BMWBLOG had the opportunity to interview Holger Jeebe of BMW’s Antriebstrategie (Strategical Aspects, Drive Train) at the Frankfurt Motor Show. After introductions we jumped right into it. BMWBLOG – The 8 speed automatic transmission has found its way from the 7 and now it can be seen in the F20 1er. What does the utilization of the 8 speed automatic allow BMW to deliver to the customer? Holger Jeebe – We can offer increased comfort, through smoother shifting, and less fuel consumption. BMWBLOG – While the torque converter and hybrid coupling are in use with the 8 speed automatic has any thought been given to using the double clutch that’s also available for the 8 speed automatic? Holger Jeebe – Good question. Currently we have decided to go with a conventional automatic drivetrain with this transmission. The torque converter and hybrid coupling are in use at this time on BMW equipped with the 8 speed automatic. BMWBLOG – How does the customer benefit from run-flat tires? Holger Jeebe – The decision to use run-flats was made for safety. Run-flats allow the customer to go into the next service area without having to stop on the side of the road, which is dangerous. The comfort of run-flats has increased with each generation and we find that, especially for the road conditions, that run-flats are the best compromise for delivering security [peace of mind – Ed.] and comfort. Run-flats are continuing to improve. BMW has a car/tire specification. We test extensively and the tires are developed with the car. We recommend that tire for the car when tires have to be replaced. BMWBLOG – The three cylinder engine should be coming into production soon along with more diesels. How do you maintain the emphasis on the premium experience with these engine offerings? Holger Jeebe – We feel that the engine and powertrain combination has to be fitted to the car. What we know is that the biggest advantage of a three cylinder engine is better fuel consumption and less carbon dioxide emissions. And we believe that this is a step in the right direction. Also we think that a three cylinder offers a little bit more emotionality than a four cylinder because at least it is a “half-six” and it has a better sound. That, we feel, is the right...

Cadillac ATS and Tesla Model S – the are our two most anticipated launches of 2012. Early last month the ATS was launched at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, just ahead of the North American International Auto Show. With the ATS, the freshly-redesigned F30 3-Series will get some of its stiffest competition ever. With the CTS and particularly CTS-V, Cadillac has proven it can compete in the performance arena. The CTS-V is consistently ranked right up there with the best German sports sedans. We’ll take a CTS-V Coupe Black Diamond Edition, please. The ATS will follow in these footsteps; next for the car is a V-Series variant. Hopefully a coupe isn’t far after, but that is a whole other story. To give us an idea of what the ATS-V will look like when it arrives, Edmunds Inside Line commissioned a rendering. We think the final version is going to come out looking a bit more aggressive than this, but still this is a good preview of the ATS in a more aggressive form. Little about the car is known yet, as Cadillac wants the focus to be on the standard car, but the rumor mill is churning. The car will likely get a V-8 engine dropped in, as the capability is there given Alpha is scalable and designed for V-8 duty. The GM solution for performance is dropping in a LS V-8 and who are we to argue with that? The ATS-V would be bucking a tend with this though; the competition is moving from V-8s to twin-turbocharged six-cylinders. Power will likely come in at around 470 horsepower, which would make for some jaw-dropping performance figures given the ATS’ low curb weight. ATS-V versus M3 is going to be an interesting fight to watch. First round of the battle begins when the standard ATS goes on sale this summer. Related posts: 2013 Cadillac ATS, XTS To Be Fitted With First U.S-Built Brembo Brakes Detroit: 2013 Cadillac ATS Is New Frontier for Cadillac Alpha Platform Could Spawn Cadillac Roadster, Crossover Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Read the original:  V-8-Powered Cadillac ATS-V Previewed in Rendering

