Rumormill: BMW working on 'green' M1 supercar to rival Audi R8
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/frankfurt-auto-show/" rel="tag">Frankfurt Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/rumormill/" rel="tag">Rumormill</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/bmw-vision-efficientdynamics-concept-1/#20"><img hspace="4" border="0" vspace="4" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/bmw-vision-efficientdynamics.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><small style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></div>
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Will the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/29/frankfurt-preview-bmw-vision-efficientdynamics-concept-turbodi/">Vision EfficientDynamics Concept</a> that BMW debuted at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/Frankfurt-Motor-Show/">Frankfurt Motor Show</a> earlier this month spawn a production eco-friendly supercar from the German automaker? According to <em>Auto Express</em>, the answer is yes, and the U.K. publication is projecting that the new green M1 will be ready for sale in 2012.<br />
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Naturally, the heart of this rumor-spec supercar is a hybrid powertrain similar to the one shown off in Frankfurt. A turbocharged three-cylinder diesel engine displacing 1.5-liters would be used in conjunction with a pair of electric motors providing all-wheel drive capabilities. The run to 60 mph would theoretically take less than five seconds and top speed would reportedly be capped at 155 mph.<br />
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Other unique bits that were introduced on the Vision Concept that could potentially make it into production include active aerodynamic elements that allow for an excellent .22 coefficient of drag. An unknown source tells <em>AE</em> that the car's hybrid powertrain, dual clutch gearbox (pulled from the M3) and aluminum-intensive chassis are all "ready for the road."<br />
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If there's any truth to this rumor, the new eco-friendly M1 successor would be marketed as a rival to the Audi R8 and would potentially hit the market with a price well north of $100,000. We'll see.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-vision-efficientdynamics-concept-1/low/">BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-vision-efficientdynamics-concept-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/p90047115_highres-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-vision-efficientdynamics-concept-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/p90047117_highres-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-vision-efficientdynamics-concept-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/p90047119_highres-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-vision-efficientdynamics-concept-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/p90047120_highres-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-vision-efficientdynamics-concept-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/p90047121_highres-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/242167/hitech_m1_leads_bmws_gree n_drive.html">Auto Express</a>]<br /><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/rumormill-bmw-working-on-green-m1-supercar-to-rival-audi-r8/">Rumormill: BMW working on 'green' M1 supercar to rival Audi R8</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/242167/hitech_m1_leads_bmws_gree n_drive.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/rumormill-bmw-working-on-green-m1-supercar-to-rival-audi-r8/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19172952/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/rumormill-bmw-working-on-green-m1-supercar-to-rival-audi-r8/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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REPORT: BMW to release 3 Series hatch similar to 5 Series GT
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/rumormill/" rel="tag">Rumormill</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/first-drive-bmw-535i-gran-turismo/#110"><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/gt535i_fd108_opt.jpg" alt="" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><sma ll>BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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Wagons are apparently so outre that we're now seeing mish-mash vehicles like crossovers hiding the truth that, at their core, they're just wagons. BMW is no stranger to this - witness the recent <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/model/5+series+gt">5 Series GT</a>. Looking to build on the Grand Turismo variants of its wares, BMW is reportedly developing a 3 Series GT, expected to launch for 2011. The details haven't changed since the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/report-bmw-335i-gran-turismo-dialed-in-for-2011/">last time we posted about this vehicle</a>, but BMW is nodding its corporate head that <em>ja</em>, there will be such a car. <br />
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The 335 Grand Turismo will bridge the gap between the 3 and 5 Series cars, a narrow one at that. The tailgate should be a two-position affair, like the 5er, and it's possible that four- and five-place configurations may be offered. If it happens, diesel and gasoline engines are expected, though any M3 version is probably not going to happen. Why this might be any more successful against such competition as the Audi A4 Avant than would a traditional 3 Series wagon is a mystery, but maybe BMW has struck on the magic formula that makes ungainly cars a hot commodity. <br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-bmw-535i-gran-turismo/low/">First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-bmw-535i-gran-turismo/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/gt535i_fd000_thumbnail.jp g" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-bmw-535i-gran-turismo/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/gt535i_fd001_thumbnail.jp g" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-bmw-535i-gran-turismo/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/gt535i_fd002_thumbnail.jp g" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-bmw-535i-gran-turismo/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/gt535i_fd003_thumbnail.jp g" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-bmw-535i-gran-turismo/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/gt535i_fd004-1253544562_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://www.channel4.com/4car/news/news-story.jsp?news_id=19674"> Channel 4</a>]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-bmw-to-release-3-series-hatch-similar-to-5-series-gt/">REPORT: BMW to release 3 Series hatch similar to 5 Series GT</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.channel4.com/4car/news/news-story.jsp?news_id=19674>R ead</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-bmw-to-release-3-series-hatch-similar-to-5-series-gt/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19173503/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/report-bmw-to-release-3-series-hatch-similar-to-5-series-gt/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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BMW Lovos concept makes Chris Bangle look drab
