Our german blog BimmerToday.de and Ade, one of their readers, are bringing us today some exclusive spy photos of the next generation BMW 1 Series due out in 2011. The prototype was spotted on the Autobahn somewhere between Salzburg and Munich. The F20 prototype continues to sport the now famous psychedelic camouflage making it hard for us to see the design lines prepared by BMW. If the first generation 1 Series can be described as being conservative with a safe design, the new 1er models are expected to feature more revolutionary design elements and of course, the latest technologies, some already tested in the other BMW vehicles. Looking to reduce the overall costs of a new car, BMW designed a new modular platform for the upcoming 1 Series family. The backbone of these models was designed especially for this purpose so every model can have a variation backbone, simply be moving suspension points and firewalls to areas that will benefit each vehicle. Corroborated with more parts sharing, this new approach will allow BMW to reduce even more the production costs. Overall details of the next 1 Series are still sketchy at this time, but the rumor mill says BMW is looking into more 1er variants, from a 3-door touring, 3 and 5-door GT, to five-door hatchback and a 3-door Coupe and Convertible. A smaller, compact Z2 Roadster will also utilize the modular platform. Even though the engine line-up has not been finalized, sources indicate many new three and four turbo engines will be used across the 1 Series models, from a 1.3 liter engine with 136 horsepower to a new 1.3-liter turbo powerplant developing 177 hp. Moving up in the 1 Series class, the 120i will get the a 218 hp 2.0-liter turbo, while the 135i will continue using the N54 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine. Diesel and hybrid versions are going to be available as well. One of the engine that will most likely be featured in a 1 Series vehicle is the three cylinder hybrid one found in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept . An M-like 1 Series model will also be part of the new 1er family. Dubbed 135i SuperSport, the new sporty model will differentiate from the regular BMW 135i with the Performance Package, by adding upgraded performance parts. The Supersport will be limited to the Coupe body style and it...

Without a doubt, we are rapidly approaching the official unveiling date of the most awaited BMW model in 2011: the new, redesigned F10 5 Series. The latest spy photos taken in Munich are showing a 5 Series test mule which slowly starts to “lose its clothes”. The 2011 BMW 5 Series prototypes have entered the final evaluation phase just a few weeks back, but they seem to advance quickly through the testing stages. The new 5er will replace the successful and avantgarde looking E60 series, and will be an all-new car from the ground up. With the new 5 GT model being part of the same family, the exterior design will show slightly similar design cues: mirrors , side indicator lights and door handles. BMW will revive the successful slogan used in the past, “Die neue Klasse”, to welcome its new F10 5er bodystyle. The idea behind the new 5 Series was to produce a car that looks expensive, but more modern and proportionate than a typical mid segment sedan.  The low roofline and short overhangs are typical of this approach and in general the car is evenly proportioned with a wider track to accommodate larger wheelarches. The new 5er has grown in size offering more interior room. Despite the slightly larger dimensions, sources close to BMW talk about the new 5 Series as having similar weight as the E60 models due to a press hardening process who creates lighter and stronger body shells and platforms. While maintaining the class and sporty allure of a 5 Series, the new model will play an important part in the EfficientDynamics strategy. Several features of this technology will be available in the new 5, from brake energy regeneration to specially designed aerodynamics wheels.  Two mild hybrid models are also being considered by BMW with both gasoline and diesel engines. We’re already looking forward to the official unveiling at the end of this year and most likely followed by a world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010. Thanks for the tip Gunther! Read the original here: Spied: 2011 BMW 5 Series showing more “skin”

It’s time to look back again into the BMW history and the model we have chosen today is the BMW 318i – E36 chassis. We’re not only going to give you a summary of one of the most successful 3 Series every built by BMW, but also offer you an old school video from the famous auto TV show, Top Gear. And no, this was before Jeremy Clarkson when the show host was Chris Goffey. The E36 models sold from 1991 through 1999 and their design have been many times labeled as the “Dolphin Shape”. Initially, the E36 bimmers were only available as a 4-door sedan, but shortly after other variants were offered as well. The 318i was powered by a 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine which outputs 113-115 horsepower and 119-124 lb-ft of torque. The base-model engine is a single overhead camshaft unit with two valves per cylinder. It uses a multipoint injection system and it was considered the perfect daily driver for many BMW fans. The top speed was limited to 123-125 mph(198-201 km/h) and accelerates from still to 60 mph in 11.3-11.5 seconds. (1993-1998 models had more power) E36 Coupe The new 3 Series sedan was larger and heavier than its previous generation model (due to more active safety features fitted into it) and benefited from a perfect 50:50 weight distribution achieved by relocating the engine further in the back. It was also featuring a more roundish exterior design, restyled headlamps and revised suspension. The four door E36 models were replaced after 1998 in the U.S. [Photo: bmwe36blog ] View post: A trip into the past: Top Gear Video BMW 318i E36

