U.S. automotive outlet InsideLine brings forward a new test drive review of the 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible. While the design language and technical details have been heavily discussed by us before, we will give you an excerpt from their review that focuses on the driving experience. To catch up on the new 2012 6 Series Convertible, follow our dedicated section. “The 2012 BMW 650i Convertible’s on-road character is determined by BMW’s DynamicDrive system, which alters the setting of the springs, shock absorbers, antiroll bars, throttle mapping, gearbox shift points, weighting of the electromechanical steering and, on our test car, the optional rear steer system. It’s all controlled by a button on the dash that offers a choice between Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus modes — the latter of which also delays the intervention of the stability and traction control systems. Handles Well for a Big Fella We found the Normal mode best suited to most conditions, although there’s no doubting that Sport mode turns the new BMW into a surprisingly adept performer. The new chassis, much of which is shared with the latest 5 Series, shines through, offering a surprising amount of feedback. And even with that big engine sitting up front, the inherent balance makes it feel alive and responsive to every movement of the wheel. All this in an open-top car that weighs more than 4,200 pounds. The 2012 BMW 650i Convertible is deceptively quick over winding mountain roads. The abundant front end grip and terrifically secure rear end allows you to thread it effortlessly through tightening-radius corners at speeds that might have you feathering the throttle in some open-top rivals. The inclusion of rear-wheel steer ensures excellent response as you turn in and with hydraulic motors acting on the antiroll bars there’s precious little body roll as lateral forces begin to build. For such a big lump of a car, overall agility is very impressive. Weight it seems is no match for BMW’s vast array of dynamic enhancing systems. Despite the firm qualities of the springs and dampers in Sport mode, the 2012 BMW 650i isn’t overly harsh or unforgiving. Only hard struck corrugations prompt a shudder through the chassis, and even then they...

The 2011 Detroit Auto Show has just closed its doors and the first major automotive show of the year has proven to be a success for most of the automakers. BMW made no exception and the Munich-based automaker introduced for the first time two of their latest models. First, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe finally took off its cover and revealed to the world one of the most anticipated BMWs of the year. Second, the new 6 Series Convertible showcased the latest BMW design language. The 2012 6er Convertible made its world debut with two vehicles present in Detroit. During press days, we had a chance to shoot some video of a 6er Convertible in the stunning Black Sapphire color. Before we jump into the video, allow us to recap some of the details around the new 6 Series. The new 6er convertible makes its US debut this Spring. By the end of this year, the US market will get both the 640i and 650i models. The entry-level 640i is powered by the N55 TwinScroll turbocharged engine. The engine produces 320 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 450Nm of torque between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. The 640i Convertible weighs 1,840 kilograms, but still manages to run from 0 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. BMW’s top model 650i is powered by the twin-turbo 4.4-liter direct injection V8. The engine produces 400 horsepower from 5500 to 6400 rpm. While it is impressive that peak power is maintained for 900 rpm, the even more impressive feet may be sustaining the peak torque of 450 pound-feet from a lowly 1750 rpm all the way up 4500 rpm. Equipped with either the manual or the torque-converter automatic, the 6 is rated with a 0-to-60 time of 4.9 seconds and limited top speed of 155 mph. The stunning, all-new 2012 BMW 650i Convertible will start at $91,375, pricing for the 640i will be announced at market launch. Excerpt from:  Video: 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible in Black Sapphire

A brand continuing to identify itself with Italian culture, Lamborghini has been providing an extensive lesson of the popular European language through the introduction of their limited edition supercars. The ultra-high performance Superleggera and the concept Sesto Elemento moniker are some of Lamborghini’s latest exhibits of Italian dialogue serving the best interests of motoring. For 2011, a new limited edition Lamborghini Gallardo adds the phrase Bicolore to create another sensation within the most exclusive of exclusive supercar categories. A more mild package than the Superleggera Gallardo or Blancpain edition models, the Lamborghini Gallardo Bicolore tantalizes with the familiar wedge shape. Wearing unique two-tone paint jobs, the Lamborghini Gallardo Bicolore is topped by a Noctis black roof over a Giallo Midas (pearl yellow), Arancio Borealis (orange), Grigio Telesto (gray), Bianco Monocerus (white) or Blu Caelum (blue). Air intakes as well as the front spoiler and rear diffuser are touched with high-gloss black. Completing the Bicolore exterior treatment, lightweight aluminum alloy wheels painted in titanium gray. Rich with flashy exterior charm, the colouring used outside floods the interior. The two-seat cabin of the Lamborghini Gallardo Bicolore is wrapped with the Italian automaker’s “Nero Persus” leather along the door and instrument panels. This special leather upholstery is also formulates the Gallardo Bicolore’s heated sport seats. Back-up camera and navigation system are included standard on this fine, limited edition supercar. Underneath the tampered glass engine cover, the Lamborghini Gallardo Bicolore awakes the 5.2 liter V-10 engine. For the North American elite, they will be receiving an uncomfortable feeling of denial from Lamborghini. While Asian and European markets will receive the Gallardo Bicolore with 560-horsepower being fed through an all-wheel drive system, North American Lamborghini enthusiasts will be limited to only a rear-wheel drive version of the supercar with a slightly detuned engine producing 550 horses. Though not granting the drivers of the continent with the ideal control of four powered wheels, the 550 horsepower launching the Lamborghini Gallardo Bicolore will surge with a more traditional performance...

