When Acura entered the small, upscale SUV market with the first-generation RDX, their target customer was a 30-something yuppie, with a sense of style and enough disposable income that something like a basic Honda CR-V just wouldn’t be on their shopping list. But alas, according to Acura, they never found that buyer. To meet that elusive customer’s needs, the RDX arrived with a host of electronic and luxury features not found on the similarly sized CR-V, along with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a highly sophisticated all-wheel drive system, and an overly stiff suspension. What Acura found out was that their target customer wasn’t as taken by their stylish SUV as much as older folks were. Consequently, the bulk of sales were to grey hairs and empty nesters who wanted luxury in a small package but objected to the high-strung little turbo and harsh ride. So much for product planning. This time around, the redesigned RDX grows up a bit, both in size and refinement. A smooth-and-polished V6 engine and a gentler-kinder suspension are aimed at pleasing folks who would be looking at the fashionable Audi Q5 and BMW X3 . A simpler all-wheel-drive system may be less helpful on race tracks, but it saves weight. The rear seat is roomier, and the cabin is quieter with more electronic amenities. Matched with a new six-speed automatic transmission, Acura claims that the new V6 will deliver better fuel economy than the old four-cylinder engine, along with quicker acceleration. A choice of front or all-wheel drive is available; we bought the AWD version for testing. As the pre-test break-in miles have been rolling up, we’ve found the redesigned RDX to be a major improvement over the old one in just about every respect. As touted, it is roomier and quieter, and the new powertrain lives up to promises of increased performance and fuel economy, based on our observations. Inside and out, the new RDX is a more conservative and relaxed package than the one it replaces, and while the more restrained interior design is well finished and appointed, it doesn’t convey the levels of premium ambiance found in some competing models. We’ll be back soon with the results of our full road test. Original post: Redesigned 2013 Acura...

Looking for an affordable, reliable new car before summer? This Memorial Day weekend is a good time to hit the showrooms for deals on a new car primed for a road trip adventure. Dealers are in the final crunch to make their end-of-the-month sales quota this coming weekend, and the holiday weekend typically brings out additional incentives, putting shoppers in a strong position to negotiate a great deal on a good car. For our holiday deals, we have listed 2012 models that offer the best discounts—between 15 percent and 20 percent below MSRP. But dealers may be interested in negotiating further to reach their sales quota and to move vehicles off the lots. Also, you may find local deals and incentives, so check our pricing information on the model pages. As the model year approaches summer, it is wise to monitor which vehicles will be replaced for 2013. On this list, several deals—such as the Ford Escape, Ford Fusion, and Honda Accord—will soon be supplanted by next-generation models. The models listed below are just a few of our Best New Car Deals , meaning there are notable discounts on models that meet Consumer Reports’ criteria to be recommended. These vehicles scored well in our testing, had average or better reliability in our subscriber survey, and performed well in government or insurance-industry safety tests, if evaluated. See our full list of deals on 2012 models. Make & model Expires MSRP Invoice price Customer rebate Dealer incentive Bottom line price Go here to see the original: Best new car deals for the 2012 Memorial Day weekend

The U.S. launch of the new BMW 640i Gran Coupe takes place this week in Santa Barbara, California. To showcase the beautiful design lines and sportiness of the Gran Coupe, BMW takes a Frozen Bronze model for a ride on some curvy roads. The BMW 640i Gran Coupe variant will debut this summer in the U.S. with a base price of $76,895, followed by the 650i Gran Coupe (with xDrive option as well) in early September. From launch time, the 6 Series Gran Coupe will be available with the M Sport Package. The entry-level model 640i is powered by a 3.0 liter six-cylinder TwinPower rated at 225 kW/315 hp at 5,800 to 6,00 and high peak torque of 330 lb-ft, on stream between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. Stay tuned for our first driving impressions, but in the mean time, watch the video below and our extensive photo gallery . Go here to read the rest: Video: BMW 640i Gran Coupe

