Honda has shown a concept of its upcoming 2012 CR-V, which we’ll be driving later this year. [TheCarConnection] BMW as we know it is about to change: the company has taken the wraps off its upcoming i3 electric car and i8 plug-in hybrid. [GreenCarReports] Infiniti continues the to tease us by releasing another detail photo of the upcoming 2013 JX… Original post: BMW’s i3 and i8 Electric Cars, 2012 Honda CR-V: This Week In Reverse

Automobile magazine publishes renderings of the 2012 Mercedes A-Class and B-Class models Read the original here: 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class Renderings Hit the Web

When a press release starts with a headline characterizing something as “the Prius” of anything, it becomes literary tee-ball for scribes who may not be so pious about the Prius. We usually pass on such low-hanging fruit, but a new solar-hybrid production railer dubbed Helios, “the Prius of production trailers,” is just too juicy not to snatch off the PR tree. For those outside of Hollywood, production trailers are the mobile homes of the entertainment industry, the things that provide movie starts and production crews respite from the sun during shoots. Helios was created by King Kong Production Vehicles of Newport Beach, California. And here we thought King Kong’s environmental efforts were limited to farting kilotons of CO2 into the atmosphere after each banana binge. KKPV’s efforts, on the other hand, include the utilization of a solar generator in addition to a bio-diesel generator, as well as the installation of bamboo cabinetry, recycled-glass desks and countertops, and recycled-rubber flooring. King Kong claims there are “more than 12 additional important environmental, state-of-the-art advances that make Helios the most environmentally friendly trailer ever built,” but apparently doesn’t find them important enough to mention. We presume they would make the Prius proud, if in fact there was any connection to the Prius. (Toyota assures us there is not.) Testimonials from famous Priusites such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Julia Roberts were not made available, probably because there aren’t any; King Kong says that the sole Helios trailer currently in use has been used as a production office, not a star trailer. King Kong does claim, however, that during one long production day recently, the solar generator alone provided all necessary power, saving 28 gallons of diesel fuel. Speaking of diesel fuel, however green the humongous Helios trailer may be when parked, it still has to be pulled around by a diesel-swilling truck, somewhat diminishing its Prius cred. Might we suggest that task be assigned to one of Toyota’s upcoming Hino-branded hybrid commercial trucks , considered to be—you guessed it—the Prius of commercial trucks? Add regenerative trailer brakes and King Kong might as well call Helios the Priusstream....

While we know the world is blowing up with BMW i news, we didn’t want people to forget about good old V-8s. From the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro to the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Corvette, there is no shortage of options when shopping for a high-horsepower, low-dollar car. The horsepower wars are back, and better than ever. Need four… View original here: What Is Your Favorite High-Horsepower, Low-Dollar Car? #YouTellUs

Ford can’t ramp up Focus production due to a component supplier issue. [TheCarConnection] BMW has finally unveiled the i3 electric car and i8 plug-in hybrid. [GreenCarReports] Infiniti continues the JX strip tease with a fourth teaser photo of the luxury crossover. [FamilyCarGuide] Did you know that electric cars are dirtier than gasoline… View original post here: 2012 Ford Focus, BMW i, 2013 Infiniti JX: Car News Headlines

If you’re looking for a new car–maybe for a teen driver heading off to college–this weekend may be a good time to buy. It marks the end of the month, which means that dealerships may be more willing to negotiate to meet their monthly quota, plus there are a number of rebates and incentives available to entice car shoppers. The models highlighted in the chart have Bottom Line Prices well below the manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP), when factoring all customer and dealership incentives. There may be additional regional or local offers, as well as bonus incentives for military personnel or recent college graduates. The Bottom Line Price, the actual dealer cost in acquiring the car from the manufacturer, gives you a strong starting point for your negotiations. Remember: Always negotiate up from the Bottom Line Price figure, rather than haggling down from the MSRP or other advertised offers. Below, we highlight the models that have a savings of 15-20 percent below the original MSRP. These are just a few of our Best New Car Deals –notable discounts on models recommended by Consumer Reports. These vehicles scored well in our testing, have average or better predicted reliability, and performed well in government or insurance-industry safety tests, if evaluated. Make & model Expires MSRP Invoice price Customer rebate Dealer incentive Bottom line price See the rest here: Best new car deals for the last July weekend

