BMW Drops First Official Photo of Megacity EV, Enters Production in 2013

[Updated] We've known for a long time that BMW is developing an advanced, electrically driven model currently known as the Megacity, but today the German automaker released the first official teaser photo of the city car. Granted, the rendering doesn't reveal the Megacity in full detail, but it gives us an idea of what to expect when the car enters production in 2013.

We're still short on details but we do know that the base model shown in this rendering will be a four-seater powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that draws its juice from a set of batteries. BMW has also revealed that the production version of the Megacity will make extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP).

If you follow the jump, you can see pictures of an experimental vehicle platform made from CFRP undergoing various tests at BMW's development center. We'll keep you updated on any additional information we receive.

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BMW Experimental Vehicle Platform

Lexus U.S. Says 137,000 Cars May have Faulty Engines in the States

Toyota's U.S. division has just issued a statement regarding potential engine faults on Lexus models sold in the States. The automaker said that around 137,000 vehicles could be affected in the U.S., including the IS 350, GS 350, GS 460, GS 450h, LS 460, LS 600hL, noting that current model years are not affected.

Earlier today, Toyota announced that approximately 270,000 vehicles (Lexus IS, GS and LS, and Toyota Crown) sold worldwide risk engine failure.

The Japanese automaker blames the problem on defective valve springs in some V8 and V6 engines. "Due to slight variations during the manufacturing process, some foreign material may have contaminated the valve springs resulting in potential breakage," Toyota said in a statement.

While Toyota claims it has not received any reports of accidents or injuries related to this issue, the company admits that "there is a remote possibility that abnormal engine noise or idling may occur" and that "in extremely rare instances, the engine may stop while the vehicle is in operation."

Toyota said it is still looking into the problem and will announce a fix soon.

"In the meantime, we sincerely apologize to our customers for any inconvenience and request that they contact their nearest Lexus dealer if they believe there is a problem with their vehicle," said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager of the U.S. Lexus Division.

Artist Places Alfa Romeo P2 and 8C Competizione on Metal Sculpture to Celebrate Brand's 100th Anniversary

The art piece you see pictured above was created to celebrate Alfa Romeo's centenary at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex (2-4 July). Designed by artist Gerry Judah, it is located on the front lawn of the Goodwood House.

The Centenary sculpture showcases two of the Italian marque's most important cars and at the same time, the first and most recent Alfa Romeo to feature an eight-cylinder engine: the famous 1925 World Championship winning Alfa P2 Grand Prix racer and the modern day Alfa 8C Competizione. The two cars are placed inside a red metal structure that represents Alfa's famous Cloverleaf.

New Range Rover Evoque: First Official Photo of Compact SUV

We just received the first official photo of the all-new Range Rover Evoque, which is the production version of the LRX Concept. We're still gathering details so stay tuned on Carscoop for more.

[Update] This here is the all-new Range Rover Evoque, a compact SUV that we came to know as the Land Rover LRX, which was the concept version that previewed the production model. Land Rover unveiled its new 'baby' SUV at an exclusive event in London for guests attending a 40th birthday celebration of Range Rover held with VOGUE magazine.

The new Range Rover Evoque has remained remarkably true to the LRX show car as the only visible differences concern some minor details such as the exposed door handles and the larger (and apparently far more practical for everyday use) exterior mirrors.

"The all-new Range Rover Evoque is an important step for the future continued success and growth of the brand," said Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover.

"Customers can be confident that the new car will be premium, luxurious and just as special as the other Range Rover models. Its sporting looks and unique qualities will open the brand to a new group of customers who may not have considered a Range Rover product before," Popham added.

Aside from the three-door model unveiled today, Land Rover will also add a five-door body style to the lineup. The company hasn't released many details on the SUV, but it has confirmed that it will be available in front- and all-wheel drive configurations.

According to Land Rover, the 2WD drive model will emit less than 130g/km of CO2 making it the 'greenest' and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever.

The Range Rover Evoque will make its global public debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September and will go on sale in Europe in the summer of 2011 and in North America and other markets in the fall of the same year.

The all-new Range Rover Evoque will be built at Land Rover's plant in Halewood, with the company stating that it will create 1,000 new jobs in the Merseyside area.

Mercedes-Benz Freshens Up Viano MPV and Vito Van

These are the first official photos of the facelifted Mercedes-Benz Viano people carrier and its commercial brethren, the Vito. Both models receive a mild nip and tuck with newly styled headlamps, grille and bumper design up front, and new tail lamps and tail gate window at the back.

Mercedes-Benz has not released any pictures of the interiors yet, but the automaker said that both models benefit from a series of upgraded ranging from new colors and trim materials to redesigned control buttons and a four-spoke multi-function steering wheel (depending on the model).

In addition, the Viano MPV gets individual LED reading lamps as well as fibre optic units and new optional extras such as the Rear Seat Entertainment system.

Mechanical upgrades on both variants include a redesigned suspension and the introduction of a new, standard six-speed transmission on all four-cylinder diesel engines.

Both models will be offered with a variety of four and six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines ranging in output from 126HP to 258HP in the Viano, and from 95HP to 258HP in the Vito.

Chevrolet Camaro to go on Sale in the UK in 2011

Already confirmed for the rest of Europe, GM today announced that the Camaro will also go on sale in the UK as an official Chevrolet, complete with full manufacturer warranty, during the first half of 2011.

The retro-style muscle car will be available in the UK exclusively with the 6.2-litre V8 powerplant that produces 426bhp propelling the coupe from zero to 60mph in under 5.0 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. General Motors did not mention in the press release if the Camaro will be offered in right-hand or left-hand drive in the UK.

According to the automaker, final specification details and prices will be announced closer to the car's 2011 launch.

British motorists will have a chance to see the new Camaro in Bumblebee trim at this week's Goodwood Festival of Speed.