Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series hybrid spotted in Munich]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid-spotted-in-munich/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid-spotted-in-munich/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid-spotted-in-munich/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW 1 Series Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the launch of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, officials acknowledged the automaker would be producing several additional hybrid models in the near future. Rumors have been floating around that the new 5 Series - due to launch in 2010 - will get the same mild hybrid system going into the ActiveHybrid 7 and its crossover counterpart, but what about BMW's smaller offerings?

Testing near Munich, a BMW 1 Series mule was caught wearing "Hybrid Test Vehicle" badging, proving that BMW's hybrid system won't be used exclusively on its larger models. Given the small size of the 1, this will undoubtedly use a version of the same mild hybrid system, a modular setup that has the motor/generator sandwiched between the engine and transmission with a compact lithium ion battery in the rear.

The 1 Series hybrid will take on the production version of the Lexus LF-Ch concept recently shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show when it hits the market in late 2011 or early 2012. The Lexus is similar in size to the 1er, but will only be offered as a hybrid, while the 1 will retain conventional powertrain options. There's no word whether the Lexus or the 1 Series Hybrid will make it onto U.S. shores, but if both automakers plan to recoup development expenses, sales in North America are almost assured.


Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series Hybrid


[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series hybrid spotted in Munich originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series1 series hybrid1Series1SeriesHybridbmwBMW 1BMW 1 Seriesbmw 1 series hybridbmw 1-seriesBmw1Bmw1-seriesBmw1SeriesBmw1SeriesHybridspy picspy picsspy shotspy shotsSpyPicSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShotsThu, 19 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW recalling 2008MY 1- and 3-Series; plus 2009MY X5 and X6 models over safety concerns]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/bmw-recalling-2008my-1-and-3-series-plus-2009my-x5-and-x6-mode/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/bmw-recalling-2008my-1-and-3-series-plus-2009my-x5-and-x6-mode/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/bmw-recalling-2008my-1-and-3-series-plus-2009my-x5-and-x6-mode/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


BMW 135i Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

A potential fault with the side airbags fitted to 2008 BMW 1- and 3-Series cars has lead to a recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Apparently, possible fitment of the wrong crimp connector can cause the airbag not to properly deploy.

In a separate recall, 2009 model year BMW X5 and X6 crossovers are also being called back to dealers, as they may have been fitted with rear brake discs that don't meet specifications. In extreme cases, the flaw could cause the rear disc to break, which would obviously then hurt the vehicle's ability to stop.

Unusually, the number of vehicles possibly covered under the actions has not been released, and BMW has not yet released the protocol for either repair. In any case, you can contact the company or NHTSA for more information. Complete information can be found in the NHTSA notices after the jump.


Gallery: BMW 135i Official Shots


[Source: NHTSA -- 1-Series / 3-Series, X5 / X6]

Continue reading BMW recalling 2008MY 1- and 3-Series; plus 2009MY X5 and X6 models over safety concerns

BMW recalling 2008MY 1- and 3-Series; plus 2009MY X5 and X6 models over safety concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW's equivalent of Deep Throat has divulged a host of information on the marque's coming plans for its premium entry level range incorporating the 1-Series and Z2, and a new line of Y vehicles. According to the mole, Scott26, the 1 will break into three different levels: Traditional, Lifestyle, and Sporting. They will be underpinned by a modular platform that could be differentiated among models and also serve as the basis for the next MINI.

The Traditional line will include the 1-Series along with Active Hybrid and Sport Compact versions. Sporting will comprise the 1-Series and Z2 coupe and cabriolet, plus a Supersports version of the 1 and a 135i Lightweight Performance Concept. Lifestyle counts the 1-Series Gran Turismo, the X1, X2, and the Y1.

As Scott27 breaks it down, the full lineup will advance the capabilities of Efficient Dynamics, and a hybrid version of each car will be offered. As well, the cars will "resist the usual jump in weight by using lightweight materials and sophisticated bonding techniques." What would be weighty at that point is the number of BMW's offerings, with 12 cars alone mentioned here, not counting the hatch models.

And what is the Y1? Strictly a proposal at this point, the line would be for those who want more "identity and creativity" in their Sports Activity Vehicles. A "dynamic , lighter and more personal" SAV than the X6, the Y1 is laid out as a 2-door, 2-seat "hybrid of an X with the aura of a Z." Think of a de-Bangled X Coupe. Thanks for the tip, Andrew!

