Report: BMW files trademark for M2

Filed under: BMW, Rumormill

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

We already told you that BMW has decided to limit production of the 1 Series M, making it a one-year proposition. Now, we may know a bit more about this decision. The German automaker has reportedly filed trademarks on the terms "M2" and "BMW M2." Where is the 2 Series upon which these terms could apply? Rumor has it that the next-generation BMW 1 Series will grow up and become the 2 Series.

Of course, a BMW 2 Series is not a foregone conclusion, but it's always a wise idea to stay a step ahead. At the very least, BMW is making sure that the M2 name will be ready should it choose to go the 2 Series route.

BMW files trademark for M2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://feeds.autoblog.com/~r/weblogsinc/autoblog/~3/2LRIEY14p58/

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Edmunds Roundup: December 2, 2010

Green Car Advisor: Lexus Aiming For Top Spot With 2011 CT 200h
Toyota's luxury badge, which plans to enter the compact-premium market next February with its 2011 CT 200h hybrid hatchback, says it hopes to capture as much as 40% of that sector  because of the car's combination of fuel economy and performance.

Auto Observer: November Sales Uptick Feeds Industry Expectations
Major automakers shared nearly equally in the good news. Even Chrysler's sales rose by 17 percent. But Toyota Motor Sales USA proved the notable exception, with a decline of 3 percent for the month on an unadjusted basis.

Inside Line: 2012 Audi A6 Redesigned
The midlevel A6 has received an extensive makeover, with an exterior redesign that draws styling cues from the recently reworked A8 flagship. Among the options are LED headlamps and 20-inch wheels and tires.

Source: http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/2010/12/edmunds-roundup-december-2-2010.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Video: BMW 328 Hommage even sexier in motion

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Videos, BMW, Design/Style, Luxury

2011 BMW 328 Hommage - Click above to view video after the jump

Last week at the Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este, BMW unleashed its lovely 328 Hommage on the world as a tribute to its legendary 1936 328, the car that still holds the fastest average speed ever achieved at the Mille Miglia. This week, they've pumped out a video of the car in motion, disguised as a behind-the-scenes look at its California photo shoot. As you might expect, the video just serves confirm our earlier conclusion: this car has some beautiful details.

For those who need a refresher course, here's how the numbers break down: The 328 Hommage tips the scales at just over 1,700 pounds thanks to the use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics. Pushing that scant poundage around is BMW's venerated inline six, backed up by a mystery transmission. To ogle the video, click past the jump.

Continue reading BMW 328 Hommage even sexier in motion

BMW 328 Hommage even sexier in motion originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://feeds.autoblog.com/~r/weblogsinc/autoblog/~3/-OLaKqOuQ6g/

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Edmunds Roundup: November 30, 2010

Auto Observer: Chevrolet Volt Leaves Consumers Charged, Somewhat Confused
GM educating consumers may be the automaker's biggest challenge with the Volt as consumers "getting" the Volt is key to its success.

Edmunds CarPool: Karl on Cars- What to Buy Your Favorite Car Guy
What do you get the car guy who already seems to have everything? That's a fair question, and one I'm betting plenty of car guy friends and family struggle with every year.

Inside Line: Self-Parking Systems Comparison Test
Self-parking systems are a potential godsend -- they could help the parking-challenged ease into a spot without incident while letting the rest of us get on our way.

Source: http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/2010/11/edmunds-roundup-november-30-2010.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Report: UPS testing plastic trucks that cut weight by 1,000 pounds [w/video]

Filed under: Etc., Videos

UPS tests composite delivery truck - Click above to watch the video after the jump

UPS is known for its amazing level of efficiency, and that reputation could soon extend to fuel savings thanks to a prototype dubbed CV-23. The delivery company has ordered five of these prototypes to be tested through the end of 2011, but this is no ordinary next-generation package hauler.

The CV-23 weighs about a thousand pounds less than the typical UPS truck, thanks to the fact that it is made with composite materials instead of metal. The lightweight materials could help UPS deliver up to 40 percent better fuel economy than the current UPS fleet truck. Those kinds of fuel economy gains can pay huge dividends in rural areas where trucks are required to drive large distances. And since the body panels are plastic, bumpers, panels and other parts can be replaced easily.

