From now on, every newly ordered Vito or Viano will be equipped with a new safety function at no extra cost: the “Adaptive Brake Light” ensures more safety in road traffic. During heavy braking from a vehicle speed greater than 50km/h, the Electronic Stability Program ESP activates the new “Adaptive Brake Light” safety function, which makes the brake lights flash at a frequency of 3 Hz instead of just lighting up continuously. Once the danger has passed and the brake pedal is only held or slightly released by the driver, ESP deactivates the “Adaptive Brake Light” and the brake lights light up continuously as usual. These flashing brake lights ensure a higher level of attention on the part of following traffic. Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it. Automatic activation of the hazard warning system If the “Adaptive Brake Light” function is activated at a speed exceeding 70km/h, and remains active until the vehicle comes to a halt, the hazard warning system is automatically switched on when the vehicle stops. It can be manually switched off again at any time. Once the Vito or Viano begins to move at a speed over 10 km/h again, as often happens in dense moving traffic, the system switches the hazard warning lights off. Related Posts Mercedes-Benz Viano and Vito with ESP trailer stabilisation Many drivers have experienced it when towing a caravan: a gust of wind, a change of lane, or leavi… Mercedes-Benz Viano 4MATIC winner in women’s rally The first time a Mercedes-Benz Viano was entered in a rally competition, the MPV took first place … Mercedes S-Class hold its value better than the competition For most car owners depreciation is the reason they buy used car, so that they can avoid losing mo… Technology in detail: The permanent all-wheel-drive system 4MATIC Daimler AG lays the foundation for a van plant in China Read more here: Mercedes-Benz Vito and Viano get new Adaptive Brake Light

Today, BMW announced the launch of three M3 Edition Models which will be entering the market in July 2009. These individual cars will have some modifications in body design and interior features, as well as special light-alloy wheels and an even lower chassis. The M3s will run in limited production for six months and they will be available in four distinct colors: Alpine White, Black, Dakar Yellow, and Monte Carlo Blue. The M3 Edition models will also sport the BMW Individual High-Gloss Satin Chrome. More details about the BMW M3 Edition Models can be found in the press release below Press Release BMW M3 Edition Models Powerful, aesthetic design, supreme performance and exclusive style – the unique characteristics of the BMW M3 are now available in highly attractive Edition Models focusing on the most outstanding highlights of these outstanding cars. Based on the BMW M3 Coupé, the M3 Edition Models offer a choice of no less than four highly individual cars boasting perfectly harmonised modifications in body design and interior features as well as special light-alloy wheels and an even lower chassis. The BMW M3 Edition Models will be entering the market worldwide in July 2009 in Alpine White, Black, Dakar Yellow, and Monte Carlo Blue. In the interest of supreme exclusivity their production period is limited to just six months. Individual highlights both outside and inside. On the BMW M3 Edition Models the exterior paintwork and interior design are individually matched to one another. Depending on the respective Edition model, the body comes either in Alpine White Non-Metallic, Black Non-Metallic, Dakar Yellow Non-Metallic or Monte Carlo Blue Metallic. The combination with BMW Individual High-Gloss Satin Chrome accentuates the truly sophisticated character of the Edition Models. The openings on the engine compartment lid on all models are finished in black, the BMW kidney grille, the side gills and the dual tailpipes on the exhaust system come in dark eloxy-plated chrome. The caps on the special BMW M exterior mirrors are likewise finished in black and are connected to the A-pillars by dual arms extending out of the mirror base finished in body colour. Special colour highlights add an individual touch also to the interior of the BMW M3 Edition Models....