In the United States and countries around the world, Chinese cars just haven’t caught on yet. There is a reason for that. Despite being cheap, they are near-universally regarded as poor quality, and more importantly, dangerous to drive. We’ve all seen the videos of Chinese car crash tests. Once they do get their act together with quality and safety, the key will then be marketing. Geely and Chery aren’t the best names (sarcasm alert) in reaching new audiences. Rather than throwing in hundreds of millions of advertising dollars trying to launch a new brand, purchasing established brands is a much easier way to reach that goal. In this case, the Chinese have purchased a name that has some cachet with enthusiasts – DeTomaso. This marks the end of Italian businessman Mario Rossignolo’s ill-fated attempt at independent auto manufacturing. He purchased the bankrupt company 2009 and set about implementing a plan that included three new models. Those three models were a crossover, sedan and sports car. He planned to sell 8,000 cars a year, 3,000 copies of each. The DeTomaso Deauville/SLS was the first of these product lines, and it was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011. Uninspiring, the Deauville is a Cadillac SRX-based model that was supposed to have Italian craftsmanship as its big selling point. The details of what went wrong aren’t exactly clear, but financing ran out. Late in December, we heard the Chinese “licensed” the Deauville. Now, word from Motor Authority is in that the company has been sold entirely. The buyer is Car Luxury Investment, an Italian outfit owned by Chinese investment company Hotyork. Hotyork’s chairman Qui Kunjian said “we believe in the opportunity to develop all the valuable potential of the company.” We bet most of that potential comes down to the brand name. There isn’t any clues as to the company’s future plans – whether it will be a Chinese-only operation or if Hotyork has big plans for DeTomaso. The plan previously was for the Deauville to be built in Turin, Italy at a former Pininfarina plant. Given this announcement, that is unlikely to ever come to fruition. Related posts: DeTomaso Licenses Deauville To The Chinese DeTomaso Pantera To...

The last mid-engined range-topping Ferrari was of course, the Enzo. The way Ferrari structures its lineup, a new mid-engined super exotic comes along every few years – it doesn’t keep one permanently in the lineup.As such the Enzo was limited to 300 units and it didn’t have an immediate replacement. Lamborghini on the other and has continued with the Murcielago and now Aventador, sprinkling in the Reventon in between for good measure. Since the Enzo, the front-engined 599 GTO has taken top-billing as the fastest and most powerful car in the Ferrari stable. It replaced the Maranello and now its successor is on the way, bound for the Geneva Motor Show early next month. It marks a continued evolution of Ferrari’s heavily front-engined lineup that includes the California, FF, 599 GTB Fiorano, 599 GTO. The volume 458 Italia is the mid-engined standout. The new car is set to dump the Ferrari naming scheme we’ve been used to recently, going for F620 GT, which likely indicates its power level. A V-12 (of course) will be under the hood, and Ferrari promises that the F620 will be its most powerful model yet. As far as styling, expect it to take strong cues from the FF, sans the large rear rump. While we love the FF, this will probably be more of a looker than that car. Geneva will be its first auto show appearance, but Ferrari will be showing it off before then on February 29th. Related posts: Gemballa Ferrari Enzo MIG-UI Ferrari FXX Evoluzione Unveiled Ferrari Talks Enzo Successor, Carbon Fiber Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts View post:  “Most Powerful Ever” Ferrari F620 GT Set For Launch

It’s suddenly feeling a little warmer here in Toronto. Could be my proximity to the hottest car BMW has released in several years. BMW’s new M5 is here in Toronto making an appearance at the Canadian International Auto show, and we’ve got the photos to prove it – and make you drool. The matt finish silver paint shows its aggressive lines well, and we already know exactly what the car can do when provoked. See here, here and here if you have a short memory or are new to the site. After refreshing your memory of the specs and performance, get on the edge of your seat for our upcoming video interview with Axel Berkermann, head of M Sales and Marketing, North and South America. Okay, it won’t be quite that exciting… but it is an interesting interview. The M5 is expected to arrive in Canadian showrooms later this Spring. Expect to see a few artfully decorating local roads by early to mid summer. Expect to spend a lot of time staring at its rear end on the race track – if you enjoy that kind of thing. We can’t wait to spend a week with the M5 in Canada. Read more from the original source:  CIAS 2012: BMW’s M5 Reaches the Great White North

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...