Hit the jump to watch video of the CV-23 as it is tested by UPS management. If the company is sufficiently impressed, the guys and gals in brown could order more trucks, potentially saving 84 million gallons of fuel per year. We're guessing drivers will want to see some crash test data before seeing what brown plastic can do for them, but otherwise, this seems like a pretty good idea.

Continue reading UPS testing plastic trucks that cut weight by 1,000 pounds [w/video]

UPS testing plastic trucks that cut weight by 1,000 pounds [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://feeds.autoblog.com/~r/weblogsinc/autoblog/~3/h0dEZaMjPic/

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

2011 Honda Odyssey Limited: Power Liftgate Video

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2011/05/2011-honda-odyssey-limited-power-liftgate-video.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Report: Nissan GT-R to get power bump, Spec R version

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan

2012 Nissan GT-R Egoist - Click above for high-res image gallery

Staying on top demands constant improvement, and Nissan has certainly proven itself up to the task with the current R35-generation GT-R. Since its domestic introduction in 2007 and global roll-out in 2009, Nissan has launched successive improvements on its flagship sportscar, and now word is coming of another upgrade on the way.

According to the folks at 7Tune, output from the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 is set to increase from 530 horsepower up to 560. And to supersede the current Spec V model, a Spec R is said to be in the works, dropping another 70 pounds or so for even more extreme performance.

Development of the new GT-R has reportedly been postponed in the wake of the quake fallout in Japan, pushing the car's launch back by several months. These are expected to be the final iterations of the R35 before its successor arrives.

Nissan GT-R to get power bump, Spec R version originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://feeds.autoblog.com/~r/weblogsinc/autoblog/~3/00poIqoCoDM/

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Spy Photos: Is This the Next Generation Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011/05/spy-photos-is-this-the-next-generation-ford-mustang-cobra-jet.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Edmunds Roundup: December 3, 2010

Green Car Advisor: Committee Suggests 15-Cent Gas Tax Hike; Why Not More?
The President's bipartisan deficit reduction committee is proposing a 15-cents-a-gallon increase in the present federal gas tax of 18.4 cents, to be phased in over several years. It's a start.

Auto Observer: LA Show Closes: New Nissans, Hyundai Elantra Earn Buzz
Here is a look at what new models displayed at the LA show that generated the most buzz on Edmunds.com.

Inside Line: Jaguar C-X75 Concept First Drive
The C-X75's twin jets are actually tiny turbines made in Britain by Bladon Jets. They don't actually power the wheels of this exotic concept car but instead spin tiny generators the size of your fist that make electrical power for this innovative plug-in hybrid.

 

Source: http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/2010/12/edmunds-roundup-december-3-2010.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Not Found on eBay: Lamborghini LM002

Judging by the prices, you'd never know we're in a recession. Sam Fiorani looks at some of the highlights of this year's Barrett-Jackson, RM, and Gooding auctions. He was the screen icon of his era--a survivor and a superstar--and in 1971, he made his most personal film, Le Mans. Seen here is the Porsche...

Source: http://www.roadst3r.com/stories/not-found-ebay-lamborghini-lm002/

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Edmunds Roundup: December 7, 2010

Inside Line: 2011 New Car Buying Guide
Whatever you think about the new crop of 2011 models, you'll find all you need to know right here in our 2011 Buyer's Guide. We have every car and every updated listed in one handy index.

Auto Observer: Honda Kills Boxy Element After 9-Year Run
The Element had become long in the tooth, having remained virtually the same with only powertrain and safety upgrades since it was introduced in December 2002 as a 2003 model.

Green Car Advisor: November Hybrid Sales Picture
November's typically the second slowest month of the year for car sales - conventional passenger vehicle sales were down just 8 percent from October volumes, while hybrid sales plunged 14 percent.

Source: http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/2010/12/edmunds-roundup-december-7-2010.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

The new Opel Corsa at the Bologna Motor Show 2010

Starting tomorrow we will see at the Bologna Motor Show a new design of Opel Corsa, especially with regard to the new front, as well as in Engine. Aesthetically, the new Opel Corsa comes with a frontal zone characterized by a larger lower air intake and low and new housing for the fog lights, while the Opel logo is larger and more pointed.

