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google_ad_client=”pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot=”5591521468″;google_ad_width=300;google_ad_height=250;Does the world need another crossover SUV? Audi thinks so, and they look to be adding a few new ones in their quest to unseat BMW. Like it or not, BMW seems to continually be in the driver’s seat of the luxury segment. Which is fitting because you know, they’re the Ultimate Driving Machine right?
BMW has steadily increased its lineup with X crossover vehicles, as well as the “out there” 5-Series Gran Turismo. Most of these (save for the Gran Turismo) have met sales success. Audi wants a piece of that pie. They intend to be the world’s largest premium manufacturer by 2015, another piece of the Volkswagen Group’s goal to be number one by 2018.

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To be the world’s largest, Audi will need a diverse lineup. So, what’s next for the company that recently introduced new models like the like the A7 Sportback, A5 Sportback, Q3 and A1? A Q6 apparently, which will go head-to-head with BMW’s segment-blending X6. Q6 and X6 seems a little to close for comfort as far as monikers go, but we’ll let Audi’s planners determine that.
Most of the aforementioned models are for international markets only (at least for now), but the Q6 would be a global product. At the Bologna Auto Show, VW Group design head Walter de’Silva confirmed the new addition to the lineup.
“We will definitely launch a sportier crossover in between the Q7 and Q5,” said de’ Silva. Sources say the Q6 will be based on the hot-sellng Q5, but will feature a rakish roofline, aggressive design and performance slant. The Q6 isn’t the only crossover in the works though. Audi is also said to have an Q4 slated compete against – you guessed it – the BMW X4 that is confirmed to go on sale in 2014. Crossovers are where it’s at. In the United States, Audi only offers two at the moment: Q5 and Q7. You can count on that figure to increase in the near future.
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google_ad_client=”pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot=”5591521468″;google_ad_width=300;google_ad_height=250;Initiated by the Maserati Quattroporte and Mercedes-Benz CLS vehicles, the modern four-door coupe phenomenon had become a segment catering to premium sports car lovers wanting an equal amount of sedan sophistication. With Audi, Porsche and Aston Martin joining the four-door coupe class, a notable absence has been BMW. Displaying a car at the 2010 Beijing Motor Show called the Gran Coupe Concept, the German auto company wasted little time after the vehicle’s first exhibition to develop the BMW 6 Series coupe and convertible. In time to be a 2013 model, the road-going BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe sends a message that the automaker long known for building “The Ultimate Driving Machine” was not going to shy away from the sportier four-door persona.
In applying a design where two extra doors would be incorporated on the newly-released BMW 6 Series, designers of the 6 Series Gran Coupe were challenged to properly represent a sport sedan needing to look more aggressive than the 5 Series. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is instantly a distinct sight with the longer-arching roofline. The rear door windows shorter appearance magnifies the sport coupe persona on this latest BMW offering. Employing all the subtle design touches of the two-door 6 Series, the model specific headlamp housings as well as the performance car front fascia transitions into a body shape featuring aggressively chiselled side contour lines. At the rear, a straight-flowing rear bumper and a brake light bar traveling across the full width of the rear window invokes the 6 Series Gran Coupe’s racy composition.
For the 2013 model year, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be available in nine exterior colour options that include Frozen Bronze metallic. Within wheel arches projecting a wide, muscular stance, standard wheels on the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be a set of 18-inch light alloys. There will also be an M Sport Package model of the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe featuring 19-inch wheels and body style enhancements along few modifications.
 

