As expected after this morning's initial leakage, BMW has released a staggering amount of images of the 2011 BMW X1 showing the brand's new soft-roader in every conceivable environment before it's officially revealed at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Along with the pics, BMW put out a brief statement (below the fold) confirming the X1's arrival in the U.S. sometime in 2011 and its plans to offer both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive (xDrive) versions, along with "a wide variety of gasoline and diesel powertrain choices." BMW won't officially confirm what mils will make the trip across the Atlantic, but the automaker says the X1 will use its EfficientDynamics system and that one gasoline engine and three diesels will be available when the X1 launches in Europe this fall. Check out all 183 high-res images in the gallery below and expect official U.S. market information to be released closer to the X1's launch in the States.

Although it is isn't slated to be officially revealed until this fall's Frankfurt Auto Show, it feels like we've been seeing the wraps come off BMW's X1 baby crossover for years now. Thanks to a steady stream of spy shots over the last 18 months or so, we feel like we ought to be able to tell you not only the shape and size of the glovebox, but the material its walls are made of. Regardless, these are the first official shots of the X1 that have leaked out on the web, apparently because of German magazine FOCUS online.

As we've already seen almost all elements of the X1 already, the final shape doesn't surprise us, which appears much like a shrunken X5 mixed with styling cues from the bull-nosed 7-Series, 5-Series Gran Turismo, and of course, last year's X1 Concept.

The inside is typical Bimmer fare as well, with a sober but handsome and well-screwed-together look. The usual accoutrements are present in the photo models' driver oriented instrument panels, including iDrive, USB ports, and thumb-shifters for the automatic.

We're already tired of BMW's awkward model naming conventions, but regardless, the CUV is expected to launch in Europe in xDrive18i and xDrive 18d configurations, along with an xDrive20d model whose 177 hp diesel is apparently good for 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, an xDrive23d model with a 204 hp oil-burner (0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds, top speed of 139 mph), as well as the xDrive28i, which is apparently good for 143 mph. No word yet on what models we'll see in the U.S. just yet, but we'd be surprised to see anything less powerful than the xDrive28i in Stateside dealers, and we'll keep our fingers crossed for a diesel variant.

According to current scuttlebutt, the X1 will launch in autumn exclusively paired with all-wheel drive, but rear-wheel drive versions are expected to come on line soon thereafter. Check out the gallery below and keep checking back with us for further details as they become available.

Some 44,451 Saturn Vue models from the 2008 model year are being recalled, and yours might be a part of the action if it has body-color door handles. What's the deal? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the handles may stick, preventing the door from properly latching.

NHTSA says an unbelted occupant could tumble out of the vehicle as a result of a door that refuses to latch, though one has to figure that you're sort of asking for it by ignoring the safety gear. In any circumstance, doors that pop open aren't acceptable, so the 44,451 vehicles affected will be give chrome door handles by dealers at no charge to customers. The recall goes into full effect by August 18th, plenty of time to get a can of Nevr-Dull to keep those shiny handles looking their best.



[Source: NHTSA]

When the 2010 GMC Terrain begins rolling out of General Motors' CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario and into dealerships this September, the new CUV will be clutching a $24,999 sticker price (including a $745 destination charge). For that sum, buyers will get GM's latest direct injected four-cylinder engine, in this case displacing 2.4-liters and producing 182 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque.

Perhaps more importantly, this engine manages to deliver an EPA-estimated 32 miles per gallon on the highway, a class-leading figure. Also available will be a 3.0-liter direct injected V6 engine with 264 horsepower and 222 pound-feet of torque, a GPS navigation system and a rear-seat DVD infotainment system. The least expensive all-wheel-drive model will go for $26,745.

Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control and GM's excellent OnStar service. On the technology front, every GMC Terrain will come equipped with a rear-view camera system, six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with USB connectivity and XM satellite radio. Stepping up a few notches to the top-rung SLT2 trim will bring leather seating surfaces, an upgraded sound system from Pioneer, power liftgate and a sunroof for $29,995. Click past the break for an official press release.

The crew from World Car Fans apparently have a mole within the Citroen dealer network who supplied them with a handful of images of the 2010 Citroen C3 before its official reveal at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

The leaked images show a significant redesign, including a thoroughly revised front fascia with more aggressive headlamps, sunken foglights and a larger air intake. The windshield has been extended further into the roof, creating a pseudo sunroof and eschewing any rumors about a panoramic glass top. New chrome trim surrounds the grille and across the hatch, while the revised rear end features new tail lamps and a more bulbous back side. If you're seeing a few shades of the recently revealed Citroen DS3 concept, you aren't mistaken, as this new C3 takes several cues from the compact concept that debuted in Geneva.

Speaking of the DS3, Autocar is reporting that development of the upcoming DS4 and DS5 is churning along, and both models will supposedly be high-riding crossovers influenced by the C-Sportlounge concept and Hypnos concept, along with a roofline eerily reminiscent of the BMW X6. The allure of coupe-like CUVs obviously isn't lost on the French, and we can expect one of the new crossover concepts to be revealed alongside the production CS3 in Frankfurt.

