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Report: BMW 5GT sales disappointing, has execs rethinking 5 Series wagon

Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Luxury

2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo

2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo – Click above for high-res image gallery

Automotive News is reporting that the BMW 5 Series GT has been having some unintended and rather unfortunate sales consequences for the German automaker. While the company originally believed that buyers of the old 5 Series Touring would be drawn to the oddball crossover, the truth is that those customers have fled to rival Mercedes-Benz for their wagon needs. Meanwhile, the 5 Series GT has stolen buyers from the more expensive 7 Series line. In Florida, for example, up to 10 percent of 7 Series owners have exchanged keys for the less-expensive GT, which isn’t exactly great news for the Bavarians, either.

Of course, overall sales of the 5 Series GT have failed to trend as BMW projected. The company originally said that it intended to move between 4,000 and 8,000 of the models each year, but 2011 has seen only 720 deliveries in the first four months of the year. BMW sold 2,848 examples last year after admitting that they probably incorrectly judged the model mix early on.

While speaking with Automotive News, BMW North America CEO Jim O’Donnell said that he wishes that his company hadn’t stopped selling the 5 Series wagon here in the States. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that the big fiver will return to the Land of the Free, at least not in this generation, but the issue will likely be revisited.

The good news is that the automaker may have learned its lesson. Despite the fact that a smaller 3 Series-based Gran Turismo model has been spotted testing (rumored to be called 4 Series), the 3 Series Touring apparently isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

BMW 5GT sales disappointing, has execs rethinking 5 Series wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac ATS to show how much GM learned from the BMW 3 Series

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Technology, BMW, Cadillac, Rumormill, Luxury

Cadillac ATS spy shots

Cadillac ATS spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors wants so badly for the upcoming Cadillac ATS to rock our worlds on all markets (i.e., not just in North America) that a source within the automaker has told us that the BMW 3 Series has been a prime focal point for benchmarking the Baby Caddy.

We always suspected this should happen, but then GM hasn’t had much of a tradition of reacting quickly until recently. According to our source, teams at GM have basically stripped various 3 Series cars down to bare naked chassis bits and pieces, and fully intend on emulating an awful lot of what they see there, while, it can be assured, making it all correct for the Cadillac brand.

Sounds intensely good to us. Jeez, mega-millions for Bowling Green to hopefully try and finally keep Corvette interiors from smelling like toxic plastic in the hot summer sun, and now a smaller Cadillac that will actually drive and feel like the Standard of the World? Is it too good to be true?

Cadillac ATS to show how much GM learned from the BMW 3 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 May 2011 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, First Drive

The E30 M3 Reincarnated, But Where Does That Leave The M3?

2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

Enthusiasts, BMW has your car.

After painfully watching for years as the automaker’s beloved M lineup ballooned in both size and weight – even adding sport utility vehicles – the German’s have delivered us a new little jewel. It’s not another derivative of the race-bred M3, the highly anticipated next-generation M5 or a sneak preview of the future M6. Instead, this little shot of driving ecstasy comes in the guise of the lowly 1 Series – the entry-level BMW.

BMW invited us to its headquarters in New Jersey for our first driving impressions. Instead of death-by-PowerPoint, the traditional manner of new vehicle introduction, they immediately handed us the key fob to a brand-new 1 Series M Coupe along with a paper map. Our assignment was to drive the back roads for the next two hours to Monticello Motorsports Park, the private racing circuit outside New York City. After extended hot laps followed by lunch, we’d polish the marbles off the tire treads with a drive back to Montvale before a six-hour flight back home. Continue reading…

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2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 May 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover launches Being Henry interactive film series to promote Evoque

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Land Rover

being henry title screen

The trailer to Being Henry – Click above to watch video after the jump

Telly is all grown up. Or, at least the actor that protrayed him in the film Kids is. Leo Fitzpatrick, who also portrayed drug addict Johnny Weeks on The Wire, has decided to go in a different direction for Land Rover’s new interactive film Being Henry.

The spot was created by Land Rover as a unique means to tout the many personalization options for its new Evoque. Directed by Nick Gordon, Being Henry allows the viewer to jump into the story and take control of Henry’s actions. The result is an engaging, humorous and very different way for an automaker to advertise a product.