 
Part of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe’s constant inundation of performance driving, the person behind the wheel has all the vital vehicle controls in easy reach. The driver-oriented cockpit of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe presents a natural motoring perspective that can include heads-up display as well as the brand’s Top View system. Seating inside the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe advertised as 4+1. The terming of ‘4+1’ in automotive advertising code translates to say that the fifth passenger could be in for a less than comfortable trip. Despite cheating at least one passenger, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe cabin features all of the right luxury touches. BMW iDrive and a navigation system operating off a 10.2-inch high definition display will be standard on all 2013 6 Series Gran Coupe models. To heighten the lavishness of the four-door coupe, a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System as well as an optional Luxury Seating Package that includes four-zone climate control allows peak comfort inside of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.
Accomplishing the looks of a four-door coupe, BMW insures that a well-equipped 6 Series Gran Coupe will have the ingredients to perform the sports car role. For the North American, two gasoline powerplant choices optimized by BMW Valvetronic, TwinPower Turbo and direct injection technology will be found underneath the 6 Series Gran Coupe’s hood. The BMW 640i Gran Coupe model will offer the brand’s N55 3-liter, 315-horsepower inline-six engine. Launching the car in a formidable 0 to 62 mile per hour acceleration time of 5.4 seconds, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is electronically limited top speed of 155 miles per hour.
For Bimmer lovers craving the German version of V-8 power, the 650i Gran Coupe offers a thundering 4.4 liter powerplant. A newly revised version of BMW’s N63 engine, the 650i Gran Coupe is motivated by 445 horsepower and 480 pounds-feet of torque. Bettering the previous version of the twin turbocharged 4.4 liter V-8 by 45 horsepower, the 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe performance is spectacular. Under rear-wheel drive, the BMW 650i Gran Coupe sails from 0 to 62 miles per hour in a fast 4.6 seconds. The BMW 650i Gran Coupe is claiming to be half a second faster than the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550. With the V-8 engined model, the 6 Series Gran Coupe features available xDrive all-wheel drive that provides greater traction and shaves one-tenth of a second off acceleration times.
 
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Engine power from both gasoline powerplant configurations of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be funnelled through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe has Driving Dynamics Control featuring five driver-adjustable settings to configure ride with performance. A new ECO PRO mode added to the BMW system sets a strategy for optimizing fuel consumption of the 6 Series Gran Coupe by instructing the transmission to upshift sooner and lessening throttle response.
Patrons entering European dealerships will also have a 313 horsepower, 3-liter inline-6 diesel version propelled thanks to the use of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Boosting the same performance as the gasoline inline-six engine, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe diesel-fueled powerplant offers longer travel between refuelling.
A late arrival into the four-door coupe marketplace, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe has coupled the ingredients for what is certain to be an all-out German automaker fight between the Audi A7, Volkswagen CC and Mercedes CLS-Class.
Information and photo source: BMW Group
 
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The current BMW 3-Series is a good looking car in our opinion. It was the last model to arrive during the Chris Bangle era at BMW, and no doubt was some of his best work. With the current car, BMW has maintained its sales dominance here in the United States and around the world.

As far as styling, while we never hated them, we couldn’t quite say the same about the previous generation 5- and 7-Series. The current 5 and 7 are far more stylish than the vehicles they replaced, taking BMW styling back to more traditional good looks. Now, its time for the 3-Series to get a redesign in the same vein as its two older siblings. Spyshots have been coming out quite often, indicating heavy final testing, so we knew the time was nearing.

BMW announced today that the wraps will be taken off this Friday, October 14th at 4:00 pm. BMW will reveal the car at a company event in Munich, Germany. The car’s first appearance at an auto show will probably be at next month’s Los Angeles International Auto show.

For those that can’t attend the event in Germany (like us), a live streaming link has been provided via Facebook. There have been reports that this is a Facebook-exclusive reveal, but there will actually be a live event taking place HERE.

Automakers have taken to social media sites more than ever lately to debut their new wares – Honda put photos of its ill-received Accord CrossTour on Facebook and who could forget Ford’s endless campaign for the Explorer? Twitter has also gotten in on the action with Toyota putting up teaser images of the new Camry on the company’s official account. We’ll have all the details up on the latest 3-Series this Friday. We’d be surprised if some photography didn’t leak out before then though; it depends on if BMW is distributing press materials prior to the event.

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Historically, the steam engine is credited for being the main motivator for the industrialized world that has taken human kind to new greatness and understanding. Successful in powering locomotives for until many railway companies adapted to diesel-electric trains through the 1950s, steam power never achieved widespread acceptance among automotive customers. One of the potential powerplant suitors pitched during the infancy of the auto industry in North America along with gasoline and electric batteries, steam engines were vigorously campaigned by the Stanley Motor Carriage Company from 1902 to 1924. Losing trust in the marketplace for the first time during the 1920s, steam power was explored again in the late 1960s by General Motors. Never leaving the experimental stage, steam power as an individual power source for motion has been ruled out for road use.
Almost 50 years since the last serious study of steam power was abandoned, German car maker BMW is revisiting the older technology for application in the 21st century trend of hybrid power motoring. Revealed for the first time as a probable source for electric-assisted power, the BMW Turbosteamer project was initiated in late 2005. Drawing on fundamental steam engine principles and as well as working expertise gained through NASA, improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions is the goal for BMW’s project.
Operation of the BMW Turbosteamer system depends on deriving power from the power plant’s wasted heat. Often a lost by-product in the internal combustion engine, the turbosteamer technology recovers heat through the engine’s cooling system as well as from the high-temperature exhaust gases. The engine-sourced heat is then collected through a heat exchanger that reacts with a special fluid. Subjected to high pressures, the fluid is heated to an extent it turns to steam. The next step in the turbosteamer technology is to direct the steam through a turbine used to generate electrical power. Of course, this electrical power could be used as or alongside a current hybrid vehicle system.
 
