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

People will often pay through their nose to be the first to have something. In the technology industry it is called being an early-adopter – and you definitely pay to be one. With cars, Concours d’Elegance shows and auctions like Barrett Jackson in Arizona usually offer a chance to be first. Sometimes a catalog like Neiman Marcus will score an exclusive as well. Most of the time the proceeds of a much-anticipated model are donated to a charity. According to Motor Authority sixth annual Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance in Florida is aiming to secure the very first Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. A charity doesn’t appear to be involved but we’ll have to check on that to be sure. The standard sixth-generation SL just made its debut, and the high-performance AMG model is still under wraps. So apparently you’re bidding at the show for a car that hasn’t been released yet. That’s pretty weird, but when the car debuts you will be guaranteed to have the first one. While not well-known by most, the Boca Raton show has a history of first sells. They include the first Ferrari California, FF and 458 Italia, along with the first R8 GT, R8 5.2 FSI and R8 Spyder. Mercedes-Benz isn’t a stranger to the show either, with the first North American SLS AMG sold there. On the docket this year is a Lamborghini Aventador, as well as the just-released R8 GT Spyder, which is limited to just 50 units in the United States. Most likely information will be provided to the buyer at the show via Mercedes, unless they decide to release the AMG first. The car is rumored to have 571 horsepower, powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-8. The Boca Raton event takes place beginning February 25th. The price for being first will likely run at least $200,000. The previous generation SL63 AMG came in at around $140,000. Related posts: Production 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Spotted in Canary Islands The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG 60 Years of History: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Go here to see the original:  Unreleased 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG To Be Auctioned In Florida

BMW of North America Unveils Six Playful Digital Shorts as Part of National Advertising Campaign Launching the All-New BMW 3 Series, Including One Appearing in a New York Tri-State Area Ad During Super Bowl XLVI “The Big Grab,” will also air in the New York Tri-State area in an ad during Super Bowl XLVI. Created by “The Perfect Seat,” illustrates how an odd couple — a driver and his much-taller companion — can share the driver’s seat thanks to driver’s seat memory. Beginning Monday, February 7, select digital shorts will begin airing online at sites including NBC.com, ABC.com and Hulu. All of the content, including the Super Bowl spot “The Big Grab,” where a heated steering wheel saves the day when a group of freezing friends hop into the car, can be viewed online at www.youtube.com/bmwusa. “The BMW 3 Series is the global benchmark for a sports sedan,” said Dan Creed, Vice President of Marketing, BMW of North America. “With these shorts, we turn a spotlight on the innovations that make the 3 Series the standard to which others aspire.” See original here: BMW Launches 6 Playful Digital Shorts and NY Tri-State Regional Ad for Super Bowl

At first look – not to mention the second and third – the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is rather appealing. But living with and thoroughly testing the car reveals a lot of flaws. Yes, we know that the Evoque has received many awards in the enthusiast media. Among them, the Evoque was named North American Truck of the Year, Motor Trend’s Sport/Utility of the Year, and it’s on Automobile’s 2012 All-Star list. These accolades make some sense. The sharp-looking Evoque is distinctive in a world of cookie-cutter cars. It also marks a new direction for the famed British brand, now run by an Indian conglomerate. And unlike most small upscale SUVs, the Evoque packs some off-road capability. But we don’t score styling. Image and corporate heritage create a feel-good factor—and a good story—but they don’t affect product quality. And given that most SUVs stay firmly on road, off-road capability isn’t a big deal for the typical buyer, either. Instead, we care about how good the Evoque is to drive and live with in the real world. Here, the Evoque also makes a pretty good first impression. Frisky handling and generous power earned plenty of positive initial comments in the vehicle’s logbook. The drivers also lauded the full-length see-through roof as a clever touch in the well-finished interior. Unfortunately, a deeper look reveals some substantial flaws. For instance, the responsive handling is marred by steering that has an artificial feel and weight. The stylish cabin has a really tight driving position; my left foot fell asleep on a 30 minute drive. Most buyers will find the well-bolstered front seats to be narrow and constrictive. Rear visibility is limited to a little slit of glass. More concerning, the Evoque slides its tail out in emergency maneuvers, while simultaneously lifting a rear wheel and hopping. An SUV just shouldn’t do that, especially one that is tuned for sporty on-road driving. Finally, it makes it a whole lot easier for other reviewers to like a vehicle when they don’t have to pay for it. We bought our Evoque. Even modestly equipped (ours lacks navigation), the sticker price was $45,745. This is several thousand dollars more than the already-steeply-priced competition. Never...

