BMW unveiled the 2015 BMW X3 at the just concluded 2014 Chicago Auto Show. This new and refreshed SUV features new diesel engine option, rear wheel drive variant, and an improved design.

A boost in safety technology that includes lane departure warning, active parking assistant with cruise control, pedestrian warning, frontal collision warning, and city collision mitigation have been added.

Specifications

* 2014 X3 20i

Engine & Performance

One of the new performance features for 2015 on the X3 include: On the sDrive28i, a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbocharged gas engine that produces 240 hp with 260 lb ft of torque, matched an 8-speed automatic transmission that helps the rear drive X3 28i sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.

Also, you have the xDrive28d, which is a 2.0 Liter turbocharged 4 cylinder diesel engine that pumps out 180 hp and 280 lb ft of torque. This version is also matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It can hit 60 mph in just under 8 seconds.

Exterior

The makeover on the X3 includes circular headlights that extend to the chrome kidney grille which has been slightly widened. Moreover, the side mirrors are now equipped with the standard LED turn signals and LED fog lights.

The brake cooling ducts on the front bumper have been reshaped and the bottom of the rear bumper gets an additional metal trim. Four new paint colors and a smart opener power tailgate provides hand-free and convenient access to the cargo area.

Interior

The interior has been enhanced with new chrome trims, sliding covers for the cup holders, a black panel display for climate control, and a sliding armrest.

The cargo area holds 27.3 cubic feet of cargo. However, capacity can be expanded to 63.3 cubic feet when the 40/20/40 split folding rear seat is folded down.

The 2015 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer is unlike any other BMW vehicle, the new 2015 2 series Tourer evokes style and luxury.

The driver centric design and the airiness of this car’s interior are among its most noticeable features which is a combination of a clear sense of luxury and elegance.

Anyone riding it can expect a pleasant and secure trip.

Specifications

* 225i

Engine & Performance

This model being launched comes with three engine options. All powerful and fuel-efficient, and boast of a compact design. Each comes with BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology.

The three cylinder petrol unit in the 218i Active Tourer is renowned for its efficiency and superior performance. It generates 136 horsepower; then there is the BMW 225i Active Tourer which generates 231 horsepower. Finally there is the four cylinder diesel engine 218d Active Tourer delivering 150 horsepower.

Exterior

Two words are used to describe the outside of the 2015 2-Series Active Tourer, dynamic and versatile. It is luxurious. The raised roofline and the option of a panoramic roof are two key features that attract attention.

It has been designed to give an aura of spaciousness, yet it is compact when compared to other models. The BMW traditional kidney grille, long wheelbase, crisp contours and the headlights are subtle yet appealing elements.

Interior

It is spacious, giving the driver and the passenger plenty of legroom and comfort.
Simple tweaks, such as the fact that the controls are angled towards the driver, make a lot of difference.

The luggage compartment is roomy, you can slide the rear seat as needed. There are cleverly located storage compartments, such as the one beneath the foldable trunk floor.

Bavarian Motor Works has unveiled the 2015 Series 4 at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. You will be able to see it when it makes its U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show in April.

The series 4 replaces the Series 3 when it comes to midsize coupes and convertibles. The Series 3 will come in sedans only. The 2015 4-Series Gran Coupe is a shortened 4 door version of the sedan. An apt description would be smooth and silky on a sporty platform.

Specifications

* 420i

Engine & Performance

The 4-Series Gran Coupe 428i comes with a 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder, Twin Turbo, 240 horsepower engine, while the 435i has a 3.0 liter, inline 6 cylinder generating to 300 horsepower.

Both versions come with an 8 speed Steptronic transmission that comes in manual or automatic mode.

Exterior

The BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe strongly resembles the 2 door coupe with the rear shortened to accommodate the extra 2 doors.

The façade has the traditional kidney grille and round headlamp clusters. Dual LED headlights are optional.

Air flow will not be an issue with the 2 large intakes in front with vertical air channels on both corners.