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As BMW developed the turbosteamer from the laboratory, the engineer’s main goal was compressing the hardware feasible for integrating into an automobile. Over the course of its development since 2005, BMW is now confident the turbosteamer system can be contained in a system weighing no more than 15 kilograms (33 pounds). According to laboratory studies of the turbosteamer technology, performance improvements from a four-cylinder engine was measured as high as 15 percent. Mating the technology to a BMW 5 Series sedan, BMW engineers predict the turbosteamer could provide up to a 10 percent boost in fuel economy through on longer distance drives.
An automobile company who had been a repeat offender of the CAFE standards placed on vehicles sold in the United States, BMW’s commitment to improve fuel economy has kept the German auto company clear of incompliance fines since 2006. Like all other automakers, BMW will be burdened with meeting all-new fuel economy standards making it necessary for the luxury brand to explore various avenues of performance advancements. Along with the Turbosteamer project, BMW’s attempt to find greater vehicle efficiency also stems into thermoelectric generation.
With BMW’s turbosteamer unit entering field tests, there is no clear indication for when or even whether this technology could be found in future vehicles.
Information and photo source: BMW Group
© Chris Nagy – visit Automoblog.net for more great content.
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google_ad_client=”pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot=”5591521468″;google_ad_width=300;google_ad_height=250;On Thursday, German automaker BMW formally introduced there newest two-door luxury vehicle. A sleek and graceful new BMW 6 Series Coupe worthy of attention, it is somewhat regrettable that much of the 2012-year vehicle is already telegraphed to faithful Bavarian automobile lovers in previous creations.
Aggressive headlamp housings and a more pronounced kidney grille opening are carry-overs from the BMW Gran Coupe concept as well as the BMW 6 Series Convertible. Headlights on the 6 Series are either bi-xenon or a cutting-edge Adaptive LED forward lighting. Through the addition of a hardtop, a truer sense of performance is conveyed through the ultra-sporty roof. Flowing from a well-raked windshield, the new BMW 6 Series roofline allows air to sail towards the short, shapely rear deck lid. In overall height, the 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe rests more than one-eighth of an inch lower than the previous vehicle.
More than 75 millimeters (2.95 inches) longer than the last generation model, the increased length of the new BMW 6 Series is said to be a benefit to rear seat interior room. Still maintained as a 2+2 seater, the forward driver and passenger will continue to enjoy the lion’s share of comfort along with luxury. Options available on the new BMW 6 Series Coupe includes Bang & Olufen surround sound audio system, seat ventilation and Nappa leather. Driver aids offered on the 6 Series Coupe includes Surround View, lane departure warning, Active Cruise Control and BMW Night Vision. BMW iDrive is standard on all 6 Series Coupes with guidance provided through a 9.2-inch center dash screen.
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The new BMW 6 Series will be powered by the same line of TwinPower turbocharged engines introduced on the 5 Series sedan. Entry-level performance for the BMW 6 Series will arrive from a 3-liter inline-6 engine. Producing 320 horsepower, the engine is integrated with BMW EfficientDynamics that includes auto start/stop function and an ECO PRO mode maximizing the 6 Series Coupe’s fuel economy. Eight-cylinder power is also available for 0 to 100 kilometer per hour acceleration in just 4.8 seconds. The twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V-8 engine belts out 407 horsepower and over 450 pounds-feet of torque. Maximum torque production of the V-8 powered BMW 6 Series Coupe is located across a wide driving range assuring a strong grunt. Both the six and eight cylinder powerplants found inside of the 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe are controlled through an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission. Powered conventionally with rear-wheel drive, BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive will make a model debut on the new 6 Series providing some direct competition to quattro-equipped Audi A5 or the Cadillac CTS Coupe AWD.