It’s not often we think of any SUV as being fun to drive. But consider this: The BMW X3 truly fits that description. And seeing as how the original X3 basically invented the upscale sporty compact SUV segment, it’s refreshing that the latest version continues this tradition, while adding functionality. The X3’s fun factor is enhanced by its standard 240-hp six-cylinder engine, which provides satisfying acceleration yet still returns 22 mpg—the best among its peers. The smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic also helps the X3’s performance. In our testing, we found the X3’s handling agile, taut and confident in the corners. The steering is especially quick to respond and provides good feedback from the road surface. Inside, the X3 is well-finished with big panels of wood trim and a padded dashboard. But with BMW’s usually nice interiors brings the car company’s complicated controls. The shifter, for example, takes some practice to get right: you push forward from Park into Reverse, and Park is a button on top. This can throw off first-time users. At least iDrive, BMW’s multifunction control system, has gotten easier to use over the years. But some functions, like manual radio tuning, can require going through several on-screen menu pages. The front seats are firm and supportive, and the rear seat is reasonably roomy for two or even three average-sized people. But all this fun love comes at a fairly steep price. Our modestly equipped test car stickered at over $43,000. Still, the X3 doesn’t just dazzle you with a prestigious label on the hood. The small SUV does a lot well for this price by rewarding drivers with enjoyable performance, a nicely finished cabin, and very decent fuel economy. Check the video and complete road test for further insights. Read more from the original source: Test complete video: 2012 BMW X3

More than half of clients who specified a Rolls-Royce Ghost in 2011 turned to bespoke personalization. The service, which includes anything from the application of unique paint colors, coach lines and tread plates to whole vehicle designs featuring champagne sets, humidors and picnic cabinets, helped drive Rolls-Royce to record sales last year. In total, 56% of Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase models sold around the world featured bespoke design in 2011. The move to highly personalised Rolls-Royce Ghost models follows an increase in sales of bespoke Phantom family cars last year. More than eight in every ten Rolls-Royce Phantom models passed through the hands of the team’s designers and skilled craftspeople, before being delivered to a client. In some markets in the Middle East every Phantom featured bespoke content. “It is always our goal to exceed our clients’ highest expectations and fulfill their innermost desires,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce CEO. “With highly bespoke Phantom and Ghost models, we are able to achieve this. The passion with which our bespoke craftspeople create these beautiful cars is reflected in some truly outstanding examples delivered across the globe last year.” The proportion of Phantom family cars with bespoke content delivered to Middle Eastern clients rose from 75% in 2005 to 99% last year, while in Europe the figure increased from 50% to 89%. In North America it rose from 30% to 84% over the same period and in Asia Pacific from 50% to 79%. In the United Kingdom, the third largest single market for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the proportion of Phantom family cars featuring bespoke content increased from 60% to 88%. In August 2011 Rolls-Royce announced an expansion of its bespoke operation to meet growing demand, doubling the number of bespoke experts working at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood by the end of the year. The company is also about to expand its manufacturing facility, partly due to the increase in demand for bespoke cars. Work will begin next month.   Read the original: More Rolls-Royce Ghost clients turn to bespoke personalisation

The upcoming March 2012 issue of Consumer Reports magazine features road tests of the BMW X3 , Jeep Wrangler , Land Rover Range Rover Evoque , Volkswagen Tiguan , and Toyota Prius V . These new or updated models were treated to the full battery of more than 50 tests, and the full results are available now to online subscribers. The true match up this issue was between the BMW X3 and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. While the X3 scored an 80 in CR’s road test, the Evoque earned just a 60, scoring near the bottom of its category. The X3 is one of the few SUVs that feels sporty to drive, and a new eight-speed automatic transmission helps bring its fuel economy to a respectable 22 mpg overall on premium fuel. With its unique styling, the new Evoque turns heads, but it has many shortcomings, including a cramped cabin, stiff ride, artificial-feeling steering, and troubling emergency handling. “The X3 does an impressive job of combining sporty handling, a lavish interior, and surprising fuel economy,” said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center in East Haddam, CT. “Although the stylish Evoque has won lots of accolades in the press, including North American Truck of the Year, our more thorough testing reveals quite a few flaws.” CR also tested three other vehicles in the magazine’s March issue: The Volkswagen Tiguan which got some updates for 2012 and scored a Very Good test score; the Toyota Prius V, a family-friendly wagon version of the Prius; and the Jeep Wrangler. Despite some recent improvements, the iconic off-roader remains CR’s lowest ranked vehicle with a Road Test score of 20. The Prius V, X3, and Tiguan are all Recommended. The Evoque and Wrangler scored too low for CR to Recommend. Consumer Reports only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR’s Annual Auto Survey of its more than seven million print and Web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test. Again, these road tests and extended track reports are now live. You may also watch the road test videos, and hundreds more, in our video section. See more here:  New road tests: Compact luxury...