  2012 marks the 15th year since the Toyota Prius began its effort to champion the future of motoring. A unique automotive legend would start in late 1997 as the concept of an electric motor supporting a gasoline engine entered production for the Japanese marketplace. Premiering in a very niche market of gasoline-electric vehicles that did not exist, Toyota brought the Prius to North American in 2001. After long attempting the attract a market, the market came to the Toyota Prius when rising fuel prices and the culture of environmentalism erupted in the United States. With other Toyota and Lexus products incorporating the same powertrain configuration trademarked as Hybrid Synergy Drive, a series of milestones (including the 3-millionth Toyota hybrid vehicle produced last year) has earned unparallel praise for the Prius. At the 2011 North American International Auto Show, Toyota’s spot to expand the Prius to a new family of vehicles represented a moment that firmly sent a message to those who opposed gasoline-electric hybrid motoring. Debuting in production form at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit , the subcompact Toyota Prius c is launching this year as a hybrid for the younger, first-time new car buyer. Promising average fuel economy of 50 miles per gallon, the Prius c will be the most efficient vehicle sold in the United States powered primarily by gasoline. Set to provide a generous standard equipment vehicle featuring automatic climate control, vehicle stability control, Smart Stop Technology and Bluetooth hands-free with every 2012 Prius c, Toyota has announced pricing for the new economy car will start just under $19,000. Arriving to showrooms in four trim levels (One, Two, Three and Four), the 2012 Toyota Prius c One will cost a thrifty $18,950. As the basic model, the Prius One offers remote keyless entry and a tilt-telescoping steering column. For an extra $950, buyers of the Toyota Prius c can upgrade to the Two trim level. A six-speaker stereo, cargo tonneau cover and cruise control are highlight features for the Prius c Two that is priced just below $20,000 less taxes, delivery and other dealership costs. At a $21,635 price point, the 2012 Prius c progresses with a standard stash of electronic goodies under the Three...

BMW of North America has agreed to pay a $3 million fine to settle U.S. government allegations that it failed to promptly notify regulators about potential safety defects. NTHSA says that BMW agreed to the civil penalty caused by 16 recall investigations in 2010. The investigation found a number of instances where the automaker failed to report known safety defects and recalls within five days, as is required by federal law. BMW also agreed to make internal changes to their recall process to ensure timely reporting. Press Release The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced that BMW of North America, LLC has agreed to pay $3 million in civil penalties in response to the agency’s assertion that the automaker failed to comply with requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act that it report safety defects and noncompliances to the federal government in a timely manner. “It’s critical to the safety of the driving public that defects and recalls are reported in short order,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “NHTSA expects all manufacturers to address automotive safety issues quickly and in a forthright manner.” Federal law requires all auto manufacturers to notify NHTSA within five business days of determining that a safety defect or noncompliance exists and to promptly conduct a recall. NHTSA’s examination of 16 BMW recalls issued in 2010 found evidence of a number of instances where the automaker failed to report safety defects and recalls to the agency in accordance with federal law. As part of today’s settlement, BMW of North America, LLC and its parent company Bayerische Motoren Werke AG agreed to make internal changes to its recall decision-making process to ensure timely reporting to consumers and the federal government in the future. In December 2010, NHTSA launched an investigation to determine when BMW first learned of defects and noncompliances related to several motorcycle and vehicle recalls and whether the company notified NHTSA in a timely manner. NHTSA’s investigation led the agency to believe that BMW had not fulfilled its obligation to report a known safety defect within five days, as is required under the law. The fines will be paid...

Nissan North America will recall its 2012 Nissan Versa cars according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Cars equipped with an automatic transmission can be shifted out of Park and into gear without requiring the driver to step on the vehicle’s brake—a violation of federal safety standards. NHTSA says the issue involves the shifter rods and the shifter knob of the automatic transmissions for more than 36,600 Nissan Versa vehicles made from June 2011 to January 2012. The flaw increases the risk of a crash or injuring a pedestrian since drivers could inadvertently cause a parked Nissan Versa to slip into the wrong gear and set the car in motion. Nissan is expected to notify Versa owners affected by this recall on Feb. 20 and instruct them to bring their vehicles to local dealerships. Mechanics there will inspect and replaces the transmission shifter knob and shifter assembly as needed for free. For more information, consumers can contact Nissan (toll-free: 800-647-7261) or visit the NHTSA website: www.SaferCar.gov . Recall: 2012 Nissan Versa – Transmission; Campaign ID#: 12V032000 [NHTSA] Go here to see the original:  Recall: 2012 Nissan Versa for transmission shifting issues

