New Mercedes SLK caught testing

The next generation (2012) Mercedes SLK caught testing at the Nurburgring The next generation SLK looks to be more aggressive in stance, with a nose that takes on the family theme from the new Mercedes E-Class. It seems likely that the new SLK will come with a new set of engines, with more than a passing nod to eco-concerns. In will come a 1.6 litre, four-pot supercharged engine that will pick up the mantle from the old 1.8 litre Kompressor engine – same power – or more – with lower emissions and better economy.

MINI celebrates 100 years of car production in Oxford

MINI will be celebrating a century of car production in Oxford on 28th March 2013, 100 years since the first Bullnose Morris Oxford was produced. It’s 100 years since the first Bullnose Morris Oxford rolled out on 28th March 1903, since when 11,655,000 cars have been built – with as many as 28,000 people employed in its heyday – and even Tiger Moth planes and Iron Lungs built alongside 80,000 repairs to Spitfires and Hurricanes during WWII. What is now MINI’s Plant Oxford was founded by William Morris – and Morris Motors kept control until 1952 – and has been owned and run by BMC, then British Motor Holdings (when Jaguar arrived), British Leyland (when Leyland Trucks, Triumph and Rover joined), nationalisation in the 1970s saw a variety of names, Rover Group arrived in 1986 and was subsequently privatised and sold in 1994 to BMW.

Volkswagen Jetta Alltrack crossover possible

Volkswagen is not finished with plans to extend the Jetta portfolio. The suits inside the Wolfsburg, Germany, headquarters are mulling a plan for a crossover version of the future Jetta SportWagen along the lines of the recently introduced Alltrack concept. “We think there is definite sales potential in North America and other world markets for a new lifestyle-targeted Jetta model,” a senior Volkswagen source divulged.