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BMW planning rear-wheel drive 2 Series?

Filed under: Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill

BMW M2 Rendering Consider our fingers crossed. With all of the talk of front-wheel-drive BMW models coming down the pike, we simply assumed that the future of small German hatchbacks with roundels on the hood would be littered with soulless heaps. According to the sleuths over at Car and Driver, however, that’s not the case. After discovering that BMW had filed for U.S. patents for the names 228, 230 and 235, someone at BMW let it slip that the new 2 Series would, in fact, send its power to the aft. But hold onto your teacups, kids, it gets better.

BMW has also filed for a patent for the M2 moniker.

Now, we know as well as anyone that a patent doth not a production vehicle make, but it’s still exciting to know that BMW isn’t walking away from the notion of a smallish, fun-to-drive model anytime soon. Supposedly the company is planning a rash of models positioned below the current 1 Series to help decrease its corporate average fuel economy, but the news of a rear-wheel drive model with an M badge on the back goes a long way toward salving any ails inflicted by the thought of a front-wheel-drive Bimmer.

[Source: Car and Driver]

BMW planning rear-wheel drive 2 Series? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW’s M division releases more details, images of upcoming 1 Series M Coupe

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

BMW 1 Series M Coupe teasers – Click above for image gallery

Fans of the original BMW M3 might not be enamored by the current V8 model, but the upcoming 1 Series M Coupe promises to bring it back to the source. The Bavarian automaker has released new information on the more compact M ahead of its full release in December ahead of the Detroit Auto Show where it’ll be finally revealed to the public.

The 1 Series M Coupe packs a 340-horsepower version of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter six from the Z4 sDrive35iS in a package weighing about 3,300 pounds, with power fed to the wheels exclusively through a six-speed manual. This a departure from the “bare-bones” M3 GTS that packs a dual-clutch gearbox.

Pricing is slated to come in between those of the existing 135i and M3, placing it somewhere around the $45k mark. Click below to check out the updated gallery of teaser images, including some new swirly ones.

Gallery: BMW 1M Coupe teasers

[Source: BMW M division]

BMW’s M division releases more details, images of upcoming 1 Series M Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible caught on photo shoot

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

2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible

2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible – Click above for gallery

Look what’s been caught without its camo: the 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible. The image you see above originated from the folks at E90 Post, and is supposedly a clandestine shot snapped during a photo shoot of the big, topless BMW. The crew over at Autobild then set about doing a little Photoshop forensics to remove the pesky cameraman and shadows from the shot, giving us an unobstructed view of exactly what the new Sixer will look like with its cloth top stowed.

So what do we know about the 2012 6 Series? BMW hasn’t come out and revealed exactly what will lurk under that massive hood, but if we were laying down our hardly-earned paychecks on an educated guess, we’d say that a smattering of the company’s range of turbocharged inline six-cylinder engines would be a good bet. Meanwhile, the topped-out M6 is likely to pack something with a few more cylinders and another turbo. Thanks for the tip, Jen!

Gallery: 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible Spy Shot

[Sources: Motor Authority, E90 Post]

2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible caught on photo shoot originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series updates come into sharper focus

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Europe, BMW

2011 BMW 1-Series Spy Shots

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

Our special-ops spy photographers have managed to lay their lenses on the next BMW 1-Series Coupe, and from the looks of things, BMW won’t be putting the car under for any serious surgery for the 2011 model year. Instead, buyers can look forward to a raft of small updates to keep the design fresh. This prototype was spotted on public streets wearing camouflage over what we assume to be updated body componenets. Judging from the photos, the next 1er will feature a redesigned front fascia with newly sculpted air intakes set low to the ground.

The wee Bimmer will also enjoy new headlight and taillight designs, and while there may be a few interior updates along for the ride, we expect the drivetrain to remain largely unchanged for the majority of the lineup. That is unless of course we’re talking about 1 Series M Coupe, but that’s a different beast all together.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 1-Series Spy Shots

Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series updates come into sharper focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion releases yet another special edition, this time xD Release Series 3.0

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Scion

2011 Scion xD Release Series 3.0

2011 Scion xD Release Series 3.0 – Click above for high-res image gallery

In an effort to keep its aging xD hatchback a little fresher, Scion has created the limited-edition xD Release Series 3.0 for the 2011 model year. Only 1,500 examples of the RS 3.0 will be built with pricing set at $17,625 (including the $720 destination charge) for cars equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. Opting for the four-speed automatic will set you back an additional $800.

The new brown paint color – xPRESSO – isn’t available on any other model in the Scion lineup, and the diminutive xD wears it quite well. From there, Scion adds a four-piece body kit encompassing chunky front and rear lower lips, side skirts and B-pillar appliques finished in a carbon fiber material. Because of the limited production, Scion has also added an individually numbered stainless steel badge, telling owners which of the 1,500 cars they have.

With hot new B-segment offerings like the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 on the market, Scion’s attempt to jazz up the xD is a necessary move, but with a fully loaded price of $18,425, it may prove to be a rather tough sell. Cars will hit dealerships later this month, and you can read the full details in Scion’s official press blast after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Scion xD Release Series 3.0

2011 Scion xD Release Series 3.0

[Source: Scion]

Continue reading Scion releases yet another special edition, this time xD Release Series 3.0

Scion releases yet another special edition, this time xD Release Series 3.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring is an excellent vehicle you’ll never drive

Filed under: Wagon, Paris Motor Show, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 5 Series Touring

2011 BMW 5 Series Touring – Click above for high-res image gallery

Take a good, hard look at this vehicle, which is currently on display at the Paris Motor Show. Seems like it would be the perfect alternative for someone who wants a luxury SUV but doesn’t need a vehicle that large. It also appears to be the perfect car for a person who wants cargo room yet despises luxury crossovers. This is the 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring – and we can’t have it.