With the introduction of the BMW 5 Series GT , BMW can now move forward with their plans of building a Gran Turismo version of the popular 3 Series models. The PAC, Progressive Activity Coupe or V3, as it is known internally, is expected to based on long-wheel base 3 Series. The Progressive Activity Coupe has a higher roof when compared to the existing 3 Series Wagon and of course, a longer wheelbase as well. The idea of a PAC vehicle is that the little less wealthy 3er customers might find 5 Series too expensive, X3 too big, therefore, the 3 Series GT can be desired solution. BMW 3 Series GT Rendering When questioned about the new 3 Series GT and how the the worldwide financial crisis had affected plans for this model, BMW CEO Dr. Reithofer said, “We haven’t canceled the development project for a crossover off the 3-series because it is considered a volume builder with which we can earn good money.” So, in other words, it’s coming! In a recent post, Scott27, member of GCZ , has some new details on the 3er GT: We call it Progressive Activity Coupe – because of the way the roof slopes down at the rear but instead of a larger glass area as in a Touring, we have an additional quarter light and a wrap around tailgate the rear end is a combination of Touring and a shooting brake . The 3 GT will not feature the flexible trunk arrangement instead settling for a traditional trunk to which aid the flexibility of the GT you will be able to lift the glass area for easy storage and then have full use of a tailgate as you would have in an SAV or Touring. Because 3 GT will be in a smaller segment compared to the 5er it will share some personalization features such as optional bench or individual seating , and a very personal approach to luxury. Because of the segment of the 3 GT the car will be very dynamic to drive it is best seen as an alternative to a Touring – Like the 5er GT it is all about making a statement and making cars very personal to the customer. The engine range will include the latest six cylinder turbo as found in the GT and the latest six cylinder diesel , additional petrol and diesels will include BMW ’s upcoming four cylinder Turbocharged petrol engine and the four cylinder diesel. 3er GT will also receive an optional full length...

So it turns out that BMW has been building roadsters for 75 years, and has decided to celebrate (who wouldn’t?) and has turned their PR machine loose on the subject. 75 years s a long time to be at anything, especially making cars of a given type, and it’s worth marking the occasion. Funny thing is, when you say ‘BMW’, roadster isn’t the first thing I think of. BMW is a good car company all in all. Like all car companies, they’ve made their mistakes and produced models that leave you shaking your head. But overall, it’s hard to fault the products they’ve turned out. The interesting thing when it comes to BMW roadsters is that they’ve been OK, sure, but not really on the top of anyone’s list when it comes to buying an out and out sportscar. BMW made a name for itself, and continues to do so, by making sedans that handle like sportscars, not by manufacturing sportscars outright. They pretty much single handedly invented the sport sedan. It’s as if any roadsters that BMW has made have almost been a fashion afterthought, rather than a raison d’etre unto themselves. Roadsters and sportscars require a certain amount of litheness that BMWs, and most German cars, are not really known for. You want a sportscar, you go to England or Italy … or in this day and age, Japan since Miatas are so finally honed (and cheap and reliable). If what you’re looking for is a practical sedan that’s built like a tank but still goes like blazes, then Germany is your automotive destination. So getting a BMW roadster is, to a certain extent, a fashion decision, more than a performance one. Your typical BMW roadster buyer/owner/driver is either a lot like this guy: or a lot like this woman The guy is Albrecht Count Goertz standing jauntily next to his BMW 507. Nice suit, huh? Sure, the 507 is a nice car. Big engine. Tons of power. More style than you’d expect from a German car. Real expensive too. The woman with the 507? Why that’s Miss BMW Connection, apparently a beauty pageant winner of some sort, and not the kind of gal that would actually BUY a BMW 507, no. No, she’s the kind of woman who would have a 507 GIVEN to her, and that’s a totally different thing. The 507 pretty much...