[Source: 1 Addicts]

Rumormill: BMW plans assault on the premium entry-level segment with X and Y models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series1-series1Seriesbmwbmw 1-seriesbmw 135ibmw x1bmw ybmw z2Bmw1-seriesBmw135iBmwX1BmwYBmwZ2coupecrossovercuvgtrumormillsavsportsx1Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Is this the 2011/2012 BMW 1 Series?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/spy-shots-is-this-the-2011-2012-bmw-1-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/spy-shots-is-this-the-2011-2012-bmw-1-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/spy-shots-is-this-the-2011-2012-bmw-1-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fresh pics of what looks to be the next generation BMW 1 Series have been snapped in Germany. If it is the rumored 2011/2012 model, it adheres to the trend of nearly every new car, as it appears to be simultaneously bigger and brawnier all over. It isn't the forthcoming X1 crossover, since a quick look at those two cars side-by-side reveals different ride heights and rooflines, among other things.

One of 1Addict's forum commenters said he has had his current 1 Series next to the new one and he confirms that the new one is larger. If this five-door hatch really is longer and wider, with a longer wheelbase than the current car then BMW appears to removed this car from the plan to reduce 1 Series curb weights. Hat tip to Andrew.

[Source: 1Addicts]

Spy Shots: Is this the 2011/2012 BMW 1 Series? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series1-Series128i135i1Seriesbimmerbmwbmw 1 seriesBmw1Serieshatchbackspy shotsSpyShotsThu, 28 May 2009 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: BMW dropping a cylinder for next-gen 1- and 3-Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/report-bmw-dropping-a-cylinder-for-next-gen-1-and-3-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/report-bmw-dropping-a-cylinder-for-next-gen-1-and-3-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/report-bmw-dropping-a-cylinder-for-next-gen-1-and-3-series/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The next 1- and 3-Series cars from BMW, as well as the Z2 roadster, are rumored to be getting a new range of turbocharged three- and four-cylinder gasoline engines as part of BMW's push to cut emissions and fuel consumption. Of the five powerplants reportedly in development, three are 1.35-liter three-cylinder motors developing between 163 hp and 241 hp, with the two 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engines putting out 273 hp and 321 hp, respectively. Sky Motoring says that the four-pots will be reserved for "more upmarket models."

While a 3-Series with a 3-cylinder engine has a certain poetry, it does give one pause. If Sky Motoring's numbers are correct, however, the top end 1.35-liter motor would put out 11 more horsepower than the current 3.0-liter in the 328i. That's a lot of power for such little displacement, and with brand perception issues in the U.S., who knows if we would even get the engines - after all, we don't get any of Mercedes' CGI mills. From where we sit, though, the smaller, lighter engine with its commensurately fewer moving parts could also help bring the sticker price of the 1-Series down - one of the major factors that has prevented it from gaining traction in stateside showrooms.

In any case, the new BMW engines are said to be at least two years away, so we look forward to getting more clarifying information in the meantime. Hat tip to Owen!

[Source: Sky Motoring]

REPORT: BMW dropping a cylinder for next-gen 1- and 3-Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series1Series3 series3Seriesbmwbmw efficient dynamicsbmw enginesbmw z2BmwEfficientDynamicsBmwEnginesBmwZ2enginesgreentechnologyz2Mon, 11 May 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Lexus' A3/1 series-fight coming to Frankfurt with hybrid power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/06/report-lexus-a3-1-series-fight-coming-to-frankfurt-with-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/06/report-lexus-a3-1-series-fight-coming-to-frankfurt-with-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/06/report-lexus-a3-1-series-fight-coming-to-frankfurt-with-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Rumors of a compact Lexus bound for the European market have been floating around since late last year, and Top Gear is reporting that the new 1-series and A3-fighter is due to debut in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Unlike the Lexus HS250h on which its based, the entry-level Euro-only model will sport five doors instead of four and be slightly shorter overall. Power will be provided by the same 187-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid as its Stateside counterpart, but unlike the Prius, Lexus plans to brand the FWD premium compact hatch as a sporting alternative to its competition from Germany. Andy Pfeiffenberger, Lexus' European head, said, "The C-premium segment is the fastest growing segment and we must be in it," but for a brand associated more with wafting than corner-carving, it's going to be tough sale abroad. According to TG, the hatch is likely to go on sale in late 2010 and be priced below the IS diesel.

