William Maley

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 27, 2012 Autocar is reporting that Lexus is mulling over a production version of the LF-LC shown at the North American International Auto Show. Karl Schlicht, head of Lexus product planning told the magazine that he gives a 50/50 chance to a production model. “A decision has not been taken. But we’re now up to a 50 per cent chance from a zero per cent one. Every top Toyota Motor Company manager is aware of the great reception it has received and now we’re talking about how we can do it and fit it into the product plan.” Originally, company executives said again and again, the LF-LC was strictly a concept. However, a positive reception and winning the public’s ‘best in show’ award at Detroit has made executives give a rethink to this. Source: Autocar View full article

William Maley-Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com Drew Dowdell - Chief Editor - CheersandGears.com contributing March 27, 2012 General Motors doesn’t have a great track record with subcompact cars. One only needs to read through a list of names of former Chevrolet subcompacts to see the trail of disappointment; Vega, Monza, Chevette, Sprint, Spectrum, Metro, and Aveo. But, at last year’s North American International Auto Show, GM introduced a new subcompact car - one that would hopefully banish away the bad reputation GM was known for this class. The car was called the Sonic. Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing said at the time, "The all-new Chevrolet Sonic blends the practicality of a small car with the passion for driving that Chevrolet vehicles like the Corvette are known for." It sounds like a bit of a tall order; practical and driving passion on top of trying to remove the tarnish of previous models. Can the Sonic achieve all of this or will it end up like its forebears and continue the tarnishing? Chevy sent me a Sonic LTZ with the 1.8 liter 4-cylinder and 6-speed automatic and they sent Drew a Sonic LTZ with the 1.4 liter turbo and 6-speed manual. On to the Exterior! Exterior Will: When the Chevrolet Sonic 5-Door first arrived at the house, the first words that came out of my mom’s mouth were, “That looks like an Aveo.” Ouch… that is not a good first impression. You could say there’s a resemblance between the Aveo5 and the Sonic 5-Door after a quick glance. Yet, after giving it a good look, the Sonic begins to show some major differences. One of the resemblances between the Aveo5 and Sonic is the front end. When GM refreshed the Aveo5 2009, they replaced the rounded front end for a blunt one and replaced the grill with now common double grill opening. The Sonic carries on with blunt front end and double grille opening. The big difference between the two lies in the headlight. While the Aveo used a pair of regular headlights, the Sonic goes with a pair of headlights that uses three lenses. Step around to the side and more differences begin to appear. While the Aveo was plain, the Sonic adds some flair with two character lines running from the front wheel wells to the back. The back door handles are recessed into the window frame, taking a design cue from the W-Body coupes. Finishing off the side is a set a 17-inch 5-spoke wheels standard on the LTZ. Moving to the back, the Sonic's tailgate juts out and new pair of taillights finish the look. The overall look of the Sonic is aggressive, ready to attack at a moments notice. In comparison, the overall look of the Chevrolet Aveo is like a slice of white bread; plain and boring. Drew: I don’t think it looks like an Aveo other than the fact that it’s a 5-door hatch and it has a Chevy face. The angry headlights set in barrels on either side of the aggressive grill really set the Sonic apart from the “Scream Mask” Aveo face. The Aveo was a very upright looking hatch and the Sonic maintains the same basic shape, but adds some sport to the silhouette with the roof mounted spoiler. The wheels look huge on this little car, but that’s not a bad thing. I feel like the tail lights are cartoonishly oversized. They take up more than 50% of the vertical distance of the tailgate. On to the Interior! Interior Will: The driving passion that Chris Perry talked about with the Sonic begins with the sport-bike inspired instrument cluster. A large tachometer flanks a digital display that handles the speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and trip computer duties. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the setup, but after driving with it for a week, I got used to it. The Sonic’s dash is sea of grey and black hard plastics, which didn’t bother me at all. The hard stuff is common for the class. LTZ models come equipped with a standard six-speaker premium sound system with an AM/FM/XM stereo with a CD player, Bluetooth streaming and connectivity, USB, and auxiliary jack. The sound coming out of the system was alright. LTZ models also come standard with heated front seats and remote start. Those two features came into heavy use during the week I had the Sonic due to temperatures dropping into the single digits. The standard leatherette seats in the LTZ were comfortable and provided a good amount of adjustments for the driver and passenger. One thing that left me scratching my head was why GM gave an armrest for the driver and not one for the passenger. Back seat passengers will like the ease of entering and exiting the Sonic, but will complain about the lack of legroom.Cargo space in the Sonic sits right in the middle of subcompact class. With back seats up, the Sonic has 19 cubic feet. That puts the Sonic between 15.4 cubic feet offered in the Fiesta and 21.2 cubic feet in the Hyundai Accent. Fold the back seats down in the Sonic and you're rewarded with 30.7 cubic feet. Once again that sits between the 26 cubic feet in the Fiesta and 47.5 cubic feet in the Accent. Drew: Historically, the interior of an economy sub-compact car, particularly a domestic brand sub-compact, has been one of the weakest points in the car. Chevrolet has completely leap-frogged the competition here and changed the benchmark for the entire segment. The interior’s design is handsome and well built. It does have some cheaper plastics inside, but they still have a very good quality feel to them appropriate for a car that has a base price in the low teens. The controls are logically deployed, simple to operate, and feel solid in your hand. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable for me and I found my seating position quickly. Rear seat passengers will be a bit snug in the legroom department, but the seats themselves are comfortable. For a compact hatchback, the cargo room is generous. In the second installment of me shoving too much I.T. equipment into a compact (see the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo Review for episode one) I managed to fit twelve 17” flat panel monitors into the rear cargo area of the Sonic without dropping the rear seats. I purposely left the instrument pod for last. I think that this feature really makes the Sonic stand out from the rest of its competition. It is a unique design element that is both interesting and functional. Besides, how could we at Cheers and Gears not like the design of the tachometer. Full view of the Chevy Sonic instrument pod here On to Ride and Drive! Ride & Drive Will: The Sonic that Chevrolet sent me was equipped with the base 1.8Liter four-cylinder motor producing 138 HP and 131 lb-ft or torque. Power comes out strong and is adequate for day to day driving. Sending the power to the front wheels is the LTZ’s standard six-speed automatic, which has some glaring problems. The transmission exhibits the herky-jerky shifting between gears. Plus, there is a delay in the gear changes when trying to make a pass. It makes me wonder if some new transmission programming could fix these qualms like they did on the Cruze a year ago. The EPA rates the fuel economy of the 1.8L at 25 City/35 Highway/28 Combined. That falls flat when compared to the Ford Fiesta (29 City/39 Highway/33 Combined) and Hyundai Accent (30 City/40 Highway/33 Combined) EPA ratings. During the week I had the Sonic, I averaged around 25 MPG with mostly city driving. Taking the Sonic on the highway for a quick 20 mile trip saw fuel economy rise up to 30 MPG.Thankfully, the Sonic’s ride lives up to its claim. The stiff chassis, well-tuned suspension, and nicely weighted steering make it a joy to drive. Driving along one of the rare curvy roads in southeast Michigan, the Sonic held its own, providing safe and confident handling. Aside from the corner carving, the Sonic is a comfortable car. The suspension soaked up the bumps and craters that dot the southeast Michigan roadways. Drew: My Sonic LTZ was the 1.4 liter turbo with 6-speed manual transmission. This engine is also rated at 138hp but gets a bump in torque to 148ft-lb. This engine, while not going to win any pink slips, gives you a boy-racer feel. Unlike Will’s slushbox Sonic, if there was any herky-jerky shifting operation in my Sonic, it was my own damn fault. Chevy has equipped the Sonic with one of the politest little manual transmissions I have ever driven. Shifting is soft and easy with just enough click through the gates to let you know where you are. It is also very forgiving if you select the wrong gear. The clutch is lightweight, but action is linear. Dads out there who want to teach their daughters to drive a manual would probably find the Sonic an excellent car to play professor in. The 1.4T in the Sonic has a refinement that belies its class. It is happier when revved, but doing do will hurt your fuel economy. You can beat around town shifting when the light comes on and you won’t get irritated looks from your fellow drivers. As with the turbo option on the Cruze, the engine upgrade is more about fuel economy than outright power. The EPA rates the Sonic with this powertrain combo at 29mpg city and 40mpg highway. In my suburban driving, I was able to keep the MPG around 34 and on the highway I nailed the 40mpg rating exactly. If