All three domestic manufacturers have been ending franchise agreements and effectively closing dealers. In particular, Chrysler and General Motors have been making headlines for their massive shutdowns, while Ford has been quietly negotiating closures for the last four years. Chrysler Vice-chairman Jim Press has said that Chrysler’s bankruptcy allows a “once in a lifetime chance to accomplish a right-sized, realigned dealer body.” It seems sensible to ask, then, why any automaker wants to choke off parts of its own distribution channel. After all, the dealers are independent businesses. Since the automakers don’t own the stores, why should they really care if some of them are losing money? The answer, it turns out, has more to do with long-term business strategy than with an immediate crucial need. Turnover lies at the heart of the problem. Ideally, both dealers and automakers want the maximum volume possible to go through every store. High-volume stores have a rapid sales rate, and product turnover multiplies whatever slender profit they make on each car sold. With the Detroit Three’s declining market share, these diminished corporate giants find themselves with too many dealers and not enough customers to support them all. Consequently, unsold cars pile up on dealer lots. Those unsold cars tie up capital that could be used productively elsewhere. The current deep recession only magnifies the problem. Automakers may provide life-support for low-volume dealers in the form of special discounts or other financial help. They also maintain a network of field representatives and other employees devoted to serving the dealers. All those costs impact an automaker’s net earnings. Making a better match between the volume of cars they produce and the number of stores needed to sell them should result in corporate savings and a healthier dealer group. In the end, it’s not that automakers will earn more per car, it’s that they will spend less trying to sell them. Another consequence of a dealership glut is that those stores compete against each other for whatever customers are available in any given region. And consumers are pretty good at figuring out which dealer has the lowest price. Anybody who has bargained hard for a new car in the last few years knows...

Does global warming resonate with America? Today, most Americans – most of Main Street – believe that hybrid cars are “strategically” important to the United States. Yet, most of these Americans have real doubts about global warming. So, how do most Americans reconcile this bit of irony? Foreign oil dependency. According to recent data, most Americans believe hybrid cars are “strategically” important because of foreign oil dependency , followed by saving auto jobs. For most Americans, global warming is not a reason to buy a hybrid vehicle. Yet, Democrats, when discussing the issue of the oncoming auto revolution, always frame this conversation around global warming. Around carbon. Around cap and trade. Main Street, however, does not agree with Democrats on this issue. Of course, once America also believed ‘separate, but equal’ was a fair policy until the government led America out of that insanity. So, the government leading the people, rather than the people leading the government, is sometimes a necessary evil. Nonetheless, why not more of a focus on ending foreign oil dependence? Inevitably, ending foreign oil dependence would have a positive impact on global warming. Moreover, ending foreign oil dependency, like beating the Russians to the moon, is something almost every American could rally behind. Foreign oil dependence is the thread that can sew unity amongst the workers, industry, and and the government. Ultimately, inevitably, American tax payers are going to risk as much as a few hundred billion on the US auto industry. Why not leverage this investment into a national campaign to end foreign oil dependency? Besides if you bring average Americans into this movement, it will probably be easier to work cap & trade legislation through Congress in the background. Original post:  Carbon schmarbon: It’s foreign oil dependency, stupid

Over on Edmunds Inside Line they have done a full comprehensive write up with photos on most every part of the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T suspension right down to the Michelin Pilot tires.  If you are curious and want to learn a little more about the suspension of your Challenger R/T you should definitely check out their write up which … More here: 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Suspension Basics

Autocar UK once again gets their hands on one of “hottest” Alpina models out there, the new B7, a vehicle powered by a V8 4.4 liter twin-turbo engine, which outputs a whooping 507 horsepower and an impressive 516 lb-ft of torque. Official and now tested numbers show the B7 running from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Pretty impressive for 4,500 lbs car, isn’t it? Add to this equation a top speed limit of 173 mph and that should keep the B7 owners entertained on the German Autobahn. But let’s see if the UK folks at Autocar were as excited as we are now about the new Alpina B7 . What’s it like? Rapid. Really frighteningly rapid. Okay, so there might be the teeniest delay if you nail the throttle at idle. But by, say 1500rpm, a huge surge of torque is already propelling you way past the UK legal limit and onto speeds that are only of use on autobahns. It feels every bit as quick as the hot Merc – more so, I’d say, given the huge shove offered by the twin turbos. It’s still a big car, mind you, so don’t think that you’re going to chuck it around like it doesn’t weigh two tonnes. The B7 has four chassis set-ups, but the two extremes – comfort and sport plus – feel unduly wafty and uncomfortably tail-happy respectively. The two middle set-ups are more effective, but while the B7 feels agile, it feels like a big agile car. Don’t expect 5-series levels of chuckability. The steering is also a little vague around the straight ahead, although it does weight up nicely when you’re pushing on. The ride is a triumph, however; sure, road noise is more pronounced from the 21-inch Alpina Classic alloys, but the switch from runflats to bespoke Michelins means that you can trundle around urban roads without much fear of being bounced off your (very comfortable) seat. the B7 is comfortable on worn motorways, too, even at more than 150mph. Full Review Here Read more:  Autocar drives the Alpina B7 4.4 V8 Switch-tronic 4dr Saloon