[Source: Top Gear]

REPORT: Lexus' A3/1 series-fight coming to Frankfurt with hybrid power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards looming on the horizon, automakers are in the process of developing engines that strike a balance between ultra-efficiency and high-performance. Aware of the challenges ahead, BMW has begun development of the next generation 3 Series and 1 Series, both due for a redesign in 2013, and according to Ludwig Willisch, BMW's M division CEO, new turbocharged engines are on the horizon for the next M3 and 1 Series M (not, we repeat not, to be dubbed the M1).

A turbo'd six-cylinder will likely replace the 4.0-liter V8 currently fitted to the M3, although BMW hasn't decided if it will use a straight-six or a V6 powerplant. Willisch told Motor Trend that the new engine won't be based on the current 3.0-liter inline six currently employed on the 335i and 135i, and it's still too early in the development process to say which configuration will be used. BMW recognizes the inline-six's light weight is a plus, but packaging constraints may required the use of a V6. Either way, the next M3 will be wider, but Willisch insists, "Engines don't need to be more powerful for the next car. As long as you have lighter weight, you have better performance." Although the idea of a V6-powered Bimmer will surely send the marque's faithful into bouts of rage, weight reduction is the future, and to us, it's music to our ears.

As for the 1 series, there won't be an M version per se, but BMW's in-house tuning division wants to recapture the magic of the original E30 M3 by developing a smaller, lighter coupe to slot in below the next M3. As reported previously, a twin-turbocharged four-cylinder will likely power the new coupe, and according to Willisch, the automaker is aiming for something that puts out around 300 hp and weighs around 2,860 pounds (think RWD VW GTI).

Traditionally, the M variants arrive about a year after the new models are introduced, so expect the next M3 and 1 Series M to debut sometime in 2014.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Turbo'd fours and sixes could power future BMW M machines originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series1 series m1-series1-series m1-seriesM1Series1SeriesM201320142014 bmw m32014BmwM3bmwm3Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[2002 in 2012: Next BMW 1-series taking retro cues, turbo'd four]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/13/2002-in-2012-next-bmw-1-series-taking-retro-cues-turbod-four/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/13/2002-in-2012-next-bmw-1-series-taking-retro-cues-turbod-four/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/13/2002-in-2012-next-bmw-1-series-taking-retro-cues-turbod-four/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When BMW trotted out the 1-series coupe at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007, the jumbo-tron was awash in videos and stills of the 2002 as the automaker attempted to associate the new 128i and 135i with BMW's iconic coupe. Almost two years later, it's clear the 1-series isn't the 2002's spiritual successor, but new reports continue to surface saying BMW is hard at work on a range of Ones to bring the magic back.

In addition to a turbocharged four-cylinder model wearing the Super Sport moniker and the five body styles on the drawing board, CAR is reporting that an entry-level model - tentatively dubbed the 115i - is in the works and due to debut in 2012. On the other end of the spectrum is the aforementioned Super Sport variant that's expected to feature round headlamps in a homage to the 2002, along with a new coupe body style also slated to arrive in the latter half of 2012. The SS model will slot in between the 135i and next M3, and is likely to pack a turbo'd 2.0- or 2.2-liter four-pot putting out 300 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. A dual-clutch transmission will be optional and a reduced curb weight is part of the package.

While we've heard these claims before, with Audi stepping up its own weight loss program, BMW needs to compete, and we're hoping the next 1-series is an indication of what's to come.

[Source: CAR]

2002 in 2012: Next BMW 1-series taking retro cues, turbo'd four originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A report by AutoBild states that BMW's designers are hard at work on the next iteration of the 1 series and that five different body styles are under review, with only one headed for production.

The variations include a three-door shooting brake, a five-door wagon, a "Progressive Activity Sedan" smaller than the X1, a lifted "Sports Activity Coupe" with a glass roof and, coinciding with an earlier report, a more traditional "sports tourer" that could be the spiritual successor to the 2002.