Chevrolet is showing a Cruze wagon at the upcoming Geneva auto show . It will be the third Cruze variant, joining the sedan that we do get here and the hatchback we don’t. Its mission is to snag more customers for Chevrolet in wagon-friendly Europe. As is to be expected, the Cruze wagon wears longer bodywork than the hatchback and offers more cargo capacity. A complement of gas and diesel engines is offered—the European Cruze lineup is getting an improved engine lineup beginning this summer. A handsome set of roof rails is standard, and we think the wagon’s rear end is better resolved than that of the hatch, which wears a rounder posterior that doesn’t exactly match its chiseled front view. Plus, it’s a wagon, and all wagons are inherently awesome. But will it come here? For now, Chevrolet says the Cruze wagon “isn’t planned for sale in North America.” However, we’re told both the wagon and the hatch haven’t been ruled out completely for our market. The wagon’s chances of making it here are slim at best—it would have to battle Volkswagen’s Jetta SportWagen for a slice of the minuscule compact-wagon pie, and Ford’s decision not to bring the latest Focus wagon here is telling. Although we were previously told not to expect the five-door Cruze hatch, its North American prospects now seem brighter. A combination of increasing consumer interest in hatchbacks and increased competition in the form of the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra GT , and Mazda 3 have Chevy at least thinking about it. And such trickle-down European Cruze goodness isn’t without precedent; Chevy recently announced it will sell a diesel Cruze here starting in 2013 . So now we just sit and hope for the diesel Cruze hatch to show up. With a manual, of course. Read more from the original source: Chevrolet Cruze Wagon Announced, Could Come Here But Hatch Is More Likely [Geneva Auto Show] More here: Chevrolet Cruze Wagon Announced, Could Come Here But Hatch Is More Likely [Geneva Auto Show]

Ever wanted to be in a play? Great, we all have at some point. Ever wanted to have the lame loser role in a play? Different story. All roles are important; not all roles are enjoyable or fun. Still, the story’s the important thing. More » View original post here: COTD: Casting Call Edition [Commenter Of The Day] See more here: COTD: Casting Call Edition [Commenter Of The Day]

You finally find a spot in a packed parking lot and somebody’s parked over the line so you can’t fit. Or you’ve been waiting for someone to leave the lot and somebody pulls in to steal your claimed space. There are plenty of ways to be an asshole parker in this world, but few good ways to deal with them. Here’s the best way to handle the situation. More » See the original post here: How To Deal With An Asshole Parker [Video] Read more from the original source:  How To Deal With An Asshole Parker [Video]

Rumor of the day comes from Auto123 magazine which reports on BMW’s plans to phase out the 335d model for the U.S. market. According to the Canadian magazine that doesn’t quote any official sources, the only diesel 3 Series for the North American market will be replaced by the new ActiveHybrid 3. BMW’s first 50-state-legal diesel delivers 265 hp at 4220 rpm, and an all too fun 425 lb-ft of torque between 1750 and 2250 rpm. Driving through a six-speed automatic transmission, this engine propels the 335d from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 sec while delivering 23 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway. Or in other words, a combination of impressive performance and fuel consumption. The alleged successor, ActiveHybrid 3, uses the N55 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). Estimated fuel consumption for the 3 Series hybrid is 37 MPG. We reached out to BMW for an official statement, stay tuned! [Source: Auto123 ] View original post here:  Rumor: BMW 335d phased out in U.S. in favor of ActiveHybrid 3

  This past decade, in-car infotainment electronics has evolved from a multi-disc CD charger and the occasional rear-seat DVD viewing system to a level of innovation once thought of as absurd. Satellite radio, electronic GPS guidance and even wireless Internet connections on several luxury products provide a mere tip of the iceberg to what is currently available to vehicle occupants. An exhibition that coincided with the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas provided a spotlight on all things high technology. Countless tablet computers, WiFi digital cameras and smartphones were the common spectacle of future electronics. Tempering with the usual balance of the CES in Las Vegas, representatives for the 20th century’s most pivotal invention (the automobile), brought some cutting-edge solutions for the 21st century’s demanding mobile technology world. In fact, Ford Motor Company took an innovation award away from the 2012 CES for their latest MyFord Mobile App . On several occasions during the 2012 technology show in Las Vegas, a term began to swirl over automotive company products at a higher frequency than ever. The use of the term “The Cloud” was inserted into the presentation of several devices for the future of automotive infotainment. Instead of storing electronic programs and files on a physical hard drive or disk, information is stored through a virtual space called the “cloud”. As in-car electronic systems (most notably navigation services) progressed from the use of DVDs to hard drives that well surpasses many tablet PCs, the venture to the cloud for auto equipment manufacturers means limitless possibilities. The introduction of cloud computing principles have grown most prevalently with the popular navigation program called Google Maps employed on systems including the Ford SYNC and Audi MMI. Unlike previous GPS systems that either stored limited information or require time-consuming updates through a home computer, Google Maps uses a cloud interface to calculate routes. At the recent 2012 CES exhibition, auto companies are certainly becoming wiser to high-flying cloud computing ideals.     Making use of the open world of the cloud, Mercedes-Benz unveiled an upgraded...

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