Positive growth and momentum continues to build for BimmerWorld Racing as the four-car GRAND-AM team announced the signing of Roswell, Georgia-based United BMW as the team’s official supplier of BMW OEM parts. With BimmerWorld’s expansion to four cars in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge racing series this year, the need to keep its two production-based BimmerWorld M3s and both BMW 328is prepared with the highest quality factory BMW parts is greater than ever. Together with United BMW’s support for the 2011 racing season, BimmerWorld owner/driver James Clay says the collaboration between the two companies will complement BimmerWorld’s racing efforts and their thriving street car business. “We are excited to have United BMW as a part of the BimmerWorld team this year. Ultimately, we are racing street-platform BMWs and having a strong relationship with a BMW dealer like United–one that is so passionate about these amazing machines–will pay great dividends. Their support and knowledge about the BMW parts we need to run our cars is a perfect resource for our team, and for our BMW parts customers as well.” With performance at the heart of everything BimmerWorld does on and off the race track, United BMW’s extensive stock of BMW Performance parts will find their way into cars that pass through BimmerWorld’s facility in Dublin, Virginia as well. In kind, United BMW will also benefit from BimmerWorld’s impressive line of race-proven aftermarket products. “United BMW is a very complimentary pairing for our BimmerWorld parts business,” Clay continued. “Through unitedBMWonline.com, their team provides Genuine BMW Parts and Accessories, as well as BMW Performance Parts, and in the future, it will also include offerings from our BimmerWorld catalog. Similarly, we will be expanding our parts offerings to include more of the BMW Performance line and Genuine BMW Accessories. This expanded and combined effort will reach more BMW owners and enthusiasts to provide the level of product and service we are collectively known for.” United BMW’s Steve Maguire says that joining forces with BimmerWorld’s aftermarket and road racing businesses will help to showcase...

A tradition already, BMWBLOG team is crossing the ocean to attend the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. In the past years, our team has brought you exclusive coverage from all the major European and North American auto shows, and this year, we make no exception. Joining us this time are our colleagues Benny at  BimmerToday.de and Gabriela at  BMWBLOG.ro .  Coverage begins on Tuesday, March 1st. With an impressive line-up to be displayed in Geneva, BMW exhibit is expected to be busier than ever. Along with a few world premieres, the company will also offer some European debuts. The main interest revolves around the new and exciting concept from BMW, the Vision ConnectedDrive. The futuristic 2-seater roadster takes the centerstage in Geneva and it is shaping up to be the main attraction of the show. In the BMW world, the attention continues to lay on the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, the “baby-M” as we like to call it makes its European debut this time in the Alpine White color. Other premieres include a BMW 6 Series Individual, X1 with M Sport Package, ActiveE and MINI Rocketman. From the Rolls-Royce brand, we have the first electric Phantom, dubbed 102EX. As always, BMWBLOG will bring you exclusive photos and videos, along with several interviews with BMW specialists and designers. To also learn more about his transition from BMW design to MINI, BMWBLOG will first sit down with Anders Warming, the new Chief Designer at MINI. Next, Marc Girard, Head of Interior Design at BMW, will tell us all about the futuristic design language in the new Vision ConnectedDrive Concept. As usual, coverage will begin on our Twitter ( twitter.com/bmwblog ) and Facebook ( facebook.com/bmwblog ) accounts where we encourage you to join our thousands of friends that follow us: Add as your friend and feel free to spread all the unique content! See you soon! Here is the original:  BMWBLOG will report live from 2011 Geneva Motor Show

