Autoblog

X1, 3 Series power BMW back into global luxury autos sales lead

Zach Bowman — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, BMW, Earnings/Financials, Luxury

BMW managed to eke ahead of Audi for the global luxury sales crown in February. According to Bloomberg, BMW saw deliveries swell by 7 percent in February, besting the 3.2 percent jump enjoyed by Audi and giving BMW a 407-unit delivery lead over its rival last month. Mercedes-Benz, meanwhile, continued to falter, with the brand selling some 37,229 fewer machines than BMW, whose factories are running at full capacity to keep up with demand. Models like the X1 (shown above) enjoyed a sales increase of 40 percent in February while the company's bread-and-butter 3 Series jumped by 26 percent.

Mercedes-Benz hopes to stem its continued market share loss with the addition of the entry-level CLA sedan to its portfolio in April. The company is set to roll out an updated version of its cash-cow E-Class at the same time, and a new-generation S-Class will follow along shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, the company is increasing production to meet demand for its A and B-Class models.

X1, 3 Series power BMW back into global luxury autos sales lead originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports criticizes small turbo engines for misleading performance, fuel economy claims [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:13:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Crossover, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai

Consumer Reports has taken aim at at small-displacement, forced-induction engines, saying the powerplants don't manage to deliver on automaker fuel economy claims. Manufacturers have long held that smaller, turbocharged engines pack all power of their larger displacement cousins with significantly better fuel economy, but the research organization says that despite scoring high EPA economy numbers, the engines are no better than conventional drivetrains in both categories. Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports, says the forced induction options "are often slower and less fuel efficient than larger four and six-cylinder engines."

Specifically, CR calls out the new Ford Fusion equipped with the automaker's Ecoboost 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The institute's researchers found the engine, which is a $795 option over the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder, fails to match competitors in acceleration and served up 25 miles per gallon in testing, putting the sedan dead last among other midsize options.

The Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Sonata Turbo and Ford Escape 2.0T all got dinged for the same troubles, though Consumer Reports has found the turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the BMW 328i does deliver on its promises. You can check out the full press release below. You can also read the full study on the Consumer Reports site, or scroll down for a short video recap.

Continue reading Consumer Reports criticizes small turbo engines for misleading performance, fuel economy claims [w/video]

Consumer Reports criticizes small turbo engines for misleading performance, fuel economy claims [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW confirms M Performance parts for 3 and 5 Series models

Zach Bowman — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

BMW has pulled back the curtain on a stack of M Performance parts for the 3 and 5 Series. Those include a spate of exterior aerodynamic tweaks, including a front splitter, unique rockers, a rear spoiler and a lower rear diffuser on the 3 Series. Likewise, 5 Series buyers can look forward to optioning up their sedans with an M Performance rear diffuser and a carbon fiber front splitter. Outside, the 3 Series can also be gussied up with a couple of graphics packages, but the kit isn't just for show.

Owners can snap up a sharper suspension kit for the 3 Series comprised of new coil springs that lower the car by 20 millimeters compared to the factory bits. Special 20-inch double-spoke wheels can also be had wrapped in Pirelli P Zero runflat rubber, though we're more excited to hear about the optional Brembo brake system. With four-piston calipers in the front pressing on 14.6-inch discs and two-piston calipers in the rear mated with 13.6 inch rotors, the hardware should add some serious stopping performance. Owners with a set of 5 Series keys in their pockets can also enjoy a new free-breathing exhaust as well as M Performance 20-inch wheels.

That sweet M Performance electronic steering wheel we recently saw in action has officially made its way to the option sheet for the 2013 3 Series, and 5 Series buyers can snap up a non-electronic flat-bottom piece for themselves. A littering of aluminum and carbon fiber trim pieces may also be had. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading BMW confirms M Performance parts for 3 and 5 Series models

BMW confirms M Performance parts for 3 and 5 Series models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend goes head-to-head-to-head in Cadillac ATS 3.6, BMW 335i and Mercedes C350 Sport

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, BMW, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

The latest episode of "Head 2 Head" from Motor Trend is a battle of the little luxury sixes, looking to see which of these $50,000 sport sedans, all equipped with automatic transmissions, can lay the largest claim to your money: the 321-horsepower, six-speed Cadillac ATS 3.6, the 302-horsepower, seven-speed Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport or the 300-horsepower, eight-speed BMW 335i.

Host Jonny Lieberman doesn't just look at dynamics. He starts off with an assessment of each car's interior and its infotainment interface: CUE on the Cadillac, COMAND on the Mercedes and iDrive on the BMW. A bit of a spoiler, CUE doesn't fare any better here than it did with Consumer Reports, for essentially the same reasons. Thankfully, the ATS has tricks beyond its touchscreen.

The victor and the overall ranking might surprise you. One of the contestants "goes around corners better than it goes in a straight line," one of them would have won the comparo if it were held a year ago, and one earns more mention of the word "rubbery" than you'll hear outside of a Kumho factory. Enjoy the episode in the video below.

Continue reading Motor Trend goes head-to-head-to-head in Cadillac ATS 3.6, BMW 335i and Mercedes C350 Sport

Motor Trend goes head-to-head-to-head in Cadillac ATS 3.6, BMW 335i and Mercedes C350 Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Nov 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW pondering 3 Series assembly in Mexico

George Kennedy — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, BMW

BMW is strongly considering adding a North American production facility in Mexico. That's according to an Automotive News report, which says the German automaker is looking at four potential locations for a new assembly plant to produce the 3 Series.