New to the redesigned BMW 6 Series coupe and convertible line-up for 2012 is the M Sport trim. Featuring a host of aerodynamic enhancements to the lower body, the M Sport trim package adds fog lamps, sport exhaust, special 19-inch alloy wheels and a dark chrome tailpipe. There is also the addition of two specific colours (carbon black metallic and Imola red) insures the BMW 6 Series Coupes featuring the M Sport package. For the full-blown M car, there is no official news yet on a future BMW M6 but expect one in about mid 2012. Since the BMW 6 Series shares its vehicle platform with the new 5 Series, the recently revealed 560 horsepower BMW M5 already granted us a preview to the complexion of a future M6 Coupe.
To be assembled at the same Dingolfing plant BMW constructs the 5 Series and 7 Series vehicles, the BMW 6 Series Coupe should be approaching North American dealership by fall of this year. The coupe will be the perfect companion when the weather for a 6 Series Convertible turns unpleasant.
Information and photo source: BMW Group
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google_ad_client = “pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot = “5591521468″;google_ad_width = 300;google_ad_height = 250; The promotion of all-electric or plug-in hybrid alternative propulsion vehicles is more than a matter of selling the technology. As automakers struggle to accommodate the demand for low or zero emission vehicles, they have been playing a delicate act of marketing these new products. Attempting to connect their well-positioned brand to the future exploration of automobiles, a careful balance must be maintained in assuring the creation does not become a black sheep in the herd. Associated as builder of some of the finest driving automobiles sold in the world, BMW plans to present their upcoming electric vehicle under a name sub-brand. To be badged as the BMW i, vehicles will set out on a path of unique design and engineering philosophy untethered to the established conventions of the German automotive brand.
Having brought to light their Megacity concept late 2010, the BMW i is the further personification of integrating lightweight construction and renewable materials into a bullish, new electric vehicle brand. During the Saturday night presentation where the BMW i colours over the BMW Museum in Munich, the new sub-brand is also championing what the German auto company says is “Naturally vibrant, highly aesthetic images with a futuristic atmosphere will characterise communications”. Showing off two vehicle stretches showcasing the preliminary appearance of the BMW i brand, many will note the compact hatchback is unmistakably the concept shown for the BMW Megacity vehicle. With this hatchback now acknowledged as the i3, a more sportier coupe version is also featured designated as the i8 concept.
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Presenting the styling direction, previous news has already cemented proof of the BMW i powertrain. By the end of this year, a fleet of 1,000 electric-powered BMW 1 Series car (called the BMW ActiveE) will be conducting real-world evaluation of an electric powertrain expected to be the basis of the BMW i vehicles. Specifications for the BMW ActiveE states the use of 168 horsepower electric motor being sparred by energy from a lithium-ion battery.
In the past 5 years, companies have used the ‘i’ symbol ad nauseam. Used to market everything from consumer electronics to teenage starlets, this is not even BMW’s first use for the ‘i’ identification. In some cases, the letter within a product was used as a quick cash-in. However, a half-hearted effort is not the intention of the new BMW i sub-brand. Expected to invest 400 million Euros (over 542 million US dollars), this new product arrangement due for 2013 is said to create 800 jobs around the new all-electric vehicles.
Information and photo source: BMW Group
 