According to Pagani, its new supercar is about to whip up one hell of a storm. Pagani has unleashed a maelstrom of photos and info on its new supercar, the Huayra. (And here we thought “Touareg” was hard to pronounce.) The name is taken from Huayra Tata—the god of wind among the Aymara people of South America—and here is the car in an electrifying nutshell: 690 hp, 738 lb-ft of torque, enough exotic materials to build five Ferraris, and looks that are, well, remarkably restrained for Pagani. Keep Reading: 2012 Pagani Huayra Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows No related posts. View original here: 2012 Pagani Huayra Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows More here:  2012 Pagani Huayra Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows

Despite the X1 getting the new TwinTurbo four-cylinder engine, the U.S. market is rumored to initially receive the X1 xDrive35i. The high-end X1 is equipped with the N55 turbo six-cylinder engine which produces 300 horsepower. Last week, BMW made the headlines of many automotive publications with the announcement of their new four-cylinder TwinPower 2.0 liter engine. Dubbed N20, the engine will be first used in the new X1 xDrive28i and produces 245 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque (258 lb of torque). The engine can be matted to a 6-speed manual transmission or a 8-speed automatic transmission. In the EU test cycle, the BMW X1 xDrive28i runs with 7.9 liters/100 km or 35.7 mpg imp (an improvement of 1.5 liters / 5.7 mpg), has CO2 emissions of 183 g/km (down by 38g). Closely modelled on the BMW in-line six-cylinder engines, the all-new 2.0-litre engine with all-aluminium crankcase comes with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology features high-performance twin-scroll turbocharging system, High Precision Injection direct petrol injection with innovative solenoid injectors, and the latest further enhanced version of the BMW-patented VALVETRONIC variable valve control system. Car and Driver reports that the BMW X1 xDrive28i with the new engine will make its debut in Europe only and no news around an U.S. debut are available at this time. Their sources mention that eventually the turbo four should replace the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter six in all BMW products. Car and Driver was told the 2012 Z4 will be one of the first recipients on our shores, followed by the new 3-series and 1-series. Once those models arrive, and assuming the M3 follows through with its move to a turbo six, BMW will have an all-turbocharged lineup. [Source: C&D ] View post: BMW Turbo Four-Cylinder Will Debut in X1 xDrive28i in Europe, U.S. Model Will Launch with Inline-Six this Fall

This is what our Focus could be like, if we were willing to pay for it. As part of the Blue Oval’s “One Ford” global strategy, the company says that at least 80 percent of the new Focus will be standardized around the world—no small feat for a car that will be sold in more than 120 countries. Eager to slide behind the wheel but unable to report yet on the U.S. Focus—check back next week—we figured the European car would be a good stand-in. Keep Reading: 2012 Ford Focus Euro-Spec – First Drive Review Related posts: U.S. to Get 2011 Euro Focus; 2009 Ford F-150 Delayed – Car News 2012 Ford Focus – First Look 2012 Ford Focus – Auto Shows Read the rest here: 2012 Ford Focus Euro-Spec – First Drive Review Go here to read the rest:  2012 Ford Focus Euro-Spec – First Drive Review

Chevrolet designers John Mack and Allen Kim discuss some of the design elements of the 2012 Chevy Sonic, which we revealed last week during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. – Will Stewart, blog editor View post:  VIDEO: Discussing the Sonic with Chevy Designers