Once you reach the end of your decision making process, “the voice” comes in and shows you what type of Evoque fits the decisions you make. We will warn you that some of the language is certainly not safe for work, but the film is definitely worth a few moments of your time. Click past the jump to view a trailer of the film. After that, head over to the Being Henry website to start your journey.

Continue reading Land Rover launches Being Henry interactive film series to promote Evoque

Land Rover launches Being Henry interactive film series to promote Evoque originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 3 Series loses more of its camo

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, BMW

BMW 3 Series spy shots

BMW 3 Series spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

The next-generation BMW 3 Series has been out stretching its legs before its official debut, and our tactical team of spy photographers was quick to snap a few photos before the vehicle returned to the automaker’s lair. These photos give us a more complete look at the new 3er for the first time as its shed more of the psychedelic-swirl camouflage than in any of its previous outings. We can clearly make out the rear fascia in its entirety and we’ve been given a good glimpse of the vehicle’s LED tail lamps as well. Those rear lights look an awful lot like the hardware found on the newest BMW 5 Series to us.

In addition, this particular mule shows off the vehicle’s new headlights as well. Those rigs look to be rocking the same squared-off LED shape as the latest 6 Series, which means we may see the diodes spread to the rest of the German automaker’s lineup. Check out the full gallery for a closer look.

Gallery: BMW 3 Series: Spy Shots

BMW 3 Series: Spy Shots

BMW 3 Series loses more of its camo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 May 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi interested in electric Formula 1 series

Filed under: Motorsports, Japan, Mitsubishi, Electric, Racing

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi has expressed serious interest in FIA president Jean Todt’s proposed electric F1 series. The idea is in its infancy, and there is long way to go before silent F1 cars are zipping around the world’s best racing circuits, but interest from the brand gives the idea a bit of a boost.

Over the last two years, Mitsubishi has significantly reduced its motorsports participation, beginning with its withdrawal from the 2009 Dakar Rally. That, coupled with the recent controversy surrounding the future of the Lancer Evolution, has elicited criticism that the Mitsubishi is moving in an anti-motorsports direction.

Company brass say that isn’t true. Mitsubishi claims it’s very interested in electric-vehicle racing as a way to speed up EV technology development and make advancements in its future road vehicles. Still, we’d wager it’ll be years before an electric Evo hits the streets.

[Source: Mainichi Daily News]

Mitsubishi interested in electric Formula 1 series originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 May 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AdSpotting: BMW 5 Series “Refuel” reintroduces us to The Ultimate Driving Machine

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW, Luxury

BMW 5 Series Refuel ad

Company: BMWa

Brand: BMW

Medium: TV

Ad Agency: Grey West

Product: 2011 5 Series

Campaign: 5 Series “Refuel”

What We Like: The swagger is back at BMW. After more than a year of fooling around with “Joy” as a lead ad positioning, a new marketing team at the German automaker is re-emphasizing “The Ultimate Driving Machine” as the brand’s central positioning. The 30-second ad contains what many BMW followers like – a fast car and a big plane. No, the plane, which looks to be a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, is not hovering so close to the 5 that it could fill the guy’s coffee cup. But the CGI is good enough to pull off the visual trick.

What We Don’t Like: Not much at all. Getting a story and message across in a 30-second TV ad is not easy. But BMW and this ad agency, Grey West, did a nice job of conveying a fuel efficiency story.

Strategy: BMW marketing chief Dan Creed, who took over at BMW North America a few months ago, is all about re-affirming “The Ultimate Driving Machine” as Bimmer’s main message. At the New York Auto Show, he walked us to the front of BMW’s stand to look at a giant rendering of the ad slogan, which dates back to the early 1970s. At last year’s show, there was a giant banner that proclaimed “Joy of Driving.” “We know there is a lot of joy in driving a BMW, but we are going to show it in pictures and film rather than say it,” says Creed.

It’s worth noting that as fun as this ad is, the message is about the 5 Series’ fuel economy, not the horsepower. BMW is trying to broaden its message to be more inclusive of men and women, as well as tell its story about its investments in the South Carolina plant that produces X3 and X5. But Creed also wants the brand and the cars to show some leg when it comes to marketing and advertising. BMW remains an exciting brand, and a premiere stable of driving machines. That shouldn’t be lost when telling the broader story.

