Another aftermarket company steps into the ring and offers up a Shaker Hood System for the new Dodge Challenger .  Cervini Auto Designs best known for their custom fiberglass hoods is now offering up a functional shaker hood system for all 5.7-liter and 6.1-liter Challengers.  The system consists of two parts, the hand laid fiberglass hood … Read the original post:  Cervini’s Dodge Challenger Shaker Hood System Debuts

I bet you any money that you didn’t expect such a comparison today featured on the blog, but our friends over at InsideLine have done it again. They decided to take the BMW 128i Convertible and the MINI Cooper S Cabrio at the track and see how they stack against each other. Almost a year ago, we have performed our own comparison, but at the time, we chose the 135i Coupe and the Cooper S. We do agree that this comparison is a bit unusual, but sometimes that’s what we need, comparing two cars from different categories can be fun. And Edmunds took this comparison to another level, putting the two vehicles through some intensive tests, straigtlines, cornering, you name it…..who came up on top? Well, let’s watch the video! Click here to view the embedded video. Full article with test results Read more: BMW 128i vs. MINI Cooper S at the track

BMW and MINI USA continue to impress with their latest and most innovative marketing techniques. If the MINI viral videos are already well known and appreciated by the fans, this latest campaign surprises everyone and hopefully, in a good way. The campaign will launch under the “True Blood” name and MINI receives some help from the TV network HBO who runs the vampire show with the same name. This latest effort by HBO comes as continuation of the last year’s launch campaign that centered on ads suggesting a blood substitute. In this new campaign, MINI is one of the several brands being pitched to…..vampires and the marketing efforts will run until June 14th when the show returns with its second season. The ads feature blood-red versions of the MINI Cooper and Clubman and run with the headlines like: ”Feel the Wind in Your Fangs” and “Type GO.”. Several advertising spots were bought on   US Weekly, AM New York or the New York Observer. Online, the ads can be seen on Yahoo and AOL portals, along with the CNN and HBO’s homepage. Several microsites have been setup for this campaign:   bloodcopy.com , fellowshipofthesun.org , and americanvampireleague.com . Kate Alini, MINI marketing communications manager, saw an opportunity in this unique campaign when HBO approached her last month:  ”After evaluating it, we thought it interesting, fun, and unique. They came up with the concept and were dead on and authentic with our brand identity. But it was their concept,” she says. Will this new ads be successful? No doubt, MINI has so far not failed to impress us. [Source: MediaPost ] Read the original:  BMW’s Mini USA division launches “True Blood” campaign

By now, you probably know our infatuation with the tii version of the BMW 1  Series. Since its first unveling at the Tokyo Auto Show in 2007, the BMW 1 Series tii model has been one of our most desired BMWs to date and seeing the car at the Chicago Auto Show as well, proved us why we love this car so much. The 1 Series Coupe tii replicas have been around for months now, but for the first time, we have the opportunity to see a tii version of the 130i hatchback as well. Sporting the same performance parts as the coupe version, the hatchback model is just as good looking. But what makes this video so special are the video producing skills shown by the guys at Format76.net . So let’s see if you agree with us. Click here to view the embedded video. Here is the original: Video: BMW 130i tii by Format76

For those of us that live in the U.S., BMW is offering only two choices when it comes to the new BMW Z4 roadster: the entry-model, sDrive30i and the more powerful, sDrive35i. We recently had the opportunity to drive sDrive30i model and our review should be up tomorrow, but what we won’t have for a while is the opportunity to drive an European only model, like the sDrive23i that is available in the United Kingdom as well. The UK based fellows at AutoExpress decided to go back and this time drive their entry model as well, especially since they were highly impressed with the sDrive35i they have previously tested. Has the sDrive23i lived up to their expectations? We shall find out next. This UK-spec model provides the answer. It’s fitted with the entry-level 201bhp 2.5-litre straight-six engine, which revs sweetly all the way to 7,000rpm and produces a tuneful exhaust note. Our example was also equipped with the optional M Sport adaptive suspension. This gives a choice of Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings, selected through the Drive Dynamic Control (DDC) function. DDC applies the same modes to the throttle response and steering weight. The standard ride setting on the previous Z4 compares to Sport+ here. And in Normal and Sport, refinement is vastly improved – during our run, the springs soaked up the worst the UK’s roads could muster, instantly making the BMW feel like a more grown-up car. Full Review Originally posted here:  AutoExpress Test Drive: BMW Z4 sDrive23i

