BMW’s M Facebook page just posted a photos of the upcoming BMW 1M in Alpine White paint. The new “baby-M” will make its worldwide debut in exactly one week at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. The 1M will be offered in only three colors, Alpine White, Valencia Orange and Black Sapphire, and production will run only for a year. Inside, BMW only offers the Black Boston leather with orange stitching. Two packages are available for the 1M, the Convenience Package with Anti-theft alarm system, Comfort Access, Park Distance Control (rear only) and Navigation System, and the Premium Package with Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, Auto-dimming rear view mirror, power front seats with driver seat memory, ambiance lighting, lumbar support, BMW Assist with Bluetooth, iPod and USB adapter. The 1M is powered by the N4 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 engine. For the 1M, the turbocharger, exhaust system, and ECU have been revised to produce 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, though up to 369 pound-feet are available temporarily in overboost mode. Redline is found at 7000 rpm. Pricing will also be announced in Detroit, but we believe the price point will fall between $45,000 and $47,000. As always, stay tuned for an exclusive and comprehensive coverage from Detroit Auto Show! Go here to read the rest: BMW 1M Coupe in Alpine White color

Welcome to the year 2011! As we make new resolutions on bettering our lives, some of us will be venturing into a new car dealership to refresh your transportation choice. While we attempt to change for the new year, 2011 vehicles have also resolved themselves to a new level of safety and security. Whether calling it prudent public life-saving measures or some government-driven nanny-state, enhanced automobiles safety equipment was increased accident survivability and even the complete accident avoidance. For the 4th year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has strictly evaluated the latest automotive designs in a battery of tests. Facing off again frontal, bumper, side and rear collision crash tests, the IIHS also devotes attention to accident avoidance system in determining which popular vehicles are worthy of their most coveted Top Safety Pick honour. When purchasing a 2011 model year vehicle, new car buyers will find the most exceptional class of safe vehicles. For the 2011 model year vehicles, 66 products represent the safest bunch ever evaluated all earning the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick award. Consisting of a selection of 40 cars, 25 crossover vehicles and a single minivan (the Toyota Sienna), 10 of the total vehicles were also brand new designs for 2011. Presented as the largest list of Top Safety Pick vehicles compiled by the IIHS, the proliferation of top-rated automobiles is attributed to greater engineering as well as the continuing use of electronic stability control. In 2007, the IIHS Top Safety Pick criteria added to requirement of electronic stability control to be equipped on a vehicle. Since then, the United States government has mandated electronic stability control system on all vehicles by 2012. The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg was a particular interesting inclusion as a Top Safety Pick. Rated as a large sport utility vehicle according the IIHS, it was not normal for such a vehicle to be evaluated. However, so optimistic on their Touareg’s construction, Volkswagen requested the the IIHS place the vehicle through the safety institutes’s paces. Though the IIHS testing has resulted in some Top Safety Picks for a sizable selection of cars and Sport utility vehicles, a few automobiles categories continue to leave...

According to Automotive News , BMW’s service loaner program serves a dual purpose for the local dealerships. Aside from providing a loaner vehicle to their customers while the cars are being services, the service loaner program also increases the BMW and MINI dealer’s inventory of used cars. All these vehicles are certified pre-owned (CPO) and offer the dealer the flexibility to sell them on the spot. AutoNews: The Aftersales Mobility Program is especially welcome when used vehicles are in short supply. The program “provides the dealer with a ready inventory of certified pre-owned vehicles. If a customer wants to buy an AMP vehicle, the dealer has that flexibility to sell it to them on the spot,” says Frank Peluso, manager of the Aftersales Mobility Program. The Aftersales Mobility Program includes about 17,000 vehicles in the United States, nearly 63,000 units since the program began in 2009. According to the same magazine, about 75 percent are sold as certified used. All but four of the automaker’s 438 North American BMW and MINI dealerships are enrolled in the service loaner program. Since BMWNA retails the vehicles to dealers, the are considered new-unit sales. The parent company also covers about half of the dealership’s financing cost. The stipulation from BMW says that these loaner can be sold as used vehicles after being in service for three months. [Source: Auto News ] Read the rest here: BMW loaner plan provides steady flow of used cars

