Frankfurt am Main – I brought the extra stout umbrella along knowing that Frankfurt am Main is the financial capitol of Europe and, given the uncertainty of the European economic union, it might be raining bankers in the financial district. Fortunately, I didn’t need the umbrella. And surprisingly, though financial doom and gloom dominated the headlines in the papers, it didn’t appear to be an undercurrent at the IAA. I suspect that German industry understands that if the Germans bolt from the Euro, or if their profligate partners do, it would spell a much stronger currency that the Germans would be tied to. That would increase the price of German goods and make them more difficult to sell, putting a great deal of pressure on the social fabric that has benefited from a strong manufacturing sector. So the Germans are in a tough spot. No one likes continually bailing out their spendthrift relatives, but the alternative may be tough to bear also. Expect a lot of grumbling from the German public – but behind the scenes, the politicians will work for a solution that makes economic sense. The Germans want to be good neighbors. But, again, in the 11 halls and miles of corridors of the Frankfurt Messe, not a discouraging word was heard by this journalist. Grumbling about the expanse of the fair grounds yes, but an upbeat mood was put forward by the automobile industry. The automobile is 125 years old, and there was a wonderful display of some very old cars in one of the halls. The Lohner-Porsche on display stands out as a harbinger from the past into the present. A massive electric vehicle, it was a highlight for students of automotive history. BMW’s past was represented by a 328 coupe and roadster. Often seen circulating the indoor track in Hall 11, the 328 was the car that cemented BMW’s reputation as an auto maker. The 328 was tied to the present by the new 6er, a stunning Grand Touring car in coupe and convertible trim. There was a 6er coupe sitting in the BMW Individual display. A sleek white exterior was matched to a dark tan and charcoal interior that utilized contrasting stitching in the leather, it was quite luxurious. And it appeared to have every available option. With the rest of the journalists otherwise occupied, I...

For most the prospect of “One Ford” would seem to limit creativity and the ability to produce localized performance models for different markets. For one, Ford’s globalization plans primarily include core models; there will still be select variants and model lines that are unique to different areas. The Focus ST released at Frankfurt is Ford’s first truly global performance vehicle, to be sold in over 40 markets. The ST-R racing model that follows is starting off exclusively in North America and will be spread to European markets after. Its goal is to offer affordable racing for enthusiasts. Economies of scale for parts are clearly there with all the volume. Ford Racing in North America designed the ST-R, in partnership with the Global Performance Vehicles group. It is homologated for racing in a variety of series that include the Grand-Am ST, World Challenge TC and Canadian Touring Car Series. Each Focus ST-R comes turn key and ready to go. The ST-R is powered by the same 2.0-liter EcoBoost as the ST, and it includes an FIA-specification roll cage, upgraded braking power and a “track-tuned” suspension. Ford says the ST-R had a perfect basis to build from: “From the beginning, the Focus and new Focus ST were designed to be driver’s cars,” says Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development. “The road-going Focus features best-in-class brakes, handling and powertrains and the design and functionality of the various vehicle systems have helped us to develop a global technical specification for teams wanting to race the new Focus cost effectively. Ford Racing in North America has taken this effort and developed the new Focus ST-R and is a perfect example of how a great production car inspires a competitive race car for enthusiasts.” We’ll have to see for ourselves when the standard ST arrives. For now though, we imagine the ST-R is set to make a significant splash in racing. No word on whether there will be any requirements for purchase; Ford says it will be available to order by “seasoned hardcore professional drivers, amateur racers and track day enthusiasts.” All the aforementioned buyers better be prepared with a good amount...

