Like lots of car guys, I have a very specific weakness for one particular class of automobile. For many, that weakness is for fast, powerful, luxurious, high-end exotics; for me, as a side effect of a condition known medically as “being a bit of a moron,” it’s cars at the extreme low end of the spectrum. More » See more here: An Insanely Intense Look At The World’s Cheapest Car [Car Design] Read the original post: An Insanely Intense Look At The World’s Cheapest Car [Car Design]

Fuel During a discussion of the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 recently, the subject of energy density came up. Batteries have so much lower energy density than gasoline or diesel that even with the efficiency superiority of an electric motor over an internal combustion engine, it still can’t deliver the range of an IC powered car. The current ‘best’ battery tech, Lithium Ion, has a theoretical maximum denisty of about two times current energy density. That would bring a 100 mile ranged car up to about 200 miles, or it could increase significantly the performance of the vehicle and leave the range the same, or the vehicle weight could be reduced and the range and performance remain the same. Until battery energy density improves by a factor of four or five, battery powered electric vehicles will continue to be considered ‘urban mobility’ solutions. That may have to wait on breakthroughs in nanotechnology to transform the storage capacity of the battery cells. Here is an interesting tidbit – that you may be able to win a bar bit from a total geek on – and a hat tip to a BMWBLOG reader for mentioning this in the comments from a previous article. The energy density per unit of mass of gasoline is higher than diesel. Where people get tripped up is that given equivalent volumes (US gallons for example) of diesel and gasoline, a gallon of diesel weighs more and actually has a higher energy density per given volume than gasoline. Design There was an online article, Technology Review’s, “Automobile Design for the Connected Age – Technology Review” (URL here: http://www.technologyreview. com/business/39483/?p1=BI ) that included an interview with BMW’s chief designer, Adrian van Hooydonk. During the interview van Hooydonk stated that he begine his design career as an industrial designer and that was revealing (and brought a smile to my face). Industrial design was a creation of the third and fourth decades of the 20th Century (1920-30s). Industrial design brought styling and ergonomics to consumer goods. The best written account of industrial design was done by a husband and wife team of designers, the Cheney’s. Their book, “Art and the Machine”, is a sought after classic. Industrial design has given us some...

Thanks to our reader Wouter, here is a photo gallery of the new BMW 3 Series from the 2012 Brussels Auto Show. The new F30 3er made its North American debut earlier this month at the Detroit Auto Show and it is now being shown at other venues around the world. The styling of the 2012 BMW 3 Series is an evolution of the previous model. The styling follows the design language seen in the new 5 Series, with concave and convex shapes providing a sporty stance and image. BMW has also redesigned the interior of the new 3 Series. The future model combines luxury with sportiness and different combinations of interior trim can be seen across the three lines: Sport, Luxury and Modern. The driver-focused cockpit is even more emphasized in the F30 3 Series being angled towards the driver by seven degrees As seen in some of the photos below, an M Sport package is also available for the new 3 Series. The super sporty pack adds 18-inch or 19-inch lightweight wheels as an option. Included in the M Sport pack is an M-tuned suspension which lowers the car by ten millimeters and offers stiffer spring rates and damper settings as well as stronger stabilizer bars. BMW says the decision to include M Sport brakes as standard has yet to be determined. BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim gives the car the typical M look. An optional M paint is also offered – Estoril Blue, as well as M Sport brakes with contrasting blue paint finish. Special aerodynamics cues, front and rear bumpers, sill covers in body color and a striking diffuser insert in Dark Shadow Metallic on the tail, and chromium exhaust pipe finishers underline the sporting character of the M Sport package. BMW says will offer the M Sport package starting September 2012. Read more:  2012 Brussells Auto Show: New BMW 3 Series Photo Gallery