Each week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we simply call him . . . the Continental. After this year’s Detroit auto show and a trip to California for a press event, I am back on my German home turf. This Detroit auto show—public days of which just ended last weekend—was the best one in several years. After thumbing through my notes, I’ve compiled a few of my observations from Cobo Hall and subsequent meetings, outlining the highlights, lowlights, and so-so performances. Yes: Acura NSX . Finally, another super sports car from Honda! A Honda/Acura rebirth is on the way, disturbing comments by the company’s North American marketing executives notwithstanding. This car won’t be a compromise. One caveat: Voices tell me CEO Ito has seen the light in the form of electrics and hybrids. At least he thinks so. No: Cadillac ATS . Cadillac has been defined by its characteristic and unmistakably angular styling language, and I was expecting an ultra-contemporary, aggressive compact sports sedan. A sharper and more compact CTS, please. Alas, the ATS falls flat down on its unremarkable face—and the interior doesn’t save it, either. Are Cadillac’s designers voluntarily abandoning its styling language, or was this car clinicked to death? At this point, it makes no difference. But hey, it’s supposed to beat the 3-series on the road, right? We’ll see. Yes: Audi’s Q3 Vail concept . “Two months ago, [CEO] Rupert Stadler asked us to create a Q3 for America to gauge interest in the car,” says exterior designer Frank Gruner. His team took the off-road styling package add-ons, resprayed them in a granite color, added running boards, aluminum appliqués, and 20-inch wheels, plus an aluminum roof rack with integrated LED lights.The concept was so well received that Stadler confirmed the Q3 will come to the U.S. So-so: the Mercedes-Benz SL550 . I love the fact this car is up to 275 pounds lighter than its predecessor, and I am sure it will be an absolute blast to drive. (Please also mark me down for extended test drives of the upcoming SL63 and SL65 AMG versions.) Meanwhile, however, allow me...

Mitsubishi has just delivered its first four “i” electric cars . Three individuals—one each in California, Oregon, and Washington—have taken delivery. The fourth i went to the government fleet in the city of Normal, Ill., where Mitsubishi has a plant. (Honda recently provided its first Fit EV to Torrance, California, home to its North American headquarters in this tradition.) At $21,625 (after the federal tax credit), the i is the least expensive electric car on the market. It has a claimed 80-mile range and an EPA rating equivalent to 112 mpg. Mitsubishi says the car can be recharged fully in 7 hours on a 240-volt, Level 2 charger. Related: Preview: Mitsubishi i 2012 Mitsubishi i electric car has a price increase, before it goes on sale EPA rates Mitsubishi “i” electric at 62 miles of range and 112 mpg equivalent Originally posted here: Mitsubishi delivers first i electric cars

The iconic BMW E30 has now been debated, glorified, worshiped and written about ad nauseum. If you haven’t owned an E30, and you’ve never had the chance to drive one, all of this fuss over a 30 year old car must be driving you properly nuts. What could possibly be so special about a car released the same year as Michael Jackson’s Thriller album? Rather a lot, actually. The E30 ascended to cult-classic status because its parts coalesced into one harmonious whole. The E30 was a driving instrument that sought to convey every bit of sensory information possible from the road surface to your brain. Strapping into the E30 was like plugging an HDMI cable into your head – the other end gathering data from the contact patches. As you made progress down the road, this car remained raw and honest. If you only let it, it would please you until you ran out of fuel, tires, or brakes. To put it simply, the E30 delivered purity unmatched by modern cars. Fast forward to the current millennium and you will find a car-scape mostly devoid of precision driving instruments. Burdened with comfort, technology and safety appendages, modern cars have grown in weight. Through the years they’ve also gown layers, incrementally distancing you, the driver, from the sensory experience. The latest layer to surface between driver and road has risen from the necessity of increased efficiency. Electronic power steering replaces the hydraulic pump that used to reduce the muscle needed in wheeling your steed. Somehow, in the application of this technology, the subtleties wiggling up through the steering shaft have been erased – or at least, reduced. Even the Porsche 911 – fabled for its telepathic steering feel – has fallen prey to this technology, though reviews thus far suggest the damage is limited. At the racetrack or on a snaking road, only a car free of sensory callus can carry you to driving nirvana. The magical pixie dust of the E30 is no magic at all – it’s a mechanical simplicity that connects you to the driving experience. In the quintessential linguistic contradiction: less is more. Let’s distill the E30 down to its fundamental ingredients. The car was lightweight, the M3 tipping the scales at a scant 2,865 lbs – earlier...

