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Along with photos of the Mini Cooper S Diesel , as we are tentatively calling it, we received these photos over the holiday of the Mini Clubman with the more powerful diesel engine. We’re estimating an output of between 140 and 150 horsepower from this grease mill.

See it in the gallery above, and make sure to click here for Cooper S Diesel photos, and more information, including the photographer’s comments.

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Our spy shooter sent us photos of the more powerful diesel versions of the Mini Cooper and the Mini Clubman.

These photos show the Mini Cooper S Diesel, as we’re tentatively calling it, which is expected to deliver something close to 150 horsepower.

It looks as though it will be getting an updated front bumper to differentiate it from the rest of the pack. The jury is still out on whether or not the hood scoop will be included.

Check it out in the gallery above, or click over to the photos of the Clubman S Diesel. The photographer’s notes follow.

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—Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey

Back in early November, we drove the all-new BMW 550i Gran Turismo around the hilly, tree-lined roads of northern New Jersey and southern New York. While we were out on the United States’ eastern seaboard, the good people of BMW brought along a slew of other cars for us to test, including the all-electric Mini E. We’ve driven (and loved) the full range of gasoline and diesel-powered Minis, but would our affection stand true to the battery-powered E?

Aesthetically, there isn’t much to differentiate the E from the rest of the Mini line, save some selective coloring both inside and out. The only major difference is the removal of the rear bench seat in favor of the housing for the 5088 individual battery cells. Because of this, the Mini E porks on quite a few extra pounds over a standard Cooper S—596, to be exact—and this extra heft was immediately noticeable on our drive loop around BMW’s North American headquarters. (More on that in a minute.)

CLICK HERE to continue reading this review.

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We at Winding Road are big fans of the idea of performance-oriented green cars, and the folks at Banks Power have teamed up with the Robert Bosch Corporation to create something really cool. This "Sidewinder Jetta" takes a standard Jetta TDI sedan and boosts the level of driver involvement by adding better front and rear stabilizer bars, sport springs, a ram-air intake, and an in-car computer where the driver can control different levels of performance. Oh, and there's an oh-so-subtle graphics package, too.

We named it "Bruce." And like Mr. Springsteen, one could say that this is The Boss of Jetta TDIs.

We'll have the hotted-up Jetta TDI in our Ypsilanti office for the next week, so head over to our Ask It forum and post whatever questions you have about the Sidewinder. We'll do our best to respond, and be sure to stay tuned for the full review coming in the not-so-distant future.

+ NextAutos Forums: Ask It: 2009 Banks Power Sidewinder VW Jetta TDI

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The evolution of  the Honda CR-Z hybrid sports car concept is taking a nice shape. We first saw the concept at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, and for 2009, Honda is bringing an almost-production-ready version to the Tokyo stage. (Honda still insists on calling it a concept when, obviously, this thing looks ready to roll out onto the streets.)

Details are slim right now, but expect to see Honda's Integrated Motor Assist technology under the hood, mated to a 1.5-liter four. And since Honda is trumpeting this as a sportier car than the Insight hatch, a six-speed manual transmission will be available. Sounds good, since the current Insight's driving dynamics are incredibly uninspiring. We're hoping the CR-Z will be more like a modern-day version of the original Insight that debuted in 1999.

Stay tuned for the full onslaught of details, but for now, scroll through our gallery above to see the Tokyo-bound CR-Z.

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The Volkswagen E-Up! Concept is only a few days old now, but VW is already making a big statement and calling it the "Beetle of the 21st Century." No, it's not a homage back to any sort of retro vehicle, and instead uses Volkswagen's latest design language that we've seen in production form on the Golf and Scirocco. The automaker hopes that the E-Up! will be its small car of the future, better serving the needs of buyers who would originally shop the New Beetle.

As the big capital E in its name would suggest, the E-Up! is powered by a completely electric motor, producing 54 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque, all running to the front wheels. Not that any eco-drivers will be worried about this, but 0-60 sprints should happen in 11.3 seconds and the E-Up! will top out at a maximum speed of 84 miles per hour.

Inside, the E-Up! benefits from a unique three-plus-one seating concept derived from the original Up! concept shown a few years back. This layout means that the driver and two side passengers will have optimum seating positions with the extra space behind the driver used for cargo capacity. Interesting stuff, no?

Will the E-Up! make it to production? We hope so. And if VW wants this to be the Beetle for our future, they'd better get moving. Click through the post for all of the nitty gritty details.

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Audi, like other German automakers, has long trumpeted that diesel power is the way of the future, and we've seen examples like the R8 V-12 TDI concept to prove this point.

Not anymore. The first images of Audi's all-electric e-Tron concept have leaked onto the web, and the car will make its official debut at the Frankfurt show this week. It's no secret that this car shares most of its construction with the R8 supercar, though overall aerodynamics have been improved -- fitting of a MPG-happy electricity sipper.

We'll have the full details later this week, but in the meantime, scroll through our gallery of images above to see the e-Tron from all angles.