While the initial plan was to build a Gran Turismo car based on the new 7 Series, BMW had to scratch that model off their “approved list”. But to satisfy the 7 Series owners who are looking to add even more sportiness to their cars, BMW decided to build an Aerodynamic Package, basically an M Sport Package that will visually enhance the image of the new 7. So, the first test mule fitted with the M package was spotted by the never sleeping spy photographers. And judging from the photo below, the less exciting front bumper will be replaced by a far more aggressive, “M-ish” type of bumper. While we don’t have any confirmation, we speculate that the large grille will also be modified in the aerodynamic package, making it easier to differentiate itself from the regular 7 model. Caption: Not the actual car, for the spy photos, see this link In the near future, we also expect to see the corona-rings headlights coming to the 7 Series models, but once again, we can’t confirm at this time if the M Sport Package will include them as well. No release date has been announced at this time, but we will most likely see the package available for the MY2010 models, so….late fall. Update: Scott27 states that the new Tri-Turbo Diesel engine (354 horsepower) will be available for the 7 Series. [Source: 7Post ] Go here to see the original:  Spy Shots: BMW 7 Series with the M Sport Package

To our surprise, the next generation BMW 1 Series due to launch in 2011 has already made an appearance in Munich. The test mule spotted here seems to be the 5-door hatchback version, one of the 5 different variants considered for the 1 Series family. The first new BMW 1 Series will launch in 2011, along with the Z2 Roadster based on the same platform. The coupe and convertible models will be available a year later together with the 135i SuperSport vehicle. Many people have wondered what the next 1 Series will bring to the table, some believe, including us, that the new 1 Series will have a revolutionary design, moving away from the safe design lines used in the current 1er. But according to Scott27 , “the best way to describe some of the styling “revolution” on the “evolution” is to look at aspects of the X1. The strong sculptured line that begins from the rear quarter light and scoops down towards the flanks and then joining the shoulder line before the front wheelarch, is the 1er family design characteristic for the next generation. If you look at the shape on the X1 on the lower flanks you can see it is an interpretation of the feature on the current 1er. The bathtub shoulder line will stay with more of an angle coming down towards the front of the car. ” The 1 Series Coupe and Convertible models will receive different front and rear ends when compared to the hatchback. As we stated  before, BMW is looking into developing at least five different variants of 1 Series vehicles: 5 door hatch – conventional 5dr hatch 3 door hatch – conventional 3dr hatch 2 door coupe – sedanish coupe with 2 doors 2 door convertible – sedanish cabrio with 2 doors and canvas roof small crossover CAS (1er GT / Y1) – 5dr mix of a hatch, wagon and sedan The rumor around the Munich HQ is that BMW was looking at the idea of a smaller XCoupe, based on the original XCoupe Concept, but no green light has been given at this time. BMW plans to downsize the displacement of its engines and moving into the turbocharging direction. The turbo four-cylinders developed together with the PSA Group , will power some of the entry level 1 Series models and we recently learned that 3 cylinder engines will be available for the entry level...