BMW officials say that tax breaks and incentives have made areas like the north-central Mexican state of Queretaro a top contender for the home of the 3 Series sedan and the next generation front-wheel drive 1 Series.

BMW's first North American plant, its Spartanburg, South Carolina facility, started with 40,000 to 50,000 units annually and has increased as the years went on. According to the report, the proposed Mexico plant would start similarly and eventually grow to 100,000 to 150,000 units annually.

For comparison's sake, while Mercedes-Benz will bring production of the C-Class to to Vance, Alabama in 2014, Audi has opted for Mexico for its first North American plant. According to the report, Audi admits Mexico's lower wages were a draw compared to the U.S.

U.S. production of BMW is still significant, and there's no reason to think that if a new Mexico plant were to come online that any production would be taken away from the German automaker's stateside operations. BMW built over 275,000 vehicles in the United States in 2011. That's a jump of 75 percent from 2010, and it's only set to grow. BMW says that the plant is set to produce over 300,000 this year.

BMW pondering 3 Series assembly in Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon unveiled, bound for U.S.

Alex Nunez — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:20:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, BMW, Luxury

The wagon is not dead! BMW has unveiled the latest 3 Series Sports Wagon and announced that it will again be available to U.S. customers. The new long-roof 3 goes on sale in Europe later this year as the 328i, 330d, and 320d Touring. U.S. customers need to wait until Spring 2013 for the 3 Series Sports Wagon to arrive in showrooms, and powertrain details for our market have not yet been announced. The current 3 Series wagon is only offered as the 328i here in the U.S. (with and without xDrive).

The new car is larger than the current model, and boasts 10 percent more cargo volume according to BMW. As with the 3 Series sedan, the wagon will be available in Sport, Luxury, and Modern lines, as well as an M Sport Line, each with a unique approach to their interior and exterior trim.

Inside, the back seats have a 40:20:40 split and the cargo space offers plenty of room (as you can see in the photos). There's also hidden storage, a standard partition net, and if the cargo cover isn't in use, it can be stowed under the cargo floor for added convenience.

Amenities include an available power tailgate that, with the optional Comfort Access package, becomes a hands-free power tailgate; you just wave your foot under the bumper à la 2013 Ford Escape. Naturally, BMW will offer its full complement of tech and driver aids, like BMW Apps, a color HUD, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, BMW Parking Assistant, Rear-view Camera with Top View, and the BMW Assist telematics service.

So, the good news: There's a new 3 Series wagon. The bad news: You need to wait a year. But that's better than no wagon at all, right?

Continue reading 2013 BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon unveiled, bound for U.S.

2013 BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon unveiled, bound for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 May 2012 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen BMW 335i works on its craft at the 'Ring

Zach Bowman — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Europe, BMW

2013 BMW 335i Spy Shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW is continuing to work away on the 2013 3 Series, and our spy photographers managed to click off a few photos of what appears to be the 335i sedan cranking out a few hot laps at the Nurburgring. The shots show a vehicle with slightly less aggressive camouflage than anything we've seen in the past, though details as to what we can expect from the next-generation 3 are still markedly absent. Given that the four-door in the photos is rocking an aggressive dual-exhaust treatment, we'd say there's likely a forced-induction inline six kicking power to the rear wheels.

If that's not obvious enough for you, we can even speculate that the tires are probably made of rubber. But don't quote us on that.

BMW has kept its secrets wrapped up but good concerning the next-generation 3 Series, though there are some whispers kicking around the web indicating that lower-rung trims may slip to a forced-induction four-cylinder engine. Stay tuned.

Next-gen BMW 335i works on its craft at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW 3 Series range to include Gran Turismo, M3 to get twin-turbo six

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Hatchback, BMW

It's been over five years since the E90 BMW 3 Series was introduced, and according to Automobile, the all-new bread-and-butter Bimmer is set to hit the market in 2012. Codenamed F30, the next 3er is reportedly set to employ the F20 1 Series' front strut layout instead of the 5, 6 and 7 Series double wishbone arrangement. But the new underpinnings aren't the real news.

Five body styles will make up the 2012 3 Series: The standard sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible (each coming out about six months after the former's introduction), along with a Gran Turismo model in 2013. The slant-roof five-door we've reported on previously will take cues from the 5 Series that shares the same name, but will feature a one-piece hatch unlike it's bigger brother's two-piece unit.

Automobile also reports that the next two-door will feature bespoke sheetmetal with a more canted windshield, lower roofline and sculpted flanks, while the convertible will continue to use a retractable hardtop instead of a canvas roof.

Naturally, the M division is hard at work on the next M3, and it's likely to drop the 420-horsepower V8 in favor of a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six putting out around 450 hp. There's a slight - very slight - possibility that M could develop a "Speedster" variant of the 3 Series with a fabric roof and cut-down windshield, and BMW is looking into creating a three-door shooting brake 3 Series, which we whole-heartedly approve.

[Source: Automobile]

Report: BMW 3 Series range to include Gran Turismo, M3 to get twin-turbo six originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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