The profile view is where you notice a difference from the 2 door coupe. Although the slightly sloped roofline is almost unnoticeable as is the “hidden” gloss black B-pillar.

The horizontal tail lights are present on each corner of the rear end, once again closely paralleling the 2 door version.

Interior

A larger cabin awaits you, allowing for comfortable 4+1 seating. The instrument panel is round and encased in a black dashboard. A free standing flat screen iDrive monitor is an added attraction.
The rear seats fold down when hauling extra cargo. When in the upright position, 2 rear cup holders are available.

It should be available in a showroom near you by the summer of 2014 with a MSRP of around $41,000 for the 428i model. It will also be available as a 435i Gran Coupe and the 428i xDrive Gran Coupe which will feature intelligent all wheel drive.

Two of Its major competitors would appear to be the Audi A3 Sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class which both can be had at a lower cost.

Opel has revealed its 2015 Astra OPC Extreme, debuting at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

The car is lighter and will have an upgraded engine.

This is definitely a true race car after being described as the fastest road going Astra ever.

Engine

The Astra OPC Extreme is powered by 4 cylinder 2.0liter turbo-charged engine. Made of all aluminum, it delivers 300 horsepower matched with a 6-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential.

This is the most powerful 4 cylinder that Opel has created.

Performance

Stopping power comes from Brembo’s 6-piston brake system together with the 370 mm front discs located in the rear wheels.

That being said, this vehicle should be faster than the previous model, the Astra OPC, which sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and has top speed of about 155 mph. For those who love fast cars, this is definitely worth a look.

Exterior

This car is 100 kg lighter than the normal OPC and has made great use of carbon fiber material. The lightweight material has been used on the roof, hood, and wheels which are actually 20 kg lighter than the normal alloys.

The fenders are made from aluminum, making it lighter. OPC Extreme rides on 19 inch alloy wheels wrapped around by 245/35 tires.

Interior

The stripped interior features a safety roll-bar instead of regular rear seats. In the front, Recaro bucket seats have been installed; these seats will have Schroth 6-point safety belts.

The carbon fiber reinforced steering wheel is covered in suede material with yellow stitching.

Kia is putting the final touches on the 2015 Kia Soul EV, an all-electric model of its popular hatchback. This is the company’s first attempt into the electric car U.S market. It was introduced at the recent Chicago Auto Show.

At Kia Motors, the vice president of product planning said that this car retains the fun, funky style, efficiency and utility that has made this car a huge hit with consumers. This car adds usable real-world range and multiple charging options, making it the perfect EV for everyone.

Specifications

* Base Soul specs

Performance

The Soul EV is not a fast car; it weighs 3,247 lbs and produces 109 hp and 209 lb-ft of torque. However, the multi-layer magnet design makes the electric motor quieter compared to other electric cars.

Reports have it that they expect the Soul EV, on a full charge, to reach 120 miles before having to recharge, we’ll see.

The company has also installed a VESS (Virtual Engine Sound System) that work at speeds below 12 mph; this makes sure pedestrians and cyclists are aware of the car’s presence.

Battery

A Lithium-ion polymer battery is housed under the car’s floor and is recharged by sliding open the panels on the front of the vehicle, where the grille insert is normally located.

The Soul EV is compatible with 120-volt household-style outlets, 480- volt Chademo DC fast-chargers offered by municipalities, and 240-volt EV chargers. Depending on the source of charging, it can take between 45 minutes and 24 hours to totally recharge Soul EV.

Exterior

The exterior design is no different from a standard gasoline-powered Soul. It comes equipped with aerodynamic 16-inch aluminum wheels that have super Ultra Low Rolling Resistance tires. This simply means the Soul retains a funky style’.

Interior

The interior is similar to the standard Soul, but it’s not as roomy. This car doesn’t have the same rear legroom and cargo room; this is to create space for battery and other components.

It employs bio-friendly material in its construction, making this car the first to earn an automotive environmental validation from the Underwriters Lab. The Soul EV is made of organic ingredients; this includes the interior plastic, the paint on the trim pieces and carpeting, door panels and the headliner.