there were demand, Chevy could probably equip the Sonic with the specially tuned manual transmission from the Cruze Eco and bump that highway MPG up a little further. The ride of the Sonic is something else that is above its class. On the highway, the Sonic has the solid and comfortable ride of a mid-size sedan. I didn’t get to take this car on a long road trip, but I would have no hesitation doing so. I equally loved its agility in and around busy shopping centers where I could dart around with the deftness of a jackrabbit. The Verdict? Closing Thoughts Will: The Chevrolet Sonic pulls off a seemingly impossible feat, a well done subcompact car from General Motors a domestic. This was the company that only ten years ago introduced a bad joke of a car, the Aveo. Somehow during that time, GM found the guidebook on how to build a subcompact car, followed it, and created possibly one of the best in the class. But there are a couple caveats. The 1.8L engine provides enough power, but falls short when talking about fuel economy. Then there’s the six-speed automatic, which exhibits some very odd behavior when changing gears. As I went through my notes while writing this review, there was a line that caught my eye. It said “I would buy this Sonic as is, but I wonder how much more would I like the Turbo.” I wonder indeed… Drew: GM didn’t follow the guidebook, they re-wrote it. There is just too much material in the Sonic that is above the class. From noise, harshness and vibration, to ride and handling, to material quality and fuel economy, the Sonic doesn’t just beat the competition, it embarrasses them. Will’s Cheers: Dramatic Styling Handling Interior Design Will’s Jeers: Fuel Economy on the 1.8L engine Six-speed automatic’s odd shifting Drew’s Cheers: Aggressive front end styling Above class noise and harshness control Zippy but frugal 1.4T Polite 6-speed manual Drew’s Jeers: Cartoonish tail lights Verdict Will: General Motors creates one of the best subcompacts on the market. Needs some tweaks on the 1.8L engine to make it the best in class. Drew: Ditto… but I’ll take the 1.4t as is. Disclaimer: General Motors provided both Sonics, Insurance, and one tank of Gas in each car. Will's 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ with 1.8 and 6-speed auto Year - 2012 Make - Chevrolet Model - Sonic Trim - 2LZ Five Door Engine - 1.8L Four-cylinder Driveline - Front Wheel Drive, Six Speed Automatic Horsepower @ RPM - 138 @ 6300 Torque @ RPM - 125 @ 3800 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 25/35/28 Curb Weight - 2684 lbs Location of Manufacture - Lake Orion, MI Base Price - $18,495 Drew's 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ with 1.4T and 6-speed manual Year - 2012 Make - Chevrolet Model - Sonic Trim - 1LZ Five Door Engine - 1.4L Four-cylinder Turbo Driveline - Front Wheel Drive, Six Speed Manual Horsepower @ RPM - 138 @ 4900 Torque @ RPM - 148 @ 1850 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 29/40/33 Curb Weight - 2684 lbs Location of Manufacture - Lake Orion, MI Base Price - $18,890 View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 26, 2012 Today, Ford posted a twenty-six second video on their Explorer Facebook page. The video seems to be teasing a high-performance variant of the Explorer. The video shows a mesh grille, an exhaust that growls, and what looks like body-color wheels. We're guessing a EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 with 350 or so horsepower will lie under the hood. The good news is we won't have to wait long to see what Ford is teasing us. Ford says the CUV will be officially unveiled on the Ford Explorer Facebook page on March 28. We'll be watching. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 26, 2012 The Spring Festival, held annually in Southern California, has become a big deal for owners of Chrysler's LX platform cars – Challenger, Charger, Magnum and 300. Originally started by a small group of passionate forum members, the event has grown to a point where Chrysler has thrown their support in. This year, the pentastar brought out something special, the new Challenger Rallye Redline. Based on the Challenger SXT Plus, the Rallye Redline features the same 3.6-liter V6 with 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft torque as the standard model, but gets a amount of upgrades. Starting with the exterior, the Rallye Redline gets a triple red stripe and new 20-inch wheels with subtle red stripes around the rims. Inside, the red continues with available Radar Red leather seats. Performance wise, the Rallye Redline gets a Super Sport Group handling package that includes firmer front and rear shocks, larger front and rear sway bars, slightly wider tires and 25-percent quicker steering. Also, a larger set brakes are included. Pricing for the Challenger Rallye Redline starts at $28,745 (excluding $925 destination) and arrives at Dodge dealers in April. Press Release is on Page 2 New 2012 Challenger Rallye Redline Delivers More Excitement And Red-hot Dodge Style At