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/design-style/" rel="tag">Design/Style</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/alternative-fuel/" rel="tag">Alternative Fuel</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-lovos-concept/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/bmw-lovos-concept.jpg" alt="" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><sma ll>BMW Lovos Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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It must be fun to be a car designer. Unless, of course, your name becomes synonymous with a specific styling trend that very few seem to appreciate... but we digress. It definitely seems that 24-year-old Pforzheim University graduate Anne Forschner had a good time coming up with her BMW Lovos concept, which can alternatively look either like a frightened porcupine or svelte salmon, depending on its needs at the time.<br />
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The exterior of the Lovos - which somewhat ironically stands for Lifestyle of Voluntary Simplicity - is theoretically constructed from just one fully exchangeable part that recurs 260 times. Each exterior piece is covered in solar photovoltaic cells and can hinge on a substructure underneath to follow the sun or act as individual airbrakes. We can only assume the concept would be powered by electricity, as it makes our hairs stand up on end.<br />
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See the concept in all its glory in our gallery below and check out the rest of the story (<a href="http://www.cardesign.ru/articles/projects/2009/09/25/3353/">in Russian</a> or <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&hl=en&j s=y&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ca rdesign.ru%2Farticles%2Fp rojects%2F2009%2F09%2F25% 2F3353%2F&sl=ru&tl=en&his tory_state0=">translated</a>) at cardesign.ru. <em>Thanks for the tip, Greg!</em><br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-lovos-concept/low/">BMW Lovos Concept</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-lovos-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/bmw-lovos-concept-large_19_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-lovos-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/bmw-lovos-concept-large_15_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-lovos-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/bmw-lovos-concept-large_18_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-lovos-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/bmw-lovos-concept-large_20_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-lovos-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/bmw-lovos-concept-large_21_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://www.cardesign.ru/articles/projects/2009/09/25/3353/">cardesign.ru</a>]<br /><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/bmw-lovos-concept-makes-chris-bangle-look-drab/">BMW Lovos concept makes Chris Bangle look drab</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.cardesign.ru/articles/projects/2009/09/25/3353/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/bmw-lovos-concept-makes-chris-bangle-look-drab/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19174204/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/bmw-lovos-concept-makes-chris-bangle-look-drab/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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REPORT: BMW M5 dropping V10 for turbo V8
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tech/" rel="tag">Technology</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/rumormill/" rel="tag">Rumormill</a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-bmw-m5-1/"><strong><small><img width="630" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="419" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/01_garage_2008_m5.jpg" alt="" /></small></strong></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><small>BMW M5 - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></span></div>
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<p>The straight six in the first BMW M5 supersedans was silky smooth and plenty powerful, but it was getting a bit long-in-the-tooth, so it had to go. It was replaced by the 400 hp V8 in the E39, then later with the fire-breathing V10 in the current M5 (above) that pushed horsepower into the stratosphere, particularly when you activated the 'M' button. That engine remains powerful, but with CO2 concerns, fuel economy standards and the fact that the V10 isn't available in much of anything else in BMW's lineup, it seems like the next-gen M5 will probably find its motive power supplied by a V8 instead. If a V8 is good enough for the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/next-gen-audi-rs6-to-follow-engine-downsizing-trend-v10-out-v8/">Audi RS6</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/review-2009-cadillac-cts-v-supercar-performance-everyday-driv/">Cadillac CTS-V</a>, perhaps it's good enough for the BMW M5, too.</p>
<p>We saw <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/2011-twin-turbod-bmw-m5-to-produce-550-hp/">speculation</a> about a V8 M5 as far back as May, 2008, and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/report-next-bmw-m5-to-feature-twin-turbo-v10-with-600-hp/">more recent speculation</a> that it was going to be a twin-turbo V10 instead, but now <em>Inside Line</em> is reporting that BMW reps have confirmed that a V8 will indeed be in the next M5's engine bay - although they didn't confirm which one. Most likely, it will be the 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 that first appeared in the X5M and X6M. With 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, it falls right in the ballpark with other supersedan outputs. That new powerplant will sit in a new cradle as well, with the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/spy-shots-2010-bmw-5-series-nearing-completion/">all-new 5-Series</a> just months away. Around these parts, we're starting to refer to this next generation M5 as the Goldilocks Edition. Six wasn't enough, ten was too much and eight is just right. <em>Thanks for the tip, Derick!</em></p>
