Frankfurt am Main, Germany – BMWBLOG had the opportunity to interview members of the M team. This interview was conducted at the recent IAA show in Frankfurt besides the new BMW M5. The focus of the interview was on technical issues that came up during development and how that impacted the performance of the new M5. BMWBLOG – Were there any packaging concerns with the V8 turbo engine in the chassis of the M5? Joerg Herrmann – There were no real issues with packaging. There were some changes in the exterior; we have a wider front but use the same hood as the 5er. We did manage to get all of the technology to fit under the hood. BMWBLOG – Were there any weight savings at the nose of the car by going to a V8 turbo than the V10? Joerg Herrmann – The new engine is lighter than the previous engine, so there are weight savings. The car is lighter in the front than the previous and that helps provide an ideal weight distribution for the new M5. BMWBLOG – How did the vast amounts of torque available at low RPM influence chassis and suspension design? Joerg Herrmann – We made some changes to the body and of course the power-train. The front subframe is stiffer. There is also an under tray that adds stiffness as well as providing aerodynamic functionality. It helps distribute load in addition to improving aerodynamics. BMWBLOG – The new 5er uses electrically assisted power steering, yet the new M5 uses hydraulically assisted power steering, why is that? Joerg Herrmann – When the car’s technical specifications were defined, and the technologies required were identified, we found that the hydraulically assisted power steering was the best solution. It met the M performance targets. BMWBLOG – Was the chassis tuned to the tires selected for the M5? Joerg Herrmann – Absolutely. BMWBLOG – So customers should replace tires on their M5s with the same? Joerg Herrmann – We always recommend that. The tires are matched to the car and the tires were created specifically for this car. [The are marked as such on the sidewall. - Ed.] The tires we use provide the response we engineered into the car. BMWBLOG – What other factors, beyond tires, determine the tactile feedback through the steering wheel of the M5? Joerg Herrmann – The perfect package...

The will they/won’t they drama surrounding Toyota and the building of a successor to the venerable Supra’s getting old, but if fresh rumors prove true this might get shifted from a Ross-and-Rachel situation to a full-on Moonlighting . If so, the car will need a fresh new look. Here’s one such speculatively-rendered design. More » Read the original here: 2014 Toyota Supra: We wish this was it [Toyota Supra] Read more from the original source: 2014 Toyota Supra: We wish this was it [Toyota Supra]

Launching a new model can be an expensive and difficult proposition. Launching a new brand? Even more so. The Fiat-Chrysler partnership has brought us the Fiat 500, which has been a huge hit around the globe. The retro compact could be finding a niche here in the United States as a MINI alternative. Who doesn’t genuinely like the 500? We bet most people couldn’t say that. What is questionable though is the strategy for the 500 in sales and marketing. Instead of being sold through Chrysler’s huge dealer network, 130 Fiat “studio” dealers have been setup to sell the 500 exclusively – at a price of $1 million a pop. These have just the 500 to sell until Alfa Romeo models arrive. Thanks to recent delays, Alfa Romeos won’t be hitting these dealers in full force until 2014. Despite us scratching our heads about the relaunch of the Fiat brand with just one new model, the product itself is very good. We’ve seen the 500 around town quite a bit, and by our own measures think it is doing quite well for itself. According to AdAge, Fiat-Chrysler doesn’t agree. The Fiat 500 sold 3,106 cars in August. By any measure that is impressive for a recently-launched small car with only 130 dealerships and a horrific marketing strategy. MINI, which is a well-established brand in the U.S, sold a nearly exact figure of 3,109 units. And that is with a plethora of model that include the standard MINI, MINI convertible, Cooper S performance model, Countryman, and Clubman. Year-to-date, the 500 has sold 11,088 units, well off MINI’s tally. However, with any new car, there is a ramp up. The question is how well is it doing now, after dealers are fully-stocked and there is some awareness about the car. As we said, 3,106 500s is nothing to turn your nose up at. Throw in the mangled, half-hearted advertising effort that resulted in the Jennifer Lopez “Papi” single music video/Fiat 500 advertisement and it looks even better. Oliver Francois’ protest that the is really a trailer for the single is one the most baffling explanations we’ve heard. What is it doing running at all then, and especially non-stop during football as some have said? The ad looks to pigeonhole the car as a vehicle for women, and we aren’t...

