Ford’s new Focus will join the 40-mpg club. The compact has been rated by the EPA at 28 mpg city/40 highway—when the car is ordered in sedan form with the $495 SFE (or Super Fuel Economy) package. This package is paired exclusively with the company’s not-so-hot PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission, and outfits the Focus with aerodynamic wheel covers, low-rolling-resistance tires, a rear spoiler, and active grille shutters that can close to reduce drag—all of which help cut fuel consumption. Fuel economy ratings for other Focus trim levels and equipment combinations have not been released yet, but you can expect them to drop a few mpgs. The Blue Oval is not the only company to offer an efficiency-oriented trim level in the interest of bragging rights. Chevrolet’s Cruze comes in a special Eco spec , which allows the company to tout the car’s 42-mpg highway rating—although that rating is specific to Cruzes with manual transmissions—while other Cruzes wind up in the mid-to-high 30-mpg range. That’s still nothing to be ashamed of, but this MPG maneuvering lends some credibility to Hyundai’s recent boasting that the Elantra is rated at 40 mpg highway regardless of transmission choice, and without tacking on any special packages. Thanks to the efficiency-friendly aerodynamics of a longer sedan shape, the Focus SFE is able to just about tie the smaller, less-powerful Fiesta in EPA ratings. That car, in its own SFE trim, musters just 29 mpg city/40 highway, leaving the 118-hp Fiesta to compete against its 160-hp sibling on price and parking advantages alone. At a later date, Ford will add engine stop-start functionality to the Focus, further improving economy. We’ll update you as soon as the Blue Oval spills the beans on EPA ratings for other Focus trim levels. Related posts: The Truth About EPA City / Highway MPG Estimates – Feature 2011 Ford Mustang V6 Rated at 31 mpg Highway 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost Rated at 16 MPG City, 22 Highway Read the original here: 2012 Ford Focus Gets 40-mpg EPA Highway Rating in SFE Trim View original post here:  2012 Ford Focus Gets 40-mpg EPA Highway Rating in SFE Trim

Chevrolet will launch the 5dr Cruze Hatchback next week in Switzerland next week. A concept previewed a near-production model at the 2010 Paris motor show . If you didn’t know, the architecture of the Cruze underpins that of the Vauxhall/Opel Astra , which also provides a platform for other models. The Cruze Hatchback is an essential car for Europe, as the sedan outsold its original sales target in countries like Spain, Denmark, Portugal, UK, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. “Hatchbacks play a critical role in many markets. The total compact segment in Europe represents around 4.8 million units which is over a quarter of the total market, with hatchbacks representing around 65% of that volume. We therefore expect to see increased business in a number of regions, while sending out a signal that Chevrolet is now a serious mainstream player in Europe.” The compact hatchback segment really is cut-throat in the UK, with the Ford Focus consistently outselling its rivals. “The Cruze Hatchback will give us a huge opportunity in the UK,” said Chevrolet Managing Director, Mark Terry.” GM has said the Cruze Hatchback will arrive will a new range of engines, including a range-topping 161bhp (163PS/122kW) 2.0 VCDi diesel that’s linked to a 6 speed manual. In addition, the Cruze brings “new levels of versatility” with a boot capacity of nearly 400 litres and 60/40 spilt folding rear seats, according to the company. The Cruze Hatchback will go on sale in the UK during Summer 2011, with prices and exact specifications to be confirmed nearer the time. Read the original: New Car: 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback Excerpt from: New Car: 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