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-bmw-m5-1/low/">Review: BMW M5</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-bmw-m5-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/01_garage_2008_m5_thumbna il.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-bmw-m5-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/04_garage_2008_m5_thumbna il.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-bmw-m5-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/02_garage_2008_m5_thumbna il.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-bmw-m5-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/03_garage_2008_m5_thumbna il.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-bmw-m5-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/05_garage_2008_m5_thumbna il.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightline/2009/09/sources-confirm-turbocharged-v8-for-2011-bmw-m5-no-motorsport-1-series.html">Inside Line</a>]<br /><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/report-bmw-m5-dropping-v10-for-turbo-v8/">REPORT: BMW M5 dropping V10 for turbo V8</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/report-bmw-m5-dropping-v10-for-turbo-v8/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19175607/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/report-bmw-m5-dropping-v10-for-turbo-v8/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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VIDEO: People get all jumpy when it comes to their new BMWs
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/" rel="tag">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><em><small><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/video-crazy-people-jumping-into-their-bmw/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/bmw-jump-cap-620op.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /> <strong>Click above to view the video </strong><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/video-crazy-people-jumping-into-their-bmw/"><strong>after the jump</strong></a></small></em></div>
<br /> Question for BMW owners: Have you ever been so excited about your Bavarian beauty that you went all Tom Wopat and dove into the driver seat without opening the door? We've been in quite a few Bimmers ourselves, and while the driving experience is usually pretty damn good, we've always just opened the door. <br /> <br /> After the jump, a new commercial gets creative by showing BMW owners of all walks of life getting physical with their German wheels. If a Golden Girl jumping through the X5's moonroof and a guy leaping off a roof into a 1 Series makes you want to perform stupid stunts with your BMW, please reconsider, and if you still must, kindly make sure to have cameras rolling. We're sure Tom Bergeron is anxiously awaiting your video.<br /><br />[Source: BMW]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/video-people-get-all-jumpy-when-it-comes-to-their-new-bmws/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>VIDEO: People get all jumpy when it comes to their new BMWs</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/video-people-get-all-jumpy-when-it-comes-to-their-new-bmws/">VIDEO: People get all jumpy when it comes to their new BMWs</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf3-oEUdWac>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/video-people-get-all-jumpy-when-it-comes-to-their-new-bmws/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19179667/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/video-people-get-all-jumpy-when-it-comes-to-their-new-bmws/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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REPORT: McLaren F1 considering acquisition of BMW F1 engine ops
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mercedes-benz/" rel="tag">Mercedes-Benz</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/lrg-4618-15f1gpjapan3907.jpg" alt="" /><br /> <br /> McLaren's Formula One cars have been powered by <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/MercedesBenz/">Mercedes-Benz</a> engines since 1995, but that could soon come to an end. The relationship between Daimler and McLaren has become increasingly strained over the past two years, following the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/stepneygate/">Spygate</a> scandal and the automaker's decision to have AMG build the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/SLS/">SLS</a>. <br /> <br /> With <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/">BMW</a> withdrawing from Formula One at the close of this season, the hot rumor in the paddock at the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend is that McLaren chairman Ron Dennis is considering scooping up rival BMW F1's engine-building operations. Mercedes supplies engines to the this year's likely champions, the Brawn team, and a split with McLaren would allow MB to concentrate its efforts there. <br /> <br /> McLaren's Middle Eastern investors reportedly support the move, which would allow the team to join Ferrari, Renault (if the French team remains in F1) and Toyota in building its own chassis and engine. Apparently, BMW's deal to sell the Sauber F1 team doesn't include the engine operation in Munich, leaving McLaren free to make its move. <br /> <br /> [Source: <a href="http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/091003110722.shtml">F1-Live</a>]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/report-mclaren-f1-considering-acquisition-of-bmw-f1-engine-ops/">REPORT: McLaren F1 considering acquisition of BMW F1 engine ops</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/report-mclaren-f1-considering-acquisition-of-bmw-f1-engine-ops/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19183214/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/report-mclaren-f1-considering-acquisition-of-bmw-f1-engine-ops/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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Car and Driver drawing flack over Photoshopped BMW X6 M drag racing pic?
