Our coverage from the U.S. media launch of the 2012 BMW 3 Series continues with new footage from Monterey, California. The new F30 BMW 3 Series goes on sale this month and will be first offered in the 328i and 335i configurations. The base price of the 2012 328i Sedan is $34,900 while the top-model, 335i, starts at $42,400. This represents a $300 and $350 base price increases versus the outgoing model. The 3 Series now includes standards features such as 6.5” display with iDrive controller, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/iPod interface, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, Automatic Start/Stop, Dynamic Driving Control with ECO PRO Mode, Brake Energy Regeneration, and a 1” standard wheel size increase. The following exterior colors are available for the new BMW 3 Series: Melbourne Red, Glacier Silver, Imperial Blue, Mineral Grey, Black Sapphire, Mojave and Alpine White. An optional M paint is also offered – Estoril Blue. The footage below also gives us a better look at the interior design. [Source: DrivesTv.com ] Read more from the original source:  Video: New BMW 3 Series in Monterey, California

At the U.S. launch of the new F30 3 Series, BMW also displayed the aggressive M-Sport package and the first hybrid 3 Series, ActiveHybrid 3. The M-Sport package 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 will offer the M Sport package starting in September 2012. The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 made its North American debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. In early 2013, BMW will bring to market the first hybrid version of the popular 3 Series model. Even though not confirmed by BMW, we expect the ActiveHybrid 3 to use a 3.0 liter six-cylinder turbocharged TwinPower engine aided by an electrical engine to deliver an additional 40 kW (about 53 horsepower). The hybrid technology is similar to the one seen in the BMW ActiveHybrid 5. The electric motor in the latter model develops 40 kW/55 hp and is supplied with energy by a high-performance lithium-ion battery integrated into the luggage area. The innovative hybrid system features a coasting mode (with the engine switched off) active at up to 160 km/h (100 mph). [Video by: Drivestv.com ] See more here:  Video: BMW 3 Series M-Sport and ActiveHybrid 3

When the Wrangler was redesigned for its current generation (aka JK), the iconic SUV saw its road test score more than triple. The larger, more powerful Wrangler had joined the 21st-century, though it remained a trail-bred machine lumbering in a world now dominated by civilized crossovers. As Chrysler Corp. has rapidly updated its models on this side of bankruptcy, we were interested to see if the new touches applied to the Wrangler could elevate its standing. To ensure we sampled the full breadth of the updates, we bought a well-equipped 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara . No longer are barebones two-door models in favor. Instead, sales skew toward feature-laden four-door models. Ours stickered at $36,340, and it wouldn’t be hard to nudge up to $40,000, at which point there are many alternatives far better suited to suburbia. But clearly, Jeep buyers are drawn to the heritage, mystique, rugged looks, and go-anywhere ability that the Wrangler offers. It is very telling that the Wrangler has, indeed, become more civilized, with subtle touches through the interior to better approximate what consumers would find in competing models. Our tester has power heated mirrors, heated seats, iPod control, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic climate control, and remote start—features that long seemed inconceivable. Still, the Wrangler remains outdated. The ride is jiggly, handling clumsy, steering vague, and stopping distances long. The 285-hp, 3.6-liter V6 is a vast improvement over the ancient 3.8-liter V6 it replaced. It moves the large Wrangler pretty well, but this Pentastar engine still has to work hard. And fuel economy still isn’t a strong suit. Arguably, many people buy a Wrangler for allure of its off-road potential. To live that dream, some on-road sacrifices have to be made. We’d bet, though, that even ardent trail blazers will likely spend the vast majority of their time driving on pavement. While the Wrangler can perform off-road feats, we were disappointed in how our Unlimited Sahara struggled on our punishing rock hill. The culprit was tire traction. We had much better adventures in mud and sand. Handsome as the Wrangler is, the traditional body configuration makes for challenging ingress and egress, with small door openings, no door checks...