Spring Fest New 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline turns up the heat with unique red-hot exterior accents, 305 horsepower and performance suspension New Redline Red exterior striping paired with Pitch Black 20-inch wheels with Redline Red accented lip deliver a modern muscle car look Standard Dark Slate Gray or new Radar Red leather performance seating Efficient performance: Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline features the 3.6-liter aluminum Pentastar V-6 engine delivering 305 horsepower and 27 highway mpg paired with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters Available this April with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $28,745 (excluding $925 destination) With more than 1,000 registered vehicles, the seventh annual Spring Festival of LXs is the largest owner gathering of Dodge Chargers, Dodge Challengers, Dodge Magnums and Chrysler 300s in North America Irvine, Calif. , Mar 23, 2012 - Evolving into the largest homecoming of modern Dodge rear-wheel-drive performance cars, the seventh annual Spring Festival of LXs marked the perfect opportunity to reveal the new 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline. With its powerful and efficient 305 horsepower engine, paddle-shifting transmission, performance suspension designed to maximize the muscle car’s near 50/50 weight distribution for improved handling, and all-new red hot styling enhancements — this new Challenger delivers exactly what Dodge fans want. “Infused with Dodge DNA, the new Challenger Rallye Redline adds even more excitement to our iconic muscle car, and to show our appreciation to our most hard-core enthusiasts, we revealed this new model at Spring Fest,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Dodge Brand — Chrysler Group LLC. “With its unique Redline Red accented exterior details, available Radar Red leather, performance suspension and brakes, and 305 horsepower V-6 with paddle shifters getting 27 mpg – this new Challenger fuses the nameplate’s iconic heritage with modern Dodge styling and performance.” New red hot styling details Based on the 2012 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus, the new Challenger Rallye Redline model adds even more ‘bad boy’ attitude and head-turning style to the brand’s iconic coupe. Flanking the center of the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline’s performance hood scoops, roof and deck lid is its signature Redline Red stripe with two thin side stripes for added detail. A body-color painted deck-lid spoiler adds to the performance look, while continuing the Redline Red triple stripe pattern at the center. Filling the wheel wells, the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline features new 20-inch Pitch Black wheels with a Redline Red lip and inner drum for a one-of-a-kind look. In addition, wider P245/45R20 Firestone Firehawk all-season performance tires provide greater contact with the road and a lower sidewall profile for improved steering precision and at-the-limit handling. All-new to the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline model is the availability of heated front performance seats in Radar Red leather. In addition, Dodge Challenger’s class-exclusive seating for five may be wrapped in Dark Slate Gray leather. The Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline is available in four colors, including Bright Silver Metallic, Tungsten Metallic, Bright White and Pitch Black. Track-tuned performance The new 2012 Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline combines world-class ride and refinement with its 305 horsepower aluminum Pentastar V-6 engine and track-tuned performance suspension to deliver a thrilling driving experience. The Dodge Challenger’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine features a cold-air induction system and dual exhausts from the headers back to the exhaust tips for maximum output. The result is 305 track-ready horsepower (227 kW) at 6,350 rpm and a responsive 268 lb.-ft. (363 N•m) of torque at 4,800 rpm. The engine’s torque exceeds 90 percent of its peak value from 1,800 to 6,400 rpm, which provides outstanding drivability and responsiveness. Thanks to its all-aluminum design, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine provides the new Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline with a 52.4 / 47.6 front-to-rear weight distribution for improved balance and handling. Enabling even more spirited driving with its five-speed Auto Stick transmission are die-cast zinc steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. Race-inspired with precision feel, Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline’s paddle shifters are ergonomically located behind the sporty thick-rimmed three-spoke Dodge steering wheel for maximum control. And to deliver improved all around acceleration, the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline replaces its 2.65:1 rear-axle ratio for a more responsive 3.06:1 unit. Upping the