The new 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe in Black Sapphire was spotted in Munich by a member of 1addicts . The new 1M goes on sale in the US on May 16 and the demand for the car has exceeded the expectations, mostly due to limited supply and very attractive pricing, $47,010. The exclusive and limited 1M also comes with a limited choice of paint jobs, Valencia Orange , Alpine White and Sapphire Black. The two metallic paints, Orange and Black, cost an additional $500 for U.S. customers. Aside from the Brussels Motor Show where the 1M appeared in the Alpine White color, all the other auto shows hosted the 1M in the new exclusive orange. We expect in the upcoming months to see the 1M in different colors at various auto shows. Despite the lower quality, the video gives you an idea how the 1M in Black Sapphire looks on the road and whether it matches the aggressive stance and road presence as the other two, more lively colors. Additionally, the BMWNA is considering offering a CSL-like decals kit for the 1M. 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 The new 1M builds atop the 135i Coupe and it said to have the perfect balance. It is 71 inches (1803mm) wide – 4.8 inches (122mm) wider than its 1988 M3 ancestor – yet only 1.3 inches (33mm) longer at 172.4 inches (4379mm) long. For more in-depth look at the new “baby-M”, please visit our 1M section . Original post:  Video: BMW 1M in Sapphire Black

At the recent Milan Fashion Show, Cool Hunting caught up with BMW Head of Design Adrian Van Hooydonk who talked about the new MINI Rocketman Concept. Earlier this week, Oxford-based MINI took off the wraps of their newest concept: Rocketman, a mini-MINI designed and built for large urban areas. Rocketman will make its world debut next Tuesday, March 2nd, at the Geneva Motor Show. Here is an excerpt from the interview: Is there a danger of being too cute with Mini? The lines are more crisp and taut on this concept, because we feel that a Mini should always be like a friend, let’s say. But if it becomes too cute, than maybe people will see it like a toy, a teddy bear. Of course we like to appeal to young customers, but Mini traditionally is a car that appealed to people of all ages, cross-gender and all around the world. The elements in this car, we believe are elements that could do that: keep Mini exciting, interesting fun, endearing, but also something to be reckoned with, also serious. Almost like a British bulldog—a small dog, but people take it seriously. What are the challenges of designing small? On a big car, it’s easy to make things move, do a door opening or a trunk. On a small car, it’s much, much harder. But exactly what Mini stands for, right from the very beginning, is being clever in a small space. And this car is full of ideas for a small space. The way the trunk opens, the original Mini had that too. In a tight parking spot, if a car is parked behind your Mini, you can still open this trunk and put your stuff in. Or the side doors, they have a double hinge that allows you to open the door, even when there’s another car parked right next to you. What other examples of industrial design inspired the car? We’re constantly not just looking at other fields of design, like industrial design, furniture design or fashion design, we also have a part of our team—actually a large part of our team located in California—called Design Works. And this design consultancy, we do industrial design for other companies as well. We are actually in touch with other industries, like aircraft industry, or boating. We design airplane interiors or boats exteriors and interiors. And you always learn, so as a designer you become more creative...

A tad more power and a convertible that celebrates Saab’s independence. If you’ve been paying any attention to Saab news lately, the bulk of your thoughts have probably been spent on the new 9-5 and the upcoming 9-4X. But a look at the company’s vehicle roster will remind you that the Swedish company still makes the 9-3, and Saab plans to put that car back in the headlines for 2012. Okay, so maybe only Swedish headlines. A subtly refreshed 9-3 lineup—including sedan, SportCombi, and convertible body styles—will bow in Geneva alongside the new 9-5 SportCombi . Keep Reading: 2012 Saab 9-3 Griffin Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows No related posts. Read more here: 2012 Saab 9-3 Griffin Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows Continued here:  2012 Saab 9-3 Griffin Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows

When Fiat bought into Chrysler LLC, it was obvious that some forthcoming Chrysler models will underpin Fiat platforms. Spy photographers have caught what may be the first Fiat-based Dodge compact sedan undergoing winter testing in Michigan, using the firms C-Evo platform. At first, this Alfa Romeo Giulietta may appear to be a normal car but a closer inspection reveals this is an early development mule that has been lengthen and widened. The car seems to be widened by a few inches judging the strip of metalwork added by the centre of the grille backwards. The mule also seems to be extended by 4” when you look closer at the rear doors. Both Dodge and Chrysler will use the C-Evo platform, however, it looks very unlikely the car will be sold in UK. The newcomer, codenamed ‘PM’ and ‘PF’, will directly replace the unloved Caliber and will measure similar in size. Unfortunately, those who love the Giulietta ’s style will be disappointed when the Chrysler models arrive, as they’ll share no metalwork with the Italian hatch. The early mule may also share components with the upcoming Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200 , which will be redesigned on the Fiat C-Evo chassis. Those models are due in 2013, while this mule in production form will reach showrooms in mid-2012. Read the original post: 2012 Dodge compact sedan caught cold See the original post here: 2012 Dodge compact sedan caught cold