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suvs/" rel="tag">SUV</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chevrolet/" rel="tag">Chevrolet</a></p><a href="http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=404058&s howall=1"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/bmw-x6-m-chevy-ii-drag-630.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /> <br /> Hardcore drag racers take their expensive hobby very seriously. Some drag owners cut into their 401k just to knock a couple tenths off of their quarter mile times, while others spend every possible spare moment of their lives holed up in a garage, perfecting their hot rod for just a few chances to take that magical run down the track. Keep that in mind, if you will, as we explain to you why the owner of an altered wheelbase 1963 Chevy II is angry over an <a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/09q3/2010_bmw_x6_m_-road_test/gallery/2010_bmw_x6_m_at_milan_dr agway_photo_19">apparentl y Photoshopped photo</a> of its run against <em>Car and Driver</em> magazine's BMW X6 M.<br /> <br /> <em>Car and Driver</em> <a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/09q3/2010_bmw_x6_m_-road_test">took the 550 hp X6 M</a> to Milan Dragway in Milan, MI as part of an article which featured the beastly Bimmer on the track, off-road, and at the dragway. One of the runs the X6 M took was against said Chevy, which reportedly runs the quarter mile in the high 9's, reaching a scorching 135 mph in the process. The X6 M is no pushover either, as it can hit a sports car like 12.8 seconds at 110 mph. At no time did <em>C/D</em> claim that they bested the heavily modded Chevy (nor did they mention the hot rod at all), but what they did do was publish a photo of the Bimmer and the Bow Tie'd bandit battling nose to nose down the dragway. Actually, judging purely by the C/D photo, it appears that the X6 M may even have a bit of an edge in the high horsepower battle. <br /> <br /> After seeing the photo, the owner of the Chevy II is apparently hopping mad. "Rotten Johnny" on the <a href="http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=404058"> H.A.M.B forums</a> claims to be the owner of the dragster in question, and he was less than thrilled with what he called a Photoshopped pic that deceives the public. <br /> <blockquote><em>"Alls I can say is the mag,editors and writers are LAIRS,CHEATERS and WANNA BE SCAMMERS. Bring that ol BMW out, title fer title and write an article bout that.I'll be driven around in a little red suv. No wonder the only time i see that mag is in the doctors office, makes me sick."</em><br /></blockquote> We can definitely see where Rotten Johnny would be upset over the photo (he says he was actually doing a burnout in the altered pic), but we can also see where it was necessary to bust out Photoshop to get both vehicles into a tight frame. After all, who wants to read a feature of the X6 M with a lead photo of a 1963 Chevy II with a spec of a BMW SUV off in the distance? Then again, was the image really necessary to support the story to begin with?<br /> <br /> In any case, C/D has issued a reply that includes a heaping helping of the sort of snark made famous by the mysterious <em>"Ed."</em> in the magazine's monthly reader mail section. To wit:<br /> <blockquote><em>"John Phillips became so attached to the BMW X6M that it - appropriately enough - triggered many irrational responses. One of these was his insistence that we photoshop the BMW beating the clearly superior Chevy Nova. Any attempt to dissuade him - by telling him, for instance, that only an idiot would believe a BMW SUV could beat a purpose-built drag car - just resulted in heated calls to the suicide hotline and even more foaming at the mouth than usual."</em><br /></blockquote> Let us know what your thoughts on the matter are in 'Comments.' <em>Hat tip to Justin E!</em><br /> <br /> [Sources: <a href="http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=404058&s howall=1">Jalopy Journal</a>; <a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/09q3/2010_bmw_x6_m_-road_test">Car and Driver</a>]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/i-car-and-driver-i-drawing-flack-over-photoshopped-bmw-x6-m-d/"><i>Car and Driver</i> drawing flack over Photoshopped BMW X6 M drag racing pic?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/i-car-and-driver-i-drawing-flack-over-photoshopped-bmw-x6-m-d/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19184357/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/i-car-and-driver-i-drawing-flack-over-photoshopped-bmw-x6-m-d/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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