BMW M1 Homage concept revealed

Remember the BMW M1 from the late 70's and early 80's? Sure, we all do — how could someone forget the only BMW mid-engined homologated racer? Well, for you fans of that MotorWorken hotness, we've got an exciting bit of news out of the Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este, an Italian gathering hosting precious metal from all over the world. The Germans suprised everyone by bringing a piece of racing hotness hearkening back to those halcyon days of the late 70's — kind of a thirtieth anniversary present to lovers of the old M1. It's called the BMW M1 Homage concept, a modern-day interpretation of the mid-engined Bavarian exotic. So is this flame-surfaced M1 successor a future classic? Well, it's hard to say.

BMW M-6

The next generation BMW M6 is not due to be released until around 2012, but this doesn't stop us speculating on how the next M6 might look like. One of our dear and talented readers, Giom, has created some 3D preview images of what the BMW M6's design could turn out. The renderings show us a sexy and sleek design, with the rendered M6 sporting some 21" wheels and rear headlights similar to the BMW CS Concept.
From the tiny bitty piece of information that came to to us a few months ago from BMW, we learned that the next generation M6, codenamed F12, might be sold in two different models: a regular M6 and a CSL M6. There will be also a debate on whether the next M6 should have a glass roof or the Carbon Fiber roof.
Of course, we're still a little too early to know exactly what BMW has planned for us, so in the mean time, let's focus on Giom's renderings and hear your opinion on them.
Personally, I think the 3D images are great, I'm in love with the rear design, but I would love to see how the imaginary front end might look like. Oh, there is one thing I'm not sure if I dig: the bulge on the hood.
So, what do you think? Yay or Nay?

Black BMW sports car

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BMW GINA light visionary model

BMW just unveiled its latest design philosophy — via a radical concept car — that will sure to raise some eyebrows in the automotive industry. Touted as the “game changer” for the “development of tomorrow’s mobility,” the new concept centers around the GINA principle, for Geometry and Functions In “N” Adaptions. What this means is the ability for BMW to think outside the box and innovate maximum ideas with mininum amount of the usual constraints associated with car design.
The first translation of the GINA philosophy into physical being is demonstrated in the Light Visionary Model concept. The only specs that may be familiar are the car’s realistic 8-cylinder powertrain package residing in a roadster built from an aluminum space-frame chassis with two double tailpies and 20-in. alloy wheels at the corners. Other than that, it is the Visionary’s exterior body that will catch all of us by surprise. It is skinned by four large pieces of flexible material that can stretch and contract based on a number of substructures that can move about on the chassis with electro and electrohydraulic controls.
There are four main pieces of skin that make up the Visionary’s body: The largest component starts at the front of the car and extends all the way to the base of the windscreen, then down and across the two doors, ending at the rear edge. The next two fabric-like skins begin at the front lower rocker panels, then run across the rear wheel arches to the back. The last piece of skin makes up the rear deck. The roadster’s scissor-type doors open with its outer skin wrinkled in a very clearly defined pattern, but they are stretched back into a silky-smooth surface when the doors close.
The fabric that covers the Visionary’s body is constructed from a waterproof and temperature-resistant mesh netting on the outer layer, supported by a flexible metal- wire structure underneath to maintain the skin’s tension and smoothness. Around a few areas where curvatures of the skin are called for, carbon struts are added to allow for higher flexibility while keeping the rounded contours.
The Light Visionary Model is striking not only because of its fabric outer skin, but also its utility in form following function. Because of the flexible skin, the headlights can be hidden or exposed when necessary. The side markers to signal lane changes are not visible on the outside until they are turned on during use — their light shines though the translucent (but not transparent) cover. Airflow around the car can be managed actively as the skin can be closed, opened or stretched based on need; the rocker-panel shape can be adjusted for better aerodynamics. And because the rear deck is covered by one single piece of fabric, the spoiler can be completely hidden when it is not in use.
Chris Bangle, Head of BMW Group Design, says, “Personal customer requirements will broaden the context of our products and change the core values that define our industry along the way.” That’s why BMW is focused on breaking new ground and finding innovative design solutions. And by the looks of the GINA Light Visionary Model, BMW is in the forefront of ingenious automotive design.