BMW continues testing of the upcoming 3 Series Convertible facelift and the Worldcarfans spies where to snap new photos of it. Despite several reports on the web, there is no official confirmation that we will be seeing the facelift in Frankfurt this month and as far as we know, the launch date remains set for next spring. Same as the E92 facelift, the convertible will receive new headlights and taillights treatment, along with revised/redesigned front and rear bumpers. Looking closer at the taillights,  it seems that new LED bulbs are replacing the white signal strip found in the current model. The large mirrors can be seen on this test mule as well and there is no doubt that the final production model will feature them as well. Even though we’re not big fans of either these side mirrors or the ones found on the 335d Sedan, the new European pedestrian regulations are forcing all the car manufacturers to adopt a new styling. Engine wise, many BMW fans and owners are looking forward to possible new engines, from the ultra efficient 2.0 liter diesel with fuel consumption ratings of 4.1 l/100km(57MPG ) to the N55 3.0 liter engine . We’re confident that BMW has something in works for us and we’re looking forward to the official unveiling. [Source: Worldcarfans ] Read the rest here:  Spy Photos: BMW 3-Series Convertible Facelift

Proposing to your loved can be a difficult and stressful moment, especially since everyone is looking for that special, unique, original moment or….place. We’ve seen guys getting down on their knees in a restaurant, right? In a romantic vacation on the beach, am I right again? What about the wrap of a large box and filled with smaller boxes all wrapped around the last box that she will come to where she will find the smallest ring inside? You’re correct, we have seen all of these, but what we are going to show you next, we pretty much doubt that anyone has seen so far…..or have you? Combining the love for our dear BMWs and our loved ones can be difficult, especially when you start naming your cars and get attached to them. Then you end up in a spot where sometimes you need to make a choice: a dinner with the loved one or a night out cruising with your “other girlfriend”. Even worse, what about combining the purchase of a BMW with a marriage proposal? Feeling the pressure yet? Can one pull it off? Will the “real girlfriend” get mad at you? Lots of questions, but apparently, there is an answer to all of this and Curtis, a member of 1addicts forum, might have found it and even better, he pulled it off …..ALIVE. Us, at BMWBLOG, give him props for this new, innovative way to propose to his girlfriend and congratulations for both beauties, the fiancee and the 135i Coupe. So, my girlfriend and I had been dating for close to two years and I had been driving my 335i ever since I met her. She knew I was a BMW enthusiast and supported my expensive hobbies, attending meets, spending time on the forums, staying up late working on cars with the guys…etc. She had been driving a ‘02 Pontiac sunfire since it was new and the thing liked like a crinkled up silver beer can and was falling apart. She had just gotten on salary as a full time teacher here locally and decided that she wanted a new ‘nice’ car. Being the avid bimmer fan that I am, of course I recommended a 135i! After I brokered the deal for her, we had to wait about a week for the car to be shipped in from Philly. Unannounced to her, I had purchased her engagement ring about a month prior and was still trying to figure out a unique way to propose....

The auto industry is full of symbolism, full of history and definitely has its share of iconic vehicles. However, there are very few movies that truly capture these slices of the American Auto Industry. Auto fiends like myself, have movies like Gone in 60 Seconds and its famed Eleanor to The Italian Job with the MINI Cooper. On any given Sunday (another great movie reference), you’ll see these types of movies running in living rooms and garages nationwide. Us car people like to see chase scenes that defy reality. You know the scenes with police narrowing in on one speeding lawbreaker and when the police car gets close to capturing their assailant, that obstructive garbage truck or fruit cart blocks the intersection and the hero outlaw gets away. These heart-pounding scenes are what car movies are made of. (FYI – I have purposely left out all the Fast and the Furious movies as they just don’t meet the standards of the pure auto enthusiast. My vehicle test drive counterpart here at NADAguides might disagree, but deep down he knows I’m right). But, if you are the true and pure auto buff, there’s really only one movie that defines the true American car experience. Lt. Frank Bullitt hit the scene in 1968 with his dark Highland Green Ford Mustang 390 CID Fastback and the automotive landscape was forever changed. I am partial to this movie because my grandfather, Carl Caudill II was an extra in the movie acting as a hotel clerk at the front desk. He had a few words to say and that was it. Point is, the Ford Mustang seeded itself as the true American classic muscle car and today this image remains the same! So, with a new month upon us it was time to announce our September Car of the Month at NADAguides and we looked no further than an American classic circa 2010. The fading summer heat means the time is right for cruising with the top down, and there is no better way to do it than behind the wheel of the new Ford Mustang GT . The latest iteration of America’s favorite pony car takes performance and refinement to a new level with an aggressive new exterior, stylishly designed cabin and even more power from the V8 engine. But again, let’s face it, it’s the pure adrenaline and freedom the car gives you as you cruise with the...

