2011 Bentley Mulsanne: Arnage Replacement Makes World Debut at Pebble Beach

After a series of lackluster teaser videos, Bentley finally whisked the covers of the all-new Mulsanne at the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance in Monterey, California this past weekend. The British automaker's flagship limousine, which we have come to know as the "Grand Bentley", will replace the Arnage when it goes on sale in mid-2010 as a 2011 model. Bentley said that the new limo is inspired from by the company founder W.O. Bentley's "crowning achievement" the 1930-1931 8-litre.

"The 8-litre's breathtaking performance and quality was perhaps the finest example of a 'pure' grand Bentley. Every mechanical detail carried W.O. Bentley's unique stamp and it was the clearest demonstration of a car built without compromise," commented Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board Engineering.

"The Mulsanne has been designed with exactly the same guiding principles, so it is entirely fitting that these Bentleys from different eras share the same stage," he added.

Bentley has withheld engineering and powertrain details on the new Mulsanne as the company said it will provide full product information at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show.

However, some sources claim that the Mulsanne will be powered by a reworked V8 engine while others support that it will feature a W12 engine. We'll just have to wait and see who's right. Until then, feel free to have your say on the Mulsanne's styling in the comment section below.

Lexus Releases Teaser Shot of BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 Premium Compact Hatch Rival

Ahead of its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Lexus today published this teaser sketch of a premium compact hatchback concept, which is said to preview next year's production model that will challenge the BMW 1-Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30 models. "The concept will demonstrate a mix of technical innovation and ground-breaking design that promises to raise the bar in the premium compact segment," the company said in a short statement

The Japanese automaker did not disclose any other details on its "baby" model but rumor has it that the concept car will feature a hybrid drivetrain. Expect to see more information and new teaser photos of the car being released closer to the Frankfurt Show opening.

Kia Venga: All-New Mini MPV Revealed Ahead of Frankfurt Show

These are the first official photos of Kia's new mini-MPV model that bears the name Venga. Due to make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Venga is the production version of the 'No 3' concept study shown at Geneva this past March. In essence, it's a more practical Soul that will compete head on with cars such as the Opel Meriva and Citroen C3 Picasso when it goes on sale across Europe later this year and in the UK early in 2010.

The Korean automaker says that the 4,068 mm long Venga, which features a 2,615 mm wheelbase and a 1,600 mm high roofline, offers interior space typical of a larger C-segment vehicle, but within a B-segment footprint.

Kia's mini MPV model will be equipped with a sliding 60/40 split rear seat that folds flat into the floor to liberate more cargo space and a twin-level boot floor while a tilt-and-slide all-glass panoramic roof will also be in the menu.

Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, the Venga will be marketed exclusively in Europe with buyers being offered a choice of two 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter petrol and diesel engines, producing between 75 and 115 horsepower. All engines will come with Kia's start-stop technology.

"This is exactly the kind of vehicle UK motorists are looking for as we emerge from the recent economic turmoil – a fantastically flexible package providing big-car comfort and space within a compact package," said Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors Limited. "It will offer our customers style, sophistication and refinement coupled with environmental economy," he added.