According to AutoBild, no matter which model makes the cut, BMW plans to downsize the displacement of its engines and begin the wide-scale implementation of turbocharging and direct injection across the 1 series range. The 116i model will make use of a 136 hp, 1.3-liter turbo, the 118i will use a 1.3-liter turbo tweaked to produce 177 hp, the 120i will get a 218 hp 2.0-liter turbo and the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six will put out an estimated 326 hp. Both new diesel engines and mild hybrid variants are also planned, and BMW's dual-clutch gearbox will be available on more sport-oriented models, while a standard slushbox will be employed on the rest of the range.

The new 1 series is expected to hit Europe in 2011, with a the Super Sport model debuting in 2012 and a convertible variant arriving a year later.

[Source: AutoBild]

BMW considering five possible variants of next 1-series, turbocharging galore originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It didn't start off as a way for readers of England's Telegraph newspaper to engage in the popular pastime of bashing American cars, but it wound up that way. To be fair, there are plenty of odd and ugly vehicles from all over the place on the Telegraph's list of the 100 ugliest cars of all time, and the voters didn't beat up on the colonies too badly. With so much homegrown hideousness to choose from, we can see how they'd be reluctant to throw stones.

The usual suspects are accounted for, of course. The Pacer is there, as are the Cayenne, BMW's 1 and 7 Series, though we thought the Rolls Royce Camargue was conspicuously low on the list. C'mon, guys, stop going easy on it just because you've got hometown pride. The Camargue really was horrid, no matter how well it sold. There are also vehicles that don't belong; cars that aren't even remotely ugly. The Boxster, XJS, TR7, and Chrysler 300 don't strike us as repulsive. The readers were almost spot-on, though, voting the Fiat Multipla into the second place slot. Number one is a car that everyone loves to hate, but it doesn't strike us as uglier than the Multipla. That vehicle? Aztek. Seriously.

[Source: Telegraph.co.uk via Hemmings]

Tie a pork chop around its neck - Telegraph counts down 100 ugliest cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 128i Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW's 1-Series does not smirk at you and say "don't hate me because I'm beautiful." No, this small Teut is easy to deride on appearance; one look has you hating it because it's not beautiful while so many of its past brethren have been classically handsome. Whether it suits your taste or not, the 128i convertible we borrowed is unmistakably the work of the wizards of Munich. So, it's definitely a BMW, and it's being described as a reincarnation of the legendary 2002; does it measure up?


Gallery: Review: BMW 128i Convertible


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: BMW 128i Convertible

Review: BMW 128i Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marketing campaigns are always in search of a new hook, and BMW's gotten creative to help keep the 1-Series on boil. Readers of the March 24th edition of Autoweek were treated to a smattering of tiny-Roundel factoids at the bottom of the mag's pages. Some of them might be true, while others seem entirely made up. The hard facts are naturally spot-on, but subjective impressions like back seat comfort, desirability, and a link to the 2002 are all tenuous at best. The effort is charming in its cleverness, even if we're not entirely sold on the idea that we're going to regret it if we neglect to buy a 1-Series.

[Source: AutoInsane.com]

Marketing 101: Make stuff up, make it visible - BMW's subtle 1-Series shilling originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Apr 2008 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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click above for more high-res pics of the BMW 135i

If you're still frothing at the mouth for anything having to do with the new BMW 1-Series coupe, some new photos have found their way onto the internet. It's still a 3-series that was left in the dryer too long, but the new shots show the car off in its best possible light. There's been a lot of talk about the 135 being a return to the roots of what propelled BMW to such greatness, with alphanumerics like E30 M3 and 2002tii flying about. The 135i certainly holds its own stylistically, even if it is not possessed of the same delicacy of line as its forebears. The 135i appears hefty, like a block of dense marble carved by a skilled artisan, and when you get right down to it, that's what it is. We've babbled enough, check out the gallery. Thanks for the tip, Horatiu!

[Source: edbmw]

Gallery: BMW 135i Official Shots

Pics Aplenty: New official shots of the BMW 135i originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A new entry-level car from a premium European brand will be washing up on our shores when the BMW 1-Series arrives carrying a price tag slightly under $30,000. Much the same way as Volvo's looking to its bobbed-tail C30 to recruit younger buyers into the fold while offering an appropriately flavored confection of a car, the 1-Series has the task of winning customers who would love a Roundel on the hood, but can't swing the 3-series. Having done the truncated poop deck on the E36 318ti, BMW decided to go with a traditional three-box profile this time around.