The new BMW M6 Convertible goes to Lime Rock, home of BMW’s RLL Racing Team. The 2012 BMW M6 Convertible will be the first of the three new M to arrive in US BMW Center showrooms. The M6 Convertible arrives this June and will be priced at $113,995 (including $895 Destination and Handling). The M6 Convertible, as well as the coupe, is powered by a high revving 560 hp M TwinPower Turbo V8 mated to a 7-speed M-Double Clutch transmission (M-DCT). BMW said a manual option will be offered next year, but only for U.S. customers. 0 to 62 mph is achieved in 4.3 seconds while the spring to 124 mph (200km/h) takes only 13.1 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). BMW has not release the official MPG numbers, but the company says the new M6 Convertible consumes 30% less fuel than its predecessor. The new BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible will be the first cars in the history of BMW M to be offered with optional M Carbon-Ceramic brakes (in conjunction with 20-inch M light-alloy wheels as of July 2012 production). We had the opportunity to test drive the M6 Convertible around scenic and curvy roads near Santa Barbara, and we will share our impressions shortly. See the original post here:  Video: New BMW M6 Convertible at Lime Rock

We’re convinced that the previous generation BMWs (save for probably 3-Series) will stand out as divergent from the developmental flow. That is true in both styling and in powetrains. Last time around the M5 ditched its traditional V-8 power plant for a V-10. A BMW V-10? That was a shocker. Then, the M3 moved to a V-8 after being powered by BMW’s inline sixes for most of its lifetime. This time around styling has returned to form, and things are making more sense under the hood as well. F30 Post reports that the next-generation M3 will return to inline six-cylinder power. Emphasis on inline there; some speculation surfaced that BMW would make it a V-6. The thinking was that BMW could basically lop two-cylinders off the twin-turbocharged V-8 powering the M5. According BMW North America President Ludwig Willisch that possibility was being considered, but they settled on an inline six. Smart move, we say. The new engine will have two or possibly three (!) turbos to help it generate about 450 horsepower. The M3 is about 1.5 to 2 years away, and F30 post says the next car will be lighter, faster, more efficient, and more powerful than the current car. A manual transmission will be either optional or standard, and a debut will take place in early 2013 or 2014. Why the wait? The M3 is primarily coupe based (the four-door sedan version was killed off) and the current-generation coupe hasn’t debuted yet. Right now, previous generation versions of the coupe and convertible are still being sold alongside the current F30. BMW has been said to consider renaming the coupe/convertible versions as 4-Series, but that would mean ditching the M3 moniker, which we can confidently say won’t happen. Can’t they just leave well enough alone? 3-Series, 3-Series Coupe, 3-Series Convertible – makes sense to us. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Here is the original post:  Next-Generation BMW M3 Switching Back to Inline Six

There is a lot of satisfaction in proving the naysayers wrong. So far, Tesla has done just that. The Model S is moving forward full-speed ahead for a production launch one month ahead of schedule. Tesla has just announced the beginning of a countdown – one month from today the first Model S is scheduled to be delivered to customers. The gleaming former NUMMI factory in Fremont, California is gearing up for full production. The first production body for customer delivery was recently completed (see image above). Tesla is a true product of Silicon Valley – technology is at the forefront of the experience. The whole aim with the Model S is to produce a different (and they say better) car than ever before.That different approach is carrying through to personalization options. Today new details have been released that enhance the package. One of them is a regenerative braking option, enabling you to select “Standard” or “Low”. Regenerative braking is one of the major differences in the driving experience of electric and hybrid vehicles. When you take your foot of the accelerator, there is a bit of a pullback (similar to downshifting) as the car turns motion into energy. For some it is a welcomed thing; others an annoyance. One caveat though; on low you have the less range. Adjustability isn’t just down to the regen though; it includes steering and suspension options. For the steering, you can select from Comfort, Standard and Sport. The ride height also has options for Very High, High, Standard and Low. Nifty. Also, every Tuesday until June 22nd be sure to check out “Inside Tesla.” There, they will reveal different aspects of the manufacturing process each week. On launch day, there will also be a celebratory employee event and a delivery ceremony streamed live on teslamotors.com. We can’t wait! Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Go here to see the original:  Tesla Model S Scheduled for June 22nd Delivery