The Cayman inches even closer to the 911. As much as the 911 is the brand’s unquestioned icon, Porsche executives freely admit that the mid-engine layout of the Boxster and Cayman is the dynamically superior concept. To protect the 911, Porsche has diligently made sure to keep a performance gap between the top-of-the-line Cayman and the entry-level 911—a gap in straight-line performance, that is. But now, as both the Cayman and the 997 911 are well in the autumn of their product cycles, the smaller car has been let off the leash. Keep Reading: 2011 Porsche Cayman R – First Drive Review Related posts: 2011 Porsche Cayman R – Auto Shows 2009 Porsche Cayman S PDK – First Drive Review 2009 Porsche Cayman – Short Take Road Test Read more here: 2011 Porsche Cayman R – First Drive Review View post: 2011 Porsche Cayman R – First Drive Review

Ever since Mercedes-Benz launched its ultra-premium Maybach marque almost a decade ago, two things have remained unchanged: Maybach’s cars, the 57 and 62, and the brand’s struggle for sales and future direction. A small German coachbuilder called Xenatec (no relation to the warrior princess or her cell phones) might influence the latter with the reveal of its two-door derivative of the Maybach sedan at the Geneva auto show. For now, the Maybach Xenatec coupe is a one-off project for a customer, but we surmise that the car is being shown in Geneva not just to boost Xenatec’s profile with the public, but also as a design proposal for Mercedes. In other words, whether Xenatec means it this way or not, its coupe is a three-dimensional, three-ton message to Maybach to get off its arsch . Given that the Maybach borrows heavily from the W140 generation of S-class, which was introduced in 1991, as well as its successor from 1998, the W220, it might be difficult for Xenatec to use that car as the basis for this coupe. It’s just too outdated and too big. Indeed, we see an awful lot of the new Mercedes CL coupe in the side profile, and suspect that it could be the basis for this behemoth. Let’s hope the gas cap on the final product is better integrated than it is in these early images. This is not the first time the Maybach brand has inspired coachbuilders to come up with shocking—and exciting—proposals for coupes. You might remember the sinister Maybach Exelero , styled by Pforzheim design students and shown in 2005, and the Stola Phalcon, shown in 2007. But with the Maybach’s platform aging and the brand’s future surrounded by question marks, Xenatec’s effort may well be the last stab at a coachbuilt Maybach coupe. We’d better put down a deposit. Related posts: 2010 Maybach Zeppelin – Auto Shows Honda Civic Si Coupe and Civic Sedan Concepts – Auto Shows Honda Civic Si Coupe and Civic Sedan Concepts Debut @ Detroit Auto Show – Video More here: Coachbuilt Xenatec Maybach Coupe Looks Better than the Sedan Original post:  Coachbuilt Xenatec Maybach Coupe Looks Better than the Sedan

