BRIEFS - Generation next

• Generation next

Four rings automaker, Audi, has released the next-generation R18 Le Mans prototype race car.

The R18 is a closed-canopy design to reduce driver fatigue and improve aerodynamics. The R18 will be powered by a 3.7-litre TDI V6 diesel engine which will be bolted to a six-speed transmission.

Audi has won the the world's oldest sports-car race in endurance race - 24 Hour of Le Mans in France - on nine occasions with the R8, R10 TDI and R15 TDI models. One unique feature of the R18 will be the LED headlights, a first for the prototype. Three cars will compete at the 2011 Le Mans this summer.

• Three stars

The next generation BMW 3-series will make its debut at the 2012 European Auto Show. The F30 platform has been shared with the 1-series and the 3-series has grown by two inches in length. The base engine will have a 150-horse-power, 1600cc turbo-charge four-cylinder that is currently used in the Mini Cooper S.

A new gasolene direct injection four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo will replace the current non-turbo six cylinder. The top of the range 3-series will get a 3.0-litre turbo six cylinder engine making 320 horsepower. All automatic transmission will have eight speeds. A gas/electric hybrid version will go on sale by 2013 in North America.

• Hyundai hits record

SEOUL, South Korea (AP):

Hyundai Motor's net profit jumped 48 per cent in the fourth quarter to a record high as the automaker reaped gains from strong overseas sales.

Hyundai said Thursday that it earned 1.4 trillion won (US$1.3 billion) in the three months ended December 31, after recording 946 billion won in profit a year earlier.

Hyundai Motor Co is South Korea's largest automaker and has become a major force in the global industry by expanding aggressively overseas with factories in China, India, Turkey, the United States, the Czech Republic and, from late last year, Russia. The company and South Korea's Kia Motors Corp together form the world's fifth-largest automotive group.

Hyundai, the maker of the Elantra and Sonata sedans and the Tucson SUV, said total sales during the quarter rose 3.1 per cent to 9.94 trillion won from 9.65 trillion won a year earlier.

• Fiat: 4Q losses total €281m

MILAN (AP):

Fiat Group Spa, the Italian automaker that controls Chrysler LLC, on Thursday reported fourth quarter earnings of €318 million (US$435 million), up from a year-earlier loss, thanks to improved sales of trucks and construction and farm vehicles.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne told analysts he expects the strong economic performance "to continue unabated in 2011".

Based in the northern city of Turin, Fiat said the profit compared with a loss of €283 million in the same period a year earlier. Net revenues rose to €15 billion from €13.6 billion.

The company - which this month raised its Chrysler stake to 25 per cent, and could increase it even further this year - this year spun off its industrial business from autos to improve efficiencies and give each business greater flexibility in the marketplace. That means this is the last time it reports as a group.