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Mini Countryman PHEV caught at electric watering hole

Our spy photographers have once again found the next generation Mini Countryman out testing in the wild. This time, they caught it replenishing its thirst for electrons. Although we knew some sort of hybrid Countryman was coming, this confirms its existence and plug-in capabilities beyond any reasonable doubt. Like the rest of the Mini lineup, this new Countryman will be noticeably larger than its predecessor. It also appears to feature a larger, more aggressive grille and lower intake vents. Other than that, the car appears to be quite evolutionary in design. Our spy photographers expect the plug-in hybrid Countryman to debut in 2019 powered by a combination of the 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder and an electric motor. We have also predicted that the gasoline engine could power the front wheels while the electric motor (or motors) powers the rear wheels, which together could provide all-wheel-drive and 240 horsepower. Related video:

German companies team up with telecom to spur development of talking cars

With connectivity and communications becoming an ever larger part of the automotive world, German automakers Audi, BMW, and Daimler formed the 5G Automotive Association with Intel, Nokia, Ericsson, Qualcomm, and Huawei. The goal is to develop new technologies to take advantage of LTE and 5G advancements, create standards, and overcome regulatory issues. If they succeed, it will be easier for them companies to develop and implement new technologies. For instance, we could see smarter traffic management, and maybe platooning, advance further in the autonomous sector. By acting as a group, they will also be able to address regulatory issues more easily. All of these companies are capable of developing advanced vehicle communication systems on their own. Audi, in fact, has been pursuing vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technology and launched a stoplight timer in models in some cities. Still, the alliance offers the potential to save time and develop new ideas. Related Video: Image Credit: Audi Auto News Audi BMW Mercedes-Benz Technology Emerging Technologies Infotainment Autonomous Vehicles 5g Connectivity v2v intel vehicle to vehicle communications vehicle to infrastructure technology v2i

BMW plans range-topping M760i

The rumors have come from several different places throughout the year and they all point to the same thing: we can expect a BMW M760i in 2016 to sit at the top of the 7 Series range. One of the latest scraps of evidence comes from a forum member at Bimmerpost last month who wrote that an M760i would arrive for model year 2017, and it would be the only regular-wheelbase version with a 12-cylinder engine even if a 760i model joins the lineup. The long-wheelbase 760Li, however, would also get a 12-cylinder motor. This week, BMW Blog published what it says is an accidentally leaked image from the German BMW configurator (pictured) that shows an M760i badge. The actual model doesn't appear, but the configurator places the badge over the 7 Series model you choose to configure. This will be the second 7 series to wear an M badge, and whenever we see it, we're told it will get the M Sport Package and Ferric Grey accents. The first M-badged 7 Series was a limited edition for the Middle East sold two years ago. Both the M760Li and 760Li are tipped to use the 6.6-liter V12 found in the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Wraith - that engine being an evolution of the V12 that powered the last-generation 760Li - but their outputs will vary. The long-wheelbase 7 is expected to get 600 horsepower. The M760i is said to get 624 hp, matching the output of the Wraith, and maybe some handling refinements to make it a proper competitor for counterparts from Mercedes-AMG, Audi, and Jaguar. On top of all that there will still be an Alpina B7, rumored to have 600 horses of its own. Introduction of the range could take place at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Related Video: X The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience. News Source: BMW Blog, BimmerpostImage Credit: BMW Blog Rumormill BMW Luxury Performance Sedan m performance bmw 760li bmw m760i bmw 760i