Deutschland tuning firm MTM will again display their prowess for tuning Audi products at the Geneva auto show, this time with a 465-hp TT RS and a 766-hp R8 styled like a disco ball. The R8 benefits from MTM’s twin-turbo kit, a necessity for anyone who recognizes the weakness of the 525 hp and 391 lb-ft produced by R8’s optional Lamborghini-sourced 5.2-liter V-10. To make this car properly manly, MTM’s twin-turboed the ten-banger, for a more appropriate output of 766 hp and 655 lb-ft. The company claims this permits 0-to-62-mph sprints of 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 217 mph. The hopped-up Audi also receives larger MTM brakes and adjustable coilover suspension, as well as 20-inch forged wheels. But let’s face it: tuned supercars are commonplace at your local heliport’s parking lot. That’s why MTM instructed its workforce to spend 700 hours scraping off the car’s paint and polishing the underlying aluminum. While we’d hesitate before sanding our own R8, the result is as resplendent as Tiffany’s finest. This isn’t the first time MTM has polished up an aluminum-bodied Audi: A second-gen A8 with the same treatment debuted in Dubai and then starred in a viral e-mail in which people thought it was made of solid silver. The glistening R8 looks great to be sure, but with MTM claiming the car is “worth” $553,500, we’re willing to reconsider the benefits of a simple paint job. MTM also fit the car with a new front splitter and an adjustable rear wing, each rendered in carbon-fiber, as well as a “unique” (read: orange) leather interior. MTM is also displaying a hopped-up TT RS, a version of which topped out at 194 mph on Italy’s Nardo test track . Engine upgrades bring the 2.5-liter turbo engine’s output to a healthy 465 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, with enlarged MTM brakes and 20-inch forged wheels keeping car on pavement. Related posts: Audi Turns 100 and Brings Some Cool Metal to the Party 2008 MTM Audi R8 Supercharged – First Drive Review 2009 MTM Audi S3 Sportback – Specialty File Read the original post: MTM Brings Glistening 766-hp V10 Audi R8 to Geneva Go here to read the rest:  MTM Brings Glistening 766-hp V10 Audi R8 to Geneva

Spyker, the tiny, Netherlands-based sports-car manufacturer that saved Saab from the GM guillotine, is preparing to sell its eponymous sports car operation to focus on its Swedish adoptee. The tooling, intellectual property rights, and plans for the  handmade sports cars will be sold to a holding company company owned by Russian billionaire Vladimir Antonov. Prior to Spyker’s acquisition of Saab last year, Antonov owned roughly one-third of the company. Concerns over potential ties between Antonov and organized crime—which he vigorously denied in a New York Times OpEd , and of which he was cleared by two independent audits—led GM to insist on his divestiture from Spyker as a condition of the Saab deal. He acquiesced, and the deal went through. To further complicate matters, with Spyker selling both the operation that builds the sports cars, as well as the rights to the name Spyker, what remains of the entity that owns Saab likely will be renamed. Antonov’s firm will pay €15 million—about $20.6 million at current exchange rates—up front, and then continue payments based on earnings from selling sports cars, up to an additional €17 million. This is a good move overall. Saab’s parent desperately needs the money; it is carrying €92 million in debt, excluding further debts owed by Saab itself. Paying down this debt, along with other debt-for-stock swaps the company is making, will lower the interest rates the company pays and make it more attractive for investment and partnerships. Saab recently announced plans to  source more engines from BMW , and a Bavarian engine is in Saab’s latest concept, the PhoeniX. We expect many more similar arrangements in the future with BMW and others. It’s possible that the next Mini platform, which likely will be shared with Peugeot-Citroën, will underpin a compact Saab. Spyker, which sold only 36 cars in 2009 (2010 numbers have not been released), joins  TVR in the ranks of boutique sports-car manufacturers owned by Russian billionaires. Related posts: Saab Sale to Spyker Finalized – Car News 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo X is Nearly Sold Out – Car News It’s Official: GM Finalizes Sale of Saab to Spyker – Car News Read more here: Saab to Be Spyker’s Sole Focus: Sports-Car...