The Diesel Driver shares with us their 12-month report on the 2010 BMW 335d. Here is an excerpt from their review: “Having now spent 12 months behind the wheel, I have found the 335d to be a unique offering, one that combines certain traits that typically aren’t found all in the same vehicle. These are sports car-like acceleration and handling, superb fuel economy, excellent ergonomics and passenger comfort, and Teutonic attention to detail. The 425 pound-feet of torque propel the car forward like a rocket ship; indeed, there’s simply no other way to describe the feeling of the raw power this car has. It handles as if it’s on rails, whether at 250 km/h (155 mph) on the Autobahn or at a slower tempo on a winding mountain road. Fuel economy has been exemplary. For highway driving, the car has consistently averaged 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 mpg). As contributing editor Paul Riegler noted on an 800 km (498 mile) drive from New York to Washington and back, “No need to stop for refueling.” The best sustained fuel economy we’ve recorded was 40 mpg (5.9 l/100 km), although we’ve seen as high as 42 mpg (5.6 l/100 km) for brief periods of time. On a recent drive to New England, the 335d used only 6.4 l/10 km (36.8 mpg) in mostly highway driving with an average speed of 99.3 km/h (62 mph). The return trip, at the slightly faster speed of 100.7 km/h (63 mph) used only 6.3 l/100 km. In total, the 335d consumed a mere 25.27 liters (6.68 gallons) of diesel fuel, making the total cost of fuel for the journey under $20. Earlier in the year, it used 6.0 l/100 km (39.2 mpg) on a drive from Philadelphia to New York at an average speed of 105 km/h (65 mph). Driving conditions such as traffic can greatly impact average fuel economy and the drive from New York to Philly saw fuel usage of 6.8 l/100 km at an average speed of 106 km/h (66 mph). Driving from Munich to Lindau to Berchtesgaden to Roßfeld to Graz and back to Munich, the 335d used 6.3 l/100 km (37 mpg) In the city, fuel usage has been roughly 9.5 l/100 km (24.75 mpg). The EPA rated the 335d at 23 mpg (10.2 l/100 km) for city driving and 36 mpg (6.5 l/100 km) on the highway. By means of comparison, a similarly equipped BMW 335i (petrol version) is rated at 17 mpg (13.8 l/100 km) in the city and 28 mpg (8.4 l/100...

Kia apparently wants to start production of a new car at its Slovakian plant in 2012. “We launched two new models this year and we want to launch a new model in 2012”, In-Kyu Bae, head of Kia Motors Slovakia said, following a meeting with Slovakian Prime Minister, Iveta Radicova. In northern Slovakia, by Zilina, Kia’s assembly plant has a yearly production space of 300,000 units, in which it produces three models there; the Sportage , Cee’d and the Hyundai ix35 . Kia will be expanding capacity this year as the SUV’s receive the highest demand. View post: Kia to start production of unamed model in 2012 (SK) Go here to see the original: Kia to start production of unamed model in 2012 (SK)

Jeep has released prices of its restyled Compass compact SUV, which receives more standard equipment and a substantially higher price. The entry-level Compass Base starts from $19,295, nearly $3,930 more than the 2010 Compass , excluding a $700 destination fee. Standard features include electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors, remote central locking, x4 electric windows, air-conditioning, roof rails, front fog lamps, cruise control, 60/40 split folding rear seats, 17” aluminium wheels, LED boot torch, and tinted glass. New mid-spec Latitude features heated front seats, 115v auxiliary socket, leather steering wheel, and a fold-flat front passenger seat. This comes with a price-tag of $21,595, saving $255 over the 2010 Compass . Flagship Limited trim-level has 18” aluminium wheels, 6CD autochanger, climate control, leather interior w/driver’s electrically adjustable seat, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The Limited will cost you $910 over the 2010 model, at $24,295. All Compass ’ are fitted with an upgraded 2.4 litre World Engine that develops 172bhp. A 2.0 litre 158bhp petrol engine is available on the base and Latitude. Excluding the entry-level model, the Compass is fitted with a CVT. A 5 speed manual is fitted elsewhere. A host of optional extra are available, some cheaper than the 2010 Compass . These include a CVT transmission for the Base at $1,100. A satellite navigation system is offered at $685 and four-wheel drive will set you back $1,700. • Continuously variable automatic transmission (base only): $1,100 • Four-wheel drive: $1,700 • Security Group Package: Curtain airbags, USB port, remote start, Bluetooth, alarm, auto-dimming rearview mirror: $1,195 • Sun and Sound Package: nine-speaker stereo, powered sunroof: $1,295 • Media Center Package: 30GB hard drive, touch-screen display: $640 (base, Latitude), $290 (Limited) • Navigation System: $685 • Trail Rated Package: 140 amp alternator, four-wheel drive off-road mode, brake lock differential, engine oil cooler, fuel tank skid plate shield, full-size spare tyre, hill descent control, hill start assist, tow hooks, trailer tow wiring harness: $500 (four-wheel drive needed) The rest is here: Photo Gallery: 2011 Jeep Compass facelift Read the original here: Photo Gallery:...

