We get the latest news for the BMW F3x models. Starting from the 2016 model year, the current N20 4-cylinder turbo engine will be replaced by the newly designed B48 engine; and the award-wining N55 turbo-6, will be upgraded to the B58 engine.

Therefore, the current N20-equipped models (328i/428i) will be renamed 330i and 430i. The N55-equipped cars (335i/435i) will be designated as 340i/440i.

This is not just a name change, according to our insider source, those two engines will be at least 10% more powerful than their predecessors. More specifically, the 330i/430i will be around 270ps; the 340i/440i will be approx. 330-340ps (depends on options chosen).

Instead of using...

Mercedes-Benz has used the 7G-Tronic transmission for many years, it is time for a renewal.

Last year, Mercedes-Benz has released its successor: the 9G-Tronic 9-speed transmission, and was firstly put in the 2014 E350 BlueTEC sedan, the CLS 220/250/350 BlueTEC and also the CLS500.

Now the factory has decided to extend the new transmission to the latest S500 Coupe. According to Mercedes-Benz, the 9G-Tronic transmission is able to handle torque up to 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm). More information and detailed analysis about this transmission, can be found in our article three month ago:

Insight: the Mercedes-Benz 9G-Tronic nine...

Mazda just announced that they will reveal the next generation of the MX-5 Miata, on Sep. 3rd. Below is the image of the current MX-5 Miata.

According to Mazda, the new MX-5 Miata will be around 220 lbs lighter than the current generation. Also from the video on YouTube posted by Mazda, the engine sounds is very similar to a turbo engine. Will the new Miata be offered a turbo engine? Or the rumored Skyactiv-D diesel engine?

Below is Mazda’s press release.

ALL-NEW 2016 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA CONFIRMED
– Fourth-Generation Roadster to Debut via Simultaneous Global Events on Three Continents –

IRVINE, Calif...

We all know the Cadillac ATS is the brand’s compact sports sedan, with limited rear seat legroom. But you may not know, car with such rear seat space won’t sell in some markets, because people there have different mindsets on what features a car should have.

The Chinese market is a typical example: a compact car should not equivalent to less space for the back seat. So you see almost every cars has long wheel base version in China. For example the Volvo S60L, BMW 3-series L, 5-series L, Mercedes-Benz E Class L etc.

Previously Cadillac only imports the standard wheel base ATS (which is the same as the one in US) to China, and its sales is just so-so...

Please note that the “VW Passat” is different in Euro market and the US market.

The Passat sold in the US, is not the same Passat sold in Europe. The Passat sold in Europe, is the B7 Passat; the Passat sold in US, is based on the NMS platform, and it is not the B7 Passat in Europe. If you feel confusing at this point, consider you are still more lucky than other markets, for example in China, VW sold two kinds of Passat at the same time, one is call VW Magotan, another is called Passat, they are related to the European B7 Passat and the US Passat, respectively.

Today VW released some information and also images of the newly redesigned European-spec Passat, therefore Passa...