ante, the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline features the Super Sport Group as standard equipment and includes: performance-tuned suspension with 42 percent firmer front and 22 percent firmer rear monotube shocks. A larger 1.18-inch (30 mm) front and a 0.78-inch (20 mm) rear-sway bar replace 1.06-inch (27 mm) and 0.62-inch (16 mm) bars, respectively and add to the Dodge Challenger’s cornering capabilities. A performance-tuned steering calibration delivers 25 percent quicker steering and 20 percent heavier on-center feel. Topping off the handling upgrade are larger and wider 20 x 8.0-inch (replacing 18 x 7.5-inch) wheels with wider P245/45R20 all-season performance tires (replacing P235/55R18 tires). Making sure the Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline delivers world-class levels of stopping power, larger performance disc brakes replace the standard set. At the front, dual-piston front calipers replace single-piston units and larger 13.6 x 1.26-inch (345 x 28 mm) vented rotors replace 12.6 x 1.1-inch (320 x 28 mm) vented rotors. At the rear, 12.6 x 0.87-inch (320 x 22 mm) vented rotors replace 12.6 x 0.4-inch (320 x 10 mm) solid rotors. Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline also includes a tremendous level of standard equipment found on every 2012 Challenger SXT Plus, including: Uconnect™ hands-free phone, six Boston Acoustic Speakers with 276-watt amplifier, premium Nappa leather faced seats, heated front seats, SIRIUS/XM satellite radio with 12-month subscription, fog lamps, dual exhausts, automatic temperature control, power 10-way driver’s seat, cruise control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Keyless Enter ‘n Go, and six standard airbags. Just in time for spring The new Dodge Challenger Rallye Redline is available for ordering now and arrives at Dodge dealerships this April with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $28,745 (excluding $925 destination). About Spring Festival of LXs Evolving into one of the largest gatherings of Chrysler and Dodge car owners in North America, the seventh annual Spring Festival of LXs in Irvine, Calif., is a celebration of approximately 1,000 of the most “tricked out” Chrysler 300s, Dodge Chargers, Dodge Challengers and Dodge Magnums. Chrysler and Dodge LX (original vehicle platform code for Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Magnum) vehicles are some of the most customized and accessorized vehicles in the country. Chrysler and Dodge LX owners are also some of the most active in online forums, and the Spring Festival of LXs turns their virtual community into reality as a large meet-and-greet owner opportunity along with exclusive roundtable forums with the people who design, engineer and manufacture these Chrysler and Dodge vehicles. Seven years ago, this event started as a small group and active community of online “LX” owners and forum users. Today, the Spring Festival of LXs has expanded into a collaboration that includes Chrysler Group’s California Business Center, aftermarket vendors, vehicle displays and family-friendly fun with music, food and prizes. For more information, visit www.socallx.com About the Dodge Challenger The 2012 Dodge Challenger delivers exactly what muscle car enthusiasts want — a powerful and efficient engine lineup, a performance suspension designed for maximum grip, and athletic head-turning styling — all executed with quality and precision. The Dodge Challenger SXT models package feature the lightweight, aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar™ V-6 engine with 305 horsepower (227 kW), responsive 268 lb.-ft. (363 N•m) of torque and up to 27 mpg highway. With legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engines under their hoods, the 2012 Challenger R/T models delivers up to 375 horsepower (280 kW), 410 lb.-ft. (556 N•m) of torque and 25 mpg highway. With customization options, including hood-to-fender stripes, dual stripes, bodyside stripes, nostalgic paint colors and a choice of seven different wheel designs, Dodge Challenger sits apart from the pack and perfectly combines fun, nostalgia and power in one car. All-new die-cast zinc steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters enable even more spirited driving and are now available on Dodge Challenger SXT Plus package and R/T models with five-speed Auto Stick transmission. Innovative Uconnect® Media Center radios (430, 430N and 730N) integrate a 6.5-inch touchscreen display with a 20 to 28-gigabyte hard drive for additional storage, USB port with iPod control, segment-leading Garmin® navigation guidance and mapping, SIRIUS Traffic and SIRIUS Travel Link, providing real-time weather, fuel prices and more while on the go (depending on model). The 2012 Dodge Challenger also offers a world-class 900-watt, 18-speaker premium surround-sound system from Harman Kardon®. To make long cruises more comfortable, the 2012 Dodge Challenger features highly cushioned and comfortably contoured seating, while maintaining large