Source: http://www.autocarbe.com/opel/the-new-opel-corsa-at-the-bologna-motor-show-2010/

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

1985 Porsche 911: It's a Classic, But Our 911 Doesn't Feel That Old

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2011/05/1985-porsche-911-its-a-classic-but-our-911-doesnt-feel-that-old.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

2011 Toyota Sienna: Free Maintenance Booklet

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2011/05/2011-toyota-sienna-free-maintenance-booklet.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Koenisegg Agera R

Koenigsegg is one of the few brands that can boast supercar machines as beasts, powerful (and expensive) to make it next to a Ferrari or a Lamborghini looks like a utility. Its latest creation, made a year ago, is the Koenigsegg Agera. With a performance of heart, thanks to its more than 900 horsepower, advanced technology and excellence and sophistication of its design and finishes, without a doubt the Agera is one of the most stunning supercars in recent times.

Source: http://www.autocarbe.com/featured/koenisegg-agera-r/

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Edmunds Roundup: December 1, 2010

Green Car Advisor: Honda Adds 'Value-Oriented' Insight Hybrid Model for 2011
In a further bid to make its hybrids available to a wider audience, Honda Motor Co. says it will introduce a third member of the Insight family for 201l; a "value-oriented," entry-level model priced at $18,950.

Auto Observer: Car Shoppers Lured by Perception of Great Holiday Deals
Despite heavy advertising of seemingly attractive holiday deals, automaker incentives edged up only a bit, according to estimates by Edmunds.com. Nonetheless, the perception of great deals lured shoppers to showrooms over Thanksgiving in droves.

Inside Line: 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible First Look
While similar in theory to the car it replaces, the 2012 6 Series gets many of the same updates -- in terms of mechanicals, technology and design -- as the recently redesigned 5 and 7 Series with which it shares its platform.

Source: http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/2010/12/edmunds-roundup-december-1-2010.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Cruising from DC to Indy

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011/05/2011-chevrolet-cruze-eco-cruising-from-dc-to-indy.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

1985 Porsche 911: It's a Classic, But Our 911 Doesn't Feel That Old

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2011/05/1985-porsche-911-its-a-classic-but-our-911-doesnt-feel-that-old.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Formula One: Monaco GP Preview

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011/05/formula-one-monaco-gp-preview.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Spy Photos: Is This the Next Generation Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011/05/spy-photos-is-this-the-next-generation-ford-mustang-cobra-jet.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Volkswagen Golf R Magazine Ad is Edible

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011/05/volkswagen-golf-r-magazine-ad-is-edible.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Edmunds Roundup: December 8, 2010

Inside Line: 2011 Hyundai Elantra First Drive
Optioned smartly, the Elantra is more than just a lot of car for the money. It's a sharply dressed, roomy and amply equipped car for the money. It was before to some degree, but now it has classy looks to match.

Auto Observer: NHTSA Proposes Standard Backup Cameras in All Vehicles By 2014
The new regulation, released through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is aimed primarily at reducing blind zones behind vehicles that can obscure pedestrians

Green Car Advisor: Chrysler Reported Working on Ram Pickup Hybrid
Chrysler may be lagging behind fellow U.S. automakers Ford and General Motors when it comes to addressing its fleet's carbon footprint and petroleum consumption, but the company appears to be trying to catch up.

Source: http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/2010/12/edmunds-roundup-december-8-2010.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco: Cruising from DC to Indy

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011/05/2011-chevrolet-cruze-eco-cruising-from-dc-to-indy.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

The State News :: Faculty member owns first Chevy Volt at MSU

Matt Stehouwer, technology manager for the College of Natural Science, owns one of three Chevy Volt extended-range electric vehicles in the Lansing area. He has had the car since Feb. 11 when he picked it up in New York City and drove back to Michigan. When Matt Stehouwer walks to the parking lot next...

Source: http://www.roadst3r.com/stories/state-news-faculty-member-owns-first-chevy-volt-msu/

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

1985 Porsche 911: Window Switch is Broken

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2011/05/1985-porsche-911-window-switch-is-broken.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

1985 Porsche 911: Window Switch is Broken

Source: http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2011/05/1985-porsche-911-window-switch-is-broken.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Edmunds Search Buzz: December 1, 2010

Millions of consumers visit the Edmunds.com site each month looking for the best info on all things automotive. This translates to hundreds of thousands of users each day seeking the latest deals, test drives, pricing info, negotiating advice and help on nearly any topic related to the car purchase or ownership experience. Edmunds.com traffic and its related search terms are significant enough that the traffic itself becomes a bellwether for consumer trends.