Where former entry-level efforts from premium European brands have not inspired drivers, the 1-Series has everyone buzzing. While the 135i gets the 335's delectable 300-HP drivetrain, good for a 5.1 second run to 60 mph, even the "entry level" 128i will have plenty of snort. The 128i will make do with 230 horses, giving up a second in the accelerative dash, yet taking it about $5,000 easier on your checkbook. We expect that BMW has learned from its 318ti experience, and the interior will not be a cheapened affair when compared to the 3-series, but will carry the same high quality materials, super comfortable seats, and impossibly tight fits. It's getting to be so you can't swing a cat without hitting a slightly-sub-30K vehicle with a spiffy emblem on the rump. We like that.

[Source: Auto News - sub req.]

Gallery: BMW 1-Series Coupe


BMW 1-Series to start below $30k originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>$30,0001 series1281351Series30,000bmwbmw 1 seriesbmw 128ibmw 135iBmw128iBmw135iBmw1SeriescoupepriceFri, 14 Sep 2007 08:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #70]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/autoblog-podcast-70/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/autoblog-podcast-70/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/autoblog-podcast-70/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

They go on vacation, they never write, they never call, bupkis is what they send as communiques from the front. Our three erstwhile podcast participants, John, Damon and Alex, have pulled it together this week after far too long a hiatus. We proudly bring you Autoblog Podcast #70. Forty minutes and fifty-five seconds of crispity-crunchity Autoblog punditry. John admits to shabby Alero repair right off the bat, but things quickly move on to how perfect the Audi S8 is. You weren't going to use that $110,000 on anything like philanthropy, anyway, so pony up for the Panda Bear upholstery, you'll be glad you did. You could use your S8 to jet-set to Altamont and catch the 24 Hours of LeMons when it comes back around. Damon was there live blogging it this time, but we're going to be campaigning an Autoblog car in October. We hope.

Turning our gaze to the Roundel, BMW has officially officialized the 1-series coupe. With real snort under the hood of even the base model, it appears that this car may have found some of the DNA that the 2002tii left kicking around. Will the styling be off-putting? Will it poach MINI buyers? Is the price too high to attract new people to the brand? Stay tuned. The breathlessly awaited and endlessly promoted Transformers movie finally hit screens, and Autoblog was there. Alex plays film critic and offers a solid analysis (Let's not get carried away, Dan - AN) which boils down to: awesome, until the people start talking. Oh yeah, it's full of not-so-subtle advertisements and product placement, too. Who cares? It's TRANSFORMERS! We should warn you - if you want to avoid the spoiling about the film, skip from 17m 10s to 28m 35s, and you'll be good to go.

We wrap up with a couple of quick ones: iPhones top the list of status baubles for teenagers, and cars are way down. At least if they don't have a car, they won't be using the iPhone while they should be driving. It sounds to us like a serious issue with priorities, though. Speaking of coveted items, a forum member managed to snag some very nice spy shots of the new Challenger in the wild. We can't wait for the 2009-2010 Musclecar Smackdown. Maybe it'll be just as short as it was nearly 40 years ago, hopefully not. Lastly, the Reader Ride is returning. We love featuring your cars, so be sure to look for the post about what to do.

See you next week!

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Autoblog Podcast #70 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series1Series2470autoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastbmwhoursiphonelemonspodcastreader rideReaderRidetransformersWed, 11 Jul 2007 16:17:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #70Dan Roth40:55autoblog, podcast, bmw, transformers, movie, spy shots, challenger, iphone, lemons, racing<![CDATA[BMW 1-Series Coupe - 100% Official Today]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/01/bmw-1-series-coupe-100-official-today/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/01/bmw-1-series-coupe-100-official-today/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/01/bmw-1-series-coupe-100-official-today/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click image for 37 hi-res shots

The leak-riddled embargo on BMW new entry-level 1-Series coupe finally lifts today. By now, you've already seen many of the photos, a video or two, and read the official press releases. To recap the basics, here's what's in store for the US model:
  • On sale Spring 2008
  • USA gets 2 cars: 128i and 135i
  • 128i: 3.0L I6 w/ 230 hp and 200lb-ft
  • 135i: 3.0L twin-turbo I6 w/ 300 hp and 300 lb-ft
  • 135i mfr.performance stats: 0-62 in 5.3 sec, 155 mph top speed
The rest of the rundown can be found in the BMW press release after the jump. So, is this the modern 2002 BMW would certainly like it to be? Weigh in with your comments. Whatever you want to call it, it looks like it's going to be a fun little car. Hopefully, the pricing's in line with its intent. If only we were getting that hot 2.0L diesel, too...

