REPORT: BMW M division pushing for hardcore version of next 1 Series
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/bmw-concept-1-series-tii-1/#8"><em><strong><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/concept_1er_tii14.jpg" /></strong></em></a><em><strong><br />
<small>BMW Concept 1 Series tii - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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Successive generations of the BMW M3 have come a long way since the original, with a skyrocketing curb weight and an ever-climbing price tag. The new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/video-bmw-m3-gts-takes-to-the-track/">M3 GTS</a> may have done a lot to counter the former, although sadly it only further escalated the latter. But enthusiasts take heart, because someone's on the case. Fortunately, that someone is Dr. Kay Segler, head of Munich's famous M division.<br />
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According to reports, Segler and his team are pushing the beancounters to give them the authorization to make an M-tuned 1 Series. While the twin-turbo 135i is touted by many as a closer successor to the original M3 than the current M3, he feels there's more that can be done.<br />
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Unfortunately, Segler is talking about the next-generation 1 Series, so even if approved, it'd be a while before any future M-tuned 1 hits the road. If and when it does, however, it could take aim at the Audi S3 with a 330-horsepower version of the Bavarian automaker's new TwinPower engine. As for naming schemes, they may have to get a little creative to avoid confusion with the original M1 supercar.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-concept-1-series-tii-1/low/">BMW Concept 1 Series tii</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-concept-1-series-tii-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/concept_1er_tii08_thumbna il.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-concept-1-series-tii-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/concept_1er_tii09_thumbna il.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-concept-1-series-tii-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/concept_1er_tii10_thumbna il.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-concept-1-series-tii-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/concept_1er_tii11_thumbna il.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-concept-1-series-tii-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/concept_1er_tii12_thumbna il.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=20983 ">PistonHeads</a>]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-bmw-m-division-pushing-for-hardcore-version-of-next-1-se/">REPORT: BMW M division pushing for hardcore version of next 1 Series</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:58:00 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.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=20983 >Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-bmw-m-division-pushing-for-hardcore-version-of-next-1-se/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19244573/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-bmw-m-division-pushing-for-hardcore-version-of-next-1-se/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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BMW's V8-powered 550i Gran Turismo starts at $64,725
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/first-drive-bmw-535i-gran-turismo/"><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/325_535i_opt.jpg" alt="" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><sma ll>2010 BMW 535i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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With the introduction of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/BMW5SeriesGranTurismo/">BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo</a>, BMW has filled a previously unimagined niche and elicited plenty of controversy in the process. Regardless, the first GT to go on sale in the US is the V8-powered 550i and the cost of entry has been set at $64,725. However, in traditional German fashion, the tariff can grow rapidly with the judicious use of the option sheet. Here are couple of examples: opting for the duo of rear "sport seats" and sacrificing one of the rear seating positions will add $3,950 to the bottom line, while the sport package adds another $4,200. If you tick every box available, you're in for over $96,000.<br />
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The 550i GT goes on sale in the States on December 5 with the 400 hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/first-drive-bmw-535i-gran-turismo-evolves-the-wagon-with-clever/">twin-turbo six-cylinder 535i GT</a> joins the party later but BMW has not yet committed to selling the diesel powered 535d Gran Turismo in the US. Make the jump for the full press release and options list.<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: BMW]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/bmw-550i-gran-turismo-starts-at-64-725/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>BMW's V8-powered 550i Gran Turismo starts at $64,725</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/bmw-550i-gran-turismo-starts-at-64-725/">BMW's V8-powered 550i Gran Turismo starts at $64,725</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:27:00 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/2009/11/19/bmw-550i-gran-turismo-starts-at-64-725/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19245455/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/bmw-550i-gran-turismo-starts-at-64-725/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/2010-bmw-activehybrid-x6-first-drive/"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bmwx6hybridfd_01_opt.jpg" alt="" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><sma ll>2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br /> For your hard-earned $89,725, you can have your pick of V8-powered BMW X6s. That substantial pile of dosh will secure you the keys to the Bavarian automaker's monster 555-horsepower X6 M or its new X6 ActiveHybrid. Unlike rival Mercedes-Benz which has opted to make its <a href="http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/mercedes-benz-ml450-hybrid-launches-next-week-for-lease-only">ML450 hybrid available exclusive by lease</a>, BMW will sell the ActiveHybrid X6 outright to all comers, whoever they may be. Unlike most BMWs, the option list for the hybrid is relatively limited, although we suspect the folks at BMW Individual will be only too happy to customize one to your heart's content. <br /> <br /> During our <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-activehybrid-is-technologically-impress/">recent first drive of the gas-electric version</a> of Bimmer's so-called "Sport Activity Coupe," we only saw 16 mpg in a test loop that consisted primarily of Miami traffic, a bit shy of official 17/19 mpg EPA estimates. Aside from the hood bulge and the wheels, there isn't much to visually distinguish the hybrid from non-M X6s, and with its still-considerable appetite for fuel, we have hard time seeing the value in ponying up nearly $90k for this vehicle - especially when you can get the giggle-inducing lunacy that is the X6 M for equal coin. <br /><br />Of course, a flawed value equation hasn't stopped many other vehicles we know from selling - especially ones sporting a green halo - but we'll find out if BMW has played their cards right when the X6 ActiveHybrid goes on sale beginning December 5. High-res gallery below, official press release with option pricing after the jump.