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It is reported by some auto industry analysts that, the sales volume of the industry will reach the top this year. While we cannot be certain that whether this is true, but we do know one thing: the competition between different makers is becoming more intense these years.

This can be sensed from things like auto makers are introducing new models (they are not refresh/redesign of an existing model), such as Rolls-Royce and Bentley are working on their SUV models, Lexus is now selling compact SUV (the NX), BMW rolling out new models such as the 3-series GT, 4-Series Gran Coupe, X4 etc.

For Mercedes-Benz, besides exploring lowered-priced product such as the CLA and GLA clas...

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...

For the current MINI Cooper’s John Coooper Works (JCW) series vehicles, they are using a turbo-charged 1.6L 4-cylinder engine which outputs 208 hp, code name “Prince”, jointly developed by BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën.

The 2015 model year JCW models will see a completely new engine, which is based on the BMW B48 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine. The B48 series engine is not new for the MINI family – the current MINI Cooper S, has already used it for the 2014 model year, with output tuned to 189 hp with 207 lb-ft of torque.

On the 2015 JCW models, the B48 engine increased its boost and the final output is said to be around 227 hp (230 bhp), and the torque will be 258 lb-ft.

Bo...

Today is the last day of June, from our website statistics, below are the most popular articles of this month.

– Fun Facts

Not All Gasoline Brands Are The Same
How Many People Lease Their Cars?
New Round of Horsepower Competition
The Plastic Trend in the Automobile Industry

– Tutorial Series

Car Suspension Design
Car Braking System Design (to be continued)

– Industry News and Analysis

BMW 2-Series Crash Test and Analysis
New Plans of the MINI Brand
Direct Sales Model: Good or Bad?
Toyota 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
New Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. Old C-Class

Nowadays, plastic is not something unfamiliar in our daily commute cars. We see them in the interior trims, body panels, cowls and even some brackets inside the engine compartment.

Previously we can never think of using plastics in some critical parts which are subject to high loads, excessive heat and demanding stress. But the usage of engineering plastics continues to expand in the auto industry.

One example is the BMW N20 4-cylider turbo engine. For some F30 3-series, the N20 engine comes with a plastic engine oil pan, as shown in the below image. The engine oil pan seals the underside of the engine and holds all of its lubrication oil.

Recently Mercedes-Benz go anoth...