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.

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

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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

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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.

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

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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

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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.

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

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2011 Honda Odyssey Limited: Power Liftgate Video

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

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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.

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

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