Wagons are, quite unfortunately, going the way of the dodo in this country. A vehicle that makes too much sense won’t sell in a country where sense is tossed into the wind. The problem is, that’s part of what makes this country great – the idea that we can go and buy a V10-powered Ford Excursion even if we just use it to drive the kids to soccer. Yet, that vehicle only makes sense for a small number of people, and those people are buying better tools for their job anyway.

The 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring, assuming of course that you are looking for a luxury car, makes far more sense to far more people. It fits just as many people as the high-riding crossover alternative, while also providing just as much cargo space. It’s arguably better looking than any crossover or sport utility vehicle. More importantly, it has loads of useful space while at the same time being a blast to drive. The only area it would fall in a comparison would be in regards to towing.

You can view the stats for the 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring in the press release after the jump, but it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. We won’t get to enjoy the 306 horsepower 535i Touring, or any other variant of this wonderful wagon. And before it’s even left in the ‘comments’, yes, we know all about the BMW 5 Series GT.

Gallery: Paris 2010: BMW 5 Series Touring

Paris 2010: BMW 5 Series Touring

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Paris 2010: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring is an excellent vehicle you’ll never drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: BMW Concept 6 Series Coupé looks low, flat and mean

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW’s Paris press conference isn’t set to take place until later today, but the boys from Bavaria left its Concept 6 Series Coupé hanging around on the display’s massive curved plinth.

While we couldn’t finagle our way inside to take a gander at the interior (at least not yet), the crisply styled GT clearly foreshadows the nearly-here 6 Series production model. The attractive and surprisingly large coupe borrows bits from Beijing’s Grand Coupe concept as well as the new 5 Series, particularly in the nose.

When it arrives next year, the serial 6’er will likely be powered by BMW’s range of turbocharged and naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines, with eight-cylinder motivation reserved for the next M6.

Gallery: Paris 2010: BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept

Gallery: BMW 6 Series Concept

[Source: BMW]

Paris 2010: BMW Concept 6 Series Coupé looks low, flat and mean originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 05:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept rendered for your pleasure

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Videos, Paris Motor Show, BMW, Luxury

BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept rendered inside and out – Click above to watch video after the jump

The BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept appears to have separated the audience into camps called “OMG BMW what have you done?” and “OMG BMW is back!” If there are any of you left on the fence looking for a closer look before you sign up to one of those clubs, here are high-definition renderings of the concept without and within.

Of course, they’re still renderings so you can reserve final final judgement, but you’ll see how the exterior light elements work and get clues to interior details. We’re digging that glass roof in all kinds of ways. Follow the jump for the close-ups, and stay tuned for live coverage straight from the Paris Motor Show. Hat tip to Rob!

[Source: YouTube]

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Video: BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept rendered for your pleasure originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: BMW unwraps 6 Series Coupe Concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Paris Motor Show, BMW

BMW 6 Series Concept

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

Like so many “concepts” from BMW, the 6 Series Coupe bound for the Paris Motor Show is a concept in name alone. What you’re looking at is BMW’s next GT, and even a cursory glance proves that the Bangleization of BMW is officially over.

Set to be based on the 5 Series’ underpinnings and taking several cues from the Grand Coupe concept shown in Beijing, the next BMW 6 Series takes the brand’s new upright grille, frames it with a set of full-LED headlamps and than caps things off with a more contoured rump. We’re not going to pass judgement on the design until we see it in person, but like the last 6er, this new GT appears to be a love it or loathe it affair.

On the contrary, the interior is an airy, organic environment, complete with an asymmetrical center console tilted towards the driver, a new navigation display and a host of aluminum and leather accents that are several steps beyond what’s currently on offer from BMW. We’re particularly digging the redesigned steering wheel and the waterfall of material that connects the dash to the transmission tunnel.

BMW isn’t giving up specifics on dimensions or engines – this is a “concept” after all – but expect the 2012 BMW 6 Series to be slightly lower and marginally wider than the current model. Power will be supplied by BMW’s current array of naturally aspirated and turbocharged inline sixes, with the next M6 outputting over 550 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. The standard 6 should be in showroom early next year, with the M6 to arriving in late 2012 and the soft-top due out in late 2011.

Gallery: BMW 6 Series Concept

Source: BMW

Paris Preview: BMW unwraps 6 Series Coupe Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden Redlines its V-Series performance offerings

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Truck, Wagon, Holden, Australia

Holden V-Series Redline Editions – Click above for high-res image gallery

The five new kings in the Holden range wear Redline badges, with the Aussie arm of General Motors introducing new versions of the Series II Calais V-Series sedan and Sportwagon, along with the SS V-Series sedan, Sportwagon and Ute. Six-liter, Flexfuel V8s power them all, with the sedans getting the additional benefit of the FE3 Super Sports Performance Suspension and a chrome window surround. Otherwise each wears Brembo brakes, forged 19-inch with low-profile tyres, and all but the ute get a rearview camera. Follow the jump for the press release, have a look at a few of the flavors in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: 2011 Holden V-Series Redline Editions

[Source: Holden]

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Holden Redlines its V-Series performance offerings originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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