bolsters to hold passengers in place during performance driving. To make it easy for up to three passengers to get in and out of the backseat, the driver’s seat features seatback tilt- with memory and an easy-to-reach release handle, while the front-passenger seat includes tilt-and-slide with memory. Dodge Challenger offers exceptional rear seating for a two-door coupe, achieving best-in-class rear head room (37.4 inches) and legroom (32.6 inches) compared with its competition. With class-exclusive seating for five, coupled with best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.), the Dodge Challenger is the segment’s best day-to-day pony-car choice, offering maximum comfort and functionality to go with its legendary iconic styling and performance. The 2012 Dodge Challenger features more than 45 safety and security features, including standard ESC, now integrating Chrysler Group’s new proprietary Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support safety features to improve overall vehicle handling and performance both on and off the track. In addition, Dodge Challenger was awarded Cars.com’s “2012 Shopper’s Choice Award,” representing their favorite car of the year, and Polk’s “Automotive Loyalty Award” in the sports car segment for the second year in a row. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 26, 2012 Back in August, BMW said the U.S. wouldn't get the X1 crossover until a new refresh happened in 2013 due to the demand of the vehicle in Europe. Now, BMW has said the X1 will be shown at next month's New York Auto Show and go on sale in the U.S. in the summer. BMW also confirmed the X1 will come equipped with TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine producing 245 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque. Press Release is on Page 2 Media Alert: New BMW M6 Convertible and BMW X1 Sport Activity Vehicle to Make World Debuts at the New York International Auto Show Additional Featured BMW Vehicles Include the North American Debuts of the BMW M6 Coupe and BMW X6 M and the U.S. Auto Show Debut of the BMW 640i Gran Coupe (23.03.2012) -- The BMW M6 Convertible and BMW X1 Sport Activity Vehicle will make their World Debuts at the 2012 New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, April 4th at the BMW Stand from 10:15 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (655 West 34th Street at 11th Avenue) in Manhattan. The BMW M6 Convertible and BMW X1 will be joined by the BMW M6 Coupe, BMW X6 M (North American debuts) and the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (U.S. auto show debut) as the featured BMW vehicles in New York. The BMW i3 and i8 Concepts will also be featured providing a glimpse into the future of mobility. The iconic BMW M6 Convertible and Coupe return from a two year hiatus more powerful, more athletic, more focused, more luxurious and more efficient than ever before. Since the "M6" badge was first placed on a BMW back in 1987, this model has exemplified the luxury and daily usability of a top range BMW coupe combined with true super-car performance. Now, in its 3rd generation, the all-new BMW M6 sports a new 560hp M TwinPower Turbo V-8 mated to a 7-speed M-DCT transmission capable of propelling either model from 0 to 60mph in under 4.3 seconds. The hotly anticipated BMW X1 Sport Activity Vehicle comes to the U.S. for the first time. Its rising horizontal lines give it a sporty, elegant profile, while the classic BMW kidney grille, distinctive headlights and L-shaped taillights are unmistakably BMW. The BMW X1 is also the latest BMW vehicle to offer the TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine which delivers BMW performance with reduced fuel consumption. The updated BMW X1 will be available in U.S. showrooms in summer 2012. The recently updated BMW X6 M Sports Activity Coupe combines the athletic and elegant lines of a coupe with the character of a BMW X model and an outstanding driving experience. The new X6 M receives several design updates and innovative features intended to emphasize its width and track and road-holding prowess. Introducing the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe – a new 4-door, 4+1 seat addition to the 6 Series line that successfully combines the stunning proportions, design and driving dynamics of the 6 Series Coupe with interior room and amenities for up to five passengers. Harmonious proportions, precise lines and sleekly contoured surfaces give the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe the unique ability to satisfy the driver who wants a luxurious and sporty coupe yet needs a car capable of carrying four adults in comfort and luxury. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be offered as three distinct models in the USA. The TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder powered BMW 640i Gran Coupe is the initial model and arrives early this summer. Later this summer, the TwinPower Turbo V-8 powered 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the range. View full article