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Exclusive: BMW M4 to debut in Detroit, lose manual transmission

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, BMW

BMW M4 Concept live at Monterey 2013 reveal

BMW took the wraps off its M4 Concept at Pebble Beach last weekend, and many speculated that the highly anticipated production version of the sleek new two-door sports coupe would debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this year. But a well-placed source tells Autoblog that the E92 M3’s successor won’t arrive in Southern California this November. Instead, the German automaker will wait until the Detroit Auto Show in January for its first official reveal.

An all-new 3.0-liter inline-six with twin turbochargers is expected under the hood, and it should provide about the same horsepower as the current 4.0-liter V8 (rated at 414 horsepower), but with much more torque that arrives lower on the tachometer. The lightweight engine is said to have an impressively high redline, which is unusual for a turbocharged engine.

Unfortunately, Save the Manuals members aren’t going to like this next bit of news. After four generations of three-pedal M3 models, our source says the upcoming F82 M4 will arrive with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) as standard equipment – with no manual option – just like the latest iteration of the track-ready Porsche GT3 (few have complained about the automaker’s PDK after driving the latest sports car from Stuttgart). In exchange for some moans, groans and gripes from enthusiasts, BMW’s DCT mounted aft of the M4’s inline-six will provide quicker acceleration and improved fuel economy.

BMW M4 to debut in Detroit, lose manual transmission originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Aug 2013 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2012 Cadillac CTS with 3.6L won’t get six-speed manual, V models safe

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Cadillac

cadillac cts wagon

Cadillac CTS Sportwagon – Click above for high-res image gallery

The list of vehicles with an available manual transmission may become a bit smaller for 2012, as Inside Line is reporting that certain 2012 Cadillac CTS models will lose the ability to specify a third pedal. IL cites sources from within General Motors who say that models equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 will only be offered with an automatic transmission next year. The high-performance CTS-V sedan, coupe and wagon will still be offered with a manual transmission, as will CTS variants equipped with the torque-deprived 3.0-liter V6.

The General wouldn’t specify why the 3.6-liter-equipped models would lose the manual option, but we’re thinking that a low take rate at the dealership had something to do with the decision. And while we never like to see that owners lose out on the manual-equipped version of any vehicle, at least the CTS-V will retain row-your-own ability.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: 2012 Cadillac CTS with 3.6L won’t get six-speed manual, V models safe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2012 BMW M5 to get manual tranny in U.S.

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, BMW, Rumormill, Luxury

2012 BMW M5

2012 BMW M5 spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Contradictory to earlier rumblings, the upcoming F10 BMW M5 will reportedly be available with the option of a traditional manual transmission here in the United States. As with the E60 M5, we’d expect the stick-shift-equipped F10 to be slower than its automated sister, but we doubt it will amount to anything noticeable. Buyers will still be able to opt for the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission here in the States, if they so desire.

There’s one option, however, that BMW won’t be offering in our market. In Germany, buyers can opt to have the car’s top speed raised to 189 miles per hour, provided they agree to enter an M5-specific driver training program. This will likely be a costly option – in addition to the price of the training program, buyers will have to shell out for upgraded engine management software, as well as a set of ZR-rated tires.

Gallery: 2012 BMW M5 Spy Shots

[Source: BMWBlog | Images: CarPix]

Rumormill: 2012 BMW M5 to get manual tranny in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hyundai shows off super slick Equus owners manual app for iPad

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Videos, Hyundai, Luxury

2011 Hyundai Equus Apple iPad owners manual

Hyundai Equus and its iPad owner’s manual – Click above to watch video after the jump

We know that the all-new Hyundai Equus features an Apple iPad in place of a traditional owner’s manual but now we’re getting our first opportunity to see it in action. In a new ad that will certainly appeal to tech-savvy luxury car buyers, Hyundai shows off the iPad app that provides any information that an Equus owner might need to know about his or her car.

Rather than just providing written information, Hyundai has taken advantage of the iPad’s capabilties to deliver an app that shows you what it’s talking about, be it the Equus’ available right-rear jet-style reclining seat or its adaptive headlights. Better yet, the app is free to download on iTunes regardless of whether an Equus is sitting in your driveway (so you can see what you’re missing). Hop the jump to check out an ad featuring the iPad owner’s manual in action. Top tip, Fred!

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Equus

[Source: YouTube via Unncessary Umlaut]

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Video: Hyundai shows off super slick Equus owners manual app for iPad originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda announces recall of 2010 Element models with manual transmissions

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Crossover, Honda

2010 Honda Element – Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced on its website that Honda is recalling 585 2010 Element crossovers equipped with a manual transmission. The vehicles in question may have an improperly set cable that connects the shift lever to the transmission, an issue that could lead to anything from a major inconvenience for owners to the increased risk of an accident.

This defect may cause the gear shift lever to interact improperly with the transmission, leading to the wrong gear being selected. Affected vehicles could also get stuck in neutral, lose the ability to shift into reverse or fail to allow the key to be removed from the ignition.

Owners of the affected vehicles can bring their Element to the local Honda dealership for a free repair. Some owners have already been contacted about this issue, but all 585 will receive a notice from Honda by August 9. Element owners with questions or concerns can contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Element Dog Friendly Package

[Source: NHTSA]

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Honda announces recall of 2010 Element models with manual transmissions originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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