In today’s automotive climate, it can be a tough business surviving as a small independent manufacturer. However, Italian exotic manufacturer Pagani has done pretty well for itself with the Zonda. Over the past decade, the company has significantly increased production and entered new markets. All cars have a shelf life though, even supercars like the Zonda. Introduced in 1999, the time has clearly come for a replacement, and the new car is dubbed Huayra. The Huayra remains clearly recognizable as a Pagani. The car has been redesigned though, with a new front end that retains the dual-headlight setup. It becomes smother and has a new fascia that manages to make it look more bulbous and heavy-looking. We can’t say we’re fans – to our eyes it is a step backward. The primary reason to buy a Pagani isn’t likely to be styling though – the Zonda didn’t win many design awards. Elsewhere the look is one of increased refinement, with a smoother body and more aerodynamic lines. The look is one that appears to have spent some time in the wind-tunnel. The interior is also a significant upgrade, with a new technology package and design. The basis of the Huayra is a carbon-titanium monocoque. The car uses a variety of advanced composites to achieve high levels of rigidity and lightness. With carbon fiber body panels, the Huayra checks in at just 2,976 pounds, far lighter than any of its other supercar rivals. That ends up being the car’s secret weapon. One of the car’s unique features is active aerodynamics. The Huayra has four flaps that adjust and vary their angles position responding to data from yaw and pitch sensor data, as well as lateral acceleration, steering angle and throttle position. Pagani says “the result is that the machine constantly change its shape, from time to time to ensure the minimum friction coefficient and the maximum downforce.” Utilizing advanced crash testing, Huayra also meets all safety standards in the United States and Europe. The car has a safety cell made of different composites and what Pagani dubs “ballistics.” Like the Zonda, motivation comes from Mercedes-Benz AMG, utilizing a 6.0-liter 12-cylinder biturbo engine. It isn’t just an off-the shelf AMG engine...

By the end of the year, MG Motors is looking to open 45 new showrooms to assist the firm in selling its range of cars, including the all-new MG6 compact car and MG3 supermini. Currently, 38 dealerships sell the TF Roadster and MG Motors is discussing with 25 potential dealers on opening dealerships in “45 key open points in various regions of Britain”. David Martin, franchise and dealer manager said the first 10 to 15 new showrooms would be selected soon. The first supply of the MG6 is likely in Spring, while the smaller MG3 may launch in Summer. SAIC, owner of MG Motors has published record sales for 2010, selling 3.58m units, a spike of 31.5% over 2009. More: MG plans to expand dealership network (UK) Originally posted here: MG plans to expand dealership network (UK)

An interesting image appeared on the web today. The photo in question is rumored to portray the future BMW 1 Series Gran Turismo, a vehicle that has been mentioned before in our reports. The 1 Series Gran Turismo, also known internally as Compact Activity Tourer, will be one of the first front-wheel drive vehicles from BMW. Design wise, the 1er GT follows the steps of the 5 Series GT niche model and also the future 3 Series GT. The design lines are a mixture of a 5 door hatchback and a touring model. Rear legroom is said to be on par with the new 5 Series sedan. 1 GT will be 2 inches (5cm) longer than the 3-door and 5-door models, but it will sport an unique front-end. To reflect the Gran Turismo design, the 1 GT will have an elevated driving position, as seen in the 5 Gran Turismo. The 1 GT is rumored to launch in 2012 and uses a new modular platform that underpins the upcoming 1 Series models. 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. Our sources indicate that 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 horsepower. The gasoline version, dubbed N30, comes in displacements of 1.2 and 1.5 liters with power up to 184 horsepower. While simply a speculation at this point, we anticipate a concept version of the 1GT to be introduced late this year. [Source: GCF ] Excerpt from:  BMW 1 Series GT: Photoshop or the actual design?

BMW asked a group of automotive design students in Barcelona to imagine some concepts for ‘Suits That Transport,’ or wearable alternatives to cars. The students at the European Institute of Design in Barcelona came up with some interesting ideas on future of urban transportation. This first concept, Comme des Voitures, is sort of a futuristic roller blading outfit; the boots have an array of ball-bearings in the soles, while the face shield is actually a semi-transparent wraparound display that provides real time directions, traffic information and any number of other interesting distractions that seem likely to cause an accident. Next, City-Skiing concept that features tall and short skis, along with a suit that reminds more of an astronaut touching land on the Moon. Another ultra-futuristic concept is the Flymag, a cape-like suit with a human-powered scooter. To push the envelope even more, the designing team came up with B-Motion, an strange hoverboard and backpack combination. Interesting,  yet odd concepts that will most likely remain….concepts. [Source: Dvice via Autoblog ] Originally posted here: BMW envisions a future of wearable transportation