Mercedes-Benz is making a strong push in Europe with the new A-Class and B-Class models. These cars will form an important part in Mercedes’ future growth strategy globally, but not necessarily here in the United States. In Europe, Mercedes vehicles are more commonplace and mainstream, sold on a variety of price range and model styles. In the U.S Mercedes is more upscale, and the as such the company has been hesitant to introduce models like the B-Class. The B-Class doesn’t seem to us like a model that would be successful here. That doesn’t mean Mercedes doesn’t want to increase sales by entering a lower price class though; Edmunds Inside Line reports that a new CLC sedan is coming, based on the new Modular Front Architecture (MFA) platform that underpins the A- and B-Class models. Based on the MFA means front-wheel drive and a compact new model that would slot in below the rear-wheel drive C-Class. Instead of going downmarket with a stodgy vehicle like the B-Class, the CLC seems like a much better way to do it. Audi plans to enter the segment with the A3 sedan, previewed in March by a concept at the Geneva Motor Show. Given the small sedans from each of the manufacturers have grown in size, Audi’s entry slots in around where the old “B4″ A4 was. Mercedes would take a similar tack with the CLC, but would get to market first. The name is interesting, as Inside Line reports it would be a four-door. However, it would be styled in the vein of the CLS four-door coupe, hence the CLC moniker. It should be quite stylish if the latest CLS is any indication. The goal of the CLS will be to increase entry-level sales significantly. Executives say it will clearly be a “real Mercedes-Benz” though; whatever that means. The New York Auto Show next April is said to host the debut of the CLC production car. Related posts: Mercedes-Benz Planning New FWD Models for the US Acura To Begin New Push With Entry-Level 2013 RSX New Entry-Level Model Maserati Targeting BMW 5-Series Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts The rest is here: No Hatchbacks: Mercedes Plans to Assault U.S Entry-Level Market with CLC

After announcing plans to change its terms and conditions to enable what one U.S. Senator called a “brazen” invasion of privacy, OnStar has decided to reverse its course, and will not collect and share data from canceled subscribers. OnStar had planned to change its terms of service to allow it to continue to collect data about drivers’ location… Read the original here: OnStar Caves, Reverses Privacy Policy Change

Foreign oil dependence will have to be cost-effective Think hybrids and small battery plug-in hybrids for now Several years ago GM invited myself and several other bloggers — many critical of GM’s clean vehicle efforts — to be part of the Chevy Volt concept debut, and in the following months and years, the Volt’s evolution from concept to real world vehicle. The battery lab, the design center, the wind tunnel, etc. — thanks to GM I witnessed the Volt go through the paces. And, for a while, I bought into the Volt. Hook, line and sinker. In fact, just hours after the Volt concept debut, it was Bob Lutz that sold me when he suggested that the Volt would only cost a few thousand more than a Toyota Prius . But, as the Volt moved towards reality, numerous studies began to suggest that plug-ins were going to be much more expensive than originally assumed. And slowly, GM also started hinting that the Volt would also cost quite a bit more than a Prius. As this realization began to unfold, I started to become a little critical of the Volt and the plug-in movement. The movement just started to feel counterproductive to my focus upon foreign oil independence. Without question, both the Volt and plug-ins are worthy of development. But in no way is, or was, the Volt or other plug-ins an excuse not to become more serious about conventional hybrid cars , for instance. Furthermore, every single auto sales forecast produced in the last several years demonstrates quite clearly that hybrids will outsell plug-ins for decades. Yet, instead of taking on the Prius, numerous automakers tried to leapfrog the Prius — at least in terms of hype and marketing. Or even worse, they used the development of their plug-ins as an excuse not to take on the Prius. So what? The Prius is just a bridge technology, right? Well, what’s the point of plug-ins? Foreign oil independence? Reduced CO2 emissions? Cleaner air? In order to truly affect these issues, many tens of millions of new hybrids and/or plug-ins need to be produced and sold, and that will only happen when these vehicles become cost-effective. And for years now study after study after study hasn’t just questioned the cost-effectiveness of plug-in vehicles, but the willingness of consumers to...

Just two weeks ago, we told you about a Ford television commercial critical of GM and Chrysler for taking bailout money. The unscripted ad, filmed in a mock “press conference” format, featured an F-150 owner named Chris who supported Ford for “standing on their own; win, lose or draw.” Now the ad has been pulled from the… See more here:  Ford Yanks TV Ad Critical Of Bailouts

In the face of a full-on revolt from users and pressure from Congress, Drudge Report and other media outlets, General Motors’ OnStar service just announced it was reversing plans to keep tracking vehicles of its 6 million subscribers if they cancel the service. Now once it’s off, it’s off. More » Read more here:  OnStar kills plan to track ex-subscribers [Onstar] Here is the original post:  OnStar kills plan to track ex-subscribers [Onstar]

Sometimes, the more boring a car is when it rolls off the assembly line, the more amazing it can be in the real world. This is a naturally aspirated, 2.3 liter, four-cylinder Volvo 240 wagon with an automatic. More » Read the rest here:  Trashing your car in a field is the essence of hoon [Video] Read more here:  Trashing your car in a field is the essence of hoon [Video]

Congrats to my former colleagues at the Detroit Free Press for embracing the opportunities of printed pages to write headlines whose real meanings emerge with a crease or two, like a newsy Mad Magazine Fold-In. Keep up the shift-talking ! More » View original here: Detroit Free Press accidentally prints great headline [Inside 8 Mile] Read more: Detroit Free Press accidentally prints great headline [Inside 8 Mile]