The New York Auto Show remains in history as the first motor show where BMW has officially revealed their first all-wheel drive M car, the X6 M . Even though the X6 M is not considered by BMW as being an SUV-type of car, bimmer fans will often refer to it  as the first M SUV. We were fortunate to attend the official launch of this new Motorsport model and we were quite excited about  the design and technologies behind this car. Despite the always crowded BMW floor, we managed to spend some time with the car and snapped some photos for you. Since we were waiting for the production model to launch before we can share with you all of our findings, we got beaten to it by Kamil at CarGuyDad , who spent some time himself with a production ready model near the Spartanburg plant. He goes into more details and shared with us some known and unknown things about the BMW X6 M. Head over to his blog and see what he had to say. View original post here:  BMW fan reviews the new BMW X6 M

BMW intensifies the testing for its next generation 3 Series due out in 2012. Built under the internal code F30, the new 3 Series will receive a complete redesign and from what our sources are telling us, quite adventurous and unique. With the new design just recently selected after an internal competition, the first test mules showing off the new bodystyle, won’t be seen until late next year. But this doesn’t stop BMW from testing the new platform and from all the information we acquired in the past, we learned that the F30 3er will grow in size.  The fellows at Carmagazine UK mention a wheelbase measuring 2.8 meters (9.2 feet). A similar architecture will be used in the new 2011 BMW 1 Series but also the upcoming 2010 X3 . We already know that a Progressive Activity vehicle based on the 3 Series will be showcased at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Developed under the name Gran Turismo, the the Progressive Activity Coupe has a higher roof when compared to the existing 3 Series Wagon and of course, a longer wheelbase as well. We learned a while back that the 3-series crossover will come with rear-wheel drive as standard, but four-wheel drive will be offered as an option. The 3 Series GT is all about space and convenience, but without sacrificing performance. The rear seats offer generous room, higher sitting position that in the regular 3 Series models and of course, comfort. The 2012 BMW 3 Series will offer a large variety of powerplants, from the existing petrol and diesel engines, to future four-cylinder turbo engines. Being still a few years prior to the official launch, we expect BMW to surprise us with more exciting engines, including one similar to the new N55 powerplant used in the BMW 550i GT. More:  2012 BMW 3 Series platoform being tested again

A car for NBA fans? I’m not the sport’s fan I was growing up. Typically these days, I might watch a few bowl games, the Super Bowl, a little Final Four action, and the NBA finals. This year, however, I’ve found myself watching quite a few NBA playoff games, and I’ve been shocked at the number of Toyota Prius commercials I’ve seen on the channels covering NBA games. And, it’s not just TV, I’ve also seen Prius ads on ESPN.com’s home page. Sure. In the past, a few Super Bowl MVP’s might have picked up a Cadillac Escalade hybrid as part of their award, but do hybrid cars really appeal to professional athletes and the cohort of consumers that follow these athletes? Minimally, Toyota is willing to spend a good chunk of money to find out. Still, I find it hard to believe that environment-driven commercials are the right way to attract this segment to a vehicle like the Prius. Of course, since LA is still in the playoffs, maybe it’s exactly the right way. More here:  2010 Toyota Prius: An ESPN fan favorite?

Starting from 19th on the grid after a precautionary overnight gearbox change, Lewis was always going to struggle to overtake cars around the twisting streets of Monte-Carlo. His early struggle for pace was exacerbated by damage to a front-wing footplate, caused after he tangled with Nick Heidfeld at Ste Devote in the early laps. Lewis was unable to finish higher than 12th. Jenson Button, the Wunderkind this season, had no issues with his car, taking another title and extending his lead to 51 points ahead of his team mate Barrichello, who has 35 points. This sure is a disappointing season for Vodafone Mclaren Mercedes, with Hamilton in 9th place with 9 points. Keikki is on the 13th spot, with only 4 points. Congrats to Jenson for another great win. Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it. Related Posts Historic Mercedes ‘Silver Arrow’ at SeeRed 2007 To mark the 70th anniversary of The Donington Grand Prix, a Mercedes-Benz W125 racing car will r… 2009 Bahrain Grand Prix Who would have thought that Brawn GP would be leading both in the constructors and drivers leader … Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco Lewis Hamilton won the Monaco Grand Prix and took the lead in the Formula One Drivers’ Champions… Lewis Hamilton disqualified from Australian GP Formula 1 Grand Prix in Budapest Originally posted here:  2009 Grand Prix in Monaco