At the recent Detroit Auto Show, BMWBLOG had the opportunity to interview Karim Habib, BMW’s Head of Exterior Designer. The 40-year old designer has been known as the creator of the new BMW 7 Series and CS Concept exterior design. On completing his design studies in California, Karim Habib held various posts in interior and exterior design before being appointed Team Leader, Advanced Design for the BMW Group. After a short stint at Mercedes-Benz, Habib returned as the head of the Exterior Design BMW Automobiles department. BMWBLOG: Which BMW product that you’ve worked on are you most proud of? Karim Habib: It’s always very difficult for me to point one out because the focus shifts, but I would say the new F30 3 Series. Even as a designer, when you know the car for years and then you see the car on the road for the first time, there are still elements that you discover right then. I’m still discovering it and feel more and more impressed about the 3 Series when you see the car on the street, so it’s probably one of the cars I like best. The new BMW 3 Series BMWBLOG: When it comes to the new 3 Series, can you tell us about the overall design and what BMW has done with the new F30 3 Series? Karim Habib: Generally, the 3 Series is obviously a very important car. The car has always been the leader in its category – so when we approach a car like that, we pay very close attention to the fact that we want to and we strive to still be the best. This car is a bit longer and a bit wider than the previous generation, and proportion-wise, I think we took a pretty good car and made it a little better. In terms of the design language we liked to play as well with sportiness and elegance. One major thing about the new 3 Series is the new front fascia – it’s the first time we’re introducing the headlights that connect to the kidneys. I believe we managed to do something that looks sportier – you have a directing graphic from one side to the other, which makes the car wider. You can see more chrome and have the feeling that the kidneys have a 3D effect, a sculpted one; we tried to make the car look more elegant, more luxurious. BMWBLOG: Speaking of the front fascia – we know about the air curtain technology, which contributes towards a drag coefficient...

If the offerings of BMW’s M Performance line can be likened to cupcakes, the initial U.S.-market model is a cupcake without frosting. (Note that M Performance does not mean M: These will be hotter than typical Bimmers, but not as reworked or expensive as full-bore M cars.) The frosting in this analogy that’s being reserved for European M Performance vehicles: a new triple -turbocharged inline-six diesel installed in the X5, X6, and 5-series. Instead, the M Performance line will launch in the States with packages for the refreshed 2013 X6. These will include unique trim pieces and extra power for its single-turbo inline-six and twin-turbo V-8 engines, both of which run on gasoline. About that crazy Euro-market diesel engine: The triple-turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six puts out 381 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque; the latter figure beats the latest  M5 ’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 by 46 lb-ft. The diesel powerhouse wears the same twin-scroll-referencing, semi-confusing TwinPower badge that also adorns the company’s single- and twin-turbo motors. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive in each of the three initial offerings, the M550d xDrive sedan/wagon, the X5 M50d, and the X6 M50d. (Talk about preposterous names.) BMW estimates that the M550d sedan can hit 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds, the X6 M50d in 5.3, and the X5 M50d in 5.4. Predictably, the claimed 0-to-60 times all fall between those of a conventional 5-series, X5, or X6 and the corresponding M5, X5 M, or X6 M. Each Euro model receives M Performance–specific tuning for the suspension and hydraulic steering rack, and BMW’s various adaptive suspension systems are optional or standard depending on model. The M550d and the X5 M50d get BMW’s Performance Control system, which offers a brake-based torque-vectoring function. The X6 M50d, however, has Dynamic Performance Control as standard; this brings the full-on torque-vectoring differential borrowed from the X5 and X6 Ms. BMW kept the M Performance exterior modifications to a minimum, lending the cars a stealthy flair. The side mirrors and lower intake trim are painted a metallic grey color, with the rest of the pieces rendered in the company’s dark “Shadow Line” finish. Oh, and the exhaust...

We know we’re a tough bunch here at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center . It all comes down to our high standards. If you’re an automaker craving a recommendation, there is a standard to meet: the car has to perform well in our tests, have at least average reliability, and not fail any crash tests. Simple formula? Not if you’re in charge of moving the Lexus CT 200h . I spent a lot of time in it over the New Year’s break. And I’m impressed with the car’s superb fuel economy— 40 mpg overall in CR’s testing—and outstanding predicted reliability. Even the four-door hatchback styling grew on me. But I understand why it scored around mid-pack within its category. Beyond the impressive fuel economy and reliability, it really doesn’t do anything well. Hence, it’s an unloved Lexus. Let’s face it: The CT 200h is a strange bird. First of all, you might think the CT is luxurious given the Lexus nameplate. While the interior fit and finish isn’t bad, there are substantial amounts of hard plastic, which look neither rich nor upscale. Second, there’s no getting around the fact that the car is simply noisy. Road noise is prominent, but it’s the engine’s unrefined wail that does it in for me. The CT shares the Toyota Prius ’ 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine; combined with the hybrid system, it makes a somewhat weak 134 hp. But this paltry power output has to move over 3,200 pounds, producing sluggish acceleration and a startling racket getting the car to merge into traffic. Zero to 60 mph in 11 seconds? Even by 1980s standards, that’s slow. So despite its sporty looks, the CT 200h is even slower getting up to highway speeds than the last Toyota Corolla we tested. Also, the CT’s steering had decent weighting, but that didn’t mask its vagueness on center. To anyone even faintly interested in cars, that’s a bore fest. Third, I’m average height but I don’t fit well in the driver’s seat. And I wasn’t alone in finding head room wanting and the cabin cramped. I understand it’s a small car, but it needs to at least fit middle-of-the-road bodies. Three strikes and you’re out? Actually, there are more—such as a rough ride...