2008 BMW Z4 Edition Exclusive Sport Review

From the moment of its Australian introduction in 2003, the BMW Z4 Roadster set a new benchmark for premium two-seat sports cars with its blend of aggressive, avant garde styling, perfectly balanced front to rear weight distribution and front engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. With muscular performance derived from inline six-cylinder BMW engines in either 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre capacity, the BMW Z4 earned its sports car stripes through a combination of advanced BMW electronic systems and a sophisticated, light weight suspension system that provided an unparalleled, eagerly athletic driving experience.
The BMW Z4 Roadster was followed in September 2006 by the BMW Z4 Coupé that provided the same dynamic balance, but offered a snug, solid-roofed interior and a generous hatchback configuration to address the requirements of a new group of customers.
And now, BMW Z4 buyers have the opportunity to experience BMW sports car driving at a new level with the introduction of two limited-edition models; the BMW Z4 Edition Exclusive and BMW Z4 Edition Sport.
Both are available for no extra cost in 2.5si and 3.0si BMW Z4 Roadster models, or the BMW Z4 3.0si Coupé.
The limited edition models add significant extra equipment at the same price as regular BMW Z4 2.5si and 3.0si models, enhancing the appeal of ownership via carefully selected colour and trim combinations as well as, in the Edition Sport, M Sport seats and an M Steering wheel.
The two specific versions are equipped with additional features according to their designation.
The Edition Exclusive comes with BMW Individual upholstery in full soft Nappa leather in combinations including Champagne / Black, Caramel / Black, Amarone / Black and Syrah Blue / Black. Inside, a choice of BMW Individual leather or BMW Individual Piano finish trim strips is available, as well as standard floor mats with Individual leather binding. The exterior colour palette for the Edition Exclusive includes Titanium Silver, Stratus Grey, Black Sapphire, Monaco Blue and a new addition – Space Grey.
The Edition Sport offers the choice of BMW Individual Bi-colour New England leather covering the M sport seats as well as Individual Bi-colour interior trim in combinations including Estoril Blue Dark / Anthracite / Black, Phoenix Yellow / Anthracite / Black, Silverstone / Anthracite / Black and Imola Red / Anthracite / Black. On the inside the Edition Sport comes with BMW Individual leather interior trim finishers, M sport seats and an M leather steering wheel. For the exterior, the Edition Sport offers a choice between Titanium Silver, Black Sapphire, Montego Blue, Space Grey and the previously unreleased Carbon Black.
With exclusive BMW Individual leather upholstery, BMW Individual trim and standard metallic paint, all at no extra cost, the new Edition Exclusive and Edition Sport limited edition models are an opportunity for BMW Z4 buyers to stamp their individuality on a premium sports car that has been an outstanding success for BMW in Australia

Honda releases details for European-spec Insight h...

Europe will be a very important market for the new hybrid, so much so that Honda even designed the car as a five-door hatch. "The reason we chose a five-door hatchback was that we wanted the car to be popular in Europe," project leader Yasunari Seki explained. "American Honda - the biggest market - asked us to build a car with a boot, but we decided on a five-door design because to compete with other green cars and sell more in Europe, it had to be a five-door hatchback. Of course, aerodynamically it is also a more favorable shape."The European Insight also adopts slim, projector-style headlights in a four-light cluster. The headlight's low beam has blue detailing, and the indicators are located in the lower bumper face. At the rear, the car uses LEDs for the taillights and stop lamps.

Scoop! 2010 Volkswagen Golf R Series Turbo Coming ...

Six Becomes Four—Plus a Turbo
Meet the new R-series Golf. It will feature basically the same direct-injection 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that you find in the GTI, tuned to an impressive 270 hp. Power will be transmitted to all wheels. Zero-to-60 times should be in the low- to mid-fives, and while the regular GTI tops out at a drag-limited 149 mph, the new R version will hit its governor at 155, with a theoretical top speed 10 mph or so higher.
Unlike the R32, the new R model will offer performance greater than the GTI’s, with the slightly increased weight and resistance of the AWD system easily offset by the leap in power and torque. We expect a choice of manual and dual-clutch transmissions, each with six forward ratios.
Essentially, the Golf R features the Audi S3’s powertrain. We have driven that car extensively; think WRX performance combined with Audi refinement. It’s worth noting that the new Golf MkVI, upon which this R version will be based, is more sophisticated than the Audi A3/S3.
The exterior of what we believe will be called R20 Turbo is distinguished from the GTI by an even more aggressive front spoiler, complete with three distinct air intakes, a more aggressive rear spoiler, and two center-exit exhaust pipes. Three doors will be standard, but VW will most likely also offer a five-door variation. Our artist’s renderings show a possible look for the three-door R20

2009 Audi R8

Vehicle Overview
This sports car is named after Audi's five-time Le Mans-winning racecar. Like the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo with which it competes, the R8 has a mid-mounted engine. Featuring a weight-saving aluminum body and Quattro all-wheel drive, Audi says the R8 can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds and has a maximum speed of 185 mph.

New for 2009
Bluetooth phone interface and a six-disc CD changer are standard, and a new version of the 19-inch wheels is available.

Exterior
The front end of the R8 is dominated by air intake grates and Audi's trapezoidal grille. Distinguishing features include sideblade air intakes behind the doors that route air to the V-8 engine. Rectangular LED taillights are standard, and a power-extendable rear spoiler provides additional downforce at high speeds. The R8 measures 174.5 inches long, 75 inches wide and 49.3 inches tall. It stands taller than the Ferrari and Lamborghini, but it falls between the two in both length and width.