[Sources: WCF, Autocar]

Automakers that hope to continue doing business over the next few years need to be increasingly aware of their fuel consumption, emissions and environmental credibility. In deference to this fact, Auto Express in the U.K. is reporting that Land Rover is moving forward with plans to launch the new LRX compact hybrid 'ute, possibly with a bit of help from the U.K. government.

According to the report, Land Rover will borrow liberally from corporate partner Jaguar's hardware stable, which is rumored to soon include both hybrid and extended-range EV options. Land Rover's innovative electric drive rear axle is supposedly on the LRX menu, which would work along with the automaker's well-known and highly-effective Terrain Response System to put power to the ground wherever possible.

If there's any truth to these rumors, we shouldn't expect Land Rover to have the hybrid LRX in production until at least two years have passed. In the meantime, the British-built, Indian-owned automaker is set to debut stop/start and regenerative braking on all of its models to improve their environmental performance.



[Source: Auto Express]

According to Kia-World.net, pricing for the Korean automaker's new Soul Denim, which we inadvertently stumbled upon in the land of coffee while testing the equally new Forte, will begin at $17,300 with a standard five-speed manual transmission and $18,250 with the optional slushbox. Production will reportedly be limited to 1,200 units, though we'd expect more special editions in the future.

For that sum, the buyer will get the custom Denim Blue paint scheme with offset white striping, white side mirrors and white 18-inch alloy rims as seen in our gallery below. Exterior mods continue with a new rear spoiler and fender-mounted turn signal indicator lamps.

Despite its name, the Kia Soul Denim will not feature an interior sewn up to match your favorite pair of jeans. Instead, black fabric with 'Soul' logo inserts will reportedly cover the seats. Based on the Soul+ model, the Denim will also get the uprated audio and moonroof packages, fogs lights, floor mats and an iPod cable as standard equipment.



[Source: Kia-World.net]

Hyundai's relentless pursuit of market share continues unabated, and according to Autoweek.nl, the Korean automaker plans to bring four new models to market between now and 2011 to solidify its stronghold.

In addition to the Veloster-like Tiburon replacement rumored to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, a production version of the ix-onic crossover, originally shown in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show, is expected to debut sometime next year packing the same turbocharged 1.6-liter inline four as Hyundai's Tiburon successor and carrying an ix35 badge on the hatch.

Hyundai also plans to expand the i20 and i30 range in late 2010 by adding two MPV versions, one measuring 161 inches long and approximately 63 inches high, and another, slightly larger people mover with seating for seven. The following year, Hyundai will reportedly launch an all-new i40 (Sonata on these shores) to better compete with the Volkswagen Passat and Opel Insignia abroad. Taking inspiration from the Genus concept, both sedan and wagon versions will be available along with a range of four- and six-cylinder engines. Expect the new Tibbie to arrive in the U.S. late next year, followed by the Sonata replacement in 2012, and don't be surprised to see at least one new CUV from Hyundai within the next two years.



[Source: Autoweek.nl via WCF]

When the Audi Q3 compact CUV hits the streets in 2011, its assembly will be handled by the workers at VW's Spanish division, SEAT. In preparation for the crossover's arrival SEAT is building an all-new body shop at its Martorell factory. Like other modern body shops, the 322,000 square-foot facility will be heavily automated with over 300 robots handling most of the welding and stamp manipulation.

A ceremony was held at the site this week to lay the cornerstone for the new building, and as is typical for these types of events, all the usual politicians and dignitaries turned out for their photo op. The €300 million euro factory is the largest investment made by SEAT in 15 years, and signals that the Volkswagen group tends to keep it around for a while. An estimated 1,500 people will be employed building the Q3 when it launches in two years.

According to automotive consulting firm IHS Global Insight, the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep lineups are going to look drastically different over the next few years under Fiat control. No surprises there, but the report goes on the forecast which current Chrysler vehicles will be dropped and which ones will be transferred to new platforms. We've already heard that the next Alfa Romeo 169 sedan will be built atop Chrysler's LX platform in Ontario, Canada and that the Fiat 500 will be built ASAP in Toluca, Mexico, but that's only the beginning.

If IHS is right, joining the 500 in Toluca will be the Jeep Panda, which, as you may have guessed, will be a version of the Fiat Panda wearing Jeep's trademark seven-slot grille. Furthermore, Alfa Romeo may get two new SUVs that would be built in Jeep factories in Jefferson, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio – one midsize 'ute called the GTX that's based on the WL platform that underpins the Jeep Grand Cherokee and a smaller one built on Fiat's C-EVO platform, which will also underpin the next Jeep Liberty. That leaves the unloved Jeep Compass and its somewhat more likable brother, the Patriot, to die slow and inglorious death.

Fiat's C-EVO platform will also spawn the next-gen Dodge Journey, Chrysler Sebring (and presumably the Dodge Avenger if it survives past its current form), and Dodge Caliber. Moving downward in size a notch will (finally) be the Dodge Hornet, which will forgo Bad Chrysler's old deal with Nissan in order to share its Fiat 199 platform with the Alfa Romeo MiTo, both of which will be assembled in Belvidere, Illinois sometime in 2011. Thanks for the tip, Dad!



[Source: Global Insight]