BMW 1M

Breaking from Detroit, BMW has released their new 1M sports car on North American shores. The long awaited BMW 1M features cost effective engineering solutions (ie. part sharing) to provide enthusiasts with the M experience at a more affordable price.



BMW’s 1M packs 340 hp spun from the N54 twin-turbo 3 liter inline six. 332 lb-ft of torque is on tap from low in the rev range, and in harmony with the M limited-slip differential, we see this as a recipe for tail out fun.

BMW intends to open the M brand up to a larger, younger demographic with the 1M – hoping to capture the M5 buyers of tomorrow.



Our editor Hugo Becker shares with us his first impressions of the 1M:



“The new 1 Series M in person is a bit more subtle than one feared (boy racer this isn’t). The front and rear fascia show the most distinction from the existing 1 series along with the flying biplane M3 side mirrors.

Where the difference between the existing 1 and the 1M really shows is in the wheels and brakes. The brakes have a very serious appearance – the floating calipers showing well even up against the stylish Brembos on the regular 135i.



The most striking element of the 1M is the the Valencia Orange paint. It is a polarizing color, more so than the Sedona Red launch color of the 1 Series. Fortunately it is also available in black or white.”

Be sure to check out our exclusive photo gallery from Detroit, and stick around for a video walk around of the 1M later today.

Peugeot has quietly revealed its 3008 crossover SUV in Europe

New systems include head-up display and distance alert functions. Bi-xenon head lights, parking assistance, cruise control, tyre pressure monitor and a full range of telematics and in-car entertainment options are also provided.

Safety equipment includes six airbags and Isofix child seat mountings for the two outer rear seats.

Suspension is via a McPherson-like arrangement at the front and a rear torsion beam - both linked to anti-roll bars.

Engines on offer for the European market include a 1.6-litre THP petrol engine and a new 2.0-litre HDI turbodiesel engine.

Peugeot SA has said that, should the 3008 be offered in South Africa, it will become available here from the first quarter of 2010.
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Detroit Auto Show opens

U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) (R), with Ford Motor President of The Americas, Mark Fields (L) and Director of Sustainable Mobility & Hybrids, Nancy Gioia sit in a 1010 Ford Taurus display as Corker tours the show at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 13, 2009.


General Motors Vice President of Global Design Ed Welburn (L) shows the Volt vehicle to U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) at the American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 13, 2009.


The engine on the BYD F6DM Plug-in Electric Hybrid is seen during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 13, 2009.


The Toyota display is seen during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 13, 2009


The 2010 Toyota Prius is seen during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 13, 2009


A solar roof is seen on a Fisker Karma hybrid electric car during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 13, 2009.


A plug is seen coming from the Chevrolet Volt electric car during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 13, 2009.


Tesla Motors Inc. CEO and Chairman Elon Musk sits in the Tesla Roadster electric vehicle before addressing the media during press days of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 13, 2009.


The 2010 Ford Taurus is seen during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 13, 2009.


The Chevrolet Volt electric car is seen during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 13, 2009


The engine on the BYD F6DM Plug-in Electric Hybrid is seen during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 13, 2009.


A 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is seen during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 13, 2009.
(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Detroit Auto Show: BMW 7 Series Hybrid and X6 Hybrid confirmed for 2009 release

BMW’s two hybrid concept vehicles will be ready for series production by the end of the year, according to Ian Robertson, a member of BMW AG’s board of management, speaking to journalists at the Detroit Auto Show. The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid and the X6 “sport activity vehicle” will each have different hybrid systems, mild- and full-hybrid respectively.

The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, to use the concept car’s full name, is based on the fifth-generation BMW 7-Series that will be in dealerships in the spring as a 2009 model. That ’09 7-Series is scheduled to use the 5.0-liter direct-injection twin-turbo V-8 first used in the BMW X6, with no other engine scheduled for the U.S. at introduction.


BMW X6 Concept ActiveHybridThe BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is the German carbuilder’s first application of the two-mode hybrid developed with General Motors and Chrysler. The Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is a full hybrid, able to run on battery power or gasoline power, or a combination thereof. The two-mode system is used in the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and Chrysler Aspen Hybrid (or was, until its factory was shut down). No numbers were released but BMW says that the Concept X6 ActiveHybrid uses twenty percent less than a similarly-equipped V-8 powered car.

That the hybrid models will be ready for serial production in 2009 which, Robertson told journalists, “means they will probably be available to our customers by the end of the year.”


The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid’s lithium-ion battery pack is integrated into the trunk floor and battery charging is supplemented by regenerative braking.

Because a concept has to have some flash, BMW has added aluminum trim to the front end, with fog lamps made up of seven LEDs at either end of the lower air intake. More air guidance elements are added under the rear bumper with special exhaust tips to distinguish it from ordinary BMW 7-Series. Twenty-inch V-spoke light alloy wheels and Blue Water Metallic paint—plus giant graphics—complete the mostly subtle design changes.


The same engine, however, will be coupled with an electric motor fully integrated into the transmission housing in a mild-hybrid arrangement. The electric motor is rated at 20 horsepower but more importantly, 155 lb-ft of torque, providing both more economy and more performance along with reduced emissions. The output of the electric motor is added to that of the 4.4-liter engine’s already prodigious 400 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, increasing performance. However at part throttle the electric motor takes part of the load that would otherwise be handled by the gas engine and that, along with the stop/start feature that’s included, allow fuel savings of 15 percent to be recorded under the EU test cycle.

Robertson stated that luxury and comfort of the 7 Series won’t be compromised. Based on our prior experience with the BMW Hydrogen 7’s wholly transparent transfer from gasoline to hydrogen fuel leads us to believe the ActiveHybrid will be just as smooth.

