2015 PRIUS

The first images of Toyota's next-generation 2015 Prius. 
The future version of the popular hybrid was spotted testing on the roads of southern California.

Previous rumors suggested that the next-gen Prius might ditch its iconic wedge-shape in favor of a more mainstream sedan-like design, but our spy shots indicate that won't be the case. Although still covered in heavy camouflage, this prototype's steeply raked windshield and flat rear glass section clearly show that the fourth-generation Prius will maintain the nameplate's familiar shape.

The 2015 Prius will ride on a new flexible architecture that will eventually underpin a number of Toyota vehicles, including the Camry, Corolla and RAV4. We've heard that the next Prius might adopt an electronic four wheel drive system, but there are few clues to that on this particular test car.

A few shots of the 2015 Prius' interior, revealing a more conventional layout than the current car. The Prius' main gauge cluster will move from the dash to behind the steering wheel, with further instrumentation likely to be housed in the car's yet-to-be-finished center stack. Although it's not complete, an 'EV mode' button can be seen just below the HVAC controls.
As for the Prius' drivetrain, it remains unclear at this point if the hybrid will keep its current nickel-metal hydride batteries or switch to a lithium-ion setup. The car's 1.8L gas engine should carryover, albeit with some improvements.

The next Prius, which could be built is Mississippi, will eventually spawn c and v variants.
The 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS is expected to debut in either late 2013 or early 2014.

MINI F56

The next MINI, dubbed F56, will be unveiled this year, either at the Geneva Motor Show next month or in September at Frankfurt Auto Show. The F56 MINI is built on a new front-wheel drive platform which will be shared between the MINI and the FWD BMW vehicles. The first FWD BMW made its debut in concept form in September at the Paris Auto Show.

Several prototypes are currently undergoing intensive testing and the latest spy photos place them in the snowy Nordic part of Europe.

The F56 will compete with offerings from Audi, the A1 and other non-premium European brands. Design wise, the proportions of the F56 are similar to its predecessor, R56. Some design elements like the headlights and taillights will go through some changes, but will not steer away from the DNA of the British brand.

Galaxy S4, available worldwide soon

It’s been leaked, teased, accused of being a copy of its predecessor, and celebrated as the likely champion of the mobile ecosystem for 2013. Samsung has finally unveiled the next in their line of globally available smartphones, the Galaxy S4.  Times Square lit up in anticipation of Samsung’s event, and despite LG’s shenanigans earlier in the day it felt like the world stood still. The Galaxy S4 is finally here, and while it may look almost exactly like last years model, the two phones couldn’t be more different. Samsung’s Galaxy S4 is just barely lighter (130g), thinner (7.9mm), and possibly even shinier than the Galaxy S3, but what is underneath that Gorilla Glass 3 and textured casing is entirely deserving of the praise it will undoubtedly display.

Samsung's new Galaxy S4 features a 5-inch 1080p HD screen and a slightly slimmer, lighter build than its antecedent.

MINI Paceman

It’s no accident that the brand refers to the Paceman, essentially a two-door Countryman, as a sports activity vehicle, the same nomenclature that BMW applies to its X5. That said, if there is a variation that’s likely to endear a few critics to the Paceman, it’s this one. Meet the John Cooper Works Paceman, a vehicle created essentially from the parts bin, but impressive nevertheless. The JCW Paceman is powered by the same turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that resides under the hood of the JCW Countryman, a proven unit co-developed with PSA Peugeot Citroën. This engine turns out 208 hp at 6000 rpm and maximum torque is 207 lb-ft, which is available from 1700 rpm. The power and torque is transmitted through a reinforced Getrag six-speed manual box. An Aisin-sourced six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters is optional. The standard all-wheel-drive system is fully variable and can send up to 100 percent of its power to the rear wheels.Performance is, in Mini’s words, “gratifyingly vivacious,” with a claimed 0-to-60-mph time of 6.5 seconds. Top speed will be governed at an unremarkable 127 mph (European models can reach 140). Those JCW Pacemans equipped with the manual are EPA-rated for 25 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway, while self-shifting versions get a 23/30 split.Tangible performance upgrades include a lowered sports suspension with a high-performance braking system; a louder, “suitably stirring” (so says Mini) exhaust with chrome outlets; and unique 18-inch aluminum wheels. A 19-inch wheel option also is available. Like any Paceman, the JCW comes with electromechanical power steering.

Alfa Romeo MiTo

Four international awards, two cylinders, and congestion charge beating technology. 

You'd be forgiven for thinking that the latest Alfa MiTo TwinAir model was more tree hugger than corner hugger. Well believe it or not, the all-new Alfa MiTo satisfies both modern driver requirements. Fitted with the revolutionary TwinAir engine - a compact 875cc turbo petrol engine - and MultiAir technology, the Alfa MiTo TwinAir delivers on performance with a punchy 85 bhp and 145 NM of torque whilst being the cleanest and most economical car in its class.

LA Auto Show 2012

As Day One of the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show comes to a close, many exciting vehicles took the stage, from wild concepts like the Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force, Nissan Hi-Cross and BMW's i pair to exciting compact cars such as the Mini Paceman, Ford's refreshed Fiesta and Kia's all-new 2014 Forte. Even a few hot performers made their debuts like the Fiat 500c Abarth, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series and the upgraded GT-R from Nissan.

2014 Fiat 500L at the 2012 L.A. Auto Show

Competes with: Mini Cooper Countryman, Volkswagen Tiguan, Ford Focus hatchback

Looks like: Fiat's take on the Mini Cooper Countryman

Drivetrain: 160-hp, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions; front-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Mid-2013

Fiat may not yet own all of Chrysler, but its namesake brand's inexorable march into the U.S. market continues with the 500L, which is far from just a four-door version of the 500 For starters, Fiat says the 500L sits on its new "small-wide" platform, giving it 27.5 inches of extra length compared with the non-turbo 500. It's also about 6 inches longer and wider. That puts its footprint between a Mini Cooper S Countryman (5.3 inches shorter) and a Ford Focus hatchback (4.5 inches longer). The 500L could be cross-shopped against either, or dozens of other compact crossovers or hatchbacks.

Black Friday

Black Friday is the name given to the day following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. On this day, most major retailers open extremely early, often at 4 am, or earlier, and offer promotional sales to kick off the holiday shopping season, similar to Boxing Day sales in many Commonwealth Nations. Black Friday is not an official holiday, but many non-retail employers also observe this day as a holiday along with Thanksgiving, giving their employees the day off, thereby increasing the number of potential shoppers. It has routinely been the busiest shopping day of the year since 2005, although news reports, which at that time were inaccurate, have described it as the busiest shopping day of the year for a much longer period of time.