<br /> <br /><br /> <div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-bmw-activehybrid-x6-first-drive/low/">First Drive: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-bmw-activehybrid-x6-first-drive/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bmwx6hybridfd_01_thumbnai l.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-bmw-activehybrid-x6-first-drive/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bmwx6hybridfd_02_thumbnai l.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-bmw-activehybrid-x6-first-drive/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bmwx6hybridfd_03_thumbnai l.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-bmw-activehybrid-x6-first-drive/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bmwx6hybridfd_04_thumbnai l.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-bmw-activehybrid-x6-first-drive/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bmwx6hybridfd_05_thumbnai l.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /> [Source: BMW]<br /> <strong><em><font size="1">Photos copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco</font></em></strong><strong><em><font size="1"> / Weblogs, Inc.</font></em></strong><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/bmw-prices-the-activehybrid-x6-starting-at-89-725/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/bmw-prices-the-activehybrid-x6-starting-at-89-725/">BMW prices the ActiveHybrid X6 starting at $89,725</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:28:00 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/2009/11/19/bmw-prices-the-activehybrid-x6-starting-at-89-725/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19245392/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/bmw-prices-the-activehybrid-x6-starting-at-89-725/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series hybrid spotted in Munich
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid/"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/01-bmw-1series-hybrid-spy1-630op.jpg" alt="" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><sma ll>BMW 1 Series Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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At the <a href="http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-activehybrid-is-technologically-impress/">launch of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid</a>, 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?<br />
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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.<br />
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The 1 Series hybrid will take on the production version of the <a href="http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-lexus-lf-ch-concept-hits-misses/">Lexus LF-Ch</a> concept recently shown at the <a href="http://green.autoblog.com/tag/FrankfurtMotorShow/">Frankfurt Motor Show</a> 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.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid/low/">Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series Hybrid</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/01-bmw-1series-hybrid-spy1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/02-bmw-1series-hybrid-spy1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/03-bmw-1series-hybrid-spy1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/04-bmw-1series-hybrid-spy1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/05-bmw-1series-hybrid-spy1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: CarPix]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid-spotted-in-munich/">Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series hybrid spotted in Munich</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:33:00 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/2009/11/19/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid-spotted-in-munich/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19246485/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid-spotted-in-munich/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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Valentino Rossi samples the BMW M3 GTS, drives away in M3 sedan
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</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/motorcycles/" rel="tag">Motorcycle</a></p><em><strong>
<div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/valentino-rossi-drives-the-bmw-m3-gts/#3"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/web630-bmw-m3-gts-rossi-2.jpg" /></a><br />
Valentino Rossi drives the BMW M3 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></div>
</strong></em><br />
After securing his record ninth MotoGP title, there's little doubt that Valentino Rossi is the fastest man on two wheels. And BMW has acknowledged the Italian rider's speed by awarding him a brand-spankin'-new M3 sedan. <br />
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The German automaker is a sponsor of the motorbike racing series, providing organizers with safety cars and other vehicles, and even using it to <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/12/setting-the-pace-bmw-x6-m-debuts-as-motogp-safety-car/">debut the new X6 M</a> crossover earlier this year. And every year BMW gifts a car to the rider who proved the fastest in qualifying over the course of the season. Rossi's won the "M Award" five times now, but before he drove off in his new V8 sports sedan, BMW gave him a rare opportunity to sample the new hardcore <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/bmw-m3-gts-unveiled/">M3 GTS</a>.<br />
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So what did the fastest man on two wheels think of the fastest Bimmer on four? Quite a lot, apparently, as the multiple world champion said he wants to be first on the list when the M3 GTS goes on sale next year. That's quite a glowing endorsement, and all it cost them was a test drive. Click on the thumbnails below for a high-res image gallery.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/valentino-rossi-drives-the-bmw-m3-gts/low/">Valentino Rossi drives the BMW M3 GTS</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/valentino-rossi-drives-the-bmw-m3-gts/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bmw-m3-gts-rossi-1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/valentino-rossi-drives-the-bmw-m3-gts/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bmw-m3-gts-rossi-2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/valentino-rossi-drives-the-bmw-m3-gts/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bmw-m3-gts-rossi-3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/valentino-rossi-drives-the-bmw-m3-gts/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bmw-m3-gts-rossi-4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/valentino-rossi-drives-the-bmw-m3-gts/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bmw-m3-gts-rossi-5_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="https://www.m-power.com/_open/b/editorial.jsp?lang=en&x=2 032">BMW M Division</a>]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/valentino-rossi-samples-the-bmw-m3-gts-drives-away-in-m3-sedan/">Valentino Rossi samples the BMW M3 GTS, drives away in M3 sedan</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:55:00 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/2009/11/19/valentino-rossi-samples-the-bmw-m3-gts-drives-away-in-m3-sedan/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19245391/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/valentino-rossi-samples-the-bmw-m3-gts-drives-away-in-m3-sedan/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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REPORT: Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini not attending LA Auto Show
