option as well.

The BMW 335i GT will be competing with the upcoming 2010 Audi A5 Sportback, a five-door configuration concept much sleeker than traditional Audi Avant wagons.

The first prototypes will start the testing on public roads in September and even though not confirmed at this time, rumors say that BMW might showcase the 3 Series GT as a concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

[Source: Edmunds | Photo Rendering: Modtor ]