Lately, automakers have been trying to provide more customization options. In particular this has been part of an effort to reach out to the youth market. In a sea of boring cars in the same old colors, personalization touches can help your car stand out a bit. The Dodge Dart is an example of an effort to do this. One problem Rolls Royces have never had though is needing to stand out. You can always pick one out in a crowd. That said, that fact isn’t stopping well-heeled buyers from wanting to take things a step further. Rolls has always had bespoke operations that enabled buyers to tailor vehicles just the way they wanted them. According to new information from the company numbers for that program are on the rise, with some 56 percent of buyers are customizing the Ghost. And that is the more “volume” Rolls Royce. The Phantom is seeing even higher numbers. Why Rolls-Royce would want to show off a pink Ghost beats us…..we think it looks horrible. But back to the point, with customization taste isn’t necessary – only your checkbook! You can pick any color you’d like, along with a myriad of other things like changes to the interior, unique leather, wood and the like. Take rates for Phantom are even higher. In 2005 75% of Phantoms in the Middle East were customized – in 2011 it was at 99 percent. In North America it was at just 40 percent, while it stands at 84 percent today. Worldwide, 8 out of 10 Phantoms are personalized by owners. With all this business, Rolls-Royce has had to expand its bespoke operations. Late last year, it increased workers to 50, and an expansion of its factory is in the works. Overall Rolls-Royce sales are up significantly. The Ghost is powering these gains. It is more modern and affordable, while really sacrificing nothing versus its Phantom counterpart. More models are said to be in the works for the Ghost range, including a convertible and coupe. No related posts. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts See the rest here:  Rolls-Royce Sees Rising Levels of Customization For Phantom, Ghost

Most cars gain weight and size with each passing generation – take the BMW 3-Series for instance. Despite its name, MINI has proven to be no different. The MINI of today is a lot bigger car than the original. As far as lineup count goes, MINI has expanded in that read well. It is well beyond the original two-door hardtop that launched in 2002. Today’s lineup includes the Clubman wagon, Countryman “crossover” and the upcoming Coupe model. At last year’s Geneva Motor Show, another addition was previewed in the form of the Rocketman. It was a truly mini MINI, with a size more akin to the original. With executives adding models right and left, most thought it was preview of a new production model. CAR reports plans to develop it have been shelved. Cost of platform development was said to have been prohibitive, with a lot of expense needed to get the Rocketman to meet safety regulations. What’s more is that the Rocketman supposedly had problems with “stability, handling and crash performance.” Issues maybe, but they shouldn’t be insurmountable. We aren’t really buying that. What about VW and the Up! minicar? They made it work. It could be just down to a lack of projected sales – they didn’t justify the expense. While the Rocketman has been killed, CAR says a host of other MINI models have been approved. Other sources have said the Rocketman will heavily influence the styling of MINI’s next-generation products. Based on spy shots, the interior of the next-generation standard MINI will be getting a much more traditional look a. As far as new models, what could be next? A four-door sedan? Who knows. The only thing for sure is that BMW has big plans for MINI. It is a key part of BMW’s plan to boost growth in the years ahead. Related posts: MINI Rocketman Burning Up Geneva Show MINI Performs Mini Tinkering on 2011 Lineup WC50 Mini Special at $40,300 Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Read more: MINI Kills Rocketman from Last Year’s Geneva Show

BMW is determined to have a strong presence in the electric vehicle sector. Dedicated electric vehicles i3 and i8 are being developed, and we are awaiting there introduction. Before their on-sale date though, BMW is launching the ActiveE Field Trial. With it BMW wants to learn more about electric vehicle usage in real life. The ActiveE is based on the BMW 1-Series Coupe. Other cars have been released with the ActiveE moniker, but they have been applied to hybrids instead of pure electric cars. Being a field trial, the ActiveE is limited to 700 lessees in the United States, handpicked by BMW. BMW says it is looking for 700 “electronauts” who will embark on a “collective mission to help define the future of mobility.” Electronauts are “adventurers and explorers; they are front-runners of innovation and advocates for sustainability. ” No hubris there…. More details about the program were announced today. The ActiveE will be available in select markets that BMW has determined friendly to EVs. They include Boston, Hartford, New York, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco. The ActiveE’s drive train and battery technology is the same as the upcoming i3. This program is all about ensuring a smooth launch for the i3 when it arrives; the ActiveE represents the second stage of BMW’s electric vehicle development plan. The first was the Mini E pilot program. To be one of the lessees, you must complete a charging station consultation with AeroVironment. The company will determine if a prospective buyer’s house is capable of handling the charging system, as well as briefing this person on the ups and downs of electric car usage. If you clear those hurdles, the cost is $499 a month for 24 months, with a down payment of $2,250. The only caveat: BMW hasn’t released any information on the specifications of these cars. We want to know how many miles it gets on a charge. Presumably that will be something they discuss with each prospective lessee. If you’re interested, head over to BMW’s website, Activate The Future . No related posts. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts View original here:  BMW ActiveE Field Trial Launches

____________________________________ Finding an old, forgotten car in a barn is central to collector-car lore. In this case, the barn was an old garage near DeLand, Florida. Inside, under a thick layer of dust, hid a one-of-a-kind car that had been created in 1934 for Edsel Ford, then president of Ford Motor Company. After decades of neglect, it has been returned home and to its former glory. The design came from head stylist E.T. “Bob” Gregorie, and his creation is regarded by many as the first hot rod—more than a decade before the term was coined. It had all of the characteristics that would come to define the species—cycle fenders, no top, a hand-crafted body on customized ’34 Ford frame rails, a modified Ford leaf-spring suspension, and a Ford flathead V-8. Mr. Ford called it the Model 40 Special Speedster. The roadster was personalized again in 1939, with a new nose and a Mercury version of the flathead V-8. After Edsel’s death in 1943 (age 49), the car passed through several owners and more than one paint job before it was parked in that Florida garage in 1960. And there it slept for nearly 40 years, before it was rediscovered by Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance founder Bill Warner. Warner recalls being aware for “about 20 years” that the car was “somewhere around DeLand,” until he finally learned the Florida owner’s name—John Pallasch—and tracked him down. Would Pallasch show the car at Amelia? No. Would he sell? Yes. Restored to its 1939 glory, Edsel Ford's proto hot rod is far more attractive car than his namesake. The car was intact, but the engine hadn’t run since 1959. Warner installed a rebuilt flathead V-8, replaced the wiring, flushed out the fuel tank, reupholstered the bucket seats, and polished the red paint job. Unrestored, Edsel’s car made its debut at Amelia Island in 1999. In the years that followed, Warner displayed and drove the car to a number of shows. He finally sold the roadster at Amelia’s 2008 RM auction for a tidy $1.76 million to Texas collector John O’Quinn. A year later, the car was acquired by the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House for an undisclosed price. Now restored to its 1939 glory, the roadster wears understated gray paint as it did then. The frame-off work consumed a year, and the completely...

Today at High Gear Media, Porsche celebrates hitting the two-million Facebook fan mark and has released details regarding the interior of the 2013 Boxster. General Motors previews the future of car windows and Saab’s bankruptcy is affecting Spyker’s future. All this and more in today’s car news, right here on The Car Connection. Ford has… See the original post:  2013 Ford Escape (Tentatively) Priced, BMW ActiveE Driven: Today’s Car News

