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Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, BMW, Luxury

BMW 1 Series Spy Shots

BMW 1 Series Spy Shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Our elite squad of spy photographers has managed to nab a handful of photos of the upcoming BMW 1 Series. Given that a refreshed model has just debuted for 2012, it’s understandable that details on the next-gen model are still squirmy at the moment. In any case, this new batch of shots show off a bit more of what we can expect to see on the production version when it lands in showrooms. If this mule is any indication we can expect the 1 to come bearing the company’s first turn signals integrated into the sideview mirrors, and it appears that the squared angel-eye headlights of manufacturer’s recent concept cars have finally made their way off of the show circuit and onto the street.

Inside, BMW has finally seen fit to add a little color to the cabin with a few splashes of red stitching as well as a dash accent. It looks like the 1 will also come bearing a pop-up navigation screen when it arrives in dealerships.

As of right now, there’s little word as to what will show up under the hood of this wee beastie when it comes Stateside, but we hear that this particular machine was powered by a 2.0-liter diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic. The car was also spotted testing alongside two xDrive products vehicles and an Audi A4, so there’s a good chance that we’ll see all-wheel drive crop up on the next 1, too.

Gallery: BMW 1 Series Spy Shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, BMW, First Drive, Luxury

Frolicking Topless Under The African Sun In BMW’s Latest Big GT

2012 BMW 6-Series Convertible

2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

To say that the second-generation BMW 6 Series caused a bit of a scene when it hit the world stage in 2003 would be to underplay its shock value. The Dingolfing, Germany-built coupe and convertible’s styling seemed to win admirers and ruffle traditionalists’ feathers in equal measure, but regardless of how you feel about its aesthetics, the 6’s long model run has been a success, resulting in nearly 118,000 units sold.

Despite this victory (and despite what BMW officials tell us), there has been a clear bit of design capitulation in the halls of Bavaria, as Chris Bangle’s controversial surfacing treatments and high trunk lines have been smoothed out in newer models in favor of less polarizing designs throughout the BMW empire.

So it is with the 2012 6 Series range, which launches with the 650i convertible model shown here, a model that’s due to hit showrooms this April (just in time for top-down season). With North America enduring a hyperborean winter, it was only appropriate that we head to more temperate climates for some quality top-down running. BMW evidently had the same thought, so they sent us to Cape Town, South Africa. Famous for its finned and pointy-teethed population coursing offshore, we couldn’t think of a more appropriate spot to sample the 6 Series’ reborn shark nose look.

Gallery: 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible: First Drive

2012 BMW 6-Series Convertible

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First Drive: 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe coming to Shanghai

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Etc., Europe, BMW, Rumormill, Shanghai Motor Show, Luxury

BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept

BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Word has it that BMW is planning to unveil the next 6 Series coupe at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show in April. According the Dutch arm of AutoWeek, it only makes since for the big two door to take a bow this spring since the concept version debuted at the 2010 Pairs Motor Show last fall. Given that we’ve seen more than a few spy photos crop up recently, the prediction would seem spot-on.

The report says that buyers can first expect to get their hands on the coupe in either 640i or 650i variants with additional models showing up later down the line. But that’s not the most interesting bit of news to pop up.

AutoWeek is also reporting that BMW is currently slaving away on a sedan version of the 6 Series. Supposedly, the car would make use of the same coupe body lines as its two-door brethren. Such a vehicle would allow BMW to tango with the ever-popular Mercedes-Benz CLS, but we have to wonder if there’s room in the Roundel’s stable for yet another sedan.

Gallery: BMW 6 Series Concept

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe coming to Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Videos: James Lipton tries to find plural of Prius in Toyota ‘Wordliness’ series

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Toyota, Humor

James Lipton and William Shakespeare

James Lipton and guests work out the correct plural of Prius – Click above to watch video after the jump

Toyota is still working hard to find the plural for the word Prius. Joining in to lend a hand is James Lipton, host of Inside the Actor’s Studio. Lipton sits down with William Shakespeare, Randall the Octopus, MC Flossary, a group of cheerleaders and a spelling bee champion.

Each guest casts their vote for the correct plural of Prius and voting is still open on Toyota’s Prius Family site. Currently, Prii is leading strongly with 40 percent of the vote. Priuses sits in second with 27 percent while Prius, Prium and Prien bring up the rear. We still think a group of the hybrids should be called a smug of Prius, but that’s just us.

The winning word will be revealed on February 20th, 2011 but you still have time to cast your vote. Click past the jump to see what James Lipton and his guests think the correct choice should be.

[Source: Toyota, YouTube]

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Videos: James Lipton tries to find plural of Prius in Toyota ‘Wordliness’ series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM launches ‘Inside The Vault’ syndicated TV series

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

GM's Inside the Vault General Motors is shacking up with a slew of other corporations for “Inside the Vault” – a new web special devoted to all of the gadgetry, travel, food and sports pertinent to today’s modern man. GM will be joined by the likes of Source Interlink, Conde Nast, Telepictures, Tribune and Starcom to produce the show, which will be available from a number of venues. Expect to see episodes crop up on the project’s web site as well as on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Vimeo and Get Glue. GM also says the 30-minute program will be broadcast on WGN American as well as 18 Tribune affiliate stations.

Of course, each show will have its fair share of ads for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac spread throughout.