In a letter to company employees signed by the Chairman and boards member of Mercedes-Benz, Chairman Zetsche reiterated his goal of having Mercedes become the premier luxury brand by the end of the decade. Said Zetsche in the letter, “The first decade following the 125th birthday of the automobile will bring many changes to our industry. We want to reach the intermediate goal of 1.5 million unit sales for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars as early as 2014 — one year earlier than previously planned. We are very well prepared — and we look forward to working with you to make the next decade a Mercedes decade.” The chairman acknowledged that short- to mid-term market weakness should be anticipated, and that there are even indications of some market weakening in the next few months. But he added, “The decisive point is that the company is pursuing a long-term plan with its new strategy. The planning outlook is not the next quarter, but rather the next decade. Experts all agree that by 2020, demand for cars will grow faster than the overall global economy.” View original here:  Daimler Chairman Reiterates Mercedes Goals In Letter

After taking back the responsibilities for marketing, sales and distribution for smart cars, Mercedes-Benz USA is set to begin TV spots for the minicar brand. As early as next week, U.S. viewers will see smart commercials reappear, after a hiatus which started in 2007. The spots will include loan and lease enticements from MB’s financial arm. Steve Cannon, Mercedes’ vice president of marketing in the U.S., says that “Over the next 18 months, we will create a distinct Smart environment. But we will keep our cost structure low.” What this means is that the smart will be marketed regionally by concentrating on urban environment markets where minicars as commuters and runabouts are eminently practical. Adds Cannon, “We are not going to try to re-educate Middle America. That’s pushing a rock up a hill.” There are about 45,000 smart ForTwos currently running around America. Cannon’s aim is to create a smart environment and brand consciousness that will increase this number exponentially.l Go here to see the original:  MB USA Set To Launch smart TV Spots Next Week

In the past year, several reports indicated possible engine agreements between BMW and a series of smaller or larger automakers. The insolvent carmaker Saab signed an engine sharing contract with BMW back in September 2010, preceded by a large diesel engine order from Carbon Motors, and more recently, Fisker Automotive said it will receive the new N20 four-cylinder powerplants from BMW. According to German newspaper Der Spiegel, General Motors is also interested in using BMW petrol and diesel engines. Citing Stephen Girsky of GM, the German publication says General Motors has officially requested these engines from Munich, but it remains unknown which models the US automaker would like to use them for. The negotiations between BMW Group and General Motors started in Fall 2010, even though at the time Dr. Norbert Reithofer, BMW boss, denied the discussions between the two brands. It is clear that General Motors also has something to offer, more specifically the technology found in the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera, two highly respected vehicles in the industry with technology that could benefit the new BMW i sub–brand. This last April, BMW hired Frank Weber , Opel product chief and lead engineer for Chevy Volt. Weber brings his expertise and lessons learned from the Volt that will be applied to the BMW i3, the first BMW fully electric vehicle to come to market in 2013.     See the original post here:  General Motor seeks engine cooperation with BMW

In the past year, several reports indicated possible engine agreements between BMW and a series of smaller or larger automakers. The insolvent carmaker Saab signed an engine sharing contract with BMW back in September 2010, preceded by a large diesel engine order from Carbon Motors, and more recently, Fisker Automotive said it will receive the new N20 four-cylinder powerplants from BMW. According to German newspaper Der Spiegel, General Motors is also interested in using BMW petrol and diesel engines. Citing Stephen Girsky of GM, the German publication says General Motors has officially requested these engines from Munich, but it remains unknown which models the US automaker would like to use them for. The negotiations between BMW Group and General Motors started in Fall 2010, even though at the time Dr. Norbert Reithofer, BMW boss, denied the discussions between the two brands. It is clear that General Motors also has something to offer, more specifically the technology found in the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera, two highly respected vehicles in the industry with technology that could benefit the new BMW i sub–brand. This last April, BMW hired Frank Weber , Opel product chief and lead engineer for Chevy Volt. Weber brings his expertise and lessons learned from the Volt that will be applied to the BMW i3, the first BMW fully electric vehicle to come to market in 2013.     Original post: General Motor seeks engine cooperation with BMW

