n contrast to the more vertical design of the MINI Countryman, we’ve given the MINI Paceman Concept a horizontal emphasis and accentuated the width of the car rather more to underline the powerful appearance of the study” explained Marcus Syring, Head of MINI Exterior Design.

The radiator grille is the same as that of the Cooper S Countryman save for the addition of air intakes in the bumper for improved brake ventilation and the new deep-set fog lights. Like the Countryman, the rear apron of the Paceman Concept features a diffuser that channels the airflow between twin exhausts for some extra aerodynamic benefits.

The vehicle has been designed to accommodate the MINI John Cooper Works 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine. This 16 valve, four cylinder unit develops 211 hp and generates maximum torque of 260 Nm (192 lb-ft), although an Overboost function can increase this to 280 NThe provide the vehicle with some visual muscle, the Paceman combines the features of the MINI Countryman and the style of a coupe. A shoulder line that rises toward the rear of the vehicle, coupled with a flat roofline, causes the coupé-style windows to taper towards the rear and give the vehicle a dynamic wedge shape. Additionally, what Mini calls a ‘helmet’ roof appears to be suspended on top of a band of glass formed by the windows that appear to wrap around the ca

A 21st century revisit of its original T1 Transporter/Microbus informally dubbed the “Bulli” in its home market — the new Volkswagen Bulli Concept offers a more compact and far-more-affordable vision of the supremely cool but way-too- costly-to-build Microbus Concept that was presented in 2001. In addition to its tasteful neo/retro VW styling cues, this new Bulli offers room for six and retains the same kind of exceptional interior flexibility as its 60-year old predecessor. While a modern electric drive system ensures that this would-be Bulli is far more environmentally friendly, Volkswagen execs admit that the platform also can accommodate 1.0 to 1.4-liter gasoline and diesel engines.

Riding on a 102.0-inch wheelbase, the new Bulli Concept is slightly shorter but lower and wider than the original T1. A familiar two-tone paint scheme more crisply defines its body lines and adds a particularly unique character to the front fascia, which also carries an oversize VW logo. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels further emphasize the Bulli’s aggressive stance while four conventional doors afford easy access to both its fore and aft benches, and a large one-piece tailgate eases loading/unloading chores.

Inside, the Bulli’s modern minimalist design includes a tidy dash treatment highlighted by a full-width vent system matched with a centrally-mounted removable iPad that provides control of a variety of functions abetted by the switchgear on the multifunction steering wheel. As might be expected, the Bulli Concept also boasts a new Fender-spec premium audio system. In keeping with its character, reconfiguring the accommodations for up to six is a breeze. The passenger portion of the Bulli’s 60/40 front seat folds flat, as does the entire rear perch — which also can be stowed completely to increase total cargo space from 13.1 to 56.5 cu-ft. As a finishing touch, a full-length panoramic glass roof further contributes to the feeling of spaciousness.

Motive force for the VW Bulli Concept is provided by an 85kW (114 horsepower) front-mounted electric motor that makes 199 lb-ft of torque. It drives the front wheels via a single-speed transmission and is fed by a 1,450 Kg (3,200-pound)/40kWh lithium-ion battery pack that’s centrally mounted under the floor. Electronically limited to 87 mph and able to reach 62 mph in 11.5 seconds, VW says the Bulli can travel an impressive 186.4 miles on a single charge and that a special “electric refueling station” will be able to trim recharging time to less than an hour

David Aviles, who works at Northwest BMW in Maryland, won a sales competition and so was invited to a European BMW event called The Power of M. While there, he apparently gleaned some info on the 1 Series M Coupé that, if true, is not going to make very many people happy. According to Aviles, there will be just 2,700 examples sold in either Alpine White, Jet Black or Valencia Orange Metallic, and every single one will come with a manual transmission.