This concept’s front-end styling and eXWD all-wheel-drive system will grace future production models. For the better part of the last decade, Saab cranked out attractive—even occasionally sexy—concept cars with styling, features, layouts, and tech the company just couldn’t apply to production cars. So while the company is celebrating its liberation from General Motors with an Independence Edition 9-3 convertible —woo!—it also is putting a flag in the ground with a new concept sports coupe called the PhoeniX. (Don’t blame Saab’s bosses for the generic moniker—pickings were slim that Sunday at the Metaphors Galore outlet store.) The name, of course, refers to the mythical firebird that turns to ashes and reinvents itself every millennium or so, and that’s the company’s intended message with this hybrid-electric, turbocharged all-wheel-drive concept. It debuts at this year’s Geneva auto show . Keep Reading: Saab PhoeniX Concept Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows Related posts: 2012 Saab 9-3 Griffin Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows 2012 Saab 9-5 SportCombi Official Photo and Info – Auto Shows 2011 Saab 9-5 – Official Photos and Info Read the rest here: Saab PhoeniX Concept Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows Original post: Saab PhoeniX Concept Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows

The AC Schnitzer 99d generates only 99g/km CO2 – that’s less than any standard BMW vehicle available at present. And despite this, driving pleasure is guaranteed thanks to 190 HP / 140 kW. The 99d accelerates from 0 – 100 in an electrifying 6.9 s and has a top speed of 235 km/h – a vehicle with all the sporting genes, in fact a true AC Schnitzer. And with a fuel consumption of just 3.8 litres diesel per 100 km. So how does this Concept Car by AC Schnitzer manage to achieve such low figures? AC Schnitzer calls the combination of features Efficient Performance. “Pleasure is the driving force!“ That applies not only to the BMW engineers but also – and in particular – to the tuning specialists at AC Schnitzer. Secret 1: Diesel engine and matching drive train A diesel engine in a BMW Z4, and the most efficient currently available from BMW. It comes from the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition. And of course now the power has been optimised by the Aachen specialists to 190 HP and 420 Nm torque (standard 320d EfficientDynamics Edition: 163 HP). Secret 2: 230 kg weight saving The elegant lightweight coupé demonstrates what is technically possible today. The energy source for example is a lightweight lithium ion battery instead of the usual lead accumulator. The use of further lightweight materials such as carbon, magnesium and titanium has achieved further substantial savings in the interior equipment. So it’s lighter than any current standard BMW. Secret 3: Weight reduction in unsprung mass 35 kg less weight in the parts directly connected to the wheels, such as wheels, tyres and brakes, leads to a perceptible gain in agility and driving pleasure. The latest forging techniques using materials from the aerospace industry guarantee strength and an unbeatable weight saving. For example, the AC Schnitzer lightweight 4-pot high performance brake system with retraction system for the front axle, and the lightweight brake discs on the front and rear axles, ensure the shortest braking distances. Or the Type VIII one-piece high-strength forged rims used on the AC Schnitzer 99d. These weigh in at just 7.9 kg per wheel and are connected to the vehicle with titanium wheel bolts. Experts say that measures to reduce the unsprung mass have a benefit...

Dorna Sports and BMW have reached an agreement to extend the German manufacturer’s position as the Official Car to MotoGP until 2016, thus prolonging what has been a highly successful and strong partnership since its beginnings in 1999. This morning BMW delivered to Dorna Sports the official cars for the 2011 season, during a presentation in Munich and in the presence of Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and President of BMW M Division Dr. Kay Segler. In its role as Official Car of the MotoGP World Championship BMW M will continue to provide a total of six Safety Cars, two Safety Bikes and nine VIP Village Shuttles at all European rounds, whilst for the overseas Grands Prix the two main Safety Cars and one Safety Bike will make the trip. In 2011 the fleet will be led by the new BMW 1 Series M Coupe and the X6 M, and in an exciting new development BMW will also provide a hybrid car as part of the Race Direction car fleet, incorporating further a green-aware approach into the logistical management of the World Championship. BMW’s exposure will not just be through its provision of vehicles, as recognition via trackside advertising, stands in the public access areas, a strong presence in the VIP Village and a service centre in the MotoGP Paddock will also enforce its association with MotoGP. The renowned BMW M Award will also remain a feature of the World Championship, rewarding the best-performing rider in qualification in the premier class at the end of the season. In 2010 World Champion Jorge Lorenzo collected a brand new BMW M3 Sedan after consistently leading the way, and in 2011 the lucky winner will receive a new BMW 1 Series M Coupe. Speaking about the renewed partnership, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said: “I’m thrilled to be able to announce this renewal between Dorna and BMW, which is a worldwide symbol of quality and performance in the same manner as MotoGP and which reinforces the status of the World Championship as a globally referenced and highly respected brand.” “BMW’s presence is already extremely well established in MotoGP, having been a central part of the daily routine of the World Championship at each Grand Prix. The importance of BMW to MotoGP has been regularly highlighted by its role in key areas of the World Championship, and the fact...