+ Autoblog: Frankfurt Preview: Audi e-Tron electric supercar gets early web unveil

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It seemed a bit strange when luxury marque Lincoln entered into the subcompact segment with the C Concept at this year's Detroit Auto Show, but now Lexus is throwing their hand into the ring in the form of the LF-Ch Concept. This hybrid five-door will officially debut to the world next week in Frankfurt and will make its North American debut later this year in Los Angeles.

The design of the LF-Ch may lead you to believe that it's an athletic little performer, but there's an honest-to-goodness hybrid powertrain under that hood. While Lexus hasn't released the exact details, only saying that this concept is "powered by the latest generation of Lexus Hybrid Drive technology. A drive mode-switch allows the driver to select between four modes: Normal, Eco, and EV plus a Sport mode that amplifies throttle response for the most enthusiastic drivers." Sounds like the new HS250h to us.

And even if it is just a funky new body on the HS drivetrain, that's okay with us. It's sharp, has a sleek interior, and we really hope it comes to production. The world could stand to have more small hybrids in the automotive fleet. Click through the post to read Lexus' full press release.

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Audi has announced pricing for its upcoming A3 TDI model, starting the pint-sized derv-burner at an MSRP of  $30,750 with destination, tax, and fees. The car will begin arriving at dealerships in the last part of November.

That not insignificant sum will buy what we’re expecting to be a tidy luxury small car, and a frugal one, at that. EPA estimated fuel economy for the A3 TDI is 30 miles per gallon in the city and a whopping 42 mpg on the highway. It’s worth noting that EPA estimates for diesels have often proved pretty low for diesels in the real world, and we wouldn’t be overly surprised if the Audi managed mid to high forties on the freeway. Time will tell.

The Volkswagen family 2.0-liter diesel will be in service for the A3, providing 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque for the five-door hatch. Audi specifies only the S tronic transmission and front-drive in its press release, but don’t be surprised if a six-speed manual and Quattro find their way to the U.S. A3 TDI in later editions.

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Maybe James May was right—maybe hydrogen power really is the answer. We've seen Honda's FCX Clarity snow that fuel cell vehicles can exist in simple forms, and now Mercedes-Benz is joining in with the B-Class F-CELL—the automaker's first series-produced fuel cell car which is actually coming to the United States next year. No joke.

The F-CELL should actually be quite a spirited little hydrogen car, powered by a 136-horsepower electric motor which produces 214 pound-feet of torque, as well. Mercedes-Benz claims that the F-Cell will reach a top speed of 170 kilometers per hour (about 106 miles per hour) and because it's a hydrogen-powered car, it will have no emissions other than harmless water vapor.

We're sure that this car will only have limited availability when it comes to our shores next year, but still, it's nice to see hydrogen on the rise. Click through the post to read the full press release.

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Our Austin team just received Volkswagen's latest clean diesel offering, the 2009 Touareg 2 V-6 TDI. And while there's a lot to like already about Volkswagen's trusty Touareg, the addition of a diesel engine can only add to the car's goodness.

Click over to our Ask It forum and post whatever questions you have about the Touareg TDI. We'll do our best to respond over the next week, as well as post driving impressions.

+ NextAutos Forums: Ask It: 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 V-6 TDI

Editor's Note: All of us in the Detroit-based office are a bit jealous that our Austin team received such a nice-looking Touareg. The one we drove recently was, well, significantly more noticeable.

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Just a few days after General Motors caused a stir by announcing that the Chevy Volt will achieve up to 230 miles per gallon, Nissan has already one-upped them. According to a report from AutoWeek, Nissan says that the Leaf EV will get 367 miles per gallon with no fuel required.

To further start the war between EV cars, Nissan also states that its Leaf will be very affordable, too, priced within the $25,000 to $33,000 range. However, like the Volt, it's still very unclear how Nissan came up with the 367 mpg rating, and we'll be interested to see how the EPA reacts to this statement, too.

+ AutoWeek: Nissan says the Leaf EV beats the Chevrolet Volt with 367 mpg

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Immediately after the announcement of the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 , BMW issued another press release announcing the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7, which will also debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and will be available in the U.S. in the spring of 2010.
 
The car is engineered with a high-precision, direct-injected, V-8 engine with a three-phase synchronous electric motor, eight-speed automatic transmission, and an enhanced version of Brake Energy Regeneration technology. Although these figures are not official, the ActiveHybrid 7 is expected to produce 455 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque and will do 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds, while giving approximately 15 percent better fuel economy than the BMW 750i.
 
The car is also fitted with Auto Start Stop which will maximize efficiency by avoiding engine idling when stopped; the climate control system in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is supplied with power directly from the high-voltage battery, thus ensuring that it will not switch off when the Auto Start Stop is in use. The ActiveHybrid 7 will come in two models, with standard nineteen-inch light-alloy rims in a ten-spoke Aero turbine wheel design, with runflat tires. The car will also come with a Tire Pressure Monitor which will warn the driver if the pressure in any tire ever drops more than 20 percent.
 
For more details about the new 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 scroll down and read the press release.

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BMW announced yesterday that the production version of the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 will be on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show, in September, and coming to the U.S. by the end of this year.
 