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google_ad_client = “pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot = “5591521468″;google_ad_width = 300;google_ad_height = 250; Some days, I don’t know if I adequately express my love for automobiles in every post I authored. I am truly a car fan and it is an auto show that reminds me just how much I cherish that interest in automobiles. Knowing that so many Automoblog.net followers feel the same sense of emotion with a prized auto make or even the vehicle in general, it was a pleasure to attend media day of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
While many vehicles are making Canadian debuts, many of the cast and faces have risen to idolization already across the auto show world. Nonetheless, when you truly set eyes on something so beautiful as a new car design, even the best LCD screen or finest glossy magazine paper does not completely radiate the full meaning of automotive existence. The scene at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show media day provided the most upbeat messages to the future of the automobile.
Starting with an opening ceremony as well as a press conference with Ford Motor Company, media day of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show supplied more energy than perhaps the entire 2010 exhibition. Unveiling first the Ford C-Max, a kinetic display at four acrobats brought a spectacle back to auto industry. A bright spot in American motoring, the Ford Motor Company’s engineering pride was more than evident through their use of floor space. Cutaway of a 2011 Ford Explorer, a simulator of Ford’s stability control program, engines and other various car components including their seat belt airbag were featured with as much attention as the whole vehicles.

Right after the Ford conference, BMW and MINI were next to highlight their showcases of 2011 so far. Presenting the BMW M6 convertible, the BMW 1M and the MINI Paceman concept, there was also details on the BMW X1. Reported by some publications earlier this year as being delayed until 2012, the compact sport activity vehicle X1 is set for release late this year starting at just under ,000 Canadian.
Starting with the unveiling of the MINI Paceman, the automotive marketing of presenting beautiful women alongside the glorious new vehicles. Land Rover and Chrysler later in the day would also enlist the assistance of some photogenic females. With absolutely no offense against the women, my attention is only planted on the automobiles. Using star power, Kia Motors called in sports athletes from the professional soccer team Toronto Football Club to show off a special edition Sportage. For all the people able to present the vehicles during the press conferences, I keep in mind the numerous individuals behind the scenes of the auto companies as well as the Canadian International Auto Show.

Through a stop at the Honda exhibit, the 2012 Honda Civic Si coupe concept in between a tuned Honda Insight and Accord decked out in a white/carbon black paint scheme. Seeing the Civic concept up-close, there is no doubt this vehicle is be the dead-ringer for the upcoming production car. The only thing needed for the final 2012 Civic will be an interior.
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Not seen at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Nissan came to Toronto presenting Canadian debuts of the 2011 Quest minivan and the Infiniti M35h. An enthusiastic Alfonso Albaisa, Vice President of Nissan Design America, eagerly presented the Ellure concept. Viewed as a designing precursor to a future Altima or Maxima, Albaisa brings much of the passionate new styling direction that was exhibited on his other creation, the Nissan Juke. Along with the NV commercial van, the new Nissan GT-R and the Nismo 370Z coupe, another live act stole the press conference. Influenced by a new advertising campaign around the all-electric Nissan Leaf featuring a polar bear, a bear-suited individual quietly wondered out bringing a welcomed comic relief to the morning surrounding the car business.

The second-to-last exhibit of the media day morning was General Motors. President of GM Canada Kevin Williams introduced Canadian press members to the Buick Verano as the company’s new theme was discretely unveiled. The trucks and large sport utility vehicles General Motors once depended upon as profit centers were moved literally pushed to the corner. It’s obvious that bets are being hedged on the new Chevrolet Cruze . At least 9 Chevrolet Cruze sedans of varying colours and configurations were scattered across the expanded GM exhibit (including a highly-modified tuner and a touring car version). The Canadian International Auto Show also saw GM feature the Buick Regal eAssist as well as the ‘not-for-the-United States’ Chevrolet Orlando.
Grant the fact the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette are strong brand symbols, it is a relief those vehicles were prominent in Toronto. In fact, on special display for 2011 was an separate exhibit called Icons: Camaro and Firebird. Dedicated to an smaller floor of the convention center were special edition, Indianapolis 500 pace cars and vehicles relating to show business highlighting the best of almost 45 years of the General Motors pony car. A Pontiac Firebird paying tribute to the Knight Industries Two Thousand (affectionately known as K.I.T.T.) from the 1980s TV crime-fighting show Knight Rider and both Camaros representing the vehicle modes for the 2007 Transformers movie character Bumblebee are some stars of the special display. A more modern superstar, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 surprised with its appearance within the Icons: Camaro and Firebird section. Less than a week prior to its debut in Chicago, a blue coupe version shown in Toronto is only an hour down the road from the Oshawa, Ontario plant where the production models of the Camaro ZL1 will roll down the line.