BMWBLOG brings you the first live photos of the new BMW i3 and i8. Unveiled today in Frankfurt, the new BMW i vehicles mark the beginning of a new era for BMW. The two vehicles were introduced in front of journalists from around the world and interesting enough, in the setting at Frankfurt Auto Show halls where the world premiere will take place next month. The i3 is based around a light CFRP body structure and rides on a predominantly aluminum chassis. The BMW i3 provides four adult occupants with excellent all-round visibility, as well as an impressive 200 liters of luggage space behind the rear seats. BMW i3 measures 3845mm in length, 2011mm in width and 1537mm in height. The plug-in system is a compact electric motor mounted over the rear axle. It draws energy from the battery to provide drive to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. With its zero-emission electric drive and a range of approximately 150 kilometers, the BMW i3 Concept has been specifically developed for use in an urban environment, its dynamic 125 kW electric motor and rear-wheel drive ensuring BMW-style dynamic handling. At 349 horsepower and nearly 80 mpg fuel consumption, the BMW i8 will set a benchmark in the performance segment. Initially previewed by the Vision EfficientDynamics (Vision ED) concept back in 2009, the super-sporty two-door i8 has already undergone two years of intensive development. The major change is a new 1.5 liter petrol engine replacing the initial diesel unit of same capacity. The engine is mounted at the rear and drives via a dual-clutch gearbox. BMW says the i8 runs a 0-62mph in just 4.6 sec – 0.3 sec faster than the M3 Coupe. BMW i8 measures 4632mm in length, 1955mm in width and 1280mm in height, comparable to the 3 Series coupe in dimensions. “We are marking another milestone in the history of the BMW Group. As Chairman of the Board and an engineer myself, I am very proud of this project,” declared Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, at Friday’s premiere of the two vehicles in Frankfurt. “As the world’s leading premium car manufacturer, our aim is to offer customers purpose-built electric-drive cars as well,” he added. “This vehicle will mark the launch of the first volume-produced car featuring bodywork...

In the not too distant future BMW will be launching a whole range of environmentally friendly vehicles grouped under its new “i” division, the first of which will be an electric compact hatch dubbed the i3. Today, at a special press conference in Frankfurt, Germany, BMW took the wraps off a concept version of its upcoming i3 as well as… Go here to read the rest:  BMW i3 And i8 Concepts: Live Photos From Frankfurt Debut

Earlier today, BMW unveiled their future and biggest best ever for the Munich-based brand. The new BMW i3 and BMW i8 plan to disrupt the electric and hybrids segment delivering not only high-efficiency, but also performance. The i3, previously known as Megacity Vehicle, is based around a light CFRP body structure and rides on a predominantly aluminum chassis. The BMW i3 provides four adult occupants with excellent all-round visibility, as well as an impressive 200 liters of luggage space behind the rear seats. At 3845mm in length, 2011mm in width and 1537mm in height, the five-door i3 is 120mm longer, 326mm wider and 132mm higher than the Mini One. The plug-in system is a compact electric motor mounted over the rear axle. It draws energy from the battery to provide drive to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. As we announced a few months back, BMW says the i3 will be offered with an optional range extender powertrain (called REx) to satisfy those with longer commutes. Here are the main points of the BMW i3: Length/Height/Width L 3845 mm, H 1537 mm, W 2011 mm Wheelbase 2570 mm Kerb weight 1250 kg Output 125 kW / 250 Nm (168bhp and 184lb ft of torque) Top speed 150 km/h / 93 mph Acceleration 0-60 km/h / 37 mph 3.9 s 0-100 km/h / 62 mph 7.9 s 80-120 km/h / 50-75 mph 6.0 s Electric range 130-160 km / 80-100 miles | FTP72 cycle: 225 km / 140 miles Battery charge time Standard: 6 h for 100% charge Optional: 1 h for 80% charge Luggage compartment: 200 liters No. of seats 4 The star of the automotive industry in today’s news is the new BMW i8. At 349 horsepower and nearly 80 mpg fuel consumption, the BMW i8 will set a benchmark in the performance segment. Initially previewed by the Vision EfficientDynamics (Vision ED) concept back in 2009, the super-sporty two-door i8 has already undergone two years of intensive development. The major change is a new 1.5 liter petrol engine replacing the initial diesel unit of same capacity. The engine is mounted at the rear and drives via a dual-clutch gearbox. BMW says the i8 runs a 0-62mph in just 4.6 sec – 0.3 sec faster than the M3 Coupe. The weight of 1480kg is the equivalent to a power-to-weight ratio of 236 horsepower per 1000 kilograms. BMW i8 measures 4632mm in length, 1955mm in width and 1280mm in height,...