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/la-auto-show/" rel="tag">LA Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aston-martin/" rel="tag">Aston Martin</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/audi/" rel="tag">Audi</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bentley/" rel="tag">Bentley</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lamborghini/" rel="tag">Lamborghini</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/maserati/" rel="tag">Maserati</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mercedes-benz/" rel="tag">Mercedes-Benz</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/rolls-royce/" rel="tag">Rolls-Royce</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ferrari/" rel="tag">Ferrari</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyker/" rel="tag">Spyker</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/fisker/" rel="tag">Fisker</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/frankfurt-2009-ferrari-458-italia/#14"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/13-ferrari-458-live-630op.jpg" alt="" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><sma ll>The closest we'll get to the Ferrari 458 - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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Here's an unsurprising stat for you: 60 percent of all vehicles sold in the U.S. that cost over $100,000 find homes in New York, Florida and California. The majority of which are parked in garages in Manhattan, Miami and Los Angeles, respectively. So the revelation that Bentley, Ferrari and Lamborghini won't be attending next month's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/LAAutoShow/">LA Auto Show</a> is -- at the very least -- surprising.<br />
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According to a spokesperson speaking with The Detroit Bureau, Bentley has decided to skip the So. Cal. show, adding that the automaker is looking for "a better use of our resources." Ferrari and its sister marque Maserati are out as well, with an unnamed source telling the industry pub, "It's just the economy. We're cutting back on a lot of things."<br />
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Given the global economic climate and its affect on high-end automotive sales, the choice to scale back isn't such a shock, but for automakers that rely on the Southern California market, it's a disturbing sign of the times. As for the rest of the LA exhibitors, the luxury market's Big Three (Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz) will be in attendance, although it looks like the lower hall will only house Aston Martin, Spyker, Fisker and -- we'd assume -- Rolls-Royce.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-ferrari-458-italia/low/">Frankfurt 2009: Ferrari 458 Italia</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-ferrari-458-italia/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/01-ferrari-458-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-ferrari-458-italia/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/02-ferrari-458-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-ferrari-458-italia/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/03-ferrari-458-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-ferrari-458-italia/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/04-ferrari-458-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/frankfurt-2009-ferrari-458-italia/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/05-ferrari-458-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2009/11/luxury-automakers-abandoning-la-auto-show/">The Detroit Bureau</a>]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-bentley-ferrari-lamborghini-not-attending-la-auto-show/">REPORT: Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini not attending LA Auto Show</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:32:00 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/2009/11/20/report-bentley-ferrari-lamborghini-not-attending-la-auto-show/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19248266/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-bentley-ferrari-lamborghini-not-attending-la-auto-show/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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First official shots of new BMW 5 Series leaked online
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/2010-bmw-5-series-f10-official-pics/"><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bmw_f10_630.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><sma ll>2010 BMW F10 5-Series - Click above for image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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BMW's official unveiling ceremony isn't until Monday, but a few authentic shots of the all-new "F10" BMW 5 Series are floating around cyberspace. These three low resolution images only give us a frontal glimpse of the upcoming 5 Series sedan, apparently as it does a dress rehearsal for its big show at the beginning of the week.<br />
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Our first <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/25/spy-shots-2011-bmw-5-series/">sans-camouflage</a> observation says it looks much like the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/model/5+series+gt">5 Series GT</a>, its close sibling (nobody was expecting any radical styling departure anyway). Thanks to its "sport sedan" role, the new 5 Series four-door sports a slightly more aggressive flair to its front facade and side styling. In case you were wondering, the little black buttons just ahead of the front wheels are side view cameras, just like those found on the 7 Series. We'll reserve further judgment until Monday, when they pull the rest of the tarp off. <em>Thanks for the tip, Brandon! </em><br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-bmw-5-series-f10-official-pics/low/">2010 BMW 5 Series F10 Official Pics</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-bmw-5-series-f10-official-pics/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/official2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-bmw-5-series-f10-official-pics/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/official3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-bmw-5-series-f10-official-pics/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/official1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=324168"> 5post.com</a>]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/first-official-shots-of-new-bmw-5-series-leaked-online/">First official shots of new BMW 5 Series leaked online</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:49:00 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/2009/11/22/first-official-shots-of-new-bmw-5-series-leaked-online/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19249432/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/first-official-shots-of-new-bmw-5-series-leaked-online/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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