Three and a half hours of press conferences and vehicle unveils concluded with the Kia Motors exhibit. Covering only a small space of the convention center, Kia’s new Optima and Optima Hybrid supplied a big sense of growth for the South Korea-based auto company. Providing a guide to the brand’s styling direction, the concept Kia Ray was included within the showcase.
For part 2 of this journey, I’ll steer you through an afternoon with Canadian premieres or up-close looks at Mercedes-Benz, Audi and the Concorso Exotica.
Photo Source: Chris Nagy
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google_ad_client = “pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot = “5591521468″;google_ad_width = 300;google_ad_height = 250; So this is Christmas! With all due respect to the various readers of automoblog.net as well as to the truer meaning of togetherness and community on this December 25th day, this holiday can be regarded as the most valuable event commercially. Many of us have been honoured with much-wanted gift item under the Christmas tree. However, some of us tear open our gifts realizing we’re beholding products destined to be returned to stores. While a fair share of item returns will result in store credit, some automotive enthusiasts may become the lucky ones to obtain cash back.
Also relevant for those who have acquired their present in the form of money, motorheads can set their sights to a wide ranging assortment of official automotive-branded merchandise bringing post-holiday cheer.
BMW Snow Racer 
Price: £69.95 (7.97 US)
A tragedy as a youngster is to have an object of curiosity within our daily viewing. Seeing a BMW M3 or BMW 7-Series zooming down the road would fill a young mind (as well as the older children at heart) with a desire to one day control a product fronted by the creators of “the ultimate driving machine”. Made from weather resistant plastics, the 6 kilogram (13.22 pound) BMW Snow Racer provides excitement for children 4-10 years old as they storm down white, powdery hills in this stylish sled. Sorry to more mature readers, there is not an adult version of the BMW Snow Racer.
Mopar 2GB USB Storage Drive 
Price: .75
An excellent item for the tech savvy Chrysler fan, the 2 gigabyte-sized Mopar USB flash drive properly advertises fanaticism for the popular accessory brand. Shaped in the form of a Mopar ‘M’ logo, this custom-designed USB drive disassembles from its casing to expose the connection piece. A portable storage device, photos, music and other file formats can be saved on the cleverly-designed USB flash drive.
Mercedes-Benz 2010 Classic Ornament Set 
Price: .00
Never to early for some to think about the next Christmas season, a set of four ornaments features the image of 1970s and 1980s Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Depicted on painted glass ornaments, the classic Mercedes-Benz W123 sedan as well as the 1985 500 SEL coupe. This four ornament holiday grouping arrives inside a custom-fitted red box for extra-safe keeping.
Built Ford Tough Portable Grill 
Price: 9.00
The fully-equipped Built Ford Tough portable grill set includes the ideal outfitting for an impromptu barbecue. Composing of a mini propane-fueled grille (propane tanks sold separately) and a waterproof, insulated cooler and a 3-piece grilling tool complement. The Built Ford Tough portable tool makes anyone the most popular figure at tailgate parties.
Infiniti Essence Sculpture 
Price: 0.00
Unlike a standard die-cast and scaled-model, Infiniti’s automotive Essence Sculpture serves more as an artform rather than an accurate recreation of their design direction. Building only 300 complete examples, the body shell is made of solid resin. Completing the high-fashion presentation, a specially-suited bespoke carrying case for the limited edition sculpture is produced by renowned luggage and handbag Louis Vuitton. This collaboration follows-up on the full-sized concept coupe, the Infiniti Essence which featured custom-fitted Louis Vuitton luggage.
Information and photo source: BMW USA, Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company, Infiniti USA and Mercedes-Benz
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After endless teasing, BMW finally rolled out its long-awaited 1-Series M. The car was first announced last year in July 2009 by BMW M Boss Kay Segler. Over a year and a half later, the car has appeared. Introduction of an M model for a car this late in its life cycle was unexpected.
While the 1-Series was first introduced in the United States in 2008, it has been on sale in other parts of the world since late 2004. In the U.S the car has been viewed as a successor to the 3-Series of the past, with its small size, rear-wheel drive and similarities in appearance. That positioning continues with the 1-Series M, and BMW has embraced the similarity.
The 1 Series M gets significant changes to the exterior over its standard coupe counterpart. The body package is well done, conveying the sporting intentions of the 1-Series M. The front track has been increased by 2.8 inches and out back the increase stands at 1.8 inches. The 1-Series is also larger in every dimension: 0.2 inches longer, 2.1 inches wider and 0.5 inches taller.