BMW replaces the Japanese automaker Toyota as the world’s most valuable car brand. The annual ranking is conducted by Millward Brown as part of the BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands study. Same report says Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Audi have improved their brand value as well. Peter Walshe, Millward Brown global brand director, said that BMW has been able to effectively communicate what sets it apart from other carmakers, while still delivering “a very decent product.” “As one of the great brands in the world, BMW has been absolutely consistent in the long-term regarding what is meaningfully different about their brand, in highly competitive market places,” Walshe said. Last time BMW was awarded the number 1 spot was in 2010, while Toyota held the top spot for three years between 2006 and 2009. The Japanese automaker came back once again in 2011 to take the reign. The German automakers improved their position due to their increasing position in the Asian market, more specifically China. The Japanese automakers have been affected by earthquakes, tsunami and other disasters. “Toyota is certainly seen as a good value, very reliable and very trustworthy, which are all tremendous qualities, especially for mid-range buyers,” Walshe said. “The problem with Toyota has to do with its financials, not brand, due to the disasters, which were clearly out of its control.” Hyundai’s brand recognition continues to increase and it’s the first Korean automaker to enter the top 10. Overall, the 2012 Top 100 ranking is led by Apple, which has a brand value of $182.9 billion and ranks first for the second year in a row. IBM, with a brand value of $116.0 billion, took the No. 2 from Google, which now ranks third and is valued at $107.9 billion. Worthy brands World’s most valuable car brands in $ billion; rank in top 100; % change from 2011 1. BMW $24.6 — (23) 10 2. Toyota $21.8 — (28) -10 3. Mercedes $16.1 — (46) 5 4. Honda $12.7 — (65) -11 5. Nissan $9.9 — (81) -2 6. VW $8.5 — (95) 15 7. Ford $7.0 — * -5 8. Audi $4.7 — 23 9. Hyundai $3.6 — – 10. Lexus $3.4 — -7 * Did not qualify for the top 100 [Source: Millward Brown via AutoNews ]...

After months of speculations and contradictory reports, the saga of the next generation M3 and M4 engine has come to an end. While attending the BMW M6 Convertible and 6 Series Gran Coupe press drive event, we learned that the engine of choice for the M3 and M4 is an inline-six unit. BMW of North America CEO, Ludwigh Willisch, shared with us the news and the confirmation puts an end to the speculations that have taken place over the last year, some of them who we are directly responsible for. Our own team went into a debate on what the final engine choice will be, from an i nline-six turbocharged , as we heard from some BMW insiders, to an unique V6 powerplant that will revolutionize the automotive industry. As we heard from other sources before, a V6 unit was on the table and tested by M, but for reasons like balance and weight distribution, it never made it to the production car. The inline-six turbo unit is likely to produce around 450 horsepower. Some of the cool stuff in the next M3 and M4 for an electronically controlled differential as found in the M5 . The engine is expected to be mated to a dual-clutch transmission, but we won’t be surprised if a manual box will be offered for the U.S. customers. The BMW M3 will debut in 2013, followed a year later by the M4 Coupe. Excerpt from:  Confimed: New BMW M3 and M4 powered by inline-six engine