2011 has just begun and as expected, new information around the future BMW electric family have come to light. As we mentioned this week, in 2011 BMW will increase their marketing efforts around the Megacity vehicles and we predicted a concept to be shown in the near future. According to the usual BMW insider, Scott27, the Munich-based automaker may reveal the Megacity in a concept form for the first time either at Detroit Auto Show or in March at Geneva Show. Along with new details around the “i” brand, same insider talks about future sporty electric vehicles joining the Vision Concept. Let’s have a look. If MINI is pop culture, Rolls-Royce is classic and timeless, and BMW is modern architecture, the BMW “i” is sci-fi future. When BMW announced the Project-i Thinktank many factions were intrigued. BMW has since made a name for itself in regards to meeting strict CO2 targets and reducing fuel consumption in their products since early 2007. The BMW Group is the world’s No.1 premium automobile manufacturer, as well as the leader in emission reductions . BMW announced that Project-i will spawn a range of concepts that will range from two to  four wheels, and will be anything but conventional. Of course when the Vision Efficient Dynamics debuted at the IAA in 2009 , jaws dropped and finally people could see how innovative and serious BMW is in relation to sustainable future mobility. But some thought the concept was too adventurous for production until BMW pulled the carpet from under them and announced you will be able to buy this car. Although the Vision EfficientDynamics is in design format anything but conventional, it lays the groundwork to what you can expect from Project-i . BMW is about to bring the future today as what you see in terms of design the Vision Efficient Dynamics is the signature language of Project-i . Ground breaking drivetrains clothed in high-tech design and functional areodynamics. That is the genesis of the BMW i sub-brand. Although first on the road will be the highly anticipated and soon-to-be-seen MegaCity Vehicle, a stunning mobility concept for four – purely electric with a cutting edge interior and bodyshell made entirely out of carbon fibre. Interior space is not compromised by the drivetrain...

In a recent interview with Dr. Philip Koehn, Head of BMW Vision EfficientDynamics program, we talked about the upcoming BMW Vision vehicle and other electric vehicles that will join the BMW fleet in 2013. Among other interesting subjects, Dr. Koehn mentioned the possibility of several European cities to ban super sport cars within the city limits. ” A super sports car is charming, but we believe that sooner or later, these cars might not be allowed in the London congestion zone for example. The Vision Concept will not go against a Ferrari 458 on a racetrack, it was absolutely not designed for this. We really want to open up a dimension where one is socially accepted and you can enter into zones and areas where in 2013 or 2014 could possibly making difficult to allow conventional super sports cars.” So it came to no surprise when Detroit Free Press reports on the city of Paris, France, planning to ban high-emissions vehicle from their city cores over the next ten years. Denis Baupin, an environmental official in the mayor’s office, said Wednesday that sport utility vehicles and old diesel cars are likely to be targeted in upcoming test restrictions. The details are still been drawn, but essentially the city of Paris will issue a list of vehicles that are being banned, the neighborhoods where the ban will take place, the daily time frame and of course, penalties or fines for those that don’t obey the city law. Other French cities planning to test similar restrictions over the next two years include Lyon, Grenoble, and Aix-en-Provence. According to the same newspaper, many other European cities, including London and Berlin, already have “low emission zones,” with varying restrictions on the type of vehicles targeted. And this brings us to BMW’s upcoming sub-brand which will sell the electric vehicles developed under the Project i program. As we said in a previous editorial , in our opinion, Megacity Vehicle is BMW’s biggest bet ever, a gamble some may say, but a necessary step in the right direction according to others. BMW’s CEO can’t agree more: “The Megacity Vehicle is a must-have for BMW.” BMW plans to launch their first Megacity in 2013 as a car that caters to mobility and urban environment. A city ban on gas-guzzler...

Official photos of the restyled Kia Pro_ cee’d have leaked onto the web, prior to its worldwide premier at the forthcoming Geneva motor show. While full details are scares, obvious revisions will include remodelled headlamps, front bumper, and grille. Engines will be altered too, to give lower emissions, better performance and fuel economy. The 1.6 CRDi will now produce 128bhp (130PS), up from 89bhp (90PS), and torque has been increased from 235Nm (173lb-ft) to 255Nm (188lb-ft). Expect CO2 emissions of under 119g/km and combined fuel economy of 60mpg. Continued here: Kia Pro_cee’d facelift leaked Here is the original:  Kia Pro_cee’d facelift leaked