HAMANN, a German tuner long associated with BMW and all things efficient, Teutonic and powerful (although they never say why their name is in all caps like that), has just released the details on their latest working over of BMW’s 7 series flagship. HAMANN calls it ” Individualisation on the highest level”, but if you want it shortened to just three words it would be “Power. Power. Power.” OK, for all you pendants out there that are getting ready to screed in about “Individualisation on the highest level”, yeah, I know it’s not Individualisation, it’s Individualization. That’s the way HAMANN spells it, and I was quoting direct, so go buy a flight to Laupheim Germany and bug them, not me. OK, that said, what’s up with HAMANN’s new 7? The short list includes such goodies as stainless steel exhaust systems with a “sporty and earthy sound”, aerodynamic bodywork that reduces lift, and light alloy rims from 19 to 22 inches. On the inside there’s lots of leather and floor-mats in matching colors as well as non-slip aluminum pedals. There are LED daytime running lights which are integrated in the new front skirt, which the company says, “render a sporty-dynamic look and increase the passive safety.” And by ” passive safety” I figure they mean the aero work keeps this beast o the ground at Autobahn speeds (sure, that counts as safety to me). There’s also a roof spoiler and the rear spoiler that also cut lift and gives ” the upper class limousine a new, attractive overall appearance. ” Yeah, that’s what they think, but to me it looks like dad’s car was taken over by the boy-racers and given the Vin Diesel treatment. There’s also side skirts with an available rear shield insert for the side skirt of the model 730d and 740i allows fitting the four-pipe muffler with four round stainless steel end pipes clocking in at 90 millimeters in diameter that produce that “powerful, earthy sound” (which is just an hilarious way to mention it … what are they talking about, sounds like a review of a 70s jazz fusion concert). HAMANN goes over the chassis. There’s four progressively coiled springs which lower the center...

German tuner MTM’s latest creation has beaten Bentley themselves for the title of “Fastest Bentley in the World.” They’ve taken a regular Continental GT, and added power and suspension upgrades, along with a few other minor changes. MTM has managed to squeeze 650 horsepower out of the Bentley’s twin-turbocharged W12 engine, which is 90hp more than from the factory. Torque is increased from 479 lb-ft to 586, and is available at only 1700 rpm. These power upgrades allow the tuned Continental GT to hit a top speed of over 205 mph, and it took three seconds off the standard GT on the short Hockenheim circuit, as well as three seconds off the 0 to 200 km/h sprint, which the MTM achieved in 15.9 seconds. Along with the engine upgrades, the MTM Continental GT also receives a new stainless steel exhaust system, custom 21-inch alloy wheels, bigger brakes, and a tuned and height-adjustable suspension. MTM didn’t change any of the body except adding a chromed grille, but the lowered suspension, new wheels, and four-pipe exhaust give the MTM Continental GT an overall sportier and more aggressive look. The Birkin Edition kit will cost a little over $28,000 USD, and can be applied to the standard Continental GT, GTC, Flying Spur, GT Speed , GTC Speed and Continental Supersports . See below for more pictures: © Gearhead Media – Please visit Automoblog.net for more great content. More: MTM Bentley Continental GT Birkin Edition

Coming much sooner to a dealer near you? A couple of years ago a number of Chinese automakers started showing up at major auto shows. At the LA show, for instance, such Chinese vehicles usually found themselves in the basement – out of sight out of mind. Nonetheless, I’ve been following some of these Chinese automakers, particularly BYD and its lithium battery business, ever since. Yet, it has been hard to take this automaker too seriously. Well, at least it was hard. Warren Buffett’s recent stake in BYD certainly opened my mind. Of course, BYD still doesn’t have a history of quality car making, so BYD’s big future still seems far into the future – which makes the news of a potential partnership between VW and BYD quite compelling. If BYD has hammered out the kinks of its hybrid vehicles , especially its lithium batteries, then VW could certainly help bring BYD’s technology to market significantly faster than BYD could achieve on its own. At this time VW and BYD are simply exploring options and possibilities, but the potential of this partnership seems like it could be a game changer. See original here: Can VW turn BYD hybrid cars from dream to reality?

Two weeks ago we started a contest for readers of Automoblog.net to win two copies of the new Top Gear Season 10 on DVD. All they had to do was come up with the best and most creative new challenge for the Top Gear guys to do. The best two entries win. We got some really good ideas, and it was hard for us to choose just one winner, but here they are: Samantha: Being the way that the economy is, I would like to see Top Gear save some money and get some ‘not so good’ cars off the road. What the three hosts, and possibly the Stig as well, should be given 500 punds each to purchase a older car and enter into a demolition derby. It would Give Mr. May some retaliation towards the other two presenters. It is not about speed but who has purchased the best car and can last the longest. And it would make some good television. Stewart: I want to seem them take normal town cars and strip them down (even the engine) to see which is the best car to “Flintstone” around town. I will be contacting the winners via email to have their DVDs sent to their home. Automoblog.net writers Tony and Will also came up with some very good ideas: Tony: From Land’s End to John O’ Groats via Citroen 2CVs? Can any of the hosts make it through a slalom quicker than The Stig; the hosts drive forwards & The Stig drives backwards? Can they make it from London to Edinburgh in a Bugatti Veyron quicker than a commuter airline flight? Who’s quicker doing a lap of the ‘Ring in Forza Motorsports, the hosts, The Stig, or some British kid? I especially like the last one! Will: How about actually designing a car? Get all the hosts together, along with the Stig, and have them each design their own car. Have it custom made, and then see who’s car is the fastest around the Top Gear track. Their constantly critiquing cars, so let’s see how they do when given the chance to make their own. All entrants to this contest are being sent to the BBC, so hopefully they like some of these ideas and use them in the show. Head on over to the Top Gear Contest page to read the rest of the entries. Thanks to all the participants in this contest, and don’t worry, we’ll be having another Top Gear contest here soon. © Gearhead Media – Please visit Automoblog.net for more great...