With the new BMW 5-series saloon and the new BMW 5-series Touring, in 2011 two new 5-series models have been awarded the prestigious iF Award for outstanding product design. Equally prizeworthy is the AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S Saloon based on the BMW 5-series saloon, which celebrates its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show from 3rd to 13th March. With this concept vehicle, the Aachen-based tuning specialist AC Schnitzer is demonstrating new and unusual aspects of driving pleasure. With a performance upgrade from 407 to 540 HP, the AC Schnitzer engineers are pushing the boundaries of the possible – for greater dynamics and efficiency. The driving performance is at thoroughbred sportscar level: the sprint from 0 – 100 kph takes just 4.5 seconds, and the top speed is around 320 kph. A glance under the bonnet with the AC Schnitzer engine and engine bay styling shows just who is responsible for the revolutionary refinement. The AC Schnitzer limited slip differential with up to 75% effect ensures that the tremendous power reaches the point where it is needed.The AC Schnitzer twin sports rear silencer with chromed “Sports Trim“ tail pipe trims left and right combines exciting appearance and sound. What does the sophisticated driver expect from perfect brakes? Perfect braking of course! With the AC Schnitzer high performance brake system with 8-piston fixed calipers left and right, and an 8-piece kit of brake pads and caliper holders for the front axle, all expectations of optimum deceleration and maximum stability are amply fulfilled. And the driving dynamics leave nothing to be desired. The AC Schnitzer racing suspension guides the saloon perfectly through the corners. The AC Schnitzer tuning specialists will be focussing on the reactions to the new aerodynamic components for the body of the 5-series saloon. As well as the familiar AC Schnitzer front spoiler and chromed front grille, a new carbon front spoiler centre part gives the ACS5 Sport S Saloon an even more striking aspect. The carbon air ducts for the brakes left and right ensure adequate ventilation for the high performance brake system, and the new AC Schnitzer carbon side skirts clearly enhance the side view of the concept vehicle. The engine bay is ventilated by the bonnet vents from the...

If you think you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, check out this video of 84-year-old retired oil executive James Brazell taking delivery of his brand-new Chevy Volt from his Chevrolet dealer in North Carolina. – Will Stewart, blog editor Original post: Taking Home a Volt

Just call it “Son of Microbus.” Time for another trip down memory lane. Recall the Volkswagen Microbus concept shown in Detroit a decade ago; we’ll give you a moment. This Bulli concept—the moniker resurrects a popular German nickname for the T1 VW Bus—is supposedly a sequel to that earlier show van. Whereas the original and the 2001 concept were, you know, buses, this little tribute is a compact MPV with four hinged doors. The Bulli makes its debut at the 2011 Geneva auto show. Keep Reading: Volkswagen Bulli Concept – Auto Shows Related posts: Volkswagen XL1 Concept – Auto Shows Volkswagen E-Up! Concept – Auto Shows Volkswagen L1 Concept – Auto Shows See the original post here: Volkswagen Bulli Concept – Auto Shows Read the original: Volkswagen Bulli Concept – Auto Shows