The Edmunds Search Buzz reveals the day's five most-searched topics, trends or vehicles on the Edmunds.com website. Knowing what other consumers are interested in can help point you to a better deal or a product you hadn't considered. Beyond being insightful, the Search Buzz is also entertaining and it's a useful tool for car shoppers and enthusiasts. Today's hottest search term is for the best time to buy a car. Check the jump for the day's other hot search terms and related links.

Source: http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/2010/12/edmunds-search-buzz-december-1-2010.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Edmunds Search Buzz: December 8, 2010

Millions of consumers visit the Edmunds.com site each month looking for the best info on all things automotive. This translates to hundreds of thousands of users each day seeking the latest deals, test drives, pricing info, negotiating advice and help on nearly any topic related to the car purchase or ownership experience. Edmunds.com traffic and its related search terms are significant enough that the traffic itself becomes a bellwether for consumer trends.

The Edmunds Search Buzz reveals the day's five most-searched topics, trends or vehicles on the Edmunds.com website. Knowing what other consumers are interested in can help point you to a better deal or a product you hadn't considered. Beyond being insightful, the Search Buzz is also entertaining and it's a useful tool for car shoppers and enthusiasts. Today's hottest search term is for the Toyota RAV4. Check the jump for the day's other hot search terms and related links.

Source: http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/2010/12/edmunds-search-buzz-december-8-2010.html

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Video: Renault and Nissan imagine a world where gas powers everything

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Nissan, Renault, Electric

Nissan's "Gas Powered Everything" ad - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

What would the world be like if everything were powered by gasoline?

Renault-Nissan has kicked off a massive advertising campaign intended to highlight the advanced technology of electric vehicles with the debut of a pair of videos that bang home the point that consumers depend upon electricity to power items used everyday and that using gasoline is, in some instances, utterly ridiculous.

In one spot, a middle-aged man wakes up for work to the burning whistle of his gas-powered alarm clock and with a few fierce tugs at his coffee maker's rip cord, manages to fire up the gas-gulping machine. That same man, while at the office, walks up to a miniature gas pump to refuel his laptop computer.

Oh, and the owner of a Chevrolet Volt, while standing at the gas pump refueling his plug-in hybrid, watches in envy as another man across the street unplugs his Nissan Leaf and drives off as onlookers watch in amazement. Yep, that's how Nissan sees the world if "Gas Powered Everything."

Since the videos are, in our humble opinion, absolutely hilarious, we'll refrain from revealing too much. Hit the jump to view the clips clip. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Continue reading Renault and Nissan imagine a world where gas powers everything

Renault and Nissan imagine a world where gas powers everything originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 May 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://feeds.autoblog.com/~r/weblogsinc/autoblog/~3/hSlmQIexI3w/

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More

Ferrari Racing Days at Laguna Seca: Corse Clienti returns to Monterey (w/VIDEO)

Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari, Racing

Ferrari 599XX at Laguna Seca - Click above for high-res image gallery

The last time Ferrari's exclusive Corse Clienti program made an appearance at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was back in 2008. At the time, the FXX was the only race car in the Corse Clienti stable, but the 599XX joined the party for the program's return to Monterey this year.

A trio of FXXs and no less than seven 599XXs-almost a quarter of the total produced by Ferrari -took to the track last weekend, their high-revving 6.0L V12s echoing throughout the surrounding hills.

If you didn't make it to Laguna Seca to see the Corse Clienti race cars in action, no worries. We've got a huge gallery of photos below as well as a video of the cars in action after the jump.

Continue reading Ferrari Racing Days at Laguna Seca: Corse Clienti returns to Monterey (w/VIDEO)

Ferrari Racing Days at Laguna Seca: Corse Clienti returns to Monterey (w/VIDEO) originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 May 2011 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://feeds.autoblog.com/~r/weblogsinc/autoblog/~3/PbL0LcpTUhI/

Read More Read More Read More Read More Read More