Swiss Tuner, FAB Design, unveiled their tuning package for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Read the original here:  FAB Design Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Next generation BMW X5 is due out in 2013 and the first spy photos have just hit the interwebs. Belgian magazine Vroom spied the F40 X5 during a testing session in Germany. Wearing the typical psychedelic camouflage combined with plastic fake body parts, the prototypes are far from revealing their true design. We learned recently that the new 2013 BMW X5 is said to feature more flowing character lines and sculpted surfaces that will broaden the design of the X family. At the front end, the new X5 will feature a more imposing kidney grille, larger and wider than in the current model. The headlights will get the LED treatment and the shape will follow the design seen on some of the recently unveiled models. The taillights will be slightly redesigned as well. Using the layering concept seen on the Vision concepts, the T-shaped taillights add more depth to surfaces and are less wrapped around the body. On the side, the character line is being enhanced, as we have seen on the new X3 as well. Expect to see more convex/concave shapes with 3D layering enhancing its masculine look. According to sources, the new X5 will feature for the first time the ActiveHybrid technology with a 2.0 liter four-cylinder diesel engine. The internal combustion engine is aided by a 15 kilowatt electric motor that ads another 17 horsepower on top of the 204 already delivered by the diesel power unit. Furthermore, the new X5 Hybrid is said to use two parallel vehicle electrical systems, a conventional 12 volt system supplied by the AGM starter battery and an additional 120 volt system that’s supplied by a generator and lithium-ion battery pack located in the luggage compartment. Rather than a conventional engine-driven generator, a compact generator is integrated in the aluminum crankcase housing. The high-power electronic system is flange-mounted directly onto the gearbox for a more compact design. Brake Energy Regeneration helps recharging the battery. The F40 platform is rumored to feature a modular design, a common trend in future BMWs, that allows the company to achieve significant savings across its lineup. We anticipate a world premiere to take place in 2013 with sales beginning late in the year. See the rest here: First Spy Photo: New BMW X5 F40

Tata's eMO – The future of emerging markets? And that’s before tax credits So, I’m crazy. Pod cars. Autodrive. Why not just add flying capabilities to my vision of the near automotive future? Unfortunately, I believe that the world is headed towards auto-drive and pod cars whether consumers want them or not. Natural forces, such as fossil fuel supply disruptions and shortages, pollution, congestion, innovation etc. will force the move. Interestingly, however, I don’t believe it would be that hard to sell such a concept to millenials and emerging markets even today. And the new Tata eMO plug-in electric car demonstrates just how close we really are to the future. The Tata eMO was featured at the Michelin Challenge Design display at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as a working study to prove the viability of a $20,000 — before tax credits — 4 seat electric car. Utilizing a 18.4 kWh battery, the eMO offers 100 miles of range and a top speed of 65 mph. Possibly even more interesting, the entire idea was conceptualized, engineered and plans for an assembly plant were all completed in just over a year. Automotive change has the potential to evolve much faster than it does today and has through the past, especially as new materials and ideas are worked into the process. For instance, couple the eMO with Gordon Murray’s iStream auto production system and the revolutionary reality of a totally re-engineered auto industry is within grasp, even already afoot some might claim. Couple that with Continental Automotive’s near term plans for mainstream use of autonomous software to create the safest cars ever, as well as Google’s self-driving cars, not to mention the infotainment systems becoming ever more important to automotive success, and the foundation for revolution has already been laid. Congestion, global warming, declining resources, emerging markets, connectivity, etc. Take your pick, but it’s obvious that the days of the automotive status quo are numbered. And once change is inevitable, especially in today’s technology at the speed of light world, change can happen far faster than most can imagine. Of course, such change often unfolds in ways most can’t imagine either....