Illlustrations: Top, Dr. Klaus Draeger discusses the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show; bottom, BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid. Photos courtesy BMW.
via:examiner



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Detroit auto show: Volkswagen BlueSport roadtser concept with video

The new Volkswagen BlueSport concept will make its debut at this week’s Detroit Auto Show, and show the world the latest iteration of VW’s new hard-edge design language, which was first showcased on the Scirocco coupe and then on the Mark VI Golf.


"The design on the Concept BlueSport will represent the carefully balanced mix of technology and aesthetics," says Klaus Bischoff. "The shape is very clean and is reduced to the minimum essential to obtain and simple lines. Powerful unit will be mainly at the wheel arches and the selected intake vent at the rear wheels is clearly signaling that it is a middle trainsets."


The body of the Volkswagen BlueSport concept is made of steel with high shares of high-strength steel to increase the strength of the open car. Weight has been saved with gaps in the aluminum and a top design that only weighs 27 kilograms. In addition to low weight, reduced fuel consumption with automatic stop-start technology at standstill (engine starts at 0.2 seconds) and the generator is used to regenerate the charger to the battery during braking.


The interior of the Volkswagen BlueSport concept is characterized by a moderate style. The touch screen at the center console manages all information and entertainment. " The number buttons are relatively few and lit up the knobs control lighting and climate control. Even instruments paintings are "clean" and simple - a little Porsche-style.
more detail. ...



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BYD release F3DM hybrid and E6 electric vehicles for U.S. market in 2011

Chinese automaker BYD Auto has announced it is planning to enter the US market in 2011 and will be then launching a product line of plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles.


BYD claims its Fe battery technology has a quick-charge capacity to 50 percent power in only 10 minutes. The battery also has a life cycle of more than 10 years.


The first two models BYD plans on introducing are the F3DM, the world's first mass-produced plug-in hybrid sedan and the e6, a battery-powered mid-sized crossover with a single-charge range of 250 miles (400 km).


Lending confidence to BYD's prospects in the US market is legendary billionaire investor Warren Buffett. Last year the energy division of his investment firm Berkshire Hathaway, MidAmerican Energy Holdings, acquired a 10 percent stake in BYD Auto.


The Fe battery will also be used in BYD's mid-size F6DM sedan, a plug-in hybrid. Plug-in hybrids can run on pure electrical power until the battery runs out when a gasoline engine kicks in and acts as a generator to create more power for the battery.


Speaking ambitiously on the floor of the Detroit auto show, Wang Chuanfu, President and Chariman of BYD Auto, said that the company would also be setting up manufacturing in the US "when it is appropriate".
More Photos



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Detroit auto show highlights energy saving amid economic downturn

The Smart Electric drive car is seen during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 12, 2009.


Toyota introduces its 2010 Prius vehicle during press days at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, January 12, 2009


The Jaguar XFR is seen during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 12, 2009


The Lincoln division of Ford Motor Co. introduces its new MKT luxury crossover during press days of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 12, 2009


Toyota introduces its 2010 Prius vehicle during press days at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, January 12, 2009.


A model stands beside the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 12, 2009


The Maserati Sports GT S is seen during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 12, 2009.


The Maserati Sports GT S is seen during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 12, 2009


The BMW Z4 Roadster is introduced during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, January 11, 2009


The BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid Concept vehicle is introduced during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit January 11, 2009


The Audi R8 5.2 FSI is introduced during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 11, 2009


Volvo Car Corp. President and CEO Stephen Odell (L) and Senior Vice President of Design Steve Mattin pose next to the S60 concept vehicle during press days at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, January 11, 2009


The Hyundai Genesis is displayed after it won 2009 North American Car of the Year during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 11, 2009.


China's BYD F6DM, powered by electric motors and gasoline engine, is displayed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), in Detroit, the United States, January 11, 2009


China's BYD F3DM, powered by electric motors and gasoline engine, is displayed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), in Detroit, the United States, January 11, 2009.


China's BYD E6, a pure electric vehicle, is displayed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), in Detroit, the United States, January 11, 2009.


China's BYD F6DM, powered by electric motors and gasoline engine, is displayed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), in Detroit, the United States, January 11, 2009
Xinhua

Detroit Auto Show: Fisker to Show New Concept & Unveil Karma Production Model

Fisker Automotive’s First Production Vehicle, the Fisker
Karma, to be Showcased at the North American International
Auto Show (NAIAS)

IRVINE, CA. Dec. 2, 2008: Fisker Automotive, Inc., a green American
premium sports car company, today announced that its first production car,
the Fisker Karma, will be showcased at the North American International
Auto Show (NAIAS). With only minor design enhancements made to the
exterior of the vehicle, the production Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid retains the
extreme proportions and beautiful sculpture of the January 2008 Karma show
car.
more detail. ...



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Detroit Auto Show: Subaru Legacy Concept Promo Video

Subaru has released a promotional video showing the Legacy concept car unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It shows very much what the next Legacy is going to look like. During the running of the video the vehicle's exterior is unpacked from a number of angles using clever cinematography.


The interior, though not on the video, is highlighted by dash features like touch screens and cameras. Legroom has been vastly improved as well.


The Legacy concept is fitted with a 3.6-litre boxer engine that drives all four wheels thanks to Subaru's patented AWD system. Its appearance is enhanced by LED headlights, a bold fascia and bolder lines. The car is painted in a high gloss Ultimate Silver paint colour. Subaru has gone more upmarket with the Legacy and ditched a lot of the traditional Japanese lines in favour of cleaner, more European design cues.






via:World Car Fans



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