BMW’s been on a bit of a roll lately with special and limited edition M cars, but if Aviles’ news is accurate, we didn’t expect the production on this one to be choked off at such a low number. Aviles goes on to say that the U.S. will get the largest allocation, but numbers weren’t disclosed. The pic above is a wallpaper rendering of the 1 Series M Coupé by Bimmerpost member Gerald, which might be the closest any of us gets to the car itself. Hat tip to Arash

Successive generations of the BMW M3 have come a long way since the original, with a skyrocketing curb weight and an ever-climbing price tag. The new M3 GTS may have done a lot to counter the former, although sadly it only further escalated the latter. But enthusiasts take heart, because someone’s on the case. Fortunately, that someone is Dr. Kay Segler, head of Munich’s famous M division.

According to reports, Segler and his team are pushing the beancounters to give them the authorization to make an M-tuned 1 Series. While the twin-turbo 135i is touted by many as a closer successor to the original M3 than the current M3, he feels there’s more that can be done.

Unfortunately, Segler is talking about the next-generation 1 Series, so even if approved, it’d be a while before any future M-tuned 1 hits the road. If and when it does, however, it could take aim at the Audi S3 with a 330-horsepower version of the Bavarian automaker’s new TwinPower engine. As for naming schemes, they may have to get a little creative to avoid confusion with the original M1 superc

Ford is mulling diving into the realm of mini people movers. The Ford B-Max is a compact minivan concept which rides on the same platform as the Fiesta. Its body sits 4.3-inches longer and taller than the Fiesta, and rear-seat passengers will have a much easier time getting in and out of the back seats thanks to the unique door construction.

A pair of sliding rear doors work together with the front doors to create an opening nearly five-feet wide. This is accomplished, in part, by the apparently lack of a B-pillar. However, the B-pillar is still part of the B-Max but it’s integrated into the front and rear doors. When closed, they act together in the same manner as a traditional support pillar.

Once those doors are closed, you can twist the key and bring the three-cylinder, 1.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine to life. We don’t have any stats on the engine, but considering it’s a part of the EcoBoost family, we expect a flat torque curve and solid fuel efficiency.

While officially labeled a concept, you can bet your bottom dollar (and your top one, too) that the B-Max is headed for European showrooms very soon.

PRESS RELEASE:

B-MAX HIGHLIGHTS FORD’S INNOVATIVE VISION FOR THE SMALL CAR MARKET

-Global reveal of the Ford B-MAX at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show
-Dramatic new door concept – with integrated B-pillar construction and twin sliding doors – is production ready, and promises unique appeal in the segment
-Benefits include outstanding access to the front and rear, unmatched convenience and flexibility, and outstanding safety
-Highly-versatile B-MAX interior combines exceptional space and practicality with the comfort and premium materials of a much larger vehicle
-Ultra-low-CO2 powertrain with state-of-the-art 1.0-litre three-cylinder Ford EcoBoost petrol engine and Auto-Start-Stop

GENEVA, March 1, 2011– Ford is unveiling its dramatic new B-MAX vehicle at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, providing an early preview of exciting innovations from Ford in the small car market.

The B-MAX has a unique new body design which eliminates the traditional B pillar and features twin rear sliding doors. This innovative format – which has already been engineered for production – promises best-in-class access to the cabin, together with unmatched convenience and flexibility.

The dynamic and stylish new B-MAX illustrates how Ford’s kinetic design language can be translated to a unique new vehicle format.The innovation continues inside the cabin, where the interior offers exceptional space and versatility for such a compact vehicle. The use of high quality materials highlights the vision that small, practical cars can also be comfortable and well-equipped.

“With its highly popular S-MAX and Galaxy, and more recently the all-new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, Ford has a proven history of bringing innovation and style to the multi-activity vehicle market,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

“The new B-MAX signals that Ford is ready to bring the same bold thinking to the small car market. With its unique door format and dynamic design, the B-MAX sends a strong message that customers looking for a compact, stylish and versatile vehicle will soon have an exciting new choice.”

New vision for compact vehicles

Based on Ford’s global B-car platform – shared with the highly successful new Fiesta – the B-MAX is slightly more than four metres in length, the B-MAX is just 11 cm longer than the Fiesta five-door, and is 32 cm shorter than the new C-MAX.