BMW releases a new video of the highly praised N20 engine. The four-cylinder TwinPower engine is replacing the six-cylinder naturally aspirated engines found in several BMW models. First vehicle to receive the new four banger is the X1 xDrive28i which will be followed by models from the next generation 1 and 3 Series. Judging by the video below, it would appear that if BMW is using a second generation solenoid injector, spray-guide and direct injector. They are cheaper than the Bosch Piezo injectors used in the N54/N55 six-cylinder turbocharged engines, but they can still be used at the top of the cylinder head, unlike first generation solenoids which are usually found on the side of the combustion chamber (see the attached pic of Ford’s EcoBoost cylinder head). Solenoid injectors are about three times cheaper than Piezo injectors and three times more expensive than port injection. The video goes into further details of the way the engine operates and some of its components. Update: Just a bit more background, piezo injectors allow for stratified charge (better fuel economy) if you have a uniform quality supply of gasoline, which the US doesn’t. So BMW doesn’t implement the stratified charge capabilities of the injectors in the N54/N55 engines in the US (at least – not sure if it’s implemented in Europe). The first gen solenoid injectors did not have the capability to do stratified charge. In fact they generally were installed in the side of the combustion chamber and ‘bounced’ the spray off a ‘seawall’ built into the crown of the piston, to provide appropriate fuel/air mixing. Recently Ricardo has been working on a spray guided DI using a solenoid injector (“A Clear view on gasoline combustion”, Ricardo Quarterly, 3Q 2010). This injector has an outward opening ‘pintle’, like a piezo injector. The spray guided direct injector (SGDI) is also known as an a-nozzle injector. If BMW is using a solenoid SGDI, it’ll be on the leading edge of tech. The benefit is the ability to do stratified charge at lower costs, especially in an engine that you intend to make a HUGE volume of (would BMW resell it?). Read the original:  Video: BMW N20 Engine Animation

Motorcyle News publishes the first review of the new BMW K1600GT. Back in October 2010, after much anticipation and hype in the preceding weeks, BMW finally released official photos of their new flagship touring machines, the K1600 series bikes. The new touring bike features a supreme in-line 6-cylinder engine with a high level of pulling power, especially in the lower and medium engine speed range. Engine output is 118 kW (160 bhp) at 7,750 rpm and maximum torque 175 Nm at 5,250 rpm. Over 70 per cent of the maximum torque is already available from 1,500 rpm. The engine powering the BMW K1600GT is the lightest and most compact 6-cylinder in-line engine in serial motorcycle production over 1000 cc, weighing just 102.6 kg and measuring 555 mm in width. Our review of the BMW K1600GT will be coming up in the next months, but in the mean time, enjoy this first report. View original here: Video Review: BMW K1600GT first ride

US magazine AutoWeek reviews the new BMW four-cylinder TwinPower N20 engine. Just last week, BMW confirmed that the new four-cylinder TwinPower engine will be powering an extensive range of 1 and 3 Series vehicles, but initially it will be available in the X1 xDrive28i model. The new N20 four-cylinder engines offers more torque and power, while having lower fuel consumption. 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). Here is an excerpt from the AutoWeek’s review: “More power, greater torque, reduced fuel consumption, lower tailpipe emissions and less weight–but better? Before driving the BMW X1 xDrive28i, the first model to feature the German carmaker’s new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, we weren’t so sure. The new engine, known as the N20 and set to lead a return of four-cylinder BMW models to North America for the first time since 1998, has been conceived to (indirectly) replace the company’s long-running naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder. It’s part of an ongoing downsizing program at the center of BMW’s EfficientDynamics initiative. First impressions reveal the N20 to be up to the job. With peak power arriving 1,600 rpm earlier and peak torque arriving 1,350 rpm earlier than with the six-cylinder, the N20 doesn’t have to be worked hard before delivering its best. In everyday driving, the N20 is noticeably more responsive, although its sound is nowhere near as alluring as that of the engine it replaces. BMW says that will be fixed on certain models, including on an updated Z4 sDrive28i, with the addition of an electronic sound generator.” Full review Read more here: AutoWeek: BMW’s N20 engine–four cylinders, more power