After a seven years partnership with Butler Shine Stern & Partners, MINI is searching for a new ad agency.  According to AdAge , BMW’s MINI has started a review process led by North Carolina consulting firm, Hasan & Co. The scope of work includes national brand creative, regional and dealer creative, media planning and buying for both national and co-op advertising. The digital work handled by Beam Interactive and multicultural marketing by Sanders Wingo will be retained by the two firms. AdAge says the review reviews is not related to performance, but rather a directive by the BMW Group. “Mini USA has been very satisfied with BSSP’s services,” Tom Salkowsky, manager of Mini USA marketing, said in a statement. “They have helped support Mini’s growth over the years with groundbreaking, never-been-done-before creative. We are simply adhering to BMW Group corporate purchasing procedures by going to RFP,” He noted that BSSP will participate in the review. John Butler, executive creative director at BSSP, feels confident that the company will win the new contract. Out of the total $165 million spent by BMW on domestic advertising in 2010, only $26 million were allocated to MINI marketing. Its latest advertising, themed “The Best Test Drive Ever. Period,” featured the winner of a contest who submitted a six-word description of his idea of the best-ever test drive. The winner is featured in a two-minute film and 90-second cinema commercial dramatizing his idea.     Continued here:  BMW’s Mini Starts Ad Agency Search

Just months before its official debut, the F31 BMW 3 Series Touring was spied during winter weather testing. The F31 Touring picks up the design details from the new 3 Series Sedan and adds the typical sport wagon lines. The spy photo showcases the usual psychedelic camouflage that hides the final design cues, but we don’t expect any major changes at the front or rear-end. In Europe, the entry level model will be the 320d producing 184 horsepower. Next in the line-up is the more powerful 325d which uses the twin-turbo 218 horsepower four-cylinder engine from the 525d. The six-cylinder diesels will make their way into the 330d and 335d, producing 258 horsepower, respectively 313 hp. BMW will also offer the new touring with the xDrive configuration. Recently BMW of North America confirmed that the F31 Sports Wagon will come to the U.S. as well, and even though not confirmed, we expect the 328i model with xDrive to be the only one offered. The 3 Series Touring also comes in three lines: Modern, Luxury and Sport. The aggressive M sports package will come to enhance the sporty allure of the touring. Prices for the 3 Series Touring are usually a little higher than the sedan, so expect a small premium over the base price of a 328i. [Photo: BimmerToday | Pixner ] View original here: Spy Photos: F31 BMW 3 Series Touring

As expected early this 2012 year, automakers posted some very optimistic sales numbers for the United States marketplace for 2011. A place where consumers still love their cars, 2011 provided an excellent year for North American car fans. No other time in the North American auto industry has motorists been able to explore so much freedom and choice. In only three years, the American auto industry has turned from forecasted shambles to a rosier, settled environment. Hitting Chrysler and General Motors in the most severe manner, no major auto company was truly immune to the economic troubles started in late 2008. Similar to reaction from the global banking and financial sector, it wasn’t until a key period where the public truly understood until bankruptcy papers were being filed. The combination of troubled business models and customers losing access to money or car loans needed for purchases led to a disappointing start of the 2009 calendar year. Between seven major automakers selling vehicles in the United States (GM, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Honda, Toyota and Hyundai/Kia), auto sales amounted to 9,124,380 cars in all of 2009 (5,145,746 units lower than just two years prior). It was only through a United States government sponsored new car purchase program that the tides began to reverse. Known as “ Cash for Clunkers ,” motorists were able to trade in an old vehicle for a guaranteed trade-in credit. After the 12 months of 2011, the same seven automakers have steadily performed better than the disastrous 2009 auto sales year. When the 2011 year ended, 10,987,403 were sold by the seven high volume automakers in the United States. Up 20.4 percent from 2009, the 2011 results continued the gains made after 2010 as some elements of the economy recuperated. Recognizing there is so many reasons to celebrate the improvement of the North American motor vehicle industry, the recent auto sale numbers indicating positive momentum from dismal 2009 figures have shown that the current car business is far from past glory.   The Detroit Three   For automakers Chrysler, Ford and General Motors, six years have seen once-proclaimed Big Three transform into the more modest moniker Detroit Three. In 2005, General Motors led United States car sales handsomely...