It’s a new week. So to kick off the week right, today’s “Super Bild” is a tribute to BMW Motorrad who finished 1-2 at last weekend’s Donington Park round of the Super Bike World Championship. The BMW Motorrad Motorsport Team worked hard to reach the victory milestone. Troy Corser (AUS) claimed the team’s first pole position and podium finish back in 2010. This season, with a new-for-2012 S1000RR as the base motorcycle, Marco Melandri finished runner-up in his very first race for BMW Motorrad and Leon Haslam shone with two podium finishes at the Imola race weekend. Now the team is celebrating its first win in the elite class for production-based motorbikes. Marco triumphed in the team’s 88th race. The speed of team’s S1000RR motorcycles was seen from the beginning of the weekend. On a very windy, cold but dry Friday at “Donington Park Circuit,” the team provisionally qualified for the first row. Leon finished the closely fought first qualifying practice on his home track in fourth. Just six-tenths of a second separated the top 10 riders. Leon’s teammate Marco qualified provisional 12th. He was prevented from putting in a close to ideal lap time throughout the session and his final attempts to improve were hindered by dirt on the track after other riders had crashed. In the free practice session, Marco was fifth and Leon sixth. It was an exciting race day leading to the historic first victory for BMW in race one. Starting from second, Leon took the lead immediately by passing pole-sitter Tom Sykes (GBR). Marco maintained his third position. At the end of lap four, Sykes passed Leon again, while Marco was successfully defending attacks from Max Biaggi (ITA). On lap 12, Leon fought his way back into the lead, and when Marco passed Sykes on lap 14 for second, the two BMW riders started their nail-biting battle for victory, changing positions at the very top several times. Then, with three laps to go, Leon went wide onto the grass, slipping back to third behind Sykes. Marco was able to open a gap and get the first victory, while Leon did not give up the fight and overtook Sykes for second at the beginning of the last lap, securing the double triumph for BMW Motorrad. Congrats to Team BMW Motorrad on their first 1-2 victory of the season and hoping...

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety today named the all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan a “Top Safety Pick”, continuing the company’s long-standing commitment to offering class-leading safety with each new model. In order to earn “Top Safety Pick”, a car must receive a rating of “good”, the Institute’s highest rating, in all of four tests – 40 mph frontal offset impact, side impact, rear impact protection/head restraint and rollover protection – and must be equipped an electronic stability control system like BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control. “The new 3 Series is a testament to BMW’s long tradition of passenger safety as well as to the men and women who engineer and build them,” noted Tom Baloga – Vice-President, Engineering (US) for BMW. “While we remain committed to providing the best possible passenger protection, we believe that the best crash is the one avoided. The new 3 Series offers even more active safety technology, firmly rooted in the dynamics and handling that have made it the quintessential sports sedan through six generations.” The newest crash test being conducted by the Institute as part of its overall evaluation is the rollover protection test. Rollover ratings assess vehicle roof strength for protection in rollover crashes. To measure roof strength, a metal plate is pushed against one corner of a vehicle’s roof at a constant speed. The maximum force sustained by the roof before 5 inches of crush is compared to the vehicle’s weight to find the strength-to-weight ratio. The Institute believes that electronic stability control is so beneficial that, in order to be deemed a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must have it. BMW introduced Dynamic Stability Control for the 1995 model year and made it standard on every model sold in the US beginning in 2000. In addition to Dynamic Stability Control, ABS brakes, Bluetooth mobile phone integration, front and side airbags and head protection airbags, the new 3 Series sedan makes available features previously introduced on higher-end models. These include a full-color Head-up Display, Lane Departure Warning, Rearview Camera with Top-View and Blind-Spot Warning. Models equipped with BMW AssistTM also receive BMW’s industry-leading enhanced Automatic Collision Notification,...