Orange seems to be in style within the BMW world. Not only the orange, but also the matte colors we have seen for months now. Let’s start first with the orange painted bimmers. It all started for us with the BMW M5 Touring, orange painted of course, that was spotted in Netherlands. Then, Google Street view spots another orange M5 in the UK, an interesting paint nonetheless. Shortly after, the “black matte” mania started and more and more people across the globe began to “pimp out” their cars. We’ve seen a couple of X6’s here and here , a 335i , M3 and M5 of course. But what we haven’t seen so far was a BMW sporting a matte orange paint. Not only this is the first one we have ever seen, it is also the first one we’re seeing on U.S. roads. The M3 E92 belongs to MyM3>UrCar, a member of m3post who was kind to share with us some of the mods used on the car: MODS -matte orange vinyl wrap (by sticker city) -20″ 897R forged HREs-cf hamann front lip -custom HRE centercaps -aftermarket tow hook -cf rear diffuser -cf CSL trunk -cf hood vents -cf side vents -cf hood/trunk emblems -cf grill -cf mirror caps -custom sound system (2 extra mids, 2 extra tweeters, 2 subs) Interesting? Without a question, but of course, not for everyone’s taste. Read more here:  Matte Orange E92 “Halloween Edition M3″

It took a while to get here but the 2010 Mazda3 just rolled into our driveway for a full-review. First impressions? The front of the cars reminds us of something out of the Disney/Pixar movie CARS while the back reminds us of an alien. It’s kind of a love it or hate it styling. So far, we like it. Our 2010 Mazda3 is the 4-door Grand Touring model is powered by a 2.5L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder making 167-hp with a maximum torque of 167 lb-ft. It has a bunch of options including leather heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio/cruise controls, bi-xenon adaptive headlamps and 17-inch alloy wheels. I will be test-driving the 2010 Mazda3 for the rest of the week so feel free to ask me questions and I will get them answered for you as soon as possible. Daily updates will be provided on the site and on Twitter . Stay in touch folks. 2010 Mazda3 (Weekly Test-Drive) : – By: Stephen Calogera             Continued here:  Weekly Test-Drive: 2010 Mazda3 sedan finally shows up in our driveway Here is the original post:  Weekly Test-Drive: 2010 Mazda3 sedan finally shows up in our driveway

Nissan obsessed tuner Stillen has finally completed their six month GT-R Targa Race Car project. Steve Millen, the company founder, will now drive the car at Targa Newfoundland in a couple of weeks. Final performance figures for the 620-hp Stillen GT-R Targa Race Car come in at: 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds; 1/4 mile in 11 seconds at 127.9 mph; 0 to 130 mph in 11.4 seconds and a lateral grip of 1.1G+. You can check out a video of the car in action after the jump along with the high-res image gallery . Stillen GT-R Targa Race Car : Press Release : STILLEN GT-R Targa Race Car Performance Numbers (As Set Up For 2009 Targa Rally) * Horsepower: ~620 @ 15psi (91 Octane Pump Gas) * 0-60mph: 2.9 seconds ** * 1/4 Mile: 11.0 seconds at 127.9mph ** * 0-130mph: 11.4 seconds ** * Lateral Grip: 1.1G+ ** ** (as tested by Road & Track) Performance * STILLEN Downpipes * STILLEN Secondary Cat-Delete Y-Pipe * STILLEN Race Exhaust w/Center Rear Exit * STILLEN Intake System w/K&N Filters * Turbosmart e-Boost Street 2-Stage Electronic Boost Controller * Turbosmart Dual Port Blow Off Valves * COBB Tuning AccessPORT * Dodson Motorsports Transmission Cooler * Red Line High Performance Synthetic Motor Oil – 0W40 * Red Line High Performance Synthetic Gear Oil – 75W140 * Red Line WaterWetter Suspension * High Performance Coil-Overs – Adjustable Bump & Rebound, Ride Height – Eibach Race Springs * STILLEN Adjustable Sway Bars * STILLEN Adjustable Endlinks Brakes / Tires * STILLEN / AP Racing Carbon Ceramic Brake Rotor Upgrade * STILLEN / AP Racing Brake Pads * STILLEN Brake Cooling Package * STILLEN Stainless Steel Brake Lines * AP Racing PRF High Performance Brake Fluid * Bridgestone RE070R 255/40ZRF20 Front Tires * Bridgestone RE070R 285/35ZRF20 Rear Tires Interior * STILLEN Designed & Built Custom Chromoly Roll Cage * STILLEN Designed & Built Custom Seat Frames * Status Racing Seats * Status Racing Harnesses * Monit Rally Computers * ChaseCam On-Board Video Camera System * Nordskog GPS Speedometer (KPH) Exterior * STILLEN Urethane Front Lip Spoiler * STILLEN Urethane Side Skirts * STILLEN Urethane Front Canards * Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Custom Race Hood * Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Trunk Lid * Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Wing * Password:JDM...