The new X6 will increase driving dynamics and at the same time reduce fuel consumption. The drive system of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 consists of a 400-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V-8 gasoline engine and two electric synchronous motors delivering 91 horsepower and 86 horsepower, respectively. Maximum system output is 480 horsepower, with peak torque of 575 pound-feet, making the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 the most powerful hybrid vehicle in the world, with acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds and top speed of 130 mph (electronically limited).
 
The chassis of the car is based on the BMW X6 xDrive50i chassis. The two-mode active transmission is based on an Electric Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) operating in two separate modes. One mode is for stop-and-go driving and low speeds, and the second is for driving at higher speeds. This two-mode transmission combined with the high performance battery pack allows the car to run at low speeds only on the electric motor.
 
The car comes with Electronic Power Steering with integrated speed-related Servotronic steering assistance, windshield-mounted sensors that automatically control the light and the windshield wipers on demand, and a Head-Up Display on the windscreen, as well as the usual standard BMW fare. BMW has not said how much this car will cost but we are betting it’ll command a premium over the current X6 models.

 
For more details about the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 scroll down and read the press release.

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According to a report from Autocar, an unnamed source at Volvo has confirmed its all-electric C30 hatchback debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show

The Volvo spokesperson also states that it is still a concept car and that “Volvo has no current plans to put it into production.” Volvo is considering whether or not an electric C30 will fit into their lineup, but don’t expect this battery-powered hatch to hit showrooms anytime soon.

Scroll through our Volvo Recharge Concept gallery above, and for more information about the new Volvo all-electric C30 click on the link below.

+ Autocar: All-Electric Volvo C30

General Motors announced, in a press release this morning that the new 2011 Buick Crossover will come with a plug-in hybrid system.

The unnamed Buick Crossover will be launched in late 2010 according to Tom Stephens, GM Vice Chairman of Product Development, and will have new plug-in hybrid technology. The new crossover will be powered by an Ecotec 2.4-liter, direct-injected four-cylinder engine, and is expected to give 30 miles per gallon on the highway. The Buick plug-in hybrid will use the same manganese-spinel based chemistry and polymer battery cells that are used in the Chevrolet Volt. In addition, the Buick plug-in hybrid's powertrain features two powerful electric motors, sophisticated electronic controls, and battery management systems.

To find out more about the up coming Buick hybrid crossover scroll down and read the press release.

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Nissan unveiled its all-new electric vehicle called the Leaf yesterday, which is to be launched in Japan, Europe, and the U.S. in late 2010.

Unlike internal-combustion engines, the Leaf’s powertrain does not have a tail pipe and hence cannot emit any environmentally hazardous gases. Of course, electric vehicles push emissions back up the chain to the source of electricity, making it unlikely that such vehicles are truly zero emissions (see our Tesla coverage for more on this).

The Leaf is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 120 horsepower, while its electric motor delivers 80 kilowatts (107 horsepower)/ 280Nm (206 pounds-feet of torque) and the regenerative braking system aids the driving range of 100 miles on a full charge.

The Leaf has a sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long, up-slanting LED headlights (which happen to consume only ten percent of the electricity that other LEDs use). The headlights have been specially designed to slit and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors to help reduce wind noise. The interior colors of the car come in bright,  “blue earth” color schemes. The mounted monitor displays the amount of power left in the car and can also show you where nearby charging stations are. With a quick charger, the Nissan LEAF can be charged up to 80-percent in 30 minutes.

For more details about the Nissan Leaf scroll down and read the press release.

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Nissan announced today that its electric-vehicle platform, which is based on the Versa, is expected to be in the U.S. by the beginning of next year.

Nissan states that this new EV platform is built with a high-performance motor, an extremely rigid body, and a compact lithium-ion battery with high power output and energy capacity. The engine delivers 80 kilowatts (107 horsepower)/ 280Nm (206 pounds per feet of torque) for better response and powerful acceleration, the battery pack is placed under the vehicle floor for more efficient packaging and to create more cargo space and the additional frame for the battery pack helps improve the rigidity of the platform.

The new EV also comes with a navigation map, which can show the driving radius within range under the current state of charge. It can calculate if the vehicle is within range of a pre-set destination and can point out the latest information on available charging stations within its current driving range.
Nissan plans to unveil the design of its production EV at its new Global Headquarters Opening in Yokohama on August 2.

Click on the link below to watch a video of the new EV and scroll down to read the entire press release.
+ egmcartech: Nissan EV

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Brammo has started production of its electric motorcycle, Enertia, and the bikes are going to be sold at select Best Buy stores in the Northwest, by the end of this month.
 
The Brammo is a plug-in, capable of 53 miles per hour with a range of 45 miles. The Enertia has 18 horsepower and peaks at 3600 rpm. According to the Brammo website, the Enertia was designed keeping in mind and enhancing the pleasures of riding and by reducing elements that are daunting to a rider.
 
The bike seems ideal for short day-to-day commutes and city driving. This single-seater comes in several colors and is steeply priced at $11,995. To make amends for the exaggerated price, at zero-emissions it will be cheap to run and easy to ride in crowded areas.

For more details and to order your new Enertia, click on the link below.

+ Brammo: Brammo Enertia Powercycle