MINI Cooper JCW Looks Production Ready in Spy Photos

MINI Cooper JCW Looks Production Ready in Spy Photos
Cadillac ATS-V.R Revealed Before LA Debut
Automakers Adopt Data Privacy Principles
Ferrari Pays $2.8B in Spinoff
2016 Porsche Panamera Details Surface
2016 Audi Q3 Refresh Revealed

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The latest spy photos of the MINI Cooper JCW reveal that it's nearly ready for production.

Earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, MINI unveiled a concept version of the new Cooper JCW and since then AutoGuide.com's spy photographers have caught it testing numerous times. This time around, it appears to be a pre-production model with very little camouflage, giving us a good look at the more aggressive front bumper with larger air intakes as well as the bigger red brake calipers in the front.

Unlike the last time we saw the car, this one has the correct side skirts and rear bumper, albeit camouflaged. The 2015 MINI Cooper JCW is expected to be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine pumping out around 230 hp.

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Cadillac ATS-V.R Revealed Before LA Debut

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Cadillac is gearing up to go racing with an all-new factory race car.

The new ATS-V.R has been revealed as the replacement for the American company's current crop of CTS-V.R race cars. Although photos are now available, the race car will makes its official debut in the flesh at next week's LA Auto Show alongside the production Cadillac ATS-V Coupe.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Cadillac ATS-V Details

Powering the new race car will be a high-output version of the brand's 3.6-liter twin turbo V6 that will in this application make around 600 hp. As is obvious from the photos, the race car receives a full body kit complete with a massive heat extractor in the middle of the hood and a large rear spoiler.

Cadillac is looking to defend three consecutive championships in Pirelli World Challenge. The ATS-V.R will also be homologated for GT3 racing.

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Automakers Adopt Data Privacy Principles

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Many of the world's largest automakers have agreed to adopt new privacy principles when it comes to data sharing.

As our cars become more connected with services like GM's 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, fears concerning the security of personal data collected by cars has been called into question. Now, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai-Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, Mitsubishi and Mazda have all agreed to adopt a common set of principles that govern how this data is to be handled.

First, all of these companies have agreed to disclose to consumers the type of data that is being recorded and how that data will be shared or used. Second, each company must obtain the car owner's permission to use any of their personal information for marketing purposes. This means that the company can't, for example, offer you specific advertisements based on your vehicle's location unless you consent. The guidelines also stipulate that information can be retained no longer than determined necessary for legitimate business reasons.

There are many different types of data that can be collected from modern cars, for example the vehicle's location can be tracked, data that reveals the driver's physical characteristics can be obtained and details about driving behavior can also be logged.

Despite these new rules bringing a standard for data sharing that before was completely different from one company to the next, Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass. still thinks more should be done. "It is unclear how auto companies will make their data collection practices transparent beyond including the information in vehicle owner manuals, and the principles do not provide consumers with a choice whether sensitive information is collected in the first place," Markey said in a statement.

Automakers can still use data internally for research, for tracking the location of a stolen vehicle or for safety and warranty services.

[Source: Automotive News]

Ferrari Pays $2.8B in Spinoff

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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is poised to receive about $2.25 billion Euros ($2.8B) from Ferrari before the supercar maker separates from the group next year.

"Prior to the separation we also intend to enter into certain other transactions including distributions and transfers of cash from Ferrari currently estimated at 2.25 billion euros," said FCA in a U.S. regulator filing.

Sergio Marchionne, FCA's CEO and Ferrari's current chairman, plans to list 10 percent of Ferrari in the second or third quarter of next year, while the company's remaining 80 percent holding will be distributed to the London-based company's own investors. This is all part of a capital raising plan that also includes a $2.5 billion convertible bond issue.

"As we move forward to secure the 2014 – 2018 business plan and work toward maximizing the value of our businesses to our shareholders, it is proper that we pursue separate paths for FCA and Ferrari," FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne said.

When all is said and done, the move should inject roughly 4 billion euros into FCA.

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2016 Porsche Panamera Details Surface

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Porsche is working hard on improving its Panamera model for its next generation.

According to a recent report, the 2016 Porsche Panamera will be built on a new rear- and all-wheel drive platform called MSB and the sedan will incorporate numerous weight-saving techniques including the use of aluminum for its body. In addition, the German automaker will be outfitting it with a new family of V6 and V8 engines that will solidify the model as one of the top premium sports sedans available in the marketplace. It is believed that the next-generation Panamera will borrow technical and design advancements that have been introduced in the latest 991 series 911 including other materials such as magnesium, multi-phase steels and aluminum skin panels.

Porsche is aiming to keep the Panamera's weight to between 3,968 lbs to 4,189 lbs. It is also expected that the Panamera will sit on a slightly longer wheelbase while its overall dimensions will be similar to the current model. As it was reported earlier, the Panamera will sport less polarizing styling.

Along with the new family of powerplants, the German automaker is also working on a new range of transmissions believed to be PDK dual-clutch automatics and manuals. As for when we'll see the next Panamera, expect it to debut sometime in 2016, but don't expect it to enter production for at least 18 months.

[Source: Autocar]

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2016 Audi Q3 Refresh Revealed

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The Audi Q3 will be heading to the U.S. with updated styling for the 2016 model year.

Likely making its North American debut at next year's Detroit Auto Show, Audi has revealed the 2016 Q3 with a mid-cycle refresh having been on sale in Europe for several years now. Up front, the Q3 gets a familiar treatment that is noted throughout the German automaker's lineup, replacing the dated halogen headlights for xenon HID units or optional full-LED ones. In the rear, Audi also updated the tail lights, which is pretty standard for most vehicles getting a mid-cycle refresh.

The company hasn't announced which powerplants will be available in the U.S. for the 2016 model year, but they'll likely remain as the standard 2.0-liter TFSI with 200 hp. The current 2015 Q3 in the U.S. is offered with a six-speed automatic, but don't be surprised if Audi opts to bring the six-speed dual-clutch transmission that's offered in the European model.

When the updated Q3 does arrive in the U.S., it will be available in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations