In addition to our video coverage, we’ve compiled a small photo gallery of the MINI Goodwood for your viewing enjoyment. The MINI Goodwood is the Rolls of small cars, literally left in the hands of Rolls-Royce to craft the interior and exterior fine details. In the words of MINI, “The MINI Inspired by Goodwood is characterised by top-grade materials, the highest level of workmanship and stylish supremacy. Its exclusive character is the result of an exceptional collaboration. The special edition of the three-door MINI was built under the guidance of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars designer team and transfers the unmistakable style of the British luxury car manufacturer to the equally unique original within the premium small car segment. The exterior and interior design features, which were conceived at the Rolls-Royce Design division in the southern English town of Goodwood, provide the model from the MINI Yours range with a fascinating charisma and an incomparably high-quality ambience.” From the brief time we spent with the car, it certainly seems posh. We will bring you more coverage of the MINI Goodwood in the not so distant future. See the original post here:  CIAS 2012: MINI Goodwood Photo Gallery

It is with great pleasure that we bring you our first auto show video reel from the show floor. We’ve mixed in the highlights of the day and we’re confident the ending will make you salivate, just a little. Stay tuned to BMWBLOG for increased video content, and be sure to check back in short order our video interviews from the show floor. This marks the 37th annual Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS), Canada’s most important auto show. Thanks to the crowds of spectators and out of city visitors, the show provides Toronto’s economy with a 165 million dollar shot in the arm. Maybe they can spend some of this money fixing our atrocious roads so that we can actually drive some of these cars around without losing a filling? Not likely. At least the cars look beautiful under the hot lights, and if you can dodge the pot holes on your way out of the city proper, you’ll be in for some amazing drives on wide open country back-roads. See more here: CIAS 2012: BMWBLOG Video Coverage

The 2012 Geneva Auto Show marks the premiere of a range of Original BMW Accessories developed to customize and enhance the look and feel of the new 3 Series Sedan.  Exterior offerings range from unique 20 inch wheels to a fitted indoor/outdoor car cover. The new 3 Series Sedan interior can be customized in keeping with the new Sport, Modern or Luxury Lines with items such as high quality all weather floor mats, color matched emergency brake handle, key fobs, rear storage and backrest bags. For longer trips a lockable roof box, or a snowboard holder is also available.  Original BMW Accessories can be purchased through any authorized BMW center. The Geneva show also marks the premiere of new accessory division for BMW vehicles: BMW M Performance Parts. BMW M Performance Parts are designed in close collaboration with BMW M GmbH and include powertrain, suspension, aerodynamics and cockpit components that provide a tangible increase in driving dynamics by enhancing engine power, reducing weight and optimizing aerodynamic properties. The initial BMW M Performance products have been specially developed for the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and the new 1 Series (5-door model). The products include black kidney grills, M Performance exhaust systems, carbon fiber front splitters and an M Performance steering. The BMW M Performance Parts will roll out in the USA beginning this summer. BMW M Performance Parts may be purchased and installed through authorized BMW Centers. Full Press Release Driving pleasure made to measure, inspired by motor racing: the new BMW M Performance accessory program. The newly structured program in the BMW M Performance product area enables selective customisation with a clear focus on a particularly intensive driving experience. As of spring 2012, BMW M Performance products specially developed for the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and the new BMW 1 Series are available as part of the Original BMW Accessories range. The retrofit components designed in close collaboration with BMW M GmbH in the areas of powertrain, suspension, aerodynamics and cockpit provide a tangible increase in driving dynamics by enhancing engine power, reducing weight and optimising aerodynamic properties. What is more, they add a striking...

Just a few months after the successful market launch of the new BMW 1 Series in markets other than the USA and Canada, the engine range for the compact model will be extended with the addition of three 4-cylinder engines. The status of the most powerful gas engine variant goes to the BMW 125i, whose 4-cylinder power unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology develops a maximum output of 160 kW/218 hp and a maximum torque of 310 Newton meters (228 lb-ft). The most powerful diesel model in future will be the 125d with the same output and a maximum torque of 450 Newton meters (330 lb-ft). Its BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology includes multi-stage turbocharging and the latest generation of common rail direct injection. The new front runner of the BMW model range in terms of efficiency will also be in the spotlight at the 2012 International Motor Show in Geneva. The BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition is powered by an 85 kW/116 hp diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology. It accelerates in 10.5 seconds from zero to 100 km/h and its average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers. With a CO2 level of 99 grams per kilometer, the BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition sets another milestone in the continuous reduction of exhaust emissions in road traffic. The new 1 Series 5-door model is not planned for sale in the USA or Canada. Read more: Geneva Premiere: BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition with CO2 level of 99 g/km

The 2012 Lexus IS350 AWD is an entry-level luxury sedan that offers premium features and reputable Lexus reliability. Originally introduced in Japan as the Toyota Altezza, the current IS model was introduced to North America in 2000. Initially marketed strictly as a sedan, the IS lineup has expanded to include hard-top convertibles and high performance variants. At first glance one can immediately gauge the sportiness of the IS350 AWD. Smooth, fluid lines pull back from a bold front fascia. The entire body style screams sporty while incorporating hints of elegance. Chrome accents, including the dual exhaust, give the IS a touch of luxury. The exterior is available in eight different colors; Cerulean Blue Metallic, Deep Sea Mica, Fire Agate Pearl, Matador Red Mica, Obsidian, Starfish Pearl, Tungsten Pearl, and Ultrasonic Blue Mica. Under the hood is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 306 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, granting the vehicle quick and smooth off the line acceleration. The 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift option is well constructed, eliminating any potential lag or jolting between gears. Although power is plentiful, the engine detracts from fuel mileage; 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, numbers that could definitely use some improvement. The nimble feel of the IS allows for easy handling in all situations; with all four wheels working, sway is minimized at slow and fast speeds. Luckily the tight and responsive handling is accented by smooth braking, with no signs of mushy abruptness. The turning radius is a respectable 35.5 curb to curb. Interior cabin noise is incredibly quiet with no exterior street noise. Lexus chose to leave the interior relatively unchanged; carrying over the simplistic design they have always had. Ergonomically speaking the IS is a homerun; everything is within the reach of driver or passenger and all buttons are in typical places. Everything on the interior of the vehicle is intuitive and easy to use, including the entertainment system, Bluetooth, and auxiliary connection. Although wood accents would add a nice touch, the interior materials are made of good long-lasting materials. The leather wrapped steering wheel provides a nice sporty and comfortable feel. Thankfully comfort extends to the rest of the interior...

Smart has updated the exterior of its sole model, the Fortwo . The headlamps now have LED daytime running lamps, the logo is bigger, and the lower front fascia has been resculpted. Ditto for the rear fascia. We’re told additional colors will be available, and a leather interior now will be on offer. The car arrives at dealers in May 2012. With a brand-new and mechanically unrelated model on the way in the next few years— we’ve heard it will be built jointly with Renault , and that the French company will use the platform for its next-gen Twingo city car—Mercedes-Benz has no reason to address the issues that were really wrong with the Fortwo, namely its balky transmission. For now, the impossible semi-automatic transmission stays. (It’s not in the unmercifully slow Smart Fortwo Electric Drive .) The Smart’s fuel economy, at 34 mpg city and 38 highway, is equaled or bettered by any number of bigger, safer, more refined, more powerful, quicker, and less embarrassing vehicles. In our country, where fitting in parking spots on baguette-narrow, 18th-century streets isn’t a requirement, the Smart has no real raison d’être . Still, in 2011, Mercedes-Benz took over Smart distribution in the U.S. from Penske, shuffling the dealers and putting some marketing money into the wayward brand. Below, the Smart’s sales versus those of another pariah car, the now-discontinued Chevy Aveo. Originally posted here: Smart Face Lifts the Fortwo, But Will Anyone Here Notice? The rest is here:  Smart Face Lifts the Fortwo, But Will Anyone Here Notice?

Last month Acura previewed major changes to its lineup. The NSX Concept was no doubt Acura’s main event, and one of the stars of the show. Overall though, the new supercar is a deviation from the strategy that the brand is pursuing. Acura hopes the NSX effect will trickle down, but at the show the ILX Concept was the most important debut, showing off a change in approach for the brand. Instead of trying to take it to Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Acura is repositioning as a more near-luxury brand, going against Buick and Lexus. Its a space that Acura has always found success in in the past. Why not return to it now? The ILX is a return to that. The ILX Concept we really liked at the North American International Auto Show is barely different here; that car was a concept in name only. The ILX’s style is crisp and youthful, with some very nice lines and surfacing. It is a genuinely good-looking car, and that is something we have been hard pressed to say about any Acuras of late. This design has had us hopeful about Acura’s future. While the ILX is Civic based, you would never know it. The interior is where the problem begins…. It doesn’t feel special enough; we’re getting Civic vibes. That’s unfortunate, given that the Civic’s interior isn’t even impressive for its segment. That isn’t to say the ILX doesn’t Acura-ify things up; it does. Instead of being canted slightly toward the driver, the center stack is vertical and upright. It follows the Acura design motif of a thin swoopy head unit integrated into the center stack. There is also a new navigation system setup mounted in the upper dash. Nice, but a definite win for the Buick Verano in the interior. Under the hood there are three engine options. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder making 150 horsepower. The top-shelf engine is 201 horsepower 2.4-liter unit mated to a six-speed manual. The fuel economy leader is Acura’s first hybrid, a Integrated Motor Assist setup combined with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder making 11 horsepower. Acura estimates it will get 35 mpg city/38 mpg highway. The ILX is making a play for first-time luxury buyers in their 20s and 30s. With competitive pricing and based on the looks alone,...

The Chicago Auto Show is in full swing, and Hyundai is busy adding new variants to its hot-selling Elantra lineup. In just a few years Hyundai has gone from joke, to also ran and now, one of the segment’s leaders. The Elantra is well-regarded as one of the best new compact cars on the market. Stylish, fuel-efficient, reliable – we’d rank it right up with the Chevrolet Cruze if we were in the market. What it has lacked up until now is diversity – it has sold with just one model, the standard four-door sedan. Today, the Elantra adds a coupe model as well as Elantra GT. We’ve already seen the Elantra GT – in Europe and other countries it is known as the i30. This is the strategy that Hyundai followed last time when it brought over the European hatchback model. It was previously called the Elantra Touring though. Given its European roots, the Elantra GT is a bit more upscale than the standard sedan. There is projector headlamps, and the interior design we like better than the more polarizing look of the American Elantra. This Elantra GT goes squarely against other hatchback models in the segment like the VW Golf, Mazda3 and the Focus. Hyundai is trumpeting the Elantra GT as the lightest car in its segment, checking in at 222 pounds less than the Golf, 175 pounds less than the Focus and 151 pounds less than the 3. Fuel economy is estimated to be 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway. Nice job guys. Under the hood is the same 1.8-liter four-cylinder that powers the rest of the Elantra lineup. It makes 148 horsepower, which is a best-in-class output of 82.2 hp per liter. The GT also has a driver knee airbag, a first for the Elantra line and another feature you can thank the Europeans for. While hatchbacks never have been the biggest sellers in the United States, their share is increasing so expect Elantra sales to get a nice boost from the addition of the GT. What we didn’t expect is an Elantra Coupe! Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design philosophy translates really well. Hyundai seemed to take care in getting the proportions right. If you notice, there is a wide expanse between the front and rear of the Elantra Coupe. There is a bigger door and larger rear seating area than most small coupes. Part of that is due to is due to the fact...

Henrik Fisker and a small team from Fisker Automotive recently brought a Karma to our Connecticut auto-test facility. We only had a few hours with the $100,000 luxury sedan, but this first production vehicle from the California startup made an impression. The enthusiastic Fisker first led us on a walk-around in our main shop, where we got a technical deep-dive, including a close-up look inside, outside, and underneath the curvaceous plug-in. When seeing the car in person, the first thing you notice is the long flowing lines. The attention to design details is not surprising since Fisker was the main man behind the Aston Martin DB9 and BMW Z8. The Karma is large, with a 124-inch wheelbase, and heavy. At about 5,500 pounds, it weighs as much as a big SUV, like the Dodge Durango . The Karma is essentially a plug-in hybrid of the same general type as the Chevrolet Volt , meaning that it’s an electric car that uses a gasoline engine solely to provide electrical power to the drive motors and maintain charge for the car’s drive battery. The company has claimed that the Karma can drive solely on its battery for about 50 miles but, as we’ve seen, such estimates are often optimistic. In fact, the EPA rates the Karma range at 32 miles. Once the 20-kWh lithium ion battery is depleted, the car transitions to its gasoline mode, using a 260-hp, 2.0-liter General Motors four-cylinder turbocharged engine spinning a generator to power the electric drive. With a claimed 403 horsepower, you’d expect the Karma to be quick, but I didn’t think it felt all that punchy either in “stealth” (all-battery) mode or gas-enhanced “sport” mode. Clearly, the heavy curb weight takes its toll. Initial take-off lacks the urgency you’d expect from a car of this price and presence. Relying on a single-ratio transmission also compromises acceleration. Handling is responsive, but, again, the Karma’s mass hurts the car’s agility. It’s not at the level one would expect from a sporty high-end sedan. However, when pushed to its limits, the Karma proves stable and balanced. Unique for an EV, the steering is hydraulic, and it feels linear and communicative. On the beautiful but freezing day of the visit, the Karma was wearing 21-inch...

The latest in a long line of special-edition roadsters, the Mazda MX-5 Miata debuting at the Chicago Auto Show this week is based on the retractable hardtop version. It gets a black top and exterior trim bits, along with black leather seats and piano black interior trim. Rounding out the dark look are gunmetal black 17-inch wheels. But that’s where the black stops, because red and white are the only exterior colors offered. Based on the range-topping Grand Touring model with Premium package, just 450 Special Edition models will be produced, equipped with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission with paddle shifters. All will have keyless entry, satellite radio, and Bluetooth for hands-free calling. Manual transmission models will also get a sport suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and a limited-slip differential. It is worth noting that more than 900,000 Miatas have been built since the original made its debut at the Chicago show in 1989. Visit the Mazda MX-5 Miata model page to read our road test, reliability, owner satisfaction, and other information. Read more: 2012 Chicago Auto Show: Mazda MX-5 Miata special edition black-top

NADAguides.com , the leading online provider of new and used vehicle pricing and information, announces the 2012 BMW 650i sports coupe as the Featured Vehicle of the Month for February. Completely redesigned, this third generation BMW 650i offers a striking new design, a wider, lower stance, a more fuel-efficient and powerful V8 engine, a more driver-focused dashboard, state-of-the-art technology and more. For those shopping in the premium coupe segment, the BMW 650i stands out as a world class grand touring car, which makes it a perfect choice for the NADAguides.com Featured Vehicle of the Month for February. NADAguides.com analysts were impressed with the driving performance and handling of the BMW 650i, in particular the engine’s responsiveness and the ride comfort. The new design, featuring a longer chassis and wider track, provides excellent road holding and superior control and handling. The 4.4 liter twin turbo V8 engine generates 400 horsepower and can be mated to an 8-speed Sport Automatic gearbox or BMW’s traditional 6-speed manual transmission. Along with its performance capabilities, the BMW 650i also offers state-of-the-art technology as expected. NADAguides.com analysts were especially impressed with the innovative BMW ConnectedDrive function, which includes a host of driver assistance technology such as Automatic High Beams, Lane DepartureWarning, cornering lights, Active Blind Spot Detection, Rear and Top View cameras, Parking Assistant and a new, three-dimensional, full-color Head-Up Display that is projected onto the windshield. NADAguides.com analysts noted that website traffic for the BMW 650i increased 19 percent from Q3 to Q4 of last year coinciding with the car’s availability at dealerships. The 2012 BMW 650i Coupe has a starting MSRP of $83,000 and goes up to a MSRP of $86,000 for the BMW 650i xDrive model. Key Quotes • Troy Snyder, Director of Product Development at NADAguides.com: “Totally redesigned, the new BMW 650i is the perfect combination of stability, handling and quickness while offering the grandest touring experience. Luxury coupe car shoppers in the premium segment will appreciate the perfect blend of a sharp, tight and tasteful interior, premium technology amenities and an unbelievably smooth,...

The refined-and-luxurious Z4 roadster range now sports the first four-cylinder engine BMW has deployed in the United States since 1999. We recently spent some time with a Z4 borrowed from BMW to sample this fresh powertrain and share our impressions. Beyond the Z4, the new 2.0-liter turbo four will be the base engine in the redesigned 3 Series that goes on sale any day now and already serves the 5 Series in the 528i. In the Z4, the engine provides churns out 240 horses, with decent overall power and a healthy mid-range punch. Just don’t expect it to duplicate one of BMW’s super-smooth straight sixes in either sound or fury, never mind official acceleration numbers. It’s here for fuel economy. Since BMW makes some cars that are traditionally entertaining to drive, you’d expect the $50,000-plus Z4 to deliver the goods regardless of what winds up under the hood. Sadly not. Yes, there’s plenty of capability and cornering grip, but the steering is disappointing, being devoid of feel and feedback. And if you turn up the powertrain volume a bit—well OK, more than a bit—understeer sets in and its not always easy to correct. At least the ride is not punishing as it is in other sports cars. The cabin is extremely tight. Getting in and out of the low-slung cabin can require a rather taxing pirouette. And if you have a passenger, as well as a briefcase, one of them has to go in the trunk. Unlike the handling, the interior stays true to BMW’s tradition of impeccable finish. On the fun-to-drive scale, the Z4 doesn’t come close to, say, the Porsche Boxster . Even the Mercedes-Benz SLK would give the Z4 a run for its money these days. But if you just want to tool around in a great-looking two-seater, the Z4 may be your cup of Schnapps. View original here: First drive video: 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

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...