Here are the first videos of the all-new BMW i3 and BMW i 8 unveiled earlier in Frankfurt, Germany. The new BMW i3 and BMW i8 plan to disrupt the electric and hybrids segment delivering not only high-efficiency, but also performance. The i3, previously known as Megacity Vehicle, is based around a light CFRP body structure and rides on a predominantly aluminum chassis. The i3 produces 168 horsepower and 184lb ft of torque, and it has a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.9 s. At 349 horsepower and nearly 80 mpg fuel consumption, the BMW i8 will set a benchmark in the performance segment. BMW says the i8 runs a 0-62mph in just 4.6 sec – 0.3 sec faster than the M3 Coupe. Stay tuned for more live impressions from Frankfurt where our own Hugo Becker gets some play time with these two new exciting vehicles. Continued here: Videos: BMW i3 and BMW i8

BMW i3 Concept – dynamic, urban, emission-free. Widespread use of CFR. 6 hour charge time. Range 80-100 miles The BMW i3 Concept is an uncompromisingly sustainable vehicle designed for urban areas. Driven purely by electric power and purpose-built to meet the demands of sustainable and emission-free mobility, it embodies an intelligent form of urban transportation and commuting. The BMW i3 is a well-resolved all-round concept, with every detail conceived and optimised to fulfil its eventual purpose. Its innovative LifeDrive architecture renders the BMW i3 Concept light, safe, spacious and dynamic. Innovative use of materials and intelligent lightweight design, moreover, not only enable the i3 Concept to travel long distances on a single charge and provide superb safety in the event of a collision, they also help give the car its excellent driving dynamics. The electric motor over the rear axle – which generates output of 125 kW/170 hp and impressive torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from a standstill – and a small turning circle combine to deliver pleasingly crisp driving characteristics. The BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds. The so-called Life module conjures up a feeling of space inside the car more generous than even the latest conversion vehicles can offer. Select materials lend the open and airy cabin a lounge-like character. The use of renewable raw materials is another defining characteristic of the interior, offering passengers a further means of “experiencing” the sustainability of the vehicle. Parts of the instrument panel and door panelling are visibly made from natural fibres, while the naturally tanned leather of the seats creates a lounge-style ambience. With four seats, wide-opening opposing “coach” doors, a boot capacity of around 200 litres and an additional functional compartment in the front, the BMW i3 Concept is neatly equipped for the demands of everyday use. Innovative connectivity functions create a seamless connection between the BMW i3 Concept and its customers’ lives outside the car. Remote functions accessible via a smartphone enable owners to find their vehicles, flag up nearby charging stations, allow battery charging...

BMW “i” is a new sub-brand of the BMW Group that was introduced last year. Two vehicle concepts are getting close to roll out into the real world, with more other “i” vehicles in the pipeline. Both the i3 and i8 will bring a host of new technology, sustainable production methods and materials. Adding to the already impressive family line of BMW cars, Rolls Royce, MINI and BMW Motorad, the i  brand represents the company’s offering into the electric vehicles market, as well as hybrids. Running the i sub-brand as a separate entity, BMW will avoid losing focus from producing its normal series models, and at the same time, the company can focus on designing and engineering the i cars with “The Ultimate Driving machine” philosophy as well as EfficientDynamics. We believe this new philosophy will drive the future of BMW and where all the other BMW cars are heading. We are already starting to hear about new technology being developed at BMW FIZ, such as “Tri-Turbos” coupled with smaller more displacement engines. The emphasis is still squarely on the “Driving Experience,” however “Efficiency” will play a greater part in how these new performers will impact our climate and resources. BMW is taking a firm lead in this new field of efficient power with the turbo technology, variable valve lift and cam timing, and variable intake runners, producing glorious engines like the N63 V8; a 4.4 liter twin turbo V8 producing 400 horsepower while able to attain 25 mpg in the F10 550i.  The latest N20 four-cylinder produces 240 horsepower while returning 30 mpg in the new Z4 sDrive28i. The pinnacle of the i brand cars will see the i8 Hybrid powertrain propel it to 62 mph in under 5 seconds while returning near 100 mpg capabilities. Powerful efficient engines won’t be the only focus at BMW. Lightweight materials will also be a main focus in the new cars, not only in the BMW i cars, but in normal BMW series cars.  First introduced in the limited production M3 CSL, CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics) was used throughout with successful results. CFRP produced by BMW’s joint venture partner at the Moses Lake plant (USA) will be designed and implemented into majority of BMW Group automobiles and motorbikes. The result of all this focus on...