The 2012 Kia Rio is entirely new from the ground up, and somehow Kia found a way to shave more than a few dollars off the starting price of its subcompact hatchback. Last year’s Kia Rio5 started at $15,790, which makes the 2012 model’s $14,350 price of admission (including a $750 destination charge) even more impressive. Kia will offer… More here:  2012 Kia Rio 5-Door Priced From $14,350

U.S. Senators have voiced concerns about privacy after news that OnStar’s new terms and conditions of service will share GPS tracking and other data from vehicles, even if owners no longer subscribe to the service. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) says that the new policy by OnStar is a blatant invasion of privacy. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Al Franken (D-Minn.) have also spoken out about privacy concerns in regard to OnStar’s recent policy changes, which take effect in December. Schumer also called on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate OnStar’s planned policy changes. The changes that OnStar, GM’s telematic service, notified subscribers about, include the following: “We may share or sell anonymized data (including location, speed, and safety belt usage) with third parties for any purpose…” “Unless the Data Connection in your Vehicle is deactivated, information about your Vehicle may continue to be collected even if you do not have a Plan.” A spokesman for the General Motors subsidiary told Wired that OnStar does hear from organizations requesting access to such information. OnStar officials also told news outlets that maintaining the wireless connection, in part, makes it “easier to re-enroll” the vehicle into the telematic service, and the data OnStar collects has not been sold to a third party. Yet. After news outlets covered the policy changes, OnStar responded by saying: “OnStar has and always will give our customers the choice in how we use their data. We’ve also been very open with our customers about changes in services and privacy terms.” A video posted on YouTube by OnStar features Joanne Finnorn, vice president of subscriber services at OnStar, explaining the changes. As we previously reported , Although “anonymized data” is said to be stripped of any information that can be used to tie specific data to a specific OnStar user, some members concerned about personal privacy are questioning how that works. Senator charges GM’s OnStar invades privacy [USA Today] OnStar Privacy Statement (Effective as of Dec. 2011) (PDF) [OnStar.com] OnStar Tracks Your Car Even When You Cancel Service [Wired] View original here: U.S. Senators say OnStar data...

Earlier this month we brought you exclusive photos from the record-setting Dodge Viper ACR Nürburgring lap . Now we’ve got video. Enjoy the sounds of Mopar Nation smacking around the Corvette ZR1 and Lexus LFA with this blisteringly fast 7:12.13 “Ring Run.” That’s a record for any major automaker’s car around the track. More » Read the original post:  Watch a Dodge Viper ACR set a new production record "Ring Run" [Video] Original post:  Watch a Dodge Viper ACR set a new production record "Ring Run" [Video]

BMW 5 Series came to market in 1972 as a midsize luxury vehicle. The car, now in its sixth generation, has been one of the most successful stories in BMW’s history. The 5 Series will celebrate its 30th birthday next year, but the Munich-based automaker has already begun preparing for the special event. In Japan, BMW will release a 528i special edition model which will be sold under the “528i 30th Anniversary Edition” moniker. The company says that only 200 units of the special edition 528i sedan will come to the Japanese market and will be powered by the 3.0-liter straight-six petrol rather than the new 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine. “528i 30th Anniversary Edition” also includes the popular M Sport Package with redesigned front and rear bumper, side skirts and larger wheels. Inside, the folks at BMW Individual added their own trim, as well as Veneto Beige Dakota leather seats. To show the uniqueness of this model, door sill plates with the “BMW Japan 30th Anniversary” logo were included as well. The BMW 528i 30th Anniversary Edition costs 7,890,000 Yen ($103,000). [Source: Carscoop ] Read the rest here: BMW 528i 30th Anniversary Edition” for Japan

BMW 5 Series came to market in 1972 as a midsize luxury vehicle. The car, now in its sixth generation, has been one of the most successful stories in BMW’s history. The 5 Series will celebrate its 30th birthday next year, but the Munich-based automaker has already begun preparing for the special event. In Japan, BMW will release a 528i special edition model which will be sold under the “528i 30th Anniversary Edition” moniker. The company says that only 200 units of the special edition 528i sedan will come to the Japanese market and will be powered by the 3.0-liter straight-six petrol rather than the new 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine. “528i 30th Anniversary Edition” also includes the popular M Sport Package with redesigned front and rear bumper, side skirts and larger wheels. Inside, the folks at BMW Individual added their own trim, as well as Veneto Beige Dakota leather seats. To show the uniqueness of this model, door sill plates with the “BMW Japan 30th Anniversary” logo were included as well. The BMW 528i 30th Anniversary Edition costs 7,890,000 Yen ($103,000). [Source: Carscoop ] See original here:  BMW 528i 30th Anniversary Edition” for Japan