• Nineteen-inch alloy wheels standard
• Optional carbon fiber sideblade
• Optional LED headlights
• Transparent canopy in rear allows view of the engine
• Quad exhaust pipes

Interior
The R8's two-person cabin has standard sport seats covered in leather or Alcantara fabric and leather. A navigation system with Audi's Multi Media Interface system is available. MMI controls vehicle settings via a knob and buttons on the center of the dashboard. Audi says there's room for two golf bags behind the rear seats, and the small front trunk measures 3.5 cubic feet.

• Standard six-CD changer
• Flat-bottom steering wheel for easier entry and exit
• Standard Bluetooth hands-free phone interface
• Homelink garage-door opener now standard
• Available carbon fiber interior trim
• Available carbon fiber engine compartment trim
• Available Bang & Olufsen audio system
• Available rearview camera

2008 Acura RDX

The Acura RDX is all about sporty driving, which is why it uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make its hearty 240 horsepower. This is the first turbocharged engine that Acura has produced. It's 2.3 liters, and comes out of the Acura TSX, with many changes making a completely different powerband.
Proving its commitment to sport, the RDX uses a sequential five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, a firm independent suspension made for cornering, and Acura's patented SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system, which delivers a higher proportion of power to the outside rear wheel under hard cornering, thus keeping the car in line.
Proving its commitment to luxury, the RDX comes trimmed in leather, no cloth interior is available, and it comes standard with other luxury touches, such as a power moonroof and dual-zone climate control.
In short, the RDX is designed for drivers who do not want to compromise cornering for a comfortable ride (hence, the firm suspension), but want upscale accommodations. It also needs to be someone who doesn't care about dramatic or distinctive styling, because the RDX closely resembles the Honda CR-V. Women, who normally go for the Acura approach of combining a silky-smooth ride with performance, will want to think twice about the RDX, given its firm suspension.
The RDX was launched as a 2007 model, and changes for 2008 consist of upgrades. The Bluetooth hands-free phone interface comes standard on 2008 models. Also standard are a two-way position driver's seat memory and an auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror. A new exterior color, Polished Metal Metallic, is available. If you are in Hawaii, lucky you, and now your RDX will have access to the navigation system's 1.7 million city and street names along with access to AcuraLink Satellite Communication System with Real Time Traffic. The Real Time Traffic system now covers 76 major metropolitan areas with the addition of 32 more for 2008.

2009 Subaru Forester

The 2009 Subaru Forester's improvements for 2009 go well beyond new styling inside and out. The car is based on an all-new platform that is stronger, improving both safety and drivability. Prices start at $20,660 for a base Subaru Forester 2.5X to $28,660 for a 2.5XT Limited. Prices include a $665 destination charge. There are two engine and transmission choices: The Subaru Forester 2.5X, 2.5 Premium and 2.5 Limited all come with a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter flat-four that produces 170 horsepower and sends it to all four wheels either through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Forester 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited have a 224-hp turbocharged version of the same engine, routed through a four-speed automatic transmission.
With room for five, decent if not stellar off-road ability and a very large and usable cargo area, the Subaru Forester is a good choice for those looking for a crossover that isn't as ubiquitous as the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. It's even fun to drive, especially in the lower trim levels, which can be equipped with a manual transmission. We wish the turbocharged Subaru Forester XT models were available with a manual gearbox, and that the interior had more soft-touch plastics, especially on the door tops. That aside, the 2009 Subaru Forester is a good call and competitively priced.

2008 Kia Rio

Rio comes in a four-door sedan and Rio5 five-door hatchback versions. Last redesigned for the 2006 model year, the Rio lineup has been expanded over the past two years and now includes three trim levels for the two body styles. The Rio sedan is available as a very basic base model, as the more mainstream LX, or as the sporty SX. The Rio5 five-door hatchback comes in LX and SX trim.
These are roomy cars. The hatchback offers lots of cargo space. Rio comes standard with six airbags, a safety feature normally associated with expensive luxury cars, not subcompacts. The Rio offers agile handling, particularly the top models with their upgraded wheels and tires.
The Rio gets an EPA-rated City/Highway 27/32 miles per gallon. All models are powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder, a sophisticated, modern engine, with dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing rated at 110 horsepower.

2009 Nissan Versa

The Versa has received the highest possible ratings in government and insurance industry crash tests, though keep in mind that's among small cars (five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and a quot;goodquot; rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). Versa safety features include dual-stage frontal air bags, front-seat side-impact air bags for chest protection, and roof-mounted curtain air bags for head protection.
Versa went on sale as a five-door hatchback in July 2006, with a four-door sedan following in January 2007. Combined, the sedan and hatch sold more 59,000 units in less than one model year. For 2009, Nissan has simplified the model lineup by reducing the total number of body, trim, and transmission combinations from nine to six. The Sport Package is restricted to the hatchback.
Bottom line, the Nissan Versa is a big small car with comfort, performance and versatility. It's roomy and offers good fuel economy