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>
<br />
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 />
<br />
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 />
<br />
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 />
<br />
<br />
<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>

أكثر...

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 />
<br />
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 />
<br />
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 />
<br />
<br />
<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>

أكثر...

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>
<br />
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 />
<br />
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 />
<br />
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 />
<br />
<br />
<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>

أكثر...

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>
<br />
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 />
<br />
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 />
<br />
<br />
<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>

أكثر...

Officially Official: BMW unveils all-new 5 Series sedan
 

<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/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/2011-bmw-5-series-sedan/#4"><img hspace="0" vspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/p90053731_opt.jpg" alt="" /></a><em><strong><small><br />
</small></strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><sma ll> 2011 BMW 5-series - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br />
The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/5+series">5 Series</a> is an important model for <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw/">BMW</a>, particularly in North America where it is the brand's second best seller behind only the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/model/3+series">3 Series</a>. Heading into 2010, BMW has expanded its mid-size line with the new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/model/5+series+gt">Gran Turismo</a> body style that is already on sale. However, the volume leader for the 5 Series is the four-door sedan, which is officially debuting today. The 2011 model transitions to a new platform architecture that is shared with the latest <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/model/7+series">7 Series</a> as well as the upcoming <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/model/ghost">Rolls-Royce Ghost</a>. The 5 Series sedan gets a 4-inch shorter wheelbase than its siblings, but at 116.9 inches, it still stretches well past its competition. The new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/model/e+class">Mercedes-Benz E-Class</a> runs a mere 113.1 inches between its axles and the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/cts">Cadillac CTS</a> is 113.4 inches. <br />
<br />
From a technical perspective, the new 5 Series picks up much of what can be found in the 7 Series and the Gran Turismo. Read on after the jump to learn more about it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-5-series-sedan/low/">2011 BMW 5 Series sedan</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-5-series-sedan/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/p90053737_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-5-series-sedan/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/p90053732_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-5-series-sedan/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/p90053731_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: BMW]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/bmw-5-series-2011-sedan-unveiled/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Officially Official: BMW unveils all-new 5 Series sedan</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/bmw-5-series-2011-sedan-unveiled/">Officially Official: BMW unveils all-new 5 Series sedan</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:12:00 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/2009/11/23/bmw-5-series-2011-sedan-unveiled/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19248733/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/bmw-5-series-2011-sedan-unveiled/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

أكثر...