The gallery has now been updated with all the official shots in high res.

[Source: BMW]

Gallery: BMW 1-Series Coupe

Continue reading BMW 1-Series Coupe - 100% Official Today

BMW 1-Series Coupe - 100% Official Today originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Jul 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series1-series128i135i1SeriesbreakingSun, 01 Jul 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's time waster: BMW lets you set the PACE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/27/todays-time-waster-bmw-lets-you-set-the-pace/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/27/todays-time-waster-bmw-lets-you-set-the-pace/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/27/todays-time-waster-bmw-lets-you-set-the-pace/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We like video games as much as anybody, and gaming combined with some international competition is even better. We also like BMWs, so when we found that the folks from Bavaria had a flash-based racing game with BMWs racing against Mustangs and Challengers through the streets of Europe, we had to give it a shot. The coolest aspect of the game is that you can gauge your score against the best the Internet has to offer.

For a free game that acts as a fun marketing tool, BMW did a pretty good job here. Sure, there is way too much talking going on in between rounds, and full-color backdrops and roads would be vastly preferred vs the monochrome dust bowl that we get in the game. One aspect of the game that we particularly like is the better you do in the races, the more money you accumulate, and you can use that money at the BMW store to obtain upgrades for your Bimmer. You start off with a 1-Series hatch (we wish we could do that in the US), and once you've accumulated $9,000, you can upgrade to the 3.0L inline six.

From there you can upgrade to a Z4 and finally an X3. We haven't finished the race yet, and we're definitely not among the top qualifiers, but we're not giving up. Overall, the game can be frustrating, but somehow we got hooked anyway. It's hard to write posts when you have a race to win.

Today's time waster: BMW lets you set the PACE originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series1Seriesbmwbmw marketingBmwMarketingpacerace gamesRaceGamesFri, 27 Apr 2007 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: BMW 1-Series coupe in the buff]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/19/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-coupe-in-the-buff/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/19/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-coupe-in-the-buff/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/19/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-coupe-in-the-buff/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We reported to you back in January that the BMW 1-Series was on its way to the US in 2008 and that the mini-Bimmer would come in several two-door configurations. After Brenda Priddy and friends caught the 1-Series in an all-out photo shoot in the American Southwest, we're more convinced than ever that the 1-Series will hit US shores, and soon.

The 1-Series' price will likely be slotted in between the MINI Cooper and the 3-Series, with some speculation that indicates that the 300 HP, twin-turbo 3.0L may find its way under hood. That kind of power coming packed into a small, RWD vehicle from Bavaria is almost guaranteed to be a fantastic drive. To keep the BMW cachet in the US alive and well, we doubt the normally-aspirated four-cylinder model sold in Europe will come here anytime soon. That is, until BMW develops a new turbo-four.

[Source: Edmunds]

Spy Shots: BMW 1-Series coupe in the buff originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 00:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 Series1SeriesBavarianBMWSpy ShotsSpyShotsMon, 19 Mar 2007 00:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: BMW 1-Series Coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/04/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/04/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/04/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Well, it's definitely a BMW. Check the dude on the bike in the background. His "was ist das?" expression is priceless. The proportions of the car are scaled quite well, and in the pics, you don't really get the sense that this is the "baby Bimmer."

There's a bit of camo at the rear - the C-pillar is covered up, but if you look closely, you'll see that it won't be going into production emulating an '80 Regal's roofline. It's harder to get a sense of what the taillights are going to do, but they look to be fairly simple affairs. Overall, the 1-series offers a dandy profile coupled to the familial face. It'll be a nasty little thing if the rumors of the 300hp twin-turbo six prove to be true. What we wouldn't give for a modern-day 1600 or 2002Tii.

[Source: Winding Road]

Spy Shots: BMW 1-Series Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Feb 2007 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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