Summer is here and BMW is increasing the testing on their upcoming models. The very much so awaited 2011 BMW 5 Series has made another appearance, this time, the Wagon variant. The fellows at CarMagazine UK managed to snap some new, exciting photos of the new 5er. Everyone’s attention has been on the BMW 5 Series GT , but the real money-maker for BMW, will be the 5 Series models, one of the highest volume seller vehicles in the U.S. The new spotted test mule seem to be entering a higher phase in the Final Evaluation Stage where the now famous BMW camouflage doesn’t cover 100% the entire body. We are almost certain that the headlights will be very close designed as the ones on the 5GT, but the common design elements stop here. As expected, the new F11 5 Series Wagon has grown in size and the rear-end sports a more coupeish like roof. The test mule also features a panoramic sunroof which we have no doubt it will look absolute spectacular. Many of you might wonder where this new 5 Wagon will fit into, but as BMW has explained it before, the Wagon model will still appeal to the same consumers as it did before, larger families or people looking for more interior space and cargo room, without having to jump into an SUV or break the bank by buying the more expensive 5er GT. The BMW 5 Series Wagon is considerably lower and sleeker than the Gran Turismo version, still keeping that sportiness much needed by any BMW owner. While we can’t fully confirm these allegations, CarMagazine UK believes that the below engine line-up will most likely be offered by BMW. We would like to add that the 550i might actually use the new N55 engine and also that a hybrid version will be offered in the future as well. 523i – 2.5-litre straight six 530i – 3.0-litre straight six 540i – 3.0-litre straight six twin-turbo 550i – 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo M5 – 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo 520d – 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo 530d – 3.0-litre straight-six turbo 535d – 3.0-litre straight-six twin-turbo [Source: CarMagazine UK ] More here:  Latest 2011 BMW 5 Series Wagon Spy Photos

We don’t even know where to start…..it has been several months of planning, brainstorming, more planning and again brainstorming trying to figure out how to create a new, better, modern and user friendly design. We started from the idea of creating a new theme that will focus mostly on you, our readers, and providing more content at your finger tips and just a click away. Another goal and quite difficult task was to reduce visual clutter to improve usability and we believe we manged to achieve that. While the old design has done an amazing job offering content in a simple straightforward way, we wanted to evolve from that and move towards a magazine type of design, where all the content is well structured and defined. The first step was to increase the font size, this has been a request that we have received since last year, we acknowledged it and received a high priority on our list. By doing that, we implicitly had to go over to a wider reading column, a design feature that we always wanted to change. As you might have notice, we post a lot of photos and I mean…A LOT…last year, there were over14,000 photos uploaded by us. Since we know how much you enjoy seeing photos right in front of your eyes, we thought it would be a great idea to show them to you in a larger format. The increased fonts and the wider central column will substantially increase the overall browsing and reading experience, maybe now all that tiny, but still important text will not be overlooked anymore. Also, the entire commenting system has been revamped, redesigned and  brought up to the current standards. How did we do that? Well, beside the Facebook login that we offered in our previous design also, the comment replies are now threaded, so if you would like to reply to a particular member, simply click on the Reply link below their comment and an indented box will appear. Pretty cool, right? What else have we done? OH YES…the top menu, which keep in mind, it’s a work in progress and it will better organized and categories well grouped together. So here, we decided to go with a fairly simple design, regular text link menus with a sub-menu that will display topics within the main category, this way, we can break down now several models that belong to some...

Ford better get ready to increase its hybrid production In just a few years, shoppers of Honda hybrid cars will face a tough decision. Should they buy the cheapest and smallest Honda hybrid, the Fit or the larger Honda Insight ? Or, for those not interested in hatchbacks and desiring a little more passenger space, the Civic hybrid might be better . Then again, maybe some Honda hybrid consumers won’t care about size, but instead prefer something sporty like the CR-Z sports hybrid . So, why is Honda going hybrid crazy? Well, perhaps they’ve seen JP Morgan’s latest hybrid prediction. By 2020, according to JP , hybrid sales in the US will reach 19.4 percent of the new car market. Shoot. If gas prices pull another 2008 in the next few years, I’d say that JP is underestimating the hybrid market. In fact, the way that Honda is ramping up its hybrid efforts, I wouldn’t be surprised if Honda was hybrid-only by 2020. Now, US automakers, that’s a whole other story. Read more from the original source: 20 percent hybrid by 2020?