Auto Observer picked up on a CAR story that suggests the Porsche Panamera and Cayenne might be killed off under Volkswagen ownership. Both models would complete their current cycles, but when they're up about 7 years from now, that might be it. The justification, according to CAR, is that the "VW Group has plenty of SUVs and saloons – it doesn't need Porsche to build them." This scenario is regarded as part of VW chairman Ferdinand Piech's master plan. Piech went to the mat against now-ousted Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking during Porsche's failed attempt to grab control of VW. Wiedeking was the architect of Porsche's forays into SUV and sedan development. In place of the Panamera and Cayenne, Porsche could get an entry-level model based on VW's upcoming Modular Sportscar Structure (MSS) that debuted on the VW BlueSport concept in Detroit. We have our doubts that the Panamera and Cayenne are actually slated for an early death, though, and it's unlikely we're the only ones. Until the economic downturn, the Cayenne was a highly profitable model for Porsche, and based on our first drive of the nicely executed Panamera, we expect it to do at least as well. It's hard to imagine that Piech and VW would turn down the chance to make more money. Auto Observer 2010 Porsche Panamera First Drive and Video More: Porsche Panamera Could Have a Short Life Read the original here:  Porsche Panamera Could Have a Short Life

We’re getting close to wrapping up our week with the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO and that means it’s time for some fun facts about the car. Fun facts about the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO : – Pricing starts at $37,170 : The base 263-hp 2010 Ford Taurus starts at $25,170. – EPA estimated fuel-economy comes in at 17/25 mpg (city/highway) : Throughout the week we’ve averaged 19 mpg and as we mention before, we haven’t been afraid to take the 365-hp 3.5L V6 twin-turbocharged engine to its limits. Estimated annual fuel costs comes in at $1,425. – Key competitors : Ford says the 2010 Taurus’ key competitors include the Audi A6, Lexus GS and the Toyota Avalon. We’re not to sure about the Audi A6, but we definitely had a Dodge Charger RT in mind. – Things you probably wouldn’t notice when checking it out in a dealership : The center arm rest pops up to reveal slots for pens, credit cards and lip balm… that’s right we said lip balm (check out the picture posted after the jump. Click through to read the answers from questions we were recently asked on Twitter and the site . 2010 Ford Taurus SHO (Weekly Test-Drive) : Questions we’ve recently received from Twitter and the site : Twitter: Does the 2010 Taurus have a large trunk ? Yes – it is enormously large. Extremely gigantic. We’ll have a picture up in our final review by next week. Autto: What are your feelings on the paddle shifters? Does this tester come with the performance package? We’re not too fond of the paddle shifters. They are a bit flimsy and a bit uncomfortable unless you can wrap your whole hand around the large steering wheel. Yes, our tester does come with a performance package and 19-inch wheels. – By: Omar Rana                         Excerpt from: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO Test-Drive Updates: Fun Facts Here is the original post:  2010 Ford Taurus SHO Test-Drive Updates: Fun Facts