This two-tone, two-wheel-drive Lambo will come to the U.S While debuting a super-fuel-efficient VW concept may have seemed out of place in Qatar, using an auto show in the land of the oil-rich to unveil a special-edition Gallardo seems just about right. The two-tone Gallardo Bicolore will be offered only with all-wheel drive as an LP560-4 in other markets, but the version that makes it to us will drive just the rear wheels—à la Gallardo Valentino Balboni —and be dubbed LP550-2. (Yes, that means our cars will make 10 fewer horsepower.) Keep Reading: 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Bicolore – Auto Shows Related posts: 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni – Short Take Road Test 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni – Car News 2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante – Auto Shows View original here: 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Bicolore – Auto Shows Read more:  2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Bicolore – Auto Shows

There aren’t many chances you get to drive a Ferrari. If you live in or around Texas, however, this may be your lucky day. Head over to Groupon today, and you’ll find that their daily deal is a one-hour drive in a Ferrari F430 for $149 from DFW Drive Your Dream. Having driven one myself, it’s still one of my favorite all-time cars. It’s worth the money, especially as a gift. The drive normally costs $379. Drive a Ferrari F430 for $149 If the link doesn’t work for some reason, just head over to Groupon.com and look at the deal for Dallas. It might also be located in the right-hand sidebar if it’s not the main deal. The drive takes place in Haltom City. Heck, even if you don’t live in Texas, the deal is good for a year, so if you plan on visiting, that would make a perfect side-trip. Related posts: Sit in a Ferrari F430 Spider Scuderia at Home! Hamann Ferrari F430 Spider Inden Design Makes a Ferrari F430 Spider Continued here: Drive a Ferrari F430 for $149

At the Detroit Auto Show, MINI unveiled their latest and newest concept. Following the same steps as the X5 and X6 models, MINI launches a coupe version of the Countryman under the Paceman name tag. The Sports Activity Coupe from MINI retains the familiar MINI family front end, but adds its own distinctive design cues. At a first glance, MINI Paceman resembles the last year’s release Countryman. The large headlights with chrome surrounds extend far into the front wings and, together with the strikingly contoured bonnet, emphasize the imposing front end. Just like the MINI Countryman being built in Graz, Austria, the Paceman will be joining the production lines at Magna Steyr as well. Dr. Klaus Draeger confirmed today for a small newspaper that production of Paceman will begin in late 2012 with first units arriving at dealerships in 2013. While the Mini Countryman production is expected to deliver 100,000 units a year, Paceman production will bring to the market around 20,000 units. BMW X6 sales counted 46,404 units in 201, almost half as many customers as the X5, which came to 102,178 units. Just like the Countryman, Paceman is a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle. The Magna Graz plant is becoming increasingly important for MINI, but the main production lines still run at the Oxford factory. [Source: BimmerToday ] Original post: MINI Paceman to be built in Graz, Austria, launch date in 2013

Toyota has released a teaser image of the FT-86 II sports car concept, which the automaker confirms will debut at the Geneva auto show in early March. The FT-86 II is, of course, a sequel to the FT-86 that was shown at the 2009 Tokyo show,  and it’s still officially in concept status. The same goes for its Subaru brother , a concept of which is also set to bow in Geneva, but bear in mind that neither is far removed from the production designs that will eventually arrive in dealerships. Thanks to the magic of Photoshop, we’ve lightened Toyota’s teaser image for a clearer look at the car. The pic reveals squinty headlights and a big mesh lower grille that resembles  our earlier rendering of the FT-86. The company promises this car demonstrates its “reborn passion” for sporty cars, something that has been missing from Toyotas of late. Both the Toyota and Subaru versions of the car may bow in production form on their home turf at the Tokyo auto show this December—two years after the original Toyota FT-86 concept first saw the light of day. While we know the cars will use boxer engines and rear-wheel drive layouts, many questions remain, including whether turbocharging or all-wheel drive are on the agenda for either. For the Toyota, we’re expecting a final name that somehow includes the number 86, especially in light of the company’s recent trademark filing for a boxer-engined “86″ logo . Keep an eye out during our coverage of the Geneva show for more information on the FT-86 II and Subaru concepts and—hopefully—the production versions, too. Related posts: Toyota Teases Green (Literally) Dedicated Hybrid Concept Ahead of Detroit Show Cadillac Teases Concept Car Ahead of Detroit Auto Show Rinspeed Previews BamBoo Concept Ahead of Geneva Auto Show View post: Toyota Teases FT-86 II Concept Ahead of Geneva Show View original post here: Toyota Teases FT-86 II Concept Ahead of Geneva Show