BMW delivers the future of driving with its revolutionary new electric city car. BMW has been hyping up its “Megacity Vehicle” for a couple of years now, and despite teasers about innovative tech features and full carbon-fiber body structures, we’ve withheld judgment, even when we spied one in the wild over the winter . But as of now, the shroud of mystery has been lifted about all the details except how the thing actually drives. Like a BMW? Like nothing before it? Maybe both? Keep Reading: BMW i3 Concept – Official Photos and Info Read the original post: BMW i3 Electric City-Car Concept to Debut in Frankfurt Original post: BMW i3 Electric City-Car Concept to Debut in Frankfurt

The BMW Group showcases its visions of future mobility in the shape of the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept studies. Unveiled for the first time, these concept vehicles provide a glimpse of the first electrically powered production cars from the new BMW i sub-brand, due to be launched as the BMW i3 in 2013 and the BMW i8 in 2014. “We are marking another milestone in the history of the BMW Group. As Chairman of the Board and an engineer myself, I am very proud of this project,” declared Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, at Friday’s premiere of the two vehicles in Frankfurt. “As the world’s leading premium car manufacturer, our aim is to offer customers purpose-built electric-drive cars as well,” he added. With its zero-emission electric drive and a range of approximately 150 kilometres, the BMW i3 Concept has been specifically developed for use in an urban environment, its dynamic 125 kW electric motor and rear-wheel drive ensuring BMW-style dynamic handling. Thanks to its innovative LifeDrive architecture featuring a carbon passenger cell, the BMW i3 Concept combines an extremely low weight of 1,250 kilograms with optimal interior space and the highest crash safety levels. With four seats and a 200-litre luggage compartment, this vehicle is fully suited for everyday use. Draeger: a revolution in car design “This vehicle will mark the launch of the first volume-produced car featuring bodywork largely made of carbon. It’s a revolution in automotive design,” stressed Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board responsible for Development. The application of this new CFRP technology allows a weight reduction, compared to a conventional electric car, of between 250 and 350 kilos, and that means more dynamic handling coupled with a greater range. The BMW i3 does the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in less than eight seconds, while a high-speed charger achieves an 80% battery charge in just an hour. Thanks to the emission-free drivetrain and a value added chain designed to be sustainable all along the line, life cycle emission figures for the BMW i3 are at least a third lower than for a highly efficient combustion-engine car. If the BMW i3 is run on electricity from renewable sources, the figures improve by well over 50%. BMW i8 Concept:...

Sustainability is something BMW is taking very seriously. According to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, in 2010 the BMW Group was ranked the highest for the sixth time, making it the most sustainable company in the automotive sector. How would one define “sustainability”? And what does it mean to us as consumers? It has more to do with being citizens of this planet than with the car we chose to drive. Sustainability has played a defining role in the BMW Group’s strategy and operations ever since the early 70s. Since then, many production processes have been optimized and several innovative technology packages have been incorporated into the company’s vehicles. As a result, emission levels have been significantly reduced, both during the manufacturing process and during the useful life of the vehicle. But sustainability is not confined solely to environmental issues. BMW Group addresses all three dimensions of sustainability: environmental, economic and social. With its innovative “LifeDrive” architecture and extensive use of intelligent lightweight design, BMW i3 Concept is purpose-built for electric mobility. This enables an extended driving range and even more efficient zero-emission electric operation – in other words, more miles per kilowatt of electricity. At the same time, sustainability is also reflected in the high-class interior, where for the first time the use of renewable materials is clearly visible. BMW i3 Concept also has a high recycled material content: 25 per cent of the thermoplastic components by weight have been replaced by recycled and renewable materials, while 10 per cent of the CFRP in the Life module are likewise recycled. The use of recycled CFRP in this form is currently unique. BMW Group has, for a long time, been investing significant efforts in developing a sustainable production system. In the manufacturing process of its BMW i vehicles, the company will be going even further. Compared with the already highly efficient BMW Group production network, the future production plant for BMW i vehicles in Leipzig, Germany, will achieve additional 70 per cent savings on water consumption and 50 per cent savings on energy consumption per vehicle produced. Furthermore, 100 per cent of the energy used in production...