Lamborghini’s 691-horsepower tour de force is finally revealed. It’s called the Aventador LP700-4, and it’s Lamborghini’s newest V-12–powered suckerfish. From its scything mandibles to its gawping monopipe, the 691-hp V-12 replacement for the Murciélago is all-new, we’re told. That flushing sound you hear is Swiss bank accounts being emptied in anticipation of its August 2011 arrival at a price of $379,700. Keep Reading:  2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows Related posts: 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Prototype Photos – Future Cars Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Chassis Goes Nude Before Geneva Debut Lamborghini Releases Best Pic Yet of Aventador LP700-4 See original here: 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows Go here to see the original: 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows

The most powerful Bentley ever, this convertible celebrates an ice-speed record. Makes sense, right? Four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen recently set an insane ice-speed record of 205.48 mph on the frozen Baltic Sea off the Finnish coast. The car, a Bentley Continental Supersports convertible , was driven on standard tires, and Bentley officials hasten to claim that its environmental impact was minimized by the use of E85 bio-ethanol fuel, so there’s that. Keep Reading: 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible ISR Edition – Auto Shows Related posts: 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible – Official Photos and Info 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible – First Drive Review 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports – Auto Shows Original post: 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible ISR Edition – Auto Shows Read more from the original source:  2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible ISR Edition – Auto Shows

Research and Development to be located in the greater Munich area. Production facility would be in Mulhouse, France 400 employees expected on board by end of 2011 The BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroën plan to invest 100 million EUR in their intended joint venture on hybrid technology named “BMW Peugeot Citroën Electrification”, both companies announced at a press conference in Geneva today. The new company will operate out of two locations – the greater Munich area, Germany and Mulhouse, France. 400 employees are expected to work for the joint venture by the end of 2011. Subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities, the new company is expected to launch its operations in the second quarter of 2011. The new hybrid components will equip both partners’ vehicles from 2014 onwards. “As responsible carmakers, we aim to create an open European platform and foster the development of European standards for hybrid technologies. This joint venture will also enable us to develop advanced technological manufacturing expertise in Europe in the field of electric powertrains, and to retain all its potential for creating value,” said Philippe Varin, Chairman of the Managing Board of PSA Peugeot Citroën. “BMW Group and PSA share the same vision of the importance of hybridization in the future. The joint venture will enable us to act more strategically and with a single, shared approach. For us, joining forces also means significant economies of scale, shared development costs, using standardized components and a faster development process,” said Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. The greater Munich area is the designated location for all research and development while all production would take place in Mulhouse, France. The 400 employees expected to be on board by the end of the year will be based in Munich. Additional jobs in Mulhouse will be added in time for the start of production in 2014. When production has fully ramped up, the French facility will have about 250 employees. The joint venture’s management, as well as its workforce, will be mostly drawn from employees of the two parent companies. Apart from this, plan is to fill 100 new positions with external candidates when the joint venture becomes operational...

The Cruze five-door is headed for production, but not for American consumption. At last fall’s Paris auto show, Chevrolet showed a five-door “concept” version of its new Cruze small car. Really, the only conceptual elements were minor things like blue-bordered headlights, LED accent strips, and blue-anodized brake calipers. It was clear the car was headed for production, and now the Cruze hatchback you’ll be able to buy (well, maybe not you , but other people; see below) is making its debut at the 2011 Geneva auto show . Keep Reading: 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback – Auto Shows Related posts: Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback Concept – Auto Shows 2012 Chevrolet Aveo 5-door Hatchback – Auto Shows 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco and Cruze RS – Official Photos and Info View original here: 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback – Auto Shows See the rest here:  2012 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback – Auto Shows

Click for a larger view It’s Monday, and it’s time to present this week’s shifter. You’ll have until mid-day Wednesday to identify the make and model of the vehicle from whence this shifter came. The first person to respond correctly in the Backfires section below will win Save the Manuals magnets and stickers. Good luck! Related posts: Name That Shifter, No. 1: Lamborghini Diablo Name That Shifter, No. 5: Peugeot 605 Name That Shifter, No. 7: Honda Prelude Here is the original post: Name That Shifter, No. 13 See the rest here:  Name That Shifter, No. 13