In Spring 2011, BMW launched for the European market the BMW X5 xDrive40d and X6 xDrive40d. The BMW X6 family now includes the xDrive40d model powered by the same 3.0-liter engine found in the 740d. The newly developed 3.0-litre diesel engines now featuring an all-aluminum crankcase raise engine output by 7 kW to 180 kW/245 hp in the BMW X6 xDrive30d and, respectively, 15 kW to 225 kW/306 hp in the BMW X6 xDrive40d – together with a reduction in average fuel consumption in each case by approximately 10 per cent versus the former models. The power unit comes with common-rail direct injection with piezo-injectors operating in the new top-end diesel version of BMW’s Sports Activity Coupe at maximum pressure of 2,000 bar and in the second diesel at a pressure of up to 1,800 bar. The power unit featured in the BMW X6 xDrive40d comes with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology following the Variable Twin Turbo principle where the small turbocharger cuts in just above idle speed and the larger turbocharger is activated under higher load. T his superior power unit delivers its maximum torque of 600 Newton-meters/442 lb-ft between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm and reaches its peak output at 4,400 rpm. Extra power of this kind accelerates the BMW X6 xDrive40d to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and the higher level of efficiency is reflected by average fuel consumption of just 7.5 liters/100 kilometers in the EU test cycle. The engine is matted to the more powerful and fuel efficient 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The idea behind this new naming convention is to showcase a smaller, powerful, fuel efficient and low CO2 emission engine that would give the large 4-5 liter diesel engines from Mercedes and Audi, a run for their money. One of the reasons why the new models diesel models are not yet available in the U.S. market, revolves around the U.S. emission standards compliance in all 50 states. The folks over at Famousbmw.cz decided to take an X6 xDrive40d with Performance Parts and shoot some rolling footage. Let’s have a look! More: Video: BMW X6 xDrive40d with Performance Parts

In Spring 2011, BMW launched for the European market the BMW X5 xDrive40d and X6 xDrive40d. The BMW X6 family now includes the xDrive40d model powered by the same 3.0-liter engine found in the 740d. The newly developed 3.0-litre diesel engines now featuring an all-aluminum crankcase raise engine output by 7 kW to 180 kW/245 hp in the BMW X6 xDrive30d and, respectively, 15 kW to 225 kW/306 hp in the BMW X6 xDrive40d – together with a reduction in average fuel consumption in each case by approximately 10 per cent versus the former models. The power unit comes with common-rail direct injection with piezo-injectors operating in the new top-end diesel version of BMW’s Sports Activity Coupe at maximum pressure of 2,000 bar and in the second diesel at a pressure of up to 1,800 bar. The power unit featured in the BMW X6 xDrive40d comes with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology following the Variable Twin Turbo principle where the small turbocharger cuts in just above idle speed and the larger turbocharger is activated under higher load. T his superior power unit delivers its maximum torque of 600 Newton-meters/442 lb-ft between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm and reaches its peak output at 4,400 rpm. Extra power of this kind accelerates the BMW X6 xDrive40d to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and the higher level of efficiency is reflected by average fuel consumption of just 7.5 liters/100 kilometers in the EU test cycle. The engine is matted to the more powerful and fuel efficient 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The idea behind this new naming convention is to showcase a smaller, powerful, fuel efficient and low CO2 emission engine that would give the large 4-5 liter diesel engines from Mercedes and Audi, a run for their money. One of the reasons why the new models diesel models are not yet available in the U.S. market, revolves around the U.S. emission standards compliance in all 50 states. The folks over at Famousbmw.cz decided to take an X6 xDrive40d with Performance Parts and shoot some rolling footage. Let’s have a look! See the original post here:  Video: BMW X6 xDrive40d with Performance Parts

The Toyota Prius family is growing – in fact some think it could one day supplant the Camry as Toyota’s best-selling car. To capitalize on the success of the original, Toyota is introducing the larger Prius V, as well as a new smaller model that will slot in below the current car. The smaller model has yet to be released. Pricing for the Prius V has been released today, and also new information on a much-awaited (by some) plug-in model. Late to the game? A bit, but they are getting there. The Chevrolet Volt has stolen a lot of thunder from the Prius in the media coverage department, but Prius sales are still continuing strong. The biggest selling point of the Volt is its ability to travel around 40-50 miles under purely electric power, something the Prius has always lacked. The plug-in aims to retain some of those buyers and offer the large existing pool of Prius customers an enhanced option from Toyota. The plug-in model gains a new lithium-ion battery pack, ditching the older NIMH technology of the standard cars. It is 4.4 kWh in capacity and weighs 176 pounds. What’s clear is that the General Motors Voltec system is more advanced; the Prius Plug-in only gets 15 miles of range on purely electric power, up to a speed of 62 miles-per-hour. Still, it is an improvement over the standard car. Of course, it does come at a price though. The Prius plug-in’s price starts at $32,000 for the base model, going up to $39,525 for the loaded advance models. Both cars qualify for a $2,500 tax credit. Deliveries in fourteen launch states start in spring of next year, with availability in all 50 states beginning in 2013. The Prius V starts at $26,400 going up to $29,990 and it arrives at dealers this October. Toyota got caught a little flat-footed by the Volt and the recent surge in electric car interest; the Prius plug-in and the Tesla partnership is an effort to respond to that. Related posts: Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Unveiled Meet the New Toyota Prius Hybrid Family Toyota To Make Solar Panel-Equipped Prius In 2009 Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts View original post here:  Toyota Announces Prius Plug In, Pricing For Updated Lineup