The 40th staging of the 24-hour race gave the Nürburgring-Nordschleife (DE) another opportunity to prove just why it is regarded as the toughest circuit in the world. And it didn’t disappoint. The best-placed BMW Z4 GT3 was car number 29, with Bas Leinders (BE), Markus Palttala (FI) and Maxime Martin (BE) at the wheel, which crossed the finish line in fourth – a successful debut at the marathon in the “Green Hell” for the private Belgian team Marc VDS Racing. Unscheduled pit stops denied BMW the podium finish it looked like getting for long periods of the race. The works-supported teams – BMW Team Schubert and BMW Team Vita4One – showed fighting spirit at the endurance classic, but were hit by several set-backs. Victory in a thrilling race went to Audi Sport Team Phoenix. The BMW Z4 GT3 had emphatically demonstrated its potential in qualifying and the first half of the race. Uwe Alzen (DE) had put car number 19 on pole position and, together with Jörg Müller (DE) and Dirk Müller (DE), had opened up a commanding lead in the race. At about 03:00hrs, however, the BMW Team Schubert car pulled into the pits with a damaged drivetrain. The resulting 52-minute repair stop cost the team any chance of winning. The three BMW works drivers put aside their disappointment and showed their class, lapping in by far the fastest times and climbing back up to a very creditable seventh place. The number 20 car – also run by BMW Team Schubert – was also unlucky. Running in second place, the car rolled into the garage with drivetrain issues. The BMW Z4 GT3 rejoined the race 43 minutes later. Dirk Adorf (DE), Claudia Hürtgen (DE), Dominik Schwager (DE) and Nico Bastian (DE) ended the race in eighth. One place further back was the BMW Z4 GT3 of BMW Team Vita4One, driven by BMW Motorsport test and development driver Marco Wittmann (DE), Jens Klingmann (DE), Pedro Lamy (PT) and Richard Göransson (SE). The second BMW Team Vita4One car experienced the perils of the “Green Hell” at close hand. The number 17 car, with Lamy, Mathias Lauda (AT), Ricardo van der Ende (NL) and Frank Kechele (DE) alternating in the cockpit, retired after a night-time collision in Pflanzgarten. Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director): “This year’s 24-hour race at the Nürburgring once...

BMW Motorsport continues to enjoy success in the DTM: following his victory at the Lausitzring (DE) a fortnight ago, Bruno Spengler (CA) of BMW Team Schnitzer was once again celebrating on the podium at the end of the race in Brands Hatch (GB). After 97 laps, the 28-year-old crossed the finish line in second place at the wheel of the BMW Bank M3 DTM. Victory in the third race of ten this season went to Mercedes driver Gary Paffett (GB), who took the chequered flag 2.7 seconds ahead of Spengler. Spengler was not the only BMW driver to add to his points tally at the 1.929-kilometre “Brands Hatch Circuit”. Martin Tomczyk (DE, BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM) finished fourth – his best result of the season – and leaves Great Britain with another 12 points to his name. Tomczyk also clocked the fastest lap of the race (42.138 seconds) on lap 57. Augusto Farfus (BR), at the wheel of the Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM, came home in 11th. Joey Hand (US, SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM) was 13th and Dirk Werner (DE) followed in 16th in his E-POSTBRIEF BMW M3 DTM. Andy Priaulx (GB), racing in front of his home crowd in the Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM, was forced to retire early on in the race. Spengler got off to a flyer from third place on the grid and immediately moved into second, before settling in to be within striking distance of Paffett throughout the entire race. With the race drawing to a close, however, the Canadian was forced to start looking over his shoulder. The front splitter of the BMW Bank M3 DTM was damaged on the kerb in turn one, preventing Spengler from pushing his car to the limit over the final few laps. Third-placed Audi driver Mike Rockenfeller (DE) was closing the gap with every lap, but Spengler was able to hold on to second. Tomczyk dropped two positions at the start, but quickly moved back into fifth thanks to overtaking manoeuvres against Mattias Ekström (SE) and Adrien Tambay (FR). The BMW Team RMG driver gained another position over the course of the race, courtesy of a good strategy and quick pit stops. The result sees Spengler climb to second place in the DTM drivers’ standings on 43 points, behind Gary Paffett (68). Tomczyk now has 18 points in seventh, followed in eighth and ninth by Farfus (15) and Priaulx (8). Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport...