BMW Director of Design, Adrian Van Hooydonk, attended the 2012 Detroit Auto Show and went on camera to explain the design of the new BMW 3 Series. BMWBLOG also sat down with Van Hooydonk for an exclusive interview and our footage will be live shortly. The styling of the 2012 BMW 3 Series is considered to be an evolution of the previous model. The styling follows the design language seen in the new 5 Series, with concave and convex shapes providing a sporty stance and image. The base price of the 2012 328i Sedan is $34,900 and the 335i Sedan is $42,400. This represents a $300 and $350 base price increases versus the outgoing model. Here is the original: Video: Adrian Van Hooydonk talks about the new 3 Series

At the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, BMW confirmed that the F31 BMW 3 Series wagon will join the U.S. lineup. Paul Ferraiolo, Product Planning & Strategy manager, says the new generation F31 Wagon makes a comeback and will be offered along the sedan, coupe and convertible models. There are no news on when the F31 3 Series will hit the dealerships’ floors, but we expect it to be a 2013 model year. The new 3 Series Wagon will debut at the Leipzig Auto Show this spring. The engine range will be imported from the sedan and will include both petrol and diesel engines, in four or six-cylinder configuration. Just as for the 3 Series sedan, BMW will offer the Touring with three lines: Modern, Luxury and Sport. The aggressive M sports package will come to enhance the sporty allure of the touring.   Here is the original post: F31 BMW 3 Series Wagon coming to U.S.

It is finally here – a car we’ve been waiting a long time for. Last night the wraps were taken off the Cadillac ATS at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. The ATS is a hugely important product for the Cadillac brand in many ways. It is the first product aimed squarely at the BMW 3-Series, and has been developed with an uncompromising approach. It is part of Cadillac’s “bookend” strategy for 2012, introducing products at the top (XTS) and bottom ends (ATS) of the market. While there is a lot of marketing hyperbole about new most products, with the ATS it really can’t be stressed enough at what it really means for Cadillac going forward. Keep reading on to see why. Cadillac = edgy. That pretty much has been the brand’s ethos ever since it debuted its Art & Science design language on the original CTS in 2003. The most recent CTS, introduced in 2008, had even sharper and more defined creases in the sheet metal. The ATS, like the XTS that came before it, shows a more refined and mature take on A&S. Lines are a bit softer and more organic, while still remaining uniquely Cadillac. The ATS is a looker – it could have been edgier and pushed the envelope. Cadillac chose to offer a very handsome design with traditional proportions, one that we think they have pulled off brilliantly. The focus with the ATS isn’t on design either. It is what is underneath – in fact Cadillac worked on the project for two and half years before ever sketching out the design. It wasn’t a car built to a design proposal – it was a set of objectives underneath and the design fit in around it. The ATS uses an all-new platform for GM – Alpha. It is scalable rear-wheel drive architecture that will underpin the next-generation CTS as well as other RWD products in the GM stable such as the Chevrolet Camaro. For the ATS though, it was purpose built for performance in this application. To compete with the 3-Series though requires nothing less than this kind of an effort. Size wise, the ATS is squarely in the compact category. Cadillac engineers wanted the car similar to the size of the E46 generation 3-Series. That helps the car to be lightweight and nimble. Apparently the benchmark for handling was the E46...