BMW is kicking off a review for a new ad agency. It parted ways with Austin-based GSD&M late last year. New York-based Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal + Partners produced last February’s Super Bowl ads. Grey West, which has handled BMW’s retail and pre-owned advertising since 2008, produced the ad and will presumably get a crack at the whole enchilada.

Grade: A-

Watch the commercial after the jump and give it your own grade below.

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Continue reading AdSpotting: BMW 5 Series “Refuel” reintroduces us to The Ultimate Driving Machine

AdSpotting: BMW 5 Series “Refuel” reintroduces us to The Ultimate Driving Machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why Cadillac hasn’t found success yet in World Challenge Series, and why it’s not giving up

Filed under: Motorsports, Cadillac

Cadillac CTS-V SCCA race car

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe SCCA race car takes on all comers – Click above for high-res image gallery

The last time Cadillac lined up for the World Challenge Series from 2004 to 2007, it was competing with the CTS-V sedan. As put by an understated Jim Vurpillat, Cadillac’s global head of marketing, “We’ve been here before and had some success.”

The CTS-V Coupe race cars were plucked from the same line as cars headed to dealerships.

By “some success,” he means that the four-door roared off with the championship in its second and fourth years. The team has a steep road to climb if they’re going to relive that kind of winning percentage with its new CTS-V Coupe, but, having watched the package shred the Long Beach circuit last weekend, there’s no doubt they have a car that will be able to do it… eventually.

With just six months to prepare for the racing season, the two CTS-V Coupes piloted by Johnny O’Connell and Andy Pilgrim were built at the Lansing, Michigan plant, plucked from the same line as cars headed to dealerships. They were then taken to Pratt & Miller, the same firm that prepped the championship-winning CTS-V sedans, to be overhauled.

Continue Reading Why Cadillac hasn’t found success yet in World Challenge Series, and why it’s not giving up…

Gallery: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe at the Long Beach World Challenge Series race

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Why Cadillac hasn’t found success yet in World Challenge Series, and why it’s not giving up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 1 Series M beats M3 around Hockenheim… by a hair

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, BMW

2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

There are few things more satisfying for a younger sibling than besting their older kin. Be it a hard-fought round of Stratego or a bare-knuckle brawl, putting an elder brother or sister in their place can be more satisfying than winning the lottery. In this spirit, German magazine Sport Auto just finished pitting the new 2012 1 Series M Coupe up against BMW’s venerable M3. The pair locked horns around Hockenheim in a battle for ultimate supremacy that saw the M3 do the deed in 1:14.2. The M Coupe, meanwhile, managed to lap the track a hair quicker at 1:14.1.

That gave the newcomer to the game the overall win and put it just one tenth of a second behind metal like the Porsche Cayman S on the famous track. Is this conclusive evidence that the 1 Series M Coupe is the better performance buy than the legendary M3? Not necessarily. After all, this is just one comparison with one magazine. Still, the fact that the baby BMW can get within striking distance of its predecessor with two fewer cylinders is a testament to the vehicle’s prowess.

Gallery: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

[Source: 1 Addicts]

BMW 1 Series M beats M3 around Hockenheim… by a hair originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Coupe to get 507-hp 6.2-liter V8

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG debuted at last week’s New York Auto Show sporting a 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 packing 451 snorting ponies. On the heels of that debut comes a report that AMG’s upcoming C63 AMG Black Series will arrive packing just over 500 horsepower from a tweaked version of the same engine. With that much grunt on tap, the Black Series two-door should go from zero to sideways faster than you can say “new tires.”

When the C63 AMG Black Series Coupe debuts, expect it to differentiate itself from the rest of the C-Class world with a lower stance and significantly wider and more aggressive bodywork, and we wouldn’t be surprised if it weighed less, too. The coupe should follow the debut of the C63 AMG Black Series Sedan. Like the four-door, the Black Series Coupe will almost certainly funnel grunt through Mercedes-Benz’s AMG Speedshift seven-speed gearbox. Thanks for the tip, Jason!

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe: New York 2011

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series: Spy Shots

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series spy shots

[Source: BenzInsider]

Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Coupe to get 507-hp 6.2-liter V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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