Nissan has released prices of the 2011 X-Trail 2WD in effort to sway customers to the compact SUV market and away from mid-sized sedans and SUV’s. The base ST 2WD with a manual transmission has a price tag of $27,990, making it the cheapest X-Trail to hit the Australian market. This comes equipped with 17” alloy wheels, x6 airbags, Bluetooth, ESP, cruise control, MP3 input w/steering wheel audio controls & 6CD auto-changer and heated and cooled cup holders. A CVT can be mated to the 2WD and a higher-specification model, named ST-L. The ST-L adds leather interior w/electric driver’s seat, heated front seats, front fog lamps, climate control, and privacy glass. All 2WD X-Trail s are powered by a 2.0 litre petrol engine. The 4WD variants will continue to home the same engines but the ST 4WD will be liable for a $500 price increase. This now features leather steering wheel & handbrake, chrome exterior door handles, and 17” alloy wheels. Nissan Australia CEO, Dan Thompson, said he anticipated the revised X-Trail to make a “significant impact” on the compact SUV segment, with the entry-level X-Trail 2WD to be popular among families and couples. “We are sending a strong message to the market that we are serious about improving our market share and sales position still further in 2011,” Thompson said. The X-Trail is outsold by the Subaru Forester . ST: Manual 2WD – $28,490 CVT 2WD – $30,990 Manual 4WD – $32,490 CVT 4WD – $34,990 X-Trail ST-L: CVT 2WD – $34,990 CVT 4WD – $38,490 X-Trail TS: Manual 4WD – $35,990 Automatic 4WD – $38,240 X-Trail Ti: CVT 4WD – $44,490 X-Trail TL: Manual 4WD – $42,490 Automatic 4WD – $45,240 View original here: Nissan X-Trail 2WD pricing announced (AU) Read the original:  Nissan X-Trail 2WD pricing announced (AU)

Fully electric as well as gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles have received ridicule for being unproven and expensive. However, dedicated electric automakers such as Tesla, Coda and Fisker as well as even established car manufacturers Toyota, General Motors along with Ford are banking that they are taking short-term losses for a long-term gain. The perils that face all modern technologies, it takes ingenuity and practical rethinking to make electric vehicles a more common sight on roadways. Fortunately due to the stronger than ever interest in alternative automotive powertrains, the incentive for developing new electric vehicle technologies exists. A level of technology advancement have begun to detract the naysayers of electric vehicles as breakthroughs and new ways to seamlessly integrate systems into modern cars. Lithium-Iron Phosphate Battery Exotic materials involved in electric vehicle components has been and continues to be a challenge for controlling costs as well as supplying the new automobile market. Creating an affordable lithium-ion battery, a research group for the University of Texas first approached the theory of a lithium iron phosphate-based rechargeable battery pack. Referencing the cathode material used, the use of plentiful iron immediately confronts the issues of manufacturing costs for large lithium-ion batteries. Along with being an comparably inexpensive solution, lithium iron phosphate batteries have brought some very redeeming performance advantages over standard lithium-ion batteries. Compared to conventional lithium-ion using other forms of construction, the lithium iron phosphate enjoys a higher cycle life allowing the battery to recharge up to twice the amount of times. Containing no toxic elements as well as possessing a high thermal and chemical resistance, the lithium iron phosphate battery environmental consciousness. While power capacity is believed to be lagging as the electrical storage technology is still being realized, lithium iron phosphate batteries is growing in usage and is already seen as attractive enough for upstart electric car maker Coda to employ. Rumours of the Chevrolet Volt using this battery construction has also been swirling but General Motors elected for manganese spinel cell design. Regenerative Shock Absorbers...

Detroit News reports on the increased demand for luxury automobiles around the world, but with a lower request for premium vehicles in Germany. In the first eleven months of the year, luxury sales were down 25.2 percent in Germany, while demand for BMW, Mercedes and Audi vehicles has increased especially in China and the United States. Auto sales in Germany totaled 2.7 million vehicles through November. In the United States, premium segments are outpacing the overall market, which has expanded 11.1 percent so far this year. BMW sales are up 11.6 percent, Mercedes-Benz sales have increased 18.6 percent, and Volkswagen AG’s Audi brand is up 23.6 percent for the year through November, according to Autodata Corp. China, another fast growing market for luxury automobiles, has expanded more than 40 percent this year with Audi continuing to remain the leader. Nine of the 10 top selling luxury nameplates in China are German; the exception is Lexus ES, according to J.D. Power and Associates. To maintain a steady production flow, BMW is keeping its Leipzig plant running through the year-end holidays. Here is the original post: German luxury cars in high demand, but not in Germany