+ We outline Volkswagen’s future products for 2011, 2012, and beyond. [ Car and Driver ] + Ford has announced an all-new diesel engine for the 2011 F-series Super Duty trucks. The new 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel was designed and engineered in-house, unlike the  previous 6.4-liter engine that was a result of  collaboration with Navistar. [ Car and Driver ] + Nissan announces pricing and a new package for the 2010 Rogue. [ Car and Driver ] + BMW will use the Frankfurt auto show to unveil its Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. Check out the images that have been released ahead of its official debut. [ Car and Driver ] + While the 2010 Fiat Punto Evo will debut at the Frankfurt auto show, we can’t help but wonder if this Italian hatchback will find its way to U.S. soil. [ Car and Driver ] + The production version of the 2011 CTS coupe makes an appearance in Cadillac’s new “Re-Igntion” commercial. [ YouTube ] + Penske Automotive Group has announced it will close the doors of all remaining Saturn dealerships in Canada. The decision to kill the brand will directly effect 2000 Canadian jobs. A Penske spokesman said that GM and Roger Penske made the decision jointly. [ Autoblog ] + Swedish business newspaper Dagens Industri reports that China’s Geely Automotive has been the only company to submit a solid bid for Volvo. The newspaper expects Ford to make an announcement next month in regards to who it will choose to make final negotiations with. [ Automotive News ] + Some Manhattan real estate developers are banking on the popularity of electric vehicles in the future and installing car-charging stations in their apartment buildings. Coulomb, one of the charging station providers, had previously only had charging units on Long Island, Middle Island, in Oyster Bay, and in Lexington, Massachusetts. [ The New York Times ] Related posts: Daily Downshift: August 4, 2009 Daily Downshift: August 19, 2009 Daily Downshift: August 24, 2009 More here: Daily Downshift: August 31, 2009 Original post: Daily Downshift: August 31, 2009

Twitter is apparently taking over the world – even in Detroit’s executive suites. We had a chance to meet with Mark Fields, Ford’s vice president of North American operations Thursday night n New York at a Tweet-up event to ask some questions about upcoming products. We found several tidbits enlightening: Fields is big on the electrification of cars, citing great potential. He noted that electric power companies are eager to supply power for electric cars, but predictably there is not such support from the traditional fuel-industry for producing ethanol or hydrogen for fuel-cells and hydrogen cars. Clearly, transportation development challenges go beyond just building cars. In talking about today’s hybrids, Fields implied the company isn’t making money on the hybrids it sells today, and it is looking at ways to “enhance revenue” from them. That may include selling hybrids through more luxurious brands. Diesels are also on Ford’s agenda, though don’t expect an increase in powertrain options. Fields clarified an announcement made last year regarding developing a smaller diesel engine for the F-150 pickup, saying that the program had been delayed, not cancelled. He added the company isn’t planning to sell small diesel engines for passenger cars here. As with fuel cells, he cited lack of government support for diesels, as well as tighter emissions standards here than in Europe where diesels are popular. Meanwhile, Ford has announced an all-new 6.7-liter turbodiesel for the 2011 Super Duty pickup trucks. When the party was scheduled to end, Fields politely excused himself, saying he had to go Twitter. If you’re interested in following him, he’s @Ford . — Eric Evarts Read more:  Ford Exec VP Mark Fields talks future products – and Twitters

Cadillac has revealed a new 60-second spot called “Re-ignition,” which began appearing on TV channels yesterday. The 60-second spot shows the new Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, the 2010 Cadillac SRX Crossover and a sneak peek at the new Cadillac CTS Coupe. We are actually very impressed by the new commercial. Your thoughts? Have your say in the comments section after the jump. Click through to view the ad. – By: Omar Rana See more here:  Video: New Cadillac commercial shows production CTS Coupe in action Go here to read the rest:  Video: New Cadillac commercial shows production CTS Coupe in action

Gasoline prices are slightly down compared to the week before with the coasts seeing a minor uptick, though diesel fuel is up in many regions. The national gasoline average is now about a $1.07 below the price this time last year. Diesel fuel is $1.45 below this time last year. National retail fuel price averages Price Change from last week Regular gasoline/gallon  $2.61 ↓ .02 Diesel fuel/gallon  $2.67   0 Regional regular gasoline prices Price Change from last week East Coast  $2.60 ↓   .01  -New England  $2.68 ↑ .01   -Central Atlantic  $2.66 ↓ .01   -Lower Atlantic  $2.53 ↓ .02 Midwest  $2.52 ↓ .03 Gulf Coast  $2.46 ↓ .03 Rocky Mountain  $2.61       0 West Coast  $2.96 ↑ .01   -California  $3.04 ↑ .01 Source: Energy Information Administration, 8/31/09. Figures rounded to the nearest cent. For more information on saving fuel see our reports on how to get the best gas mileage and where to find the cheapest gas . Here is the original post:  Average gas prices–August 31, 2009