Mercedes buses and coaches have a new sales manager, a bus expert, in the person of Roman Biondi. He has been with the group since 1994 and has been working with EvoBus since its founding in 1995. In 2007, Biondi managed EvoBus Italia where he worked on the realignment of the subsidiary, restructuring of the sales units of Setra and Mercedes and the extension of market shares. In this new responsibility he will be reporting to the head of Marketing of Sales and AfterSales Daimler Buses, Angela Titzrath-Grimm. “Roman Biondi is a proven bus expert and has long been appreciated by our customers as a competent man to talk to. From his many years of work with EvoBus he brings professional experience from international markets as well as from the central management in Stuttgart with him. We hope he gets off to a good start in his new duties in Mannheim.” says Hartmut Schick. Excerpt from: Roman Biondi Takes Over Mercedes-Benz Bus Sales

The round 14 of the 2011 F1 Season will take place on September 25 at the streets of Singapore’s Marina Bay area. The race starts at 20:00 local time, this is the only night race of the season, so the 5.073 km circuit will be lit up by 1500 special light projectors. In the Singapore GP, Safety Car deployments are featured at an average of 6.7 laps per race. The driver change gears twice more than in Spa, 71 times per lap or a total of 4331. And there are 26 braking events per lap, the same number as Monaco’s at eight corners below 100kph. Here are what the stars of Mercedes Petronas say about the SG GP: Nico Rosberg: “I’m really looking forward to the Singapore Grand Prix and it’s a circuit that I enjoy very much. I finished second at the first race held here in 2008 so I have some good memories from that weekend. Singapore is a fantastic city and I always try to spend some extra time here with friends after the race. The track itself is good fun to drive and a real challenge. The stop-start nature means you have to concentrate hard throughout the lap and it feels very narrow and enclosed, like a true street circuit. We’ve made a good step forward with the car in the last few races and I hope we can take advantage of that again next weekend in Singapore.” Michael Schumacher: “I really enjoyed my first experience of Formula One night racing in Singapore last year and it was an interesting weekend to be working on such a different time schedule. Surprisingly, it worked out very well and somehow even fun to drive and have meetings in the middle of the night. The street circuit is good fun and quite challenging, and as an event for the fans, it is also fantastic as they can get so close to the cars around the city streets and see a real racing spectacle. We have enjoyed good results at the final two European races in Spa and Monza, and everyone will be working to continue the hard work and keep up the points finishes as we head to Asia for the flyaway races.” Original post: Grand Prix at the Singapore Track

