TEST DRIVE: Best of the best cars named at Toronto show
It was win-win-win for Volkswagen as the Golf GTI was named 2010 Best New Car of the Year at the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto, which closes on Sunday (Feb. 21).

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2010 Geneva Motor Show Preview: 2011 Audi A1
The 2011 Audi A1 is finally here. After enduring months of drip-fed teasers, a couple of concept cars and even several leaks Audi has released full details and images for its new “premium compact” ahead of the car’s official world debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Audi has consistently boasted about the A1′s high levels of dynamic and build…

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Video: 408-HP Protoscar LAMPO2 EV Unveiled Ahead Of Geneva Motor Show
Electric sports car prototypes are popping up from every corner, including Audi’s e-tron, the Mercedes SLS-AMG Electric, BMW’s Vision Concept, and of course, there’s the limited-production and already doomed Tesla Roadster. At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, we’ll get to add one more to the list: the Protoscar LAMPO2, unveiled here in full photos…

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BMW ORACLE Racing 2009 Slide Show

Soenke Kroll explains how BMW´s long-term efficientdynamics vision of emissions-free driving can be summed up with one vehicle: the BMW Hydrogen 7. As the world’s first luxury performance sedan with hydrogen drive, it runs on the most plentiful element in the world and emits virtually nothing but water vapor. With its capability of emissions-free driving while running on hydrogen, the BMW Hydrogen7 can drive in London without even paying the London congestion charge. Because the infrastructure for refueling a hydrogen internal combustion engine is not yet complete, the V-12 engine also runs on gasoline at the push of a button. The unique feature of the BMW Hydrogen7 is that it drives on liquid hydrogen, which has a much higher energy desity as if it were in geseous form. The BMW Hydrogen7 is a small series production vehicle of around 100 units prividing the proof-of-concept of BMW´s vision of emissions-free driving. Beyond showcasing the car at international Motor Shows, BMW wants the world’s influencers to see up close, and try for themselves..

BMW Z4 Spices Up 2010 Detroit Auto Show – NAIAS Video: www.insideline.com More Articles: www.insideline.com Car Prices & Info www.edmunds.com Twitter Feed twitter.com Facebook Page www.facebook.com Hi-Res Videos: www.hulu.com side-line BMW will publicly unveil the new 2011 Z4 sdrive35is roadster in early January at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. The range-topping Z4 sdrive35is features a new M Sports package that also will be offered on other Z4 variants when the Z4 sdrive35is reaches US dealers in spring 2010.

Bosch Showcases Clean Diesel, Collision Mitigation Solutions at Washington Auto Show, SAE Event
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Jan. 25 — Bosch continues to show its wide variety of automotive systems, including its advanced clean diesel and collision mitigation solutions.

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BMW AG is poised to introduce the newly launched BMW 1 Series Coupe in North America during the upcoming 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. The year ending show will be the stage for the American debut of the vehicle.

After unveiling the BMW 1 Series Coupe, the German automaker will roll out the vehicle in dealer showrooms all over the United States in the spring of 2008. Only two model variants of the BMW 1 Series Coupe will be offered: the BMW 128i and the BMW 135i. Both model variants will be equipped with a monstrous 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine under its hood.

This power unit for the BMW 1 Series Coupe is capable of producing 300 horsepower and developing 300 lb ft of torque from 1,400 rpm. The engine is also equipped with powertrain features like direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin turbochargers, and Valvetronic valvetrain management (for the 128i Coupe only). With this powertrain package, it allows both the BMW 1 Series Coupe models to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.3 seconds, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. In spite of the powerful performance, the engine still offers an impressive fuel economy and low exhaust emissions.

High quality technical parts continue to the suspension, steering, braking system, and other systems. The new BMW 1 Series Coupe offers a sophisticated suspension system with aluminium double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension made of lightweight steel. A sports suspension is also offered, which includes high-performance brake system and brake cooling. In addition, BMW also offers Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function, and Active Steering.

Every BMW 1 Series Coupe models is equipped with sophisticated exterior styling and aerodynamic components. The sporty appearance features the long hood, short overhangs, long wheelbase, large frameless doors, and the standard M Aerodynamic Kit. The rear portion of the BMW 1 Series Coupe features trunklid with integrated spoiler, and additional lip spoiler for the 135i Coupe.

As expected for all BMW models, the BMW 1 Series Coupe comes with a luxurious. elegant, and comfortable interior. The car is equipped with 60/40 split rear seat, iDrive system with optional Navigation system, Galvanized pearl gloss surfaces, and Leatherette or rich Boston Leather upholstery, SIRIUS satellite radio, HD radio, Premium Sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, and connection port for MP3 players.

Optional interior features are also offered like the sports buckets seats, which is included in the Sports Package. The 1 Series Coupe could also have BMW racing parts for customization.

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG took the opportunity of the ninth Middle East International Motor Show for serial unveilings for its two concept cars and the new M3 Coupe.

The new BMW M3 houses a powerful V8 engine producing 420 horsepower. The M3 can speed from 0-100 kph in just 4.8 seconds. In the Middle East, the M3 will go on sale this coming January. BMWs concept car, the low-slung CS is a four-door Gran Turismo for Middle East’s luxury segment going in production two years from now. Another unveiling was for the X6 concept series. With its twin turbo, BMW marks the X6 as the world’s first sports activity coupe.

According to Phil Horton, managing director of BMW Group Middle East, his region could make it to the top five globally with hit X6 sales. The M6 will make it to dealerships in mid-2008.

“This will be a key market. I think if the company could design a car specifically for the Middle East, it would be the X6. It looks good and both engines offered will have twin-turbo power,” he said.

For the year 2007, the BMW X5 was the best selling for BMW in the Middle East. The X5 covers 15 percent of total BMW sales in the region. The X5 is followed by the 5 (including the 530i and its BMW 530i parts) and the 7 series.

Sales trend varies from the United States and Europe, where the 3 series, smaller than the others accounts for the 50 percent of sales for BMW. Before 2007 ends, BMW aims to sell almost 15,000 BMWs and 700 Minis, these figures pose a 25 percent sales increase for BMW and 25 percent increase for Mini sales.

“We’re looking at good growth for the next year. Depending on the regional political situation we could easily see 10-15 per cent growth in the market and for BMW,” said Horton.

As the third quarter of the year was completed, BMW reported a net profit leap of 78 percent due to higher sales and BMW sees further sales rise before 2007 ends. With these sales result, BMW is maintaining its post as the world’s largest premium automaker.

“The biggest growth opportunities for BMW and most other car manufacturers are in China, India and Russia,” said Horton.

“With our [Middle East] growth levels, that clearly puts us in the top ten ranking. The markets of America and Europe are not growing at anything like those levels.”