Bimmerfest is the biggest annual gathering of BMW cars and takes place California where thousands of enthusiasts across the country are joining to showcase their BMWs, from stock cars to heavily tuned bimmers.  This year’s event took place in Pasadena, and once again, it gathered thousands of enthusiasts. All the most important tuning and modding companies were there to showcase their latest work. The event caters not only to BMW enthusiasts, but to any car fans that would like to see some of the most rare bimmers in the United States. BMW of North America had their own presence there and introduced to the bimmer community the all-new BMW M6 Convertible. Let’s have a look at this extensive photo gallery! Continued here:  Photo Gallery: 2012 Bimmerfest

Vorsteiner releases their program for the BMW 1 Series M Coupe. Here are the full details: We are proud to announce the debut of our program for the 1M Coupe. The aero components built from our Autoclave Pre-Preg Carbon Fiber add style and functionality from our development of the GTS-V collection. The blend of form and functionality is perfectly balanced and sets a higher standard for aerodynamics. We didn’t stop at aerodynamics for this program. To further enhance the performance of the vehicle we have developed a sport exhaust system. A full 100% bolt on fit, our exhaust produces a class leading 15 horsepower gain with 5 lb/ft of torque. It will be available in a stainless steel model or a weight saving titanium. Driving perfection would not be complete if control is an issue. To help with minimizing unsprung weight for improved vehicle handling and performance we offer the new VS-400. The step-lip design offers better balance and reduces the weight of the wheel. We use the highest grade forged T6-6062 aircraft aluminum and exceed safety standards. This wheel sets the pinnacle of what a wheel should be. The 1M tuning program consists of the follow components: • GTS-V Front Add-On Spoiler with Integrated Brake Duct • GTS-V Rear Add-On Diffuser with Signature Splitter and Extended Aero Fins • GTS-V Boot Lid with an integrated wing element weighing only 11.5 lbs. • A Cat-Back Sport Exhaust System in Stainless Steel or Titanium • 20 or 21 inch Special Edition Forged Aluminum Multi Spoke Wheel Read more here:  Vorsteiner GTS-V 1M Program

Fisker’s funding issues with the Department of Energy have caused there to be some uncertainty over the future of the Atlantic. Formerly known by the Project NINA moniker, the Atlantic was introduced at the New York International Auto Show in April. With a commitment to government investment, Fisker secured a former General Motors plant in Wilmington, Delaware as a production facility. Fisker has remained confident about the future of the Atlantic, as well as its ability to raise funds from private equity. So far, Fisker has raised nearly $1 billion. With or without DOE funding, we’d imagine these investors are willing to put in the funds needed to see the Atlantic to production. Like the Model S over at arch rival Tesla, the Atlantic is Fisker’s make-or-break product. New documents have been leaked that shed a bit more light on how the delay in funding has impacted the Atlantic’s arrival date. InsideEVs says the Atlantic is now on track for full production to begin in mid-2014. The first prototypes are slated to arrive mid-next year. That is pretty disappointing given Fisker was bandying about late this year as a production start date. This a pretty significant delay, and it leaves Fisker with just the Karma for at least two years. Discussions with the DOE are said to be ongoing. Interesting is that Fisker appears to be all-in on the Wilmington, Delaware plant. There is no contingency plans for production being undertaken elsewhere, such as with Valmet in Finland. With DOE funding unlikely, most wrote off the plant in Delaware as a production site. According to these leaked documents, though, Fisker hasn’t. As for the Atlantic itself, some new light has been shed on the car. It will make about 300 horsepower and be powered by a turbo four-cylinder sourced from BMW (which we already knew). Bigger news though is that the price tag will be in the upper range of what was originally thought. Atlantic will start at around $50,000-60,000 – squarely in Model S territory. Fisker lists the Audi S4/A6, BMW 3- and 5-Series and the Mercedes C- and E-Class as chief competitors. The delay is disappointing. If Fisker can get its act together though, we do think the car has a good potential for success. It probably could sell on looks alone....