BMW Team RLL driver Joey Hand recorded the sixth pole of the season for the No. 56 M3 GT in this afternoon’s qualifying session for the American Le Mans Monterey to extend the BMW Team RLL qualifying streak to a total of seven consecutive poles in 2011. His lap of 1:22.226 minutes around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn Laguna Seca circuit bested the 12-car GT field by a margin of .898 seconds. Hand and co-driver Dirk Muller lead the GT driver point standings with a total of five podium finishes that include three consecutive victories to start off the season. Teammate Bill Auberlen qualified the No. 55 M3 GT in the third position with a 1:23.132 minute lap. Auberlen and co-driver Dirk Werner have finished on the podium in three of the last four races, including a second at Road America and stand third in GT driver points. “Well, this is another great performance by BMW and the team,” said Bobby Rahal, Team Principal. “Joey nailed the laps. It’s a big margin to be ahead. Like Dirk Werner did at Baltimore…Joey found a shortcut. I am really pleased the cars have been up front all weekend long, we just need to stay there tomorrow. We just hope for a problem free race”. “On the pole again! It’s great!” said Joey Hand. “I have a cold and haven’t been feeling great this week but didn’t want that to be an excuse. So I gave it everything I had. It’s a testament to our team how the car came out of the trailer, we were on the money from the beginning. We kept fine tuning through the practice sessions and the guys really nailed it. The No. 56 BMW M3 GT has led every session and we have one more very important session to lead: the race. My wife and kids are here, we have a lot of Crown Plaza and Avnet friends here and we want to give them a great race at my home racetrack.” With only two races to go, BMW, BMW Team RLL and Dunlop lead the GT Manufacturer, Team and Tire championship standings respectively. The six-hour Modspace American Le Mans Monterey is scheduled to take the green flag at 1:30 p.m. PDT Saturday. The race will be broadcast live on ESPN3.com and rebroadcast on ESPN2 at 1 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Sept. 18. [Source: BMW ] More here:  ALMS Monterey: 7th Consecutive Pole for BMW RLL

Oschersleben may not exactly be a household name, even in Germany itself, but round eight of the German touring championship is a track that’s been the venue of several successes for Mercedes’ DTM team. It’s won five of the twelve races held there thus far, and its drivers have consistently found themselves on the podium in the rest of those races. The Oschersleben track is very technically demanding, not only for the cars but also for the drivers, and so driver fitness is one of the many keys to victory here.  There are myriad turns and few straights for drivers to relax, so high fitness levels from the drivers are demanded. This prevalence of turns over straights means that Oschersleben is a relatively slow track and the kerbs must be used  to get the best line, which stresses the C-Class based race cars as much as the driver. Despite these high demands on car and driver, Mercedes’  DTM drivers are looking forward to this race and we can expect the usual good results from this top-notch team. Excerpt from:  DTM Round 8 Places Mercedes On Familiar Ground

The Toyota Prius V hits dealerships in October. Which Prius will Prius buyers favor? Toyota has announced pricing on two upcoming members of the Toyota Prius family. The Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid will come in two packages and start at $32,760. The larger Prius V will start at $27,160 and come in three trims. Both prices include a $760 destination charge. Both hybrids are set to go on sale next month, but the plug-in Prius will be available for sale in only 14 states to start. The top end Prius V will start at $29,990, while the top end Prius plug-in will cost $39,525. The other interesting thing about the plug-in Prius is that it will offer about 15 miles of EV range, versus the original estimate of about 12 miles, which the plug-in Prius can stay in up to 62 mph, after that it becomes a 49 mpg vehicle. According to Toyota, the Prius Plug-in can fully charge in three hours or less with a 120-volt plug or in 90 minutes with a 240-volt plug. Unfortunately, because federal plug-in tax credits were built around battery size, the plug-in Prius will only qualify for a $2500 tax credit, instead of the full $7500. See original here: Toyota Plug-in Prius for $32,760, Prius V for $26,400

Next year, BMW will unveil the third generation M6. The new M6 will be available in both Coupe and Convertible variants and will have its own attributes and characteristics in order to challenge the established rivals from Porsche, Audi, Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz. As seen in this spy video, the M6 continues to carry the typical wider rear fenders and the usual four-tailpipe exhaust system characteristic to M models. At the front end, a more aggressive and typical M-style bumper with integrated diffuser is included as well. The test mule showcases big brakes behind the large wheels and M-signature quad-exhaust pipes out back. For the M6 Convertible, a cloth top will return in an effort to both keep the droptop’s weight to a minimum and to give it a more distinct, classic appearance. The 2013 BMW M6 will likely be powered by an upgraded version of the 4.4 liter V8 engine, producing near 600 horsepower. A similar engine but will less output – 560 hp – appears in the new M5 as well. The power is exclusively directed to the rear wheels and should make for an impressive acceleration. A regular sprint to 60mph is not expected to take more than 4 seconds. [Rendering by LeftLaneNews | Video by 6Post ] See original here:  Spy Video: 2013 BMW M6 goes to Nurburgring