The Auto World

Nearly a year has passed since BMW introduced the XM concept and now we’re getting a detailed look at the upcoming production model. Revealed in patent photos noticed by the iXForums , the road-going model retains the controversial looks of the concept but the design has been watered down a bit. In particular, we can see a smaller grille that is flanked by quad lighting units similar to those found on the redesigned 7-Series. Further below, there’s a new central intake with a prominent sensor for the crossover’s high-tech driver assistance systems. Other notable changes include less dramatic air curtains and fender flares that appear more rounded. They’re joined by traditional door handles as well as thicker pillars. Also Read: 2023 BMW XM Hybrid Reveals A Hint Of Grille During Nürburgring Workout Out back, there’s a stacked four-tailpipe exhaust system and more conventional taillights. Designers also tweaked the bumper and diffuser, while retaining the angular rear window. B...

We’ve heard of carmakers building vehicles without certain safety and convenience features to get around a shortage of semiconductors, but this latest supply-chain threat is potentially more problematic. Volkswagen is stockpiling windshields over fears that Europe is about to suffer a major glass shortage. Automakers work on a just-in-time basis to avoid having huge stocks of parts lying around, and loads of money tied up in them. But the Wall Street Journal reports that Volkswagen is bulk-buying windshields and windows because it thinks soaring energy costs in Europe could spark a shortage of glass on the continent. And while manufacturers like Aston Martin, Ferrari and McLaren are happy to roll out the odd speedster now and again, your average Tiguan buyer isn’t going to be ecstatic at the idea of having to wear a pair helmet or goggles to do the school run. Related: Sourcing Batteries For All These New EVs After ICE Ban Will Be Challenging, Says VW CFO The car biz isn’t th...

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe quickly became America’s best-selling plug-in hybrid and it was followed by an eco-friendly Grand Cherokee 4xe earlier this year. However, the company’s electrification journey is just getting started and they’ll share more details during a 4xe Day on September 8th. Jeep is keeping details under wraps, but said they’re “accelerating toward Zero Emission Freedom and will make a series of announcements on its electrification plans.” The company also released a teaser video on social media that said they’ll “enter a new era of electrification,” while also noting  “freedom is electric.” Also Read: Jeep EV And Ram 1500 BEV Teased During Stellantis Roadmap Event Tune in as we enter a new era of electrification 9.8.22 #Jeep4xeDay #4xe #EV pic.twitter.com/gu9yqg5The — Jeep (@Jeep) August 31, 2022 We’ll learn more next month, but those statements suggest the company could reveal more details about the electric vehicles that were teased during the Stell...

Ducati and Lamborghini are iconic Italian brands, and it appears they’re partnering on a new special edition. As you can see in this teaser, Ducati is set to introduce a “very special” model on September 2nd that “combines exclusivity, sporty attitude, and charm.” That’s not much to go on, but the teaser image shows a carbon fiber intake as well as Lamborghini STO badging. We can also see a striking two-tone paint job that appears to incorporate Lamborghini’s eye-catching Verde Citrea. Also Read: Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini Debuts As A Limited Edition Bike Inspired By The Sian FKP 37 Details remain elusive, but the special edition likely pays tribute to the Lamborghini Huracán STO . The model is billed as a “genuine race car” for the road as well as the “purest concentration of Squadra Corse’s motorsports prowess.” That isn’t just marketing hype as the model has extensive aerodynamic upgrades as well as carbon fiber in more than 75% of its exterior panels. The latter helps ...

Mini today announced that the Multitone Roof treatment will be extended beyond the Cooper SE model with the Multitone Edition package. Available on the 3 Door, 5 Door, and Clubman models, the automaker says it conveys a “friendly, positive attitude to life.” The treatment sees the roof section of the Mini painted with a gradient that runs from Aspen White at the front, through Melting Silver II in the middle, and finally to Jet Black at the rear of the car. The look is made possible thanks to the innovative wet-on-wet painting process used at Mini’s Oxford plant . The technology allows the automaker to apply three color shades one after the other, without waiting for them to dry. The process means that each vehicle gets a slightly different gradient transition, which Mini points out makes each vehicle unique. Read Also: Mini Shows Off Future Of Design With Aceman EV Concept That paintwork is complemented by what Mini calls “an abstract, white rainbow”. The automaker says that ...