The launch of the BMW 5 Series GT also coincides with the introduction of a new BMW engine, internal codename: N55 . The new BMW Power Turbo uses a single twin scroll turbo instead of twin turbochargers as the N54 engine. The 2,979cc six-cylinder powerplant features for the first time High Precision Injection and variable VALVETRONIC valve management combined with the single twin-scroll turbocharger. Even though BMW has not yet confirmed our suspicions, we believe the single turbocharger used in the 5 Series GT is the same as those fitted to the new 4.4 liter V8 engine in the X5M/X6M. Power and torque is similar to the twin turbo engine – 225 kW/306 hp at a speed of 5,800 rpm- but the 400Nm/295 lb-ft peak torque kicks in 1,000 rpm earlier at 1,200 rpm. N54 Engine Featured Here Compared to the BMW turbo engine already well-known in the 335i, 535i and other models, the N55 engine offers even greater fuel economy combined with optimized CO2 management. The power unit of the BMW 535i Gran Turismo is the first turbocharged engine to feature a map-controlled oil pump which, taking up less energy, makes a further contribution to motoring efficiency. We’ve also done some snooping around and asked some people, and the rumor is that in the near future, BMW will offer a twin-turbo engine with VALVETRONIC and Direct-Injection, which might produce close to 360 horsepower. Since we can’t confirm it 100%, take this with a grain of salt, but we’ll let you know as soon as we hear more. Press Release World debut: TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC in a new straight-six gasoline engine. The new model is entering the market with a choice of two gasoline engines and one diesel power unit. In the process BMW’s newly developed straight-six gasoline engine for the fi rst time featuring turbocharger technology, High Precision Injection and variable VALVETRONIC valve management all together is making its world debut. Indeed, the intelligent combination of these three technologies gives this power unit the best and most direct response ever offered by a straight-six turbocharged engine from BMW. The new BMW TwinPower Turbo develops 225 kW/306 hp at a speed of 5,800 rpm, maintaining its maximum torque of 400 Newton-metres/295 lb-ft over a...

Remember the day when a luxury sedan was just a luxury sedan, a sports car was just a sports car, and an SUV was just an SUV? Nowadays, manufacturers are trying to make a vehicle that does everything. We have sports cars that cradle you with luxury features, crossovers that straddle the line between SUV and wagon, and luxury cars that have sports car characteristics. The Infiniti M35 fits right in the middle of the latter description, but so does the BMW 5-Series, Acura RL, and Audi A6, among others. It’s hard to stand out in a class with blurred lines and so much competition, but that’s exactly what Infiniti intends to do with the M35 and M45 mid-size sedan. We know Infiniti is no slouch when it comes to keeping their line-up fresh, and the M35 is no exception. For 2009, they upgraded last year’s 275 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 to produce 303 hp, and added two more gears to the old automatic transmission, for a total of seven. The M45 and AWD models (M35x and M45x) keep the same 5-speed automatic, however. With a car that is both a luxury sedan and sports sedan, you usually get options to lean it one way or the other. Our review model was a M35 S, which means it’s equipped with the $1650 Sport package. This includes a tighter suspension, bigger wheels, stickier tires, sporty seats and trim, rear active steering for better stability, and “unique sport styling,” as they call it. I had a lot of fun driving the M35; much more than I expected. The car is surprisingly responsive, and handled very tight for a big sedan. The 303 hp V6 under the hood produces plenty of power, which is usually right there when you need it. With the stability control turned off, it’s easy to break the rear wheels loose and have some fun sliding around corners, or ease up on the throttle and let the rear active steering and performance tires do their job, propelling you around turns like you’re on rails. Drive Shift (sport) mode keeps the RPMs high to ensure proper engine response when you need it, and the manual shift mode with rev-match blips the throttle on downshift to ensure you don’t lose revs in the lower gear. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think I was driving a sports car. The interior doesn’t let you forget you’re...