The Tru 140s eAssist hybrid Is GM taking the cost-effective hybrid approach, or refusing to admit failure? In a weird way, I believe that mild hybrid technologies, such as GM’s eAssist could make a lot of sense. As battery costs decline, eAssist — at least it seems to me — could simply become GM’s base powertrain. In fact, GM has even suggested the possibility of such an eAssisted future. And that makes concepts like the Tru 140S and the Code 130R potentially interesting steps forward for GM. So then, why do I feel like these new concepts demonstrate that GM is simply confused when it comes to the future of powertrains? Let me cut straight to the chase on these two concept cars. The 140s is an interesting design, but I’ve always been a fan of the Mitsubishi Eclipse. The 130R; however (see below), kill it now. Seriously. GM should be embarrassed for even suggesting such a concept. In fact, GM better get Bob Lutz back in the design conversation if the 130R has anything to do with future of GM’s design languages. I mean big time YUCK! Nevertheless, lets move beyond design. The point of both the S and R concepts is to appeal to young buyers. Connectivity, good fuel economy, and kid-loving designs. Unfortunately, I’m not sure that GM hit any of their goals. In terms of connectivity, I haven’t yet seen enough details. However, since GM’s OnStar is so great, I’ll give GM the telematic benefit of the doubt. In terms of design, GM might be breaking some ground for GM products with the 140S, but not compared to the industry. Chrysler already threw a Dart through these two concepts today at NAIAS, and let’s not even bring up the Hyundai Elantra. And, in terms of fuel economy, I’m really worried that eAssist just doesn’t make sense. GM claims both of these concepts would achieve 40 mpg, ON THE HIGHWAY, if pushed into production. Big deal. If that’s the best eAssist offers, then I’m confident that eAssist needs to be squashed. Now. If it were 40 mpg, combined. Then I’d see the point. However, what really bothers me regarding eAssist is that it just doesn’t jive with GM’s halo hybrid product, the Chevy Volt. In my opinion, you can’t have both. Either you believe...

This year’s North American International Auto Show is in full swing, and it is one of the best auto shows we’ve seen in a long time. So many debuts are going on, pivotal new vehicles for their manufacturers. And you know what else? There has been very few leaks ahead of time – making it even more exciting. This morning Chevrolet has debuted two new concepts aimed squarely at the youth market. They are the Code 130R and Tru 140S, each aimed at offering enthusiasts an small, engaging performance offering. They are designed to compete with cars like the new Scion FR-S and each has an entirely different approaches in doing that. We’ll start with the 130R. The 130R is a rear-wheel drive offering, which makes us excited. It is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder working in concert with an eAssist mild hybrid system. The setup makes 150 horsepower and 148 pound feet of torque. Given its weight, that wouldn’t provide bad performance. Stylistically, the 130R has retro proportions, with an upright design and aggressive front end. It somehow manages to be a bit throwback. Anyhow, we love it – and more than the styling, just the concept and confidence behind it. Underneath the car could be a mainstream version of the Alpha platform that underpins the Cadillac ATS – General Motors isn’t saying anything about that though. Inexpensive, rear-wheel drive and fun – we like the sounds of that! The 140S is very modern in its styling, with a low-slung, cab forward design that is somewhat like the most recent Mitsubishi Eclipse. Better though, definitely better. The 140S has muscular lines, and elongated doors. It is very dramatic, and the 140S seems to be the styling favorite of the two concepts. Funnily enough, underneath the 140S is based on the Delta platform underpinning the Cruze. This is the Cruze coupe everyone has been wanting – and its a whole lot better than Cruze sans two-doors. We’re glad to see Chevrolet making an effort, and we could really see this car doing well if it is produced. Remember what we said about same targets, different approaches? Well the 140S has the same engine setup, making 10 more hp. In addition, it would be priced at the same point – about $25,000 – if produced....

Today, the 2012 Detroit Auto Show will open the doors to nearly 5,000 journalists from over 50 countries. This year’s show is announcing to be one of the most spectacular shows in the past years with many world premiers and unique products being unveiling by both international and U.S. automakers. BMWBLOG team will be once again reporting live from the Cobo Center’s floors and with the largest team we have ever deployed at an auto show, we aim to take Detroit by surprise and deliver some of the most comprehensive BMW news we have ever published from an auto show. As always, we will NOT only focus on BMW, MINI and Rolls Royce news, but also bring you some reports around the most interesting cars to be unveiled at this year’s international auto show, including the Cadillac responses to the 3 Series, ATS, or the future Audi Q3. We will also have the opportunity to interview BMW executives and designers, including Adrian Van Hooydonk, Head of Design at BMW, who will talk to us about the brand’s current design language. The main star at the BMW display is the new F30 3 Series, followed closely by our favorite, the ultimate sedan, F10 M5. As usual, coverage will begin on our Twitter ( twitter.com/bmwblog ) and Facebook ( facebook.com/bmwblog ) accounts where we encourage you to join our thousands of friends that follow us: Ad-hoc photos will be provided via Twitter and Facebook, with full high-res galleries following shortly. Stay tuned! More here:  2012 Detroit Auto Show: Live Coverage by BMWBLOG