As the auto industry, and consumers await the fateful decision on whether General Motors will file for bankruptcy protection , several ripples have coursed through the auto industry recently. And, as ripples often do, they are heading in different directions. (Read " Failing to reduce debt, GM bankruptcy looks inevitable .") Today’s highlights of the carpocalypse : Bonds – Following direction from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, GM offered bondholders a debt-for-equity exchange, essentially trading $27.2 billion in debt for a 10-percent stake in the company. The deadline expired late Tuesday, without the bondholders accepting the offer, signaling bankruptcy was inevitable. However, today, the Treasury sweetened the deal , offering bondholders the rights to buy an additional 15-percent of low-price GM stock, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing . The major bondholders have accepted this revised offer, though GM could still be headed for bankruptcy. Under the new plan, the U.S. and Canadian governments would own 72.5 percent of New GM when it emerges from bankruptcy, according to the Detroit News . New Cadillacs – Cadillac will replace the current SRX crossover vehicle with two models, a new, more SUV-like SRX and a CTS wagon . (Read: " Pricing: 2010 Cadillac SRX .") GM pays early – To ease bankruptcy concerns, GM has paid about 90,000 employees three days early. Likewise, it plans to pay about 1,500 suppliers today, ahead of its scheduled June 2nd date, according to Reuters . This last gesture could be seen as a strong indicator of imminent bankruptcy, and also good will toward its valued business partners. Suppliers file for bankruptcy – As feared, major and minor suppliers are suffering during the recession and some are moving to bankruptcy. Visteon today announced that it was pursuing Chapter 11. Spun off from Ford Motor Company in 2000, Visteon has failed to make a profit in the 21st century, according to Automotive News . Today, it supplies Ford as well as other automakers. The interior, climate system, and electronics producer joins Metaldyne, Delphi, Federal-Mogul, and Dana, among others, in seeking bankruptcy protection. We will continue to monitor this fast-moving story, reporting here in the Cars...

Today, BMW Group celebrates 75 years since the company announced their first self-engineered roadster. At the Berlin Motor Show in May 1934, BMW has introduced the 315-1, a prototype of a Sports Roadster. The idea was the same back then: a fast automobile with a sporting allure and dynamics, designed to carry two people and a roof above their head. The same roadster culture moved through time and the latest BMW Z4 describes, in my opinion, the perfect Roadster design. With this special occasion, BMW has issues a lengthy, but very information press release, along with one of the most comprehensive BMW Roadsters photo galleries I have ever seen. Don’t be discouraged by the length of this press release, if you love Roadsters, then you will find it very interesting. Download the Press Release in PDF format The style has changed, but not the content: “Many German motorists see motoring not just as a comfortable and fast means of transport, but also as a sporting activity. These are people who, once they see an aerodynamic car body with a long and sleek engine compartment, as well as a speedometer extending all the way to 150 km/h, feel that strong yearning for wide open roads simply perfect for driving fast, for Alpine passes just begging to be conquered, and for ompetitors so easy to overtake.” It was precisely with these words that BMW announced the Company’s first self-engineered roadster in 1934. And indeed, this concept with its six-cylinder power unit was destined to shape the future of the brand, extending all the way to the current BMW Z4. The starting point for this development came at the Berlin Motor Show in May 1934. Here, together with the BMW 315 Saloon, BMW for the first time presented the prototype of a Sports Roadster with exceptionally attractive lines. Right behind the long and sleek engine compartment there were two sports seats tailored to the driver and front passenger protected by the low, raked windscreen and an mergency roof. The rear end tapered out in an elegant sweep to the back of the car, adding a particular aerodynamic touch with excellent streamlining. The radiator grille on this two-seater was inclined much further to the rear than on the Saloon, with mighty, sweeping front wheel arches extending on beneath the doors into...