2011 was a great year, and the Q5 made for an even better year for the Audi brand. In December 2011 the company had sold 24,908 units year-to-date (YTD), compared to 23, 518 units YTD in December 2010, which was a 5.9% increase. These numbers may impress you, but as for me, I had to experience the Q5 for myself to believe the hype. When the Q5 arrived for the week visit, I have to admit that I wasn’t expected to be wowed. After all, this is the little brother (or sister) to the illustrious Q7, which blew me away when I first drove it. How much better could a mini SUV be, anyways? I still sometimes succumb to the “Bigger is Better” mentality, so you can understand where my thinking comes from. However, one week with the Q5 was enough to change that mindset. The Interior To say that the cabin is “plush” is an understatement. I’ll offer you fair warning. Once you go with a Prestige and Luxury package in any Audi, you’ll never go back to just a regular interior. The Bang and Olufsen sound system, thermo cupholder, leather instrument panel top and door arm rests, premium Milano ventilated front seats, parking system plus with rearview camera, Audi side assist that lights up when there‘s a car in your blind spot, and Audi adaptive light is enough to convert you into a “car snob”. If you can shell out the extra $9,500 for these upgrades, we’ll let you slide a little if you want to be snooty. If that’s not enough, let’s add on a little more comfort and convenience, shall we? The heatable, 12-way power front seats allows you to get that seat just right . Add on the memory driver seating so you don’t have to manually adjust the seat every time you get in the car. Then when you’re ready to start the engine, all you have to do is press a button. The advanced key just has to be anywhere inside the car for it to start. With all these little luxuries, a 5-hour drive to Vegas is much better than riding first class in any jet plane – even if the trip is much longer. The Q5 is a great little road warrior for the front seat passengers, but doesn’t leave too much leg room for back seat riders unless they’re little kids or if any of the front passengers has long legs (as my fiance does). And if you are riding with...

Lexus has updated the GS sedan with the aim to be more competitive in the challenging midsized luxury market. We explored this vehicle at the Detroit auto show in order to share our initial impressions in the video below. Lexus clearly stuck close to its established formula, though minor differences promise welcomed improvements. The new GS is the same size as the outgoing model, with only the height having grown by an inch. Lexus claims the interior provides more passenger room, and indeed it does feel a touch more spacious, particularly in the backseat. The trunk grows a reported 25 percent in volume, and access is improved through a larger opening. The engine is again a 3.5-liter V6, with a slightly more horsepower (edging up to 306, from 303). The six-speed automatic transmission promises faster shifts and four driving modes to better balance performance and efficiency. Lexus cites 0-60 mph times under six seconds. As expected, the GS offers the company’s latest infotainment features, with available DVD audio, surround sound, and giant 12.3-inch split-screen for navigation and other functions. It will also use the next-generation Lexus Enform system that enables connectivity via a smart phone for Internet searches and streaming music. The interior is well finished, with increased use of wood trim giving the cabin a more-upscale feel. The GS will include 10 air bags and anti-whiplash front seats, and it will be available with night vision, heads-up display, blind-spot monitor, and lane assist. The last GS we tested had the stiff ride of a sports sedan without being sporty. Lexus has cited significant changes to the suspension and upgraded the brakes. We will find out if this 2013 GS improves over the previous generation when we buy one to test at our track. View post:  2012 Detroit auto show video: 2013 Lexus GS 350

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

Honda is currently developing a Civic SUV crossover which will meet head on the successful Nissan Qashqai. The Japanese car manufacturer is also hoping to boost its profits in Europe especially in the UK where their sales figures have dropped by as much as 50% in the last three years. The new Honda crossover will be a blend of Civic and the CR-V. We do not know yet how this new Honda crossover will be called but it will be using a tweaked version of the platform used by the Honda Civic. The new Civic SUV will be sold starting 2013. We can expect the design lines of the new Honda Civic with details like the narrow headlamps or the soft lines of the wheelarches. The front end of the vehicle might borrow elements from the concept car called Skydeck MPV with the underbody guard. For the interior, the crossover will be having rear flip up seats. According to initial reports the new Honda crossover will have a higher riding clearance and will be easy to handle, thanks to its Civic influences. The stiff subframe on the rear plus the bushes filled with fluid help keep the handling sharp and the ride smoother. Honda will put its 1.6L i-DTEC powerplant under the hood of the crossover. It is capable of giving out 118bhp with a torque of 300 NM. The carbon dioxide emission is at 110 grams for every kilometer while the fuel mileage is reported to be at 70 miles per gallon. The efficiency might be attributed to a well designed power steering setup and a stop start system. The more potent 147 bhp 2.2L i-DTEC powerplant will also be available plus another option to go for the 1.8L gasoline dependent engine that gives out 138 bhp. Honda will have their marketing centered on their new generation of hybrid technologies which we might see being used on this newcomer. There could be an electric motor on the rear wheels to give it an all wheel drive version. The Japanese car manufacturer is also working on plug-in hybrid setup for their bigger vehicles, and according to some source the new crossover might get this. The crossover is expected to have a tag price around the area of £17,000. It might hit the showrooms by next year. Read the original: Honda works on Civic SUV crossover