Last we heard about the New Stratos, Ferrari was making production a near-impossibility. If you will remember, the New Stratos was based on the Ferrari F430 Scuderia. Ferrari, and its coach building partner Pininfarina participated in the project with their full backing. Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo had drove the car and had only good things to say about it. Clearly, the New Stratos struck a chord in the automotive community and proved the enduring allure of the Stratos’ design. It still looks modern! Not much can achieve that. Apparently it was a little threatening though. Enthusiasts clamored for a limited production run. That is where Pininfarina came in – they did the design work and built the body. Ferrari said to Pininfarina, if you ever want to work with us again you won’t work with New Stratos. And, guess who wins? Ferrari. The decision was made by Ferrari Chief Executive Officer Dr. Amedeo Felisa, not Montezemolo. The group behind the project was said to be pursuing “other avenues” for getting the car into production, but those avenues have reached a dead end. The project is now over, sadly enough. It isn’t all bad news though – Jalopnik reports the team behind the Stratos may be working on a new project, this time with the backing of the manufacturer. Sights would be set on creating a modern reincarnation of another mid-engined classic – the Renault Alpine A110 Berlinette. Little is known other than that – Jalopnik obtained the information via an e-mail from the project’s founders. Given their success with the New Stratos, a successor to the A110 is an exciting prospect indeed. Hopefully Renault gets on board with this one – it can only do good things for their brand image. They are trying to bring back Alpine, and an independent project could be just the trick to reviving excitement about the brand. Related posts: No New Stratos For You! Andrea Pininfarina Killed In Traffic Accident Aston Martin DB9S – From Project Kahn Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts View post:  New Stratos Project Over, New Alpine Could See Light of Day

DC Design is a coach building company based in India. They have made some interesting creations in their history, such as a $220,000 Tata Nano. It doesn’t look any better than the original. Never think taste comes with riches – it really doesn’t. DC Design isn’t a stranger to expensive vehicles, producing a polarizing one-off Rolls-Royce concept as well. The company’s first in-house project is set to debut soon, and it is being billed as a “super car.” We say that with quotations, as it is expected to have 400 horsepower. Weight will be a determining factor, and the car will supposedly weigh in at under 3,500 pounds. Power will come from a turbocharged Honda six-cylinder, mounted in the middle of the car. Design wise, little is known as we’ve only seen one image of the car. The shape isn’t inspiring confidence though. Judging from their past works, we wouldn’t expect this vehicle – whatever it is called – to be a looker. Hey, we could be wrong though right? There is always a first time. DC Design is targeting a $56,000 price tag for the new sports car, with a production run “limited” to 3,500 units a year. Yes, you read that right….3,500 units a year. That is a lofty cap to impose. Even though India is a growing market, it is unlikely there would be room to support a sales figure anywhere near that. DC Design joins companies from other countries who aim to launch their own homegrown sports/super cars. One such effort is the Rimac Concept One, a stunning electric supercar from Croatia . Gorgeous inside and out, that is one car we hope makes it to production. For more news on the DC Design sports car, stay tuned. It is set to make its debut at the Delhi Auto Expo in India, in about 1 day and 23 hours at time of this writing. Related posts: McLaren F1 Successor To Join MP4-12C In 2014 Hofele-Design Mythos Royal Kia To Join V-8, RWD Party With Two Concepts Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts View original post here: Indian Company DC Design Wants To Join Sports Car Fray

The ROHL Perrin & Rowe Bridge Kitchen Faucet blends perfectly elements of luxury, traditional and contemporary styling See original here: ROHL Bridge Faucet