Chris Bangle, the charismatic designer and ex-chief of design at BMW, launches a novel. The U.S.-born designer penned the Peter Teufel, A Tale of Car Design in 3 Parts . But there is more to it. The prologue includes a description of six different kinds of vehicles that lead into a drawing contest. Bangle wants his readers to sketch out those concepts and submit the ideas. The grand prize winner will receive a trip to the studios of Chris Bangle Associates (CBA) in Italy or €2,000. Ten other winners will have their designs showcased on the official Chris Bangle site and published in the second edition of the book. The contest is open to “design students of all disciplines” who are not paid professionals. His retirement in March of 2009 marked the end of a decade and a half of service designing automobiles for BMW. Born in the USA, Christopher Bangle, aged 52, has been Head of BMW Group Design Development since October 1992. After studying at the University of Wisconsin and the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, he began his working life in Rüsselsheim, where he worked for Adam Opel AG. In 1985 he joined FIAT, where he became Director of the FIAT Centro Stile in 1992. Shortly afterwards he left the Italian automaker to come to Munich. Over the years numerous designs for new vehicles and vehicle concepts have been developed under Christopher Bangle’s leadership. As well as continuing the BMW 3, 5 and 7 Series, he and his teams were responsible for a range of other models, including the BMW Z3, BMW Z4, BMW X5, BMW Z8, BMW X3, the new BMW 6 Series, the BMW X6 and the BMW 1 Series. Other developments under the auspices of Christopher Bangle include the new MINI and Rolls-Royce models and a number of innovative motorcycle concepts. During his tenure, Christopher Bangle was also instrumental in making the company’s consultancy subsidiary, BMW Group DesignworksUSA, what it is today: a global design agency in North America, Munich and Singapore for leading international brands and companies in a wide variety of industries. [Source: Autoblog ] See the original post here: Chris Bangle writes book and launches contest

With the waving of the green flag to start the January 27th BMW Performance 200, the opening round of this year’s Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, the 2012 North American sports car racing season gets underway for more than 50 BMW drivers gathered for the Grand-Am Sports Car Series 50th Rolex 24 at Daytona weekend. The BMW Performance 200 will see the 16 BMWs entered in the Grand Sport and Street Tuner classes led to the green flag by a very special new BMW. The 2013 BMW M5 will serve as the race pace car and be displayed at the track throughout the weekend. Additionally, the all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series will make its second public appearance at the Rolex 24 only weeks after making its worldwide debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The opening round of the CTSCC season has been won by a BMW M3 for the last three seasons and the car has gone on to sweep the GS class titles in the last two years. “BMW Performance Parts is thrilled to sponsor the opening round of this year’s Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge,” said Craig Westbrook, Vice President Aftersales, BMW of North America. “As leaders in the performance parts and accessories market, there is no better place to showcase our passion than on the racetrack.” Every “Ultimate Driver” of the 12 BMW and BMW powered teams racing at the venerable Daytona International Speedway road course in both the CTSCC BMW Performance 200 and the classic twice-around-the-clock Rolex 24 will be looking to continue their successes from 2011 Grand-Am competition. In both 2010 and 2011, BMW teams won championships in two of the three Grand-Am series. Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates began 2011 with a BMW Powered victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and continued their winning ways to capture a second consecutive sweep of Grand-Am Daytona Prototype Engine Manufacturer, Driver and Team titles. Turner Motorsport added the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Grand Sport Driver and Team titles, contributing to a second consecutive GS Manufacturer’s championship for the BMW M3. Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates returns with its 2011 race-winning driver lineup in the No. 01 Telmex-liveried car of Joey Hand, Scott Pruett, Graham Rahal and Memo Rojas. Turner Motorsport...