google_ad_client = “pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot = “5591521468″;google_ad_width = 300;google_ad_height = 250; Despite larger dimensions, 77 pounds have been shaved off of its curb weight, which now stands at 3,296 pounds. Weight distribution has been extremely well balanced at (51.7/48.3).
The 1-Series M gets BMW’s 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, which uses twin-turbocharging to produce 335 horsepower and 332 pound feet of torque. The engine is also used in the 3-Series and Z4.
While bumped up from the 320 hp figure of the 3-Series, the figures are the same as the Z4 sDrive35is. Increased throttle response can be had by pressing the “M” button on the dash, and the car has an overboost function that will add 37 lb-ft of torque under full acceleration. This is good for a 0-60 time of just 4.7 seconds. Many have complained for more power, but we think that is pretty good, especially considering the car’s size
Suspension components have been upgraded with aluminum parts sourced from the M3. To handle the added power, there is a new, more powerful braking system with internally-vented, cross-drilled cast iron discs. They measure 14.2 inches (360mm) in diameter up front and 13.8 inches (350mm) out back. . Official pricing information will be revealed closer to the car’s Spring 2011 on-sale date. Three colors will be available at launch: Alpine White non-metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic and the 1-Series M-exclusive Valencia Orange Metallic.
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google_ad_client=”pub-8213487891390535″;google_ad_slot=”5591521468″;google_ad_width=300;google_ad_height=250; Amongst the California sun, the image conscious motorists of the state are eager to be seen in the newest, most sought over premium vehicle. Hybrids and electrics vehicles have consumed plans for the California roadways but a convertible is a perennial favourite. At the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, German auto company BMW provided a centerpiece of droptop excitement as the completely redesigned 650i Convertible premiered.
While the previous creations giving a peek at the future 6-Series wore the word “concept” in it’s title. As the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show provided the first marque for showing the new BMW convertible, this car also the first United States showing of the 2012 BMW 6-Series giving first definitive answers to the North American version of the vehicle.
As expected, the styling of the BMW 6-Series cars appears reminiscent to the Concept Gran Coupe BMW as well as the most recent Concept 6-Series shown at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Starting with the more protruded kidney grille and traveling along the more aggressively contoured side, the new production BMW 6-Series exterior design flows effortlessly. Resisting the allure of retractable hardtop roofs, BMW 6-Series Convertible engineers elected to maintain a multi-layer softtop to cover the cozy interior. Electronically-controlled, the roof deploys in just 19 seconds and can be retracted in 24 seconds. Besides being a beloved classic look, the BMW 650i Convertible’s election for a fabric top allows for better all-around storage.
The 2012 BMW 650i Convertible adopts much of the chassis and drivetrain hardware already field tested on the 7-Series and most recently on the 5-Series. Transmitting a very capable ride to the occupants, the BMW 650i Convertible rides on a double wishbone suspension design at the front and multi-link units at the back side wheels. Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control as well as a special feature that compensates for brake fade keeps all-season run-flat tires firmly on the road. Through another function called Driving Dynamic Control, the driver can select the amount of interference of electronic control by choosing either a Comfort, Normal or Sport+ mode.
A 2+2 interior layout, the 2012 BMW 650i Convertible interior shell is created with high quality materials. A trademark of all BMWs continues to reign inside this 6-Series convertible as a driver-oriented cockpit enhances the motoring experience. BMW touts a new-generation Heads-Up Display as a multi-coloured, 3-dimensional driving aid. Optional equipment on the new BMW 650i Convertible, the windshield information projection system incorporates many of the vehicle’s modern safety features including BMW Night Vision and Lane Departure Warning System. Featured prominently within the refined dash panel is a 10.2 inch standard screen called a “Central Display”. Through the iDrive control pad, entertainment, navigation and phone functions are all relayed to the driver. An available multiple view camera system also projects images into the Central Display of the read, side and even above the driver.
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The 4.4 liter, twin-turbo V-8 powerplant presents the 2012 BMW 650i Convertible with 40 extra horsepower over the outgoing 6-Series V-8 engine. Propelling this Bavarian Bombshell with a total of 400 horsepower, an electronically-limited speed of 155 miles per hour.
For the new BMW 650i Convertible, manual and automatic transmission choices are offered. For a ‘wind-in-your-air convertible experience, the 6-speed manual returns to this BMW personal luxury vehicle. An automatic option for the 2012 BMW 650i Convertible allows for graceful cruising but provides a less-compromised performance potential. New for the 2012 model year 6-Series, a 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission has been skillfully orchestrated for fast gear shifts. BMW’s Sport Automatic gearbox also features a manual shifting feature if the Sunday drive to the country club needs a little spunk. A 0 to 60 mile per hour time of 4.9 seconds is promised with both the manual and automatic gearboxes.
For BMW lovers awaiting more performance, the possibility of a new M6 convertible could see as much as 550 horsepower being sent on route to the rear axle. With rumours indicating the next M5 is due for release as a 2013 model (some say as early as 2012), the wait for a BMW M6 is not far.
Settling for the artificial light inside of the Los Angeles, the 2012 BMW 650i Convertible’s roll-out in early-to-mid 2011 will provide an ideal vehicle to bask in natural sunlight.
Information and photo source: BMW
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