Inside the Vault will be hosted by Cris Collinsworth, of Showtime’s “Inside the NFL” and, of course, actual NFL fame, and names like Alonzo Bodden and Jill Wagner will also show up on screen from time to time. Inside the Vault is slated to kick off on Friday, February 4. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: General Motors]

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GM launches ‘Inside The Vault’ syndicated TV series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details on Jaguar’s 3 Series fighter

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Jaguar, Rumormill, Luxury

Jaguar X-Type

Word is bumping around the internets that Jaguar may be interested in dusting off a sub-XF model. Doing so would put the big cat into direct competition with the mighty BMW 3 Series – a feat Jaguar attempted once before with the ill-fated X-Type. But according to Adrian Hallmark, the automaker’s new global brand director, the company won’t be repeating past mistakes.

Instead, buyers can look forward to being able to choose between a sporty coupe and a volume sedan if the project gets green-lit. Offering two models would allow Jaguar to deliver a high-quality vehicle while simultaneously reducing its own costs.

Additionally, there’s word that Jaguar wants to ensure that the new car packs all of the luxury and craftmanship of its bigger brothers at a more affordable price point.

Unfortunately, it may be a good long while before we see the fruits of Hallmark’s labors come to the surface. Jaguar says that it is just now beginning to look into a new, smaller model and that it could be four years or more before the vehicle actually shows up on dealer lots. If that’s what it takes to keep Jaguar from churning out another X-Type, we’re all for the wait.

[Source: Autoweek]

More details on Jaguar’s 3 Series fighter originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW planning 1 Series GT?

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill

BMW 1 Series GT

BMW is serious about its genre-bending multi-purpose vehicles. Proof of such can be seen in vehicles such as the X6 and 5 Series Gran Turismo, both of which were designed to offer something that fits in between a standard wagon and another carbon-copy crossover.

It appears BMW may be thinking of downsizing the trend with a not-a-wagon, not-an-X1 version of its 1 Series that would slot in below the expected 3 Series GT. For those keeping track, such a strategy means that BMW could potentially offer its 1, 3 and 5 Series nameplates in sedan, wagon (or hatchback), crossover (X-series) and Gran Turismo styles, not to mention a range of coupes. And don’t forget that BMW is also moving its Mini brand up in size a few notches, most recently with the Countryman.

The 1 Series GT (which may or may not be pictured above, an image that reportedly came from an unknown UK magazine…) would almost surely be front-wheel drive, as the German automaker is known to be working on such an architecture for its smallest, entry-level models and it would offer the most efficient use of space. All-wheel drive could potentially be offered as an option, as the platform is expected to support such an arrangement.

Yes, BMW’s rumored lineup clearly leaves lots of room to offer something for just about any – and we do mean any – potential buyer.

[Source: German Car Forum]

BMW planning 1 Series GT? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 1 Series M Coupe steps up to the scales

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., BMW

BMW 1 Series M Coupe weight

The crowd at Axis of Oversteer managed to get their paws on the first BMW 1 Series M Coupes to be let loose on American soil. What did they do with the car? While we can imagine the vehicle has already suffered through a pile of hole-shot launches and some serious flinging, the AoO gang also took a spell to load the car onto a set of scales to find out what exactly the baby M weights with a full tank. In a world where manufacturers are increasingly pressed to get their vehicles under the 4,000 pound mark, the 1 Series M Coupe managed to slide in at 3,351 pounds.

That’s mighty skinny considering that the car packs a 340 horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six under hood. This particular car has a full dance card at the moment. It’s headed from New Jersey to Daytona, Florida to serve as the pace car for this weekend’s 24 Hours of Daytona. We’re guessing that the machine will be right at home among the muscle-bound bruisers going the distance down south.

Gallery: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

[Source: Axis of Oversteer]

BMW 1 Series M Coupe steps up to the scales originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: A1GP back this fall as A10 World Series

Filed under: Motorsports

A1GP

Open-wheel racing fans may recall A1GP, self-styled as the World Cup of Motorsport. The spec racing series pitted national teams against each other in identical machinery – the final iteration having been developed and powered by Ferrari – on circuits across Europe and around the world. It was a promising idea (at least once organizers positioned it as a viable step on the ladder to F1 and not as a rival series), but financial troubles saw the series liquidated by the end of 2009.

Reports of A1GP’s revival have been circulating ever since, but according to Autosport – the publication of record when it comes to international motor racing – the series will be back by next fall.

Few details were revealed, except to say that a “leading motorsport figure” (we’d guess a former F1 champion) will head the group of investors behind the effort, and that it will be renamed the A10 World Series (which hopefully won’t be confused with the World Series by Renault).

While the previous A1GP series was balanced between European and overseas races, the new one will reportedly focus on emerging motorsport markets. So, figure on an Asia-heavy calendar with a number of races in the Gulf emirates and the Far East. As for the machinery, the new series could adopt the abandoned Ferrari chassis or go with a different design altogether.

[Source: Autosport]

Report: A1GP back this fall as A10 World Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series frolics in the snow

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, BMW

BMW 1 Series spy shots

BMW 1 Series spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

The BMW 1 Series may have undergone a very slight refresh for the 2012 model year, but it appears that engineers are already hard at work for the next-generation of BMW’s current entry-level machine. Here, we see a five-door hatchback version out testing in the snow-laden cold, complete with a set of chains on its rear tires.

Though it appears that the size of the 1 Series hasn’t changed much, we can see that the front fascia has been slightly redesigned, probably taking on a shape more akin to what’s been done to the larger 5 Series sedan. This prototype is still pretty heavily camouflaged, so it’s hard to tell exactly what design tweaks are in store.

As for what’s under the hood, your guess is as good as ours. However, BMW’s latest commitment to four-cylinder turbocharged engines leads us to believe that the base car will have four-pot power, while the top-end 135i will still likely use the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that we currently enjoy.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series

BMW 1 Series spy shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series frolics in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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