Each week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we simply call him . . . the Continental. Porsche is pondering racing activities. The next-generation Cayman could be prepared for a racing series, and we hear that the highest ranks of the VW and Porsche orbit would like the brand to go out and race—this time with a dedicated racing team, and beyond selling race cars to independent customers. It will happen. Audi’s Sports Cars Audi really wants to build the Quattro Concept , and it likely will position the car well above the R8. But with only a five-cylinder engine? It is possible, a Quattro GmbH executive tells my colleague Manfred Jerzembek. Some execs want the car to be called just “Quattro” like its historic predecessor and inspiration. Does the car make sense? I am not sure. The original Quattro is a brand icon, but what does its relaunch mean for Audi’s more recent icon, the R8? The Quattro concept and now the  A3 concept headed to the Geneva auto show are both powered by a 408-hp variation of the 2.5-liter turbocharged five. So it increasingly looks like Audi will keep this engine and figure out a way to produce it even after the naturally aspirated base engine, VW’s 2.5-liter five, will be phased out in favor of turbocharged fours. Carlsson’s Supercar I have written about the Carlsson C25 before, and now I’ve had the chance to take it for a spin. The supercar is based on the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, its twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 tuned to produce 743 hp. Straight-line performance is superior to almost anything else on the road—up to its ungoverned 219-mph top speed. The factory SL65 AMG is governed at 155 or 186 mph. Zero to 62 mph takes a claimed 3.7 seconds. The power is channeled to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic, and the stability-control system can be adjusted to your wishes. The matte gray tester shown here, a customer car heading to Ukraine, was searching for grip all the time, well into highway speeds. The sound is fantastic; nervously aggressive inside and emitting a dark bass outside. Designer Rolf Schepp has created an entirely new exterior,...

A number of tuners, including Hamann or Kelleners, already offer their own body kits for the popular BMW 5 Series, and last one to join the bunch is German tuner AC Schnitzer. The Aachen-based company will introduce next week at Geneva Motor Show their upgraded M Sport Package. The package includes a chrome front-grille, a roof spoiler, a carbon fiber insert for rear apron with cutouts for the dual-sports rear silencer and matching side skirts. For the trunk lid, AC Schnitzer offers various spoiler lips. Rounding out the exterior package, new large wheels are offered with different spoke design. Besides the aerodynamics components, AC Schnitzer program offers performance upgrades for all models with diesel engines – 520d, 525d, 530d and 535d are pushed to 218, 245, 286 respectively 360 horsepower. As reported yesterday, AC Schnitzer offers a revision of the BMW 550i F10 that produces 540 horsepower. Read more:  AC Schnitzer BMW 5 Series F10 and F11 with M Sport Package

Next week, BMWBLOG and our sister-magazine BimmerToday will be attending the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Along with the extensive coverage and photography, we will be sitting down with key figures at BMW and talk about a wide range of subjects. One of them and the most important one in our opinion is the newly announced BMW i sub-brand. BimmerToday will be sitting down for an interview with Dr. Klaus Draeger, Executive Vice President of BMW AG and R&D chief. Dr. Draeger has been instrumental in bringing the new electric sub-brand to life and it goes without saying that he holds the answers to many of our burning questions. But since BMWBLOG is all about the BMW community, we are giving you the opportunity to ask your own questions or raise any concerns. At the end, we will filter through the most interesting and relevant ones and choose a batch that will go into our interview. The questions have to be related to the BMW i sub-brand and keep in mind that BMW usually refrains from answering any inquires regarding future products. Our suggestion is to focus on the newly announced i3 and i8 models due out in 2013 and 2014. Questions regarding the “i” sub-brand also welcomed, especially since the new “i” represents a major turning point for the company. The deadline for the Q&A is until Monday at 12PM EST. Excerpt from:  What would you like to know about BMW i? Ask your questions!

Faithful to the original, except for surpassing it in every way. Jim Farley, Ford’s global VP of marketing, didn’t have to fly to California for the debut of the Mustang Boss 302 . No one told him to. “It’s just that I’ve been driving my own Mustang right through the last two Michigan winters thinking about this project,” he said. “From a business standpoint, the Boss 302 shouldn’t have happened. But it happened. My dream for the car was that it would make a lot of money for a guy street racing. It should be a car that winds up on YouTube doing something illegal. I’ve been waiting 20-plus years to launch a car like this.” Keep Reading: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 – First Drive Review Related posts: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 / Boss 302 Laguna Seca – Official Photos and Info 2012 Boss 302 Mustang Gets Revised Power Rating, Optional Track Mode 2000: Chevrolet ZL-1 Camaro vs. Ford Boss Mustang – Archived Comparison Excerpt from: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 – First Drive Review Read more from the original source: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 – First Drive Review