With this highly compact footprint, the B-MAX is ideally placed to meet the fast-growing demand for downsized cars which are better suited to congested urban conditions, but without sacrificing interior space and comfort.

“With the B-MAX we set out to create a vehicle that captures the spirit of a smaller
S-MAX,” said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe’s executive design director. “We wanted to show that a small car could be very spacious and practical inside, while still having the sleek, dynamic appearance that has made the S-MAX so popular.”

Unmatched interior versatility

With both front and rear doors open there is outstanding access to the interior, with a huge, clear aperture measuring over 1.5 metres wide. This is around twice the width offered by competitors with alternative door concepts, making it significantly easier to enter or exit the rear seats, attend to children in child seats, or load shopping.

Having folded the 60/40 split rear seats and the front passenger seat to create an extensive flat load floor, the side access is particularly convenient to load bulky items such as flat-pack furniture or even a bicycle.

With the front passenger seat folded, the interior is capable of swallowing exceptionally long loads measuring up to 2.35 metres in length.

Sitting 11cm taller than Fiesta, the B-MAX also provides extremely generous accommodation for its occupants. Drivers benefit from a higher ‘command’ seating position, while rear seat legroom and headroom is significantly improved.

Engineered for outstanding safety

In developing the B-MAX’s unique integrated B-pillar body design for production, Ford engineers have ensured that it delivers the same outstanding levels of crash protection as Ford products with a more conventional structure.

To deliver the required performance in side impacts, the structure of both front and rear doors has been significantly strengthened – with ultra-high-strength Boron steel in key load-bearing areas – so that the door frames work together to absorb energy like a ‘virtual B pillar’.

Special safety interlocks and reinforced latch mechanisms ensure that the doors remain firmly fixed to the roof and floor structure during an impact, and enable the front and rear doors to act together to protect the occupants.

When these measures are combined with other structural enhancements to the bodyshell and the latest restraint system technologies, the result is a body design which meets the highest safety standards.

Compact, sporty and stylish

The exterior design of the B-MAX shows how Ford’s kinetic design language can be applied to its unique new vehicle format, creating a compact, sporty and stylish car which adds its own distinctive character to Ford’s popular MAV line-up.

The vehicle’s striking front-end features a bold new interpretation of Ford’s signature trapezoidal grille. Other distinctive kinetic design elements include strong headlamp graphics, the muscular shoulder line with its powerful undercut, a characteristic window line with its kick-up behind the rear doors, and the prominent wheel lips.

The bold three-dimensional surfacing of the body sides helps to avoid the tall, blocky look which is common in this class of vehicle, and includes a unique new rocker treatment, with a stylish ‘zig-zag’ form on the rear doors.

With its distinctive window graphic, wraparound tailgate glass, and slim tail lamps split by the tailgate, the rear of the B-MAX is closely reminiscent of the S-MAX. Strong horizontal feature lines help to emphasis the vehicle’s wide and confident stance.

Spacious premium interior

The cabin retains the dynamic, sporty feel of Ford’s small-car interiors, but introduces the more premium character and decorative elements from the larger C-MAX.

Driver controls are based on Ford’s HMI (Human Machine Interface) approach, with a large six-inch touch screen display mounted in the centre of the upper IP, above the much-acclaimed mobile-phone style integrated control panel.

The sensation of space in the interior is enhanced by a full-size panoramic glass roof, which covers the entire roof area.

Ultra-low CO2 powertrain

The B-MAX is powered by an ultra-low-CO2 powertrain, featuring a state-of-the-art three-cylinder 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine equipped with the Ford Auto-Start-Stop system.

This three-cylinder Ford EcoBoost represents the next addition to the global family of Ford EcoBoost engines. Like the 1.6- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engines, which have recently been launched in Ford’s European medium and large cars, the 1.0-litre unit combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing to achieve significant reductions in fuel-consumption a